We had a pair of seldom seen kimarite today: okuritsuridashi when Ura bodily tossed 160 kg Daieisho over the bales, and ushiromotare; when Hidenoumi more or less butt bumped Kotoeko out after a failed throw attempt. I credit Japan for being the country on this planet that would name such a thing and catalog it.

There were a pair of kyujo for today, the first was Hokutofuji pulling out of the tournament, at least for now, with a knee injury that may have shown up thanks to his fight on day 4 with Terunofuji, giving Takanosho his second win. The next was the following match, where Hoshoryu is out with what is being reported as tonsillitis. if true, that’s going to be some minor surgery for him, and we will probably not see him back this month. But hey’ its sumo. Tatsunami okyakata will let it “heal naturally” for about 12 hours, and he will be back to fight tomorrow. This gave Takayasu his only win thus far for Aki, which is just a terrible thing to write, as a Takayasu fan.

Highlight Matches

Wakamotoharu defeats Ichiyamamoto – It looks like Ichiyamamoto did hurt himself in this day 4 match against Yutakayama. He was visible limping today, especially after Wakamotoharu responded to Ichiyamamoto’s pulling attempt by driving him out and over the dohyo. Wakamotoharu returns to Juryo tomorrow with a 2-3.

Yutakayama defeats Tokushoryu – Big forearm strike by Yutakayama to start the match, with Tokushoryu absorbing that and then driving forward. He had Yutakayama set to lose, but Yutakayama had a better idea, getting to the side, getting a left hand on Tokushoryu’s mawashi and sending him out with an okuridashi. Yutakayama improves to 3-2.

Chiyonokuni defeats Kaisei – Chiyonokuni finishes act 1 with a perfect 5-0 record, and as he is ranked at the bottom of the banzuke, he may not face too many big challenges. A combination of low rank and healthy Chiyonokuni could open a lot of promotion space from Juryo for November.

Tsurugisho defeats Chiyomaru – Tsurugisho pops a respectable fever, and was kyujo day 4 as he was tested for COVID. When the test came back negative, he went right back to competition. Because sumo. Whatever was ailing him, it seems to have improved his fortunes on the dohyo. He side-stepped a big post-tachiai charge from Chiyomaru and made quick work of the round one. Tsurugisho improves to 2-3.

Kagayaki defeats Chiyonoo – I am sure our readers sometime wonder why Bruce expounds on a good ottsuke (defensive elbow), so here is an example for everyone. Look at Kagayaki coming out of that tachiai. Chiyonoo puts everything into getting a left hand inside, but Kagayaki’s elbow is locked to his body, and that position is strong enough that there is no space for Chiyonoo to get that hand in. AT this point, Chiyonoo’s entire match plan falls apart, and Kagayaki is just left to clean up the debris. Kagayakai ends his ottsuke tutorial 3-2.

Chiyotairyu defeats Tochinoshin – Traditional Chiyotairyu sumo, but it all came about at about ⅓ its normal speed. High inside thrusting attack to stand Tochinoshin up, then a pull to bring him off balance and eventually down. I have to image that Tochinoshin’s knee is leaving him with no way to compete most of the last 5 days, as indicated by his 1-4 score. Chiyotairyu seems to be struggling as well, but improves to 2-3 today.

Hidenoumi defeats Kotoeko – Hidenoumi had complete control of this match, but struggled to finish Kotoeko. When a throw attempt fell to bits and transitioned into a one-legged hopping dance, Kotoeko stepped over the bales, resulting in an ushiromotare, a backward lean out. I think its been at least 5 years since the last time that kimarite was used in the top division. Hidenoumi improves to 2-3.

Aoiyama defeats Endo – Aoiyama has looked to be struggling this month, but that was traditional Aoiyama sumo, big tachiai, stand them up, knock them down. Endo was on all 4s before he could take a third step. Aoiyama improves to 2-3.

Tobizaru defeats Myogiryu – Tobizaru continues to out-perform my expectations for him this basho, and I am delighted. He was able to get in a rapid hikiotoshi against Myogiryu, handing him his first loss of the basho. Both men are now at 4-1.

Shimanoumi defeats Terutsuyoshi – Terutsuyoshi tried yet another hit and shift, which seems to be his preferred opening gambit now. Everyone is looking for it, and it does not disturb Shimanoumi at all. Shimanoumi keeps Terutsuyoshi in his front quarter, and attacks. Terutsuyoshi put everything into that mini-henka, and has no defense ready, and is quickly out. Shimanoumi improves to 3-2.

Onosho defeats Okinoumi – Okinoumi looked to get two surprises in this match. The first came when Onosho got his hands inside at at Okinoumi’s chest so quickly, taking control and pushing the veteran back. He did what any reasonable sumotori would do in this position, assume Onosho was horribly front loaded on his balance, and all it would take was a little pull to send him tumbling. Surprise number two was when Onosho kept his feet and powered Okinoumi out. The junior tadpole improves to 4-1.

Takarafuji defeats Chiyoshoma – Its breaking my heart that Chiyoshoma can’t seem to buy a win, and ends act one with a dismal 0-5 score. Takarafuji on his sumo today, keeping his stance wide, his weight centered and knowing just when to get out of Chiyoshoma’s way. Takarafuji improves to 3-2.

Ura defeats Daieisho – Ok, good. We finally got some actual Ura sumo today, and I am feeling a bit more satisfied. Daieisho was careful at the tachiai, and Ura was incredibly low. Daieisho tried his thrusting sumo, but there was just so little surface area presented for attack, Daieisho was hard pressed to find a place to shove. A lucky hit got Ura upright, and Daieisho had just a brief moment to attack, as that fleeting opportunity evaporated, Ura took Daieisho in a grip across his body, and tossed him aside like a unwelcome house guest. Ura improves to 2-3 using the seldom seen okuritsuridashi, and it was glorious.

Ichinojo defeats Meisei – Meisei set up a win with a sharp step to the side against an Ichinojo forward lunge, but Ichinojo recovered, and attacked with renewed energy. Three steps later he applied a powerful thrust to the back of Meisei’s neck, sending him crashing to the clay. Ichinojo improves to 2-3.

Mitakeumi defeats Tamawashi – Tamawashi got the better of the tachiai, and had all of the offensive power for most of the match. Twice Mitakeumi tried to get to the side and pull, with the second attempt connecting and sending Tamawashi down. Mitakeumi has won 16 of their last 17 matches, and improves to 4-1.

Takakeisho defeats Kotonowaka – I am starting to have a sliver of hope that Takakeisho might be able to piece together 8 wins. Its clear to me that he is struggling, and each day is more of a challenge than it should be for an Ozeki. We did get some wave action tsuppari today, and Kotonowaka had no way to answer that much power. Takakeisho improves 2-3.

Shodai defeats Wakatakakage – I have days where I look at Shodai and think this guy is a train wreck, and wonder what happened to the sumo that took him to Ozeki. Then things like today, where is looks like some kind of overwhelming sumo battle-bot that cannot be stopped by mortal man. Wakatakakage had nothing, not even token resistance to that thunderous charge from Shodai, he improves to 4-1.

Terunofuji defeats Kiribayama – I give high marks to Kiribayama for the huge, bold effort he brought to today’s match against Terunofuji. If he was intimidated because he was facing the kaiju, he did not let it show. I compare Terunofuji’s sumo to eveyone that Kiribayama has fought so far, Kiribayama put huge effort to getting Terunofuji off balance, but the Yokozuna has incredible poise right now, and opened his stance. There was little that Kiribayama could do but keep trying to chip away. If you look at that stalemate, note that Terunofuji had his feet on the shikiri-sen, he owned the center of the ring. I think Kiribayama realized he was not going to get anywhere in that configuration, and bet the match on a grip shift, which was what Terunofuji was waiting for, he wrapped Kiribayama up, and tossed him into the timekeeper for good measure. Perfect 5-0 for the Yokozuna.

I am surprised to see Tsurugisho on the torikumi, as he was listed kyujo on day 4 with a fever, and at least someone in the sumo press suspected COVID may be in play. But there he is, ready to go? The banzuke imbalance continues, and we will continue to see visitors each day from Juryo to fill in.

With day 5 we are at the end of act one, and we now know who is hot and who is not. In the hot group: Terunofuji, Kiribayama, Myogiryu and Chiyonokuni, with the first two men on the list facing off in today’s final match. In spite of Chiyonokuni’s day 3 freebie, I think he belongs in this group. At the bottom of the banzuke, a genki Chiyonokuni can do nearly infinite damage, and there are indications that he has his health problems contained, and should dominate most of his remaining 11 matches.

In the “Not” group we can place Takakeisho, Ichinojo, Takayasu, Chiyoshoma. The first two are suffering from known medical problems, and the last two are a mystery. The risk is highest in this group for Takakeisho, who is a kadoban Ozeki and could be demoted to Sekiwake in November should he not find a way to win 7 more matches before senshuraku.

What We Are Watching Day 5

Ichiyamamoto vs Wakamotoharu – Wakamotoharu arrives for his day in the top division. Like so many in the promotable range in Juryo, he is suffering a losing record (1-3) that may indicate that he won’t have a chance to make his debut in the top division. He has an equal 2-2 record against Ichiyamamoto, who may or may not have gotten hurt in his day 4 match against Yutakayama.

Tokushoryu vs Yutakayama – Yutakayama is not performing as strongly as he could this far down the banzuke in the top division, though he still has a fair chance of a kachi-koshi at the end of Aki. These two have traded wins back and forth for the past couple of matches, and I don’t think either has a clear advantage. Yutakayama has show a preference for nodowa this September, and I think that will set up some good offense options for Tokushoryu, should Yutakayama choose that offense.

Kaisei vs Chiyonokuni – Chiyonokuni, at 4-0, got a day off on day 4 when Tsurugisho was absent. I think this gives him a distinct advantage today, in spite of Kaisei’s 7-4 career match lead. I am looking for Chiyonokuni to try to put this one away early, as the longer the match lasts, the more it will favor Kaisei.

Chiyomaru vs Tsurugisho – I will be interested to see if this match actually happens. The JSA has shown themselves to be very caution about COVID and potential COVID cases, so if there is even a shade of doubt, this one is a freebie for Chiyomaru.

Kagayaki vs Chiyonoo – Both come into today 2-2, and Kagayaki is looking especially tentative this far down the banzuke. My assumptions going into Aki is that he was likely to have a strong showing, but he has dropped the last two in a row. His 7-3 career record against Chiyonoo favors him today, but given he is not fighting well just yet, it’s really a toss up.

Chiyotairyu vs Tochinoshin – I think this match represents one of the better chances in the next few days for Tochinoshin to pick up his second win. Chiyotairyu will favor straight ahead tsuki/oshi sumo, and that should present opportunities for Tochinoshin to attempt a throw using his one good knee. He is favored 9-3 over his career against Chiyotairyu.

Kotoeko vs Hidenoumi – I am now looking with interest to see if Kotoeko has somehow suddenly switched from terrible to genki, and if so what magic elixir did the trick. He has a 4-8 career deficit against Hidenoumi, but Hidenoumi has not been dominating matches yet this September.

Aoiyama vs Endo – Normally I would be quite excited for this match, as it portends a brutal beating for Endo concluding with a muddy wipe out for Aoiyama, courtesy of an Endo throw. But Aoiyama seems to only be running on one cylinder of his normal V-Twin engine, leaving him open to trying to prevent Endo from doing “his brand” of sumo. This is likely to signal a disorganized mess of a match that is really anyone’s to lose.

Myogiryu vs Tobizaru – I have a narrow hope that we can see these two grapple and throw each other in opposite directions at the same time in some glorious, symmetrical quirk of sumo physics. Both are fighting well, both are winning matches with skill and energy, making for a lot of potential for an exciting match.

Shimanoumi vs Terutsuyoshi – This one should be Shimanoumi’s match to lose. They both come in today at 2-2, but Shimanoumi has a distinct size advantage that has translated into an 8-4 career record against Terutsuyoshi. In fact, Terutsuyoshi has lost the last 7 in a row to Shimanoumi, making a the odds of a Terutsuyoshi slim indeed.

Okinoumi vs Onosho – A very balanced match. Both have 3-1 records, both are fighting well this tournament, and they share an even 6-6 career record prior to today. If Onosho wants to win this one, he has about 5 steps to put Okinoumi out before the veteran can organize his defense and take control.

Chiyoshoma vs Takarafuji – One of these matches, Chiyoshoma is going to score his first win. I am quite surprised he has opened 0-4, as his sumo mechanics seem to be workable enough right now. I do note that at least a couple of times he has tried for an early pull down, and in doing so has given control the the match to his opponent. This is a scenario that Takarafuji will be certain to be ready to exploit.

Ura vs Daieisho – I am not sure what is happening with Ura’s sumo. Maybe he’s in poor physical shape right now due to problem with that knee, but he is fighting very tentatively each day. He lines up well back of the shikiri-sen, and tries to avoid most of the tachiai, then seems to just wait. I think today he’s going to catch a chest full of Daieisho thrusting attack and find himself forced to respond or take a quick ride off the dohyo.

Hokutofuji vs Takanosho – I am hoping that we won’t be seeing a strong and potent make-koshi from Hokutofuji this September. He still has a few more of the named ranks to face, and with any luck he can dominate his lower ranking matches and at least get to 8 wins by next Sunday. Takanosho looked really injured following his day 4 match against Shodai, and I would not be surprised to see him kyujo today.

Takayasu vs Hoshoryu – As a Takayasu fan, I just have to wonder what is holding him back this month. It’s a let down, whatever it is. I don’t like his chances against Hoshoryu today, who finds himself with a 1-3 record starting day 5, and needing to find some wins going into the middle weekend.

Ichinojo vs Meisei – At the start of Aki, we mused which version of Ichinojo would mount the dohyo. Sadly it seems like his bout with COVID may have taken at least a temporary toll, and he is maybe no better than 75% of his best. This is common with people I know who suffered through COVID, many of them still find intense physical activity challenging to their lungs, with things slowly improving over months after recovery.

Mitakeumi vs Tamawashi – This should be a Mitakeumi pick up. During the time a few years ago when these two were quasi permanent in their Sekiwake posts, they had a bit of a rivalry going. But Mitakeumi holds a 23-3 career advantage, and is fighting a bit better that Tamawashi is this month.

Kotonowaka vs Takakeisho – A first time match, and I have no illusions that Takakeisho is going to be able to apply Ozeki grade sumo today. His first win, coming on day 4, was a sloppy mess that could have gone to Hoshoryu at least twice. Kotonowaka has proven to be remarkable durable at M3, and is indicating that he may have the ingredients to be a joi-jin mainstay for 2022.

Shodai vs Wakatakakage – Both come in today with 3-1 records, with Wakatakakage’s 3-1 career advantage over Shodai showing that he as a working recipe for defeating Shodai’s strong defensive and counter-attack techniques. But as mentioned in the day 4 preview, it may be time to rally around Shodai and try to cheer him on to at least 8 wins, given the sorry state of Takakeisho’s sumo.

Kiribayama vs Terunofuji – A high interest match to finish the day. Both come in with perfect 4-0 records, and Kiribayama looks a noticeable level stronger and more intense in his sumo that I can recall seeing before. He has never won against Terunofuji in 3 attempts, but I think this match has a strong chance at a kinboshi.

Day 4 seems to have been a slap down / pull down festival, with many matches being decided with this class of kimarite, and many more being decided by failed attempts at the same. Even lone Yokozuna Terunofuji go in on the trend, dispatching Hokutofuji with an energetic hikiotoshi.

Off the dohyo, there was worrisome news that Tsurugisho had withdrawn from the tournament with a fever, and was undergoing COVID testing. Given the virility and transmissibility of COVID Delta, a rikishi competing with an active infection could sicken quite a few in the top division. Sumo fans everywhere hope this is not the case, and that Tsurugisho recovers quickly.

For the first time this September, both Ozeki won. But I note that gyoji Kimura Tamajiro called Hoshoryu back following the match, unsatisfied with his bow to conclude the contest. Seriously guys? What does it cost you to show proper manners? If you want to see how it’s done properly, just watch Hokutofuji.

Highlight Matches

Kyokutaisei defeats Chiyonoo – Juryo visitor Kyokutaisei locked in at the tachiai, and never surrendered his grip. Chiyonoo tried a few things to get free, but after a mostly static match, Kyokutaisei consolidated his position and walked forward to push Chiyonoo out. Thats a first win for Kyokutaisei who goes back to Juryo 1-3.

Kaisei defeats Tokushoryu – Twice Tokushoryu tried to release forward pressure and lure Kaisei off balance, probably hoping for his trademark side step/slap down combo. But Kaisei kept his feet and his focus, and steadily moved Tokushoryu out a piece at a time to improve to 2-2.

Yutakayama defeats Ichiyamamoto – It was a balanced and even exchange of thrusts to each other’s neck and faces until the moment Ichiyamamoto decided to try to pull. That moment cost him the ability to move forward and set up the retreat that saw Ichiyamamoto stumble from the dohyo and out into the crowd. Ichiyamamoto looked unsteady returning to the dohyo, and we hope he is ok. Yutakayama improves to 2-2.

Endo defeats Kagayaki – Kagayaki set the tone with the opening combo of thrust to Endo’s neck and chest, taking control and moving forward. Endo missed his attempt at a mawashi grip at the tachiai, and was forced to give ground. But he stepped to the side at the third step back, pulling Kagayaki forward to send him from the dohyo. Endo improves to 3-3.

Kotoeko defeats Chiyomaru – After 14 straight losses, Kotoeko has now won 2 in a row. Kotoeko took this one due to frequency of his thrusting attacks, keeping Chiyomaru from getting his offense running. I am still working to think through what seems like a narrow difference between win and lose for Kotoeko, and what separates the two.

Myogiryu defeats Tochinoshin – Myogiryu remains in the undefeated group at 4-0 with his 9th consecutive win over Tochinoshin, finding Tochinoshin slow and weak pivoting to his right, on that bandaged knee. Myogiryu opened with a left hand outside grip, and Tochinoshin’s move to evade set up the oshidashi that won the match. Tochinoshin with just a single win at 1-3 so far.

Aoiyama defeats Chiyotairyu – Aoiyama finally gets his first win against fellow super-heavy, Chiyotairyu, using “his brand” of sumo. Chiyotairyu chose to keep his hands low at the tachiai, presenting Aoiyama with a clear route to push high and hard at the tachiai. Both end the day at 1-3.

Okinoumi defeats Hidenoumi – Okinoumi takes this first ever match up between the two veterans, able to find a moment when Hidenoumi moved to set up a throw, and collapse it upon him. Hidenoumi made his move as Okinoumi moved to consolidate his grip, but Hidenoumi lacked a stable stance to execute the transition. I love seeing these moments of brilliant sumo instincts and training from long serving vets like Okinoumi. He ends the day at 3-1.

Shimanoumi defeats Tobizaru – Tobizaru picks up his first loss of Aki. He fought well, but you could see Shimanoumi working to set up that throw repeatedly. Tobizaru kept what I am sure he thought was enough separation to prevent Shimanoumi from rotating, but Shimanoumi is versitile enough that he managed to swing his right shoulder back and put Tobizaru in motion. Shimanoumi improves to 2-2.

Terutsuyoshi defeats Onosho – Onosho, too, takes his first loss of Aki. He was early enough off the line that the first attempt was called a matta, and to my eye the second one should have been as well. This may have been part of Terutsuyoshi’s plan, as the poorly timed initial merge left Onosho in a far too common position: his weight and velocity well forward of his toes. This was a ripe opportunity for a slap down that Terutsuyoshi did not discard. He improves to 2-2.

Ura defeats Chiyoshoma – Ura picks up his first win of September. He had not lost to Chiyoshoma in any of their 4 prior matches, and he clearly decided that Aki day 4 was not going to change that pattern. Chiyoshoma launched early twice, as clearly he was trying to keep Ura from evading the tachiai. But when the match finally started on the third attempt, a Chiyoshoma pull attempt discarded his fighting position, and put Ura in control. 1-3 for Ura at the end of the match.

Daieisho defeats Takarafuji – Daieisho seems to have recovered some of his pushing strength, and he was able to break through Takarafuji’s defenses 4 times, moving him around the dohyo, but never getting him out. A gamble to follow a push with a slap down payed off, and sent Takarafuji to the clay. Daieisho improves to 1-3.

Wakatakakage defeats Tamawashi – Very smooth transition from full contact tachiai to pull down by Wakatakakage in today’s match. He had won it before the third step, and caught Tamawashi completely unprepared for that move. Wakatakakage improves to 3-1.

Kiribayama defeats Ichinojo – Kiribayama wins again to join the 4-0 crowd, and is off to an excellent start to Aki.
The two quickly went chest to chest, which I would have thought would have given Ichinojo a distinct advantage, but it was Kiribayama who mounted an attack at least four times, without anything more than a token response from Ichinojo. At this point it looked like Ichinojo’s only response was to stay immobile and be massive (the “Boulder” defense), so Kiribayama put forth the effort to move him out.

Mitakeumi defeats Takayasu – Takayasu can’t seem to buy a win with two stacks of kensho (not that he has seen any). He is able to hold back Mitakeumi’s charge forward, but a combination of hikiotoshi and maybe slippiotoshi brought his hands down to the clay, and Mitakeumi took the win to improve to 3-1.

Meisei defeats Kotonowaka – Meisei seems to be breaking through the ring-rust, and looking more like a Sekiwake now. He faced strong sumo from Kotonowaka. The two went chest to chest early, and Kotonowaka was looking strong. It was Meisei who put the effort into improving his grip, and managed to work Kotonowaka out, over Kotonowaka’s strong defense. Both end the day at 2-2.

Shodai defeats Takanosho – Shodai again today with the soft tachiai, and he was immediately in trouble from Takanosho’s strong opening combo. But Shodai robs Takanosho with some impressive flexibility at the edge, pivoting and converting Takanosho’s finishing push into the force needed to drop him to the clay. Shodai improves to 3-1. But all of that twist went straight into Takanosho’s knee.

Takakeisho defeats Hoshoryu – Takakeisho tried for an earlier slap down, and I was certain that was going to be the end for this his chances this match. But Hoshoryu made no move to exploit that, but instead opted for a right hand mawashi grip, that he could not maintain. In most cases that’s Takakeisho done, but the Ozeki managed to break contact and escape. But again Hoshoryu could not convert an advantage to a win. Takakeisho gets his first win to improve to 1-3, but looked really poor getting there.

Terunofuji defeats Hokutofuji – I liked how Hokutofuji kept swapping between hazu and nodowa attacks, not letting Terunofuji settle into either an offensive or defensive pattern. But Hokutofuji was focused on swapping his offense around, and seems to have neglect his footing, and the Yokozuna gave him a hearty toss face first onto the dohyo. Terunofuji 4-0, and will be leading the race into the middle weekend.