Tokushoryu

Aki Day 2 Preview

Bruce H Aki Basho 2021, Aoiyama, Chiyomaru, Chiyonokuni (千代の国), Chiyonoo (千代ノ皇), Chiyoshoma, Chiyotairyū (千代大龍), Daieisho (大栄翔), Endo (遠藤), Hidenoumi, Hokutōfuji (北勝富士), Hoshoryu, Ichinojo (逸ノ城), Ichiyamamoto (一山本), Kagayaki (輝), Kaisei (魁聖), Kiribayama (霧馬山), Kotoeko, Kotonowaka, Meisei, Mitakeumi(御嶽海), Myogiryu (妙義龍), Okinoumi (隠岐の海), Shimanoumi, Shōdai (正代直也), Takakeishō (貴景勝), Takanosho, Takarafuji (宝富士), Takayasu (高安), Tamawashi (玉鷲), Terunofuji (照ノ富士), Terutsuyoshi, Tobizaru, Tochinoshin (栃ノ心), Tokushoryu, Tsurugisho, Ura (宇良), Wakatakakage, Yutakayama, Ōnoshō (阿武咲)

With day 2 set to launch in a few hours, we are well and truly into act 1 of the Aki basho. We divide any basho into 3 distinct acts, each with their own tempo, objectives and flavor. For act 1, its focus is to remove ring rust, and see who is hot and who is not. With just 1 day’s worth of matches on the scoreboard, our worries about the Ozeki are once again front and center. Takakeisho may not be healthy enough to compete yet, though he must find his way to 8 wins to clear kadoban. Shodai continues to be a hot and cold running sumo mess, which must be driving the NSK crazy. We know both of them are arch competitors who have the potential to best anyone on the clay, including shin-Yokozuna Terunofuji. But only if their body and minds are in tune with their fighting spirit. We hope that by the end of act 1, both will be in better form, and dominating their daily matches.

What We Are Watching Day 2

Chiyomaru vs Akua – The banzuke imbalance continues, and today’s its Akua’s turn to visit the top division to fill the gap. Both men won their opening day matches, and seem to have their sumo ready for competition from the start. But this one is likely to go to Chiyomaru, as he has won the last 3 head to head matches. Akua’s best shot is to try to catch Chiyomaru’s belt somewhere on the far side of that bulbous mass of flesh on his belly.

Ichiyamamoto vs Chiyonokuni – I was really impressed with Ichiyamamoto’s performance day 1, and I wonder if he’s going to be able to keep thing rolling today. Chiyonokuni’s sumo is based on constant, rapid hit and move attacks. If Ichiyamamoto can use those long arms to establish and maintain a hold, he will shut down Chiyonokuni’s primary weapon.

Tokushoryu vs Chiyonoo – Tokushoryu looked unprepared for day 1, and I hope the rapid loss to Chiyomaru has him re-focused for today. He’s got a healthy 7-4 career advantage over Chiyonoo going all the way back to 2014! I am looking for a traditional Tokushoryu step back and thrust down gambit today.

Kagayaki vs Yutakayama – Goodness me! I like both rikishi, and I am going to be thrilled for this match. They are evenly matched on height and weight, and employ similar sumo styles. It may come down to who can get inside first, with Kagayaki preferring a center-mass attack, and Yutakayama going high for the face and neck. This could lead to the two of them bashing the daylights out of each other. Dare we hope?

Kaisei vs Tsurugisho – A battle of super-giants, each of which have expanded well beyond the radius predicted by the standard model. I have to think Kaisei is looking to bounce back after that pride destroying nodowa loss on day 1.

Endo vs Tochinoshin – Endo remains an enduring mystery to me. The guy has some firm followers, but to me he is tough to support. He’s able to bring a big fight to Hakuho and put him on the clay, but he throws out “gimme” matches against the likes of Myogiryu. Clearly a career full of injuries has trashed his body, which puts him in good company with Tochinoshin. I am looking for a frontal grip at the tachiai from Endo, and for Tochinoshin to struggle to keep his feet.

Kotoeko vs Myogiryu – Life is not getting any better for Kotoeko, who has a 6-1 career deficit against his day 2 opponent, Myogiryu. I have no doubt he is going to fight with power and courage, but man, this guy is on the mother of all losing streaks.

Aoiyama vs Hidenoumi – Note to Aoiyama – don’t let Hidenoumi close the gap and get inside. You need to keep him at optimum slapping distance, and just V-Twin (alternating hand combos) into submission. Hidenoumi has yet to take a match from you (0-3), and Aki day 2 is not time to start.

Chiyotairyu vs Tobizaru – Another match with high potential. It seems from his day 1 fight against Aoiyama that Tobizaru is ready to nestle into his opponents fleshy lumps to deliver winning sumo. I am sure Chiyotairyu will make it tough for Tobizaru to keep his footing, and deliver a maximum tachiai.

Shimanoumi vs Okinoumi – Its an Umi on Umi battle, with Shimanoumi probably looking to rectify his blundering loss to Onosho, where it seemed he was completely unprepared to get slammed with that much chanko nabe in motion at the tachiai. A different opponent today in Okinoumi; more guile and wit than brute forward power. Prep well, Shimanoumi!

Ura vs Terutsuyoshi – Battle of the smalls, with their last match in 2016. I did not like the tentative tachiai we saw from Ura on day 1, and I hope we don’t see it again today. Terutsuyoshi needs to stash his hit and shift moves for now, everyone is expecting it.

Onosho vs Takarafuji – Takarafuji’s defensive sumo against Onosho’s offense only mega-thrust attack. It has worked in Onosho’s favor for 3 of the last 4 matches, and I expect he is going to open strong today. Takarafuji would be well advised not to square his hips against Onosho’s charge, and attempt to encourage him to over-balance to the front.

Tamawashi vs Chiyoshoma – In spite of his day 1 loss, I like Chiyoshoma’s straight ahead sumo. He lost patience in his match against Daieisho, and tried to pull. If he can stay calm and trade blows with Tamawashi, I think he’s got a solid chance. Tamawashi is going to dial up the thrust energy early and hope he does not have to keep it going for too long.

Daieisho vs Kotonowaka – First ever match up between these two, and I am expecting some good action. Maybe Daieisho has gotten his body healthy enough to compete this tournament. He has struggled since January, and could use a solid kachi-koshi this September. Kotonowaka is new to this level of sumo, and I am expect him to struggle quite a bit this time out. It’s all part of the process where he becomes a big deal in a few years.

Wakatakakage vs Ichinojo – Hopefully, now that Ichinojo has his fight against Terunofuji out of the way, he can get his head around his sumo and exploit his massive size advantage over everyone and everything expect the nearby Tokyo Edo Museum to dominate his remaining matches. He has never lost to Wakatakakage, and I hope he does not change that today.

Mitakeumi vs Hokutofuji – Well hello there! These two share a 20 match career record, with a small edge to Mitakeumi. Hokutofuji looked super sharp collecting an Ozeki scalp on day 1, and I have to think that Mitakeumi is going to try to repeat his day 1 match plan today. Get close, hands on his opponents upper body and just blast forward.

Takanosho vs Meisei – Takanosho has never done well against Meisei (1-7), so he’s probably going to have to live with a 0-2 start to Aki.

Shodai vs Takayasu – This match shall either be tremendous, or tremendously lame. There are just so many sumo malfunctions that are possible when both of these guys are on the dohyo at the same time, that I feel the urge to cue up the Benny Hill yakety sax music now.

Kiribayama vs Takakeisho – Takakeisho has not yet shown that he has actually recovered his sumo, in spite of his confident remarks prior to the start of the Aki basho. I dearly want him to clear kadoban, but if he is still suffering motor-neurological problems, it may not be a reasonable expectation. He has a 4-1 career advantage over Kiribayama, so this is one I expect he should win, if healthy.

Hoshoryu vs Terunofuji – It’s all fun and games until you have to fight the kaiju. Ahem, that’s Yokozuna Kaiju there, buddy.

Aki Day 1 Highlights

Bruce H Aki Basho 2021, Aoiyama, Chiyomaru, Chiyonokuni (千代の国), Chiyonoo (千代ノ皇), Chiyoshoma, Chiyotairyū (千代大龍), Daieisho (大栄翔), Endo (遠藤), Hidenoumi, Hokutōfuji (北勝富士), Hoshoryu, Ichinojo (逸ノ城), Ichiyamamoto (一山本), Kagayaki (輝), Kaisei (魁聖), Kiribayama (霧馬山), Kotoeko, Kotonowaka, Meisei, Mitakeumi(御嶽海), Myogiryu (妙義龍), Okinoumi (隠岐の海), Shimanoumi, Shōdai (正代直也), Takakeishō (貴景勝), Takanosho, Takarafuji (宝富士), Takayasu (高安), Tamawashi (玉鷲), Terunofuji (照ノ富士), Terutsuyoshi, Tobizaru, Tochinoshin (栃ノ心), Tokushoryu, Tsurugisho, Ura (宇良), Wakatakakage, Yutakayama, Ōnoshō (阿武咲)

Sumo is back on our televisions, and is splattering itself across social networks. It’s a joy to have it return, and I am delighted with the first day’s worth of matches that are now online for our global enjoyment. A really rough start for the surviving Ozeki today, as both of them drop their opening day matches. Takakeisho when he decided to try to pull against Hokutofuji, and Shodai for being Shodai. My vote for outstanding performance of the day goes to Wakatakakage, who seems to have studied all the ways that Takayasu likes to lose sumo matches, and was ready for the former Ozeki to unweight his left foot, as seems to be his custom.

Highlight Matches

Chiyonokuni defeats Mitoryu – Chiyonokuni’s opening combo was a hit, shift left and pull down on Mitoryu’s arms. It had no useful effect, and handed Mitoryu the upper hand. Mitoryu had plenty of power, and excellent defensive foot placement. In fact, it was all Mitoryu until he opened his chest to Chiyonokuni just a moment before he could finish him. Chiyonokuni rallied, and put everything against Mitoryu’s chest. Good enough! Back he goes in a hurry and exits the dohyo, giving Chiyonokuni the win.

Chiyomaru defeats Tokushoryu – Chiyomaru had a right hand inside at the tachiai, and stood Tokushoryu upright. As both of them are super-heavy types, the ratio of mass to foot area is tenuous at best, and any misplacement can rapidly become a loss in sumo. Chiyomaru waited for Tokushoryu to dial up the forward pressure, and then stepped aside and thrust him to the clay.

Ichiyamamoto defeats Chiyonoo – Sloppy match that found Chiyonoo struggling to nullify Ichiyamamoto’s long arms and superior reach. Chiyonoo threw everything he could think of, but Ichiyamamoto stayed low, kept his shoulders and hips as square as he could to his opponent, and drove forward. Excellent sumo fundamentals in this win.

Yutakayama defeats Kaisei – Painful nodowa, forever. I am sure Kaisei’s still feeling that tonight.

Kagayaki defeats Tsurugisho – Tsurugisho put all of his chips on that left hand outside mawashi grip at the tachiai, and only got a handful of segari instead. Kagayaki drive his hands inside and went on the attack against Tsurugisho’s neck, and then thrust him down for a quick win.

Tochinoshin defeats Kotoeko – Points to Kotoeko for putting a lot of effort and fighting spirit into this one. He lasted longer than I thought he would against Tochinoshin, who holds a nearly 50kg advantage over this Kotoeko. As we saw in Nagoya, Kotoeko can bring everything he has most days, fight like he means to win, and still come up short. Tochinoshin gets his hands set and delivers an uwatedashinage to roll him to the clay.

Myogiryu defeats Endo – Endo wanted a hand hold at the tachiai, but found Myogiryu’s ottsuke instead. It seems that at this point Endo was not quite clear about plan B, and yielded the inside lane to Myogiryu, who happily went to work. About this time, Endo figures out this is not practice, and puts forth some effort to take control of the match. But every move is a bit more off balance, and Myogiryu helps him find a face full of dirt.

Chiyotairyu defeats Hidenoumi – Sumo fans know that Chiyotairyu front-loads his matches, and tends to burn through his stamina in the first few seconds. Rikishi who can beat him find ways to survive the initial surge and stay upright. Hidenoumi caught a broadside in the chest on the second volley, and found himself scrambling in reverse for a fast loss.

Tobizaru defeats Aoiyama – Tobizaru had a miserable July in the Nagoya heat. Few and far between were the days where he could muster good sumo, and win with gusto. I am delighted he was able to get close enough to nullify Aoiyama’s primary weapon, and proceeded to latch on and just keep chipping away. The look on Tobizaru’s face at the end of the match reminds me of some poor fellow who just had to lift a refrigerator.

Okinoumi defeats Terutsuyoshi – Terutsuyoshi opening gambit was predictable, and clearly anticipated by Okinoumi. Okinoumi captured him mid-henka and proceeded to crumple him in an progressively more compact space as he marched him out of the ring. Points to Terutsuyoshi for attempting to channel Ura, but Okinoumi never gave him enough space to pull that one off.

Onosho defeats Shimanoumi – Onosho landed his right hand inside at the tachiai, and set up for his big push, which he delivered with gusto against a shabby Shimanoumi defensive stance. Three steps later, Shimanoumi was across the tawara and it was all except for the rei.

Takarafuji defeats Ura – Ura attempts for a zero-contact tachiai, which seems to suit Takarafuji just fine. They make tentative contact, and Takarafuji dials up his defensive sumo, and waits. Ura seems lost at this point, and I frankly can’t believe that he is letting Takarafuji control this match. It seems this dawns on Ura, and he switches to attack, only to find that Takarafuji has his feet set, his defense is strong, and he is ready. Ura gets in one combo before Takarafuji drops his hips and moves him back and out.

Daieisho defeats Chiyoshoma – Things went wrong for Chiyoshoma when on the second volley he tried to finish his attack with a pull. Daieisho was ready for this move, and it robbed Chiyoshoma of any defensive position at all. Daieisho pressed the attack, put Chiyoshoma in motion, and ran him out for the win.

Tamawashi defeats Kotonowaka – Kotonowaka put all of his hopes on a right hand frontal mawashi grip that never paid off, but left his upper body and easy target for Tamawashi’s superb oshi-zumo. The thrusting attack broke Kotonowaka’s grip, then broke his balance, and finally sent him off the dohyo to open Aki with a loss.

Wakatakakage defeats Takayasu – I know I am hard on Takayasu, mostly because I have been a huge fan of his, and love it when he brings his good sumo to tournaments. His worst habit of the past few years is to keep his weight mostly on one foot, making him an much easier target for a crafty opponent. Is it being too eager to load up a throw? He did it today on the second step past the tachiai, and Wakatakakage was primed for the move, and cashed it in a moment later to start Aki with a win.

Kiribayama defeats Meisei – Meisei had the clear advantage for most of this match, but could not keep his weight centered and his feet planted with a mis-timed high right hand slap. My complements to Kiribayama for staying in the match, and looking for any advantage.

Mitakeumi defeats Takanosho – We have not seen the navy blue mawashi on Mitakeumi in a while, maybe it can change his fortunes. Mitakeumi had excellent control of his balance today, and kept himself focused on forward power against Takanosho’s center mass. Great, if simple, sumo from Mitakeumi today.

Hokutofuji defeats Takakeisho – I sometimes joke about Hokutofuji being two independently operating battle-units. When he can do that trick, its a wonder to behold. Today, they were working in concert and completely dominated kadoban Ozeki Takakeisho with great effect. Takakeisho opened strong, but by the third step he reached his left hand around the back of Hokutofuji’s neck to pull. That release of forward pressure opened the door for Hokutofuji to attack with overwhelming power.

Hoshoryu defeats Shodai – Shodai high at the tachiai – check! Hoshoryu reached for a left hand outside grip, but found Shodai’s massive body pressing him back in a hurry. A tidy weight shift and side step at the tawara reversed his fortunes, giving him a double inside hand placement. Shodai had no answer except to go rather soft and let Hoshoryu rampage across the dohyo to deposit the Ozeki over the side of the dohyo.

Terunofuji defeats Ichinojo – As is sadly the case with Ichinojo, he lost this match a couple of days ago about 5 seconds after the torikumi was published. Not to take anything away from Terunofuji, but you can really see when Ichinojo has psyched himself out of a match.

Nagoya Day 15 Highlights

Bruce H Aoiyama, Chiyomaru, Chiyonokuni (千代の国), Chiyonoo (千代ノ皇), Chiyoshoma, Chiyotairyū (千代大龍), Daiamami (大奄美), Daieisho (大栄翔), Endo (遠藤), Hakuho (白鵬), Hidenoumi, Hokutōfuji (北勝富士), Hoshoryu, Ichinojo (逸ノ城), Ichiyamamoto (一山本), Ishiura (石浦), Kagayaki (輝), Kaisei (魁聖), Kiribayama (霧馬山), Kotoeko, Kotonowaka, Meisei, Mitakeumi(御嶽海), Myogiryu (妙義龍), Nagoya Basho 2021, Okinoumi (隠岐の海), Shimanoumi, Shōdai (正代直也), Takakeishō (貴景勝), Takanosho, Takarafuji (宝富士), Tamawashi (玉鷲), Terunofuji (照ノ富士), Terutsuyoshi, Tobizaru, Tochinoshin (栃ノ心), Tokushoryu, Tsurugisho, Ura (宇良), Wakatakakage, Ōnoshō (阿武咲)

The Nagoya basho is in the record books now, and it was Hakuho who took the cup after the final match. The 45th yusho of his career, he continues to defy all expectations, including (it seems) some of his own. Following a hard fought battle against Terunofuji, we saw a brief flash of elation, a fist pump, a shout, and a smile of victory. There are some sumo fans who will find his behavior unacceptable, but as a fully fledged barbarian who loves sumo, it made me shout and smile myself.

He is literally peerless in the world of sumo, and possibly in the world of individual athletic competition. 45 championships. This basho marks 14 years since his first appearance of Yokozuna. He has out lasted all of his contemporaries (Harumafuji, Kakuryu, Kisenosato). He endured orthopedic surgery 4 months ago that would have left most people hobbling for a year, and came back and beat everyone he faced.

I personally thought the basho would be too much for him to endure, and his body would give up under the grind, but he managed all 15 days, and took home the cup yet again. Some may ask, “But what is he going to do with all of that beef?” (from one of the prizes). I am certain Hokuseiho will eat most of it.

Congratulations to Yokozuna Hakuho, you again prove that you are some kind of bio-engineered sumo machine sent from the future to collect giant macarons.

Highlight Matches

Ishiura defeats Akua – Ishiura double arms Akua at the tachiai, as Akua’s opening gambit to get a right hand on Ishiura’s mawashi fails. Ishiura is rewarded with an inside lane, and drives hard to the front, running Akua quickly out. He ends Nagoya 9-6.

Ichiyamamoto defeats Chiyonoo – The first Darwin match goes to Ichiyamamoto, as Chiyonoo loses defensive foot placement, attempts a throw that disintegrates, and gets shoved out. Ichiyamamoto is kachi-koshi, and will remain in the top division, further reducing promotion prospects from Juryo.

Kotonowaka defeats Tsurugisho – Kotonowaka gets to 12 wins, and picks up the Fighting Spirit special prize, and generally finally shows us the kind of sumo that we had expected from him from the past year. I am not sure if has been injury, or mental challenges, but this is the kind of sumo that Kotonowaka is capable of, and I hope he can continue to compete at this level of excellence. Well done sir!

Hidenoumi defeats Chiyomaru – Chiyomaru had nothing to offer today in terms of defense, save being incredibly large and round. It took Hidenoumi a few moments to get his hands and hips set, but he found he could move forward and took Chiyomaru over the bales. Hidenoumi ends Nagoya 7-8.

Aoiyama defeats Kaisei – The battle of the mega-fauna was over quickly, with Aoiyama getting Kaisei turned to the side with that left hand, and he then shoves and pushes Kaisei from the side to send him out. Aoiyama ends Nagoya 7-8.

Ura defeats Chiyoshoma – Somehow Chiyoshoma just gave up on sumo and wanted to slap Ura around. It was quite useless as Ura attacked inside anyway. Chiyoshoma panics, tries to pull, and Ura runs him out. Some concern that Ura’s knee seemed a bit painful following the match, but what a finish. 10-5 for his return to the top division. Watch out above, here comes trouble.

Myogiryu defeats Daiamami – Myogiryu’s first surge forward from the tachiai comes up short, but he consolidates his position and attacks again. The second combo works, taking Daiamami out of his defensive position, and Myogiryu picks up a much needed 5th win to finish Nagoya 5-10.

Kiribayama defeats Shimanoumi – I am not sure where that version of Kiribayama was, but it’s nice to see his old, super genki form that got him to the top division. He ends Nagoya at 9-6 with a fast yoritaoshi.

Onosho defeats Terutsuyoshi – Terutsuyoshi attempts a hit and shift at the tachiai, banking that Onosho would be off balance into the initial clash. But it seems that Onosho was quite prepared for this predictable move, and attacks with vigor. Terutsuyoshi, having gambled on the mini-henka has no defensive position, and absorbs Onosho’s battering as best he can before a final shove ends his efforts. Onosho finishes Nagoya 7-8.

Tokushoryu defeats Chiyotairyu – When this match went chest to chest, it was pretty clear just where it was going to end. We have seen Tokushoryu pull that move at the bales countless times. One fan refers to it as his “super power”. I was glad to see it on display again, but that is how you get Chiyotairyu ending the basho at 4-11.

Tochinoshin defeats Kotoeko – Color me impressed. Tochinoshin found some reserve of pain tolerance and rallied from a terrible start to finish with a mild 7-8 make-koshi. But I have to mention that Kotoeko, deeply make-koshi at 2-12, poured on everything he could muster. My heart goes out to him, as he gave it everything he could muster.

Tobizaru defeats Tamawashi – Tamawashi’s opening salvo only partially connects, and it fails to move Tobizaru back. In response, Tobizaru gets a double inside grip and goes on the attack. Try as he might, Tamawashi can’t shake Tobizaru, or turn the match to his control. Tobizaru, for his part, remains patient and sets up the winning throw well. Hey, where were you the prior 14 days?

Hoshoryu defeats Hokutofuji – Hoshoryu gets to double digits with a solid win over Hokutofuji. Hokutofuji comes in low, probably too low, and is ripe for a slap down, which Hoshoryu delivers with precision.

Ichinojo defeats Takarafuji – Ichinojo makes it to 10 with a quick win over Takarafuji. Takarafuji tries to step back and draw Ichinojo into Takarafuji’s defensive sumo, but instead Ichinojo slaps him down – hard! This is the first double digit performance from Ichinojo since March of 2019.

Takanosho defeats Chiyonokuni – The second Darwin match, and a contrast of oshi-sumo styles. Takanosho was relentless against Chiyonokuni’s center-mass, while Chiyonokuni was solely focused on Takanosho head and face. Key tip, if you can endure the bashing to your head, center-mass will carry the match. Takanosho ends Nagoya 8-7 and is kachi-koshi.

Daieisho defeats Okinoumi – As if to punctuate the point above, Daieisho blows past Okinoumi’s defenses and drives thrust after thrust into Okinoumi’s chest. Its about 7 steps forward and Okinoumi is out. Both end Nagoya with deep 5-10 make-koshi scores.

Meisei defeats Kagayaki – The third Darwin match goes to Meisei, who is kachi-koshi to end Nagoya. This match was 100% Kagayaki’s offense with a lot of thrusting power, but Meisei timed Kagayaki’s final finishing charge expertly and stepped out of the way, sending Kagayaki to the clay.

Wakatakakage defeats Mitakeumi – Brilliant reversal by Wakatakakage as Mitakeumi pressed forward to shove him out. Glad to see Wakatakakage finish with at least one strong match, he ends Nagoya at 5-10.

Shodai defeats Takayasu – The final Darwin match, Takayasu opened with a left hand outside grip, and Shodai returns with his own inside grip. Takayasu attempts to rotate into a throw, but can’t maintain the grip. With his back now turned to Shodai, he tries to escape, but Shodai pushes him out from behind to escape kadoban, finishing Nagoya with and 8-7 kachi-koshi.

Hakuho defeats Terunofuji – The grand finale, the brawl to end it all. They spent a good amount of time staring daggers at each other prior to the tachiai. This turned into Hakuho’s match the moment Terunofuji reacted to Hakuho’s attacks. The Boss really had to work for it, and that little celebration at the end? It has sumo fans around the world talking. Its a bit uncharacteristic for a Yokozuna, but given all that Hakuho has been through, maybe understandable. I don’t think he was certain he could pull it off. Hakuho finishes Nagoya at 15-0, a perfect score and his 45th yusho.

That concludes our daily coverage of the Nagoya basho. Thank you dear readers for sharing our love of sumo, and following along through what has been a thrilling and thoroughly enjoyable tournament. We will continue to follow the stories that come out of this basho, including the expected announcement of Terunofuji’s promotion to the 73rd Yokozuna.

Nagoya Day 15 Preview

Bruce H Aoiyama, Chiyomaru, Chiyonokuni (千代の国), Chiyonoo (千代ノ皇), Chiyoshoma, Chiyotairyū (千代大龍), Daiamami (大奄美), Daieisho (大栄翔), Endo (遠藤), Hakuho (白鵬), Hidenoumi, Hokutōfuji (北勝富士), Hoshoryu, Ichinojo (逸ノ城), Ichiyamamoto (一山本), Ishiura (石浦), Kagayaki (輝), Kaisei (魁聖), Kiribayama (霧馬山), Kotoeko, Kotonowaka, Meisei, Mitakeumi(御嶽海), Myogiryu (妙義龍), Nagoya Basho 2021, Okinoumi (隠岐の海), Shimanoumi, Shōdai (正代直也), Takakeishō (貴景勝), Takanosho, Takarafuji (宝富士), Tamawashi (玉鷲), Terunofuji (照ノ富士), Terutsuyoshi, Tobizaru, Tochinoshin (栃ノ心), Tokushoryu, Tsurugisho, Ura (宇良), Wakatakakage, Ōnoshō (阿武咲)

At last we come to it, the final day of the Nagoya basho. Due to clever work by the schedulers, and a bit of luck, we are about to try to stuff 20 pounds of sumo into a 5 pound bag. If you wanted high stakes, high impact matches, this will be the day for you. I recommend you start by reading lksumo’s excellent write up that explains the promotion / demotion mechanics in play, and who is headed for the Juryo barge of the damed for the slow trip back to Tokyo.

On the menu for the final day:

  • The Brawl to end it all: A Zensho show down for the cup. It’s two men with useless knees at the top of the sumo ranks who are going to fight with everything they have.
  • Four (4!) Darwin matches, including the final one between an Ozeki and a Sekiwake
  • Hoshoryu and Hokutofuji fighting to see who gets to pick up any san’yaku slot that might open up behind Ichinojo, once the dust settles.

What We Are Watching Day 15

Akua vs Ishiura – Both are kachi-koshi, and they needed someone to fill the banzuke gap left by Endo. So lets bring Akua up so he and Ishiura can stomp around the clay for 30 seconds and end up in a heap somewhere. Hell, I would cheer for that.

Ichiyamamoto vs Chiyonoo – Darwin match #1 – If Ichiyamamoto hits he dirt, he’s headed back to Juryo. He won their only prior meeting.

Tsurugisho vs Kotonowaka – The question here, can Kotonowaka rack 12 wins in this basho? For some tournaments, that’s a yusho score! Special prize to be awarded, I think. Maybe even if he can’t beat Tsurugisho (but, in fact he can).

Hidenoumi vs Chiyomaru – Does the 7th win matter if you are already make-koshi? I guess this match can help us find out. They have matching 6-8 records, and a 5-5 career history. Chiyomaru has a size advantage, Hidenoumi has a power advantage.

Kaisei vs Aoiyama – The last battle of the mega-fauna, it’s a pair of 200kg monsters with matching 6-8 scores fighting for that 7th win and a bit of banzuke cushioning. Aoiyama’s sumo has been sloppy and disorganized, while Kaisei fights like bison; he’s too big to really move, but you don’t want to get him excited.

Ura vs Chiyoshoma – High interest match, both are kachi-koshi, both are known for high agility sumo, both can disappear before you can land that migi-yotsu you had your heart set on. Will they mutually henka? I would be willing to offer ¥100,000 if someone would broker that between the two of them. They can even make it a matta so it won’t count. Chiyoshoma has never won against Ura, and a win today by the man in the pink mawashi would take him to 10 wins in his return to the top division.

Myogiryu vs Daiamami – My advice to these guys. Hit the bar before, during and after the match. It won’t chance things very much in terms of your sumo, but you might enjoy it more. Both are 4-10 and are going to visit the lower rungs of the September banzuke.

Shimanoumi vs Kiribayama – Again, matching records for this match, with the number being 8-6. I think Kiribayama is a bit hungrier than Shimanoumi. Maybe that will count for something here. With the senshuraku parties still on hold thanks to COVID, you can’t even bask in the adoration of your fans after your kachi-koshi. Bummer.

Onosho vs Terutsuyoshi – I know that Onosho holds a 2-1 career lead over Terutsuyoshi, but I think that Terutsuyoshi is going to command this match more or less from the second volley. Sure Onosho is going to open big, but he has thus far been so out of alignment that his front end wobble is uncontrollable. So I am looking for Terutsuyoshi to try something big and fun to finish what must be a satisfying tournament for him, including that thunderous streak of 6 wins that started on day 8.

Tokushoryu vs Chiyotairyu – Tokushoryu (6-8), ranked at M15 faces off against M4 Chiyotairyu. Chiyotairyu’s hideous 4-10 score may punt him toward the bottom of the banzuke, but a Tokushoryu loss today may add his name to the roster of souls rowing the Juryo barge back to Tokyo.

Kotoeko vs Tochinoshin – If Tochinoshin can squeeze out an 7-8 make-koshi, after starting the basho with 4 straight losses, I think it will be a most remarkable feat. He has to rack one more white star, against hapless Kotoeko (2-12). Given Tochinoshin’s 45kg weight advantage, that should not be too tough of a goal.

Tamawashi vs Tobizaru – I think the schedulers ran out of people for Tamawashi to compete against, so they saw his 11-3 master piece of a score and decided Tobizaru’s mirror image 3-11 score constituted a worthy reason to have them fight on day 15. This is also their first ever match, so lord knows what’s going to happen. Maybe in some bizzaro world, what really happened in Saturday’s final match what that Hakuho used an ancient Jomon shamanistic spell to swap sumo with Hakuho, and he’s going to rock up into this match and turf Tamawashi with overwhelming force. (Editor’s note, I intend to be on my 3rd beer by this time, so in fact this will make perfect sense by that time)

Hokutofuji vs Hoshoryu – One of you two gets to be first in line to be disappointed when there is no Komusubi slot for you. A hell of a prize for a match like this, but sumo is a brutal sport. Hoshoryu, at 9-5, won their only prior match, but I think 8-6 Hokutofuji has an edge today, as he has been really dialed into his sumo during week 2.

Takarafuji vs Ichinojo – This theme really seems to work, let’s try it again! 8-6 Takarafuji vs 9-5 Ichinojo, as the Boulder tries for double digits for the first time since March of 2019. Takarafuji has a 3-13 career deficit against this enormous fellow, so it may be time to open that 4th beer.

Takanosho vs Chiyonokuni – I can’t believe we have to wait this long for the second Darwin match, but it’s high time that someone face the music. Chiyonokuni has yet to win one against Takanosho, and I am going to guess today may not be his day. Winner kachi-koshi, the loser gets to clean out the chikara-mizu spittoon.

Okinoumi vs Daieisho – In the final battle of the “They really should have done better”, it’s 5-9 Okinoumi facing off against 4-10 Daieisho, to see if they both end up with double digit losses. 19 prior matches, no definitive advantage for either. Both are likely fighting hurt, both need to recover and return strong for September.

Kagayaki vs Meisei – The third Darwin match, with a unlikely 12 rank banzuke spread between the two of them. Suffice to say Kagayaki is the underdog here, and I would expect that Meisei will get his 8th and shut down the promotion lanes.

Wakatakakage vs Mitakeumi – The match exists to allow fans without a DVR (who can pause the action) to visit the toilet. While I loves me some Wakatakakage sumo, this is a very one sided match given the parameters of this basho. The one thing that I am really looking forward to for this one is the hope that the day 15 announcer is Raja Pradhan, and we can listen to him fire off Wakatakakage about 20 times before the lead Onami brother gets a face full of clay.

Shodai vs Takayasu – The final, and most grand of the Darwin matches of recent memory. The human daikon up against the hairy beast of Ibaraki. I am going to guess that Shodai is going to be highly pissed off after day 14 against the boss, and he is going to try to lay the doom on Takayasu. It’s not that far fetch given that Shodai has a 12-9 career advantage over the former Ozeki. This Darwin match has a bonus gooey toping, if Shodai loses, it’s kadoban time for him.

Hakuho vs Terunofuji – Here it is, we talked about it before the basho even started, the “Brawl to end it all”. We hoped, we made tuna offerings to the Great Sumo Cat of the Kokugikan, and prayed to all forces of heaven to bring this about. Both 14-0, both ready to hoist the cup. I could cite the 9-4 career advantage that Hakuho has, but who cares. The last time these two fought was May of 2017, and both are radically different men now. As Team Tachiai has been proclaiming, Terunofuji has been delivering Yokozuna level results for most of this year, but this July he took it up yet another notch. I think Hakuho will finally have his hands full.