A number of rikishi picked up their first win of the tournament today, as the law of averages starts to kick in. In Ozeki-land, we saw Tochinoshin have a much needed win evaporate due to poor hand placement, Goeido continues in good form, and opponents really need to stop trying to pull Takakeisho down, you are just handing him white stars when you do that.

Match Highlights

Takagenji defeats Azumaryu – It was bound to happen at some point, Takagenji pulled himself together enough to win. Takagenji’s win was his first in over a dozen matches, and hopefully signals that he’s back to sumo.

Yutakayama defeats Tsurugisho – Tsurugisho tries a leap to the sider at the tachiai, but Yutakayama is having none of it, and opens up a vigorous slapping attack at the retreating Tsurugisho. With his opening gambit blown, Tsurugisho was left disadvantaged and at the mercy of Yutakayama’s oshi-attack.

Tochiozan defeats Kagayaki – The old veteran has some life left after all! The post tachiai match was a brutal “battle of the armpits” where both rikishi traded armpit attacks, each trying to raise the other up. I think Kagayaki got higher and rather tired of it quickly, and backed away, letting Tochiozan attack.

Ishiura defeats Nishikigi – Power sumo from Ishiura! He drove straight into Nishikigi’s chest at the tachiai and lifted, then moved forward. Nishikigi was working to wrap him up and contain him, but Ishiura was too strong, and too fast.

Toyonoshima defeats Daishoho – A good, square tachiai that Toyonoshima converted into what looks like an under shoulder swing down, using Daishoho’s forward pressure as a power source. Toyonoshima has a number of injuries, and father time to fight off each match, but some of them hard won skills are great to see.

Shohozan defeats Enho – Fans who have loved their jungyo scrimmage matches were excited to see this come up in the day 4 torikumi, and they did not disappoint. Both men through everything, including the kitchen sink into their match. Ehho tries to go so low and so inside, Shohozan practically envelopes him, and then Enho gets to work. The closing move, where Enho attempt to channel Ura was great to see, even if he could not quite pull it off. Oh, word in sumo fan-land is Ura can now bench press over 400kg. We may see him on the dohyo for Hatsu.

Meisei defeats Onosho – Onosho has been susceptible to lateral changes in pressure, and Meisei uses that to great effect. As a mild Onosho fan, I want to see him get it together, but he’s still a mess from having his knee rebuilt.

Kotoyuki defeats Sadanoumi – Kotoyuki kept relentless pressure on Sadanoumi’s center mass through a train of well timed thrusts to the chest. Solid oshi-sumo from Mr 5 by 5.

Okinoumi defeats Takarafuji – In the battle of the senior technicians, it was all Okinoumi. He set up an arm lock through immediately in the tachiai, pulled a couple of dance moves and put Takarafuji on the clay. Okinoumi has started 4-0, some great work.

Kotoeko defeats Terutsuyoshi – Terutsuyoshi opened strong, and it looked like Kotoeko might once again be letting his opponent call the terms of the match. But Kotoeko made a choice to hold and dominate the center of the ring, and the fight was on. Both men were on their sumo, but Kotoeko kept his balance and prevailed for his first win of Aki.

Kotoshogiku defeats Chiyotairyu – Kotoshogiku was able to absorb the somewhat weaker than normal canon-ball tachiai from Chiyotairyu, and quickly went to work with his preferred hug-n-chug attack.

Myogiryu defeats Ryuden – Watching this match, you can clearly see as the two rikishi stalemate in the center of the dohyo that Myogiryu’s hips are low, and square against his desired line of force, where Ryuden is high and his hips are at an acute angle to where he wants to attack. This was the key to the match for Myogiryu, as it gave him a route to break Ryuden’s stance for the yori-kiri.

Shodai defeats Shimanoumi – Shodai does sumo today, and does it well. This fellow has skill and an incredible ring sense when he decides its a sumo day. He even had a discernible tachiai today that resulted in a double inside grip on Shimanoumi. Shodai remains an enigma to me.

Daieisho defeats Tamawashi – Frantic ball of sumo energy, Daieisho, finally gets his first win. While Tamawashi wasted time and effort slapping Daieisho in the face, Daieisho put all of his force against center-mass and pushed. You can see the moment when Tamawashi figures out that indulging in that face-slap probably cost him the match, and his improvised move to recover falls short. I love that in spite of 3 straight losses, Daieisho came ready to win each day.

Endo defeats Asanoyama – An example of masterful yotsu-zumo defensive work by Endo in the opening moments of this bout. Asanoyama came in with a lot of strength and a solid attack plan, getting Endo to the tawara, and high. But as Asanoyama upped his forward pressure, Endo turned him and pushed him over the bales. Fantastic match.

Mitakeumi defeats Aoiyama – Mitakeumi stays low as Aoiyama keeps trying to pull, and that is a formula for a loss. Aoiyama is clearly not doing well this September, probably due to some injury.

Takakeisho defeats Tomokaze – Did you catch it? We had our first “wave blast” from Takakeisho today. Again Tomokaze looked like he wanted to pull / slap down his opponent. Not only is that fairly sloppy sumo to do it multiple days in a row, but Takakeisho has had every opponent thus far try that, and it’s not working. He’s clearly improved his balance and he keeps his weight centered. Takakeisho starts 4-0.

Goeido defeats Hokutofuji – Beautiful sumo from Goeido today, speed and power in a straight line, with a relentless focus against Hokutofuji’s shoulders and center-mass. I love it when Goeido is healthy.

Abi defeats Tochinoshin – Heartbreaking match that was a Tochinoshin win with some good sumo mechanics but was overturned via monoii because Tochinoshin had a firm and long lasting grip on Abi’s hair. I can tell you it was not part of the plan, but it was still disqualifying. Setting aside the foul, Tochinoshin’s sumo looked better today, a bit more fluid. There is still hope for his 8 wins.

Kakuryu defeats Ichinojo – Ichinojo gave him a good fight, but i think hurt his right arm as the Yokozuna swung him to the clay. Kakuryu watchers might be starting to have concerns that he is winning most of his matches in reverse-gear. Many times this is his “tell” that he has a lower body injury.

The big story lines were looking for prior to the basho are still mostly intact. The drama of Takakeisho grind to 10 is immensely captivating, and each match is another yawning chasm with a potential start of a rank-breaking losing streak on one side, and a career limiting re-injury on the other. Frankly, if he crosses the threshold of 10, I think the sumo world will erupt in jubilation.

Perhaps more compelling is Tochinoshin’s fight to clear kadoban. He is clearly in a good amount of pain, but mounts the dohyo each day and gives it everything he can. The day 3 win against a quite genki and potent Hokutofuji may in fact be the point where he decides he does still have the strength of a bear, that has the strength of 2 bears. That the path is steep and painful, but he is strong enough to climb.

What We Are Watching Day 4

Takagenji vs Azumaryu – I an not sure what happened to Takagenji, but it seems to be the sumo equivalent of a banana in his tail-pipe. It’s not that he is showing tepid sumo, but he just cant manage to win. He holds a 2-1 career record over Azumaryu, but I think he is highly distracted by his twin brother’s troubles.

Tsurugisho vs Yutakayama – Yeah baby, now this is more like it. Yutakayama tend to dominate their matches, and I think he’s fairly genki this time out. It will be a clash of styles for the second match of the day, and win #3 for one of these rikishi.

Kagayaki vs Tochiozan – Much like Yoshikaze before him, Tochiozan still has the moves and the skill, but he can’t execute them at speed, or with effective power. I am going to look for Kagayaki to carry this one by keeping Tochiozan responding rather than attacking.

Ishiura vs Nishikigi – As one of our commenters pointed out, Ishiura seems to have regained some of his “scary dude”, muscular form. His advantage over Nishikigi – visual acuity! He needs to stay mobile and prevent Nishikigi from grabbing a hold of any part of his body, which will be used to anchor him in place.

Toyonoshima vs Daishoho – Both winless, a tough start to September for both of them. To my eye Toyonoshima looks hurt. Some kind of achy back / hips / shoulder sort of thing that keeps him from really putting all of his energy into his sumo.

Shohozan vs Enho – Fans who have enjoyed their jungyo series are going to be crazy with anticipation of this match. These two battled it out with vigor and creativity daily on the summer tour, and it was in fact a daily highlight. (Everyone thank Herouth for putting those together). Now we get it for honbasho, and I for one can’t wait.

Onosho vs Meisei – Onosho has yet to win one form Meisei, ever (0-4). The “red terror” is still working to get his sumo in order, so I am going to look for another day in the dirt for Onosho.

Sadanoumi vs Kotoyuki – For some perverse reason, I have this urge to see Kotoyuki really do well this time out. Something about him is at both times worrisome and comical, much like a Batman villain.

Okinoumi vs Takarafuji – Perhaps the most balanced and equal match of the day. The two perennial median rikishi go up against each other, and I would say that their sumo will average out.

Terutsuyoshi vs Kotoeko – I had to double check, but Kotoeko comes into this match with ZERO wins. Both of these men are under-performing thus far for September. Is it ring rust? Termintes? A lack of sleep?

Chiyotairyu vs Kotoshogiku – If Kotoshogiku can survive the canon-ball tachiai and get a belt grip, we will see some fun sumo today. But it’s a 13-2 advantage for the Kyushu Bulldozer.

Myogiryu vs Ryuden – Both are at the outer edges of the top of Makuuchi, and seem to be using this opportunity to hone their sumo. Both are further along in their careers, and both have a long roster of matches to their name. I do think that Ryuden is working towards another San’yaku push for Kyushu, and that he has a good chance of getting there. Myogiryu is going to want to keep Ryuden from getting to his left side, if at all possible to keep himself in charge of the match.

Shimanoumi vs Shodai – First time match between these two, and I think that Shodai is increasing the amount of chaos he generates each day. At some point it may open a portal to another point in the multiverse, and Yokozuna Shodai will step through to take charge.

Daieisho vs Tamawashi – Tamawashi had bee strong the first two days, but was surprisingly fragile on day 3. I continue to think that the drive and energy that Daieisho is bringing to the dohyo every day is going to pay off, and probably keep paying off once it starts.

Asanoyama vs Endo – Well now, what have we here. Both men will go for the mawashi. Asanoyama with a lot of strength and a lot of vigor. Endo will come with skill and plans A,B,C and D. I do hope this is not a cheap and flimsy pull down / slap down match.

Mitakeumi vs Aoiyama – I know some fans are worried that Big Dan Aoiyama is not quite up to his normal genki self. I think he’s just scraping off his ring rust. Luckily for him, some of his toughest matches are going to be at the start, and maybe once he hits his stride he will have a lot of more even fights. Mitakeumi is a perpetual enigma, the guy can produce, but seems to forever be in a week 2 fade that robs him of any chance of Ozeki.

Tomokaze vs Takakeisho – Another first time match, and I do hope that Ozekiwake Takakeisho is dialed into Tomokaze’s approach the last 2 matches. Thus far the Grand Tadpole has shown himself to be keeping his weight centered, and able to withstand multiple, sequential pull down / slap down attempts. Who in the Tachiai readership hope that Tomokaze knocks off the cheap sumo and take the fight to Takakeisho? (raises hand)

Hokutofuji vs Goeido – Goeido is terribly streaky, many basho his first loss seems to instill a confidence crisis in our longest-serving Ozeki, and he will drop a few in a row. I know that Hokutofuji can give him the business. But I would love to see Goeido genki for this basho.

Tochinoshin vs Abi – Each one of these will continue to be a nail biter. Abi has gotten the jump on Tochinoshin before, but I think the Georgian’s day 3 win may have injected some much needed can-do genki into his outlook. The skycrane still works, lets see it!

Kakuryu vs Ichinojo – Ichinojo does tend to be “soft” against Kakuryu, maybe it’s realization that Big-K and put him in the dirt with a dozen different moves, or maybe its out of respect for Kakuryu himself. I expect he will give a vigorous defense followed by Kakuryu’s 4th win, and everyone leaves the Kokugikan satisfied and happy.

It was monoii Tuesday as the Great Sumo Cat of the Kokugikan declared a Shimpan parade, and the elders of the sumo world dutifully complied. Too many of today’s upper division matches were fast, simple pushy/slappy/pull down affairs. Yep, there was a winner in each match, but the level of ABE (aggregate battle energy) was shockingly low today.

When I am so fortunate to be in Tokyo for a day like this, the proper way to confront it is with two of the largest beers that can be purchased from the glorious food vendors, one for each half of the top division matches. Just enjoy the environment, the fine beer, and take lots of photos.

Highlight Matches

Tochiozan defeats Takagenji – Both men went for the others shoulders and neck, slapping and thrusting, with little overall effect. It wasn’t until Tochiozan began thrusting against Takagenji’s exposed chest (he was busy working on Tochiozan’s head) that the senior rikishi landed on solid thrust to the chest which ended this match. Everyone looked sloppy in this match.

Azumaryu defeats Yutakayama – A pair of 2-0 records going into this, it was going a bit of a decider. Azumaryu got the better of the tachiai, and was able to keep his hips and shoulders square to his line of attack. Yutakayama, did not, and soon found himself off tempo, out of step and then off balance.

Ishiura defeats Toyonoshima – Toyonoshima started with a strong tachiai and huge forward pressure. Ishiura caught the larger man, braced against the pressure, then turned it aside. Solid strategy from Ishiura, and a well earned win.

Tsurugisho defeats Nishikigi – Nishikigi was a bit too far forward at the tachiai, Tsurugisho read this well, and dropped him to the clay.

Kagayaki defeats Daishoho – As with the match before, Kagayaki caught Daishoho’s tachiai, and then dropped him when Daishoho’s body was too far forward.

Onosho defeats Shohozan – Onosho looking more like his pre-injury self, with a laser like focus on Shohozan’s center-mass, and relentless drive forward. Maybe that red mawashi is starting to work.

Enho defeats Kotoyuki – Kotoyuki gets to lose in his favorite way, and ends up deep in the zabuton section where the plays a courtesy call to the fans. Enho stayed very low, leaving only parts of his neck and head for Kotoyuki to attack. Enho dodged a couple of solid attacks, and stayed mobile. Kotoyuki may have had a grip on Enho’s hair, but in the end it did not matter. Fire Pixie is 3-0 to start.

Meisei defeats Terutsuyoshi – Terutsuyoshi is still struggling to find white stars, maybe it’s the all too familiar curse of the NHK Grand Sumo Preview interview. Today he fought Meisei well, but struggled to keep his footing, and his body positioned with his front to his opponent. Maybe some ring-rust still to go.

Takarafuji defeats Sadanoumi – A simple match that had Sadanoumi advancing and struggling to keep his feet long enough for Takarafuji to touch out, but the Gyoji and the Monoii gave the win to Takarafuji. *There were a LOT of Monoii today

Okinoumi defeats Kotoeko – Okinoumi has been showing a great deal of patience this year, and it was on display today. Kotoeko presented a series of attack gambits, and Okinoumi worked to deflect them all and stay close, waiting for Kotoeko to make a mistake.

Kotoshogiku defeats Myogiryu – A battle of strength at the tachiai that stood both men up. Myogiryu worked to turn the Kyushu Bulldozer, which nearly took him face first into the crowd. Instead, Kotoshogiku used the gap to land a solid left hand inside grip and set up shop. The hug-n-chug was activated and he lowered his blade for the win.

Ryuden defeats Shimanoumi – Ryuden got the better of the tachiai, but threw away that advantage with an pulling attempt, which let Shimanoumi get inside and underneath. To his credit, Ryuden took his time and found his left hand mawashi grip, and raised up Shimanoumi to march him out.

Chiyotairyu defeats Shodai – Shodai tried some of his escape tricks today, but the thundering buffalo that is Chiyotairyu kept up the pressure, and Shodai ran out of places to dodge into.

Tomokaze defeats Tamawashi – I was surprised that Tamawashi let himself get too far forward, and then pulled down by Tomokaze. That’s twice he’s done that to someone just in the first 3 days of this basho.

Abi defeats Daieisho – Standard Abi-zumo today. A blistering double-arm oshi attack that left Daieisho completely reactive, and unprepared for Abi’s slap down. Because they exited in flight together, we get yet another monoii.

Takakeisho defeats Asanoyama – I ran this match several different ways in my mind. Most of the outcomes flowed from Asanoyama landing that left hand at the tachiai, and putting Takakeisho in a nearly unbreakable tadpole hold. In fact you can see that Asanoyama puts all of his opening energy into that left, but it misses its mark high, and leaves him off balance. Takakeisho’s sumo sense is good enough that he helps Asanoyama continue his poor choice to its logical and necessary conclusion. While I was hoping for a battle here of clashing styles, I am happy that Takakeisho gets to rack his 3rd win of the basho.

Mitakeumi defeats Ichinojo – Ichinojo’s gambit to go for an immediate pull down at the tachiai was easy to predict, and it looks like Mitakeumi was prepared for that half hop back to re-center his weight. The failed pull left the Boulder high and an easy mark for Mitakeumi to blast ahead for the win.

Tochinoshin defeats Hokutofuji – Multiple false starts, Tochinoshin was a mess of nervous energy, and betrayed an intention to henka in one false start. But the match got off the 3rd time and Hokutofuji’s “handshake tachiai” failed to find its mark. Tochinoshin drove his right hand inside and found a grip. Moments later his lethal left found its outside grip, and fans got a thrill as Tochinoshin powered up the skycrane and went to work. Are you glad he finally got a win? I think I am too.

Endo defeats Goeido – Goeido had the better tachiai. but master technician Endo shifted right, breaking the Ozeki’s force-line and blunting Goeido’s right hand grip. Knowing his right was worthless now, Goeido pulled a spin using his left hand mawashi grip, but Endo kept his feet and used the Ozeki’s motion to improve his hold, finding a double-inside grip in time. Great technical sumo from these two.

Kakuryu defeats Aoiyama – Kakuryu’s reactive sumo pays out again. He catches Aoiyama’s tachiai, which is not quite on-balance, and then just helps the man-mountain continue his motion down to the clay. Win #3 for the lone surviving Yokozuna.