After 8 days and 4 rounds of bouts, the action in Makushita is heating up!
As a reminder, the Makushita yusho race is essentially a seven-round single-elimination tournament in which the 120 or so rikishi are reduced by half over two-day rounds until one man with a 7-0 record takes the title (occasionally, same-heya rikishi and other wrinkles throw a wrench into the works, and we end up with a playoff and a 6-1 champion). A 7-0 record from Ms1-Ms15 is a near-guarantee of promotion to Juryo, which otherwise usually requires a winning record from Ms1-Ms5. Four rounds have been completed so far, and we are left with 8 undefeated wrestlers. The next round, held on Day 9, will reduce them to our four semifinalists.
Here’s the undefeated bracket:
Ms2w Shishi vs. Ms13e Takahashi
Ms18w Hitoshi vs. Ms26w Kiryuko
Ms29w Wakatakamoto vs. Ms42e Daishomaru
Ms49e Otani vs. Ms58e Okinohama
Shishi, Takahashi, Hitoshi, Kiryuko, and Otani can all be classified as rising prospects. Wakatakamoto, the oldest brother of Wakatakakage and Wakamotoharu, has spent much of the last decade in Makushita, never rising above Ms7. Daishomaru is a former maegashira who spent a couple of years in Juryo before falling to Makushita a year ago. Okinohama is the least distinguished of the quarterfinalists, having spent a decade fighting in the lower divisions. Only Hitoshi and Daishomaru are from the same heya (Oitekaze), which could complicate the final.
Two Juryo slots are open due to the retirements of Ichinojo and Tochinoshin. At least two more seem likely to open up by the end of the basho. Shishi already has a solid promotion claim; one more win should pretty much lock it up. Takahashi can earn promotion by winning out and taking the yusho. Any other promotions should come from the Ms1-Ms5 ranks.
There, the Ms1 duo of Shiden and Kawazoe, who were very unlucky to miss out last time, are in good shape at 3-1. They have key bouts tomorrow against Ms6e Mukainakano (3-1) and Ms5e Yuma (3-1), respectively. Given his lower rank, Yuma needs at least 5 wins and more likely 6 to go up. Ms2e Kotokuzan (1-3), Ms3e Ryuo (1-3), Ms3w Chiyonoumi (2-3), Ms4e Tochimusashi (2-2) and Ms4w Hayatefuji (2-2) must win out just to have a chance. Look for the next update tomorrow.
What a great nakabi! Nakabi being the middle day of the basho, it’s usually a festive affair for the fans. It seems that NHK got in on the act as well in the process of celebrating an anniversary of their sumo broadcast coverage. Fans watching the NHK feed were treated to colorful graphics, unusual and interesting camera angles, and even some whimsical stats such as rikishi collision speed at the tachiai. I loved it.
Likewise the Great Sumo Cat of the Kokugikan was in a celebratory mood, bringing us surprisingly good sumo across the board. There were multiple upsets, including first losses for 2 undefeated men. Best day of the basho thus far!
Highlight Matches
Myogiryu defeats Mitoryu – Watching Mitoryu prepare for the tachiai, I have to think the guy is having leg problems, this was only bolstered by his letting Myogiryu break contact and re-engage on his terms. Mitoryu managed to get Myogiryu on the clay by what looked like a hatakikomi, but stepped out first, losing the match. If Mitoryu is hurt, I hope he can get better soon. Myogiryu improves to 6-2.
Tsurugisho defeats Chiyoshoma – When you get 400 pound Tsurugisho executing a henka against Chiyoshoma, and winning, you know this is not going to be a typical day of sumo. Many of the fans shared my sense of mirth that he was able to do this to the henka-master, Chiyoshoma. Well played, Tsurugisho now 5-3.
Ichiyamamoto defeats Aoiyama – How banged up is Aoiyama? He tried an immediate pull in the tachiai against Ichiyamamoto. Given Ichiyamamoto’s typical big initial push, it’s not a terrible choice, but it was “all or nothing”. Sadly, “nothing” was what Big Dan Aoiyama had coming to him today as Ichiyamamoto easily takes him out by tsukidashi, improving to 3-5.
Kotoeko defeats Oho – Firstly, where on earth has his version of Oho been? This is what we want to see, Oho. You took the fight to Kotoeko, and that was solid sumo. But today Kotoeko was not going to eat a loss. He rallied twice from near loss and kept the pressure on against Oho, and shoved him out after a protracted battle. Well earned as Kotoeko improves to 3-5.
Hokuseiho defeats Asanoyama – The first big surprise of the day comes when the enormous Hokuseiho employs a henka against Asanoyama. It does not take Asanoyama down, but it does give Hokuseiho the grip he used to win the match a short time later. His shitatenage against the former Ozeki was big, potent, and a far cry from his languid sumo of week 1. Asanoyama takes his first loss as Hokuseiho improves to 6-2. The rematch in Nagoya is going to be one to watch.
Kagayaki defeats Daishoho – Kagayaki was fairly passive again today, but was handed an opening for a tsukiotoshi on a silver platter. Naturally he took it, and was able to rack his third win to finish the day 3-5.
Sadanoumi defeats Takarafuji – Takarafuji’s initial block was solid, but the moment he released to get a working hand hold, Sadanoumi was able to get a morozashi, and it was three quick steps to put Takarafuji out by yorikiri. Sadanoumi improves to 4-4.
Hokutofuji defeats Takanosho – Hokutofuji’s handshake tachiai lands an immediate nodowa against Takanosho, and Takanosho’s focus is solely on breaking that choke hold. When Hokutofuji powers up to move forward, Takanosho has no answer, and exits the ring by oshidashi. Hokutofuji now 4-4.
Tamawashi defeats Ryuden – This match gives me hope that dear Tamawashi is not quite ready for the scrap yard yet. He grabs Ryuden like a punk kid filming a prank tik-tok video, and hurls him out of the ring. Both end the day 3-5.
Hiradoumi defeats Meisei – Nagasaki native Hiradoumi lets the sumo world know, he’s the real deal as he knocks Meisei out of the leader group. Hiradoumi kept reaching for a right hand frontal grip, and when he was able to land it, it proved a quick set up for the yoritaoshi that won the match in commanding fashion. That was some big sumo! Meisei joins Asanoyama in the 7-1 group as Hiradoumi improves to 6-2.
Onosho defeats Mitakeumi – Something woke me from a sound sleep in the middle of the night. It turns out it was blog creator Andy cheering this match, which was loud enough to be heard all the way in Texas. It looks like Mitakeumi tried a henka-non-henka, was immediately captured by Onosho, and bodily slammed to the clay. The kimarite is listed as watashikomi, but I list it as magnitude 4.2 in Tokyo. Both end the day 5-3.
Nishikifuji defeats Kinbozan – Uncharacteristic match from Kinbozan, as he seems to change his mind about he wants to do a moment after Nishikifuji grapples in. That moment of indecision is reflected in his body, as he goes soft just long enough for Nishikifuji to consolidate his hold and walk him back. Much needed win by yorikiri for Nishikifuji, who is now 2-6.
Abi defeats Tobizaru – Tobizuaru mounted the dohyo today with a lot of tape on his shoulder, which is a worry. Abi was clearly on the offense, and kept Tobizaru from any substantial attack as he drove Tobizaru back and out by oshidashi. Abi improves to 4-4.
Midorifuji defeats Daieisho – Daieisho was not part of the 7-0 leader group, but this match is a bit of an upset in my book anyhow. Midorifuji played Daieisho perfectly, knowing that Daieisho would be massive power-foward, and timing his move out of the way to the precise instant where Daieisho could do nothing by fall face first into the salt basket. Midorifuji needed that highlight reel worthy win, and is now 3-5.
Hoshoryu defeats Kotonowaka – I am not sure where this “good” version of Hoshoryu as been, but I am glad he is here. Kotonowaka’s big forward rush is captured and converted by Hoshoryu into the energy to power that throw, and Kotonowaka hits the deck by glorious kakenage as Hoshoryu advances to 6-2.
Kiribayama defeats Ura – Sometimes Ura gets into this mode, he gets in trouble, and he tries to counter by going lower and getting under and inside. He’s tried it the last several days, and it ends the same way. Today Ura took a backward fall out of the ring as Kiribayama delivers the oshitaoshi, improving to 6-2.
Nishikigi defeats Wakamotoharu – Another fun surprise was this wonderful match. This version of Nishikigi is a worthy member of the joi-jin, but he has been missed the first week. Wakamotoharu rightfully has a lot of confidence in his yotsu-zumo, and I can’t help but wonder if maybe he underestimated Nishikigi. Nishikigi’s battle plan today? OTTSUKE! Good lord, there was enough sumo in Nishikigi’s ottsuke today to beat all of the Onami brothers at the same time. Credit to Wakamotoharu for realizing that the body hold was not going to happen and attempting a throw. Nishikigi masterfully counters, collapsing Wakamotoharu to the clay by sukuinage. Masterful sumo from Nishikigi as he picks up his second win to end the day 2-6.
Takakeisho defeats Shodai – Takakeisho declares “Not today, Shodai!” for the brief moment it took him to run the former Ozeki out of the ring under a withering avalanche of tsuppari. Takakeisho now 2 wins from clearing kadoban at 6-2.
Terunofuji defeats Kotoshoho – Kotoshoho delivered a strong offense for about 3 seconds, but quickly went soft under the Yokozuna’s counter attack. As soon as Terunofuji broke Kotoshoho’s stance, it was a quick walk back and out for Terunofuji to score his 8th win, reaching kachi-koshi and remaining the sole leader of the Natsu basho at 8-0.
Welcome to nakabi, the middle day of the tournament! Having had the privilege of being able to attend a middle Sunday in person, it’s usually a festive occasion with plenty of happy folks in the Kokugikan, sharing a love of sumo, and having a good time.
With Endo kyujo, we will no longer have Juryo visitors, at least until someone gets hurt or withdraws. With us reaching day 8, it’s time to look at the leaderboard.
Natsu Leaderboard
It’s our first look at the leaderboard, and it’s a 3 way tie among undefeated rikishi. We have two with prior yusho experience in the top group, and if they can hold on to the start of act 3, will be the favorites to take the cup. As mentioned earlier in the basho, Asanoyama has the easiest path at the moment, as i don’t think they will send him against higher ranked opponents until day 10 at the earliest.
They are trailed by 2 rikishi with one loss, and a group of 7 with 2 losses in the hunt group.
Mitoryu (4-3) vs Myogiryu (5-2) – A head to head match up for two of the ‘ryu rikishi, both of them with winning records. They have never fought before in a basho, and I think that we are going to see Myogiryu have an early advantage, though Mitoryu’s enormity may prove to be enough to through Myogiryu off his match plan.
Chiyoshoma (4-3) vs Tsurugisho (4-3) – Tsurugisho as now won 3 out of his last 4, and I think is in about as good a fighting form as we are likely to see during Natsu. He’s up against Chiyoshoma who has won the last 4 in a row after a cold 0-3 start last weekend. They have a fairly even career record with a slight 6-5 lead for Chiyoshoma.
Aoiyama (2-5) vs Ichiyamamoto (2-5) – Matching 2-5 records for a pair of men I expect to favor a oshi-zumo battle. I am sure this is just fine for Ichiyamamoto who could not decide what to do with his hands during his day 7 loss to Asanoyama. The big question will be if he can land his double arm attacks early enough and strong enough to take advantage of Big Dan Aoiyama’s knee problems.
Oho (4-3) vs Kotoeko (2-5) – Now having won 3 in a row, maybe Oho is ready to settle in to some consistent sumo. I would like to think that Kotoeko, who has lost the last 3 in a row, is ready to break that streak. They have an even 2-2 record on the clay, so it should be possible for either man to dominate this match.
Hokuseiho (5-2) vs Asanoyama (7-0) – Well, now we get to the good stuff! Will Hakuho’s giant decide to be vigorous today, or just stand around and wait for sumo to happen nearby? If the only prior match between these two is any indication, Asanoyama will be driving this match, and Hokuseiho’s size may not matter that much. A win today for Asanoyama is kachi-koshi.
Kagayaki (2-5) vs Daishoho (2-5) – Both rikishi have bad 2-5 records to start today, and I think the best news is that one of them will find win number 3 today. Certainly Kagayaki has a 4-2 career lead, but out of those 6 matches, 4 of them happened in 2019. Daishoho won their only prior match this year.
Sadanoumi (3-4) vs Takarafuji (3-4) – Takarafuji holds a 15-6 career advantage, but don’t be surprised if he can’t stop lightning fast Sadanoumi today. His lower body just does not seem to be able to support his defensive style of sumo right now, and I think he will continue to struggle for the remaining week of the tournament.
Hokutofuji (3-4) vs Takanosho (2-5) – This one has the makings of a good fight, but for the fact that like Takarafuji, Takanosho’s lower body seems to be a limiting element to his sumo right now. I think that gives Hokutofuji a distinct advantage today, in that Hokutofuji’s lower body sometimes wins matches on his behalf, regardless of what the rest of him is doing at the time.
Ryuden (3-4) vs Tamawashi (2-5) – Also in the category of “this could have been a great match”, I don’t expect Tamawashi is going to have much to use in response to Ryuden’s sumo. The Iron Man is looking rusty and ready for recuperation right now, and I wish there was some way I could grant him that without damaging his amazing record of daily participation in sumo.
Meisei (7-0) vs Hiradoumi (5-2) – I have to wonder when Meisei is going to pick up his first loss. I suppose it is possible we could see him have a Goeido like moment and turn in the first zensho anyone has seen in a while, but I do think it’s unlikely. Hiradoumi has a solid winning record at 5-2, but is not really someone you would expect to be able to beat a genki Meisei. A win today for Meisei is kachi-koshi.
Onosho (4-3) vs Mitakeumi (5-2) – Battle of the big pushers. Both of them seem to have shaken off whatever ring rust or impediments were holding them back earlier, and are in fine fighting form. If the “good” Mitakeumi takes the dohyo today, this win belongs to him. But I think that Onosho knows that there will be an opening for him to win this one the moment that Mitakeumi makes a mistake
Kinbozan (3-4) vs Nishikifuji (1-6) – Direct from facing the Yokozuna, Kinbozan recycles to the lower parts of the banzuke to recover. He has Nishikifuji, who has only managed to win one match so far this tournament. This should be a straightforward Kinbozan win.
Abi (3-4) vs Tobizaru (3-4) – I think this has a chance to be a near perfect match. Both of them are prone to spontaneous high energy, off axis sumo. They are not afraid to step to the side, or use an unusual combination to try and with a match. They both have matching 3-4 records, so the winner today will be breaking a bit of a tie.
Daieisho (6-1) vs Midorifuji (2-5) – I don’t expect Midorifuji to offer Daieisho much of a challenge. There have been 3 prior matches, that have broken 2-1 in Daieisho’s favor. Furthermore, Daieisho’s sumo has been close to his optimum, and Midorifuji is at 2-5.
Kotonowaka (3-4) vs Hoshoryu (5-2) – Hoshoryu holds a 9-3 career advantage over Kotonowaka, plus he got a day of rest on day 7 after Endo withdrew from competition. Short of some disastrous bumble, I don’t see Hoshoryu losing this one.
Kiribayama (5-2) vs Ura (3-4) – On any given day, Ura can beat whomever he is paired against if the stars align for him to do something crazy. We have yet to see him really bend space-time this basho, so maybe he’s saving it for this middles Sunday. Kiribayama took his second loss on day 7 to Shodai, and I am quite sure he’s hoping to bounce back strong in his effort to drive to double digits.
Nishikigi (1-6) vs Wakamotoharu (6-1) – I think we can be fairly sure that these two will setting into a yotsu-zumo fight by the second step, and that which hand is inside will determine who controls the match. But all of that being true, I don’t see Nishikigi overcoming Wakamotoharu right now, who I think has a solid chance of competing for the cup in act 3. Wakamotoharu has a 5-1 career lead.
Shodai (3-4) vs Takakeisho (5-2) – Much like Ura, you can’t really ever count Shodai out. Yes, I give him a lot of grief here, and he deserves most of it. But if he somehow accidentally switches into “good” mode, he can and will beat anyone, including Terunofuji. We just don’t get to see that mode nearly enough. This would suit Takakeisho just fine, as he needs 3 more wins to reach the safety of 8.
Terunofuji (7-0) vs Kotoshoho (1-6) – Kotoshoho, even if he were genki, is completely out-matched here. I expect Terunofuji to pick up his 8th win and his kachi-koshi today. He has never lost to Kotoshoho in 4 prior matches.
Sumo fans in Tokyo and Nagoya really have access to something special. Starting in May and running through September, Makuuchi wrestlers turn the city streets into a catwalk of sorts. When arriving at the arena, our top-division favorites will stray from the formal kimono we often see and wear customized yukata, called somenuki (so-meh-new-key). The picture here comes from Tachiai reader, Rob Donner. It’s Sadanoumi in a brilliant purple yukata with this amazing, turbulent coastal design.
Sumo wrestler attire is subject to strict guidelines, especially when they’re at official events, like honbasho. We’re more familiar with them wearing hakama and haori, especially in the colder winter months. I was particularly struck by Chiyoshoma’s somenuki in this tweet, so I thought I would share with Tachiai readers. In contrast, Kinbozan is still wearing the hakama and haori that many are probably more familiar with. But at this time of year makuuchi wrestlers have the privilege of cutting loose on their way to work by ditching the standard stuff provided by the heya and wearing these yukata which are often provided by supporters and usually customized with their shikona.
My guess is that Kinbozan is so new to Makuuchi that he might not yet have much in the way of these custom threads. While some are quite simple, with just the shikona, many of them will feature very intricate designs with fantastic animals, landscapes, and other patterns. Endo’s for example, usually features the familiar shibaraku image of his Nagatanien sponsors. Sometimes, the front is simple, as might be the case with Asanoyama’s yukata here…but the back can be a whole different story. Think of the mullet: “business up front, party in the back.” That sentiment applies here sometimes, too. So we really need to get these guys to do their little turn so we can see who the partiers are.
I would love to retweet any of your examples of fantastic somenuki patterns, so @ me on Twitter @tachiai_blog and I will share. Maybe we can get a poll going for the most fashion-forward rikishi. Chiyoshoma is my early entry. Frankly, I love that mint green with the various colors in the mix of numbers. Do you have any others?
Andy’s brain when wrestlers do their little turn on the catwalk.
