Welcome to Tachiai’s coverage of third-division yusho and promotion races. Three rounds of bouts have been completed, and 15 rikishi made it through unscathed. Here’s the yusho bracket:
Normally, the undefeated men would be paired up in rank order on days 7 and 8. However, the top trio hails from Isegahama beya: Toshinofuji (Seihakuho), Arashifuji (Matsui), and Enho. So they will instead face the next three undefeated rikishi. Arashifuji and Enho are the only rikishi in the extended promotion zone (Ms6-Ms15) who can earn automatic Juryo promotion by going 7-0; a sekitori return has been Enho’s long-standing goal for his comeback. Toshinofuji’s opponent, Mineyaiba, is a near-sekitori-caliber rikishi on his own comeback from injury. Arashifuji gets former sekitori Tochimaru, whose unique style is characterized by rapid-fire tsuppari. Enho will fight Haruyama, a 25-year-old prospect whose progress has been stalled in Makushita for the past couple of years.
I think that covers most of the notable names. Our latest impressive Ms60 tsukedashi debutant, Wakanofuji, will round out the round of sixteen by facing Sd11e Tsurubayashi. Come back on Sunday for the next update on the yusho race.
No kyujo to report. But we do have a retirement announcement: former Makuuchi wrestler Daiamami has retired. Always Genki, he had fallen to Makushita 17 after a 1-7 tournament in Kyushu. Any idea why they gave him an eighth bout, against Juryo Himukamaru, to boot. I just feel like there’s a story there since 8-bout bashos are rather rare, unless you’re Hattorizakura. I’ll dig into it later today after I get some Zs.
Getting back to the Juryo race, Fujiseiun lost to Shonannoumi, falling to 5-1. Kayo is also tied at 5-1 with eight men chasing at 4-2. Fujiseiun will fight Tamashoho tomorrow and Kayo will fight Hakuyozan. Today’s NHK videos include the Nishikigi/Hidenoumi bout at the bottom.
Shishi (4-2) defeated Hatsuyama (0-6). Shishi pressed forward and shoved Hatsuyama back and out to his sixth consecutive loss. Oshidashi.
Oshoumi (5-1) defeated Mitakeumi (3-3). Oshoumi locked up Mitakeumi and drove him back and out. Yorikiri.
Asahakuryu (4-2) defeated Tobizaru (1-5). Tobizaru had the early edge in this long yotsu battle as his ottsuke kept Asahakuryu away from his belt. Once Asahakuryu landed his right hand inside grip, though, he was able to press forward and force Tobizaru out. Yorikiri.
Tomokaze (3-3) defeated Asanoyama (4-2). As Asanoyama forced Tomokaze to the edge, Tomokaze shifted right and thrust Asanoyama down to the ground. Tsukiotoshi.
Abi (6-0) defeated Asakoryu (2-4). Abi shoved Asakoryu back and Asakoryu stumbled a bit and stepped over the bales. Tsukidashi.
Ryuden (2-4) defeated Nishikifuji (3-3). Ryuden put his head down and drove Nishikifuji out. Yorikiri.
Kotoshoho (4-2) defeated Midorifuji (2-4). Kotoshoho drove forward and pressured Midorifuji over the bales while falling down. Gunbai Midorifuji. Mono-ii. Kotoshoho touched while Midorifuji was in the air and already dead. The shimpan reversed the call. Kotoshoho wins. Yoritaoshi.
Roga (3-3) defeated Chiyoshoma (2-4). Chiyoshoma shoved Roga back to the edge but he really still can’t put all of his weight on his right foot. Roga steadily charged forward and forced Chiyoshoma back over the edge. Chiyoshoma tried a last gasp pull but it was ineffective. Yorikiri.
Kinbozan (2-4) defeated Tokihayate (3-3). Kinbozan drove forward with a left-hand uwate and lifted Tokihayate off the ground and over the bales. Tsuridashi.
Fujinokawa (5-1) defeated Gonoyama (1-5). Despite Gonoyama’s forceful tsuppari forcing Fujinokawa back to the bales and around the ring, Fujinokawa used excellent footwork to work his way back to the middle of the ring. This put Gonoyama on the edge. Fujinokawa lashed out and thrust Gonoyama over the bales. Oshitaoshi.
Onokatsu (3-3) defeated Shodai (3-3). Shodai got his morozashi and forced Onokatsu to the edge but Onokatsu used the leverage to counter Shodai. He shoved Shodai hard in the face with his right hand. Shodai didn’t like it and stepped back and out. Oshidashi.
Halftime
Churanoumi (3-3) defeated Oshoma (5-1). Churanoumi’s tsuppari drove Oshoma back over the edge as Oshoma twisted Churanoumi down. Gunbai Churanoumi. Mono-ii. The shimpan confirmed the gyoji’s call that Oshoma touched out. Oshidashi.
Atamifuji (4-2) defeated Hiradoumi (3-3). Atamifuji grabbed Hiradoumi, wrapped him up, and drove him back over the edge. Yorikiri.
Hakunofuji (4-2) defeated Tamawashi (2-4). Hakunofuji’s left-hand inside grip allowed him to negate Tamawashi’s tsuppari and drive Tamawashi back. He fought to get his right hand inside grip, as well. With the morozashi he was able to force Tamawashi out. Yorikiri.
Yoshinofuji (4-2) defeated Ura (0-6). Ura had an early Edge and drove Yoshinofuji back. Ura brought his right arm up around Yoshinofuji’s neck and pulled. Big mistake as this completely reversed Yoshinofuji’s fortunes. Yoshinofuji plowed into Ura and forced him through the dohyo and off the edge, into the first row of spectators. Oshitaoshi.
Sanyaku
Wakamotoharu (1-5) defeated Oho (2-4). Oho seemed to have the upper hand as he acquired a morozashi and forced Wakamotoharu to the bales. Wakamotoharu twisted and threw Oho to the ground as both men crashed out. Gunbai Wakamotoharu. No mono-ii. Utchari.
Kirishima (5-1) defeated Ichiyamamoto (1-5). Kirishima drove Ichiyamamoto back to the edge. Ichiyamamoto stepped over the edge. Gunbai Ichiyamamoto? Mono-ii. I think the gyoji got lost and pointed the wrong way. Ichiyamamoto was out. Kirishima was never dead or out. Oshidashi.
Kotozakura (4-2) defeated Daieisho (1-5). Kotozakura won moving forward today. Or, more precisely, Daieisho lost by retreating around the ring. Kotozakura did his job by not falling down while Daieisho ran away. Tsukidashi.
Aonishiki (5-1) defeated Takayasu (4-2). Aonishiki got that dangerous left-hand inside and drove Takayasu back and out. Yorikiri.
Hoshoryu (5-1) defeated Takanosho (0-6). Hoshoryu drove Takanosho back to the bales then unleashed a pull and slapped Takanosho down. Hatakikomi.
Onosato (5-1) defeated Wakatakakage (3-3). Onosato drove Wakatakakage back to the bales where Wakatakakage seemed to want to dig in and launch a counter-attack. Onosato pulled and pivoted, and slapped Wakatakakage down. Hatakikomi.
Wrap-up
Abi is alone with an unblemished record so far this tournament. Both Yokozuna lead a group of seven guys with one loss. We head into the middle weekend with excellent performances thus far from the division’s top guys. We have quite a bit to look forward to tomorrow.
Abi will fight Asanoyama for the first time in nearly two years. Asanoyama leads their head-to-head with 9 wins to 4 losses. However, Abi is hot and Asanoyama is charging his way back from injury. It should be a good bout, nonetheless.
In sanyaku, Takayasu will fight Oho, Kirishima will battle Yoshinofuji, Aonishiki will take on Wakamotoharu and it’s Kotozakura versus Wakatakakage. Onosato will fight Daieisho and Hoshoryu will finish the day off against Hakunofuji. I don’t see a bad match in there. Should be a great day of action.
Day Five. No kyujo news, which is not a surprise. NHK coverage was diverted again for a press conference, this time with Noda Yoshihiko, leader of the opposition CDP. So, we’re firing up the VPN to get Abema coverage to start the day. Myogiryu is their commentator today, over on NHK they have Endo and Mainoumi.
In Juryo action, Nishikigi defeated Dewanoryu and Fujiseiun beat Sadanoumi. And then there was one. This means Fujiseiun is the lone wrestler still undefeated in the second division.
Asanoyama (4-1) defeated Ryuden (1-4). Ryuden looks bigger than Asanoyama. But Asanoyama got both hands wrapped around Ryuden’s trunk, stood him up and shoved him out. Yorikiri.
Mitakeumi (3-2) defeated Hatsuyama (0-5). Hatsuyama got a left hand uwate grip, pulled but could not throw Mitakeumi. Mitakeumi quickly drove Hatsuyama back and out. Yorikiri.
Oshoumi (4-1) defeated Shishi (3-2). Shishi wrapped up Oshoumi’s left arm and held it aloft. As he wrapped up Oshoumi, he began to pull him toward the edge. Oshoumi used his free right arm to reach Shishi’s belt with a right hand shitate, (inside grip). As the pair neared the bales, Oshoumi pulled up hard with that right-hand grip and toppled Shishi over the bales and off the dohyo. Shitatenage.
Tomokaze (2-3) defeated Asahakuryu (3-2). Tomokaze drove into Asahakuryu with a strong right hand nodowa. He never pulled, he just plowed ahead and shoved Asahakuryu off the edge. Taking a page out of Takanosho’s playbook will get me to sit up and take notice. Oshidashi.
Midorifuji (2-3) defeated Asakoryu (3-2). Asakoryu jammed his right arm into Midorifuji’s jaw but as they neared the edge, Midorifuji knocked Asakoryu’s hand away and shoved him forward. This gave Midorifuji access to the back of Asakoryu’s belt and he quickly seized it. Midorifuji got behind Asakoryu and walked him out. Okuridashi.
Nishikifuji (3-2) defeated Tobizaru (1-4). Nishikifuji laid into Tobizaru with relentless tsuppari and Tobizaru had no answers. Nishikifuji assaulted him over and over, walking through Tobizaru’s own shoves until the Flying Monkey was sent Flying into the crowd. Tobizaru has been having a terrible start to the tournament. Oshidashi.
Abi (5-0) defeated Chiyoshoma (2-3). Chiyoshoma tried to get his migi-yotsu attack going but Abi blocked his hands from getting a firm grip. Nevertheless, Chiyoshoma pressured Abi to the edge. Abi shifted to his left along the bales and dragged Chiyoshoma down. Chiyoshoma slow to get up, favoring his heavily taped right ankle. Tsukiotoshi.
Tokihayate (3-2) defeated Roga (2-3) Despite Roga’s firm left-hand uwate, Tokihayate wrapped him up with a bear hug and drove him back and out. Yorikiri.
Kotoshoho (3-2) defeated Gonoyama (1-4). As Gonoyama plowed forward, Kotoshoho brought his right arm up around Gonoyama’s head and twisted, bringing Gonoyama down at the edge. Kubinage.
Fujinokawa (4-1) defeated Shodai (3-2). Fujinokawa henka! This is Shodai, though. He just turned left as he stood up. Duh. Why henka? The hyper-caffeinated Fujinokawa then laid into poor Shodai, driving him back to the bales and out. Oshidashi.
Oshoma (5-0) defeated Kinbozan (1-4). Oshoma stood Kinbozan up with strong tsuppari, then grabbed a hold of his belt with a left hand uwate. Oshoma then pulled and threw Kinbozan over the edge. Uwatedashinage.
Halftime
Hiradoumi (3-2) defeated Churanoumi (2-3). Hiradoumi overpowered Churanoumi, pressed him back with his migi-yotsu and walked him out. Yorikiri.
Onokatsu (2-3) defeated Tamawashi (2-3). Tamawashi lashed out with his tsuppari but Onokatsu ducked his head down, stepped inside and grabbed Tamawashi’s belt with both hands inside. That’s one way to end the tsuppari. Onokatsu then chugged forward and forced Tamawashi out. The tachiai appeared to open a gash on Onokatsu’s forehead. Bloodied, he accepted his kensho. Yorikiri.
Atamifuji (3-2) defeated Ura (0-5). Ura picked a terrible time to jump backward and try a slapdown. Atamifuji was chugging forward when Ura leapt into the air, coming down on the other side of the bales. Yorikiri.
Yoshinofuji (3-2) defeated Ichiyamamoto (1-4). Yoshinofuji greeted Ichiyamamoto with a great shove at the tachiai, blasting the oshi-tsuki specialist deep into his own half of the dohyo. Yoshinofuji then pressed forward, wrapped Ichi up and walked him over the bales. The most impressive thing for me was that you would expect Ichiyamamoto to be the one blasting Yoshinofuji and shoving him backwards. When Yoshinofuji used Ichiyamamoto’s favored technique against him to drive him back to the bales, I am impressed. Yorikiri.
Sanyaku
Takayasu (4-1) defeated Wakamotoharu (0-5). Wakamotoharu did not appear to have a plan so Takayasu blasted him from the dohyo with forceful tsuppari. Tsukidashi.
Oho (2-3) defeated Kirishima (4-1). Oho forced Kirishima into a brawl. As Oho lashed out with head-butts and tsuppari, Kirishima countered with blows of his own but he really wanted to duck inside and force a grapple. As Kirishima pressed to get inside, Oho suddenly pulled and slapped Kirishima down. Beautifully played. When I think of amateur sumo, I wonder how many folks bring that kind of intensity to practice? You probably can’t without catching an assault charge or creating tons of injuries. Most probably don’t even bring this intensity to competition. The Heya Life is just a different world. (But I digress.) Hatakikomi.
Aonishiki (4-1) defeated Daieisho (1-4). Daieisho lashed out with his tsuppari but Aonishiki moved inside, grabbed Daieisho’s belt and drove him back and over the edge. Yorikiri.
Hakunofuji (3-2) defeated Kotozakura (3-2). Hakunofuji held Kotozakura high with his left hand inside, under Kotozakura’s shoulder. Kotozakura got a left-hand inside grip but Hakunofuji pressed ahead with his right hand uwate and forced the Ozeki out. Yorikiri.
Onosato (4-1) defeated Takanosho (0-5). Takanosho pulled and caught the Yokozuna carelessly charging forward. I’m certain Onosato did not prepare. He did not read the brief. Wide-eyed Takanosho tried to chase but only caught Onosato with a glancing blow as the Yokozuna deflected his attack and he fell forward. Onosato fell off the edge. Gunbai Onosato. No mono-ii. Good call but so unsatisfying. Takanosho might relive that moment for the rest of his life. Three lifetime kinboshi against Terunofuji but this one against Onosato slipped away. Tsukiotoshi.
Hoshoryu (4-1) defeated Wakatakakage (3-2). Hoshoryu sprung forward and used his left hand to rip Wakatakakage’s hand away while grasping Wakatakakage’ belt with the right. Hoshoryu charged forward and ushered Wakatakakage over the edge. Yorikiri.
Wrap-up
Kirishima picked up his first loss. Abi and Oshoma remain in the lead. Abi will fight Asakoryu tomorrow and Oshoma will take on Churanoumi. In sanyaku, the komusubi will face off, Oho versus Wakamotoharu. Kirishima will fight Ichiyamamoto and Kotozakura will fight Daieisho in what feels like a must-win bout. Aonishiki battles Takayasu, Hoshoryu will fight the ghost of Takanosho and Onosato will take on Wakatakakage.
I’ll be watching the kyujo news tomorrow. We’ll see if Chiyoshoma ducks out early. Down in Makushita, Enho will fight Fujisodai as he tries to pick up a third straight win. Down in Jonokuchi, Asahifuji will have the day off as he picked up his third win today. As a bit of an aside, the female announcer voice at Kokugikan has a bit of a Squid Game edge in her cheerful voice as she tells people to head for the exits.
Day Four begins in Tokyo. No kyujo to report from the top two divisions. In Juryo, Meisei and Wakanosho lost to fall out of the lead group of Fujiseiun, Sadanoumi, and Dewanoryu. Video of Sadanoumi’s win is included in today’s NHK videos. Scroll past the top division action to find it, along with interview videos from today.
Yesterday’s action is behind us. Well, not quite. There was a lot of great action but the controversy around Ura’s loss to Onosato attracted a lot of attention in the press. To recap, Onosato forced Ura backward but with a last second twist, Ura pulled Onosato forward and forced Onosato to touch the ground a split second before Ura landed on his butt.
The judges’ decision for a rematch instead of Ura’s outright win rightly created a lot of confusion. “But Onosato touched first.” Some point at Ura’s heel as the deciding factor but Takadagawa-oyakata, the head judge on the dohyo at the time, revealed there was divided opinion among the folks in the replay room. With such doubt, the rematch was decided.
Effectively, rather than seizing victory from the jaws of defeat, Ura seized a rematch. His move sewed doubt in many of us watching and earned himself a rematch. Unfortunately for him, Onosato dominated the second bout. Anyway, I found it telling that the judges themselves were split in this case and lacking consensus, opted for a rematch.
Oshoumi (3-1) defeated Ryuden (1-3). Ryuden shifted to his left at the tachiai. Oshoumi turned and stopped his momentum in time but Ryuden blitzed and shoved Oshoumi to the edge. Both men grabbed each others mawashi and pulled up with all their might as Ryuden tried to force Oshoumi over the bales. Oshoumi twisted and turned the tables on Ryuden, heaving the Takadagawa-beya veteran over the bales. Utchari.
Asakoryu (2-2) defeated Hatsuyama (0-4). Hatsuyama pulled and tried a slapdown but that played into Asakoryu’s hands as he shoved Hatsuyama back and over the bales. Oshidashi.
Asanoyama (3-1) defeated Shishi (3-1). Shishi charged forward but Asanoyama was strong enough to resist Shishi’s pressure. He wasn’t going anywhere. He hooked his right arm under Shishi’s left and twisted Shishi down with a quick beltless throw. Sukuinage.
Mitakeumi (2-2) defeated Asahakuryu (3-1). A rather soft tachiai from Asahakuryu as he shifted left. Mitakeumi turned and pressed forward, forcing Asahakuryu over the bales. Yorikiri.
Midorifuji (1-3) defeated Tobizaru (1-3). Midorifuji picked up his first win after a great belt battle. Tobizaru locked in with his right hand inside belt grip. Midorifuji countered with his left hand over arm. He pulled Tobizaru toward the bales and with his right arm freed from Tobizaru’s ottsuke, twisted Tobizaru down at the edge. Sukuinage.
Abi (4-0) defeated Tomokaze (1-3). Tomokaze pressed forward for a change and Abi immediately shifted right and pulled Tomokaze down. “That’s how you execute.” Hatakikomi.
Tokihayate (2-2) defeated Chiyoshoma (2-2). Tokihayate grabbed Chiyoshoma’s belt with his right-hand over arm grip and hauled Chiyoshoma down, pressing on Chiyoshoma’s head with his left hand. Gunbai Tokihayate. Mono-ii. Hairpull? Upon review, Tokihayate’s hand never curled itself in Chiyoshoma’s top-knot. No pull so the gyoji’s decision was confirmed. Uwatedashinage.
Kotoshoho (2-2) defeated Nishikifuji (2-2). The two men clashed with head butts and tsuppari. Kotoshoho slipped left as Nishikifuji charged forward and caught Nishikifuji off-balance, slapping him down. Hatakikomi.
Shodai (3-1) defeated Gonoyama (1-3). Gonoyama pressed his weight forward into Shodai but he couldn’t create forward momentum. Instead Shodai charged ahead. Gonoyama shoved his arm into Shodai’s face. Displeased, Shodai used his left arm, hooked under Gonoyama’s right to shove Gonoyama down to the ground. Tsukiotoshi.
Roga (2-2) defeated Kinbozan (1-3). Kinbozan charged ahead but his right leg lost grip with the dohyo and he slipped down. Tsukiotoshi.
Oshoma (4-0) defeated Hiradoumi (2-2). Oshoma grabbed Hiradoumi’s left arm and dragged him over to the bales. As Hiradoumi slammed on the brakes and resisted Oshoma’s pull, Oshoma changed his approach and shoved Hiradoumi, instead. This used Hiradoumi’s force against him and sent Hiradoumi across the dohyo and over the bales. Oshidashi.
Halftime
Fujinokawa (3-1) defeated Onokatsu (1-3). Fujinokawa threw everything but the kitchen sink at Onokatsu. Pushes, pulls, throws, and kicks. Eventually, Fujinokawa got a morozashi hold of Onokatsu’s belt, twisted him over to the bales and then hauled him over. Yorikiri.
Tamawashi (2-2) defeated Daieisho (1-3). As Daieisho thrust his way forward, Tamawashi shifted to his right and shoved Daieisho to the ground. Tsukiotoshi.
Atamifuji (2-2) defeated Churanoumi (2-2). Atamifuji used his left arm to pull Churanoumi’s right arm off his belt. Pulling up with the right arm under Churanoumi’s left, Atamifuji thrust forward with gaburi-yotsu and forced Churanoumi over the edge. Yorikiri.
Wakatakakage (3-1) defeated Takanosho (0-4). Takanosho drove forward, putting Wakatakakage’s back to the edge. But Wakatakakage was able to escape to his right and pulled Takanosho forward to the bales. He then charged ahead to finish Takanosho off. Oshidashi.
Sanyaku
Kirishima (4-0) defeated Wakamotoharu (0-4). Kirishima used his left arm under Wakamotoharu’s right and kept twisting, trying to unleash that sukuinage but Wakamotoharu resisted each time. Kirishima tried to change his left-hand hold for a belt grip but WMH wouldn’t let him. Instead, Kirishima reached over with his right arm, grabbed Wakamotoharu’s belt and drove him straight back over the bales. Yorikiri.
Takayasu (3-1) defeated Hakunofuji (2-2). Hakunofuji tried to grab Takayasu’s left arm for a kotenage but Takayasu cleverly turned the tables and locked Hakunofuji’s right arm. He then pulled Hakunofuji forward by his right arm. Sakatottari.
Ichiyamamoto (1-3) defeated Kotozakura (3-1). Ichiyamamoto wrapped up Kotozakura with his right hand inside. As Ichiyamamoto lifted and pressed forward, Kotozakura tried to twist Ichiyamamoto down. Kotozakura stepped out as Ichiyamamoto went down. Gunbai Ichiyamamoto. No mono-ii. Yorikiri.
Oho (1-3) defeated Aonishiki (3-1). Oho hooked his arms under Aonishiki’s left arm and pulled hard. He did not want Aonishiki to have that belt grip. He succeeded in forcing Aonishiki to release. Even more, he forced Aonishiki back to the edge. Aonishiki tried to twist as both men crashed over the edge. Gunbai Oho. No mono-ii. Abisetaoshi.
Hoshoryu (3-1) defeated Ura (0-4). Hoshoryu found himself with a hand full of Ura’s belt and Ura pitched perilously forward. Hoshoryu realized he could shift left and pull Ura forward for an easy win. Uwatehineri.
Yoshinofuji (2-2) defeated Onosato (3-1). Yoshinofuji is a hoss. Another double-fisted stack of kensho. Wow. Yoshinofuji owned this bout. He quickly locked on to Onosato’s belt with his left hand over arm grip, pivoted left and hoisted Onosato over. Uwatenage.
Wrap-up
Three upsets today. Aonishiki has looked vulnerable at times but managed to keep winning. Oho put an end to that today. It looked like he had a plan and executed it well by attacking that left arm. Will others take note and follow that strategy? Yoshinofuji won another kinboshi off Onosato. His rise has been so fast, like the Yokozuna’s, that he still can’t wear the oicho-mage.
Today threw a wrench into a whole lot of yusho plans. We’re down to three undefeated wrestlers in Makuuchi: Kirishima, Oshoma, and Abi. Do you see a yusho coming from one of those three? Obviously, Kirishima and Abi are yusho winners already. Kirishima is finally in form and would love to put together a new Ozeki run. I have a feeling there would be open revolt among Tachiai readers if Oshoma were to win or if Abi would win again from such a low rank…again. What’s more likely is the yusho race will look completely different after nakabi.
There are a slew of great bouts on tap tomorrow, even among rank-and-filers. Top division action will open with Asanoyama fighting Ryuden. Abi will take on Chiyoshoma. Oshoma will fight Kinbozan. Ura will fight Atamifuji and Ichiyamamoto will take on Yoshinofuji, earning their break from sanyaku opponents.
In sanyaku, Takayasu will fight Wakamotoharu who is struggling to find a win. Takayasu, though, seems to be winning well by attacking his opponents’ arms. I wonder if that will continue or if that’s just a weird coincidence. Kirishima will take on Oho. Aonishiki will fight Daieisho with very slim chances that Daieisho will try to repeat Oho’s successful maneuver. Kotozakura will fight Hakunofuji, Onosato will take on the hapless Takanosho and Hoshoryu will have a tough one against Wakatakakage.
