I received my banzuke today so I wanted to update folks on two news items related to this tournament’s ranking sheet. Sumo fans will remember the big news last tournament which resulted in Isegahama-oyakata being kyujo while the Sumo Association conducted its investigation.
As a refresher or a brief summary for those who were under a rock last month: there was an Isegahama event where an intoxicated Hakunofuji was getting fresh with a female guest at the event. Isegahama got angry and struck Hakunofuji. Due to the power harassment and anti-bullying policies, this was obviously “an incident”. Isegahama got ahead of things and reported the incident, himself, to the Sumo Association…thus the kyujo in March while the Sumo Association investigated and deliberated.
Ultimately, Isegahama was docked pay and demoted because of his actions. Hakunofuji was also admonished for his behavior. What I wanted to illustrate to readers was what the impact of the demotion actually looked like on the banzuke. What I’ve got below is a picture of the March banzuke on top of the current, May, banzuke. I highlighted Isegahama on each.
Back in March, Isegahama was ranked next to Minatogawa (Takakeisho). Now, he’s just ahead of Sendagawa (Tokushoryu). Isegahama was shifted in rank below Kise oyakata, as well as recent retirees you all will be familiar with as former Kotoeko, Myogiryu, and Aoiyama. Anyway, when this punishment came down, I was curious what that meant in the grand hierarchy of the Kyokai.
Now, for the second update. Among our recent retirees, we saw Chiyomaru retire from active sumo at the end of last tournament. However, he stayed with the sumo association as an employee called, “Wakaimonogashira.” It’s an auxillary role which acts primarily as a guide to young wrestlers.
You’ll see him associated with the sumo school course work as well as active during maezumo activities, like the upcoming gyoji toss, and in a ring-side support role. So, he moved from his position in Sandanme in March (above) to being listed on the bottom row of the ranking sheet, to the right of the central column with the other wakaimonogashira (below).
I hope this helps give a bit more context to those previous news stories. Sorry I didn’t publish this earlier but I wanted a copy of the current sheet in my hands so I could blow up these pictures better.
Day 13 in Tokyo. No new top division kyujo to report.
Kazuma defeated Kazekeno and equalized their records at 10 wins, 3 losses. Takerufuji defeated Tamashoho to improve to 9-4, and remain one loss back. Enho beat Meisei to finally pick up his kachi-koshi and join a group of eight men with 8 wins. It was their first meeting since November 2020. Onokatsu, at Juryo 1 East, is another of those kachi-koshi wrestlers and will earn his top division return. Takerufuji is likely to join him.
Shosei from Nakamura-beya claimed the Jonidan yusho, easily shoving out Maniwayama. Hakugetsuro slapped down 28-year veteran wrestler Hienriki to claim the Jonokuchi yusho for Asahiyama-beya, its first yusho under ex-Kotonishiki. And in Sandanme, Asahifuji defeated Mita to pick up his 7th win and officially join the 21 Club, with members like Enho, Hokuseiho and Fujiseiun.
Thus, the sandanme yusho has come down to another playoff between Asahifuji and Kiryuko. I think Kiryuko will be the first competitor to earn a second crack at the Isegahama phenom. Will that previous experience help him for their second senshuraku showdown? And jmotzi asked, “What happened to D’s nuts?” They’re all in Makushita. The Makushita yusho is nuts. But on to the top division.
Asasuiryu (9-4) defeated Ryuden (5-8). Asasuiryu fired straight ahead at the tachiai, drawing Ryuden to plow ahead with full force. Asasuiryu timed his shift and slapdown perfectly and he pulled Ryuden down to a make-koshi record and possible Juryo demotion. Hikiotoshi.
Oshoumi defeated Tamawashi. You could tell these two were fighting for their top division lives. Fierce tsuppari. Oshoumi pressed forward and got inside, grabbing Tamawashi’s belt with his left-hand inside. He charged forward and forced Tamawashi back over the edge. Yorikiri.
Roga (8-5) defeated Tokihayate. Roga quickly got his left hand uwate, charged forward and overwhelmed Tokihayate. Yorikiri.
Wakanosho (7-6) defeated Nishikifuji (3-10). Wakanosho drove Nishikifuji back to the bales with his tsuppari. Nishikifuji could tell he was done so he turned and looked for a place to land as he stepped of the dohyo. With the barge rapidly filling up, Nishikifuji even seems in danger of getting a ticket if he can’t pick up a win in the final two days. Tsukidashi.
Abi (5-8) defeated Mitakeumi (7-6). Abi pulled and slapped Mitakeumi down. “Pivot? Andy, what is this pivot? I don’t need no stinking pivot.” Hatakikomi.
Shishi (4-9) defeated Asahakuryu (4-9). Shishi got his left hand uwate, pulled up and churned his legs until Asahakuryu was off the dohyo. He then gave him a little extra shove, causing Asahakuryu to fall into the lap of a fan in the front row. Yorikiri.
Fujiryoga (9-4) defeated Churanoumi (8-5). Fujiryoga ended the East-side win streak with powerful blasts, sending Churanoumi flailing off the dohyo. Fujiryoga will earn some breathing space from the bottom of the banzuke when the Nagoya ranking sheet comes out. Oshidashi.
Wakamotoharu (4-9) defeated Kinbozan (5-8). Kinbozan was trying to reach back over Wakamotoharu for his left hand belt grip. He was way too damn high. Wakamotoharu stayed low and drove forward into Kinbozan, forcing him back over the edge. It feels like Wakamotoharu has found his comfort level. Yorikiri.
Hakunofuji (9-4) defeated Gonoyama (8-5). Hakunofuji let Gonoyama press forward because he shuffled to his right and slapped Gonoyama down on the bales. Hatakikomi.
Halftime
Hiradoumi (6-7) defeated Daieisho (5-8). Hiradoumi overpowered Daieisho and shoved him out. Daieisho had that Ozeki run last year and has fallen off since his kyujo. He picked up his makekoshi and may fall deeper into the rank-and-file. Oshidashi.
Oho (7-6) defeated Ichiyamamoto (5-8). Ichiyamamoto needed to pivot or do something to change his direction. Oho shoved his gear in drive – which is massively appreciated – and forced Ichiyamamoto back and out. Oshidashi.
Yoshinofuji (10-3) defeated Ura (9-4). Yoshinofuji charged into Ura with tsuppari and nodowa. Ura shifted to the side and nearly brought Yoshinofuji down. Yoshinofuji avoided touching down, chased after Ura and shoved him out. Oshidashi.
Oshoma (7-6) defeated Takanosho (5-8). Oshoma got Takanosho dizzy as they both spun and pulled at the edge and easily pushed him out. Oshidashi. Video replay shows Takanosho’s hand dragging along the dohyo earlier in the bout so the kimarite might change. Ah! They changed it. Hatakikomi.
Fujiseiun (6-7) defeated Fujinokawa (6-7). Fujiseiun crushed Fujinokawa out at the edge after a great bout. Fujiseiun did an exceptional job of keeping Fujinokawa contained and not letting him slip away. Once he had him cornered, he pressed forward with all of his strength and forced Fujinokawa backwards. Yoritaoshi.
Sanyaku
Wakatakakage (10-3) defeated Tobizaru (9-4). Wakatakakage put the “Flying” in “Flying monkey” as he picked Tobizaru up and chucked him into the crowd. Not a yeet but still hilarious. Tsuridashi.
Kotoshoho (8-5) defeated Shodai (6-7). Kotoshoho slapped Shodai to the edge. At the edge Shodai shifted right and pulled Kotoshoho forward as if that should have done something spectacular. It did not. Kotoshoho re-engaged and wore Shodai down, steadily moving forward and eventually pushing him over the bales. Oshidashi.
Atamifuji (7-6) defeated Chiyoshoma (5-8). Atamifuji’s pre-tachiai nonsense took the power out of Chiyoshoma’s tachiai. Atamifuji attacked and pushed out Chiyoshoma, barely. Oshidashi.
Kirishima (11-2) defeated Kotoeiho (10-3). OK, This bout was fantastic. Worth the price of admission. Back and forth, sukuinage attempts, kicks and trips before Kotoeiho corners Kirishima and shoved him backwards and over the bales while Kirishima simultaneously twisted and pulled Kotoeiho forward. Gunbai Kotoeiho. Mono-ii. Kotoeiho’s sumo was excellent. He did a great job. But that was the most freaking ridiculous, Matrix-level comeback move I have ever seen. Slo-mo clearly shows Kirishima’s left leg pop out and trip Kotoeiho, and Kirishima’s ability to pull Kotoeiho back so Kotoeiho touched first. Utchari.
As Kirishima’s walking down the hanamichi he hands his massive stack of kensho to his tsukebito and stops by the video monitor, “Hold on a minute, bruh. I gotta see this for myself.”
Wrap-Up
Say what you will about the kyujo and the quality of this basho as a whole but damn we’ve seen some excellent sumo this tournament and that final move by Kirishima is top of my list so far. Frankly, the kimarite feels insufficient because the trip was so vital to this takedown. It wasn’t just a normal, run-of-the-mill utchari, as if there ever was a “normal, run-of-the-mill utchari.” Wow.
If you ask me, this should have been the lead story on the NHK news broadcast which followed the bout. “Ozeki Kirishima Successfully Bends Spacetime.” You just have to feel for Kotoeiho. After the decision, he had the look of a kid who’d just had a seagull swoop down and poop on his ice cream before he’d had a chance to take a lick. The innocence. The anticipation. And the utter loss. Gutshot.
Yusho Arasoi:
Two Losses: Kirishima
Three Losses: Wakatakakage, Yoshinofuji, the Ghost of Kotoeiho
The Kyokai has yet to publish the bouts for tomorrow. I’m thinking either Tobizaru or Churanoumi for Kirishima, maybe Ura if they want to see who can out-Neo whom. Atamifuji is out of this but the lone sanyaku competitor that he hasn’t faced, so I’m leaning towards that senshuraku showdown.
The Kyokai could go completely the other way, though, and pair the two tomorrow with a yusho contender on Sunday. Your guess is as good as mine. I bet Wakatakakage will face Kotoeiho. (Of course Atamifuji won’t fight Yoshinofuji, Andy.) I’ll try to post an update later today but there are a few other items on my plate today so it might not happen. I will definitely be sitting here tomorrow, though, to see what happens next.
Day 12 in Tokyo. Asanoyama and Kotozakura are kyujo. Kotoeiho and Churanoumi will receive default wins. I also wanted to bring up the kyujo of Yumenofuji now that more information has been made available.
On Day 10, Yumenofuji fought Tsurubayashi and suffered a hard fall as both men crashed from the dohyo. He was not moving and was removed from the arena by a stretcher. Terunofuji was there, pictured with Yumenofuji as he was wheeled away. News is that he’s had an MRI and been diagnosed with a concussion (no shit) and has been suffering from nausea and headaches. We’re definitely thankful it isn’t worse.
Down in Juryo, Enho lost another one. This time, he was initially awarded the pushout win but the call was overturned by the shimpan who decided he was dead while Hatsuyama was still in. NHK videos are here. Kazekeno (10-2) continues to hold onto his two-stroke lead over Kazuma (8-3).
Kyokukaiyu (7-5 Juryo) defeated Tamawashi (2-10). After the tachiai, Kyokukaiyu shifted left and drove forward from Tamawashi’s side. He quickly plowed through the dohyo and forced Tamwashi over the edge. I think Tamawashi just punched his ticket to Juryo. If so, an era ends. Yorikiri.
Mitakeumi (7-5) defeated Shishi (3-9). Mitakeumi let Shishi fumble around for a little bit before he hooked his right arm under Shishi’s left and pressed forward, forcing Shishi back and over the edge. Shishi isn’t safe from the drop. Yorikiri.
Ryuden (5-7) defeated Tokihayate (4-8). Ryuden got his left hand uwate and Tokihayate was toast. Ryuden needs to win out to be absolutely safe but could conceivably avoid the drop with two more wins. But it will be tight. Yorikiri.
Ura (9-3) defeated Fujiryoga (8-4). Ura hooked his right arm in Fujiryoga’s left, pivoted, and toppled Fujiryoga. Sukuinage.
Kotoeiho (10-2) defaut win over Asanoyama (7-5).
Roga (7-5) defeated Nishikifuji (3-9). Roga grabbed Nishikifuji with his left hand uwate and drove forward, forcing Nishikifuji out, easily. Yorikiri.
Oshoma (6-6) defeated Wakanosho (6-6). Oshoma’s tsuppari was too strong for Wakanosho. Wakanosho made initial progress to force Oshoma to the edge. Oshoma seemed to use the edge for leverage and powered forward, knocking Wakanosho clear over the edge. Oshidashi.
Asahakuryu (4-8) defeated Oshoumi (3-9). Migi-yotsu. Asahakuryu was too strong for Oshoumi and pressed forward, forcing Oshoumi over the edge and likely into Juryo. Yorikiri.
Chiyoshoma (5-7) defeated Kinbozan (5-7). Motoki with the Big D put a halt to the fight, judging Chiyoshoma jumped early. Matta. On the second attempt Chiyoshoma reached back and grabbed Kinbozan’s mawashi way back by the thong, drove forward and forced Kinbozan out. Both men tumbled down the dohyo. Out of nowhere, Motoki pulled out a packet of almonds. “Want some of D’s nuts?” Watashikomi.
Shodai (6-6) defeated Abi (4-8). Abi laid into Shodai with tsuppari and nodowa, forcing him back. Shodai slipped left and pulled Abi down at the edge. Tsukiotoshi.
Halftime
Oho (6-6) defeated Hakunofuji (8-4). Hidari yotsu. Oho used his right hand uwate to press Hakunofuji back to the edge. At the edge, Oho pivoted and dragged Hakunofuji down by that right hand. Hakunofuji seemed to hurt his left ankle and was slow to get up. He limped slowly up the hanamichi. Uwatenage.
Yoshinofuji (9-3) defeated Tobizaru (9-3). Yoshinofuji caught the monkey, contained him, and pushed him clear off the dohyo. Oshidashi.
Hiradoumi (5-7) defeated Ichiyamamoto (5-7). Ichiyamamoto pivoted and tried to pull Hiradoumi down but it was Hiradoumi who pulled Ichiyamamoto down with help from a tug on his belt. Shitatenage.
Fujinokawa (6-6) defeated Daieisho (5-7). Fujinokawa blitzed Daieisho and blasted him from the ring as Daieisho pulled. Oshidashi.
Takanosho (5-7) defeated Wakamotoharu (3-9). Wakamotoharu pulled but got lost half way to the edge. Takanosho showed him the way to the exit and ushered him over the edge.
Sanyaku
Wakatakakage (9-3) defeated Gonoyama (8-4). Wakatakakage pulled after the tachiai and Gonoyama fell forward. Someone had done their homework. Tsukiotoshi.
Churanoumi (8-4) default win over Kotozakura (3-9).
Atamifuji(6-6) defeated Fujiseiun (5-7). Fujiseiun drove forward and forced Atamifuji back to the edge. Atamifuji twisted and thrust Fujiseiun down while stepping out. Gunbai Fujiseiun. Mono-ii. After video review, the shimpan decided on a rematch. In the rematch, Atamifuji dominated and forced Fujiseiun back and out. Yorikiri.
Kirishima (10-2) defeated Kotoshoho (7-5). The pair traded slapdown attempts. Kirishima’s was effective. Hatakikomi.
Beginning on Day 13, the bout announcements get delayed as match-makers try to figure out the best pairings for the days ahead. So, we do not have tomorrow’s torikumi yet. One thing’s for sure, there will be no Ozeki battle on senshuraku. Kirishima’s only remaining sanyaku opponent is Atamifuji.
I wonder if the Kyokai will pair him with two rank-and-filers (Churanoumi and Fujiseiun?) for Days 13 & 14, then hold out for the Atamifuji bout on senshuraku. They might even shove Kotoeiho up there now and try to put an end to his yusho hopes quickly.
Tune in tomorrow to see where this hot mess takes us next.
Day 11 in Tokyo. No new kyujo to report. However, due to a record number of kensho banners, Sasaki Ichiro reports that the text size for the sheet listing the bouts used the smallest text ever for one of these sheets. This had to be scaled to 65% for the sponsor list and 80% for the actual bouts.
In Juryo, Kazekeno took on Enho head-to-head. With the push down victory, Kazekeno improved to 10-1 and now has a two-win lead over Kazuma, who lost to Onokatsu. As Leonid mentioned in his Day 9 post, they pitted Asahifuji against tsukedashi Omori; Asahifuji won. Enho will fight Hatsuyama tomorrow as he still seeks that all important kachi-koshi to seal his status as sekitori for Nagoya.
Mitakeumi (6-5) defeated Hatsuyama (3-8). After a failed slapdown attempt, Mitakeumi overpowered Hatsuyama and drove him back over the bales. Oshidashi.
Oshoumi (3-8) defeated Shishi (3-8). Shishi hauled Oshoumi around using his right arm tucked under Oshoumi’s left. Oshoumi resisted at the bales and grabbed Shishi in a bear hug. He held Shishi high and drove him back through the ring and over the edge. Yorikiri.
Tamawashi (2-9) defeated Kinbozan. Both men took turns charging forward behind their tsuppari and nodowa. Tamawashi shifted his weight to the side and thrust Kinbozan down. With the win, Tamawashi is now tied with Kisenosato for 7th on the all-time top division wins list on 714 Makuuchi wins. Tsukiotoshi.
Ura (8-3) defeated Wakanosho (6-5). Ura resisted at the bales and used the leverage to grab Wakanosho in a bear hug. He then rotated and pulled Wakanosho down by his shoulder. Katasukashi.
Hakanofuji (8-3) defeated Fujiryoga (8-3). Hakanofuji grabbed Fujiryoga inder the right shoulder with his left arm. Once he secured an overarm belt grip with his right hand, he rotated and dragged Fujiryoga down. Uwatenage.
Tobizaru (9-2) defeated Asanoyama (7-4). Asanoyama drove forward with his right hand inside. At the bales, Tobizaru spun, slipped his grasp and pulled him down. Hikiotoshi.
Ryuden (4-7) defeated Nishikifuji (3-8). Ryuden used his right hand uwate to turn Nishikifuji around and then chased him out from behind. Nishikifuji locks in his make-koshi while Ryuden staves it off. Okuridashi.
Roga (6-5) defeated Abi (4-7). Roga quickly forced his way forward, immediately getting inside any of Abi’s tsuppari. Roga drove him all the way back over the edge. Yorikiri.
Tokihayate (4-7) defeated Asahakuryu (3-8). In an excellent and exciting grapple, Tokihayate used his right hand inside to pull Asahakuryu around the ring. Once he got his left hand inside, too, he was able to rotate and topple Asahakuryu to the ground. Shitatenage.
Kotoeiho defeated Oshoma. Both men dragged each other to the bales and teetered over the edge. Kotoeiho seemed to push Oshoma forward as he was falling out backwards. Gunbai Kotoeiho. Mono-ii. Video review confirmed Motoki’s call that Oshoma fell out just before Kotoeiho. We saw that Kotoeiho’s foot had not stepped out prior to the throw but rested on the bales. Okurinage.
Halftime
Wakamotoharu (3-8) defeated Chiyoshoma (4-7). Chiyoshoma pulled so Wakamotoharu drove forward through him and shoved him backward, out of the ring. Oshitaoshi.
Ichiyamamoto (5-6) defeated Gonoyama (8-3). Ichiyamamoto caught Gonoyama too far forward, shifted right and slapped Gonoyama down. Hikiotoshi.
Yoshinofuji (8-3) defeated Hiradoumi (4-7). Yoshinofuji really wanted his left hand overarm grip but Hiradoumi continued to deny access. Yoshinofuji had to rely on his right hand inside to haul Hiradoumi over onto his head. Ouch! Shitatenage.
Daieisho (5-6) defeated Takanosho (4-7). Daieisho quickly thrust Takanosho back and over the bales. Oshidashi.
Oho (5-6) defeated Fujinokawa (5-6). Oho offered no quarter today as he hugged Fujinokawa and charged forward, crushing Fujinokawa out at the edge. Yoritaoshi.
Sanyaku
Kotoshoho (7-4) defeated Fujiseiun (5-6). Kotoshoho used angles to beat Fujiseiun. He deflected Fujiseiun’s tachiai to the left and then attacked from the right to knock him down. Oshitaoshi.
Churanoumi (7-4) defeated Atamifuji (5-6). Churanoumi used his left-hand belt grip to pivot and haul Atamifuji to the edge. He then followed up by pressing forward to force Atamifuji to step back and out. Yorikiri.
Kirishima (9-2) defeated Wakatakakage (8-3). Kirishima’s morozashi won this bout. Wakatakakage kept trying to improve his own grip, never quite getting a great hold and never sneaking his arms inside. Kirishima pulled up and steadily pressed forward. Yorikiri.
I love seeing women with inflatable daikon radishes in the stands. I mean, step back for a second and appreciate the absolute WTF-ness of this sport.
Shodai (5-6) defeated Kotozakura (3-8). Was there ever any doubt? The Kyokai required a small army of yobidashi to display all of the kenho banners on this bout. In the end, Daikon-Power dominated as Shodai pulled Kotozakura forward from the bales, snuck around back as the Ozeki stumbled forward, and shoved Kotozakura out from behind. Okuridashi.
Kotozakura is officially kadoban. Will he drop out of the tournament? I doubt it. There must be a bit of pressure to keep two Ozeki in the basho in order to close things out with some sort of High-Ranker Showdown on senshuraku.
As we turn to look at the schedule remaining, Kirishima will face Kotoshoho tomorrow. That leaves Atamifuji and Kotozakura as his only sanyaku competition remaining. Kotozakura kyujo would bring yet another rank-and-filer into play.
Kotozakura will fight Churanoumi tomorrow. Atamifuji will fight Fujiseiun and Wakatakakage will take on Gonoyama.
Down in the rank-and-file, Yoshinofuji will fight Tobizaru. They want to put the kibosh on the Monkey’s run soon. Hakunofuji will fight Oho. Kotoeiho will battle Asanoyama who fell out of the running today but is still seeking his kachi-koshi. And Ura will fight Fujiryoga.
