With the Hatsu basho in the books, how will the results reshuffle the rankings chart?
The Upper Ranks
Terunofuji will once again be the lone East Yokozuna. As a result of their records at Hatsu, we will have East Ozeki Shodai and West Ozeki Takakeisho. And they’ll be joined by newly elevated West Ozeki 2 Mitakeumi, who, as a shin-Ozeki, will be the lowest-ranked despite putting up by far the best performance of the trio; his placement on the West side is to balance out Terunofuji’s rank (literally balance out, on the physical banzuke).
The San’yaku
We will have two new Sekiwake to replace the promoted Mitakeumi and the demoted Takanosho. The race for these slots came down to the final day, with M6w Abi (12-3) winning to edge ahead of M6e Hoshoryu (11-4) for one spot and M1e Wakatakakage (9-6) defeating M5e Onosho (10-5) head-to-head for the other. I am not sure about the order of Abi vs. Wakatakakage.
Likewise, we will have two new Komusubi to replace Meisei and Daieisho. One will be the aforementioned Takanosho (7-8), whose minimal make-koshi will cushion his fall to one rank. The other should go to either Onosho or Hoshoryu, though I wouldn’t completely rule out M2e Ura (8-7). I’d slightly favor Hoshoryu. Also, I would have thought that Takanosho would end up on the West side, but last basho’s placement of Meisei ahead of Daieisho lowers my confidence in this.
The Upper Maegashira
This is where the banzuke gets really tricky. There are four ranks available at M1-M2, and 5 candidates who by all rights must be ranked there. Since 5 > 4, we have a problem. The quintet consists of West Komusubi Daieisho (7-8), whichever of Onosho and Hoshoryu isn’t ranked at Komusubi, plus Ura, M2w Ichinojo (8-7), and M3e Tamawashi (8-7), all of whom must be promoted after achieving winning records. So who ends up at M3e? The options include not promoting Tamawashi, drastically under-promoting Onosho or Hoshoryu, or ranking Daieisho at M3e, lower than any Komusubi with a 7-8 record has ever ended up. None of these seem very palatable, and yet one must happen, unless the banzuke committee were to solve the maegashira problem by creating an extra Komusubi slot, which they’re not known to do. If anyone has ideas, I’d love to hear them.
After M3e, things settle down for a bit, with K1e Meisei (5-10), M1w Kiribayama (6-9), M3w Endo (7-8), M7w Takarafuji (9-6) and M12e Ishiura (11-4) comfortably filling out the rest of the joi ranks (though probably not in that order). Just below them at M6 should be M14e Kotonowaka (11-4), who’ll probably see the biggest jump in the rankings, and M4w Hokutofuji (6-9). Finally, I assume that M7e Takayasu, who sat out the basho due to virus precautions, will retain his rank, especially as there are no other claimants to it.
The Middle Maegashira
After that, the banzuke is a mess. Nobody really deserves to be ranked at the 5 spots from M7w to M9w, and yet someone has to be. There’s a huge group of rikishi whose ranks and records would normally place them between M11 and M17, so we are bound to see a mix of very lenient demotions and very generous promotions. I won’t try to make sense of it here, but look for a full banzuke prediction post in a few weeks.
Juryo Exchanges
This isn’t very clear-cut either. The two rikishi who will obviously be demoted are the absent M9w Hidenoumi and M17w Kaisei (5-7-3). Four Juryo rikishi did enough to earn a promotion: second-division yusho winner J2w Kotoshoho (11-4), former top-division regulars J2e Nishikigi (9-6) and J1 Kagayaki (8-7), and newcomer J4w Kotokuzan (10-5). But whose places will they take?
Three other Makuuchi incumbents finished with demotable records: M14w Ichiyamamoto (5-10), M16w Tsurugisho (6-9), and M18e Oho (7-8). With enough promotion contenders, all three would find themselves in Juryo in March. That could yet happen, but it would involve bringing up J5w Azumaryu (9-6), whose record at that rank doesn’t really warrant promotion.
It seems like there is no way to keep Oho, as with the M18e rank disappearing after Mitakeumi’s promotion, that would mean moving him to a higher rank despite a losing record. Tsurugisho and Ichiyamamoto have identical demotion cases “by the numbers.” Each lost to Juryo promotion contenders, one on Day 14 and the other on Day 15. I’m really not sure what the banzuke committee will opt to do here, but maybe it is Azumaryu’s lucky day. The Juryo veteran has had a few cups of coffee in the top division before, most recently two years ago. I suppose it could also be a very unlucky day for Kotokuzan.
I think that’s all for now; let me know what you think in the comments.
In a ceremony Wednesday morning, representatives from the NSK officially announced that Mitakeumi had been promoted to Ozeki, sumo’s second highest rank. The ceremony featured Mitakeumi, along with Dewanoumi oyakata and okamisan in a deep bow, as Mitakeumi accepted the promotion.
Mitakeumi becomes the third active Ozeki in the current rotation, and punctuated his bid with a 13-2 yusho (his third) on top of a run of 7 straight kachi-koshi basho in san-yaku. He had been trying to reach Ozeki since (I think) 2017, and each time fell just short of the goal. But he never gave up, and never lost his drive
Team Tachiai congratulations Mitakeumi on his promotion, and hopes he serves long and well. Some media below of the proceedings.
Today is the day that the “Original Tadpole” finally came into his own. His struggles over the past several years have been of his own creation, and today he put those problems aside as he won his third yusho, and in all likelihood, promotion to Ozeki at long last. He has been performing more or less as an Ozeki for the last several tournaments, and I am quite happy to see him finally minted in sumo’s second highest rank. I am going to look forward to him continuing to be a tough, aggressive fighter for the next few years. I am hopeful that his elevation may motivate the other two Ozeki, most specifically Shodai, who could really use a boost right now.
The final match was a bit less than many (myself included) had hoped for. It’s now revealed that Terunofuji hurt himself a few days ago, but stuck with the basho as the lone Yokozuna do to his dedicate to giving the fans the full measure. So no playoff with Abi, and no barnyard brawl for the hardware. Sumo fans get a worry when they hear Terunofuji and lower body injury in the same paragraph, so we will have to see how it turns out. We all recognize we only have him for a short while, and to enjoy it while it lasts.
But hearty congratulations to soon to be Ozeki Mitakeumi! Hoist your fishes high, and celebrate with your heya and your supporters. In the immortal words of Futurama’s Bender, “About time!”
Highlight Matches
Kotokuzan defeats Tsurugisho – A bit of an odd slapping match that was favoring Tsurugisho quite nicely. A reversing / escape move that included a pull by Kotokuzan turned the match to his favor, and he sent Tsurugisho out. Tsurugisho drops to 6-9, and I would think back to Juryo. Kotokuzan improves to 10-5, and may have punched his ticket to the top division with that win.
Sadanoumi defeats Oho – The first Darwin match. Oho came out strong but could not follow through. In response, Sadanoumi rallied and drove forward with power, hitting Oho center mass and driving him from the ring. Sadanoumi kachi-koshi at 8-7, Oho make-koshi in his top division debut with 7-8, and will be back in Juryo for March to sort himself out.
Wakamotoharu defeats Akua – Akua chose to open with a nodowa, but could not make it stick. This gave Wakamotoharu a wide open route to his chest, and Wakamotoharu attacked with gusto. As Akua tried to get his foot positioned for a leg trip, Wakamotoharu bodily slammed him to the clay, improving to 9-6.
Ichiyamamoto defeats Myogiryu – Myogiryu’s injury is nowhere close to healed, and Ichiyamamoto makes quick work of him. Both the tournament with 5-10 records, and I have to wonder about Myogiryu’s planning.
Chiyonokuni defeats Kotoeko – Kotoeko tried to get a left hand inside hold at the tachiai, but Chiyonokuni repulsed him with a mighty shove. Kotoeko worked to deliver thrusts to Chiyonokuni, but we were treated today of the Chiyonokuni of old. Massive thrusting power that was pretty much unstoppable. Kotoeko soon had enough and left the dohyo. Chiyonokuni finishes January 4-11.
Chiyotairyu defeats Tobizaru – Chiyotairyu landed a very well organized pull on Tobizaru during the second step, and sumo’s flying monkey quickly found himself over the bales for his 9th and final loss. Chiyotairyu finishes with 7-8.
Abi defeats Kotonowaka – I think this is the best match Abi had the entire basho. This was their first ever fight, and if these two go at it like this each time, we need to have one of these fights every tournament, maybe every day. Abi had the early advantage but could not finish Kotonowaka off. Kotonowaka rallied, and I think surprised Abi be the amount of focused power he could deliver. Abi is not used to being on defense, but he did manage to keep his feet and keep in the ring until he could switch back to attack mode. As he lunged back in, Kotonowaka was too high, and an easy mark for the hikiotoshi that soon followed. Abi finishes 12-3 with the Shukun-sho. Kotonowaka finishes 11-3 with the Kanto-sho. Well done, both!
Hoshoryu defeats Aoiyama – That has to be the most gentle shitatenage in the history of sumo. Hoshoryu continues to evolve towards a Harumafuji style of sumo, and I love it. The hit and shift at the tachiai, the right hand inside grip, and the stance are all progressing toward the Harumafuji style. He had Aoiyama pacified early and it was just a question of yorikiri or a throw. Hoshoryu ends Hatsu 11-4.
Terutsuyoshi defeats Hokutofuji – Hokutofuji spent the whole match trying to react to Terutsuyoshi’s sumo. With Terutsuyoshi calling the tune, he was likely to take the win, and we got a final katasukashi from him. Terutsuyoshi softens his make-koshi, finishing at 7-9.
Endo defeats Yutakayama – Endo got the inside lane early, and kept his attention on trying to convert thrusts into some kind of hold. Yutakayama responded by attacking high and keeping Endo back. Endo gave up on the hold attempts and just put power into Yutakayama’s chest, sending him back and out. This match was a great one to watch Endo’s foot placement and gait, I personally think that was the difference that delivered him the win. Endo finishes 7-8.
Ishiura defeats Tamawashi – I am sure Tamawashi had a fight plan, but Ishiura’s forceful tachiai seems to have knocked it right out of his head. With Ishiura at his chest pushing hard, Tamawashi had one shot to stop matters, but could not organize his body to escape at the edge. There was the start of a pull in there, but he was never able to put it in motion. Ishiura finishes 11-4, his best score ever.
Ichinojo defeats Tochinoshin – The next Darwin match was this battle of the bigs. Tochinoshin got his left hand outside right away, but we knew there was just too much of Ichinojo for Tochinoshin to lift him. That did not stop him from trying a few times, but please remember, he is a Boulder after all. After the lift attempts fell flat, it turned into a stamina match, and this was going to favor Ichinojo. As time extended, Tochinoshin tired, and Ichinojo incrementally took control of the scrum, walking Tochinoshin out to win by yorikiri. Tochinoshin take the loss and finishes make-koshi with 7-8 near the bottom of the banzuke. Ichinojo is kachi-koshi with 8-7 to finish Hatsu.
Ura defeats Chiyomaru – Last of the Darwin matches, Ura opened strong, putting pressure on Chiyomaru’s chest. As Chiyomaru moved to circle away, his right knee buckled and he hit the clay. It’s always a worry when someone of that size takes a fall in that manner, and I do hope Chiyomarau is ok. He finishes make-koshi at 7-8, while Ura is kachi-koshi at 8-7 for his final score.
Kiribayama defeats Okinoumi – The two grappled chest to chest at the tachiai, and struggled to see whose left hand was going to turn into an advantage first. In the struggle, Kiribayama broke contact, Okinoumi circled to his right, and Kiribayama found himself behind the veteran. A hearty push from behind finished him by okuridashi, and Okinoumi picked up his 11th loss of January to finish 4-11. Kiribayama’s final score improved to 6-9.
Wakatakakage defeats Onosho – The offense favored Onosho for this fight, but Wakatakakage did a fantastic job of keeping his balance and keeping in the match. He also knew that if he could endure Onosho’s attacks, he would find a moment where Onosho was too far forward. Of course that moment came, and Wakatakakage pulled him forward and down to win by katasukashi. Onosho finishes January with an impressive 10-5, Wakatakakage improves to 9-6. Both had fantastic tournaments.
Daieisho defeats Meisei – Meisei got perhaps half of a good hit in at the tachiai before Daieisho turned him and pushed him around. Meisei was completely off balance, had no stance to use in defense, and was ejected with prejudice. Daieisho improves to 7-8 for a final score.
Takanosho defeats Takarafuji – With this win, Takanosho saved himself a san’yaku slot. He found himself in trouble early, but managed to rally and catch Takarafuji unprepared to defend (what?). In fact, Takarafuji lost 4 of his last 5 matches, and I have to wonder if he got hurt around the middle weekend. Takanosho was able to break Takarafuji’s stance and drive him out the west side to improve to 7-8.
Shodai defeats Chiyoshoma – I am sure Shodai is glad this basho is done. Likewise Chiyoshoma. What a train wreck for both of them. Sure, Shodai actually got a nice throw in there, but his sumo was rough again today, and he was far from the sumo that got him to this rank. I hope he can sort himself out in the next 6 weeks, and clear kadoban early. Chiyoshoma finishes Hatsu with 4-11, Shodai a painful 6-9.
Mitakeumi defeats Terunofuji – The much anticipated “Brawl to end it all” was less battle royale than many hoped. Terunofuji opened strong, but on the second clash, Mitakeumi got both hands inside and employed his large, bulbous tadpole body to move Terunofuji back. Unable to generate enough forward pressure to counter Mitakeumi’s advance, Terunofuji stepped back and out, giving the win to Mitakeumi. An amazing 13-2 score for Mitakeumi to finish Hatsu, his third yusho, and I would guess promotion to Ozeki.
With that, dear readers, we conclude our daily coverage of the 2022 Hatsu basho. We enjoyed bringing you this tournament, and we thank you for sharing your love of sumo with us. Follow us as we await the official elevation of Makiteumi, and the work up to Osaka. Also, rumors in the air about a possible return to jungyo later this year. To everyone who took the time to join us – Thank you!
Congratulations to Mitakeumi on his victory over Yokozuna Terunofuji. In a thrilling final day, Mitakeumi clinched the yusho outright during the final bout. His strong ottsuke prevented Terunofuji from getting an inside grip. He then drove forward, forcing his opponent out. Terunofuji, for his part, tried to reach over Mitakeumi but it was too late.
During the broadcast of the yusho ceremony, the NHK announced that a decision on Mitakeumi’s Ozeki promotion was imminent. The interviewer shared the news with Mitakeumi during the yusho interview and he understandably became choked up with emotion. His mother was in attendance at Kokugikan and obviously overjoyed at her son’s win. He’s been on the short list for promotion for quite some time.
Though he’s been able to maintain a high-level of sumo, winning twice before and remaining consistently in sanyaku for much of the past four years, he’d not been able to string together the consecutive double-digit wins needed at this level. With both Takakeisho and Shodai kadoban in March, the shin-Ozeki will find a challenge as they will have extra motivation to perform well.
