Welcome to Nakabi! The middle day of this final tournament of 2021, held in the Fukuoka Kokusai Center. I want to call reader’s attention to an article by John Gunning, posted to the Japan Times a few days ago: Lack of excitement threatens Kyushu Basho atmosphere. In spite of the pessamistic headline, it’s a solid article from a friend of Tachiai, and I urge readers to go take a look.

He points out that Takakeisho tends to perform well in Kyushu, and has won both of his yusho here, a fact that I had forgotten. Indeed he is on par with Terunofuji with 7-0 going into the middle day of the tournament, and I expect both of them to hit their 8th win today and secure kachi-koshi.

On Nakabi, we take our first look at the leaderboard!

Kyushu Leaderboard

We are now in a phase where there are some easy to spot tracks in the daily torikumi, matches that shape the yusho race, matches that feed the Darwin funnel, and matches among the damned. See if you can spot those themes in today’s bouts.

Leaders: Terunofuji, Takakeisho
Hunt Group: Mitakeumi, Tamawashi, Abi
Chasers: Ura, Hidenoumi, Chiyotairyu, Hokutofuji, Sadanoumi

8 matches remain

What We Are Watching Day 8

Shohozan vs Sadanoumi – They keep putting folks up against Shohozan that he has winning records against, and he keeps being at least 20% below the energy level needed to win. It’s great to see him in the top division highlight shows again, but he’s a mere shadow of his former self. I give Sadanoumi a clear advantage today, as he has been fighting well in his top division return, and I expect he may even see double digits this November.

Kagayaki vs Kaisei – On to the funnel then. It’s clear the schedulers are at least going to try to run one over the weekend, and see how it goes. Both are 3-4, and within the bracket to be funneled towards a 7-7 score on day 15. They have an even 5-5 career record, and both have been fighting a couple of notches below their best.

Akua vs Tochinoshin – Tochinoshin is even more of a walking orthopedic case this time than he usually is, with his back acting up, he struggles to apply much forward power. After being kyujo for 3 days, he decided to do something to try and minimize his demotion, and so far he has picked up 2 wins. Akua is part of the funnel group, and he is 5 wins over the next 8 days to escape. He would be “well motivated”.

Ishiura vs Chiyomaru – Two more for the funnel, with matching 3-4 records. They have a 19 match history that is almost evenly split. Ishiura’s sumo on day 7 was flat out confused and terrible, and I am hoping he comes in today with something a bit more more focused and offensive.

Chiyonokuni vs Hokutofuji – This one has fun written up one side and down the other. Chiyonokuni is fighting well enough, and Hokutofuji may have gotten his lower body back on side given the performance day 7 against Abi. Both have excellent mobility, and a propensity for hitting their opponent. Bring on the bashing!

Kotonowaka vs Yutakayama – Both of these guys should be doing better, and at least be in the funnel group. But with matching 2-5 records, they are clearly struggling to find any kind of offensive sumo this November. Kotonowaka has won on three prior engagements, but they are both so moribund, it’s anybody’s match.

Abi vs Hidenoumi – I had not considered the potential for this match, but now that it’s upon us, I think it has a lot to offer. Hidenoumi has quietly put himself into a good position with a 5-2 score, and he brings a conservative sumo style that may be difficult for Abi to overcome.

Kotoeko vs Terutsuyoshi – Should be the make-koshi match for Kotoeko. Has anyone seen this man’s sumo?

Ura vs Chiyotairyu – Well, its back to high interest now. A pair of 5-2 rikishi, and in the case of Chiyotairyu, he’s never lost to Ura. I am certain that Ura has his goal fixed on 8, but it would be fun to see him press higher. I am going to assume that we won’t see Chiyotairyu power forward at the tachiai given Ura’s tendency to bend space and time using his opponent’s energy.

Shimanoumi vs Aoiyama – I hope today we see Aoiyama dial back the tachiai a bit, and put his energy into an early V-Twin attack. If he can catch Shimanoumi with a couple of solid blows in the first two steps, he will own this match.

Tobizaru vs Tamawashi – Tobizaru took their only prior match in July, but the Tamawashi of Kyushu is looking far more ready, and far more genki than he did in the heat of July in Nagoya. Tobizaru’s best hope is to stay mobile and not let Tamawashi bracket him up, or it’s three steps to the bales.

Takayasu vs Chiyoshoma – My frustration with Takayasu is starting to get the better of me again. He seems to have shown us a very interesting and unique technique that brought him a couple of wins, then set it aside. Now he’s got Chiyoshoma to contend with. I urge the big hairy wild man to just grapple this slippery fellow and grind him to dust. Make it a 5 minute match if you need to, but please oh Great Sumo Cat of the Kokugikan, let it be so.

Onosho vs Hoshoryu – In spite of his day 7 win, Onosho’s sumo this November is a steaming mess. I don’t expect that he’s going to be much of a threat to Hoshoryu, as long as Hoshoryu can keep Onosho attacking at an oblique angle. Don’t let him square up, or you will face a lot of trouble.

Takanosho vs Wakatakakage – Wakatakakage is coming in with a 2 match losing streak, and seems to have lost his good form somewhere in the last 8 weeks. He is moving well, but not delivering power in his offense. He may be a bit of an easy match for Takanosho, who holds a 6-3 career advantage.

Daieisho vs Kiribayama – I can’t tell if Kiribayama has given up for now mentally, or if he is hurt. But this promising young rikishi is letting his shin-Komusubi posting get the better of him. This is not the first rising star to hit the named ranks, get his head handed to him, and take half a year to get his fighting spirit back in order. I am sure Daieisho can delivery the blows, I just hope we see Kiribayama stand his ground today.

Mitakeumi vs Okinoumi – Mitakeumi is at 6 wins, and barring an injury in the next 8 days should be able to hit double digits. I am going to assume that Okinoumi will continue to fight well, but given his lack of power his chronic lower body problems may have kicked in once more.

Takarafuji vs Meisei – Both are at 3-4, and squarely in the funnel. Both have been under-performing so far, with Takarafuji seemingly abandoning his traditional “defend and extend” sumo, much to his detriment. Meisei holds a 5-2 career advantage, and if we don’t see Takarafuji get into his defensive mode, I would guess he won’t have much to offer today.

Shodai vs Myogiryu – Shodai comes in at 4-3, and he’s not even to the “hard” part of the Ozeki schedule yet. He has a nearly even career record against Myogiryu, so it’s anyone’s guess on if we will see Shodai or Shin-Goeido today.

Ichinojo vs Takakeisho – Ichinojo presents a lot of bulk for Takakeisho to push around, but I think he’s up for the challenge. The biggest risk is we see another big hit from Ichinojo today like he delivered in the tachiai against Wakatakakage on day 7. A win here is kachi-koshi for the Ozeki.

Terunofuji vs Endo – Terunofuji presents a tempting target for Endo’s preferred style of sumo. We know the Yokozuna will accept an offer to go chest to chest. We know Endo will try for the frontal grip at the tachiai. If he lands that hold, he may try for an early nage / throw. The longer this match goes on, the more it favors Terunofuji, so I look for him to lock up the center of the dohyo and slowly tighten the vise on Endo’s body.

A unsurprising and predictable day of sumo. Everyone was in normal form today, right down to Chiyoshoma’s fluid henka against Aoiyama. Of course tomorrow is nakabi, and we are likely to see at least kachi-koshi awarded on the middle day, and possibly one make-koshi (Kotoeko) as well.

Highlight Matches

Akua defeats Kaisei – Just like a regular match, but maybe a bit slower. When these super big guys fight, the force goes up, but sometimes the speed goes down. I think the matta ruined Kaisei’s timing, which may have been the point. Akua certainly needed the win, and they both finish at 3-4, and are in the funnel for now.

Chiyonokuni defeats Shohozan – Shohozan making me sad again today. This was THE match where he should have brought out the “Big Guns”. Chiyonokuni was egging him on too, but for whatever reason we did not see the home town guy break out the big hits that have been the hallmark of his sumo. They traded swats, with Chiyonokuni connecting a lot, and Shohozan not. That final head but resounded across the hall, and staggered Shohozan. Chiyonokuni finished him with a shove out to improve to 4-3.

Sadanoumi defeats Kagayaki – Sadanoumi was low and inside at the tachiai, as Kagayaki focused on Sadanoumi’s face and neck. Kagayaki’s attack was not really paying off, and Sadanoumi found clear room to shove him back. Sadanoumi was able to get a hand hold, and Kagayaki’s double arm lock hold really did not pay off, as Sadanoumi continued to move forward, picking up the win to improve to 5-2.

Chiyomaru defeats Yutakayama – Yutakayama was too far forward from the start, making it easy for Chiyomaru to goad him into dialing up the pressure, and then stepping to the side. Chiyomaru improves to 3-4

Hokutofuji defeats Abi – Points to Hokutofuji for tangling up Abi early. Abi seemed content to take and hold a nodowa, but making himself a static target. But he was well forward on his right (his most used arm), Hokutofuji helps him move forward with a grab of that right arm, a pull and step to the side. Hokutofuji’s lower body again really brings the offense, and its tough to think a guy that burly and round can move like that. Abi hits the deck for his first loss of November, Hokutofuji improves to 5-2.

Tochinoshin defeats Ishiura – Ishiura went chest to chest at the tachiai, but was rather high the whole time. This gave Tochinoshin every opportunity to set up a minimal offense, which turned out to be good enough. Tochinoshin picks up a much needed second win to improve to 2-5.

Chiyotairyu defeats Kotonowaka – Its rare to see Chiyotairyu consent to go chest to chest. Missing was his big-power tachiai, or his immediate slap down maneuver. Kotonowaka attempted some kind of twist down move, and it released just enough forward power to allow Chiyotairyu to rush forward, taking Kotonowaka out. Chiyotairyu improves to 5-2 in an atypical match for him.

Hidenoumi defeats Terutsuyoshi – I am not sure if Terutsuyoshi had some kind of match plan for today, but he really did little more than get inside at the grapple, and search for some kind of path to throw Hidenoumi. Hidenoumi for his part kept his stance wide, his hips square to his opponent, and when Terutsuyoshi went to change up his grip, swing him to the clay. Hidenoumi improves to the quite respectable 5-2.

Chiyoshoma defeats Aoiyama – I expected a henka today in this match, and Aoiyama should have as well. That twist, spin and drop was beautifully executed. Chiyoshoma improves to 4-3.

Shimanoumi defeats Tobizaru – After opening with 5 straight losses, it looks like Shimanoumi found the last 20% of his sumo. He looked strong, focused and aggressive today, and he gave Tobizaru no room to generate any offense. Shimanoumi improves to 2-5.

Hoshoryu defeats Kotoeko – Kotoeko nearly caught Hoshoryu out of position and off balance on the second step. But as has been the case for the last few basho, he just can’t find a way to convert that to any kind of working offense, and Hoshoryu recovers and attacks with poise and focus. Kotoeko 0-7, Hoshoryu improves to 3-4.

Tamawashi defeats Takayasu – Takayasu back to using “Wild Man” sumo today, and we know what that gets him. Tamawashi is quite ready for his roaring charge and poor balance, connecting early and pushing with force. Takayasu never has a change to change his mind, and is out 3 steps later. Tamawashi improves to 6-1.

Endo defeats Ura – This match was almost comical in the overflowing amounts of caution both men displayed. Neither wanted to commit to an offensive choice, and the moment Ura tried, he found himself too low. A quick hikiotoshi finished whatever plan he had, and Endo picked up the win to improve to 4-3.

Takanosho defeats Daieisho – The kimarite was listed as hikiotoshi, but it looked to me like Daieisho lost his footing at the tachiai, and fell forward for a loss. Takanosho improves to 4-3.

Ichinojo defeats Wakatakakage – Wakatakakage put all of his hopes on a left hand mawashi grab at the tachiai. This encounters a big forward shove from Ichinojo that not only disrupted that grab, but launched Wakatakakage back, and make this a 2 hit match. Ichinojo improves to 3-4.

Onosho defeats Meisei – There may be hope for Onosho yet. This was a quick thrust forward, a thrust up into an immediate hatakikomi. Onosho timed it quite well, and as a result we saw almost no offense from Meisei today. Onosho improves to 2-5.

Mitakeumi defeats Kiribayama – I had hoped that Kiribayama would start to get it together starting pretty much now. But he buys Mitakeumi’s combo without reservation. Tragic mis-estimation of Mitakeumi’s lateral mobility and speed, Kiribayama found himself pushing air with Mitakumi beside him thrusting him down. Mitakeumi improves to 6-1.

Takakeisho defeats Okinoumi – Damn close to denshamichi today from Takakeisho. After a matta, it was clear that Okinoumi’s timing was completely off, and the Ozeki caught him without having set his feet for defense. Takakeisho remains undefeated at 7-0.

Shodai defeats Takarafuji – Takarafuji opened strong, and had a narrow window to complete the win, but today Shodai remembered to use the “Wall of Daikon” and rallied. You can see the point where he switches it on. Shodai improves to 4-3 as he continues toward being crowned “Shin-Goiedo” for now.

Terunofuji defeats Myogiryu – The correct answer was “face first via kotenage”. Terunofuji improves to 7-0.

As one sumo fan on Titter commented….

This has got to be my favourite first week of sumo of the year

— Tim Sumo (@sumo_tim) November 19, 2021

I who heartedly agree. With that in mind, we launch enthusiastically into the middle weekend, where we are likely to see our first kachi-koshi rikishi on day 8. They schedulers look to be setting up Darwin’s funnel, and frankly I am both horrified and riveted to see if they can pull it off this November. Just how many 7-7 matches can we have on day 15? No one knows, but it looks like they want to find out!

What We Are Watching Day 7

Akua vs Kaisei – Kaisei at 3-3 is in the middle of the funnel, and prime candidate. Low on the banzuke, winning is all about maintaining his position as a member of the top division. He is up against Akua, who is fighting poorly. Good luck guys!

Shohozan vs Chiyonokuni – I really want Shohozan to rally, and today is the day to enable any “Beast Mode” he has left. We know Chiyonokuni is going to bash him left and right, and he may as well supply as much as he is going to receive. Shohozan holds a 9-3 career lead, but as poorly as he has been fighting this month, it may not matter.

Kagayaki vs Sadanoumi – Speed (Sadanoumi) against stability and fundamentals (Kagayaki). They are evenly matched ins many ways, and have a close 7-9 career record to prove it. I am keen to see which style proves more potent today.

Yutakayama vs Chiyomaru – Both are 2-4, and at the lower edge of the funnel. The winner is on the path to Darwin land, and the loser an important step closer to make-koshi. I really like Yutakayama’s normal mode of sumo, I just wish he could get it started this tournament. Chiyomaru is not much better, he is lacking about 20% of his genki power, and without it, he is just a mildly threatening adorable round man.

Abi vs Hokutofuji – Hokutofuji is in a 2 match losing streak, and I have to wonder if he hurt something day 4 against Terutsuyoshi. I know that Abi has a good formula to push him around and run him off the dohyo, and the unbeaten Makuuchi returnee (Abi) is likely to extend that to 7-0 today.

Ishiura vs Tochinoshin – Man, Tochinoshin looked really hurt following day 6. That back must be in bad shape. He’s likely to spend much of his day 7 match bent low trying to engage the diminutive Ishiura. In spite of Tochinoshin’s magnificent size and strength, he has not entirely dominated Ishiura, and I expect the former Ozeki is going to face a lot of trouble today.

Chiyotairyu vs Kotonowaka – Chiyotairyu really has the “Stand them up / slap them down” routine in excellent form this month, and I doubt that a substantially weakened Kotonowaka is going to give him much of a challenge. I would love to see Kotonowaka rally, but his consistently poor performance at this low of a rank point toward an injury, and that’s game set and match for the most part.

Terutsuyoshi vs Hidenoumi – I keep underestimating Hidenoumi. I think because he is so low profile that you sometimes fail to notice him, even in the middle of a match. Maybe it’s just me. I think he could very well dominate Terutsuyoshi today, who seems to not quite be into “his brand of sumo” just yet.

Aoiyama vs Chiyoshoma – Chiyoshoma has not beaten Aoiyama in 2 tries, but think this match is his best chance to date to score a win. Both of them are 3-3, both are excellent funnel candidates, but one of them exits the day with win number 4. To do it, Chiyoshoma may need to grab a handful of Aoiyama and throw him down. Or maybe… a henka?

Shimanoumi vs Tobizaru – Shimanoumi only scored his first win of the basho on day 6, and only by facing hapless Kotoeko. Will he use that to start to rebuild his way toward something other than a double digit losing record? Today may inform that. But he’s up against Mr. Sumimasen, sumo’s own flying monkey. Tobizaru is fighting quite well this November, and may find himself on the winning side of the line come day 15.

Kotoeko vs Hoshoryu – Grim. Kotoeko, just go kyujo. Get whatever is busted fixed.

Takayasu vs Tamawashi – Thirty (30!) match history between these two. Going back to 2012, that’s endurance. If you think about how Tamawashi has never missed a day of sumo, he and Takayasu have quite the history of battles up and down the banzuke. Today, I am going to give the edge to Tamawashi, who is fighting some of his best sumo this year.

Ura vs Endo – Oh this one screams injury to me. What kind of magical bendy tug and pull sumo are we going to get from Ura today. Endo has got to be a bit perplexed. Where do you grab on? I can’t wait to see Endo improvise.

Daieisho vs Takanosho – Both 3-3, some of the higher ranking candidates for Darwin’s funnel, and it should serve as a message to both to get their sumo into higher gear now before they find themselves at 7-7 on day 15. Daieisho has been fighting fast, but seems to be a bit off on foot work this time, and has gotten into trouble in close matches.

Ichinojo vs Wakatakakage – Both come in 2-4, both of them are funnel candidates. The loser of this match is on course for a double digit make-koshi, so I hope both of them put maximum force into every move.

Onosho vs Meisei – Speaking of the wrong kind of double digits, it’s Onosho, who is cruising toward one of his “bad” outcomes. With a 1-5 record, he’s quite likely to be make-koshi, but just how deep will he go? That’s what act 3 is for.

Mitakeumi vs Kiribayama – Mitakeumi phoned it in day 6, with some slop sumo. I think that if he goes that route again, Kiribayama will be ready to make him pay. With only a 1-5 record, it’s a long climb to be even close to a kachi-koshi, but that’s where fighting spirit comes it. Does Kiribayama have any left?

Okinoumi vs Takakeisho – Okinoumi has been fighting well, even when losing. At 2-4, he’s at the bottom edge of the funnel. But he traditionally trades off make and kachi koshi, staying more or less at the same rank in the middle of the banzuke. If he grabs Takakeisho, he can upset the Ozeki. But he would have to get past the thrusting attack first.

Shodai vs Takarafuji – Shodai, you have only lost to Takarafuji 3 time out of 17 matches. Don’t go shin-Goeido on me now and make it 4. We don’t need you kadoban, and we don’t need you to leave the fans guessing into act 3. Tighten up that Wall of Daikon, break out the Cartoon Sumo tricks, and get down to business, please!

Terunofuji vs Myogiryu – Myogiryu, will he end up on his face, on his back, or over the side? That’s really the only question here today.