Herouth called this. Hakuho is kyujo, according to the NHK. I must be blind because even after she wrote this, I went back and rewatched it and didn’t think anything was that bad. He clearly was not prime Hakuho but who would expect “prime” Hakuho at this point in his career, with 6 months off AND having only just recovered from Covid? (Yes, the only apparent symptom was the loss of taste but we’re still early understanding the longterm effects.) Onosho will benefit from the walkover win.
This leads me to seriously doubt that we will see either Yokozuna complete a full fortnight of action, whether we’re talking about May, July, September, November. All of these young-guns are eager for their shot and does anyone seriously think either of these men will be happy with a 10-5 record, out of contention during the final weekend?
Hakuho's tachiai was a mistake. Doing that feint harite allowed Takarafuji to slip in his left easily. Then Hakuho had a problem to solve. And that knee, I'm sure, didn't like the time it took to solve it.
I will give voice to what many Tachiai readers are thinking. Will Hakuho make it to week 2, and will we get to see some of the high stakes / high drama matches that might be pivotal in this tournament? Some ideas that come to mind:
Hakuho vs Takakeisho – These two have some unpleasant history on the dohyo. While the Grand Tadpole is fighting well right now, I can see a future where winning this match could be key to Takakeisho clearing kadoban.
Hakuho vs Shodai – The last time these two met, Shodai was a Sekiwake. He gave The Boss a hearty yorikiri, and was one of only 2 people to put Hakuho on the clay that July in Tokyo. I am sure there will be some measure of “Well, hello daikon Ozkei” this March.
Hakuho vs Terunofuji – The Kaiji is aiming for 10 to put a flag in his return to Ozeki. I can see a week 2 match with Hakuho that puts the drive, desire and focus to the test. Terunofuji has not faced Hakuho since his return to the top division, and their last head to head was in 2017.
I am keeping fingers and toes crossed that we see Hakuho healthy and fighting well right to day 15. List your own hotly anticipated matches in the comments below.
What We Are Watching Day 3
Ishiura vs Hidenoumi – Welcome Ishiura! Good to see you visiting the top division. He is at Juryo 2, so a solid kachi-koshi this March can see him return to Makuuchi. He has a 4-4 career record against Hidenoumi, with Ishiura winning 3 of the last 4.
Yutakayama vs Daiamami – Yutakayama struggles against Daiamami (4-6 career). In spite of daily practice sessions with Shodai, Yutakayama looks less genki than he did even in January, which is a huge step back from where he should be in the mid to upper Maegashira when he is healthy and moving well.
Kaisei vs Tsurugisho – I continued to be baffled that Tsurugisho does not even wear any kind of brace on what is left of that knee. I do hope they keep the giant wheelchair on hot standby each day, as that poor giant is going to need it before senshuraku. This is a first time match between the two, and it will come down to Tsurugisho having enough mojo to heave around 200 kg or so of Kaisei.
Terutsuyoshi vs Kotoeko – I am a bit surprised that Terutsuyoshi has yet to win his first match. He is not fighting any less well than normal that I can see, but he has started Haru 0-2. Today’s bout against Kotoeko, he has a slight career edge at 11-7, but Kotoeko really seems dialed into his sumo right now, and we may see the Isegahama man start 0-3.
Chiyoshoma vs Aoiyama – Big Dan Aoiyama has shed his blue mawashi – I know that conjures up horrors, but he did replace it with a deep forest green that seems to have given him some strong tiber for March. It has been some time since I have seen him fighting this well, and while it’s the opening days of a long tournament, I am hopeful he can really show us some powerful sumo this March. He and Chiyoshoma share a 3-3 career record.
Chiyotairyu vs Akiseyama – Also in the “surprisingly genki” category is flab-monger, Akiseyama. Forget about his appearance, Akiseyama is really fighting well, and showing surprising agility. For day 3 he’s up against Chiyotairyu’s cannonball tachiai. I think this will be a good match.
Kotoshoho vs Ryuden – Both of these guys are having a cold start with 0-2, and it is their first ever match up. I know Ryuden may be having muscle-skeletal problems he is fighting his way through, but I have no news on what is plaguing Kotoshoho. Whomever picks up the white star today will be grateful, of that I am certain.
Chiyonokuni vs Midorifuji – Now we get to the exciting bit. High maneuverability battle platform Chiyonokuni is going to bring his own brand of smack and move sumo up against the master of the under shoulder swing down. I want to see Midorifuji get that hand palm up and moving under the arm, and what Chiyonokuni will do in response. The last time they met was in Juryo last year, so its high time for a rematch!
Hoshoryu vs Tobizaru – Tobizaru has been a complete mess for the first 2 days. I know he is better than this, but since his 11-4 top division debut, he has sputtered and struggled. Day 3 he draws Hoshoryu, who may have gotten so fired up after his day 1 henka loss, that he is going to be motivated for the rest of the basho. Tobizaru leads the series 4-2, but I don’t quite think he has a clear edge today.
Tochinoshin vs Kotonowaka – How much more can Tochinoshin coax out of that damage right knee? Each day I see him mount the dohyo, I worry we are about to see some hideous, gristly injury. They have only met once before, in March of last year, where Tochinoshin lost.
Kagayaki vs Ichinojo – Goth mode Kagayaki will need to summon all of the power of Robert Smith and Andrew Eldritch to overcome his 2-7 career deficit against “the Boulder”. More troubling yet, Ichinojo is showing good forward movement, and some real sumo fire this March.
Endo vs Tamawashi – Fans are wondering that is broken or not quite right with Endo. They guy is a solid top Makuuchi rikishi, but here he is opening 0-2 at Maegashira 5. It does not help that Endo is not super dominant over Tamawashi (11-13), and will likely continue to struggle.
Okinoumi vs Myogiryu – 27 career matches between these two veterans. With Myogiryu taking 3 of the last 5. So this is a very even match by all accounts. I am looking forward to see who gets to dictate the style and form. If its chest to chest, Okinoumi will have a distinct advantage.
Meisei vs Kiribayama – Both are rusty, both need a big barnstormer of a fight to snap them into honbasho condition. Can we please see this one today? I would love to see Kiribayama get into good fighting form.
Takayasu vs Shimanoumi – First time match up, but I expect this one to be quite even. Shimanoumi fighting style is surprisingly similar to where Takayasu ended up post-Ozeki. They are well matched in size and mass, so its going to be down to who has the focus and concentration to see their sumo win.
Mitakeumi vs Takanosho – I am not wondering if Mitakeumi can open 5-0, and a win today would be the next step on that road. Fans tend to forget this guy was the original tadpole (OT), and has 2 yusho to his name. Now we all love Onigiri-kun (Takanosho), but I fear Mitakeumi is hungry….
Terunofuji vs Daieisho – Hatsu yusho winner vs the once and (hopefully) future Ozeki. This match has the potential to be the highlight of day 3. Terunofuji lost to Daieisho on day 6 of Hatsu, as Daieisho was on the march toward the yusho. Now Daieisho comes in with a 0-2 start, and Terunofuji is looking for 8 more white stars.
Hokutofuji vs Asanoyama – Both enter day three with 1-1 scores, and for Asanoyama, its time to buckle down and setting into your sumo. He holds an 8-2 career advantage over Hokutofuji. But we can count on Hokutofuji to be at maximum forward attack power from the first step.
Shodai vs Takarafuji – Shodai usually cleans the dohyo with Takarafuji (12-3). So I am looking for Takarafuji to break out the defensive sumo, Shodai to do the same, and some insanity follows on.
Takakeisho vs Wakatakakage – Their only prior match was this past November in Tokyo, where Takakeisho was on his yusho run. He blasted the lighter Wakatakakage off the dohyo with a masterful display of wave-action sumo. Coming in with an 0-2, and a thick layer or COVID-kyujo applied ring rust, I think this may be a one sided match.
Hakuho vs Onosho – On the surface, this might see like a Hakuho freebie. But Onosho has beaten “The Boss” in one of their 4 prior matches. It happened when Hakuho allowed himself to be bracketed by Onosho’s thrusting attack, and found no pathway to escape. But who am I kidding? Hakuho likely will take this one.
It’s surprising to me how much of an effect having a Yokozuna in the tournament can make. He’s only one person, but it changes the entire tenor of the tournament. Coupled with body changes in some top tier rikishi to get their weight down, I think we are seeing some of the better sumo of the last year or more. Sure, things are still a bit odd with pandemic rules in place around sumo, but everyone – fans, rikishi, staff, seem to treat this thing more as a menacing distraction, rather than a disruption now. Part of this is borne out of financial reality. With the Sumo Kyokai forced to limit activities, they are deeply in debt now, and need to find way to engage with fans so that when they are allowed to resume things such as senshuraku parties, and jungyo, there are sumo fans who will attend.
But for now, it’s glorious to enjoy what seems like a complete tournament for the first time in months.
Highlight Matches
Kaisei defeats Akua – Akua opened strong with a nodowa, but then the two were chest to chest. Kaisei took a left hand inside position, and once he had a hold of Akua, there was little that Akua could do to shut down Kaisei’s offense. Akua, knowing he was in trouble, attempted to rotate into a kubenage, but that just left him turned about in Kaisei’s battle hug. A quick shove and Kaisei picks up his first win since November.
Hidenoumi defeats Daiamami – Hidenoumi came in low, and was trapped by Daiamami grabbing his shoulders, which left him bent over and stuck a the middle of the dohyo. Both men seemed to take a moment to think it over, with Hidenoumi breaking the stalemate by bucking his hips forward and driving ahead for the win. Hidenoumi now 2-0 to start March.
Kotoeko defeats Yutakayama – Good power and aggression by Kotoeko today. I liked to see him work to overwhelm Yutakayama’s solid defense today. The key piece of this match, to me, Yutakayama works to change his grip with Kotoeko firmly against his chest. Kotoeko reads the weight shift and uses even that small amount of motion to power a throw. The kimarite is listed as tsukiotoshi, but it was nicely orchestrated. Kotoeko picks up his second win.
Chiyoshoma defeats Tsurugisho – Solid, straight ahead sumo from Chiyoshoma today, and his win only underscores how tentative Tsurugisho’s lower body is following his injury to his ACL.
Akiseyama defeats Terutsuyoshi – I am starting to be a bit more impressed with Akiseyama’s sumo every day. Terutsuyoshi is no easy mark, and Terutsuyoshi was throwing a lot into this match. Neither one of them could find satisfactory hand placement, so the match was a series of grabs and attempts to hold. This all ended with Terutsuyoshi being turned around, and Akiseyama pushing him out from the rear to improve to 2-0.
Aoiyama defeats Kotoshoho – If you ever wanted a demonstration of Big Dan Aoiyama’s “V-Twin” attack, today is solid tutorial. Both arms applying maximum pressure. Poor Kotoshoho crumped under the second volley. He’s not looking so good right now.
Midorifuji defeats Chiyotairyu – After the initial hit, Chiyotairyu went for a “leapfrog” pull, giving Midorifuji an open invitation to lower his shoulders and just run Chiyotairyu over the edge. A monoii ensued to review some interesting footage of Midorifuji narrowly staying in flight while Chiyotairyu continued to apply downward pressure has he stepped out. After review, the win was given to Midorifuji, and he improves to 2-0.
Hoshoryu defeats Ryuden – A solid yotsu match from both, but I have to compliment Ryuden for setting the terms of the match, and capturing Hoshoryu at the tachiai. But when the two went to exchange throws, Hoshoryu collapsed Ryuden’s pivot and took the match. Impressive effort from both.
Kotonowaka defeats Chiyonokuni – Kotonowaka wanted to take Chiyonokuni’s belt at the tachiai, but the grumpy badger opened with a volley of thrusts, and set the tone of the match. The two traded blows, with Chiyonokuni delivering the better portion of hits. But he got too far forward over his feet, and Kotonowaka slapped him down. Both end the day 1-1.
Kagayaki defeats Tobizaru – Two days in a row, I have watched “Goth Mode” Kagayaki try to keep his sumo calm and focused. But they keep giving him these frantic, busy little guys. But just as he did with Kotonowaka, he stayed low and stable, and just delivered solid fundamental sumo for his second win. Tomorrow he gets a change of pace – Ichinojo!
Tamawashi defeats Tochinoshin – Tochinoshin started the processing of trading neck pulls with Tamawashi, and it seemed to become the focal point of the match. But Tamawashi was able to catch Tochinoshin without proper footing, and pulled him down.
Ichinojo defeats Okinoumi – Ichinojo used what I can only describe as an “All Day Tachiai”. Okinoumi was in no rush and waited at the shikiri-sen for Ichinojo to lumber the two steps to engage. When he did arrive, Okinoumi found his left arm pinned in Ichinojo’s armpit, and that was all it took for the Mongolian behemoth to shut down any offense Okinoumi had planned. Ichinojo improves to 2-0.
Kiribayama defeats Endo – Endo fans must be tremendously frustrated, two days in a row Endo found himself in situations that he should have avoided. After dictating the terms of the match today, he allowed Kiribayama work his way out of poor body position, and then work his way into a throw. As Endo rode the sukuinage to the clay, he dropped to 0-2 to start March.
Myogiryu defeats Shimanoumi – Myogiryu went for straight ahead, inside and forward sumo today. Shimanoumi never had a chance to set his feet, unleash any defense, or do much more than blink as Myogiryu improves to 2-0.
Mitakeumi defeats Meisei – Mitakeumi’s weight loss may have given him elements of his old sumo back. If so, I could not be happier. He seems faster, with a better thrust to weight ratio. Today he clocked on to Meisei’s center-mass and just kept pouring on the forward pressure. He starts Haru 2-0.
Terunofuji defeats Wakatakakage – I give Wakatakakage a good measure of respect for trying to give Terunofuji a solid match. The armpit attack was effective for a moment. But Terunofuji knew how much ring he had left, barred that right arm and used it to toss Wakatakakage around and out. 8 more for ultra-mega Kaiju status.
Hokutofuji defeats Takanosho – A sloppy match, which was all about balance while under attack and maneuver. It was Takanosho who stumbled first, and Hokutofuji’s ultra stable lower body yet again won an otherwise dicey match.
Shodai defeats Onosho – Onosho came in strong and focused. A combination nodowa with strong pressure from his left hand moved Shodai back rapidly. But I am going to guess that the junior tadpole wanted to finish the human diakon before he could employ any of his cartoon sumo, and reached for a pull. A huge mistake as Shodai was ready for this, and one huge thrust put Onosho out. Shodai picks up his first win of Haru.
Takakeisho defeats Daieisho – Wow. huge double arm thrusting exchanges between these two, they were holding nothing back in spite of being real world friends. But as with Mitakeumi, the weight loss seems to have helped Takakeisho tremendously, and a fair measure of his old sumo power has returned. 6 more wins for Takakeisho to clear kadoban.
Takayasu defeats Asanoyama – The two went chest to chest at the tachiai, and Asanoyama ended up with unsatisfactory hand position, and a battle to re-arrange broke out. While Asanoyama improved his hand placement somewhat, it was at the cost of giving burly Takayasu a lethal left hand outside mawashi grip. We can just all this one a “Kisenosato”, and it makes me smile to see Takayasu implement his own version of this move. Struggle as he tried, there was no way out for Asanoyama, and he was dumped over the edge without ceremony.
Hakuho defeats Takarafuji – Much respect to Takarafuji for this match. He kept Hakuho from setting up his preferred attack techniques, and succeeded in stalemating the dia-yokozuna and drawing out the match. Sadly, Takarafuji took a chance to step forward and load a throw. This was just what Hakuho needed to complete a kotenage, and Takarafuji hit the clay. The Boss improves to 2-0.
It’s great to have sumo back. I am a bit surprised at how many of the COVID Kyujo rikishi showed up with a thick, scaly layer or ring rust. I think the most oxidized of all is none other than Yokozuna Hakuho, who may wish to take a quick trip to Yokosuka and use the barncile blaster to remove some of the accumulation. I was a bit surprised that Terunofuji looked a bit rusty as well. By all accounts, he have been a training machine, grinding away in the world famous Isegahama sweat lodge dohyo. I can’t help but wonder if the goal that lays just before him provides more distraction now at the final step than motivation. Please know, mighty Kaiju, most of the sumo world wants to see you succeed. Who do you think has the biggest layer or ring rust? Leave your vote in the comments below.
What We Are Watching Day 2
Kaisei vs Akua – Their only prior match was in November, and it went to Akua. After a 5-10 record at Hatsu, I am sure Akua would like to kachi-koshi his way back to the top division, while Kaisei has a thick layer of COVID-kyujo ring rust to remove.
Daiamami vs Hidenoumi – These two have a 13 match history that is at 7-6, so they are evenly matched with no clear advantages. In all of their prior fights, it has ended via yori-kiri. So chest to chest at the start, and may the man with the best footwork win.
Kotoeko vs Yutakayama – Yutakayama’s bulk is a challenge for Kotoeko, who wants to work with strength and speed. Yutakayama will need to focus on “his brand” of sumo. Namely keeping his mobility focused, his steps small and his balance precise in order to present the fewest opportunities to Kotoeko.
Tsurugisho vs Chiyoshoma – Tsurugisho took and odd fall at the end of his day 1 match with Yutakayama, so I am going to be looking to see if that bad knee is bothering him once more. I think that Chiyoshoma may deliver something more henka like today.
Akiseyama vs Terutsuyoshi – I would think that Terutsuyoshi would have a lot of advantages to exploit. He is smaller and more agile by a good measure. With so much of Akiseyama front-loaded, all Terutsuyoshi needs to do is get to the side to create an opening. Their career record of 3-3 gives us yet another evenly balanced match for day 2.
Aoiyama vs Kotoshoho – Kotoshoho suffered a brutal 2-13 in January, dropping him from Maegashira 3 to 11. I had hoped he would show up at Haru looking better, and with some semblance of good sumo. If day 1 was any indication, this is going to be another tough tournament for him. He has beaten Aoiyama once before, in November.
Midorifuji vs Chiyotairyu – First time match, and I am looking for Midorifuji to put the man with the cannon-ball tachiai on the clay by the 3rd step. Chiyotairyu has not yet been on the receiving end of a Midorifuji katasukashi, but he has to know that it’s coming.
Ryuden vs Hoshoryu – Part of me really wants to see Ryuden deliver a henka today, and put Hoshoryu well and truly in the dog-house with his uncle. This is a first time match between the two, and I hope that Hoshoryu will be a bit more cautious today.
Kotonowaka vs Chiyonokuni – Chiyonokuni, in spite of his day 1 win against Tobizaru, did not seem satisfied. Sure, he got some solid thrusts and hits in, but for a rikishi like Chiyonokuni, he shows up every day looking for a big, energetic brawl. Will Kotonowaka join Chiyonokuni in a good-natured mosh?
Tobizaru vs Kagayaki – Tobizaru was completely out or sorts on day 1, and I hope he can collect his sumo and come back strong on day 2 against Kagayaki. Kagayaki’s dark mawashi still has me a bit unsettled, but even if he is in goth mode, hopefully he retains good sumo fundamentals. He has a 2-0 advantage over Tobizaru.
Tamawashi vs Tochinoshin – 34 match history, with Tochinoshin holding a 22-12 advantage. If Tochinoshin’s knees can handle the strain, he may be able to give Tamawashi an 0-2 start. I think it will all come down to Tochinoshin’s left hand outside grip.
Ichinojo vs Okinoumi – Big, heavy Ichinojo is a challenge for Okinoumi, who is at a 2-4 career disadvantage. If he can shut down Ichinojo’s throwing attempts, he can probably contain the big Mongolian, and will have a chance to score his second win for March.
Kiribayama vs Endo – Endo has a bad first day, and I expect he is going to be a lot more focused, a lot more conservative and he is going to stick to powerful straight ahead sumo today. He won the only prior match against Kiribayama, and has a huge edge in skill and experience.
Myogiryu vs Shimanoumi – Shimanoumi is a late bloomer, who at 31 is finally looking sharp. If he can take his second career win today against Myogiryu, I will start to hope that he may have a good basho.
Meisei vs Mitakeumi – Meisei may have a tough time today, as the mass-reduced Mitakeumi seems to be a real contender. His match against Shodai was quite sloppy, but Mitakeumi showed a lot of power, and a lot of flexibility. Meisei has almost matched his highest rank ever, and is at the point in his sumo career where we may see a step change up in capability. Here’s to hoping.
Terunofuji vs Wakatakakage – Kaiju vs lead Onami brother as we get into the big end of day 2. The only time Wakatakakage has won against Terunofuji was a year ago on day 6 during the “silent basho”. We have come a long way since then, as has Terunofuji. I think that Wakatakakage may have some work to do to shake off the ring rust after being forced to sit January out.
Hokutofuji vs Takanosho – I know I kid the Hokutofuji fans a lot about this man delivering “The most powerful make-koshi in all of sumo”, and I think Hokutofuji is due for a good basho. If this March is the time for him to advance, he may show that to us today against Takanosho, who has taken up a durable role in the San’yaku.
Shodai vs Onosho – If Onosho wants to see his first win, he will need to overcome Shodai’s defensive style. But he must keep his balance well behind his toes, or face an abrupt and surprising turn of fortune should Shodai unleash some of his brand of sumo (aka Cartoon Sumo). Shodai, as long as he is not secretly hurt, is going to have some great matches this tournament, I expect. I hope he saves them for week 2.
Takakeisho vs Daieisho – On his way to the yusho, Daieisho slapped down Takakeisho on day 2. Shall we have a re-run and see if anything has changed? I predict that Daieisho may have some mental challenges this March, but his sumo looks as strong as ever.
Takayasu vs Asanoyama – Every sumo fan I know is looking for a step change in Asanoyama. Some indication that he may be evolving toward the next higher level of sumo. It’s a difficult step to make, and most Ozeki do not. He has an even 1-1 score against Takayasu head to head, so I am looking for a big, burly battle today.
Hakuho vs Takarafuji – A fantastic opportunity for The Boss to knock off some ring rust over Takarafuji. While Takarafuji will try to deflect, defend and extend, Hakuho has a knack (15-2) for grabbing this guy and inducting him into the Space Force with a sub orbital flight.
