I must give Herouth a big thank you for the kensho data she put up on Google Sheets. It is really fun to play with and I hope to get a chance to dive into it more often. I’ve been loving data visualizations so I obviously had to throw together a few charts. What’s the deal with kensho and the envelopes? Each envelope handed over on the dohyo contains cash — 30,000 yen or about $280 (£220 or €240). There’s also a roughly equivalent amount behind the scenes that goes toward the rikishi’s retirement and pays fees.
First, a few basics. You all would likely not be surprised to learn that Takakeisho has walked away with the most envelopes so far this tournament with 108, of 144 he’s had up for grabs. Asanoyama has let nearly half of his kensho slip through his fingers with those critical three losses. Endo is in a similar boat. Of 95 envelopes up for grabs, his opponents have walked away with just over half.
At the opposite end of the spectrum, Wakatakakage has won four of five kensho prizes that he has been eligible for, walking away with eight envelopes. Daieisho has won 13 of 21 envelopes available and Tamawashi has collected 11 of 50, so far. The two visualizations hopefully pack this information into a readily consumable and comparable format for you. Terutsuyoshi, for example, is a big, red square in the top chart as he’s had 76 envelopes up for grabs but only walked away with four. This is all based on data through Day 8. The picture above is a static image with a link to where I’ve put it but the visualization below should be dynamic.
This was meant to be the day I’d start checking off people on my Kachi-Koshi Bingo entry. But noooo… Apparently everyone likes rolling around in the clay so much. There’s clearly not enough Kawaigari with this degeiko ban. Well, at least Kotoshogiku’s back, for now. I guess he’s still technically got a chance for a miracle and that spot on my card’s no longer dead — even if I’ve got him, Shohozan and Enho along the diagonal. Yutakayama’s now blocking my top row. Wow.
And look! Ishiura’s back after taking the first week off! He’s still technically got a chance. With the yokozunae out, none of the other leaders want to win this thing, though I’d put my money on Takayasu. His eyes must be as big as saucers right now. But I’m getting ahead of myself, aren’t I? Let’s get to the action…
Highlights
Meisei (5-3) defeated Shohozan (0-8): Solid tachiai and a quick oshizumo bout. Meisei wins with…a pull. Who better to Meisei’s win assured Shohozan’s makekoshi record. Let’s move on, shall we? Oshidashi.
Ishiura (1-0-7) defeated Shimanoumi (4-4): No Juryo visitor today because Ishiura’s back. As Bruce mentioned, this would be a fresh hell for us mortals. However, rikishi age – and therefore heal – at a rate 10 times faster than us because of their sacred keiko. After the tachiai, Ishiura clawed at Shimanoumi with his left hand until he secured a solid grip. Once he achieved that grip, a quick yank on the mawashi rolled Shimanoumi down. Shitatedashinage
Ichinojo (5-3) defeated Kotoshoho (6-2): Kotoshoho had a quick, strong tachiai against Ichinojo and he backed the giant to the tawara. But Ichinojo reached around and grabbed the young colt. He had a solid left-hand grip on Kotoshoho’s mawashi and executed a nice throw. “Just like tossing ponies back home.” Uwatenage.
Kaisei (3-5) defeated Chiyotairyu (5-3): Kaisei powered through Chiyotairyu’s thrusts to force a yotsu belt battle. He quickly secured a morozashi and, with all his might, heaved Chiyotairyu back to the bales. The tawara helped Chiyotairyu offer some resistance but Kaisei’s solid gaburi worked Chiyotairyu over and out. Yorikiri.
Hoshoryu (4-4) defeated Kotoshogiku (2-3-3): Speaking of gaburi, Kotoshogiku is in no condition to even attempt his signature technique. Once Hoshoryu had a both hands latched on to Giku’s belt with a left-hand inside belt grip, Kotoshogiku was toast. As Hoshoryu eased the injured veteran back and out, Kotoshogiku regaled him with tales of, “That One Time I Beat Your Uncle.” “Listen here, sonny, and I’ll tell you of that time your uncle couldn’t throw me.” Yorikiri.
Sadanoumi (3-5) defeated Tobizaru (6-2): Tobizaru was desperate to keep Sadanoumi off his belt. When Sadanoumi got a grip with his right hand, Tobizaru spun around to force him to release it. Tobizaru tried a kick but Sadanoumi followed with a decisive shove. Tsukiotoshi
Kotoeko (4-4) defeated Tokushoryu (1-7): Tokushoryu did look tired as he brawled with Kotoeko. Each seemed to drain him. Once inside, Kotoeko pivoted and ushered Tokushoryu over the edge and into the salt box. Oshidashi.
Onosho (6-2) defeated Ryuden (3-5): Both men made an attempt to rearrange the face of their opponent, thrusting their hands at their opponent’s chin. But, oh, wow. Onosho’s nodowa was fatal. That right hand into Ryuden’s throat forced Ryuden to fall over backwards, hard. Oshitaoshi.
Aoiyama (4-4) defeated Enho (1-7): Aoiyama did not charge ahead at the tachiai. Instead, he stood up and shoved out to keep Enho off his belt. A few thrusts with that V-Twin Turbo launched Enho off-balance and off the dohyo. Tsukidashi.
Kiribayama (6-2) defeated Kagayaki (5-3): Kiribayama tried a pull. Kagayaki recovered well but as he brought his arms up to start beating Kiribayama for his insolence, Kiribayama used all his might to blast Kagayaki’s arms away. Now with Kagayaki off-balance and deep in Kiribayama’s side of the dohyo, Kiribayama drove forcefully into Kagayaki, forcing him back that last step and out. Oshidashi.
Halftime
Wakatakakage (6-2) defeated Takarafuji (5-3): Wakatakakage tried an HNH but Takarafuji adapted well. “Son, I know a guy who did that better than you.” He kept driving his left elbow into Wakatakakage’s chin. Wakatakakage had enough of that and worked his way inside with both hands wrapped around Takarafuji. From this position, he forced Takarafuji up and charged forward. Takarafuji tried a last gasp throw at the edge but Wakatakakage forced him out. Yorikiri.
Takayasu (6-2) defeated Terutsuyoshi (2-6): Baloneium contained, for now. Terutsuyoshi knew that left hand would be dangerous so as Takayasu’s fingers wormed their way in, he just tried to take the whole arm. Takayasu then opted for an oshi battle and was going to make. He’s pretty good at those, too. He tried to smush Terutsuyoshi’s face and this propped Terutsuyoshi up, and then Takayasu tipped him forward onto his hands. Terutsuyoshi may have twisted his ankle. He limped back down to the shitakubeya. Hatakikomi.
Terunofuji (6-2) defeated Tamawashi (3-5): Terunofuji’s footwork in this bout was excellent. At the tachiai, he kept Tamawashi in front of him and weathered the storm as he advanced. At the bales, Tamawashi escapted to the left but Terunofuji pursued close behind. A few times Terunofuji came close to a belt grip. Not many can assert a yotsu position against Tamawashi. But Terunofuji powered through Tamawashi’s assault and shoved Tamawashi out. “I don’t need the belt, I’ll just grab your whole trunk.” Yorikiri.
Sanyaku
Okinoumi (3-5) defeated Takanosho (4-4): Okinoumi is another of those guys who doesn’t need the belt to get a solid hold of his opponent and do his sumo. In a manner reminiscent of how he defeated Shodai, Okinoumi enveloped Takanosho with his arms and twisted to the right, forcing Takanosho down. Tsukiotoshi.
Hokutofuji (3-5) defeated Endo (3-5): Someone had to win, right? Hokutofuji was rather determined not to let Endo get a belt grip, pushing, time and time again to keep him off. Endo tried a pull but Hokutofuji wasn’t going to fall for it. He wasn’t advancing with enough momentum. When Endo did get his arms inside, Hokutofuji locked them in under his arm pits and would not let them go. He then tried to take a page from Kaiju and kimedashi walk Endo back and out. The bales offered Endo just enough resistance to keep him from going out. But Hokutofuji twisted his body down to the right, forcing Endo into the clay. Kotenage.
Shodai (6-2) defeated Myogiryu (3-5): Damn it, Shodai, don’t get into this habit. He pulled at the tachiai. His left hand came close to a disqualifying grip on Myogiryu’s top knot but he didn’t lock the fingers in. This forced Myogiryu off-balance and Shodai stepped in behind Myogiryu and forced him out. Maybe they should have called the hair pull to scare Shodai straight. Okuridashi.
Yutakayama (2-6) is kyujo. <note to see yesterday> Asanoyama (5-3) picked up the freebie win.
Daieisho (3-5) defeated Mitakeumi (4-4) : See, Shodai? See what pulling will do to your Ozeki hopes? See? Watch Mitakeumi in this bout. Tired of the absolute pounding he’s getting from blow after blow rained down by Daieisho, Mitakeumi chose to pull. Well, essentially “retreat” rather than “pull” because it wasn’t accompanied by a swipe at Daieisho’s head to try to force him off balance. Daieisho pursued, carefully, and forced Mitakeumi out. Oshidashi.
Tochinoshin (4-4) defeated Takakeisho (6-2): And we have a crazy race, folks. Turns out Tochinoshin doesn’t need the belt, either. A grip on the head works just fine. F’ing pulls. Who needs ‘em? This is how you execute. Tochinoshin didn’t pull. He met Takakeisho head on. But while Takakeisho blindly bulled forward at the tachiai, Tochinoshin worked his hand up behind Takakeisho’s head and forced him down, deflecting his attack to the side and shoving T-Rex into the dirt. He didn’t need to pull back 8 rassifrassin feet to execute this. Push down, get interview. Done. Hatakikomi.
Summary
What is this, the fucking Belmont? We’ve got a nine-horse race heading into the final week. Even Kiribayama’s up here in the lead. Onosho’s got a shot! Takayasu may just raise the cup, yet! We’ve got ourselves a Juryo-like free-for-all in Makuno-freaking-uchi. Asanoyama’s only one win back. Takarafuji is in this! This is blinking nuts! Will the field narrow before we get to the final turn? Join us tomorrow for more insanity. A little less coffee then, I promise.
At least someone out there will have a gem of a bingo card. With 9 guys in the lead, people will have possible yusho-winners all over the place. I think my best row is Ryuden, Ichinojo, Tamawashi, Okinoumi, Takarafuji. Shohozan and Tokushoryu have ganged up to block Shodai for me. Gee, thanks, guys!
My applause to the scheduling crew—they have given us a fantastic fight card for nakabi, and I can’t wait for some of these contests. With both Yokozuna out, nobody is going to get his kachi-koshi on day 8. But my prediction of a giant brawl in week 2 looks like it could manifest itself, if someone can get dirt on Takakeisho.
Do readers remember Chiyonokuni? The guy was a tireless scapper until he picked up a series terrible injuries, and twice found himself droped from the sekitori status. He is currently (fingers crossed) 6-1 in Juryo. He’s too far down the banzuke at J11w to make it back to the top division for November [unless he can pick up the yusho with 13 or 14 wins -lksumo], but I am hopeful he can continue to show strong sumo for the rest of the year.
Further down the banzuke, fan favorite Ura reached kachi-koshi in the Makushita joi-jin with a spotless 4-0 record. He would need another win or two to punch his ticket to return to his pink mawashi, and fans around the world are on pins and needles waiting to see what the second half of the basho will deliver for his bid to make it back to sekitori status.
Aki Leaderboard
With our preview of the middle day of the basho, it’s time to look at the yusho leaderboard. It’s still a giant mass of rikishi who are within range, but right now Takakeisho should be considered to have the edge. With the day 7 losses in the 5-1 group (ahem, Shodai..), it’s going to be necessary for someone to put dirt on Takakeisho if anyone chasing is going to be in contention going into the final weekend.
Meisei vs Shohozan – Sadly, a loss today would be an 0-8 start for Shohozan, and a perfect make-koshi run. I think that sums it up.
Shimanoumi vs Ishiura – What fresh hell is this? Ishiura’s back? I am guessing he is trying to get a couple of wins in an attempt to stay in the top division. Last reports were that his ankle had converted from a useful joint near his foot to a block of wood. Shimanoumi holds a 4-1 career advantage. Well…ok.
Kotoshoho vs Ichinojo – Kotoshoho is having a brilliant basho, and I am delighted this young fellow is fighting well this September. He’s beaten Ichinojo the last 2 outings, and may deliver again today.
Chiyotairyu vs Kaisei – Another battle of the megafauna, but advantage clearly to Chiyotairyu regardless of Kaisei’s 14-4 career edge. Chiyotairyu is lighter, faster and more intense than ever at the moment, and I think he’s going to take care of Kaisei.
Hoshoryu vs Kotoshogiku – Kotoshogiku came back on day 7, and scored a win. I think his match against Hoshoryu may be a tougher challenge, but Hoshoryu seems to have gotten into a bit of a rut, losing his last 2 matches. I am sure his uncle is all over him before and after each match. That’s got to be terrible, as Asashoryu was always such a calm and rational fellow.
Sadanoumi vs Tobizaru – Tobizaru continues to outperform my expectations, and I am delighted that we have yet another young, high-energy rikishi in the top division who seems to genuinely be happy just to mount the dohyo and throw guys around. I would give him an edge over Sadanoumi solely on momentum. This is their first-ever match.
Tokushoryu vs Kotoeko – I will venture an outrageous suggestion. Ura has drained Tokushoryu’s genki energy to power up his sumo in Makushita. Hey, as reasonable as anything else I could come up with to explain why the Hatsu yusho winner is at 1-6 going into the middle day of a basho just 8 months later.
Ryuden vs Onosho – I so want Onosho to bounce back and get out of his losing streak, but I am certain that Ryuden has a solid match plan. Out of their last 4 encounters, Ryuden has taken 3. That means Onosho is going to need to keep his mind on his defensive footwork and try to make sure he does not over-extend. Yeah, may as well ask water not to be wet.
Enho vs Aoiyama – An element of hope—Enho is 2-0 against Big Dan, and maybe he can evade the fate he suffered on day 7 when 170 kg of Kotoshogiku fell on him at the end of the match.
Kiribayama vs Kagayaki – Now here’s a match to be excited about! Kagayaki with the height and reach advantage, Kiribayama with the speed advantage. Both are going to be pushing and thrusting, so it’s power vs mobility. I think this one has great potential.
Wakatakakage vs Takarafuji – Another brilliant first-time match for nakabi! Wakatakakage is a busy fighter, eager to engage in a hit-and-shift offense. He will face the careful, deliberate sumo of Takarafuji for the first time. I am going to guess that the veteran is going to give the youngster a glorious lesson in endurance.
Takayasu vs Terutsuyoshi – I worry that Terutsuyoshi is going to unleash more of his weapons-grade baloneium sumo today, and maybe re-injure Takayasu. Not sure why, but this basho Terutsuyoshi is annoying to me. I am sure it’s just a passing mood. This is their first-ever match, and I would give the advantage to Terutsuyoshi just for speed and brazen sumo.
Terunofuji vs Tamawashi – A nakabi score of 5-2 at Maegashira 1 is excellent for a man who was all but written off in 2017. It’s been a long climb back from Jonidan, and now he’s back facing the top men in sumo. While the goal should be kachi-koshi, I think our dear Kaiju is going to blow past that. I just have to wonder how long those knees can hold out.
Okinoumi vs Takanosho – Okinoumi had a single win before he put Shodai down on day 7. He’s a high-skill rikishi with an almost encyclopedic knowledge, but his long career in sumo may limit how much energy he can deliver on any given day. But this kind of match is great for Takanosho, who probably gets tired of being Takakeisho’s attention. At least he can fight someone who can reach his belt today.
Hokutofuji vs Endo – I call this the disappointment derby.
Shodai vs Myogiryu – We hit the middle day of the tournament, and it’s time to see what Shodai’s made of. He’s has a solid run to 5-2, and he has been showing his best sumo ever. But the first week is, in many cases, easier than the second, and endurance plays an increasing role. Not just physical stamina, but the ability to maintain the intensity and focus into the final 8 days. A lot of sumo fans were heralding Shodai’s upgrades as the dawn of him as a force in the sport, and that very well may be. But first he’s got to survive strong through the coming week. I am eager to see how it goes.
Daieisho vs Mitakeumi – Mitakeumi fans are used to disappointment. What is this, his 4th try to reach 33 wins? I think given the restrictions on practice, there is ample cause for Mitakeumi to be less consistent than is needed to make Ozeki, but it’s sad to see him struggle again. Thankfully, he’s up against another chronic under-performer today, Daieisho! At least Mitakeumi has an 8-3 career advantage over Daieisho.
Asanoyama vs Yutakayama – I am always excited for this match. These two started their top division careers on parallel tracks, and are more or less built by nature to be each other’s rival. But thus far Yutakayama has struggled to reach Asanoyama’s level of consistency. My big hope for Asanoyama for Aki is that he not exit the tournament kadoban. His sumo has been hit or miss, and I am going to place the cause squarely between his ears.
Tochinoshin vs Takakeisho – If Tochinoshin can get a hand on Takakeisho’s belt, we know it’s going to be a bad day in tadpole land. As the favorite to lead the yusho race into week 2, the Ozeki will have his hands full today.
Day 7 – the first day of round four! This means that any wrestlers in the 3-0 bracket who win today’s match have a straight kachi-koshi. Furthermore, they maintain their chances of a division yusho. The field for the division yusho is becoming narrower as lossless rikishi are eliminated. We’ll see many of those matches today.
