Looking Ahead to the Nagoya Banzuke

lksumo Aki Basho 2022

Chill, Andy, it won’t be so bad.

Let’s take our customary instant look at how the results of this basho are likely to reshuffle the rankings chart for the next one.

Sanyaku

We will have three Sekiwake: Daieisho and Kirishima, who both posted double-digit wins at the rank, and Wakatakakage, whose 12 wins at Komusubi are sufficient to force open an extra slot. Daieisho and Kirishima are at 19 wins apiece over the past two basho, so only an outstanding yusho-winning performance in July is likely to elevate either to Ozeki. Wakatakakage is at 21, so he might be able to get there with another 12-3 performance, though his 9 wins in March did come at M1. Oh, and the extra sanyaku rank means that M18e will disappear from the banzuke after lasting 2 basho for the first time since Makuuchi has been at its current size of 42 rikishi.

Wakatakakage’s promotion and the demotion of fellow Komusubi Takayasu (6-9) requires filling two Komusubi slots. M2e Abi (7-8) dropped out after his Day 15 loss to M6e Oshoma (10-5), leaving the latter in pole position for one spot. I have M9e Aonishiki (11-4) ahead of M8e Onokatsu (10-5) for the other. If this happens, Aonishiki will have accomplished a rare feat in going from top-division debut to the named ranks in three tournaments, following in the footsteps of such wrestlers as Onosato and Asashoryu (Ichinojo famously got to Sekiwake in his second Makuuchi basho).

Upper Maegashira

The M1-M5 ranks used to be known as “the zone of death” and “the meat grinder” after being frequently decimated by sanyaku opponents. While this often hasn’t been the case in recent years, the ranks certainly lived up to their reputation this time. The 10 rikishi ranked here posted exactly zero winning records for only the 11th time in the six-basho era, and one of only a handful that didn’t involve kyujo. They managed only 57 wins and 93 losses (though the Natsu 1971 crew managed a whopping 103 losses!). Several of the denizens of the zone of death did well enough to find themselves right back there in Nagoya: Wakamotoharu, Oho, Abi, Tamawashi, and Hiradoumi (plus Takayasu). Takerufuji, Ichiyamamoto, Gonoyama, Ura, and Chiyoshoma will rotate out, to be replaced in the meat grinder by Onokatsu, Kinbozan, Hakuoho, and Meisei.

Makuuchi <-> Juryo

M18e Tochitaikai (4-11) and M17e Tamashoho (4-11) were already fully booked on the Juryo barge before senshuraku. All the endangered rikishi lost today, leaving us with 4 more demotion candidates: M15w Shonannoumi (5-10), M15e Ryuden (5-10), M16w Nishikigi (6-9), and M11w Shishi (4-11).

On the Juryo side, everyone who needed to won. So in addition to yusho winner J1w Kusano (13-2), runner-up J5w Wakaikari (12-3), and top-ranked former Ozeki J1e Mitakeumi (8-7), we have 3 additional promotion candidates: J2e Hidenoumi (9-6), J7w Kotoeiho (11-4), and J7e Tomokaze (10-5). Tochitaikai, Tamashoho, and Shonannoumi will make room for the first trio. Hidenoumi should get the nod over Ryuden. Then it comes down to Kotoeiho vs. Nishikigi and Tomokaze vs. Shishi. My guess is that they’ll make the first of these exchanges but not the second, giving us five movements between the divisions, with exciting newcomers Kusano, Wakaikari, and Kotoeiho joining returning veterans Mitakeumi and Hidenoumi.

Juryo <-> Makushita

Champion Ms3e Otsuji (7-0) will bounce right back up, replacing absent J11w Wakanosho. Ms4e Ishizaki (4-3) lost his exchange bout to J10w Hatsuyama (6-9), while Ms4w Kotokuzan (5-2) won his against J13e Miyanokaze (6-9). These results mean that Hatsuyama is safe, while Ishizaki misses out on promotion with a last-day loss for the third consecutive basho. J14w Mudoho (5-10) is booked for an immediate return trip to Makushita, and will be replaced by Kotokuzan. The final spot in Juryo will go to either Ms5e Kyokukaiyu (5-2) or Miyanokaze. I think the Makushita man should get the nod here, but it’s not a certainty. We’ll find out about this decision (and Onosato’s Yokozuna promotion, of course!) in the next couple of days, but we’ll have to wait until June 30 for the rest of the rankings. Crystal Ball will weigh in closer to that date. In the meantime, let me know what you think in the comments.

Natsu 2025: Senshuraku — and an extra visit to the Twighlight Zone

Andy Natsu 2025, Natsu Basho , ,

Wakaikari put the pressure on Kusano with a twisting escape on the edge, a sukuinage defeat of Daiamami. Kusano lived up to the pressure and easily dispatched Tsurugisho by grabbing his belt with his left hand and sliding around, attacking from Tsurugisho’s right side. This is called, “doing him dirty” because of that telling mummy wrap on his left knee. There’s no way Tsurugisho could resist by bracing with that left leg. Tsurugisho did what he could do, shuffle left and try not to fall over. Yorikiri.

There were some interesting decisions with the sansho (Special Prizes). No one will receive the outstanding performance prize. Sadanoumi was given a Fighting Spirit Prize, his third, unconditionally. Aonishiki and Asakoryu were given opportunities to win if one depending on winning their bouts today. Lastly, Kirishima and Wakatakakage were both given technique prizes, Kirishima’s fourth and Wakatakakage’s sixth.

Your NHK videos are here: Juryo, Makuuchi Part I and Part II.

Makuuchi Action

Roga (9-6) defeated Kotoshoho (6-4-5). Roga’s steady gaburi yotsu forced Kotoshoho to the edge. Kotoshoho resisted but Roga kept chugging until Kotoshoho went over the edge. Yorikiri.

Atamifuji (8-7) defeated Nishikigi (6-9). Nishikigi did not want Atamifuji on his belt. Atamifuji had his right hand around Nishikigi’s trunk but when he tried to switch to the belt, Nishikigi squeezed hard to prevent it. Atamifuji tried chugging forward but Nishikigi’s weight kept Atamifuji from making progress. So, Atamifuji pulled on Nishikigi’s right arm and slapped him down. Kotenage.

Tochitaikai (4-11) defeated Shishi (4-11). As Shishi lumbered forward, Tochitaikai slipped to the right and followed up with a shove from the side to force Shishi out. Will this defeat pull Shishi down into Juryo? Oshidashi.

Endo (9-6) defeated Asakoryu (10-5). Endo spoiled Asakoryu’s party. Asakoryu tried a kotenage with Endo’s left hand. That failed and gave Endo enviable position with Asakoryu backed to the bales. Endo pressed forward and forced Asakoryu over before Asakoryu could slap him down. Yorikiri.

Shodai (6-9) defeated Shonannoumi (5-10). Shodai somehow spun Shonannoumi around at the edge and forced him over the bales before falling over. Yorikiri.

Midorifuji (6-9) defeated Tamashoho (4-11). Much of this bout was a tsuppari brawl which could have gone either way. Tamashoho abandoned his tsuppari to reach in for Midorifuji’s belt. While Tamashoho reached with his left, Midorifuji twisted clockwise, forcing Tamashoho into over extending, and pulled Tamashoho down with a lightning quick uwatedashinage.

Aonishiki (11-4) defeated Sadanoumi (10-5). Aonishiki earned his second special prize by locking in quickly with his left hand inside, then pulling Sadanoumi down. Shitatenage.

Kinbozan (10-5) defeated Kayo (7-8). Kinbozan chased Kayo around the ring as Kayo tried to pull on Kinbozan’s right arm. Eventually, Kinbozan cornered Kayo and shoved him over the edge. Tsukidashi.

Onokatsu (10-5) defeated Meisei (9-6). Meisei blitzed Onokatsu but Onokatsu stood him up at the edge. Meisei drove forward, tried to trip him, and then put his engines in reverse for a pull down. This was a BAD idea as Onokatsu chased him and drove him to the ground, roughly, for causing his nose bleed. Yoritaoshi.

Churanoumi (4-11) defeated Ryuden (5-10). After the two exchanged some tsuppari, Churanoumi grabbed Ryuden’s belt with his right hand and drove his head into Ryuden’s chin and left shoulder, forcing him backward to the bales. Ryuden dug in with his toes to resist at the bales, a maneuver that always makes me cringe and get flashbacks to Ikioi/Kizakiumi. Ryuden tumbled backwards under the crushing weight of Churanoumi. For a video of Kizakiumi destroying the current Yokozuna, check out this post. You don’t have to read my rants if you don’t want to but watch the video, closely. Kizakiumi was a promising university talent with family connections in the sumo world. Unfortunately, he did one of these resist-at-all-costs things at the edge and it cost him all the sumo things. A few painful makekoshi later, he had retired with a chronic neck injury. What’s really twisted? Look really closely at Churanoumi, from Kizaki in Okinawa. “Holup, Andy.” Looks familiar, right? Brothers. Doo-doo-doo-doo, doo-doo-doo-doo. Twightlight Zone stuff for you here at Tachiai. Ryuden. When Churanoumi offers his hand because he nearly crushed you, take it, jackass. Yoritaoshi.

Tokihayate (8-7) defeated Hakuoho (8-7). Quick as lightning, Tokihayate picked up a listless Hakuoho and drove forward over the bales. Yorikiri.

Halftime

Ura (5-10) defeated Takanosho (8-7). Ura charged forward and Taka tried a hasty slapdown…but he was already on his way out. Oshidashi.

Tamawashi (6-9) defeated Hiradoumi (6-9). Tamawashi grabbed Hiradoumi’s head, twisted and slammed him to the ground. Diabolical dismantling at the center of the ring. Wow. Oshitaoshi.

Takerufuji (6-9) defeated Gonoyama (4-11). Takerufuji got a quick grip of Gonoyama’s belt, pivoted, and pulled him down. Uwatenage.

Oshoma (10-5) defeated Abi (7-8). Oshoma-subi? Jeez, this next banzuke’s going to be a mess. Oshoma grabbed Abi’s arm and swung him to the edge. That pissed Abi off and he drove into Oshoma, forcing him to the opposite side of the ring. Somehow Oshoma resisted, kept his foot from going over the tawara, got behind Abi and pushed him out from the back. Okuridashi.

Oho (7-8) defeated Chiyoshoma (4-11). Oho moved forward behind strong tsuppari, perhaps given an extra boost, pissed off from Chiyoshoma’s slapping and clawing. Oshidashi.

Wakamotoharu (7-8) defeated Ichiyamamoto (5-10). Ichiyamamoto went for the belt today, rather than his regular oshi. Ichiyamamoto was holding onto his finger as he left the dohyo. I do not think I want to see the replay of what happened to it. Katasukashi.

Sanyaku

Wakatakakage defeated Tobizaru. WTK’s arms enveloped Tobizaru, not letting him fly around the ring. Instead, he charged forward and gently dropped him over the side. Wakataka-wake. Yorikiri.

Takayasu (6-9) defeated Kirishima (11-3). Kirishima tried to bat Takayasu’s tsuppari away. He nearly backed out of the dohyo but rotated in time. Kirishima tried to press forward and get some space from the bales but Takayasu slapped him down. Hatakikomi.

Daieisho (10-5) defeated Kotozakura (8-7). Bam, Bam, Bam. Daieisho’s tsuppari immediately forced Kotozakura into reverse. “Forced? Andy, Kotozakura was going to back up, anyway.” Okay, yeah, well…he forced him back faster than he otherwise would have gone and shoved him over the edge before he could try any tricks. 1, 2, 3. Tsukidashi.

Amazing. When the announcer said Onosato’s name, a huge roar erupted from the crowd. The guys just got up there. They’re still doing shiko.

Hoshoryu (12-3) defeated Onosato (14-1). Onosato charged forward, shoving the Yokozuna’s head back. Hoshoryu was in trouble but he adjusted really well. He slipped out to his right and grabbed for Onosato’s belt. As Onosato extended to keep up his attack and to try to get that right hand grip, Hoshoryu reversed and twisted him to the ground. Uwatehineri.

Wrap-up

A rivalry has begun. Hoshoryu strutted away with a massive stack of envelopes, denying Onosato from sealing a zensho-yusho. Nevertheless, Onosato will be the 75th Yokozuna. Keep your eyes open for the official announcement this week, along with word of Juryo promotions.

“Andy, don’t remind me about the banzuke.”

I know, I know, it’s going to be torture this time. But fun torture. Hopefully the fun torture is accompanied by relief from the not-so-fun torture Miyagino-beya is being put through. There’s no jungyo but still plenty of upcoming news to stay alert for as we shift to Nagoya.

When you’re in the sport this deep, you get used to it. I don’t even see the code. All I see is, blond, brunette, redhead…the occasional goth or “loli” in the crowd…It’s beautiful. But for some reason, she’s watching the sport through the screen on her camera phone instead of just watching the action 10 feet from her.

Congratulations to Onosato for winning his fourth yusho. Congratulations to Kusano, Otsuji, Hatooka, Mineyaiba, and Kazuma for their yusho, as well as to Sadanoumi, Aonishiki, Kirishima, and Wakatakakage for their special prizes.

This was one hell of a tournament, truly historic. This will be one of those that we remember for quite a while. I can’t wait to do it all again in a couple of months!

What’s at Stake on Senshuraku

lksumo Aki Basho 2022

A quick update to yesterday’s scenarios, now that we know the outcomes of Day 14 action.

Sanyaku

Daieisho and Kirishima will be sekiwake again in July. They’ll be joined at that rank by komusubi Wakatakakage (11-3), whose 11 wins should by precedent force an extra slot. Komusubi Takayasu (5-9) is out. So we’ll have two open komusubi slots. Both of the top contenders lost today, which means that M1e Wakamotoharu (6-8) is out of the running entirely. The other leading contender, M2e Abi (7-7), can still return to sanyaku if he beats M6e Oshoma (9-5) tomorrow. Oshoma is guaranteed a komusubi slot with a win, which would also eliminate Abi from consideration. In that scenario, the pecking order for K1w would be as follows: 1. M9e Aonishiki (10-4), 2. M8e Onokatsu (9-5), 3. M8w Kinobozan (9-5), 4. M7e Hakuoho (8-6). The highest person on this list to win gets the spot, although I’m not sure Hakuoho with a win would pass Aonishiki with a loss. If Abi beats Oshoma, then Oshoma would slot into the K1w queue in a virtual tie with Onokatsu, so he could still get the spot provided Aonishiki and possibly Onokatsu lose.

Makuuchi <-> Juryo

M18e Tochitaikai (3-11) and M17e Tamashoho (4-10) are toast. M15w Shonannoumi (5-9) and M15e Ryuden (5-9) must win, and even that may not be enough to save them. M16w Nishikigi (6-8) is safe with a win but probably gone with a loss. M11w Shishi (4-10) is safe with a win, but would be on the bubble with a loss.

Yusho race leader J1w Kusano (12-2) and his sole chaser, J5w Wakaikari (11-3), have done enough for a top-division debut. Former Ozeki J1e Mitakeumi (8-6) also has an undeniable promotion case. J2e Hidenoumi (8-6) and J7w Kotoeiho (10-4) would stake promotion claims by winning on senshuraku, while J7e Tomokaze (9-5) must win and hope for a lot of other results to go his way. So we’re looking at a minimum of 3 exchanges and a maximum of 5.

Juryo <-> Makushita

In addition to champion Ms3e Otsuji (7-0) bouncing right back up and absent J11w Wakanosho going down, we now also have J14w Mudoho (5-9) booked for an immediate return trip to Makushita. Ms5e Kyokukaiyu (5-2) held serve by winning his final bout and placing himself second in the promotion queue for the moment. The final three spots in Juryo will come down to him and the participants in two exchange bouts tomorrow: Ms4e Ishizaki (4-2) vs. J10w Hatsuyama (5-9) and Ms4w Kotokuzan (4-2) vs. J13e Miyanokaze (6-8). If both Makushita guys lose, they’re out, the incumbents are safe, and Kyokukaiyu takes Mudoho’s place. If Ishizaki loses and Kotokuzan wins, Kotokuzan and Kyokukaiyu should be exchanged with Mudoho and Miyanokaze. Things get trickier if Ishizaki beats Hatsuyama though. Ishizaki would certainly go up, and Kotokuzan-Miyanokaze would be a straight exchange bout, but the last spot would come down to Kyokukaiyu vs. Hatsuyama, and it’s not clear how that would go.

Natsu 2025: Day Fourteen

Andy Natsu 2025, Natsu Basho

The Makuuchi yusho has been decided but in Juryo Kusano (12-2) may still need to win tomorrow to secure his second consecutive title. Wakaikari (11-3) must win tomorrow against Daiamami to have any hope of a playoff. Daiamami is 7-7 and fighting for that all-important kachi-koshi, though he is likely already safe from demotion. If Wakaikari wins and Kusano loses to Tsurugisho, who also has kachi-koshi on the line, Kusano will fight Wakaikari in a playoff.

Right now, there is only one playoff scheduled. As Leonid mentioned yesterday, Otsuji won the Makushita yusho and will return to Juryo. Hatooka won the Sandanme title while Kazuma ran away with the Jonokuchi yusho. The Jonidan title will be decided in a playoff between Mineyaiba and Tenrosei, both of Shikoroyama-beya. Tenrosei is Hoshoryu’s cousin. Musashimaru’s nephew, Hikarimusashi, finished with a kachi-koshi and continues to make progress.

Your NHK videos are here: Juryo, Makuuchi Part I and Part II.

Makuuchi Action

Roga (8-6) defeated Nishikigi (6-8). Roga blitzed Nishikigi at the tachiai and drove him quickly to the edge, where he kept up the pressure until Nishikigi stepped out. After starting the tournament 5-0, Nishikigi is makekoshi and in a perilous position heading into tomorrow. We’re back where we were last tournament but worlds away from the optimism of Day 4 and Day 5. Yorikiri.

Sadanoumi (10-4) defeated Kotoshoho (6-3-5). Sadanoumi pivoted and dumped Kotoshoho unceremoniously, to the clay. Uwatenage.

Tokihayate (7-7) defeated Endo (8-6). Tokihayate quickly wrapped up Endo and spun, pulling him over to the edge where he pressed him out. Yorikiri.

Shishi (4-10) defeated Tamashoho (4-10). Shishi easily overpowered Tamashoho’s tsuppari. Nevertheless, Tamashoho would cycle and come back to try more tsuppari. When Tamashoho got within arm’s length, Shishi slapped him down.  Hatakikomi.

Meisei (9-5) defeated Kayo (7-7). Kayo henka? He didn’t get very far. Meisei was ready to brawl so Kayo charged forward. This time Meisei shifted to the side, grabbed Kayo’s belt and pulled him forward. Uwatenage.

Shodai (5-9) defeated Tochitaikai (3-11). “Oh, you’re so powerful. I cannot overwhelm you. You are forcing me back to the edge at will…Oh no, you fell when I slipped to the side. Sucker.” Shodai baited Tochitaikai into driving forward, full force. At the edge, Shodai slipped to the side and shoved Tochitaikai down. Tochitaikai’s new. He doesn’t know. Tsukiotoshi.

Aonishiki (10-4) defeated Atamifuji (7-7). Atamifuji gave a valiant effort but Aoinishiki’s right-hand inside grip was very powerful. Aonishiki tried to throw and Atamifuji tried to charge forward. It was a bit of an entertaining back-and-forth stalemate until Aonishiki got inside with his left hand, too. Once he got the morozashi, Atamifuji put it in reverse and flailed around as he tried to escape. Aonishiki had him and drove him over the edge. Yorikiri.

Midorifuji (5-9) defeated Ryuden (5-9). Ryuden charged forward but Midorifuji quickly shifted to his right at the edge while shoving Ryuden down. Ryuden might need to win tomorrow to avoid the drop to Juryo. He and Nishikigi will have a lot riding on tomorrow’s bouts. Tsukiotoshi.

Asakoryu (10-4) defeated Onokatsu (9-5). Asakoryu with the sidestep tachiai but Onokatsu adjusted well. Asakoryu brought it right to Onokatsu and drove forward, angling for a belt grip. Onokatsu was trying to get a hold with his right hand when Asakoryu pulled and threw him down. Shitatenage.

Kinbozan (9-5) defeated Takanosho (8-6). Kinbozan did not start with his powerful thrusts, this time. He reached around, grabbed Takanosho’s belt and swung him powerfully to the edge. Takanosho was caught by surprise. “Andy, that wasn’t in the brief! You said to read the brief! That wasn’t in the brief!” As Takanosho tried desperately to stay in, Kinbozan shoved him off the dohyo. Oshidashi.

Shonannoumi (5-9) defeated Churanoumi (3-11). Shonannoumi stood Churanoumi up at the tachiai with some steady tsuppari, lacking power. As Chura pressed forward, Shonannoumi stepped to the side and slapped him down. Hatakikomi.

Halftime

Ura (4-10) defeated Tamawashi (5-9). Ura took a lot of abuse from Tamawashi as he set up a sidestep. When Ura shifted, Tamawashi charged forward but he caught himself at the edge, reversed, and challenged Ura to come at him. Ura charged forward into Tamawashi and drove him off the fighting surface. Yorikiri.

Tobizaru (7-7) defeated Abi (7-7). Tobizaru seemed to be favoring his right foot at the start of this bout. He tried a slapdown, which failed, and somehow Abi got in deep behind. Tobizaru quickly reengaged so Abi wouldn’t okuridashi him. Somewhere, Tobizaru summoned the strength to keep Abi cornered. Abi shifted direction but Tobizaru pursued and forced Abi over. Was the right foot injury a feint? Remember, he was limping yesterday. If so, Tobizaru’s playing 3D Chess here. Oshidashi.

Ichiyamamoto (5-9) defeated Gonoyama (4-10). Ichiyamamoto hit Gonoyama with measured tsuppari, just enough power to hold him up but to allow Gonoyama to charge forward. Then Ichiyamamoto stepped to the side and pulled Gonoyama down. Hikiotoshi.

Oshoma (9-5) defeated Wakamotoharu (6-8). Oshoma tried the same thing on Wakamotoharu but Wakamotoharu did not go down and stayed engaged with Oshoma. Wakamotoharu drove Oshoma back through the ring and Oshoma shifted along the bales. When Wakamotoharu resisted, Oshoma tried to slap him down. This forced Wakamotoharu into uncontrolled retreat. Oshoma followed up and forced him out. Oshidashi.

Oho (6-8) defeated Takerufuji (5-9). Oho charged forward and Takerufuji pivoted to his right, trying to get access to Oho’s belt. As Takerufuji pressed forward, Oho summoned all of his strength and turned the tables on Takerufuji, twisting and hauling him over the bales. Sukuinage.

Sanyaku

Takayasu (5-9) defeated Chiyoshoma (4-10). Quelle surprise…henka. Takayasu knew what was up and chased Chiyoshoma who backed away and accidentally stepped out. Fumidashi.

Wakatakakage (11-3) defeated Hiradoumi (6-8). Hiradoumi tried a slapdown but Wakatakakage was prepared. Wakatakakage drove forward and forced Hiradoumi out. Oshidashi.

Kirishima (11-3) defeated Hakuoho (8-6). This was a great, even yotsu battle. Hakuoho held his own but became impatient. He had a good left hand grip and surged forward, trying to lock on with his right. Kirishima retreated along the bales until Hakuoho was over-extended and off-balance. Kirishima shoved Hakuoho’s right shoulder with his left hand and dumped him along the bales. Tsukiotoshi.

Onosato (14-0) defeated Daieisho (9-5). Onosato read the brief. Daieisho charged forward behind powerful tsuppari. Onosato slipped to his right, trying a slapdown but that missed. Daieisho’ momentum carried him toward the edge. He turned back to face Onosato but Onosato was on him and shoved him of the ledge. Oshidashi.

Hoshoryu (11-3) defeated Kotozakura (8-6). Kotozakura had Hoshoryu in danger of a kimedashi but Hoshoryu remained low, remained calm, and adjusted his hold to regain the upper hand. The Yokozuna shifted and forced Kotozakura to the bales. Kotozakura tried a last gasp twist and pull down but Hoshoryu remained solid and drove Kotozakura over the edge. Yorikiri.

Wrap-up

Onosato is solidifying his claim on the Yokozuna rank by continuing to win, even when he has the yusho well in hand. He was prepared for Daieisho’s attack today and will need to muster all of his wiles for his fight with Hoshoryu tomorrow. A zensho will be quite the tale, one we will be telling future generations of sumo fans. A Japanese Yokozuna from Ishikawa prefecture, Top Dog of the stable of Kisenosato, who rose quickly through the ranks without ever having a losing record. Like everyone else, I’m eager to see what’s next. He will join Hoshoryu at Yokozuna. What kind of rivalry will they have? Well, tomorrow’s bout might set the tone for that.

There are MANY other questions to be settled tomorrow. Leonid covered a lot of them yesterday. It looks like we’ll have three Sekiwake. If Daieisho can beat Kotozakura tomorrow, we’ll be following up Yokozuna promotion stories with stories of Ozeki runs. All three of these guys have had solid tournaments and will want to join Kotozakura at the rank. A new era dawns.