Makushita Final, and Promotion Race, Day 11

lksumo Aki Basho 2022

Ms60TD debutant Gyotoku looked stronger, but March debutant Ms39w Fukuzaki had better footwork, winning by oshidashi after deflecting his opponent to the side. Similarly, Ms3e Otsuji was driven to the bales by Ms16w Gojinyu but grabbed the belt and turned the tables with a last-gasp uwatenage. So it’s Otsuji vs. Fukuzaki on Day 13 for all the marbles.

In the promotion race, Otsuji (6-0) will be making an immediate return to Juryo. Ms1w Akua (2-4) was the only one of the six remaining promotion contenders to lose, and is now out of the running. The promotion queue after Otsuji is roughly as follows: Ms1e Kitanowaka (3-3) with a win, Ms4e Ishizaki (4-2) with a win, Ms2e Dewanoryu (3-3) with a win, Ms4w Kotokuzan (4-2), and Ms5e Kyokukaiyu (4-2). Dewanoryu will try his luck in Juryo tomorrow against endangered J13w Daiamami (5-6). The rest of the action will unfold over the final 3 days, likely with a series of crossover bouts.

Natsu 2025: Day Eleven

Andy Natsu 2025, Natsu Basho ,

I know some folks are still catching up with earlier action. Since there does still seem to be some chatter about the Kirishima/Takerufuji decision, I wanted to provide my quick perspective. Rather than focusing on where and when the two guys landed, I rewound a few beats to where you clearly see Takerufuji prone and in the air while Kirishima is still executing his throw with his foot on the ground.

Anyway, I think the decision was right. If instead of saying, “Takerufuji was falling first,” if he had used the word “shini-tai,” there wouldn’t have been any controversy. There’s no coming back for Takerufuji from this position.

On to Juryo, Kusano was overpowered by a determined Tomokaze and sent sprawling from the dohyo. Tomokaze earned his kachi-koshi and Kusano fell to 9-2. Kusano still leads, alone. But now Tomokaze joins the chase pack with Wakaikari, Kotoeiho, Oshomi, and Tohakuryu, all on 8-3. Kusano will face Kotoeiho tomorrow.

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

Makuuchi Action

Asakoryu (8-3) defeated Roga (7-4). Roga had Asakoryu on the ropes but Asakoryu was able to pivot and escape out the side. He then pulled Roga’s left arm and forced Roga to the ground. Kotenage.

Kotoshoho (5-1-5) defeated Ryuden (4-7). Kotoshoho pulled on Ryuden’s arm and rotated. Ryuden tried to keep up but his right foot touched outside the bales. Kotenage.

Kayo (5-6) defeated Sadanoumi (7-4). Kayo held Sadanoumi up at the tachiai then quickly shifted left and pulled Sadanoumi forward. As Sadanoumi rushed by, Kayo followed up and shoved him out. Okuridashi.

Takanosho (7-4) defeated Tochitaikai (3-8). Tochitaikai pulled straight back and ran out of real estate, flying off the dohyo before Takanosho fell forward. Gunbai Takanosho. No mono-ii. Pivot while you pull, damn it. Oshidashi.

Endo (6-5) defeated Tamashoho (4-7). Endo’s tsuppari was more powerful than Tamashoho’s. Oshidashi.

Midorifuji (2-9) defeated Shonannoumi (3-8). Midorifuji pushed Shonannoumi and then pivoted to the left. Shonannoumi rushed forward and Midorifuji slapped Shonannoumi to the ground as Shonannoumi lurched forward. Hatakikomi.

Kinbozan (7-4) defeated Atamifuji (7-4). Kinbozan’s powerful thrusts sent Atamifuji packing. Tsukidashi.

Onokatsu (7-4) defeated Nishikigi (5-6). What happened to Nishikigi? He looked great the first five days but today Onokatsu got a left-hand deep on his belt and drove him through the ring and muscled him over the edge. Yorikiri.

Tokihayate (6-5) defeated Churanoumi (2-9). Churanoumi pressed forward into Tokihayate but Tokihayate kept changing direction to stay well within the bales. Tokihayate grabbed onto Churanoumi’s right arm and pulled him, then threw him over the bales and into the crowd. Instead of using the arm bar, grabbing the opponent’s arm and pulling them forward has become en vogue lately. Kotenage.

Tobizaru (6-5) defeated Shishi (2-9). In keeping with fashion, Shishi tried for another Kotenage but Tobizaru increased his tsuppari to force Shishi back and keep him at bay. Tobizaru pressed forward, then released and quickly pulled Shishi down. Hatakikomi.

Oshoma (8-3) defeated Meisei (7-4). Meisei fell for Oshoma’s change of direction and slapdown. Lots of these slapdowns, too. Hatakikomi.

Halftime

Chiyoshoma (3-8) defeated Shodai (3-8). Chiyoshoma pulled Shodai down by his right shoulder. It looked like the World’s Slowest Slapdown, somehow. Katasukashi.

Abi (7-4) defeated Gonoyama (3-8). Abi pulled and pivoted right to stay inbounds. Abi’s pivot also allowed him access to Gonoyama’s belt, so he pulled him forward while slapping him down. Uwatenage.

Oho (4-7) defeated Tamawashi (3-8). Oho hung in with Tamawashi’s tsuppari. As Tamawashi pressed forward, Oho shifted left and pulled Tamawashi forward. Hikiotoshi.

Wakamotoharu (5-6) defeated Hiradoumi (4-7). Hiradoumi pulled but Wakamotoharu kept up the forward pressure and drove Hiradoumi back and out. Oshidashi.

Sanyaku

Ura (3-8) defeated Takayasu (2-9). Ura pressed Takayasu to the bales after a nice, long brawl. Ura then defeated by pulling Takayasu’s shoulder from behind, somehow. The yobidashi had to take some time to consult the kimarite manual. Ultraman defeated Okuniyama with this back in Osaka in March. But interestingly, Ura pulled this same technique off earlier this year against Takayasu at hatsu-basho. Tsutaezori.

Kirishima (8-3) defeated Ichiyamamoto (4-7). Kirishima shifted left and pulled Ichiyamamoto’s arms forward. Hatakikomi.

Daieisho (8-3) defeated Takerufuji (4-7). Strong thrusts from Daieisho but he shifted to the left and slapped Takerufuji down. Hatakikomi.

Kotozakura (7-4) defeated Aonishiki (8-3). What do you know? Ozeki Kotozakura showed up for a few important seconds. Kotozakura pulled after the tachiai, putting himself in peril but he resisted at the bales. As Aonishiki tried to pull on Kotozakura’s belt to throw the Ozeki, Kotozakura locked onto Aonishiki’s arm and pulled him down to the ground. Kotenage.

Onosato (11-0) defeated Wakatakakage (8-3). Onosato had to work out today against Wakatakakage. Onosato pressed forward but Wakatakakage resisted at the bales and charged forward, driving Onosato back to the other side of the ring. Onosato grabbed the back of Wakatakakage’s belt and as Wakatakakage tried his own underarm throw, Onosato fell forward into Wakatakakage, crushing him out. Yoritaoshi.

Hoshoryu (9-2) defeated Hakuoho (8-3). Wow. Hoshoryu escaped today. Hoshoryu pulled but Hakuoho played it perfectly. Hakuoho adjusted to Hoshoryu’s shift and pressed him to the bales. The Yokozuna had to squeeze out of danger and run to his left. Hakuoho was in hot pursuit. Hoshoryu pivoted at the bales and charged into Hakuoho who appeared to have overrun by half a step and his knee buckled as he tried to adjust and fell backward. Basically, instead of the Yokozuna winning with some fancy kimarite, Hakuoho lost by falling on his butt. That’s got to be a bummer for Hakuoho. He could probably taste that kinboshi. Koshikudake.

Wrap-up

I should have titled this section, “Rant.” For some reason, they’re feeding Hakuoho to Onosato tomorrow. That bout will replace a sanyaku bout on Onosato’s card. It just doesn’t seem necessary. Sure, he’s Hakuoho and he’s a solid rikishi having a good tournament. But he’s M7 with 8 wins. Who will he replace? Kirishima, a Sekiwake with 8 wins? Daieisho with 8 wins? Surely not Kotozakura, an Ozeki with seven wins.

After tomorrow’s questionable Hakuoho pairing, Onosato will have three fights remaining. There are four Sanyaku whom he has not fought. His final four days should look like, S-S-O-Y. Instead, it will be M7-S-O-Y. And it’s not like either of these Sekiwake are having a bad tournament, either. Kotozakura is the one who’s “underperforming” but he still has seven wins!

WTK demonstrated why most sanyaku bouts are at the end of an Ozeki or Yokozuna’s fight card. These are the most difficult competitors and present the biggest challenges, especially to a guy who is looking for promotion to the sport’s highest rank. You want him to fight all of the best guys. Tossing a mid-tier maegashira in there at the expense of a Sekiwake or, potentially, an Ozeki bout seems unwise. But I’m not “the decider.” My role here is as “the second guesser.”

Meanwhile, Aonishiki will face Daieisho. They also brought Oshoma up to face Wakatakakage. Yokozuna Hoshoryu is the lone competitor two-wins back of Onosato. He will face Kirishima tomorrow. Kotozakura will face Ichiyamamoto. He has already fought both Komusubi and Kirishima, so he can still fit the remaining Yokozuna, Ozeki, and Sekiwake into his schedule. His strength of schedule might end up looking more challenging than Onosato’s!

Well, we will still have another great day of sumo tomorrow. And the Onosato vs Hakuoho bout will probably be interesting.

Natsu 2025: Day Ten

Andy Haru 2025, Haru Basho , ,

Before diving into the action, I wanted to make note of a point that was brought up in the comments. In particular, I wanted to give credit to the source where I found the right answer. Betty had wondered how to address a sumo wrestler when you meet them and I had responded with the special honorific used for sumo wrestlers: ~関. Instead of using ~san or ~sama (~様) people use ~関.

I thought it was pronounced “seki” but David G. correctly pointed out that it’s ~zeki. I found it in one of my favorite sumo books in my library: “お相撲ことば.” I have posted a picture from the book here as photographic evidence. I don’t know why I thought it was ~seki. I heard Hayashiya Shozo say, “~zeki,” clear as day (multiple times) during tonight’s action.

I really like this book, in particular, because it makes generous use of furigana throughout and it gives a lot of explanations, especially if the term has a different meaning in day-to-day Japanese. This book is the source that I was reading for the term, “aikuchi,” when I wrote that, back in the day. I wrote this article on “He’s Got My Number,” because of it. I should probably update that dashboard sometime. I find it a helpful supplement in my Japanese language studies, though it’s clear that I sometimes forget what I read. Now that I’ve written this, hopefully I won’t forget it. Since I had totally forgotten about my “aikuchi” article, though, I wouldn’t be surprised if I do forget.

If you have found another source to corroborate, I’d like to give credit to it. I just couldn’t find the specifics online. Yes, it’s in the English Wikipedia entry on Japanese honorifics, but it’s unsourced. I don’t count Wikipedia itself as a source, though it’s a fantastic collection of sources. The articles that I found online which mentioned or explained the ~zeki honorific did not have the furigana. That’s not to say they aren’t out there, so if they are, let me know and I’ll source them, too. More sources, the better.

On to Day Ten Action

Kusano dispatched Daiseizan with a kotenage to move to 9-1. Shimanoumi woke up and beat Tohakuryu, so Kusano has a two-win lead over the field. Speaking of former Makuuchi wrestlers, Kagayaki and Nishikifuji are in trouble at 3-7. Takarafuji is not fairing much better at 4-6. None appear to be headed for a return to Makuuchi in July. Mitakeumi is scraping by at 5-5. If he can pick up three more wins, he’ll earn his spot back in the top division. It’s kind of funny that he’s been beating the guys he knows from Makuuchi and losing to the youngsters from Juryo, like Wakaikari. Okay, enough gabbing, Andy. Let’s get to it.

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

Makuuchi Action

Kotoshoho (4-1-5) defeated Tochitaikai (3-7). Kotoshoho twisted and pulled on Tochitaikai as both men fell out of the ring. Gunbai Kotoshoho. Mono-ii. The judges ruled, after watching the video, that both men fell at the same time so they wanted a rematch. In the rematch, Tochitaikai came close to a quick shitatenage but Kotoshoho kept his balance, worked his right hand inside and onto Tochitaikai’s belt, and then threw him in the center of the ring with his own Shitatenage.

Tokihayate (5-5) defeated Shonannoumi (3-7). Tokihayate grabbed Shonannoumi’s left arm and pulled him down at the edge to conclude a rather lively, back-and-forth bout. Kotenage.

Sadanoumi (7-3) defeated Tamashoho (4-6). Tamashoho pulled and slapped Sadanoumi down. However, he pulled straight back and ran out of real estate with his foot appearing to go over the bales. Ganbai Tamashoho. Mono-ii. After video review, the call was reversed and Sadanoumi was given the push out victory. Oshidashi.

Atamifuji (7-3) defeated Ryuden (4-6). Ryuden pulled Atamifuji but stopped short at the bales since Atamifuji didn’t go down. With all of the real estate behind him, Atamifuji executed his own pull and slapdown, forcing Ryuden down. Hatakikomi.

Takanosho (6-4) defeated Asakoryu (7-3). Takanosho used excellent footwork and strong tsuppari to push Asakoryu out. Tsukidashi.

Shishi (2-8) defeated Nishikigi (5-5). After a couple of false starts, the two finally got the bout started. Shishi hit Nishikigi with tsuppari to keep him off his belt. As Nishikigi advanced to pressure Shishi, Shishi worked his way inside and hugged Nishikigi. Then he twisted him down to the ground. Tsukiotoshi.

Onokatsu (6-4) defeated Kayo (4-6). Onokatsu grabbed Kayo’s mawashi with his lef-had over arm grip and steadily pressed Kayo back and over the edge. Yorikiri.

Roga (7-3) defeated Kinbozan (6-4). Kinbozan attacked with his powerful, Daieisho-like thrusts but Roga grabbed Kinbozan’s left arm and pulled him forward. When Kinbozan stumbled ahead, Roga came in behind and pushed him out. Okuridashi.

Churanoumi (2-8) defeated Endo (5-5). Churanoumi used effective tsuppari to force Endo to retreat and shoved him out. Oshidashi.

Oshoma (7-3) defeated Shodai (3-7). Oshoma held Shodai at bay with a nodowa, then pulled and got in behind Shodai to shove him out. Okuridashi.

Meisei (7-3) defeated Tobizaru (5-5). Meisei wrapped up Tobizaru and chugged forward, rushing Tobizaru out. Yorikiri.

Halftime

Midorifuji (1-9) defeated Chiyoshoma (2-8). Midorifuji sidestepped and pulled Chiyoshoma down for his first win of the basho. Tsukiotoshi.

Takerufuji (4-6) defeated Tamawashi (3-7). Takerufuji got his left arm inside and pressed forward, negating Tamawashi’s tsuppari and forcing Tamawashi out. Yorikiri.

Abi (6-4) defeated Wakamotoharu (4-6). Indigo Abi pulled hard and forced Wakamotoharu to stumble forward and out. Abi pivoted as he pulled to remain inside the ring, a lesson Tamashoho needs to learn. Hikiotoshi.

Gonoyama (3-7) defeated Oho (3-7). Oho pulled, allowing Gonoyama to slam into him with a brutal nodowa, forcing him to the edge. Oho then fell as he tried to evade Gonoyama’s pressure at the bales. Oshitaoshi.

Sanyaku

Hiradoumi (4-6) defeated Takayasu (2-8). Hard, satisfying tachiai here. Takayasu started with tsuppari. Hiradoumi pulled and Takayasu stumbled forward. Takayasu then pulled with Hiradoumi in pursuit but Takayasu ran out of room and ran off the dohyo. “Run Forrest, Run!” I still remember when I forced my family to watch, “Forrest Gump.” Most successful family meeting, ever. It was as if the veil was lifted on so many Americanisms. Tsukidashi.

Wakatakakage (8-2) defeated Aonishiki (8-2). Wakatakakage pivoted as he pulled on Aonishiki’s shoulder and Aonishiki fell to the clay. The crowd hooted and hollered in appreciation of the exciting brawl and Wakatakakage’s nice win. Katasukashi.

Daieisho (7-3) defeated Hakuoho (8-2). A few thrusts from Daieisho and Hakuoho glanced backward for a soft place to land. Kohei will work. Tsukidashi.

Onosato (10-0) defeated Ichiyamamoto (4-6). Onosato stood up Ichiyamamoto at the tachiai. Ichiyamamoto tried to slip out to the left but Onosato followed. Ichiyamamoto then backpedaled along the bales but Onosato pressed ahead with his tsuppari and put Ichiyamamoto out of the dohyo and hard on his butt. Oshi-ta-OUCHI!

Kirishima and a Big Damn Band-Aid (7-3) defeated Kotozakura (6-4). Kotozakura knew to protect against the morozashi at all costs. Kotozakura tried to pull on Kirishima’s arm but as he pulled, Kirishima pressed forward and forced the Ozeki out. I’m sorry but when I see that style of Band-Aid, I can only think of the pair of bandages that would show up on Tochinoshin’s butt cheeks. They looked a bit smaller there. Yorikiri.

Hoshoryu (8-2) defeated Ura (2-8). Hoshoryu tried for a quick slapdown. Ura escaped, briefly, because the Yokozuna was in hot pursuit and shoved Ura down at the edge. Okuridashi.

Wrap-up

Action has been ending pretty quickly of late, leaving a few minutes for the NHK coverage to show Akua’s bow-twirling ceremony. He’s been very popular, getting a big cheer from the audience and loud, “YOISHO!!” for his stomps. I wonder if more folks stay to watch since he had been in makuuchi.

Onosato now has breathing room in this yusho race. Onosato will fight Wakatakakage on Day Eleven. Both of the young hiramaku stars lost their sanyaku bouts today so the Ozeki has a two-bout lead over the field. His final four bouts should be, Kirishima, Daieisho, Kotozakura, and Hoshoryu.

Tomorrow, morale should improve because the beatings should continue. Aonishiki will face his first Ozeki, Kotozakura. Hakuoho will fight Hoshoryu in the musubi-no-ichiban. It will be Hakuoho’s first bout against a Yokozuna but he did fight (and lose to) Sekiwake Hoshoryu during Hakuoho’s breakout shinyumaku debut in Nagoya 2023.

If the upstarts win tomorrow, and particularly if Onosato loses, I would not be surprised at all if Aonishiki and Hakuoho find themselves fighting Onosato in place of one or both of the Sekiwake.

This has been a great tournament, unless you’re a Midorifuji or Takayasu fan. Okay, okay, I know we’re all Midorifuji and Takayasu fans, so their struggles have been a bit of a downer. Otherwise, this tournament has been great to watch. All eyes are now on Onosato. It’s his basho to lose but he churned through his rank-and-file competition with no problems. The sanyaku wrestlers have all displayed cracks in their defenses. Will he take advantage? Or will his own cracks become apparent as the action heats up? Dare I say, “zensho?”

Makushita Semifinals, Natsu 2025

lksumo Aki Basho 2022

The quarterfinal bracket matches took place today. In the bottom half of the bracket, Ms60TD debutant Gyotoku easily powered out veteran Kototsubasa, and March debutant Ms39w Fukuzaki defeated Chiyooga with a quick push-pull maneuver. In the top half, Fukuzaki’s heya-mate Goshima lost a hard-fought match by tsukidashi to Ms16w Gojinyu, who is ranked just outside the extended promotion zone, so even a 7-0 won’t get him to Juryo. Gojinyu debuted at Sd100TD as Kanzaki three years ago, and promptly won the Sandanme yusho. He’s been in Makushita ever since, rising as high as Ms8. Is this his breakthrough basho? Finally, Ms3e Otsuji crushed out Nishinoryu, who put up a fair bit of resistance but couldn’t turn the tables at the tawara. So it’ll be Otsuji vs. Gojinyu and Fukuzaki vs. Gyotoku on Day 11 to see who makes the finals. Goshima’s elimination means that all four semifinalists hail from different heya, guaranteeing that a single 7-0 champion will be crowned on Day 13.

In the promotion race, Otsuji (5-0) will be making an immediate return to Juryo. Both Ms1’s, Kitanowaka and Akua, lost today to drop to 2-3. The only remaining path for them is winning out, which would make Kitanowaka’s promotion certain and Akua’s very likely. The others still in contention are Ms2e Dewanoryu (2-3), Ms4e Ishizaki (3-2), Ms4w Kotokuzan (3-2), and Ms5e Kyokukaiyu (3-2); all must win out to have a shot. The only relevant action tomorrow is Kyokukaiyu visiting Juryo to fight Mudoho (against whom he’s 2-0), so come back on Wednesday for updates on the yusho and promotion races.