A Look Ahead to the March Banzuke

lksumo Hatsu 2025, Hatsu Basho

Congratulations to Ozeki Hoshoryu (12-3) on his second career yusho. After a shaky start, with 3 losses in the first 9 days, he won his final 6 bouts, plus two more in the playoff. This run included victories over his two fellow Ozeki and Sekiwake Daieisho (11-4). Hoshoryu also lived up to his rank’s role as “the great barrier” by defeating all the lower-ranked yusho hopefuls: Kirishima, Oho (twice), Chiyoshoma, Kinbozan (twice), and Takerufuji. JSA Chairman Hakkaku has asked the Yokozuna Deliberation Council to consider the promotion of Hoshoryu to sumo’s highest rank, and they will be meeting later today (Japan time). I was all set to write how Haru would be the first basho without a Yokozuna in over 30 years, but barring any unexpected hiccups, we should have a Yokozuna on the March banzuke after all!

Onosato earned a respectable if somewhat disappointing 10-5 record and should be the top-ranked Ozeki in March. He’ll be joined at the rank by Kotozakura (5-10), who will need to recover from whatever ailed him this basho in order to post the 8 wins he needs at Haru to retain his rank.

S1w Daiesho (11-4) ably defended his rank and should be moving over to East side. He’ll be joined at Sekiwake by either M1w Kirishima (11-4) or M3w Oho (12-3), who’ll be filling the space vacated by S1e Wakamotoharu (6-9). Whichever of the two isn’t Sekiwake will take the East Komusubi slot. K1w Wakatakakage (7-8) will join his brother in the rank-and-file. Who’ll be West Komusubi is unclear. The best-placed promotion candidate is M3e Gonoyama (8-7), which may lead the banzuke committee to consider sliding K1e Abi (7-8) over to the West side.

Abi/Gonoyama and the Waka brothers should occupy the first 3 maegashira ranks. They’re likely to be joined in the joi by Chiyoshoma, Tobizaru, Takanosho, Takayasu, Ichiyamamoto, Ura, and Kinbozan.

Who’s on the Juryo barge, and who’s coming up to Makuuchi? The 3 certain demotions are all absentees: Hokutofuji, Roga, and Kitanowaka. Together with Terunofuji’s retirement, this opens up 4 spots in the top division. The 4 obvious candidates to fill these are 3 returnees—Juryo champion Shishi and veterans Ryuden and Sadanoumi—and one rookie, Shishi’s fellow Ukrainian Aonishiki, who is set to earn the fastest top-division promotion by a foreign-born wrestler, and tied for the fastest by someone who started at the bottom. Asakoryu will also make a top-division return. He should take the place of Kagayaki, though this is a little less clear-cut. The other demotion candidates are Tamashoho, Tokihayate, Kotoshoho, and Mitakeumi (who looked completely helpless after a 2-1 start). The most likely 6th exchange, if there is one, is Shirokuma for Tamashoho. J1w Kayo (7-8) missed out on what would have been a near-certain promotion when he lost to Hakuyozan in a rematch of a bout which he pretty clearly should have won.

One last matter—who’ll be crossing the “heaven/hell” boundary between Juryo and Makushita? One spot in the sekitori ranks is opened by Terunofuji’s retirement. Set to lose their salaries are Daishoho, absent Bushozan, Shimazuumi, and Daiamami. This means we need to bring up five guys, and the lucky winners are Ms1e Wakanosho, making his sekitori debut after 19 tournaments, returnees Hitoshi and Kazekeno, who have two Juryo basho between them, and debutants Kusano (who started at Ms60TD last May) and Otsuji (who debuted at the bottom in 2019 as a 15-year-old after a second-place finish at the Hakuho Cup). Hatsuyama should be a bit lucky to survive, while Miyagi is likely to just miss out on promotion. This is one set of banzuke decisions (in addition to Yokozuna promotion) that we’ll learn about in the next couple of days. The rest will be revealed on February 25. In the meantime, let me know what you think in the comments.

Hatsu 2025, Senshuraku

Andy Hatsu 2025, Hatsu Basho , ,

Shishi claimed his first yusho in Juryo with a win over Tomokaze. The jun-yusho, runner-up, is Aonishiki after he beat Nabatame and Ryuden lost to Tohakuryu. With Kayo’s loss to Hakuyozan, we’re looking at, at least, five probable Makuuchi promotions: Sadanoumi, Shishi, Ryuden, Aonishiki and Asakoryu. This would be Aonishiki’s debut in the top division while all four of the rest make their quick returns after one-basho drops.

We have our bi-monthly proof of life via Twitter of Miyagino-oyakata as he presents the Kyokai’s selections for special prizes alongside Otowayama-oyakata. Oho claimed an unconditional Technique Prize and Kinbozan was awarded an unconditional Fighting Spirit prize. Additional Fighting Spirit prizes for Kirishima, Takerufuji, and Tamawashi are conditional on today’s action and they must win their bouts. Outstanding Performance prizes are conditional on Kinbozan or Oho winning the yusho.

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

Aside from the sansho, the big prize is on the line today. Kinbozan will fight Oho for the yusho.

Makuuchi Action

Kotoshoho (5-10) defeated Tamawashi (9-6). Today’s top division action began with a consequential bout. Kotoshoho was likely fighting to stay in the division while Tamawashi fought for a special prize. Solid tachiai. Tamawashi charged forward and Kotoshoho pulled, slapping Tamawashi down. Hatakikomi.

Nishikigi (8-7) defeated Oshoma (8-7). After briefly trading tsuppari, Nishikigi lodged his forearm in Oshoma’s chin. Oshoma dug in for a belt grip and Nishikigi allowed Oshoma a morozashi. Oshoma pressed Nishikigi to the edge but Nishikigi planted his left foot in the tawara. Nishikigi then pulled to his left and brought Oshoma down. Kotenage.

Tokihayate (7-8) defeated Takarafuji (5-10). Takarafuji pulled Tokihayate’s right arm up and off his belt but Tokihayate pressed forward. Takarafuji tried to pull but had no room and was far too high to make any aggressive counter. Tokihayate pressed the Takarabune out. Did Tokihayate do enough to stay in Makuuchi? Yorikiri.

Tamashoho (6-9) defeated Mitakeumi (2-13). Mitakeumi pressed ahead, into the torrent of Tamashoho’s tsuppari. At the edge, Tamashoho jumped right and Mitakeumi bumbled forward a step but slammed on the brakes at the edge. Tamashoho came back quickly and shoved Mitakeumi from behind to force Mitakeumi out. Okuridashi.

Hakuoho (10-5) defeated Takayasu (8-7). Hakuoho jumped the gun. The pair reset. Takayasu hit Hakuoho with force and quickly drove Hakuoho back to the bales. With one arm under Takayasu’s left shoulder, Hakuoho pivoted along the bales and tried a throw but Takayasu resisted. This gave Hakuoho an opportunity, though, to bring action a step closer to center. When Hakuoho worked both arms inside and under Takayasu’s shoulders, he was able to gain the upper hand and drive Takayasu off the dohyo. Yorikiri.

Chiyoshoma (9-6) defeated Shonannoumi (8-7). A fiery bout. Chiyoshoma worked Shonannoumi to the edge but Shonannoumi used his height to extend forward from the bales and drive Chiyoshoma backwards as Chiyoshoma shifted his grip. Chyoshoma tried a quick throw but followed up with a headbutt to Shonannoumi’s chin and some forceful tsuppari. The bout shifted to an oshi-style brawl with Shonannoumi in retreat. Chiyoshoma landed a great right that shoved Shonannoumi over the bales. Oshidashi.

Hiradoumi (7-8) defeated Onokatsu (7-8). Hiradoumi drove into Onokatsu and forced him quickly from the dohyo. Yorikiri.

Nishikifuji (9-6) defeated Shodai (6-9). Shodai tried a pivot and slapdown but Nishikifuji kept his focus and his footing and forced Shodai over the bales. Yorikiri.

Gonoyama (8-7) defeated Midorifuji (7-8). Darwin Bout #1 of 2. Gonoyama chased Midorifuji for a full lap around the dohyo. Midorifuji tried desperately to get a slapdown or katasukashi, anything. But Gonoyama’s solid footwork and forceful tsuppari drove Midorifuji from the ring, eventually. Tsukidashi.

Atamifuji (5-10) defeated Churanoumi (4-11). Churanoumi dug in hard but Atamifuji drove forward with solid gaburi-yotsu and lifted Churanoumi over the bales to finish him off. Kimedashi.

Halftime

Tobizaru (7-8) defeated Meisei (6-9). This fight was fought in two phases. It began with an oshi-style brawl. Meisei backed himself to the ropes with his rope-a-dope style but Tobizaru was not falling for any slapdowns or misdirection. So, Meisei settled on driving Tobizaru back to center and wrapping him up for the second phase, a yotsu-style grapple. Meisei tried to pull but Tobizaru’s footwork was steady and he ran Meisei back and out. Oshidashi.

Kirishima (11-4) defeated Takerufuji (10-5). After the initial clash, Kirishima pulled and Takerufuji dove forward. Kirishima had stayed in just long enough. Gunbai Kirishima. No mono-ii. Kirishima got his second Kanto-sho. Hatakikomi.

Oho (12-3) defeated Kinbozan (12-3). As the two wrestlers mounted the dohyo, a big cheer rose from the crowd. Yes, there are other bouts to follow but this bout is why these folks were here. Initial clash and Kinbozan fired off immediately from those bazookas. Oho pulled and Andy shouted, “NOOOO!!” but Oho cleverly used the pull for position. He pivoted at the edge, forcing Kinbozan’s back to the bales. From here, Oho blasted volley after volley of tsuppari at Kinbozan. Oho finally finished him off with some gaburi-yotsu. Oshidashi? Okay. We will have a PLAYOFF!!!

Kagayaki (6-9) defeated Takanosho (6-9). After a brawl, the two paused to catch their breath at the center of the ring. Kagayaki waited for Takanosho to tire or make the first move. When Takanosho pulled, Kagayaki charged forward and forced him out. Oshidashi.

Sanyaku

Ichiyamamoto (8-7) defeated Wakatakakage (7-8). Darwin Bout #2 of 2. The idol versus the fan boy. How many fans get to strangle their idols? Wakatakakage opened with a pull. Ichiyamamoto followed and strangled him, both hands up in Wakatakakage’s neck. As Wakatakakage tried to press forward, Ichiyamamoto suddenly pulled and slapped WTK down. Hatakikomi.

Daieisho (11-4) defeated Abi (7-8). Push and Pull. Push and Pull. Neither pull worked so Daieisho went back to his roots and blasted into Abi’s shoulders, driving him back and out. Tsukidashi.

Kore Yori Sanyaku

Wakamotoharu (6-9) defeated Endo (6-9). What the hell is Endo doing up in the kore-yori-sanyaku? Oh, right…Wakamotoharu is 5-9 and not worthy of fighting Ozeki. Well, current ones, anyway. This has not been a good tournament for Arashio-beya. Hopefully Daiseizan did enough to maintain his status as sekitori. Both Wakamotoharu and Wakatakakage will fall from sanyaku into the rank-and-file. Back to the “action”…Endo did not want Wakamotoharu to get that right hand uwate grip and used his best ottsuke to keep WMH at bay. The two leaned into each other for a while. As Endo pulled, Wakamotoharu followed and sent Endo into the crowd for some fansa. Oshidashi.

Onosato (10-5) defeated Ura (7-8). Ura opted for the non-tachiai. I’m not sure if that was a henka attempt but it got caught out quickly as Onosato plowed forward and to the left a bit. That was his tenth win and the easiest stack of kensho he has yet received. We need to remember that this is a poor showing for him because he was a non-factor in the yusho. Bad Onosato, bad. Take that stack back to your castle and think about what you have done. Tsukidashi.

All of the lower division titles were decided “in regulation.” We know there will be a top-division playoff. Will Hoshoryu join?

Hoshoryu (12-3) defeated Kotozakura (5-10). Kotozakura withstood Hoshoryu’s nodowa and pressed into The Nephew, locking on with a left-hand uwate. Hoshoryu tried to throw Kotozakura but Kotozakura kept his balance. However, Kotozakura could not pressure Hoshoryu. When Hoshoryu locked on with a morozashi, Kotozakura was toast. Kotozakura resisted as well as he could but Hoshoryu drove forward and forced Kotozakura off the dohyo. Hoshoryu secured his position in the playoff AND keeps those Yokozuna promotion hopes alive. Yorikiri.

PLAY OFF

With three contenders, the goal is pretty simple: win two bouts in a row. Draw lots to see who fights first and we exchange fighters until someone wins two consecutive bouts.

Bout #1: Hoshoryu defeated Kinbozan. Hoshoryu blitzed Kinbozan but Kinbozan also managed a solid grip. They both tried to throw the other. Hoshoryu was too powerful and when Kinbozan let up at the edge, the Ozeki thrust him into the crowd.

Bout #2: Hoshoryu defeated Oho. Oho resisted at the bales and brought the action back to center. Hoshoryu tried a pull and nearly slapped Oho down but Oho stayed up and even dodged Hoshoryu’s leg sweep. But as Oho backed away, Hoshoryu chased and drove Oho into the ground.

Hoshoryu Yusho.

Thank you, everyone, for reading and enjoying this tournament with me. Hoshoryu’s title opens the door to a new Yokozuna promotion. It is not a certainty and we will update on the any promotion. The new banzuke will be decided early this week, so we will definitely have promotion news (yay or nay) before then. We will also learn who gets promoted to Juryo and keep you apprized of any more big retirements.

There is no Jungyo between now and Osaka. The Kyokai has posted the Spring tour schedule, as shared by Asashosakari in the comments (English version). I’m sure the Kyokai would like to have a Yokozuna available for some of those events to perform Dohyo-iri, in particular at Ise and Yasukuni. Those events may be enough to tip the scales in Hoshoryu’s favor. I’d love to be a fly on the wall while they deliberate.

In February, the Kokugikan will host a number of events, so keep your eyes peeled for news on those. Tokushoryu’s retirement ceremony is on the first. That will be followed by the NHK’s fundraiser sumo event on the 8th and the FujiTV Tournament on the 9th.

Hatsu 2025, Day Fourteen

Andy Hatsu 2025, Hatsu Basho , ,

Shishi defeated Kotoeiho and improves to 12-2. Nabatame defeated Ryuden so both men join Aonishiki on 11-3. Shishi has already fought the wrestlers with the best records in the division. My guess is they might throw Tomokaze at him. Tomokaze will be seeking kachi-koshi. But that seems like a weak deciding bout for this race. Anyone have a better idea?

Your NHK videos are still here, despite today’s pre-emption. Juryo Part I & Part II, Makuuchi Part I & Part II.

If any of my readers are going to Kokugikan tomorrow, be sure to prepare for extra security screening. The Kyokai posted an announcement that they will be doing more bag checks tomorrow and confiscating any banned items. My guess is that they will have a VIP in attendance, possibly the new PM or the Emperor.

It has been a few years since the Emperor came to watch in person, and obviously there was the famous scene several years ago when PM Abe hosted American President Donald Trump. Maybe Ishiba will come to present the Prime Minister’s Cup? Or, maybe they just want to be extra safe on senshuraku and Andy’s just letting his mind go wild with senseless speculation again. We shall see.

I fired up the VPN to watch today’s action. When I turned on JME, there was supposed to be a short program on Okinawa dialects before sumo coverage but instead there was a soccer game that was tied 1-1 and in the 3rd minute of extra time. That meant sumo was being pre-empted so this will be my first time in a while watching the Abema coverage.

Interesting, they have added approximate shimekomi colors next to the wrestlers’ shikona. If you’re familiar with soccer coverage, it’s similar to the way they display the different kit colors. There is a bit more of an ad mix nowadays, apparently. I also enjoyed being able to see the kensho banners more clearly. But no news breaks and no sense of being rushed out the door at the end of the day’s action as NHK usually rushes to the news at 6pm. NHK has a bit to learn from Abema and a dedicated sumo channel would go a long way.

Makuuchi Action

Nishikigi (7-7) defeated Kagayaki (5-9). Nishikigi let Kagayaki get a morozashi, double-inside grip. As Kagayaki started to chug forward, Nishikigi pivoted and rolled Kagayaki down along the tawara. Kotenage.

Tamawashi (9-5) defeated Nishikifuji (8-6). Old Tom O’Washi rushed out with purpose and hit Nishikifuji with a solid tachiai. Nishikifuji pulled immediately and Tom surged forward, casting Nishikifuji into the crowd. Nishikifuji was dead before Tom’s hand touched down. No mono-ii. Oshidashi.

Meisei (6-8) defeated Onokatsu (6-8). Onokatsu drove Meisei to the bales with his tsuppari but Meisei resisted and locked on with a good belt grip. Meisei rotated and forced Onokatsu up against the bales and then pressed him over. Yorikiri.

Tokihayate (6-8) defeated Churanoumi (4-10). Tokihayate rotated to his right and drove Churanoumi backwards and over the bales. Churanoumi seemed to move rather gingerly, as if his left ankle or knee is giving him issues. That would explain his terrible performance this tournament. Stonecreek shared a list of wrestlers who have been performing particularly poorly and I would add Churanoumi to that list of Wakamotoharu, Atamifuji, and Mitakeumi. Yorikiri.

Oshoma (8-6) defeated Tamashoho (5-9). Oshoma rotated slightly to the left and rolled Tamashoho off the dohyo. Tsukiotoshi.

Kotoshoho (4-10) defeated Takarafuji (5-9). Takarafuji was content to play passive, reactive sumo at the start of this bout. He seemed to be waiting for Kotoshoho to make his moves and then he was trying to counter with inashi. Kotoshoho decided to jettison his oshi-tsuki attack and reached in for a belt grip. The two settled into a lean. Here, Takarafuji started to take the initiative and drove into Kotoshoho. Kotoshoho countered and threw Takarafuji. Takarafuji rolled down the dohyo and landed on his butt next to Kokonoe. A polite little bow to the head shimpan, “How do you do, sir?” Uwatenage.

Hakuoho (9-5) defeated Endo (6-8). Endo resisted powerfully and took it to Hakuoho. Where has this Endo been? This has been the most competitive I have seen him in some time. Hakuoho still managed to throw him with a powerful left-hand inside belt grip. Shitatenage.

Shonannoumi (8-6) defeated Ichiyamamoto (7-7). Ichiyamamoto started this bout on the belt but Shonannoumi bucked him off quickly. As Ichiyamamoto began to get his tsuppari engine going and began to churn his legs forward, Shonannoumi slipped to the right and shoved Ichiyamamoto down and out. Oshidashi.

Midorifuji (7-7) defeated Shodai (6-8). Shodai confidently stepped forward into Midorifuji as Midorifuji slammed into him over and over without much success in driving him back. But he wasn’t alert to what Midorifuji was doing with his right hand. Midorifuji slammed into Shodai and brought his right hand up inside Shodai’s left armpit and suddenly pulled Shodai down. Hisashiburi. Katasukashi.

Gonoyama (7-7) defeated Tobizaru (6-8). Tobizaru henka. Gonoyama caught it and gently shoved Tobizaru out. After such a great start to the tournament, claiming a kinboshi, forcing Terunofuji to go intai, and two Ozeki scalps on top of it… Tobizaru is make-koshi. Surely, he was on pace for a special prize early in the tournament. Pfffth. That’s gone as he leapt meekly from the dohyo. Tsukidashi.

Halftime

Atamifuji (4-10) defeated Mitakeumi (2-12). Mitakeumi gave Atamifuji one good shove to the face at the tachiai. Then Atamifuji chugged forward and forced Mitakeumi out. If there was a time to go to the bathroom or get some tea, you could do it during this bout so you wouldn’t miss the delicate dohyo maintenance during halftime. Oshidashi.

Oho (11-3) defeated Takanosho (6-8). Excellent counter from Oho. As Takanosho chugged forward, Oho pivoted and tried a kotenage. That failed but he tried again with a shove into Takanosho right shoulder. Tsukiotoshi.

Kinbozan (12-2) defeated Kirishima (10-4). Kinbozan wants this yusho. This was a great yotsu bout. Kirishima forced his way inside, negating Kinbozan’s usual pusher-thruster style. Kirishima tried an uwatenage from that left-hand outside grip. But Kinbozan kept his footing and countered with a powerful right-hand throw. He had a grip with his right-hand inside on Kirishima’s belt but Kirishima’s uwatenage attempt pulled Kinbozan’s hand off his belt. This might have given Kinbozan better leverage by shifting his grip under Kirishima’s shoulder. Great work from both men but Kinbozan walks away with the white star and remains in the lead. Sukuinage.

Sanyaku

Takayasu (8-6) defeated Abi (7-7). Abi pounded away at Takayasu’s face while Takayasu drove Abi back to the bales. As Abi planted his feet against the tawara, Takayasu shifted left and slapped Abi back into the ring. Hatakikomi.

Ura (7-7) defeated Wakatakakage (7-7). Wakatakakage tried to slap Ura down but Ura kept his balance. Ura with the nice counter, drove into Wakatakakage, establishing a double-inside hold of Wakatakakage’s trunk. Waka then tried to throw Ura from the right but Ura staggered Wakatakakage with a shove and WTK stutter-stepped out as he tried to catch himself.

Wakamotoharu (5-9) defeated Chiyoshoma (8-6). When I see Chiyoshoma now, I just hear the voice of a young Martin Sheen. “Everyone gets everything he wants. I wanted a [yusho run], and for my sins, they gave me one.” Chiyoshoma hit Wakamotoharu hard at the tachiai and then pulled. Wakamotoharu kept his footing so Chiyoshoma slammed back into WMH, leading with his head to Wakamotoharu’s chin. This flung Wakamotoharu across the ring. As WMH teetered on the bales, he pivoted and threw Chiyoshoma forward. The gyoji seemed to look for a mark in the Janome and when he saw it, pointed his gunbai to Chiyoshoma. Mono-ii. Review showed that Wakamotoharu’s counter throw defeated Chiyoshoma. Tsukiotoshi.

Daieisho (10-4) defeated Hiradoumi (6-8). Daieisho’s thrusting overpowered Hiradoumi. Tsukidashi.

Onosato (9-5) defeated Kotozakura (5-9). Onosato’s steady footwork earned him a massive, double-fisted stack of kensho-kin. Kotozakura tried to throw him from the right as they moved back to the bales. But Onosato shrugged off the hold and continued to plow Kotozakura backward. Oshidashi.

Don’t worry, another double-stack of kensho-kin awaited the winner of the musubi-no-ichiban.

Hoshoryu (11-3) defeated Takerufuji (10-4). Takerufuji went high and tried a kubinage after the tachiai. He grabbed Hoshoryu’s belt with the left and wrapped his right arm around Hoshoryu’s head and rotated clockwise. Hoshoryu did not go down, though. Instead, he went low, got hold of Takerufuji’s belt, lifted him up and drove him backward from the dohyo. Yorikiri.

Wrap-up

Kirishima fell out of the yusho race with his loss to Kinbozan, taking the loser of the Hoshoryu/Takerufuji bout with him (Takerufuji). The yusho race narrows to include Kinbozan in the lead, and only Hoshoryu and Oho chasing.

Senshuraku fights are not out yet. I will try to bring an update before action starts tonight for both Juryo and Makuuchi. Will this Hoshoryu vs Kotozakura bout happen? I think so. Hoshoryu has already fought Oho and Kinbozan. Kinbozan has not fought Oho, though. If Kinbozan beats his opponent tomorrow, whether it’s Oho or anyone else, the Cup is his. If Oho wins and Kinbozan loses, we will have a play-off, possibly with Hoshoryu, if he wins his bout.

Hatsu 2025, Day Lucky Thirteen

Andy Hatsu 2025, Hatsu Basho, Kinbozan (金峰山) , , , , ,

All four of the lower division yusho races were decided earlier today. Mudoho won the Makushita yusho, Daimasakari won the Sandanme yusho, Yago won the Jonidan yusho and Daikisho won the Jonokuchi yusho.

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

In Juryo, Shishi lost to Nabatame and Ryuden defeated Aonishiki, so we now have a two-man yusho contest in the second division. Matches have not been set for the next two days but Ryuden already beat Shishi, so they cannot meet again unless there’s a playoff.

Makuuchi Action

Tamashoho (5-8) defeated Nishikigi (6-7). Tamashoho kept plugging away at Nishikigi with his tsuppari and drove Nishikigi over the edge. Oshidashi.

Midorifuji (6-7) defeated Kotoshoho (3-10). Solid tachiai but when Kotoshoho charged ahead, Midorifuji slipped to the side and Kotoshoho ran himself off the dohyo. Tsukiotoshi.

Tamawashi (8-5) defeated Onokatsu (7-6). Onokatsu reached in with his left hand but Tamawashi immediately wrapped it in an arm bar. As Onokatsu extracted his arm, Tamawashi dragged Onokatsu toward the edge and battered him until he backed out. Oshidashi.

Oshoma (7-6) defeated Tokihayate (5-8). Oshoma pulled and tried a slapdown. It failed but drew Tokihayate toward the edge. At the edge, Oshoma attacked with another armbar, kotenage, and dragged Tokihayate along the bales by his arm. He then finished him off with a quick shove. Oshidashi.

Nishikifuji (8-5) defeated Churanoumi (4-9). Nishikifuji’s tsuppari never allowed Churanoumi to establish himself inside or get a belt grip. Churanoumi tried some misdirection but Nishikifuji’s footwork was solid today. Nishikifuji continued to press forward and drove Churanoumi to his ninth loss. Oshidashi.

Kagayaki (5-8) defeated Takarafuji (5-8). Solid tachiai. Kagayaki plowed ahead and Takarafuji slowly shifted to his left. Kagayaki maintained his steady pressure and forced Takarafuji back and out. Oshidashi #5.

Meisei (5-8) defeated Mitakeumi (2-11). Mitakeumi showed up and Meisei forced him out. Yorikiri #1.

Shonannoumi (7-6) defeated Endo (6-7). Endo did a henka and Shonannoumi thrust him from the dohyo. As Endo rolled down the dohyo, he made sure to kick Oho in the face a few times. Oshitaoshi #1.

Hakuoho (8-5) defeated Hiradoumi (6-7). Hiradoumi jumped early. Reset. Solid tachiai. Hakuoho got his left hand inside but Hiradoumi immediately shifted his right hand to force Hakuoho’s grip outside. Hakuoho seemed fine with the outside grip and bulldozed forward, forcing HIradoumi out. Yorikiri.

Oho (10-3) defeated Ura (6-7). Oho’s improved ring sense this tournament. He pulled but shifted left well in front of the bales to pull Ura down. Hatakikomi.

Halftime. Shimpan Shuffle.

Newsbreak. Another FujiTV update. Stick it to your competitor. Kick him when he’s down, repeatedly.

Tobizaru (6-7) defeated Atamifuji (3-10). Atamifuji spent a lot of time and energy on his right hand ottsuke, squeezing Tobizaru’s left hand and not allowing him to get too deep. With his left-hand outside, he tried to swing Tobizaru around but Tobizaru’s footwork was solid today. He countered by continuing to press inside with his right hand inside. Atamifuji was too big to throw but as the two danced along the edge, Tobizaru forced his weight into Atamifuji and pressed him out before tumbling from the dohyo himself. Yorikiri.

Kirishima (10-3) defeated Takayasu (7-6). A battle of former Ozeki. Kirishima longed for an inside position but Takayasu brawled him to keep him off his belt. “I will fight you.” Eventually, Takayasu tired and Kirishima took the opportunity to get his left hand inside. Takayasu trapped Kirishima’s left arm so Kirishima pulled and dragged Takayasu down while rotating and shoving Takayasu with his left. Both men tumbled down the dohyo’s side. A mono-ii was called to check if they fell at the same time but Takayasu was clearly down first. Tsukiotoshi.

Takanosho (6-7) defeated Gonoyama (6-7). Takanosho lives on the edge. After a back-and-forth grapple, Gonoyama finally worked Takanosho to the bales but Takanosho escaped right and shoved Gonoyama down. No kensho on this bout? Both of these men are heyagashira. Takakeisho’s supporters have not shifted to the pleasant, cheerful Onigiri-kun? Tsukiotoshi.

Sanyaku

Wakatakakage (7-6) defeated Shodai (6-7). Shodai tried to shift his left-hand inside but as this brought Shodai’s body up, Wakatakakage took advantage, bulled forward and toppled Shodai into the crowd. Yorikiri.

Takerufuji (10-3) defeated Abi (7-6). Abi decided to play tawara roulette today. Abi shifted left, pulled and Takerufuji charged forward. Takerufuji seemed to stay up just long enough to force Abi out. Mono-ii. Replay showed Abi’s heel touching outside the ring as Takerufji was still falling forward. Oshidashi #6.

Daieisho (9-4) defeated Chiyoshoma (8-5). Chiyoshoma has been taking on the top guys, head-on. I have to give him props. No henka today. In fact, Daieisho was the one to shift to the right, thrusting Chiyoshoma from the left side. He followed up with his steady blasts. Chiyoshoma dropped off the dohyo. It was a good run. Props to Kokonoe’s top dog. Tsukidashi.

Ichiyamamoto (7-6) defeated Wakamotoharu (4-9). Ichiyamamoto yanked yard on Wakamotoharu, pulling him to the edge of the ring. Ichiyamamoto then followed up with powerful thrusts and forced Wakamotoharu off the ring and out of sanyaku altogether. Oshidashi.

Hoshoryu (10-3) defeated Onosato (8-5). Hoshoryu wanted a left-hand grip but Onosato batted his arm away and pressed forward. Hoshoryu then reached up with his right arm and put Onosato into a headlock. Onosato was trying to reach in with his right hand and Hoshoryu’s pivot carried him forward and off the ground. Hoshoryu dropped Onosato with the Kubinage.

Kinbozan (11-2) defeated Kotozakura (5-8). Kinbozan blasted Kotozakura head-on at the tachiai. Kotozakura pulled weakly and Kinbozan’s footwork was solid. He quickly rushed the Ozeki to his make-koshi. Tsukidashi.

Wrap-up

What a Tournament! As we head into the final weekend, Kinbozan leads a yusho race we did not see coming on Day One. Kotozakura has gone from the consensus favorite for Yokozuna promotion to Kadoban. Hoshoryu’s slim hopes might still be alive, though even with a yusho, I’m not sure if it will be enough to impress and earn a promotion at this tournament.

Schedulers need to get cracking because they have not set up our Day 14 bouts, yet. I’ll try to bring an update later with the details but it might not come until late. In the meantime, I’m eager to hear what bouts you will be looking forward to this weekend! Will Kotozakura continue? If he does not, who will get the fusen win?