Aki 2024: Day Four Highlights

Andy Aki 2024, Aki Basho

Takayasu is not kyujo but Chiyosakae is, down in Juryo. Akua exposed Chiyosakae’s ankle as being not up-to-snuff yesterday. Chiyosakae had shifted at the tachiai and the two engaged in a tsuppari-filled brawl before Akua shifted and pulled Chiyosakae forward. You could tell something was wrong as soon as Chiyosakae’s weight shifted to that left foot. Winless and hurt, Chiyosakae will sit out.

NHK videos for Juryo are here: Part I and Part II. Makuuchi is here: Part I and Part II. And JME.tv is available for live Makuuchi action each night with full replays, four times daily via subscription. And as usual, NHK World has English language highlights of the Top Division for free.

Makuuchi Highlights

Takarafuji (3-1) defeated Kitanowaka (2-2). Kitanowaka got into a rhythm of slamming himself into Takarafuji and lobbing tsuppari. Takarafuiji took advantage of that rhythm by timing a pull and slapdown for the start of a new charge. Hatakikomi.

Nishikifuji (2-2) defeated Onokatsu (1-3). Another powerful win for Nishikifuji. It looked like his own mawashi was a bit loose so when Onokatsu grabbed, he was not able to lift easily. Nishikifuji took advantage and charged forward, driving Onokatsu from the ring. Yorikiri.

Shirokuma (2-2) defeated Hokutofuji (2-2). Hokutofuji had come out hard-charging with powerful tsuppari and drove Shirokuma to the edge. Once Shirokuma got his right arm inside Hokutofuji’s armpit and got a good hold, the outlook of the bout changed. Shirokuma launched forward and bulldozed Hokutofuji from the ring. Yorikiri.

Nishikigi (3-1) defeated Takayasu (2-2). Nishikigi grabbed Takayasu’s belt so Takayasu pulled to get him to release. Unfortunately, Takayasu pulled himself out of the ring before Nishikigi fell forward. Yorikiri.

Ryuden (2-2) defeated Kinbozan (0-4). Kinbozan charged forward and forced Ryuden to the edge but Ryuden resisted at the edge. He reached inside and established a firm right-hand inside grip and turned the tables on Kinbozan. He tried for his favorite uwatenage but Kinbozan used all of his might to stay centered. Ryuden then pressed forward and forced Kinbozan out. Yorikiri.

Bushozan (3-1) defeated Kagayaki (1-3). Bushozan was like a giant boulder in the way of the shinkansen. Except this boulder rolled forward and forced Kagayaki backwards until it derailed over the tawara. Yorikiri.

Ichiyamamoto (2-2) defeated Sadanoumi (3-1). Yorikiri Day continues as Ichiyamamoto, yes, you read that right, ICHIYAMAMOTO latched on to Sadanoumi’s belt, drove forward and forced him out. He didn’t even try with his usual tsuppari. Yorikiri.

Oshoma (2-2) defeated Roga (1-3). Oshoma took on Roga at an angle, completely disrupting any attack from Roga. Oshoma then followed drove into Roga from the side and shoved him out. Oshidashi.

Midorifuji (2-2) defeated Tamawashi (1-3). Tamawashi lashed out with a brutal nodowa but Midorifuji shifted to the side and pulled Tamawashi down under the red tassel. Gunbai Midorifuji. Mono-ii? The judges conference confirmed Tamawashi was down while Midorifuji was still on the straw bales. Of course, Katasukashi. Midorifuji does not observe Yorikiri Day.

Churanoumi (3-1) defeated Endo (3-1). I’ve not seen this kind of energy from Endo in a long time. Unfortunately, Churanoumi’s pull was effective at causing Endo to lose his balance and stumble forward. Endo stepped out before he was able to force Churanoumi over the bales. MORE OF THIS ENDO-SEKI!!! Hatakikomi.

Halftime

Wakatakakage (3-1) defeated Ura (2-2). Ura pulled down a hard charging Wakatakakage at the edge. Gunbai Ura. Mono-ii. Video replay revealed Ura had stepped out before bringing Wakatakakage down. Oshidashi.

Gonoyama (2-2) defeated Shonannoumi (0-4). Shonannoumi’s troubles continue. Gonoyama bulled forward and forced Shonnanoumi from the ring rather easily. Oshidashi.

Kotoshoho (2-2) defeated Meisei (1-3). Meisei brought his usual fiery, brawling style. Kotoshoho went toe-to-toe with him and nearly drove him out. He could not get inside for a belt grip. Desperate to end the assault, Kotoshoho grabbed and pulled Meisei forward. Hikiotoshi.

Shodai (4-0) defeated Wakamotoharu (2-2). Shodai hit Wakamotoharu hard at the tachiai and drove him back to the bales where Wakamotoharu found the resistance he needed. Wakamotoharu pressed forward but Shodai hooked his arm inside Wakamotoharu’s right shoulder and twisted him down to the ground. Sukuinage.

Sanyaku

Hiradoumi (3-1) defeated Oho (1-3). Oho is not moving forward this tournament so Hiradoumi slammed Oho to the clay for his transgressions. Oshitaoshi.

Kirishima (4-0) defeated Mitakeumi (1-3). Kirishima secured a left-hand inside quickly. Mitakeumi’s ottsuke was completely ineffective at keeping Kirishima’s right arm from locking on. Kirishima pressed forward and forced Mitakeumi out. Yorikiri.

Onosato (4-0) defeated Daieisho (1-3). Daieisho pulled back as Onosato drove forward but Daieisho ran out of room quickly. Onosato kept his balance long enough to drive Daieisho from the ring before falling. Oshidashi.

Abi (2-2) defeated Takanosho (1-3). Abi shifted to his left and pulled Takanosho down. Tsukiotoshi.

Kotozakura (4-0) defeated Atamifuji (1-3). Atamifuji had nothing in the tank and Kotozakura took advantage. Kotozakura charged forward and forced Atamifuji out under the black tassel. Yorikiri.

Tobizaru (2-2) defeated Hoshoryu (1-3). The tachiai of the future here as both men stood up. Hoshoryu grabbed Tobizaru’s arm and tried to pull him forward. Tobizaru, though, brought his arms down on Hoshoryu’s and knocked him off balance just enough to where Hoshoryu touched the clay with his hand. Tsukiotoshi.

Wrap-up

I remembered to post everyone’s records today. Sorry about that. I don’t do it on Shonichi because it doesn’t make sense. Everyone who won is 1-0; everyone who lost is 0-1. So, I forgot to do it on Day 2+3. I shouldn’t forget moving forward.

I was disappointed in the Atamifuji bout. I thought he’d get a better showing against Kotozakura but it seems he saves his best stuff for Hoshoryu. Hoshoryu slipped up today. I liked seeing that immediately after the bout, Hoshoryu went straight for the video monitor. He was just as eager to figure out, “What the hell happened?” as I was. I expect better from him in the coming days.

What am I looking forward to tomorrow? Well, not the Takayasu/Shirokuma bout. I just think Takayasu is hurt and Shirokuma will just need to wrap him up. Endo vs Tamawashi should be interesting but Midorifuji and Churanoumi will likely be the highlight from the first half of Day 5 action. In the second half, Kirishima and Hiradoumi will bring the fire. What are you looking forward to tomorrow?

Aki 2024: Day Three Highlights

Andy Aki 2024, Aki Basho, Atamifuji (熱海富士)

Takakeisho is kyujo. This is not a surprise and we are very curious about what direction he goes. I will bring news as soon as we hear. But for now, we anticipate he will show up for Kyushu as a rank-and-filer. Well, let’s get to the action.

Makuuchi Action

Kitanowaka defeated Nishikifuji. This bout seemed to be all about Nishikifuji’s right arm and Kitanowaka’s left. Kitanowaka initially set his left arm in Nishikifuji’s armpit to keep his arm at bay. He then knocked it away. As Nishikifuji stumbled forward, Kitanowaka was able to reach in deep for a belt grip and then drag Nishikifuji to the ground. Uwatenage.

Tokihayate defeated Shirokuma. Tokihayate locked in quickly on Shirokuma’s belt. Shirokuma tried to resist but he was effectively dragged across the ring as Tokihayate rotated. Shirokuma rolled to a stop in the first row of spectators. Uwatenage.

Onokatsu defeated Takayasu. Takayasu lashed out again with his tsuppari and drove Onokatsu back to the bales but he could not finish him off. The two settled into a yotsu-style grapple. Takayasu attempted an uwatenage but shortly afterwards just gave up and Onokatsu gingerly walked him over the bales. This is deeply concerning for Takayasu. Another withdrawal due to the back might be imminent. Juryo bound. If so, he may retire before Takakeisho. This is not what we wanted. Yorikiri.

Takarafuji defeated Ryuden. Another one-arm battle here. These two fought hard for control, Takarafuji locked in with a left-hand inside and Ryuden desperately trying to get his right hand outside. Takarafuji succeeded in blocking so Ryuden shifted his right-hand inside. But the shift seemed to give Takarafuji the momentum he needed as he drove forward and forced Ryuden to the ground. Ryuden’s right foot touched out before he was shoved down so it’s a yorikiri.

Hokutofuji defeated Kinbozan. Hokutofuji’s quick pull and slapdown failed so he…secured a left-hand outside belt grip and drove Kinbozan out. Wow. Andy, is that right? Yes, it is. It says it right there. Very interesting to see Hokutofuji develop this yotsu- game over the past few tournaments. Yorikiri.

Nishikigi defeated Bushozan. Nishikigi pressured Bushozan to the bales and then shifted to the side. Gravity provided an assist as Nishikigi pulled and Bushozan fell forward. Hatakikomi.

Sadanoumi defeated Roga. Sadanoumi charged forward with a firm hold of Roga. Roga attempted to twist and pitch Sadanoumi forward but Sadanoumi pressed into Roga, forcing Roga to the ground. Uwatenage.

Tamawashi defeated Kagayaki. Tamawashi claimed the outright Iron Man record today as he mounted the dohyo against Kagayaki. Kagayaki cycled around the dohyo and stepped out. A roar from the crowd as Tamawashi picked up his first win of the tournament. Oshidashi.

Midorifuji defeated Ichiyamamoto. Midorifuji knew the drill. He weathered Ichiyamamoto’s charge and storm of slaps and thrusts. When Ichiyamamoto pulled, Midorifuji just kept him centered and pushed him out. Oshidashi.

Endo defeated Oshoma. A street fight here. I think there was a hairpull here from Oshoma, the way he was grabbing at Endo’s head. They continued to brawl but Oshoma pitched forward too far and had to catch himself with his hand on the ground. Odd, but deserved, loss. Endo picked up a bit of a shiner under his right eye. I think that was from an Oshoma headbutt. As desperate and dirty as Oshoma fought, I was half expecting him to break a pool cue over his knee or pull a switchblade from his Oichomage. Endo stayed calm… “Like, dude, I just asked her for the time. I didn’t realize she was your girlfriend. I’m married, anyway.” Oshitaoshi.

Wakatakakage defeated Gonoyama. Wakatakakage showed how a pull is supposed to work. 1. Opponent charges forward. 2. Put your hand behind his head. 3. Step back and to the side a little. 4. Pull him down. Hatakikomi.

Halftime

Churanoumi defeated Meisei. Someone let two reams into the Kokugikan and we watched them rutt. As both men tumbled from the ring, Meisei fell first. Oshitaoshi.

Ura defeated Kotoshoho. Balance, Kotoshoho. Learn some balance. When Ura lost his balance and stumbled forward Kotoshoho tried to take advantage and slap him down. But somehow Kotoshoho ended up being the one on the floor. Hatakikomi.

Shodai defeated Shonannoumi. Shodai just drove forward and bullied Shonannoumi out of the ring. Oshidashi.

Sanyaku

Daieisho defeated Mitakeumi. Mitakeumi absorbed Daieisho’s thrusts and backed to the edge. At the edge, he shifted right and half-heartedly slapped at Daieisho to try to push him out. You need to put your whole heart in there because Daieisho did not fall out. He recovered and drove Mitakeumi clear across the ring and both men tumbled into Kotoshogiku’s lap. Yoritaoshi.

Onosato defeated Oho. Oho pulled. What a surprise. Onosato pursued well and kept the pressure on Oho as Oho cycled back around the edge of the dohyo. When Onosato caught up he forced Oho over the bales. Yorikiri.

Hiradoumi defeated Abi. Abi threw everything at Hiradoumi. I have to give him credit. He was aggressive and drove at Hiradoumi. Tried some misdirection but mostly Abi took it to Hiradoumi. Hiradoumi weathered the storm and as Abi teetered on the edge, he was able to drive forward and push him out. Oshidashi.

Kirishima defeated Takanosho. Takanosho had some forceful tsuppari to start but Kirishima grabbed his belt with his left hand and yanked him forward. Uwatedashinage.

Atamifuji defeated Hoshoryu. Power and patience. Wow. Atamifuji contained Hoshoryu then secured a left-hand overarm grip and drove him to the edge. Hoshoryu tried to resist but Atamifuji pressed him out, under the green tassel. Yorikiri.

Kotozakura defeated Tobizaru. Tobizaru was robbed. How was there no mono-ii here? Kotozakura fell forward before Tobizaru stumbled out. Tobizaru had jettisoned his henka and flying-monkey tactics, taking on the Ozeki, toe-to-toe. Tobizaru twisted and tried a spectacular throw but could not get Kotozakura going forward. So Kotozakura crushed him out. The only problem is, Kotozakura fell first. Oshidashi.

Wrap-up

These shimpan do not want to call mono-ii and it’s going to come back to haunt them. Yes, Kotozakura had the advantage and the winning attack but he fell first because Tobizaru forced him to the ground. Unfortunate for Tobizaru.

Otherwise, we might see a few kyujo after today. I think Takayasu is much more hurt than I knew. If he withdraws now and cannot come back, he will fall into Juryo. We know Takakeisho will plunge down the ranks. Now that Tamawashi has achieved his Iron Man record, he might also start thinking about what’s next (as in retirement). He seemed tired after the bout today and in the post-bout interview.

I would have liked Kotozakura to win more decisively today. He had the better, more dominant sumo. He just seemed impatient. He had Tobizaru but Shonosuke made the wrong call and maybe the shimpan don’t want to overrule him during his final tournament?

Tune in tomorrow as we watch Shodai charge to his second yusho!

Takakeisho Kyujo

Andy Aki Basho 2022

Hattip to Justin (@hochiyama on Twitter), after two poor performances resulting in rather concerning losses, Takakeisho has withdrawn from the Aki Basho citing his neck. Wakamotoharu will receive the default win.

Announcement of Takakeisho’s kyujo from Tokiwayama’s Twitter

He headbutted Oho pretty hard in one of his attacks yesterday. The thing is, there was nothing extraordinary about the attack. It’s a rather routine tactic in sumo and it is certainly one of the go-to tactics in his style of sumo. This does not raise serious questions about his career. It merely increases the volume of those questions that we have been asking for the past several months. He has been kyujo before for the neck and it has not healed sufficiently to allow him to compete reliably at this level. Let’s face it, he hasn’t been at keiko, much less able to compete.

But at this point there is no indication at the moment about his career plans. Now that his demotion from Ozeki is permanent, he will fall rather far into the rank-and-file. There is no news on whether he intends to use an extended kyujo (like Terunofuji or Enho) to recover enough from a lower division, or retire. Tachiai will bring updates as we get them.

Aki 2024: Day Two Highlights

Andy Aki 2024, Aki Basho ,

We got our first action from Kotomotomura and it did not disappoint. Though he lost, he put up a great effort. He will be a fun one to watch. In November, he will be splitting out of Sadogatake-beya and moving with Kotoshogiku to a new Hidenoyama beya. Three other wrestlers, Kotohanashiro, Kotokoguchi, and Kotomunakata will be joining them (all currently in Jonidan).

Takerufuji continues to advance. Today he completely overwhelmed Kiryuko. Daiseizan downed Aoiyama, right into Goeido’s lap. Shiden handed Hakuoho an early loss with some impressive belt work and an uwatedashinage. The two men had locked in for a bit of a lean-fest when Shiden kicked out and started to try some trips. This seemed to make Hakuoho press forward a bit further to keep Shiden away — but I think he pitched too far forward. Shiden then used this to his advantage and levered Hakuoho down.

All of the Juryo action is available at the NHK website here: Part I and Part II. The Makuuchi action is available here: Part I and Part II.

Makuuchi Highlights

Nishikifuji defeated Shirokuma. Nishikifuji just plain overpowered Shirokuma. Both men went belt-to-belt immediately and Nishikifuji’s power resisted Shirokuma’s throw attempt while succeeding with his own. Well, it counts as a throw but it was more of a heave. Shirokuma remained on his feet, he just got heaved over the edge. Powerful Uwatedashinage.

Shirokuma will fight Tokihayate from Juryo on Day 3.

Kitanowaka defeated Onosho. After a brief oshi-tussle, Kitanowaka grabbed Onosho by the belt with his left hand, and aided with his right hand up on Onosho’s head, heaved him to the clay. I thought I saw Onosho make the internationally recognized motion for hair-pull but the judges did not think a meeting was warranted. Uwatenage.

Kitanowaka will fight Nishikifuji tomorrow while Onosho will slink back down to Juryo.

Takayasu defeated Ryuden. Takayasu started by going after Ryuden with powerful thrusts to the head, similar to Daieisho. This kept Ryuden off his belt and drove him toward the edge but he could not work him over. Takayasu tired and had to lock up on the belt. He used his best ottsuke to keep Ryuden’s right hand away while at the same time using his own grip to drag Ryuden down. Uwatenage.

Takarafuji defeated Onokatsu. Takarafuji quickly acquired a left-hand inside grip and ushered Onokatsu over the tawara. Yorikiri.

Takarafuji will fight Ryuden and Onokatsu will fight Takayasu.

Bushozan defeated Hokutofuji. This was an oshi-brawl. Bushozan was in trouble early, resisting Hokutofuji on the edge. Hokutofuji couldn’t force Bushozan over the edge so he tried to pull and slap him down. However, this just let Bushozan back into the fight. Hokutofuji worked Bushozan back to the edge but Bushozan rotated and forced Hokutofuji’s back to the edge. With more power he worked Hokutofuji over the edge. Yorikiri.

Nishikigi defeated Kinbozan. Nishiki deflected Kinbozan’s thrusts and locked in to his belt. He bulled forward and forced Kinbozan over the edge. Yorikiri.

Nishikigi will fight Bushozan and Kinbozan will take on Hokutofuji.

Sadanoumi defeated Tamawashi. “I know it’s your party today but I need the win.” A seemingly remorseful Sadanoumi pulled and slapped Tamawashi down at the edge. Very effective. Hatakikomi. Nevertheless, Tamawashi is now tied with Aobajo for the most consecutive bouts fought at 1,630. They’re also tied for 8th on the list for overall bouts, behind the likes of Kyokutenho, Aminishiki, Terao, Kaio, Wakanosato, and Takamiyama. The King, though, is Oshio at 1,891 total bouts. The chase is on.

Kagayaki defeated Roga. Kagayaki kept Roga’s arms off his belt while he charged forward and drove Roga over the edge. Oshidashi.

Tamawashi will claim the outright Iron Man record tomorrow against Kagayaki. Roga will fight Sadanoumi.

Endo defeated Ichiyamamoto. Beautiful win by Endo. Both men charged forward with thrusting attacks. Ichiyamamoto doing his thing. Endo knocked Ichiyamamoto’s left arm to the side, pulled back, and slapped Ichiyamamoto down. Hatakikomi.

Oshoma defeated Midorifuji. Oshoma had one game plan, keep Midorifuji at arm’s length and try to slap him down. After several tries, Oshoma timed a slapdown well and pulled Midorifuji forward. Midorifuji kept his balance but as he moved forward Oshoma was able to get behind him. From behind, Oshoma pressured Midorifuji out. Okuridashi.

Ichiyamamoto will fight Midorifuji and Oshoma will face Endo.

Wakatakakage defeated Meisei. Solid tachiai from both men. Meisei timed his pull poorly and Wakatakakage used the momentum to drive him out. Oshidashi.

Halftime

Gonoyama defeated Churanoumi. Gonoyama was all offense today. Gonoyama charged forward with powerful tsuppari. Twice, Churanoumi tried to shift at the edge and pull him forward. To be honest, it seemed like it worked at the edge and he pulled Gonoyama down as he was falling out (but kept his foot in). Nevertheless, the gunbai went to Gonoyama and no mono-ii. Oshidashi.

Gonoyama will take on WTK and Churanoumi will fight Meisei.

Shodai defeated Ura. Shodai pressed Ura forward and out. Shodai kept his balance long enough to drive Ura out in spite of Ura’s pulldown. Gunbai Shodai. No mono-ii. Oshidashi. So far, my new Shodai rally towel seems to be working.

Kotoshoho defeated Shonannoumi. Kotoshoho started with some tsuppari but drove forward and forced Shonannoumi out. Shonannoumi had reached over Kotoshoho’s back and grabbed at his mawashi but lost his grip. Yorikiri.

Kotoshoho will fight Ura and Shonannoumi will try to get dirt on Shodai.

Sanyaku

Hiradoumi defeated Wakamotoharu. Hiradoumi’s high-octane style overwhelmed Wakamotoharu. When the pull didn’t work, Hiradoumi charged forward and forced Wakamotoharu over the edge. Yorikiri.

Abi defeated Mitakeumi. Abi-zumo. Abi drove into Mitakeumi repeatedly and shoved him over the edge. Oshidashi.

Abi will face Hiradoumi tomorrow.

Oho defeated Takakeisho. Takakeisho nearly ran Oho out with a shift in direction but Oho stayed in bounds and pursued Takakeisho. When Oho caught him, he wrapped him up and eased him over the bales.

Takakeisho will have a tough time tomorrow with Wakamotoharu.

Kirishima defeated Atamifuji. Atamifuji had one goal, wrap up Kirishima’s right arm and drive him over the bales. Kirishima, rather spectacularly, extracted his arm and spun around landing on Atamifuji, who had fallen forward. They called it a shitatenage.

Onosato defeated Tobizaru. Tobizaru false start. Like, the earliest false start I’ve ever seen. Onosato hadn’t even thought of putting his hands down yet. A completely needless and senseless charge forward that connected with Onosato and shoved him back. With that, the entire building and everyone at home on their VPNs knew a shift at the tachiai was coming. Onosato recovered well, pursued the retreating Tobizaru and forced him out. Tsukidashi.

Onosato will fight Oho.

Kotozakura defeated Takanosho. Takanosho could not extract himself from Kotozakura’s grasp. Kotozakura got a morozashi at the tachiai and pressed forward, waiting for Takanosho to stop flailing before gently walking him over the edge.

Kotozakura will give chase to Tobizaru on Day 3 while Takanosho will fight Kirishima.

Hoshoryu defeated Daieisho. Hoshoryu blitzed Daieisho and drove him backwards. Both men landed on Nishonoseki-oyakata.

Hoshoryu will try to figure out Atamifuji tomorrow and Daieisho will likely have an easier day with Mitakeumi.

Wrap-up

Overall, I felt the action today was not as good as yesterday’s but we still had some great bouts. Hoshoryu redeemed himself for yesterday’s debacle with a dominant performance. I’m actually more excited about some of tomorrow’s match-ups. I’m wondering if Tobizaru will tuck tail and run for a third day in a row. Atamifuji/Hoshoryu should be entertaining. I might refill my teacup during Wakamotoharu versus Takakeisho. Meisei versus Churanoumi might be the brawl to watch.