Nagoya 2026: Day Six

Andy Nagoya 2026, Nagoya Basho

Day Six in Nagoya. No new kyujo to report but please check out Justin’s sumo experience with former Makuuchi wrestler, Kyokutaisei. There is so much sumo content and so many sumo shows nowadays, it’s great to see these options. Konishiki’s Sumo and Sushi tour is coming back and there’s even a new group in London, featuring Hidenoumi and Shiden. Sumo’s going global, which is great because tickets are getting more and more difficult to acquire.

Speaking of going global, Abema’s sneaking out more and more content to the public, too. Abema’s pinned Twitter post is this quiz question. On the Banzuke, what does this “御免蒙” say? YOU ALL SHOULD KNOW THE ANSWER. IT IS B. ごめんこうむる。The Anatomy of a Banzuke post explains it.

The Sumo Kyokai’s website has these great quiz questions and it was featured on that, as well. I’ve got a direct link to it on the right-hand navigation, under the link to the Konishiki pages, in case you need to find it again. Anyway, when I saw the quiz question, I just about jumped out of my chair because I was like, “I learned about that!!”

Back to the tournament at hand. Asahifuji encountered some resistance from Fujisodai, so he threw him down in the middle of the ring and remains undefeated at 3-0. He has off tomorrow and will presumably go for kachi-koshi on Nakabi. Will anything put a stop to Isegahama’s protege? Makushita debutant Kaida lost to Aratakayama and fell to 1-2. Tanji defeated Nishikigi and improves to 3-1. One more win and he can claim his ticket to Juryo.

Shirokuma and Arashifuji won their bouts in Juryo and improved to 6-0. Enho (2-4) lost to Kagayaki (3-3). Asasuiryu and Shonannoumi chase at 5-1.

The NHK videos are here.

Makuuchi Action

Onokatsu (1-5) defeated Kazuma (2-4). Onokatsu got his left hand inside grip and kept pressing forward, very patiently, and very slowly driving Kazuma toward the edge. After a long struggle, he finally worked Kazuma over the edge. Yorikiri.

Kinbozan (4-2) defeated Dewanoryu (3-3). Kinbozan quickly charged straight through Dewanoryu and forced him over the edge. Yorikiri.

Shishi (6-0) defeated Asakoryu (2-4). Shishi calmly and patient pressed Asakoryu back to the edge. Asakoryu’s foot slipped as he tried to brace against the straw bales, he stepped out and went down. Oshidashi.

Nishikifuji (5-1) defeated Daiseizan (2-4). Daiseizan tried to turn the tables on Nishikifuji but Nishikifuji wasn’t having any of it and dropped Daiseizan over the ledge. Yoritaoshi.

Takerufuji (5-1) defeated Asahakuryu (2-4). Asahakuryu tried to pull on Takerufuji’s right arm but Takerufuji drove Asahakuryu back and out before losing his balance at the edge. Yorikiri.

Asanoyama (4-2) defeated Abi (3-3). Asanoyama pressed his way inside Abi’s tsuppari and forced Abi over the edge. Yorikiri.

Fujiryoga (4-2) defeated Wakanosho (5-1). Fujiryoga and Wakanosho traded tsuppari in quite the brawl. Fujiryoga’s slaps forced Wakanosho back to the edge. Wakanosho’s knee or Ankle buckled as he braced in the straw bales. He could not stand back up under his own power and to get assistance from the team of wakaimonogashira to climb into the big wheelchair. Really sad turn of events for a guy who had been having a great tournament so far. Oshitaoshi.

Tobizaru defeated Mitakeumi. Tobizaru got both hands inside and steadily forced Mitakeumi back to the edge. At the edge he used gaburi hip thrusts to force Mitakeumi over the bales. Mitakeumi does not look long for this division. Yorikiri.

Chiyoshoma (2-4) defeated Roga (2-4). Henka! Chiyoshoma leapt to the side and slapped Roga down. Tsukiotoshi.

Shodai (3-3) defeated Wakamotoharu (2-4). You can sense Wakamotoharu’s displeasure at having to “move forward!!” against Shodai, so he pivoted and pulled, trying to slap Shodai down. Shodai stayed on his feet long enough to see Wakamotoharu back out over the bales first. At first, I was struck by how this was a “first half” match-up. After the event, I am not surprised. Oshidashi.

Kotoeiho (5-1) defeated Ura (1-5). Kotoeiho grabbed Ura’s left arm and dragged him over the bales. Kotenage.

Halftime

Takayasu (5-1) defeated Oshoma (1-5). In the most anti-climatic ending to a bout — ever — Oshoma withstood Takayasu’s tsuppari but fell out to a wee shift and a slap. I got a collective, “WTF?” vibe from the crowd’s reaction. Like, “¿Qué?” Let’s move on. Tsukiotoshi.

Fujiseiun (3-3) defeated Ichiyamamoto (3-3). Fujiseiun stuck with Ichiyamamoto’s tsuppari long enough for Ichiyamamoto to transition into his pulling phase. When Ichiyamamoto pulled, Fujiseiun drove forward and forced him back and out. Oshidashi.

Daieisho (5-1) defeated Churanoumi (1-5). Daieisho got Churanoumi off-balance with some misdirection and quickly followed up with a shove from behind. Okuridashi.

Sanyaku

Takanosho (2-4) defeated Kotoshoho (3-3). Takanosho forced Kotoshoho back to the edge and then slapped him down as Kotoshoho dug in at the bales. Tsukiotoshi.

Atamifuji (4-2) defeated Fujinokawa (3-3). After an initial matta, I got the sense Fujinokawa jumped the gun early. But Atamifuji still had the wherewithall to avoid Fujinokawa’s misdirection and kept him centered as Fujinokawa cycled around the ring. Atamifuji cornered him at the bales (yeah, this ring has corners, okay?) and shoved him out. Oshidashi.

Aonishiki (5-1) defeated Oho (1-5). Aonishiki used his left hand inside and pulled Oho forward suddenly. Somehow, Oho was the one who seemed to be walking gingerly back up the hanamichi. One thing’s for sure, Aonishiki’s ankle is still an issue. Shitatehineri.

Kirishima (5-1) defeated Yoshinofuji (3-3). Kirishima fought to keep Yoshinofuji’s hands off, drove forward and forced Yoshinofuji out. Oshidashi.

Gonoyama (2-4) defeated Kotozakura (3-3). Kotozakura braced against the bales like he was going to try some counter attack but forgot how to counter attack. Gonoyama just kept shoving. Oshidashi.

Hakunofuji (5-1) defeated Hoshoryu (4-2). Hoshoryu did not care that Hakunofuji locked in with both hands inside. Perhaps he should have. After a wild tussle, Hoshoryu went for the trip and tried to heave Hakunofuji down but Hakunofuji freed his massive tree trunk legs and drove Hoshoryu into the ground. Hoshoryu appeared to land on his ass first but gunbai Hoshoryu. Mono-ii. Hoshoryu did, indeed, fall first. The call was overturned and Hakunofuji rightly given the win. We expect Inosuke’s resignation letter on Hakkaku’s desk in the morning, and for it to be quietly ripped up. Kinboshi! Kirikaeshi.

Onosato (3-3) defeated Hiradoumi (1-5). Onosato absorbed Hiradoumi’s lightning tachiai and then overpowered him. He remained calm as Hiradoumi resisted at the edge, got his left hand inside and forced Hiradoumi out. Yorikiri.

Wrap-Up

Shishi leads. It’s his yusho to lose at this point.

Turning to tomorrow’s action, Hoshoryu will face Hiradoumi and Onosato will take on Hakunofuji. Kirishima will fight Kotoshoho in a big match-up. Though, I think Kotozakura versus Atamifuji technically counts as a bigger match-up since both guys break the scales. Aonishiki will fight Fujinokawa, Yoshinofuji will fight Takanosho, and Oho will try to regroup against Gonoyama.

Down in the rank-and-file, Shodai will face Takayasu and probably run away. And Asanoyama will take on Mitakeumi as the shadows of four former Ozeki collide. Shishi will also get a real test in his bout against Nishikifuji. Nishikifuji has been in fine form this tournament and looking healthy.

I’ll also keep my eyes out for news about Wakanosho but I’m expecting at least a few days of kyujo. Ankles are funny, though. I’ve twisted mine and been unable to walk…then fine after a little rest. His ankle was already taped, though, so I’m not as optimistic that he’ll just walk this one off.

I’ll be back mañana.

The Peek Behind the Curtain (幕の内) Part I:

hochiyama Japanese Culture, Sumo Entertainment, Sumo Tourism, Travel

Background

I have been a sumo fan for more than 30 years. I attended the Las Vegas Koen in 2005 (where I met a young Hakuhō and Ama/Harumafuji wrestling in the lazy river of the Mandalay bay).

Justin in Vegas, wearing a specially designed shirt that said 資本主義の野郎 on the back

I have participated in Konishiki’s Sumo and Sushi’s “Get in the Ring” event and pulled off a victory.

Justin had to “build his body” for this bout
My retirement from sumo came with Takakeishō style weight loss. I made the rally towels

After more than three decades of following sumo, I thought I had a reasonable understanding of what rikishi do and a good understanding of how to make a sumo-themed izakaya.

Senshūraku party at my place?

The bottom line is that I thought I “knew” sumo. I know the terminology, the kanji, the banzuke, the statistics. I can call (poorly) the kimarite in a bout. After Sumo and Sushi, I even thought I knew what “taking sumo” felt like. There is a difference between knowledge and wisdom, and part of that is derived from experience.

During my family’s recent trip to Japan (May/June), we had a chance to take a mini-morning training exercise under the guidance of former top division’s Kyokutaisei (旭大星). For those who do not recall, he was subject of a French Documentary in 2009.

Free polar bear hugs!

This experience is what gave me and my family the chance to learn more about sumo. Since the experience, I see the sport differently, and in a much more appreciative way. Please allow me to explain.

We booked the opportunity to participate in former maegashira Kyokutaisei’s sumo training experience. Kyokutaisei was supported by former rikishi Kyokuhikari and Hakuyō. After only a few minutes, the contrast was stark: watching sumo and living even a tiny fragment of it are entirely different things. The training regime is brutal and one does leave their blood, sweat, and tears in the ring. By the end of the session, my family had gained an entirely new level of respect for the men who dedicate their lives to this sport.

A Peek Behind the Curtain

When I lose something, I now always look behind the curtains and expect to see rikishi there

Sumo remains one of the most unique corners of Japanese culture. The more you study it, the more you realize you have left to learn. Almost every one of us has encountered sumo via streaming, online videos, live TV or (if you are lucky to get tickets) from the seats of the Kokugikan. Unlike many other sports, for non-Japanese, it is almost exclusively observed from a distance.

Let’s be clear, my wife and son were good sports for joining me on this adventure. As the family’s resident sumo obsessive, I was the obvious enthusiast. They were willing participants. Let’s also say that they have had 30 years of second-hand exposure to sumo, so they did not walk in completely unawares.

Nevertheless, at the end of the day, my wife summed up the experience better than I could. She called it a “peek behind the curtain.” Ironically, she had no idea that the English translation of makunouchi (sumo’s top division) is often given as “behind the curtain.”

Peeking behind the curtain is exactly what this experience offered.

The experience began with our arrival and introductions. Right away, everyone was approachable and quite appreciative of meeting foreign fans that were not typical tourists. I knew the wrestlers and their histories. Kyokuhikari was impressed that I recalled his debut was in 1992 and Hakuyō was shocked to hear that I knew his stable (Isenoumi) and that he had only retired within the last year. I explained that I would do a write-up for the blog, and everyone was amenable. Of course, these are now businessmen, selling a product and it must have been very different for them, men who had spent years inside the closed and demanding world of the heya system, to welcoming complete amateurs into their world. We could tell that we were in for something special. This experience is different.

The Mawashi Moment

Perhaps the first surprise was having a mawashi put on.

They spun me right round, baby!
My wife got pumped up. Yes, women can participate in this event

I had imagined it would feel impossibly tight everywhere. Yes, I mean everywhere. Men know what I am talking about. Instead, the tightness was concentrated around the waist and it remained quite comfortable. Yes, we had to wear shorts and t-shirts, nobody wants to use second-hand mawashi. So, they keep it clean.

The mawashi fabric was remarkably sturdy and heavy. It was more substantial than I had expected. The moment you grab one, you can quickly understand its purpose. A mawashi isn’t simply clothing, it is sumo’s main tool. A grip on the mawashi is all it took to realize how easily it would assist in moving, lifting, or controlling your opponent. Feeling and using that leverage in your hands is entirely different than watching a yorikiri battle on TV.

It seemed they were more prepared to host larger tourist or corporate events, not a small family of three. But they were all happy to spend the time with us to get us prepared.

My son is so darned lucky. I had to wait over 30 years to get this experience. His hair was long enough for a proper mage, no?
Finally kitted out

Fate Decides Your Shiko

Then came our first “asa-geiko” training. As expected, the first exercise was shiko. However, they did not present us with any ordinary shiko. They came around with a box and we had to draw lots to determine how many repetitions we would do. Every draw felt like a lottery in reverse as nobody wanted to get the high number.

There were ping-pong balls numbered 5-50 in increments of 5. I got 30, my son 15. My wife, who usually has good luck, got the 50. Of course, they did have some mercy on her. One of the instructors mentioned that wrestlers may perform hundreds of shiko—sometimes around 500 in a training day. An order of magnitude less should have been easy for an amateur, no? No!

No matter how many stomps were assigned, every one of us had legs that were starting to turn to liquid.

Yoishou!!!!!

As an amateur, surviving a small sample felt like an accomplishment. For a rikishi, it’s simply a small portion of their regular morning routine.

That was just the start. We then had to go through our second round of “test your luck”. We had to draw the ball that determined how many seconds we would have to hold a squat position.

What you do not see here is the quivering

If the shiko hurt, the squats were another level entirely. Once again, due to their mercy on my wife’s high draw, it was down to me to handle 20 seconds of the squat (15 for my son). I noticed that within moments, my thighs began quaking. The wrestlers noted, too, that my legs were trembling. A burning sensation spread higher and higher until maintaining the position became an exercise in willpower more than strength.

And then came the moment of enlightenment: professional rikishi do this every day and they do not get the luck of a small ping pong number. They must do this for minutes, tens of minutes at a time. Everyday.

Part II coming soon – with Surashi, Butsukari-geiko, and learning some kimarite.

Kyokutaisei says “see you soon”

Nagoya 2026: Day Five

Andy Nagoya 2026, Nagoya Basho , , ,

Day Five in Nagoya. Oshoumi, in Juryo, is kyujo and will undergo surgery. Tough break for the kid, as that will likely lead to his demotion from Juryo at Aki.

In Makushita, Tanji (2-1) suffered his first loss, to Nabatame (3-0). Tanji remains in the driver’s seat for Juryo promotion but Nabatame is building his own case. Hakuyozan’s and even Oshoumi’s positions will be up for grabs but it’s obviously way too early to know how many other Juryo slots will be available. Asahifuji will battle Fujisodai tomorrow as he tries to make his own case for promotion via yusho. Tanji will move up and fight Nishikigi. Trial by fire.

Shirokuma and Arashifuji continue winning and remain undefeated at 5-0. Shirokuma fights Meisei tomorrow and Arashifuji will take on Hatsuyama. Enho lost to Nishikigi and Meisei fell to Tamawashi as the schedulers pitted our favorite veterans against themselves. Enho will face Kagayaki and Tamawashi will fight Kitanowaka.

NHK videos are here.

Makuuchi Action

Daiseizan (2-3) defeated Onokatsu (0-5). Onokatsu used his hidari-yotsu to push Daiseizan to the bales but Daiseizan pivoted at the edge and toppled Onokatsu over the tawara. Yoritaoshi.

Shishi (5-0) defeated Ryuden (1-4). Ryuden visited from Juryo and disrupted Shishi’s desired attack. Ryuden’s left hand ottsuke blocked Shishi from getting the grip he wanted. So, Shishi had to adapt. He pulled and dragged Ryuden to the bales, then toppled him over the edge. Sukuinage.

Kinbozan (3-2) defeated Asakoryu (2-3). Asakoryu gave up a double-inside grip to Kinbozan. That was a huge mistake. Kinbozan immediately bulldozed through the dohyo and forced Asakoryu back over the edge. Yorikiri.

Takerufuji (4-1) defeated Kazuma (2-3). Takerufuji twisted as the pair advanced toward the edge and Kazuma’s leg buckled, taking a knee. It didn’t seem to be an injury issue, rather a footwork issue. Sukuinage.

Abi (3-2) defeated Asahakuryu (2-3). Abi henka. The henka itself did not appear designed to win but to get a left-hand grip on Asahakuryu’s belt. Then Abi pivoted and dragged Asahakuryu down with that belt grip, aided by his right hand on his opponent’s head, pressing down. Uwatedashinage.

Nishikifuji (4-1) defeated Mitakeumi (0-5). Mitakeumi charged ahead but Nishikifuji pivoted and yanked Mitakeumi over the bales. Uwatedashinage.

Asanoyama (3-2) defeated Chiyoshoma (1-4). Chiyoshoma lashed out with a brief nodowa and then pulled, which was a mistake. Asanoyama made quick work and happily forced him over the edge. Yorikiri.

Wakanosho (5-0) defeated Tobizaru (1-4). Tobizaru pulled early and shifted to the side, but Wakanosho put on the brakes quickly enough to avoid stepping out. Wakanosho then reacquired his target, drove forward and blasted Tobizaru from the ring. Tsukidashi.

Roga (2-3) defeated Wakamotoharu (2-3). Wakamotoharu deployed his usual tawara-twisting throw attempt but Roga had read the brief, kept Wakamotoharu centered, and drove through him. Yoritaoshi.

Takayasu (4-1) defeated Fujiryoga (3-2). Fujiryoga was not intimidated and fought well against Takayasu as the two traded tsuppari and head butts. Takayasu dramatically spun away to his left and slapped Fujiryoga down as the latter re-engaged. Hatakikomi.

Shodai (2-3) defeated Fujiseiun (2-3). Shodai pivoted at the bales and dragged Fujiseiun down. Hikiotoshi.

Halftime

Kotoeiho (4-1) defeated Oshoma (1-4). Kotoeiho used his left-hand inside, right hand outside grip to steer Oshoma to the edge and force him over. Yorikiri.

Daieisho defeated Ichiyamamoto. Daieisho’s pull forced Ichiyamamoto to the edge and off-balance. Daieisho then squared up and shoved Ichiyamamoto out of the ring. Oshidashi.

Hakunofuji (4-1) defeated Ura (1-4). Hakunofuji got both hands inside and charged to the edge. Ura tried to pivot but Hakunofuji kept Ura in front of him and crushed him out. Sukuinage.

Sanyaku

Yoshinofuji (3-2) defeated Oho (1-4). Yoshinofuji let Oho lead as they waltzed to the edge. Oho tired quickly, though, and let Yoshinofuji take over. Yoshinofuji pulled up with both hands squarely on Oho’s belt and drove him out. Oho gave his best Shodai impression at the edge, which means he tried to twist but lost. He was more Shodai today than Shodai, himself, was. Yorikiri.

Takanosho (1-4) defeated Atamifuji (3-2). Takanosho has that disruptive ability if he can stay up and in. After trading nodowa and tsuppari, Takanosho had shoved Atamifuji to the edge. Atamifuji then pulled when he had no room left and Takanosho shoved him out. Oshidashi.

Fujinokawa (3-2) defeated Kotoshoho (3-2). Henka! Fujinokawa leapt to the left. Kotoshoho was caught completely off guard and flopped forward. Tsukiotoshi.

Aonishiki (4-1) defeated Kotozakura (3-2). Kotozakura pulled and tried to slap Aonishiki down. Aonishiki braced himself with his right hand inside and drove forward, forcing Kotozakura out. Yorikiri.

Hiradoumi (1-4) defeated Kirishima (4-1). Kirishima was committed to the slapdown but Hiradoumi did well to stay upright and force Kirishima out. Oshidashi.

Onosato (2-3) defeated Churanoumi (1-4). Onosato charged ahead as Churanoumi shifted left and tried to pull on Onosato’s right arm. Importantly, Onosato did not move in reverse! Instead, he pressed forward and shoved Churanoumi out. Everyone breathed a sigh of relief and the crowd gave Onosato a solid round of applause. Not a lot of hooting or hollering but I think folks were just happy the Yokozuna moved forward and won. Oshidashi.

Hoshoryu (4-1) defeated Gonoyama (1-4). Hoshoryu pulled Gonoyama’s left arm and shoved him down as he ran past. Maybe this tactic would have been more effective against Aonishiki than the straight-forward slap-down attempt? Keep that arm off your belt by yanking on it? I guess anything’s possible. Tottari.

Wrap-Up

Kirishima slipped up today against Hiradoumi. The slapdown is a good strategy, on paper, against Hiradoumi. But today Hiradoumi kept his footing and Kirishima did not use any mis-direction or anything to throw him off. Trying a slapdown against Aonishiki, though, is a bit more of a gamble. He seems so solid with his footwork. He doesn’t really tend to get his mass out ahead of his feet, certainly not in the way that Kotozakura tends to get his (m)ass moving backward and off of the dohyo.

Lots of big match-ups tomorrow. Hoshoryu will fight Hakunofuji. Onosato will fight Hiradoumi. Not easy bouts for the Yokozuna-tachi, that’s for sure. Kirishima will fight Yoshinofuji and Kotozakura will fight himself and Gonoyama. Atamifuji is up against Fujinokawa, Kotoshoho will square off against Takanosho and Aonishiki will fight Oho.

Among the rank-and-file, Ura versus Kotoeiho will be interesting and undefeated Wakanosho will fight Fujiryoga. Shishi will take on Asakoryu. Will Onokatsu show up? I’ve got my eye on a few guys for possible kyujo and he’s at the top of my list.

おやすみなさい。

Nagoya 2026: Day Four

Andy Nagoya 2026, Nagoya Basho , , , ,

Eisei won his second bout. One more win and that should be enough of maezumo. Then we’ll see him at Nakabi in his kesho-mawashi finery. It will be Jonokuchi in September. I’m eager to see him take on Hikarumusashi. But that clash wouldn’t be happening until next year, maybe Osaka? As for Hikarumusashi, he is 0-2 in Sandanme at the moment. He will face Ayanofuji tomorrow.

In Makushita, Kaida fell to Hananoumi. Neither Kaida nor Asahifuji appear to be on the docket for tomorrow. Meanwhile, the competition in Juryo has quickly shifted to a two man race: Shirokuma and Arashifuji are undefeated at 4-0. Enho won, and somehow managed to preserve his arm. Nishikigi got his second win. Meisei, Tamashoho, and Oshoumi, though, still seeek that shonichi first win.

Your NHK videos are here.

Makuuchi Action

Sadanoumi (1-3) defeated Onokatsu (0-4). Sadanoumi, the freight train, steamed ahead and forced Onokatsu back and out. It should be pointed out this was Sadanoumi’s first win. Yorikiri.

Shishi (4-0) defeated Kazuma (2-2). Shishi bear hugged Kazuma under his shoulders and pulled up, eliminating any attack from Kazuma. Shishi is putting in a strong case that his sumo has improved to another level; if he keeps this up he will be moving up the banzuke. Yorikiri.

Nishikifuji (3-1) defeated Asakoryu (2-2). Henka! Nishikifuji anticipated Asakoryu’s shift and adjusted well. He grabbed Asakoryu and drove him straight back and out. Yorikiri.

Takerufuji (3-1) defeated Daiseizan (1-3). Takerufuji modeled Shishi and Sadanoumi, quickly dispatching Daiseizan. Notch 8*! Yorikiri.

Kinbozan (2-2) defeated Abi (2-2). Kinbozan eventually forced himself inside Abi’s thrusts and got a hold of Abi’s belt. Once he got inside, Abi couldn’t use his tsuppari so Kinbozan pressed forward and forced him out. The last few days feel like a Yotsu Renaissance as guys like Kinbozan find the belt, find that it negates some Oshi attacks, and thus find wins. Yorikiri.

Wakanosho (4-0) defeated Mitakeumi (0-4). On cue, as I wax on about the rise of yotsu, Wakanosho steps up. He used his steady tsuppari to keep Mitakeumi at bay, pressed him back to the bales and forced him out. Not a simple Oshidashi here. The upgrade: Tsukidashi.

Asahakuryu (2-2) defeated Chiyoshoma (1-3). Hidari-yotsu battle. Asahakuryu had the advantage in strength and pressed Chiyoshoma back and over the bales. Yorikiri.

Fujiryoga (3-1) defeated Tobizaru (1-3). Tobizaru pulled and tried to slap Fujiryoga down but accidentally stepped out. Oshidashi.

Asanoyama (2-2) defeated Roga (1-3). Roga landed his left hand inside but Asanoyama charged ahead anyway, forcing Roga back and out. Yorikiri.

Kotoeiho (3-1) outlasted Takayasu (3-1). Kotoeiho struggled with his right hand this bout, trying to get inside. He finally popped Takayasu’s left arm off, squeezed his right hand inside and drove Papa Bear over the bales. Yorikiri.

Wakamotoharu (2-2) defeated Fujiseiun (2-2). Henka! Desperate times, desperate measures. I have a feeling we will see this tactic again this tournament. Tsukiotoshi.

Halftime

Ura (1-3) defeated Oshoma (1-3). Oshoma charged ahead so Ura shifted right along the bales to counter attack. Ura dipped inside and got his left hand on Oshoma’s belt. He then pulled and dragged Oshoma down. Ura seemed to glare at Oshoma as the latter slinked away down the hanamichi. I don’t think Ura appreciated Oshoma’s gamesmanship before the tachiai. Uwatedashinage.

Ichiyamamoto (3-1) defeated Shodai (1-3). Shodai pulled. (Quelle surprise!!) Ichiyamamoto stuck with him and shoved him out. Oshidashi.

Hakunofuji defeated Hiradoumi. Hiradoumi plugged ahead behind forceful tsuppari but as the pair got to the edge, Hakunofuji shifted along the bale and slapped Hiradoumi down to the ground. Konishiki used to hate these hatakikomi guys. A little reminder to myself that I have this page with the old Narō footage. Hatakikomi.

Sanyaku

Yoshinofuji (2-2) defeated Aonishiki (3-1). Aonishiki got his left hand grip and dragged Yoshinofuji to the bales. He tried to trip Yoshinofuji and then he tried to just grab his leg and pick it up for an ashitori. Yoshinofuji kept his composure through all of it. His right paw had a firm hold of Aonishiki’s belt and he heaved Aonishiki over for a late, come-from-behind victory at the edge. A massive roar from the crowd, appreciative of the late turn of events. This video will be on replay A LOT. I guarantee it will make the NHK highlight package, probably from multiple angles. Uwatenage.

Oho (1-3) defeated Kotoshoho (3-1). Oho weathered Kotoshoho’s tsuppari and blasted the Sadogatake Sekiwake with his own, trading volley after volley. Kotoshoho grew weary first and pulled. Oho charged ahead and shoved him out. A bruising win for your favorite spoil sport. Oshidashi.

Daieisho (3-1) defeated Atamifuji (3-1). All of the Sekiwake fell today! Atamifuji gave Daieisho his best Daieisho impression, blasting the veteran with his most forceful tsuppari. Atamifuji needs to work on Phase Two, though. Daieisho knows misdirection and he knows how to pull. As Atamifuji charged forward to chase, Daieisho deflected Atamifuji’s attack. He shifted suddenly, as the action was going left, Daieisho went back to the right and Atamifuji fell forward to the clay. Tsukiotoshi.

Kirishima (4-0) defeated Takanosho (0-4). This was not an easy one for the Ozeki. Kirishima certainlt had a plan to get in behind Takanosho and get that belt. Kirishima grabbed it good once, but Takanosho spun away. Kirishima went in for it again and Takanosho backed away again, swatting Kirishima off but Kirishima was able to shove Takanosho out. Oshidashi.

Kotozakura (3-1) defeated Fujinokawa (2-2). Fujinokawa attacked fiercefully but Kotozakura cycled back, clockwise along the bales, and slapped Fujinokawa down, and pulled him forward by the belt for good measure. Fujinokawa had to catch his fall with his right hand and lost. Hatakikomi.

Hoshoryu (3-1) defeated Churanoumi (1-3). Hoshoryu seemed patient today and it paid off. He grabbed Churanoumi’s left arm and pulled him forward to the bales. As Churanoumi again went for the Yokozuna’s belt with that left hand, Hoshoryu grabbed it. It looked like he would rip it off, in a rather more violent variant of the kotenage attack. But Churanoumi stumbled forward and Hoshoryu was satisfied with just shoving him down. Tsukiotoshi.

Gonoyama (1-3) defeated Onosato (1-3). Gonoyama charged ahead, Onosato opted for the slapdown. Onosato leapt for his life, flying higher than an eagle (certainly higher than Tamawashi can manage nowadays). Gonoyama landed in the dirt while Onosato glided through the air. Gunbai Onosato. Mono-ii? Reversal? What? Dude was robbed. The Yokozuna was robbed. I’m going to struggle to understand this one for a while. Oshidashi.

Wrap-Up

Well, um…I don’t know what to say about this one but I’m going to dig into more about this Gonoyama decision. I guess congratulations are in order for the kinboshi and the massive stack of kensho. I am sure there will be some articles about this but frankly, I think Kokonoe-oyakata and his team got the decision wrong.

What makes it even more odd is that Nishonoseki-oyakata was in on this decision. The duration of the conference makes me think this wasn’t a cut-and-dry thing and folks needed to be convinced. I’m going to need to be convinced on this one. What seems more likely is that Nishonoseki took exception to Onosato’s decision to take flight. With Onosato clearly leaving the dohyo, and the Earth’s atmosphere, and entering orbit before Gonoyama fell therefore Onosato died first?

Ugh. Now that I think about it, it’s rather cut-and-dry. I need to put away my Onosato rally towel and accept his defeat. Onosato’s jump ended his time on Earth and he therefore lost. Anyway, Day Four is in the books, whether I like it or not. Let’s turn to Day Five.

Onosato will face Churanoumi while Hoshoryu will take on Gonoyama. Kirishima will battle Hiradoumi as he hopes to remain undefeated. Kotozakura will face Aonishiki. Circle that one. Bold it, highlight it, draw pretty stars around it, write it in red, tattoo it to the back of your hand, do whatever but that will be a big bout. Atamifuji will face Takanosho and Kotoshoho will take on Fujinokawa. The Komusubi pair, Yoshinofuji and Oho will also face off for what should be an interesting bout.

There are other interesting bouts, too. Like Wakanosho versus Tobizaru. If you had told me there would be a Ukrainian undefeated going into Day Five, I don’t think I would have thought of Shishi. Anyway, should be thrilling. Tune in tomorrow!

*Note: For those who aren’t down with the railroad lingo, “Notch 8” is the highest notch on a train engine — essentially Full Throttle. I buried this explanation for comedic effect. Not for your amusement, purely mine. I get silly at this hour. Ha Ha.