Aonishiki

Nagoya 2026: Day Thirteen

Andy Nagoya 2026, Nagoya Basho ,

Day Thirteen in Nagoya, also known as Six-Seven Day. No new kyujo to report.

Two lower division yusho races wrapped up today, Jonokuchi and Jonidan. Ikazuchi-oyakata’s son, Kakizoe. Hakugetsuro won Jonidan, following up on his Jonokuchi yusho back in Tokyo in May. Congratulations to them. As Herbern mentioned in the comments, the Sandanme yusho will be determined in a play-off between undefeated (7-0) Tenshoyama and Tochimusashi.

Nabatame leads the Makushita race. He did not fight yesterday but the 5-1 guys did. Asahifuji leads a field of six hoping for a Nabatame loss so they can have a seven-man play-off on senshuraku. No news on who Nabatame’s opponent will be but I’ll update when this when that’s announced.

In the meantime, Tanji (4-3) visited Juryo and defeated Kayo to earn his spot in the second division. Congratulations on the certain promotion. We’ll get the official word early next week. Arashifuji (10-3) lost his second fight in a row, as did stablemate Toshinofuji (9-4). With Shonannoumi’s win over Shirokuma (9-4), Shonannoumi is suddenly tied for the lead with the great storm…who does not have 4 losses, though he’s getting close. Nishikigi (6-7), Ryuden (2-11), Enho (6-7) lost. Kagayaki (6-7), Meisei (4-9), Tamawashi (7-6) won. Meisei’s win came at the expense of Sadanoumi (4-9). It has been a rough basho for The Old Guard. Tamawashi looks like he’ll be the only one holding down the fort against these whipper-snappers.

NHK videos are here.

Makuuchi Action

Onokatsu (3-10) defeated Asahakuryu (5-8). Hidari-yotsu. Asahakuryu focused on ottsuke, trying to break Onokatsu’s left-hand inside grip. Onokatsu persevered, drove forward, and forced Asahakuryu over the bales. Asahakuryu make-koshi. Yorikiri.

Mitakeumi (2-11) defeated Kazuma (3-10). Mitakeumi’s right hand ottsuke was effective at breaking Kazuma’s left-hand grip. He was able to charge forward and force Kazuma over the edge. Yorikiri.

Kinbozan (8-5) defeated Chiyoshoma (4-9). Chiyoshoma tried a quick, spinning attack to disorient Kinbozan. While he focused on his left hand overarm grip, Kinbozan locked on with both hands inside (morozashi). That helped him to stablize and resist Chiyoshoma’s spin. After a bit of a pause in the action while the two men caught their breath, Kinbozan twisted Chiyoshoma down to the ground. Kinbozan kachi-koshi. Shitatehineri.

Tobizaru (5-8) defeated Daiseizan (6-7). Tobizaru weathered a torrent of tsuppari from Daiseizan. Daiseizan also tried a few slapdown attempts. His final one was his undoing as Tobizaru rushed forward and forced him out. Oshidashi.

Asakoryu (8-5) defeated Wakamotoharu (6-7). Asakoryu focused on his left-hand ottsuke, trying not to let Wakamotoharu’s right hand inside. He suddenly shifted left and pulled forward with that left hand and thrust Wakamotoharu to the ground. Tsukiotoshi.

Nishikifuji (9-4) defeated Fujiseiun (6-7). Nishikifuji dominated this bout. Hidari-yotsu. Nishikigi used his powerful right hand overarm grip to throw Fujiseiun over the tawara. Uwatenage.

Abi (6-7) defeated Shodai (4-9). More accurately, Shodai beat Shodai. Abi did his best Takanosho impression, blasting Shodai with his right arm. Shodai shoved that right arm so hard that he lost balance and bounced on his butt off the dohyo. You really can’t make this up. Tsukitaoshi.

Asanoyama (9-4) defeated Oshoma (5-8). I thought Asanoyama was done as Oshoma’s tsuppari drove him back to the bales but Asanoyama slipped to his left, reached behind Oshoma and grabbed his belt with his left hand, then dumped him over the edge. Oshoma make-koshi. Uwatenage.

Fujiryoga (9-4) defeated Ura (4-9). Fujiryoga cast Ura from the dohyo, bulldozing forward with a hail of tsuppari. Oshitaoshi.

Roga (7-6) defeated Ichiyamamoto (5-8). The bout started with hidari-yotsu but Ichiyamamoto pressed down hard to break Roga’s hold and then re-connected with migi-yotsu, right hand inside. Ichiyamamoto charged forward and forced Roga to the edge but Roga pulled him down with his inside hand. Ichi make-koshi. Shitatenage.

Halftime

Gonoyama (6-7) defeated Hakunofuji (7-6). Gonoyama used tsuppari to get Hakunofuji moving backwards and a head-butt to finish him off. Oshidashi.

Daieisho (8-5) defeated Takanosho (6-7). The two traded thrusts and parries in a lengthy, entertaining brawl. Takanosho seemed to lose his ring sense and tried to slip leftward along the edge but stepped out. Oshidashi.

Churanoumi (6-7) defeated Fujinokawa (6-7). Churanoumi got a strong grip with his right hand outside, used his forehead to break Fujinokawa’s grip and a sudden yank on the belt to throw Fujinokawa off-balance. Fujinokawa danced along the edge as he tried to regain his footing but Churanoumi blasted him out. Oshitaoshi.

Sanyaku

Hiradoumi (3-10) defeated Oho (1-12). Migi-yotsu. Hiradoumi’s hips thrust until he hopped Oho over the bales. Oho didn’t ever seem to brace or put much weight on his right foot. I wonder if therein lies the reason for his poor performance this basho. With Mitakeumi’s win, Oho now owns the worst record in the division (not counting kyujos). Yorikiri.

Yoshinofuji (6-7) defeated Kotoeiho (9-4). Yoshinofuji kept Kotoeiho off his belt and forced him off balance with his powerful, head-first attack. Kotoeiho never regained his balance and Yoshinofuji shoved him out. Oshidashi.

Kotoshoho (6-7) defeated Takayasu (9-4). Kotoshoho thrust Takayasu’s right side at the edge. Takayasu spun around…but only half-way. Kotoshoho attacked from behind and shoved him out. Okuridashi.

Kotozakura (8-5) defeated Shishi (10-3). While Shishi was fumbling for a belt grip, Kotozakura pulled and used his right hand inside grip to drag Shishi down, while pushing down on Shishi’s head with his left hand. Kotozakura clears his kadoban against a Maegashira 14. Clap, clap. Shitatedashinage.

Aonishiki (11-2) defeated Kirishima (10-3). Aonishiki backed to the edge and slapped Kirishima down. He wasn’t able to get his left-hand onto Kirishima’s belt but he still used it under Kirishima’s right shoulder to pull him forward over the edge. Sukuinage.

Onosato (7-6) defeated Takerufuji (10-3). Onosato looked solid today. He connected with Takerufuji and used his gaburi thrusts to move forward and force Takerufuji out. Yorikiri.

Atamifuji (10-3) defeated Hoshoryu (7-6). Atamifuji would not go quietly into that good night. Migi-yotsu. He wrapped up the Yokozuna, resisted Hoshoryu’s shitatenage, and chugged forward. Yoritaoshi.

Wrap-Up

Aonishiki leads the yusho race and frankly, he has been the best wrestler on the dohyo. The cup is his to lose.

Yusho race

  • 2-Losses: Aonishiki
  • 3-Losses: Kirishima, Atamifuji, Takerufuji, Shishi

Pairings for Day 14 are still being determined. I’ll try to write an update this afternoon with the news. Aonishiki versus Atamifuji, anyone? Atamifuji has really shone lately. Kotozakura should face Onosato tomorrow so the Yokozuna can fight on senshuraku. What is there to say about Hoshoryu, except, “Oof?” Honestly, I’m on pins and needles about who Nabatame will have to fight.

Nagoya 2026: Day Twelve

Andy Nagoya 2026, Nagoya Basho , , ,

Day Twelve in Nagoya. No news from the infirmary.

There was a lot of discussion yesterday about whether there was a hairpull in the Aonishiki bout. I’ve seen the replays and I wasn’t able to tell if Aonishiki got his fingers in there or just batted the ginko-leaf around — kinda like a cat with a ball. You all were not the only ones to notice and call it out. Sasaki Ichiro, the popular sumo reporter from Nikkan Sports, wrote about it. He spoke with Onoe-oyakata, head shimpan for that shift. He said that they’d not thought there was a hairpull and they were not notified from the replay booth about it.

There was an eventful day in Juryo today. Shonannoumi improved to (9-3) by slapping Arashifuji (10-4) down. Toshinofuji (9-3) was wrangled down by Shirokuma (9-3), so the Isegahama man remains in second place now joined by Shirokuma and Shonannoumi.

Asasuiryu, Tokihayate, and Dewanoryu won and picked up their kachi-koshi records. Asasuiryu will be picking out his somenuki patterns for Aki and Tokihayate is already likely to join him. Dewanoryu might need another win to seal his promotion but with the dire state of Makuuchi, he might already be heading up. That would be a story in itself as Dewanoryu would overtake Mitakeumi as heyagashira (top wrestler) in Dewanoumi-beya. At this point, I don’t see how that can be avoided. It’s been a tough time for the former Ozeki, who lost his mother earlier this year. I’ll be purchasing a forty of malt liquor this evening, maybe even two so I can actually drink one.

Enho (6-6) beat Sadanoumi (4-8) with a clever little tottari. Meisei (3-9), Nishikigi (6-6), Kagayaki (5-7), Ryuden (2-10), Midorifuji (7-5) and Tamawashi (6-6) all lost. A brutal day for The Old Guard. Ryuden, in particular, looks set to fall deep to the bottom of Juryo, though likely safe from demotion.

NHK videos are here.

Makuuchi Action

Asahakuryu (5-7) defeated Kazuma (3-9). Hidari-yotsu. This was a long, old-school yotsu battle. In the middle of the bout, Asahakuryu had good position and tried an uwatenage. By pivoting and trying the throw, he ended up with his heels at the edge of the ring. Unfortunately, Kazuma did not have the strength to drive Asahakuryu over the edge, so I got the sense this would just be a matter of time, as Kazuma would wear down, Asahakuryu would work him over the edge. Yorikiri.

Asakoryu (7-5) defeated Abi (5-7). Asakoryu henka! Asakoryu leapt to the left and thrust Abi forward to the clay. Tsukiotoshi.

Daiseizan (6-6) defeated Mitakeumi (1-11). Mitakeumi Henka! Full-on desperation from the former Ozeki. Mitakeumi missed with his belt grab and Daiseizan had not rushed forward so he quickly spun around to face Mitakeumi. Another hidari-yotsu battle ensued. Daiseizan cut Mitakeumi’s left-hand hold and pulled up, driving forward and forcing Mitakeumi out. Mitakeumi is likely Juryo-bound. Yorikiri.

Shishi (10-2) defeated Asanoyama (8-4). Migi-yotsu battle. Shishi pivoted and dragged Asanyama down, rotating left along the bales. Shitatenage.

Fujiryoga (8-4) defeated Nishikifuji (8-4). Nishikifuji charged forward but at the edge, Fujiryoga shifted left and pushed Nishikifuji down. Fujiryoga kachi-koshi. Is it me or did he look pissed? It looked like he caught a hand to the throat but I didn’t see anything really untoward from Nishikifuji’s fight. Maybe Fujiryoga was just pumped to get his kachi-koshi? Tsukiotoshi.

Tobizaru (4-8) defeated Onokatsu (2-10). Tobizaru shifted right and slapped Onokatsu down. Hatakikomi.

Takerufuji (10-2) defeated Takayasu (9-3). Henka Takerufuji! I think this henka caught everyone off guard. Well played. Takayasu was a coiled spring and launched himself forward. Takerufuji didn’t need much help as Takayasu flew by but he grabbed Takayasu’s belt with his left hand and helped fling him forward. Uwatenage.

Kinbozan (7-5) defeated Shodai (4-8). With a right-hand nodowa, followed by a head-butt, Kinbozan drained Shodai’s will to compete. Kinbozan drove forward and Shodai did not stop him. Shodai makekoshi. Yorikiri.

Roga (6-6) defeated Ura (4-8). Migi-yotsu. Roga pushed Ura to the edge. Ura kept trying to use his shitatenage and tip Roga over but Roga’s position really prevented Ura from securing a left-hand overarm grip. Roga kept driving forward and crushed Ura over the edge. Yoritaoshi.

Chiyoshoma (4-8) defeated Oshoma (5-7). Chiyoshoma pivoted on his left foot and pulled Oshoma down with his left hand inside. Shitatenage.

Halftime

Daieisho (7-5) defeated Fujiseiun (6-6). Daieisho shifted right and slapped Fujiseiun down. Hatakikomi.

Wakamotoharu (6-6) defeated Ichiyamamoto (5-7). Ichi tried to grab Wakamotoharu’s left arm and pull him forward but Wakamotoharu kept his footing and drove Ichiyamamoto off the dohyo. Oshidashi.

Fujinokawa (6-6) defeated Gonoyama (5-7). Fujinokawa got both hands inside for a morozashi, then planted his left foot and hauled Gonoyama over from that right hand hooked under Gonoyama’s shoulder. Sukuinage.

Takanosho (6-6) defeated Hakunofuji (7-5). Takanosho charged ahead behind that right hand nodowa and shoved Hakunofuji out. Sometimes that nodowa looks brutal, other times it’s batted away and Takanosho gets slapped down. Today was one of the brutal days. Oshidashi.

Sanyaku

Hiradoumi (2-10) defeated Yoshinofuji (5-7). Yoshinofuji hauled Hiradoumi to the edge with his sukuinage but couldn’t quite get him over. He followed up with tsuppari blasts as Yoshinofuji tried to shove Hiradoumi out. Hiradoumi slipped to the left and pulled Yoshinofuji over the edge for quite the surprising reversal. Hiradoumi ends a six-day losing streak. Okuridashi.

Churanoumi (5-7) defeated Oho (1-11), easily. Oho tried a half-hearted slapdown and Churanoumi shoved him out. Oshidashi.

Atamifuji (9-3) defeated Kotoeiho (9-3). Migi-yotsu. This was a rather high-octane back and forth as the two men raced around the dohyo trying to shove each other out. Kotoeiho gained the advantage and tried to push Atamifuji out. Atamifuji used his right hand inside Kotoeiho’s shoulder to haul him over. Kotoeiho fell forward as he pushed Atamifuji out. Gunbai Kotoeiho. Mono-ii. The shimpan decided it was too close to call…do it again! In the rematch, Atamifuji charged ahead. Kotoeiho pulled and tried to shift right to counter Atamifuji but Atamifuji dropped him from the dohyo. Yorikiri.

Kotoshoho (5-7) defeated Aonishiki (10-2). Kotoshoho pulled down with his left hand on Aonishiki’s head. This caused Aonishiki to stumble forward. Kotoshoho gave chase and shoved Aonishiki out. Oshidashi.

Kotozakura (7-5) defeated Hoshoryu (7-5). Kotozakura slipped to the left and used his left hand on Hoshoryu’s belt to pull the Yokozuna forward. Uwatedashinage.

Kirishima (10-2) defeated Onoshato (6-6). Kirishima grabbed Onosato’s right arm and dragged him forward, dumping the Yokozuna over the bales. Tottari.

Wrap-Up

Well. That was a day of sumo. Not all of it good but some of it great. Earlier in the tournament, Aonishiki seemed desperate to get that left hand grip as early as possible. Today, it was an after thought as he brawled with Kotoshoho for a bit. The Yokozuna were dreadful, losing quickly to guys who appeared to have a plan. It is helpful to have one. You might want to write that down, guys.

I’m not convinced Onosato will show up tomorrow. We shall see.

Yusho Race

  • 2-Losses: Kirishima, Aonishiki, Takerufuji, Shishi
  • 3-Losses: Atamifuji, Kotoeiho, Takayasu

Well, the Kirishima rope-run storyline comes back into play. Sorry for the delay in posting. The Sumo Association just published the bout list for tomorrow. Hoshoryu will fight Atamifuji. Onosato will face Takerufuji. Kirishima will fight Aonishiki in what will likely be bout-of-the-day. Interestingly, Kotozakura will fight Shishi. I’ve got mixed feelz on that. I mean, come on. Kotozakura fighting M14 to clear his kadoban?!?! I’ve never wanted someone to go down before now. This is just nonsense.

We’ve got Kotoshoho versus Takayasu and Yoshinofuji versus Kotoeiho and Hiradoumi versus the Ghost of Oho. Churanoumi will fight Fujinokawa. Shodai will fight Abi and Mitakeumi will take on Kazuma.

The Makuuchi demotion picture is becoming clear, and Onokatsu is captain of the barge to Juryo. Kazuma also has a demotable record already, and further losses just dig the hole deeper and push his slide further into the second division. Mitakeumi is next and Wakanosho fourth in line.

Nagoya 2026: Day Eleven

Andy Nagoya 2026, Nagoya Basho , , , , ,

Day Elf in Nagoya. No news from the infirmary today.

Nabatame defeated Fudoho. With Mita falling to Tenshoyama, Nabatame is the lone undefeated wrestler in Makushita and controls his own destiny in the yusho race. It’s his if he wins his final bout on Day 13, or he’ll be a participant in a wider playoff. Tenshoyama is a big dude, by the way. His bout against Mita:

In Juryo, Arashifuji (10-1) continues his charge for the yusho with Toshinofuji right behind at 9-2. Shirokuma defeated Enho. Kayo shocked me with his win, as after running backward around the dohyo he stopped, MOVED FREAKING FORWARD and thrust Hatsuyama over the edge and to the ground. If he has such strength, why in the hell is his first attack always the slapdown? Video of his win is available at the tail end of the NHK videos from today. Enjoy Shirokuma vs Enho, below.

We’re tracking four guys at the moment with possibility of promotion to Makuuchi. No one has locked it in yet but Asasuiryu (7-4), Tokihayate (7-4), Toshinofuji (9-2), and Dewanoryu (7-4), are probably the best promotion cases at the moment.

The NHK videos are here. The NHK usually shows one bout from Juryo during their coverage. That bout is the one that usually shows up at the end of the list. As I mentioned, today, that is Kayo over Hatsuyama.

Makuuchi Action

Daiseizan (5-6) defeated Abi (5-6). Abi struck out at Daiseizan with fierce tsuppari and nodowa, causing Daiseizan to go back to the edge and slip to the left. Daiseizan made a quick escape and grabbed the back of Abi’s belt, pushing him out from behind. Okuridashi.

Asakoryu (6-5) defeated Chiyoshoma (3-8). Chiyoshoma made the fatal mistake of pulling when his opponent was prepared. Asakoryu shoved him to the ground. Chiyoshoma makekoshi. Oshitaoshi.

Takerufuji (9-2) defeated Asanoyama (8-3). Takerufuji made quick work of the former Ozeki, shifting left, grabbing Asanoyama’s belt with his left hand and pulling him toward the bales. He followed up by forcing Asanoyama over the edge. Yorikiri.

Fujiryoga (7-4) defeated Kazuma (3-8). Fujiryoga shoved Kazuma back to the edge and down to the ground with his powerful tsuppari and head-butts. Kazuma is makekoshi and in danger of falling into Juryo. Oshitaoshi.

Roga (5-6) defeated Onokatsu (2-9). Roga drove Onokatsu to the edge with his right hand inside. As the two approached the bales, Roga used that right hand inside, under Onokatsu’s shoulder, to topple his opponent. Onokatsu is first in line on the barge. Sukuinage.

Wakamotoharu (5-6) defeated Kinbozan (6-5). Wakamotoharu let Kinbozan drive him to the edge, he then shifted right and used his right hand inside to pull Kinbozan forward by his shoulder. Kotenage.

Shishi (9-2) defeated Kotoeiho (9-2). A great migi-yotsu battle; Probably the best I’ve seen in some time. Both men tried to gain better position and drive the other over the edge. Shishi finally wore Kotoeiho down and drove him to the ground at the tawara. NHK cameras tracked Shishi as he walked up the hanamichi and pausing on his way back to the shitakubeya, completely gassed. Yoritaoshi.

Fujiseiun (6-5) defeated Mitakeumi (1-10). Fujiseiun finally forced Mitakeumi over the edge with gaburi hip thrusts. Earlier in the bout, Mitakeumi seemed to have the upper hand as he charged ahead with his forearm lodged under Fujiseiun’s chin. You could sense a real urgency from Mitakeumi as he pressed hard into Fujiseiun, aware that he’s in line for a drop to Juryo and needs several wins to avoid the drop. Yorikiri.

Asahakuryu (4-7) defeated Shodai (4-7). Asahakuryu gently ushered Shodai over the edge after Shodai’s useless slapdown attempt. Oshidashi.

Oshoma (5-6) defeated Tobizaru (3-8). Oshoma got his hands up behind Tobizaru’s head and drove him into the ground. I approved of this slapdown because he didn’t pull back far at all. He stood his ground and used all of his strength to drive Tobizaru’s head into the clay as if he wanted Tobizaru to get a taste of the dried squid and chestnuts under the dohyo. Hatakikomi.

Halftime

Nishikifuji (8-3) defeated Daieisho (6-5). Henka! Nishikifuji shifted left at the tachiai and slapped Daieisho to the clay to secure his kachi-koshi. Hatakikomi.

Takayasu (9-2) defeated Hakunofuji (7-4). Takayasu forced Hakunofuji over the edge with his hidari-yotsu sumo. He had a left-hand grip inside. But when he was able to shift that grip deeper to the back of Hakunofuji’s belt and pull himself in tight and add that right hand outside grip, he gained the leverage he needed to chug forward and force Hakunofuji out. Yorikiri.

Fujinokawa (5-6) defeated Hiradoumi (1-10). Hiradoumi’s gaburi yotsu ran into a brick wall when Fujinokawa got both hands inside and bear-hugged Hiradoumi. Fujinokawa pressed Hiradoumi toward the edge and toppled him over it with his left arm hooked under Hiradoumi’s armpit. Sukuinage.

Sanyaku

Takanosho (5-6) defeated Oho (1-10). Oho pulled and Takanosho forced Oho out with gaburi-yotsu. Does Oho have the flu or something? Yorikiri.

Churanoumi (4-7) defeated Yoshinofuji (5-6). Churanoumi battered Yoshinofuji with tsuppari and finally shoved him out after Yoshinofuji tired of the assault. Oshidashi.

Aonishiki (10-1) defeated Gonoyama (5-6). Aonishiki quickly seized Gonoyama’s belt with his left hand uwate. Aonishiki then pivoted and tried to slap Gonoyama down. Gonoyama fought to stay up but Aonishiki pushed forward and forced Gonoyama over the edge. With the win, Aonishiki sealed his return to the rank of Ozeki for the September tournament. Yorikiri.

Kotozakura (6-5) defeated Ura (4-7). No! This isn’t butsukari-geiko, you nonce! Kotozakura started sliding back as Ura pressed forward, like a blocking sled. Why in the hell are you moving backwards? You’ve got a 39kg size advantage here!! As if it suddenly occurred to him, Kotozakura slapped Ura hard with his left hand and drove him to the ground. Ay caramba, dude! Yoshitaoshi.

Kirishima (9-2) defeated Ichiyamamoto (5-6). Kirishima hit Ichiyamamoto with tsuppari, driving him out. Ichiyamamoto never had a chance to deploy much of an attack. It seemed like he was set on trying to get a belt grip from the outset and Kirishima didn’t let him. Oshidashi.

Atamifuji (8-3) defeated Onosato (6-5). Guess what? Onosato pulled and lost. He whiffed with the slapdown attempt and Atamifuji shoved him over the bales, picking up his kachi-koshi. Onosato had to sit and wallow in freakish misery at the side of the dohyo, waiting for the final bout so he could go home. The dude in the checkerboard shirt, seated next to the hot gyaru and behind Onosato, basically summed up my thoughts by shaking his head in disappointment. Oshidashi.

Hoshoryu (7-4) defeated Kotoshoho (4-7). Hoshoryu began with a right hand inside and tried to get that left-hand inside to join it as he battled Kotoshoho. Hoshoryu switched to a left-hand uwate and toppled Kotoshoho to the ground. Uwatenage.

Wrap-up

Welp, the pressure is off Aonishiki. He’s locked in his Ozeki rank in September. Kotozakura needs two more wins to do the same. We know that ankle is not 100% and he should probably go kyujo if it weren’t for that pesky yusho race. What a conundrum. He’s fighting so well with one foot, why not keep going? He’s in the driver’s seat. If he takes a couple of losses and falls out of the race, I could see him going kyujo this weekend. But if he keeps winning, he’ll take it all.

My big question is this: if you were Aonishiki, would you go kyujo in September and come back kadoban — but closer to 100% — in Kyushu? My nightmare senario would be competing at Aki, not allowing the ankle to heal, and going kadoban despite participating. So, I would be tempted to sit out Aki. Regardless, I hope he will go kyujo for jungyo. There’s about 30 dates here!

As for giri-giri Kotohachinana’s rank, he will have one more bout against a rank-and-filer but he still has to fight both Yokozuna and then Ozeki Kirishima. He will have to pick off at least one of them in order to preserve his rank. Kotonanahachi is sekiwake.

Yusho race

  • 1-Loss: Aonishiki
  • 2-Losses: Kirishima, Takayasu, Kotoeiho, Takerufuji, Shishi

Hoshoryu will fight Kotozakura tomorrow and Onosato will have to fight Kirishima. Onosato does not have an easy path to kachi-koshi, either. He will have to fight the Sadogatake pair and Hoshoryu in the final three days after the Kirishima bout tomorrow. He needs to squeeze two wins out of that schedule or be the first Yokozuna since Wakanohana to come up short. That was the final time Wakanohana “went the distance” and competed all 15 days before intai. I’m not suggesting Onosato will retire soon but I do wonder if he will go kyujo with another loss. He may even go kyujo now. All of that pressure which had been on Aonishiki is now on Onosato.

Speaking of Sadogatake beya, the brothers have some big fights tomorrow. Atamifuji will fight Kotoeiho tomorrow and Kotoshoho will fight Aonishiki. Yoshinofuji will take on Hiradoumi and Oho will fight Churanoumi as he tries to end his seven-bout losing streak and save something from this tournament.

In the rank-and-file, Takayasu will fight Takerufuji and Shishi will fight Asanoyama. I imagine if Shishi wins, he might then fight Takayasu. I’m eager to see how this yusho race shakes out. A lot of guys will be in contention for special prizes, even if they fall short on the yusho. Well, I don’t know about y’all but I’ll be watching tomorrow.

Nagoya 2026: Day Ten

Andy Nagoya 2026, Nagoya Basho ,

Day Ten in Nagoya. No new kyujo to report.

As I mentioned over on social media, Nikkan Sports is reporting that the Japan Sumo Association plans to cut back on its Jungyo tour dates from next year, from 90 tour dates to something around 70. Chairman Hakkuho has told the Jungyo Department to make the cuts so the tours are not as rough on the wrestlers. They also hope to minimize travel by staying in the same place for multiple days, either clustering venues or holding more multiple-day basho.

Tomorrow will be a big day for Makushita as our three undefeated leaders with 5-0 records will square off. Nabatame will fight Fudoho and Mita will face off against Tenshoyama, from sandanme division. Tanji will fight Tokifudo in a crucial promotion match-up. Hakuyozan and Oshoumi are already making two slots available. Tochitaikai and maybe Tamashoho could provide an important third slot.

It will be a bar fight for those few promotion slots. Nabatame likely secured one but Tanji has a 3-2 record at Makushita 1 East. If he picks up a win, he will earn one. Tokifudo is also 3-2 and seated at Ms2W. Most everyone else who is in a promotable position has a 2-3 record. Daikosho, at Ms1W is already makekoshi and out of it. So, either Tanji or Tokifudo will earn their kachi-koshi tomorrow and likely a sekitori debut.

Asahifuji will fight Tochikodai, who has beaten former sekitori Kotokuzan, as well as Oho’s brother Mudoho, and Tanji this tournament. Now that he’s in the loser’s bracket, that doesn’t mean his schedule will get easy. There are also a host of guys at 3-2, like Akua, Ikarigata, Okaryu, and Otsuji who are trying to fight their way up into the promotion zone.

In Juryo, Arashifuji continues to take the division by storm. (See what I did there?) He beat Tamashoho to improve to 9-1. He will fight Tokihayate tomorrow. Toshinofuji is one loss back and will face Tomokaze, who defeated Midorifuji today. Meanwhile, Asasuiryu lost to Shonannoumi. Ryuden defeated Enho with a kotenage by locking in on that left arm when Enho reached inside.

NHK videos are here.

Makuuchi Action

Daiseizan (4-6) defeated Kinbozan (6-4). Migi-yotsu. Kinbozan pulled up on Daiseizan’s belt and slowly worked Daiseizan to the edge. But Daiseizan pivoted and spun Kinbozan around, then walked him over the bales. Yorikiri.

Nishikifuji (7-3) defeated Onokatsu (2-8). It took two attempts, but Nishikifuji used his hidari-yotsu grip to escort Onokatsu over the bales. Onokatsu resisted at the bales once, even on one healthy leg he planted his foot along the tawara and would not go over. Nishikigi regrouped for another attempt and this time successfully walked Onokatsu out. Onokatsu make-koshi. Yorikiri.

Asahakuryu (3-7) defeated Shishi (8-2). Shishi yielded a morozashi, double-inside grip for Asahakuryu. Asahakuryu used it to steamroll Shishi to the edge. Shishi tried to use his left hand uwate to topple Asahakuryu but Asahakuryu forced Shishi over the bales. Yorikiri.

Asakoryu (5-5) defeated Mitakeumi (1-9). Asakoryu was not making any progress trying to push Mitakeumi. Mitakeumi blocked his hand away and pulled…giving Asakoryu the forward momentum he wanted and drove Mitakeumi out. Oshidashi.

Takerufuji (8-2) defeated Chiyoshoma (3-7). Takerufuji was too strong for Chiyoshoma, especially since Chiyoshoma couldn’t seem to plant with his right leg, keeping it in the air for much of the bout. Takerufuji pivoted and set course for the back side of the ring and forced Chiyoshoma out the back edge. Takerufuji has secured his kachi-koshi upon return to the top division . Yorikiri.

Wakamotoharu (4-6) defeated Kazuma (3-7). Wakamotoharu blitzed Kazuma, driving his head square into Kazuma’s head. Kazuma dropped immediately to one knee. Tsukiotoshi.

Kotoeiho (9-1) defeated Abi (5-5). Abi henka! Abi slapped Kotoeiho in the face while leaping to the right. He grabbed Kotoeiho’s head and belt, and spun him toward the bales. Kotoeisho braced himself at the edge and locked on to Abi’s belt firmly with both hands. Kotoeiho grabbed Abi’s belt from the right side and swept his leg as he drove Abi backward to the dohyo. Excellent come back. Kirikaeshi.

Takayasu (8-2) defeated Tobizaru (3-7). Takayasu assaulted Tobizaru with a hail storm of tsuppari until he blasted Tobizaru over the edge. Tsukidashi.

Roga (4-6) defeated Shodai (4-6). Roga gave Shodai a tug with his left hand uwate, forcing Shodai to stumble forward. Roga swept in behind Shodai and shoved him out from behind. Okuridashi.

Asanoyama (8-2) defeated Fujiseiun (5-5). Asanoyama got his migi-yotsu grip and forced Fujiseiun back and over the edge with powerful gaburi thrusts. Yorikiri.

Halftime

Fujiryoga (6-4) defeated Oshoma (4-6). Fujiryoga lashed out with a steady stream of tsuppari. Oshoma pulled and Fujiryoga shoved him out. Who’d have thunk it? The dude who was moving forward won the bout. Oshidashi.

Ura (4-6) defeated Hiradoumi (1-9). Ura met Hiradoumi’s over-caffeinated attack with firm tsuppari. He then shifted to the right suddenly and Hiradoumi flopped down to the ground. Tsukiotoshi.

Takanosho (4-6) defeated Fujinokawa (4-6). Takanosho’s nodowa and thrusts were too much for Fujinokawa as he blasted him back and out of the ring. Tsukidashi.

Sanyaku

Gonoyama (5-5) defeated Yoshinofuji (5-5). Gonoyama’s nodowa forced Yoshinofuji back toward the edge. Gonoyama followed up with forceful tsuppari and shoved Yoshinofuji out. Oshidashi.

Ichiyamamoto (5-5) defeated Kotoshoho (4-6). Kotoshoho opened with a slapdown attempt, giving Ichiyamamoto great position. Ichiyamamoto started with his tsuppari but it wasn’t have much effect on Kotoshoho, so he grabbed Kotoshoho’s belt with his left hand. Ichiyamamoto used his left-hand uwate grip to force Kotoshoho back and out. Yorikiri.

Atamifuji (7-3) defeated Churanoumi (3-7). Migi-yotsu, belly-to-belly, Atamifuji plain overpowered Churanoumi. Churanoumi lost a bit of leverage since Atamifuji’s mawashi seemed loose. Atamifuji, meanwhile, focused on holding Churanoumi from the armpits rather than the belt. Yorikiri.

Kirishima (8-2) defeated Hakunofuji (7-3). Solid tachiai. Hidari-yotsu. Kirishima’s right-hand uwate seemed to be the difference maker here as he used that strong grip to force Hakunofuji back and out. Yorikiri.

Kotozakura (5-5) defeated Oho (1-9). Kotozakura pulled Oho down with his left-hand overarm grip. Uwatehineri.

Aonishiki (9-1) defeated Hoshoryu (6-4). Hoshoryu never got a good hold of Aonishiki’s belt. Meanwhile, Aonishiki had locked on with a tractor beam. He got that powerful left hand outside and, eventually, a right hand inside. After resisting the initial slapdown, Hoshoryu went on offense, pivoted and tried a sukuinage. Aonishiki was like, “Okay, you’re going to tip yourself half way, I’ll help you with the rest!” Friggin brilliant to turn Hoshoryu’s throw back onto the Yokozuna. Uwatenage.

Onosato (6-4) defeated Daieisho (6-4). Onosato drove right over Daieisho and his tsuppari. Abisetaoshi.

Wrap-Up

Yusho race:

  • 1-Loss: Aonishiki, Kotoeiho
  • 2-Losses: Kirishima, Takayasu, Asanoyama, Takerufuji, Shishi

Hoshoryu will fight Kotoshoho and Onosato will fight Atamifuji. Maybe next tournament one, or both, of the Yokozuna will feature in the yusho race. Kirishima, for his part, is still in it and will fight Ichiyamamoto. Kotozakura will fight Ura. Aonishiki will fight Gonoyama. Yoshinofuji will take on Churanoumi and Oho will next throw himself at the feet of Takanosho.

Down in the rank-and-file, Hakunofuji is out of the race but he will fight Takayasu. Kotoeiho will fight Shishi and Asanoyama will take on Takerufuji as the yusho contenders are forced to cannibalize themselves.