Aonishiki

Kyushu 2025: Day Seven

Andy Kyushu 2025, Kyushu Basho , , ,

Check out Leonid’s update on the Makushita race. I was bummed to see Enho lose the other day but he faced a stiff challenge in Kazuma. Seihakuho could also make it to sekitori before long. No news to report on the kyujo front in either of the sekitori divisions. Fujiryoga continues to steamroll through Juryo and stands at 7-0. Shirokuma and Daiseizan chase with one loss. Fujiryoga will fight Tohakuryu tomorrow while Shirokuma will face Shiden and Daiseizan will fight Kotoeiho.

Your NHK videos are here.

Makuuchi Action

Nishikifuji (5-2) defeated Asakoryu (5-2). Henka! Asakoryu jumped to the left but Nishikifuji caught him. Asakoryu followed up with a blitzing and shoving attack which Nishikifuji withstood and then began his own attack. Asakoryu spent much of the rest of the bout in retreat around the edge of the ring until Nishikifuji caught up and shoved him out. Yorikiri.

Asanoyama (Juryo 5-2) defeated Tokihayate (5-2). Asanoyama fought hard to get his right hand inside Tokihayate’s left. Tokihayate, like Asakoryu, entered retreat mode and Asanoyama used that hard-earned right hand inside to usher him over the bales. Asanoyama supporters were out with their hand towels, delighted in his victory. Asanoyama is determined to earn his return to makuuchi this tournament. Yorikiri.

Sadanoumi (2-5) defeated Ryuden (4-3). Sadanoumi acquired a morozashi, double-inside grip, lifted, and drove Ryuden back and out. Yorikiri.

Chiyoshoma (4-3) defeated Mitakeumi (3-4). This was a one-sided affair as Chiyoshoma attacked Mitakeumi, drove him to the edge, got a morozashi and lifted the former Ozeki out. I had chosen a good bout to watch from the kitchen while getting tea. Yorikiri.

Roga (4-3) defeated Oshoumi (1-6). Roga locked in quickly on the newbie with his left hand over-arm grip (uwate). When he locked on with the right hand inside, he rolled clockwise and hauled Oshoumi down to the clay. Uwatenage.

Shishi (2-5) defeated Shonannoumi (2-5). Shishi buried his head in Shonannoumi’s breast and followed him everywhere he went. When Shonannoumi grew tired of this Kuato, he pulled again and Shishi walked him over the bales. Yorikiri.

Gonoyama (4-3) defeated Kotoshoho (4-3). Gonoyama kept pace with Kotoshoho’s retreating style. At the bales, Gonoyama shoved Kotoshoho out. Oshidashi.

Daieisho (5-2) defeated Tomokaze (1-6). Tomokaze pulled and Daieisho drove him out. No pivot, no win. Oshidashi.

Fujinokawa (6-1) defeated Tobizaru (3-4). Fujinokawa resisted Tobizaru’s twisting throw attempt and used his right hand inside to shove Tobizaru over the bales. Oshitaoshi.

Churanoumi (4-3) defeated Abi (2-5). Abi grabbed a hold of Churanoumi’s arm and pulled him toward the edge. It wasn’t a firm grip, though. When Churanoumi took his hand back, Abi let up because knew he was cooked. Churanoumi gently finished Abi off with a shove from behind. Okuradashi.

Onokatsu (3-4) defeated Midorifuji (2-5). Onokatsu deliberated the kimedashi hold but that would give Midorifuji a dangerous morozashi. Onokatsu then resolved to work his right hand inside. Migi-yotsu. With his firm hold, Onokatsu followed Midorifuji everywhere he went. Midorifuji missed a step and his leg finally gave out in retreat. Onokatsu rode him to the ground. Yoritaoshi.

Halftime

Kinbozan (2-5) defeated Atamifuji (5-2). Kinbozan quickly locked on to Atamifuji’s belt, pivoted on his left foot and dumped Atamifuji on the tawara. Uwatenage.

Shodai defeated Ichiyamamoto. With a right hand inside grip, Shodai entered attack mode and hauled Ichiyamamoto over to the bales. Ichiyamamoto scampered right along the bales trying to lose him but Shodai kept up. Ichiyamamoto gave a half turn to twist and get away but Shodai was determined and drove Ichiayamamoto out, delighting the home crowd. Shodai is from Kumamoto prefecture. Yorikiri.

Yoshinofuji (6-1) defeated Hiradoumi (2-5). Hiradoumi showed now ill effects after getting hit by a truck yesterday. Yoshinofuji was too strong, though. He forced Hiradoumi to the edge. When Hiradoumi resisted at the bales, he twisted and hauled Hiradoumi around with his left hand uwate. He tried to get Hiradoumi down with his big paw on Hiradoumi’s head but settled for shoving him out. Yorikiri.  

Hakuoho (3-4) defeated Oshoma (3-4). Solid yotsu from Hakuoho as he drove Oshoma back with his left hand inside. Yorikiri.

Sanyaku

Wakatakakage (2-5) defeated Takanosho (1-6). Once Wakatakakage withstood Takanosho’s initial driving attack, Takanosho really didn’t have a follow-up. WTK resisted at the bales and drove his way forward, settling with Takanosho’s heels on the bales at the opposite side of the ring. After a bit of a lean, Wakatakakage twisted and knocked Takanosho in the right shoulder, causing Takanosho to stumble to the left. Wakatakakage easily shoved him out from behind. Okuridashi.

Kirishima (4-3) defeated Oho (3-4). This was a great brawl. A fairly even matched exchange of tsuppari, and some headbutts. Kirishima finally got his right hand inside Oho’s left arm and drove Oho back to the bales. When Oho resisted, Kirishima then twisted and forcefully threw him to the ground. Oshitaoshi.

Aonishiki (6-1) defeated Takayasu (4-3). This was a great, spirited fight. Lots of tsuppari, twists and feints. Takayasu got a right hand uwate and tried to haul Aonishiki over the bales but Aonishiki tripped him up just enough to cause Takayasu to stumble a bit. Aonishiki used his own left hand inside grip to push Takayasu over the bales first. Yorikiri.

Wakamotoharu (2-5) defeated Kotozakura (3-4). A bout that Kotozakura could not lose, and he lost it. Kotozakura pressed forward with his right hand inside. But Wakamotoharu pivoted at the edge and used his left hand uwate to dump the Ozeki to the ground. Uwatenage.

Hoshoryu (5-2) defeated Tamawashi (4-3). Hoshoryu fought like a Tamawashi-clone, both men hitting the other with brutal thrusts as they twisted and brawled around the ring. Like a pair of Tasmanian Devils, the two blasted each other until they both stood, rather gassed, opposite each other at the center of the ring. Hoshoryu seemed to taunt Tamawashi. “Well, bring it old man.” Tamawashi obliged and engaged for a final charge but Hoshoryu locked him up with his right hand inside and easily drove the exhausted Tamawashi back and out. Yorikiri.

Onosato (7-0) defeated Ura (3-4). Ura showed that you have to get low to drive Onosato back. Ura tried to get Onosato’s leg but missed and had to settle for the belt. Onosato reached over Ura for the back of his belt and pulled. He had enough space behind him to run Ura to ground before leaving the dohyo himself. Uwatehineri.

Wrap-up

Even in the loss, Tamawashi draws level with Kaio, tied for second place all-time with 1444 bouts in the top division. Only Kyokutenho has more (1470). Tamawashi is on pace to break Kyokutenho’s record in Osaka next year.

I feel like Hoshoryu won their bout because he was patient and didn’t try to rush anything. None of Tamawashi’s parries were able to shake the Yokozuna. But Hoshoryu had more gas in the tank. He will need to refuel to be ready to face Ura tomorrow on Nakabi in the musubi-no-ichiban.

Onosato will take his turn to fight Tamawashi as Tamawashi takes sole possession of second place in his 1445th makuuchi bout.

If Kotozakura shows up tomorrow, he will fight Hiradoumi. The Ozeki is digging a massive hole for himself which is likely already impossible for him to climb out of. He needs six wins in eight days against the heart of his schedule…just to avoid kadoban.

Aonishiki will fight Oho, Hakuoho will fight Takayasu, and Takanosho will give it the old college try against Kirishima.

There are two rank-and-filers tied with Aonishiki, Yoshinofuji and Fujinokawa. Fujinokawa will fight Tomokaze who withered quickly against Daieisho today. Tougher fights will likely come in the following days. Yoshinofuji on the other hand, is already in the thick of it. He will fight Wakamotoharu tomorrow.

See you on Nakabi!

Kyushu 2025: Day Three

Andy Kyushu 2025, Kyushu Basho , , ,

Before diving into Day Three, there is one quick kyujo news bulletin. After yesterday’s knee injury, Mita is kyujo. Media reports indicate three months out of action, and surgery to repair his ACL tear. Daiseizan picked up the walk-over win to stay undefeated. We hope Mita takes his time to heal properly and is able to do so without suffering a significant fall down the banzuke.

The Juryo competition has quickly narrowed to include Daiseizan, Shirokuma, and Makushita Tsukedashi prospect, Fujiryoga at 3-0. Fujiryoga will fight fellow Juryo debutant, Himukamaru tomorrow. Shirokuma will take on Kōtokuzan while Daiseizan will fight Fujiseiun. Former Ozeki Asanoyama picked up his first win of the tournament today.

Maezumo started today and that meant highly-touted Isegahama prospect, Asahifuji, mounted the dohyo to compete for the first time. Hopefully the video above will work. He is so hyped and tipped for greatness that he was given former master’s, and former Yokozuna’s, shikona. He quickly dispatched Tenshoyama with a straight-forward yotsu victory.

I’ve definitely noticed a quieter audience here in Kyushu. The Japanese fans seem to have been sufficiently admonished to pair back some of the pre-bout shouting and heckling. After the London basho, wrestlers like Ura noted how well behaved the fans were, in contrast to the rowdy Japan crowds.

Your NHK videos for Day 3 are here. Earlier bouts seemed to be delayed but they seem to have caught up. As I push the button to publish, only the Onosato bout was just published.

Makuuchi Action

Asakoryu (3-0) defeated Chiyoshoma (2-1). Asakoryu hit Chiyoshoma and drove him back quickly with forceful shoves to the upper body. Chiyoshoma glanced quickly behind him for a safe landing area before being shoved from the dohyo. Oshidashi.

Kotoeiho (Juryo 2-1) defeated Sadanoumi (1-2). stopped Sadanoumi’s forward movement at the bales, then was able to establish a solid migi-yotsu (right-hand inside, left-hand outside belt grip). From there he pulled up, twisted Sadanoumi closer to the bales on the right, and forced him over the tawara. Yorikiri.

Nishikifuji (2-1) defeated Oshoumi (1-2). Both men launched into a slap-fest at the tachiai. Nishikifuji won the advantage with a well-timed forward surge, leading with his head. He drove Oshoumi back to the edge, kept up the pressure, and shoved him over the boundary. Oshidashi.

Shonannoumi (1-2) defeated Tokihayate (2-1). Tokihayate challenged Shonannoumi, driving forward. But as the pair reached the edge of the fighting surface, Shonannoumi shifted right and slapped Tokihayate down. Hatakikomi.

Ryuden (2-1) defeated Gonoyama (1-2). Ryuden’s right-hand ottsuke worked effectively to keep Gonoyama from establishing his own left-hand inside grip. While Gonoyama struggled, Ryuden finally acquired a morozashi (double-inside grip) and guided Gonoyama backward over the tawara. Yorikiri.

Mitakeumi (1-2) defeated Tomokaze (0-3). Tomokaze’s left-hand ottsuke was not as effective as the blocking technique displayed by Ryuden in the prior bout. Mitakeumi chugged forward behind hazu-oshi shoves, and pushed Tomokaze off the dohyo.  Oshidashi.

Kotoshoho (2-1) defeated Shishi (1-2). Kotoshoho drove Shishi backward and quickly got Shishi off-balance to where Shishi’s foot stepped back over the bales. He tried to fight on but the mark in the janome was obvious. It looked like a kid had been digging around in the sand with a bulldozer. Yorikiri.

Fujinokawa (3-0) defeated Daieisho (1-2). Fujinokawa hit Daieisho with effective shoves but Daieisho followed up with his own patented thrusting brand of sumo. Fujinokawa took advantage of Daieisho’s known weakness, his balance. When Daieisho thrust forward behind powerful hazuoshi, Fujinokawa shoved Daieisho’s hands down, putting Daieisho off-balance and stumbling forward. Fujinokawa quickly shoved Daieisho out for the win. Oshidashi.

Roga (2-1) defeated Tobizaru (1-2). Tobizaru locked up Roga and drove forward. Tobizaru tried several times to trip Roga. The first attempt nearly worked but the final one allowed Roga to win crucial momentum and drive Tobizaru back. Off-balance, Roga used his right-hand grip to throw Tobizaru to the ground. Uwatenage.

Ichiyamamoto (2-1) defeated Kinbozan (1-2). Ichiyamamoto is getting very effective with his belt-work. Though this was an oshi-tsuki battle, Ichiyamamoto led with his head and subtly shifted to the side twice to try to gain access to Kinbozan’s belt. As Kinbozan rushed forward to force Ichiyamamoto over the bales, Ichiyamamoto slipped left, reached over Kinbozan’s back for his belt, and pulled Kinbozan forward. The Abi clone is quickly adding a dependable yotsu tool to his multi-faceted tool belt. Uwatenage.

Midorifuji (1-2) defeated Abi (2-1). Speaking of Abi, his predictability was his undoing today. Midorifuji knew what to watch out for. With solid footwork, he stayed inside Abi’s effective tsuppari range and blocked what nodowa and slaps he could. Then he used his own sidesteps and pull-down attack to force Abi to stumble forward. Midorifuji followed up with shoves to bounce Abi from the dohyo. Oshidashi.

Halftime

Atamifuji (2-1) defeated Onokatsu (1-2). Onokatsu got his left hand inside quickly but Atamifuji worked on breaking that hold with his right arm and simultaneously driving Onokatsu back with the left. Once Atamifuji landed a brutal nodowa, forcing Onokatsu’s head up and back, he drove forward and forced Onokatsu over the bales. Oshidashi.

Shodai (1-2) defeated Churanoumi (2-1). Churanoumi allowed Shodai inside and Shodai obliged by pressing forward. Churanoumi slipped left along the bales and nearly caught Shodai. But the elusive mod spun his way back into play and re-engaged. Churanoumi went on offense this time and drove Shodai back. As Shodai reached the bales, he slipped to his right and thrust Churanoumi down with his right arm in Churanoumi’s armpit. Tsukiotoshi.

Tamawashi (2-1) defeated Oshoma (1-2). Tamawashi pressed forward as Oshoma retreated around the ring and eventually shoved Oshoma out. Oshidashi.

Yoshinofuji (2-1) defeated Ura (1-2). Ura tried some last-second heroics but Yoshinofuji kept Ura in front of him to a sufficient degree to force Ura to land a split-second ahead…or did he? Yoshinofuji’s arm did touch the outer bales but it was close. No mono-ii. Perhaps it was called a kabaite, protective move to keep him from injury as he fell. What’s clear is Yoshinofuji was on offense, moving forward. Yoritaoshi.

Sanyaku

Wakamotoharu (1-2) defeated Takanosho (0-3). Takanosho chugged forward, forcing WMH’s heels to the edge. Wakamotoharu twisted and used his right hand in Takanosho’s armpit to drive him to the ground at the ring’s edge, perhaps inspired by Shodai’s prior escape. Tsukiotoshi.

Hiradoumi (2-1) defeated Oho (2-1). Hiradoumi chugged forward and Oho tried too hard to replicate his success from earlier in the tournament. Hiradoumi had locked on securely with his left-hand overarm grip and kept Oho in front. Yorikiri.

Aonishiki (3-0) defeated Hakuoho (1-2). Hakuoho got a morozashi and drove Aonishiki back. Aonishiki suddenly wrapped his left arm around Hakuoho’s next and twisted him down. Both men fell very close in time but gunbai was given to Aonishiki. Mono-ii. Video replay appeared to show Hakuoho’s shoulder hitting the tawara first. Gunbai confirmed. Aonishiki wins a close one in the pair’s fourth meeting. Aonishiki has Hakuoho’s number at this point, 4-0 in their head-to-head. Remember how Ichiyamamoto is developing that new yotsu tool? Aonishiki seems to have developed a Batman-like utility belt. It took a while to confirm the kimarite but it was a kubinage, or neck throw.

Takayasu (2-1) defeated Kotozakura (1-2). Takayasu did not appreciate Kotozakura’s left hand on his belt. Each time Kotozakura landed it, Takayasu would give a wiggle or physically pull Kotozakura’s hand away. Kotozakura seized an opportunity to grab Takayasu’s arm and pulled, nearly catching Takayasu with a kotenage. But Takayasu kept his balance and re-engaged, trying to keep Kotozakura’s left-arm at bay. Kotozakura briefly captured that left hand grip and pressed ahead to get his right hand on. As Kotozakura leaned forward, Takayasu struck with a brilliant move. He twisted counter-clockwise and pulled the Ozeki forward. Uchimuso.

Hoshoryu (2-1) defeated Kirishima (1-2). Hoshoryu struck out quickly, forcing Kirishima back and grabbing his belt with a right hand uwate. Kirishima somehow kept his balance so the Yokozuna shifted to grab Kirishima’s leg. The ashitori failed but Kirishima was rattled and just trying to survive. Hoshoryu pressed inside, wrapped up Kirishima’s trunk and ushered him, finally, over the bales. “I said, get out.” Humdrum yorikiri for a bout that was anything but. Great action. Yorikiri.

Onosato (3-0) defeated Wakatakakage (0-3). Wakatakakage tried to get his right hand inside but Onosato denied him. As Wakatakakage pivoted to regroup, Onosato rotated and pressed forward. Wakatakakage’s only remaining move was to find a soft place to land. Oshidashi.

Wrap-up

Onosato is looking great. His combination of technique and power were head-and-shoulders above former Ozeki candidate, Wakatakakage. The Yokozuna will trade opponents with Hoshoryu closing out the day against Wakatakakage in the musubi-no-ichiban. Onosato will fight Kirishima.

Kotozakura has no time to dally as he will fight Hakuoho tomorrow. Ura will fight Oho, undefeated Aonishiki will fight Takanosho and Takayasu will battle Wakamotoharu. Lower down the banzuke, Fujinokawa will fight Shishi and Asakoryu will fight Shonannoumi as both pint-size brawlers fight to maintain their perfect records.

Kyushu 2025: Day Two

Andy Kyushu 2025, Kyushu Basho ,

Follow this link for NHK videos with Day Two action. Aki basho videos are also available for you to review, here. It looks like you can think of that second link as your “home page” for the NHK videos. Day One action is available there, too. All of the videos are there, including the second half which I didn’t see up there yesterday.

The timing on these videos seems comparable to the previous website. As I’m drafting this, the Kotoshoho/Daieisho bout just finished and Fujinokawa/Gonoyama is already posted. Issues yesterday may have been due to my incompetence in navigating to and linking to the new site…or to NHK having to deal with earthquake coverage at the same time. But it looks like all Day One action is there. I’m just about to push the publish button and all Day Two bouts appear to be there already. Let me know if you have any issues.

In Juryo, Mita was taken to the hospital after his abisetaoshi loss to Kagayaki due to a painful injury to his right knee. Our hopes are that the youngster’s injury is not as bad as feared and that he can recover quickly.

Makuuchi Action

Chiyoshoma (2-0) defeated Fujiseiun (Juryo, 0-2). Henka! Fujiseiun adjusted but Chiyoshoma grabbed Fujiseiun’s shoulder and slapped him down at the edge. Hatakikomi.

Asakoryu (2-0) defeated Oshoumi (1-1). Asakoryu used his misdirection well, shifting to the side after the tachiai and blasting Oshoumi head-on with a nodowa. As Oshoumi advanced to counter, Asakoryu shifted to the side and pulled him down. Hikiotoshi.

Sadanoumi (1-1) defeated Shonannoumi (0-2). Sadanoumi locked up Shonannoumi’s right arm with his right hand and gripped his belt with his left and pulled. Sadanoumi rotated backwards, yanked Shonannoumi to the bales and deposited his opponent over the edge. Uwatenage.

Nishikifuji (1-1) defeated Ryuden (1-1). This was really a one-sided affair as Nishikifuji plugged away with his thrusts, forcing Ryuden back to the edge. Ryuden tried to block the incoming thrusts and get some sort of forward motion but Nishikifuji kept laying into him and thrust him over the bales. Tsukidashi.

Tokihayate (2-0) defeated Mitakeumi (0-2). Mitakeumi forced Tokihayate over to the bales and pressed forward. Tokihayate slipped from his grasp to the right and pulled Mitakeumi over the bales with his right hand. Uwatenage.

Fujinokawa (2-0) defeated Gonoyama (1-1). Henka! Fujinokawa leapt to his right at the initial charge. Gonoyama pivoted to chase him, leading with his forearm. Fujinokawa then jumped to the side, again, as Gonoyama rushed headlong to the edge and Fujinokawa shoved him as he ran past. Tsukiotoshi.

Roga (1-1) defeated Tomokaze (0-2). Tomokaze began to press forward but Roga put his right arm up behind his neck and pulled. Hatakikomi.

Kotoshoho (1-1) defeated Daieisho (1-1). Kotoshoho charged forward and then pulled quickly, almost catching Daieisho at the start of the bout. Daieisho stumbled forward but recovered. He shoved Kotoshoho to the edge but Kotoshoho slipped to his left and thrust Daieisho down. Tsukiotoshi.

Shishi (1-1) defeated Tobizaru (1-1). Tobizaru let Shishi drive forward and then jumped to the right, thinking Shishi would lumber on by. Shishi did not fall for it and made Tobizaru look absolutely silly as he easily shoved him off the dohyo. Oshidashi.

Ichiyamamoto (1-1) defeated Midorifuji (0-2). Ichiyamamoto did a great job of adjusting. First, he came at Midorifuji with tsuppari. Midorifuji shifted to the side and nearly caught Ichiyamamoto out. But Ichiyamamoto recovered quickly and tried to wrap up Midorifuji, shifting to a yotsu strategy. Midorifuji shrugged him off and the two tested each other out. Eventually, Ichiyamamoto opted for the slapdown. He tried to shove Midorifuji down but Midorifuji resisted. Ichiyamamoto then reached over Midorifuji’s back, grabbed his belt by near the knot and pulled him down. Uwatenage.

Abi (2-0) defeated Kinbozan (1-1). Abi pulled to his right with Kinbozan in hot pursuit. Abi grabbed at Kinbozan’s arms to pull him forward to the edge. He then quickly followed up, leading with his head and forearms to drive Kinbozan over the tawara. Oshidashi.

Halftime

Churanoumi (2-0) defeated Atamifuji (1-1). Churanoumi hit Atamifuji head-on at the tachiai but shifted right slightly and immediately thrust Atamifuji down. Misdirection is as much a part of this game as raw power. Atamifuji invested too heavily in the raw power for this bout and essentially drove himself into the ground. Tsukiotoshi.

Onokatsu (1-1) defeated Shodai (0-2). Shodai drove Onokatsu to the edge and then pulled but Onokatsu had a solid grip of Shodai’s belt and kept his balance. Onokatsu pressed forward as Shodai tried to shift at the edge. But Onokatsu forced Shodai out first. Today’s first yorikiri.

Tamawashi (1-1) defeated Yoshinofuji (1-1). Tamawashi powered through Yoshinofuji’s tsuppari and drove the youngster out quickly. After the bout, it seemed difficult for Tamawashi to stay in his sankyo crouch to pick up his kensho-kin bounty. Watch this space as the Iron Man might be having a knee or lower back issue. Oshidashi.

Oshoma (1-1) solved Ura (1-1). Oshoma kept up steady thrusts and shoved Ura back to the bales. Ura’s hazuoshi game was getting him nowhere. At the edge, Ura tried a last ditch effort to get low and inside but capitulated when he failed. Tsukidashi.

Sanyaku

Takayasu (1-1) defeated Hiradoumi (1-1). Hiradoumi tried to get his right hand inside but Takayasu shoved him hard to keep him away. He did not want a yotsu grapple. The crowd loved the way these two traded tsuppari. Hiradoumi seemed to be catching the worst of it and tried to get his head out of the way. Takayasu then pulled and tried to slap Hiradoumi down. Hiradoumi stumbled forward a step, giving Takayasu access to his belt. Takayasu quickly grabbed it and hauled Hiradoumi down. Uwatenage.

Aonishiki (2-0) defeated Wakamotoharu (0-2). Hidariyotsu. Wakamotoharu should have committed more to his left-hand ottsuke because when Aonishiki got that firm right overarm grip, he controlled the bout. As low as he was, it seemed Aonishiki was looking for an opening to pull or some way to bring Wakamotoharu forward. In the end, though, Aonishiki drove his own way forward and plowed Wakamotoharu through the dohyo and over the edge. Yoritaoshi.

Oho (2-0) defeated Wakatakakage (0-2). Oho quickly grabbed Wakatakakage’s right arm, shifted to his left and pulled Wakatakakage down. Wakatakakage seemed to still be trying to get a grip and figure out what to do. Oho clearly had a plan and executed. Well done. Kotenage.

Kirishima (1-1) defeated Kotozakura (1-1). Kotozakura committed to a pull and lost all position. With his heels on the tawara he tried to regroup but Kirishima forced him over the edge. Yorikiri.

Onosato (2-0) defeated Hakuoho (1-1). Hakuoho tried to keep Onosato’s right arm away and initially had success shifting Onosato to the side. But when he drove forward with a nodowa, Onosato stood his ground like a concrete wall. Onosato then reached over and had unfettered acces to Hakuoho’s belt. With that grip, he drove forward and deposited Hakuoho over the bales. Yoritaoshi.

Hoshoryu (1-1) defeated Takanosho (0-2). Hoshoryu moved forward and forced the overwhelmed komusubi from the dohyo as if he didn’t deserve to be there in the first place. Oshidashi.

Wrap-up

Whatever I said about Kotozakura looking impressive yesterday…well…that was yesterday. Today was not good. He will face Takayasu tomorrow. On the other hand, Onosato is his dominant self. After a brief moment where it looked like Hakuoho had an opening, Onosato slammed that door in his face. Onosato will fight Wakatakakage tomorrow. Hakuoho will take his turn with Aonishiki. These sanyaku bouts are lit.

Hoshoryu will fight Kirishima. Both men are at 1-1. Oho will fight Hiradoumi and the trials of Takanosho will continue tomorrow with Wakamotoharu. It will not be an easy two weeks for the Tokiwayama heyagashira.

Kyushu 2025: Shonichi

Andy Kyushu 2025, Kyushu Basho , ,

Kyushu basho is here!

Meisei is kyujo. Hitoshi will visit from Juryo and fight Asakoryu.

NHK has changed things up on their website with this new NHK One restructuring. A lot of the old links don’t work anymore and some of the links point to warnings that the content is intended for people in Japan. However, those of us outside of Japan are not left completely in the lurch. Your NHK videos are here for Makuuchi.

If you don’t go into epileptic fits from the flashing error at the top of the page, scroll down to see the videos. You’ll see the top half of the image for the first video. In the middle, there’s this phrase: 続きを読む. Click that and the rest of the videos will come into view.

Makuuchi Action

Asakoryu defeated Hitoshi. Hitoshi made good first contact and drove forward into Asakoryu’s side of the dohyo. However, he chose to put his hands behind Asakoryu’s head and pull. Asakoryu kept his footing and pressed forward. When Hitoshi tried to stop his momentum at the tawara, Asakoryu thrust Hitoshi out. Tsukidashi.

Chiyoshoma defeated Sadanoumi. Chiyoshoma quickly got a left-hand inside grip. His subtle twist meant Sadanoumi had to stretch to reach his belt. As Sadanoumi reached forward, Chiyoshoma twisted and rotated to his left while he yanked hard on Sadanoumi’s belt, throwing him to the ground. Shitatedashinage.

Oshoumi defeated Shonannoumi. Oshoumi quickly wrapped up Shonannoumi with a left hand inside and right-hand outside. Shonannoumi backed away to his right but Oshoumi was ready for it and drove forward, ushering Shonannoumi out. Oshoumi wins his on his debut! Yorikiri.

Tokihayate defeated Nishikifuji. It was Nishikifuji’s turn to try a pull and Tokihayate made him pay. Tokihayate tried to get both hands inside. Nishikifuji locked up Tokihayate’s left arm in his right armpit, trying a kotenage as he wrenched Tokihayate forward. Tokihayate adjusted well and forced Nishikifuji out. Yorikiri.

Ryuden defeated Mitakeumi. Mitakeumi tried some tsuppari but did not make much headway as Ryuden tried to press straight ahead. So, he decided to try to grab Ryuden’s arm and pull. This put Mitakeumi’s heels at the tawara. Ryuden kept up the pressure, overpowered Mitakeumi and shoved him over the bales. Oshidashi.

Gonoyama defeated Tomokaze. Our first real tsuppari brawl. Tomokaze’s upper body seemed to get too far forward of his feet. Tomokaze lost his footing and fell to the ground. Hikiotoshi.

Fujinokawa defeated Roga. Fujinokawa blitzed Roga at the tachiai, got both arms inside quickly and charged ahead. As Roga backed toward the bales, he twisted to his left to try a last second throw. But Fujinokawa had him securely wrapped up and slammed Roga to the ground outside the dohyo. Solid NFL-style tackle. Don’t just hit, wrap him up and drive him to the ground. Yoritaoshi.

Daieisho defeated Shishi. Our first false start as Shishi slow-rolled Daieisho and an eager Daieisho jumped first. Daieisho did not allow Shishi inside to get a belt grip so Shishi had to rely on thrusts and parries. Daieisho had his own thrusts and forced Shishi to the edge. Daieisho then pulled and cycled around the ring in reverse as Shishi stumbled forward. Daieisho grabbed Shishi’s belt and shoved him to the ground from behind. Okuritaoshi.

Tobizaru defeated Kotoshoho. Tobizaru got some space behind his slaps and shifts of direction. With Kotoshoho only a few feet from the ring’s edge, Tobizaru pulled and slapped Kotoshoho down to the ground as the flying monkey took flight, leaping backward into the crowd. Hatakikomi.

Kinbozan defeated Midorifuji. Midorifuji got a quick morozashi and had the upper-hand from a great low position. Kinbozan needed to break that so he tried to settle the action at the center of the ring to buy some time. Usually for a makikae, we see guys pull backward to work their arm inside for a grip. From Kinbozan’s position with his chin on top of Midorifuji’s head, he seemed to shove Midorifuji down with his chin in order to squeeze that right hand inside and break Midorifuji’s hold. Midorifuji wanted the double-inside grip back but Kinbozan fought hard with his right to prevent Midorifuji from getting that left hand inside. As Kinbozan continued to keep Midorifuji’s left hand contained, Kinbozan dragged Midorifuji to the edge with his own left-hand overarm grip. With a heave, Kinbozan threw Midorifuji into a heap. Uwatenage.

Abi defeated Ichiyamamoto. Ichiyamamoto started out with some tsuppari, head down. Abi quickly put his right hand behind Ichiyamamoto’s head and slapped him down. Hatakikomi.

Halftime

Churanoumi defeated Onokatsu. Churanoumi got his left hand inside and pressed Onokatsu back. Onokatsu released his grip to try to get a new one. Churanoumi chugged forward so Onokatsu tried to shift away. Churanoumi pursued well and drove Onokatsu back and over the edge. Yorikiri.

Atamifuji defeated Shodai. Atamifuji stayed low and chugged forward quickly, forcing Shodai out. Shodai was trying to squeeze both of his hands inside for a hold of Atamifuji but it was completely futile from his position. Like rent, Shodai’s body was “too damn high!” Oshidashi.

Yoshinofuji defeated Oshoma. The artist formerly known as Kusano shoved Oshoma back with powerful tsuppari. With Oshoma battling to survive on the edge, Yoshinofuji wrapped him up with both arms inside and drove Oshoma over the edge. Yorikiri.

Ura defeated Tamawashi. Ura stood Tamawashi up and overpowered him, driving him back and over the edge. Oshidashi.

Sanyaku

Hiradoumi defeated Takanosho. Takanosho slapped Hiradoumi to force Hiradoumi back a few steps. But then Takanosho pulled. Hiradoumi saw his opening and took it, driving Takanosho back and out of the ring. Oshidashi.

Oho defeated Wakamotoharu. Wakamotoharu tried to wrap Oho up quickly and got his right hand inside. As he tried to get his left-hand grip, Oho seized on Wakamotoharu’s right shoulder. He then pulled and cycled clockwise, staying just inside the edge of the dohyo and dragging Wakamotoharu down. Katasukashi.

Aonishiki defeated Kirishima. We got a great brawl here as both men slapped each other silly. First Kirishima forced Aonishiki back a few steps then Aonishiki reversed course and charged forward. While the arms were flying, Aonishiki managed to seize Kirishima’s left elbow and pulled him forward. This spun Kirishima around so his back was to Aonishiki. “Be gentle, kind sir.” Kirishima immediately let up because he was completely prone. Aonishiki gently shoved him over the bales from behind. Okuridashi.

Kotozakura defeated Wakatakakage. Kotozakura got his right hand inside Wakatakakage’s left shoulder and rotated a little to his left. With that firm right hand inside and a little help from his left arm wrapped around WTK’s right arm, Kotozakura charged forward and forced Wakatakakage over the edge. This was a quick, dominant win for the injury-plagued Ozeki. Yorikiri.

Hakuoho defeated Hoshoryu. Shonichi Kinboshi! Hakuoho blitzed the Yokozuna, driving him back. Hoshoryu desperately tried to escape, grabbing at Hakuoho’s belt and pulling him forward to the ground as he flew from the ring. No mono-ii. From the multiple replays, it was close. Hakuoho’s leg does come down but Hoshoryu’s foot had just left the surface of the dohyo. Yoritaoshi.

Onosato defeated Takayasu. Shoulder blast tachiai, Takayasu tried to shift left and pull Onosato’s head down. Onosato adjusted well, hopped forward, keeping his trunk centered above his feet. Takayasu tried again to pull but Onosato was too powerful and ushered Papa Bear over the bales. Yorikiri.

Wrap-up

Well. Hoshoryu got off on the wrong foot today, losing on Day One. On the other hand, Onosato just looks dominant and made a solid step forward to claiming another title. Aonishiki’s beautiful tactical win against Kirishima instantly puts him into the conversation as one of the few rikishi who might be able to challenge Onosato. Hakuoho will have his shot first, though. Hakuoho will fight Onosato tomorrow with another kinboshi on the line.

Takanosho steps up to fight Hoshoryu in the musubi-no-ichiban. Ozeki Kotozakura will fight Kirishima. Wakatakakage will try to recover against Oho. Aonishiki will fight Wakamotoharu and Takayasu will take on Hiradoumi.

Oh, it’s so nice to have sumo back. The London basho seems ages ago. Kotozakura and his father instantly became a meme as they were captured on camera in what appeared to be a very serious conversation at the senshuraku party. Kotozakura was kyujo to end Aki and missed the London trip.

It’s only Shonichi but it looks like they made a tough, but correct call to hold him out and focus on recovery. Hopefully he will stay solid this basho. Might he be able to mount a credible yusho run? I doubt he has entered many title conversations but he was able to put up nine wins in Aki with that big, meaningful win over Hoshoryu on Day 13.