Asanoyama

Aki 2026: Day Thirteen

Andy Aki 2026 , ,

Day Thirteen in Tokyo.

Takanosho kyujo. Hakunofuji will pick up the walkover win. This news is sad but also a relief. Takanosho appeared to be in real pain with that foot/ankle. I hope he’s chilling on the couch with his ankle iced, watching the action on TV.

In another sad development, the Sumo Association also announced Yago’s retirement during the broadcast. Yago had fallen into Sandanme and with his makekoshi record, he would have stayed there. Given the accumulated injuries, particularly the knee injuries which truncated his sekitori rank, he likely felt he would not have the ability to advance.

Moving on to today’s action, Kagayaki and Kayo lost but both remain the crux of the title race, for now. If you don’t like gore, don’t watch Nabatame’s win over Kagayaki. Nabatame hit Kagayaki with powerful tsuppari and a couple of headbutts, one of which appeared to open a dreadful gash over Kagayaki’s eye. This injury might play into the yusho race.

Mitakeumi dished out some of Kayo’s own medicine for a rare win. Kayo does have some forceful tsuppari, similar to Takakeisho, when he decides to deploy it. He laid into Mitakeumi but Mitakeumi escaped at the edge and slapped Kayo down, which felt rather satisfying to watch.

So, Kagayaki has two losses, Kayo one behind with three. But even Kitanowaka is still in this as every J4E with 11-4 records has earned promotion, going back 28 years.

Three days ago, Daiseizan seemed like he would lead the list of promotion candidates. Three losses later and it’s flipped to Dewanoryu and Tamawashi who appear to be ready for top division action, with Kyokukaiyu on a Week Two surge.

We’re definitely not short on demotion candidates. Wakanosho, Shonannoumi, and Wakatakakage appear to be going down for certain with Chiyoshoma, Tobizaru and even Shodai holding stand-by tickets if we get some late results for these Juryo guys in the top 5-6 ranks.

The lower division yusho races were decided tonight. There will be no playoffs in those races. Jonokuchi yusho winner, Joshoyu, has elevator rikishi potential. Expect to see him mentioned in the Jonidan race in Kyushu.

  • Makushita: Inami
  • Sandanme: Kobayashi
  • Jonidan: Amane
  • Jonokuchi: Joshoyu

Your NHK videos are here:

Makuuchi Action

Toshinofuji (8-5) defeated Abi (7-6). Toshinofuji outlasted Abi, shoving Abi out. Toshinofuji survived Abi’s flurry of tsuppari but Abi nearly caught him with his first slapdown attempt. After that, Abi tired and Toshinofuji’s footwork prevented Abi from executing slapdowns. Toshinofuji gently finished off the gassed Abi. Toshinofuji kachikoshi. Oshidashi.

Tokihayate (8-5) defeated Asahakuryu (7-6). Tokihayate got both hands inside and tried a sukuinage. Asahakuryu locked up both of Tokihayate’s arms for a kimedashi attempt but as Tokihayate’s feet planted in the bales, he twisted and pulled Asahakuryu over the bales. Tokihayate kachikoshi. Uwatenage.

Shodai (3-10) defeated Shonannoumi (3-10). Shodai easily overpowered Shonannoumi. Yorikiri.

Oho (5-8) defeated Tobizaru (4-9). Oho wrapped his arms around Tobizaru’s shoulders as the two leaned into each other at the center of the ring. Oho had his chin at the back of Tobizaru’s head and drove down, pulling Tobizaru to the ground. Hikiotoshi.

Shishi (6-7) defeated Chiyoshoma (4-9). As Chiyoshoma probed and circled, looking for an attack, Shishi brought his big left hand down on Chiyoshoma and slapped him down. Hatakikomi.

Wakamotoharu (9-4) defeated Hiradoumi (7-6). Hiradoumi charged ahead but Wakamotoharu braced against the tawara, pivoted and let Hiradoumi’s momentum carry him forward. Gunbai Wakamotoharu. Mono-ii. Video replay checked to see if Wakamotoharu’s big-ass foot touched the ground outside the bales. Video review showed his heel came close but didn’t touch the ground. Hatakikomi.

Takerufuji (8-5) defeated Kinbozan (8-5). Kinbozan hauled Takerufuji over the the edge but Takerufuji used the momentum to swing Kinbozan around to the edge and then force him out. Yorikiri.

Asakoryu (8-5) defeated Nishikifuji (6-7). Asakoryu’s shitatenage against Nishikifuji’s uwatenage as both men toppled each other over the edge. It was a crapshoot so the gyoji’s gunbai pointed ahead to Asakoryu. Mono-ii. Video replay showed a very tight decision. I thought we’d get some bonus sumo but the judges decided Nishikifuji’s body touched first, to Asakoryu’s visible surprise. Asakoryu kachikoshi. Shitatenage.

Ura (9-4) defeated Fujiseiun (8-5). Ura pressed forward into Fujiseiun. Fujiseiun leaned ahead, seeking a grip on Ura’s belt when Ura suddenly shuffled right and dragged Fujiseiun down. Katasukashi.

Asasuiryu (6-7) defeated Ichiyamamoto (2-11) Ichiyamamoto shoved Asasuiryu to the edge. Asasuiryu leapt from the dohyo as Ichiyamamoto dove forward. Gunbai Asasuiryu. Mono-ii. Video replay showed a tight but obvious call that Ichiyamamoto had touched first. This outcome must be soul crushing for Ichiyamamoto fans since it looked like he had overpowered Asasuiryu early, then he nearly pulled him down with a slapdown and then he lost in that crapshoot pulldown. It just felt like Ichiyamamoto-zumo was better than Asasuiryu-zumo in that bout. Gah! Hatakikomi.

Halftime

Yoshinofuji (7-6) defeated Oshoma (6-7). Oshoma pulled, and pulled, and pulled again. Yoshinofuji kept his footing and shoved Oshoma out. Oshidashi.

Takayasu (6-7) defeated Gonoyama (4-9). Takayasu assaulted Gonoyama, battering him and forcing him to the edge. Gonoyama dug in at the bales so Takayasu shuffled right and let Gonoyama stumble forward. From there, it was easy for Takayasu to shove Gonoyama out as Gonoyama struggled to maintain his footing. Oshidashi.

Kotoeiho (4-9) defeated Roga (5-8). Kotoeiho shifted left and powered into Roga with a left-hand uwate. As Kotoeiho charged forward, Roga made a terrible decision to try to topple Kotoeiho with so much force that Roga’s right foot lifted high into the air. He basically tripped himself. Kotoeiho crushed him as the pair fell. Yoritaoshi.

Sanyaku

Fujiryoga (7-6) defeated Daieisho (4-9). Daieisho stumbled and nearly lost his footing as he executed his initial pull attempt. Fujiryoga capitalized by shoving Daieisho through the ring and out. Oshidashi.

Hakunofuji (4-9) default win over Takanosho (4-9).

Churanoumi (9-4) defeated Fujinokawa (9-4). Churanoumi squared up to Fujinokawa and leaned in, driving forward. Fujinokawa tried a desperate pull but Churanoumi kept his footing and shoved Fujinokawa out. Oshidashi.

Asanoyama (10-3) defeated Atamifuji (8-5). The former Ozeki stuck a fork in the wannabe Ozeki’s run. Asanoyama was simply stronker. Atamifuji tried a sukuinage as Asanoyama drove forward but Asanoyama’s footing was excellent and that left-hand uwate grip, unbreakable. Yorikiri.

Aonishiki (10-3) defeated Kotozakura (8-5). As the two tussled for belt grips after the initial charge, Aonishiki rotated to his left and dragged Kotohachinana to the ground by his shoulder. “If you want to pull, try doing it this way, man.” Katasukashi.

Kirishima (7-6) defeated Onosato (11-2). Kirishima got a great left hand grip. He charged into the Yokozuna and nearly drove him over the edge at the beginning of the bout, helped by a terrible pull. Onosato stopped at the edge and tried to use his own right-hand uwate to haul Kirishima over. Kirishima shuffled along the bales and yanked on Onosato’s belt, dragging him to the ground. Shitatenage.

Wrap-up

Well now. The top division yusho will not be a run away. We have a very interesting three-man race among three title holders. In a rare move, the Sumo Association published its Day 14 torikumi in advance of today’s action so we know the pairings for tomorrow.

Title Race:

  • 2-Losses: Onosato
  • 3-Losses: Aonishiki, Asanoyama

Onosato will fight Kotozakura in the musubi-no-ichiban. Aonishiki will take on Kirishima with Kirishima’s kachikoshi on the line. That action will be hot. Right before that, Asanoyama will fight Fujinokawa. Asanoyama should study the way Churanoumi neutralized the firecracker today.

Atamifuji will try to rescue his Ozeki promotion chances for Kyushu as he will fight Roga tomorrow. Daieisho will fight Oshoma and Hakunofuji will fight Ichiyamamoto. Yeesh. Poor Ichi-kun.

As usual, leave your thoughts in the comments. This looks like it will be a great weekend.

Hatsu 2026: Day Twelve

Andy Hatsu 2026, Hatsu Basho , , , , , , ,

Unfortunately, we have news from the infirmary today that Nishikifuji is kyujo with herniated discs in his neck and arthritis in his elbow. He will not be back this tournament. Onokatsu will get the fusen victory. Nishikifuji will finish the tournament 6-6-3. At M11, six wins should be more than enough to keep him in the division. So far, the only passenger booked for the barge to Juryo is Hatsuyama. He’s even been given the captain’s hat.

Sadanoumi fell out of the leadership group with his yorikiri loss to Mototaro-san. Fujiseiun and Wakanosho improved to 9-3. Update: The two leaders are scheduled to fight on Day 13. Chaser Sadanoumi will fight Kyokukaiyu and 8-win Fujiryoga will fight Nishinoryu. With Nishikifuji’s kyujo, Kotoeiho will visit Makuuchi and fight Asahakuryu to kick off Top Division action.

NHK videos are here.

Makuuchi Action

Tobizaru (5-7) defeated Mitakeumi (5-7). Mitakeumi demonstrates the offensive output of a giant sloth as he allowed Tobizaru to wrap him up like staff at a conservation center, walk him around the ring and over the bales. Yorikiri.

Chiyoshoma (5-7) defeated Tomokaze (4-8). Chiyoshoma pressed forward and shoved Tomokaze over the bales, unfazed by Tomokaze’s slapdown attempt. Oshidashi.

Asakoryu (7-5) defeated Tokihayate (6-6). Asakoryu blitzed Tokihayate and assaulted him repeatedly with tsuppari, shoving him over the side. I think Tokihayate had made a joke about Asakoryu’s mother. Oshidashi.

Kotoshoho (7-5) defeated Asahakuryu (5-7). Kotoshoho charged forward to the bales before reversing course and dragging Asahakuryu down with his right-hand inside grip. Shitatenage.

Roga (5-7) defeated Hatsuyama (1-11). Roga used his migi-yotsu to drive through Hatsuyama’s attack and carry him over the bales. Yorikiri.

Shodai (6-6) defeated Midorifuji (5-7). Shodai trapped Midorifuji’s right arm and swung him over the edge. Kotenage.

Ryuden (5-7) defeated Kinbozan (4-8). Migiyotsu. Ryuden twisted and dragged Kinbozan toward the edge and shoved him over the bales. Yorikiri.

Asanoyama (9-3) defeated Fujinokawa (7-5). Fujinokawa wrapped his right shoulder inside Asanoyama’s left arm and tried to hoist him over. Asanoyama shuffled laterally to counter the throw and shoved Fujinokawa over the edge. Oshidashi.

Onokatsu (6-6) default victory over Nishikifuji (6-6).

Gonoyama (5-7) defeated Tamawashi (4-8). Tamawashi chugged forward but Gonoyama shifted to his left and pivoted, forcing Tamawashi to the edge. Gonoyama followed up with tsuppari and shoved Tamawashi out. Oshidashi.

Oshoumi (9-3) defeated Churanoumi (7-5). Churanoumi got a morozashi but Oshoumi used his left hand uwate to carry Chura to the bales. He lost his grip but as Churanoumi fought to survive but shoved Churanoumi over the tawara. Oshidashi.

Halftime

Daieisho (5-7) defeated Oshoma (6-6). Daieisho hit Oshoma with a few tsuppari before stepping left and thrusting Oshoma down. Tsukiotoshi.

Ura (2-10) defeated Hakunofuji (5-7). Ura got his left hand inside Hakunofuji’s armpit. As Hakunofuji pressed forward, Ura pivoted along the tawara brought his right hand up onto Hakunofuji’s head and pulled Hakunofuji forward with his left under Hakunofuji’s shoulder. Katasukashi.

Takanosho (3-9) defeated Ichiyamamoto (2-10). Takanosho held Ichiyamamoto with a right hand nodowa. He used his left hand to bat Ichiyamamoto’s attack away. Takanosho drove forward and forced Ichiyamamoto out. Oshidashi.

Wakatakakage (6-6) defeated Yoshinofuji (6-6). Wakatakakage kept steady as Yoshinofuji tried a slapdown, kubinage, kotenage,… Yoshinofuji pulled and tried another slapdown but Wakatakakage pursued, maintained his balance and forced him over the edge. Yorikiri.

Sanyaku

Shishi (9-3) defeated Oho (4-8). Who abducted the real Shishi and replaced him with someone with a skill approaching actual agility? Shishi nearly slapped Oho down earlier in the bout but he finished him off when Oho charged in for an attack and Shishi evaded it to the right and slapped Oho down. Hatakikomi.

Hiradoumi (8-4) defeated Wakamotoharu (5-7). Hiradoumi wrapped up WMH with a morozashi and charged forward. At the bales, Wakamotoharu twisted and tried an utchari. Both men tumbled into the crowd. Gunbai Hiradoumi. Hiradoumi got his kensho and was going to leave but the shimpan called a late mono-ii. Wakamotoharu’s foot touched over the bales, confirming the gyoji’s call. Yorikiri.

Kotozakura (8-4) defeated Abi (9-3). Kotozakura charged forward with his left hand uwate. At the edge, Kotozakura briefly got his right hand on Abi’s belt and lifted him up over the bales. Tsuridashi.

Aonishiki (10-2) defeated Atamifuji (9-3). Aonishiki stayed low and got his left hand inside. As he charged forward, Atamifuji raised up and batted him away. Aonishiki re-engaged, this time with the right hand. Again, Atamifuji defended. Aonishiki kept coming, though, and eventually worked both hands briefly inside on Atamifuji’s belt. Atamifuji tried to escape but Aonishiki was relentless and drove him over the edge. Yorikiri.

Kirishima (9-3) defeated Hoshoryu (8-4). Kirishima quickly got a morozashi. Hoshoryu reared back to attempt a makikae, change of grip. He wanted his right hand inside. Kirishima used the opening to press forward and force the Yokozuna over the bales. Their momentum forced both men to hop down from the dohyo. Hoshoryu doubled over as the shock to his knee probably smarted a wee bit with that torn meniscus. “Don’t remind me, Andy.” Yorikiri.

Onosato (8-4) defeated Takayasu (7-5). Onosato’s Houdini act was on display again. Takayasu had him.  Takayasu got the left hand inside and when Onosato pulled, he forced the Yokozuna to the edge. Onosato recovered at the bales, though. This time, Takayasu tried the pull and pulled himself right out of the ring. MOVE FORWARD. BACKWARD BAD. FORWARD GOOD. Yorikiri.

Wrap-up

Aonishiki is in the driver’s seat with hands firmly at 10 and 2. “Andy, you’ve used that joke before. Come up with something new.”

  • 2-losses: Aonishiki
  • 3-losses: Kirishima, Atamifuji, Abi, Shishi, Asanoyama, Oshoumi

Oho’s makekoshi puts a komusubi slot on the market. Yoshinofuji and Wakatakakage have three more days to make a case for why they deserve it, or Atamifuji might steal it from under their noses.

As of this writing, the Day 13 pairings are not set. I might be able to get an update out later but expect a lot of maegashira fighting folks in sanyaku. Aonishiki has two Yokozuna bouts and an Ozeki bout remaining, however. If one of those Yokozuna quietly mentions they will go kyujo, though, maybe they slot in a Aonishiki versus Asanoyama or Aonishiki versus Abi bout?

Update: Yokozuna/Ozeki fights begin. Hoshoryu will fight Aonishiki. Onosato will fight Kotozakura. Before that, sanyaku will be a mix of low-rankers fighting sanyaku. Wakamotoharu will start things off fighting Oshoumi. Then, Oho will fight Hiradoumi, Takayasu (with kachi-koshi on the line) will fight Asanoyama, and Kirishima will fight Shishi. Near the mid-way point, Abi will face off with Atamifuji. That’s a wild night of action.

Hatsu 2026: Day Eleven

Andy Hatsu 2026, Hatsu Basho , , , ,

Day Eleven. No news from the infirmary. The final third of Hatsu Basho begins today with perfect attendance among our top division competitors. In Juryo, Wakanosho defeated Sadanoumi, moving both men to 8-3. Fujiseiun joined them at 8-3 by defeating Asasuiryu. Tomorrow, Sadanoumi will fight Tsurugisho, Wakanosho will take on Kagayaki and Fujiseiun will battle Meisei.

Your NHK videos are here.

Makuuchi Action

Tobizaru (4-7) defeated Hatsuyama (1-10). Hatsuyama laid into Tobizaru with tsuppari but Tobizaru shifted to the right side and pulled Hatsuyama down to the ground. Hikiotoshi.

Abi (9-2) defeated Shishi (8-3). Henka! Abi leapt to his left at the tachiai. Shishi turned to adjust but Abi shoved him forward and let him run off the dohyo. Tsukiotoshi.

Midorifuji (5-6) defeated Ryuden (4-7). Ryuden locked both of Midorifuji’s arms in his armpits and stood there. I’m not sure what he was planning but Midorifuji didn’t wait to find out. Midorifuji twisted to his left and hauled Ryuden down. Katasukashi.

Oshoumi (8-3) defeated Nishikifuji (6-5). Nishikifuji grabbed Oshoumi with his right hand and twisted to throw him down. Oshoumi countered by falling into Nishikifuji. Oshoumi hooked his left leg around Nishikifuji’s right leg and forcing his attacker to the ground first and falling on top of him. Sotogake.

Asakoryu (6-5) defeated Chiyoshoma (4-7). Henka! Chiyoshoma. Asakoryu adjusted but Chiyoshoma went on the attack with his left hand uwate. He pulled and tried to haul Asakoryu down but again the victim of a throw countered and twisted into Chiyoshoma, forcing Chiyoshoma down and falling on top of his attacker. Sukuinage.

Tokihayate (6-5) defeated Asahakuryu (5-6). While trying to change his left-hand grip, Tokihayate pulled and hauled Asakoryu down with his right hand under arm grip. Shitatenage.

Mitakeumi (5-6) defeated Gonoyama (4-7). Mitakeumi charged forward into Gonoyama, forcing him back to the bales. Then he suddenly pulled, shoving Gonoyama to the ground. Hatakikomi.

Shodai (5-6) defeated Tomokaze (4-7). Shodai powered into Tomokaze and then stopped and backed away, pulling Tomokaze forward to the clay. Hikiotoshi.

Roga (4-7) defeated Oshoma (6-5). Roga grabbed pulled on Oshoma’s arm. As Oshoma stumbled forward, Roga grabbed Oshoma’s belt with his left hand uwate. Roga then twisted Oshoma down to the ground. Oshoma tried to counter with his own underarm throw but Oshoma landed a beat before Roga. Uwatedashinage.

Asanoyama (8-3) defeated Hiradoumi (7-4). Asanoyama charged ahead with his left hand uwate and his right hand inside Hiradoumi’s armpit. Hiradoumi resisted and tried to twist Asanoyama down but Asanoyama continued to push himself forward and forced Hiradoumi over the bales. Yorikiri.

Churanoumi (7-4) defeated Kotoshoho (6-5). Kotoshoho pulled and Churanoumi took advantage and charged forward, forcing Kotoshoho back to the tawara and shoving him over the bales. Oshidashi.

Halftime

Kinbozan (4-7) defeated Tamawashi (4-7). Kinbozan wrapped Tamawashi up and charged forward, ushering Tamawashi back and over the edge. Yorikiri.

Atamifuji (9-2) defeated Fujinokawa (7-4). Fujinokawa got his right hand inside and immediately tried to pull Atamifuji down. Atamifuji shuffled with Fujinokawa, keeping his opponent between himself and the bales. Atamifuji broke Fujinokawa’s grip and shoved him out from behind. Okuridashi.

Onokatsu (5-6) defeated Daieisho (4-7). Henka! Onokatsu shifted left and deflected Daieisho’s attack to the side, thrusting him down. Tsukiotoshi.

Ichiyamamoto (2-9) defeated Wakatakakage (5-6). What do they say about never meet your idols? Ichiyamamoto gets to battle his. And today, he prevailed. Ichiyamamoto laid into Wakatakakage with tsuppari and then quickly pulled Wakatakakage forward and down to the ground. Hikiotoshi.

Sanyaku

Wakamotoharu (5-6) defeated Ura (1-10). Ura began to pull and Wakamotoharu moved forward with the pull. He kept Ura in front of him and shoved him off the dohyo. Oshitaoshi.

Yoshinofuji (6-5) defeated Oho (4-7). Oho hooked his left arm under Yoshinofuji’s shoulder and twisted. Yoshinofuji had his right hand firmly on Oho’s belt and went with Oho’s throw, hauling Oho forward to the ground. Uwatenage.

Aonishiki (9-2) defeated Hakunofuji (5-6). Aonishiki is a bit sick of Hakunofuji’s slow roll tachiai. Two matta. Once they got off to a good start, Aonishiki got his left hand inside and began to pull. Hakunofuji began to charge his way forward with gaburi leg thrusts but his left foot seemed to slip, then his left knee buckled and he went down. Shitatenage.

Takanosho (2-9) defeated Kotozakura (7-4). Kotozakura pulled and Takanosho charged forward, shoving Kotozakura over the edge for an easy upset. On replay, I don’t think Kotozakura put much weight at all on his left leg during that bout. I’ll keep my eye on that. Yorikiri.

Onosato (7-4) defeated Kirishima (8-3). Onosato took the brunt of Kirishima’s tachiai with his right shoulder. After the initial charge, Kirishima couldn’t get any offense going. Onosato moved forward and forced Kirishima to the bales and over the edge. Yorikiri.

Hoshoryu (8-3) defeated Takayasu (7-4). Hoshoryu couldn’t get his right-hand grip but he still pivoted and pulled. Instead of the belt, Hoshoryu wrapped his right arm around Takayasu’s head for a kubinage. But then, he let it go and shifted further to the side along the bales and pulled Takayasu forward by Takayasu’s right arm. Hoshoryu arrested his momentum at the edge and let Takayasu rush out into the crowd. That was kinda funny. Takayasu was perplexed and immediately went to the TV screen in the hanamichi to see what the hell happened. Frankly, it looks like Hoshoryu pivoted and shifted to the side just enough that Takayasu rushed forward with a little help from Hoshoryu’s tug on his right arm. Tottari.

Wrap-up

Kotozakura had worked his way into the yusho conversation and just like that, he’s out of it again. This time he falls to a Takanosho who has been having a dreadful tournament. Is it the knee? Or did he just make a terrible decision to commit to that awful pull? He has actually moved forward well at points during this basho. Not today.

Speaking of left legs, I’ll keep an eye out for news on Hakunofuji. His left ankle, and possibly the knee, turned awkwardly in today’s bout. Well, the Yokozuna are hurt and somehow winning, so it’s not like anyone will go kyujo tomorrow.

  • 2-Losses: Aonishiki, Atamifuji, Abi
  • 3-Losses: Hoshoryu, Kirishima, Shishi, Asanoyama, Oshoumi

Day Twelve pairings are interesting. The lower-ranked wrestlers in the yusho race are being moved up. Asanoyama will fight Fujinokawa, 9-ranks above him. Oshoumi will fight Churanoumi, 11-ranks above. Shishi will move way up (14-ranks) to fight Komusubi Oho. Kirishima will fight Hoshoryu. Abi will take on Kotozakura while Atamifuji will fight Aonishiki.

The rest of our sanyaku bouts include Wakamotoharu fighting Hiradoumi and Onosato versus Takayasu.

I’m really enjoying this tournament. It’s going in weird places and a bunch of folks are involved in the yusho race. No one has really struck out to claim this one. Everyone has had stumbles. But as we move into the final stretch here, will someone step up? Or will everyone fall to the side and let Takayasu or Fujinokawa back into this thing just to really mess with us?

Hatsu 2026: Day Two

Andy Hatsu 2026, Hatsu Basho , , , ,

No kyujo to report in the top two divisions. At makushita 11, Enho won his first bout of the tournament against Toseiryu. He is within range to earn promotion with a zensho-yusho. That is a tall order but a winning record will advance him closer to the regular promotion zone.

Your NHK videos are here. Click, “yes, I understand,” then find “続きを読む”. I don’t know why they make these videos so difficult to hunt for. They’re great. Today’s bonus video gives us the Meisei/Asasuiryu bout from Juryo. I’ll keep asking them to go back and post the whole division. It was awesome when they were doing that. Will we see Meisei back in Makunouchi?

Makuuchi Action

Asanoyama (1-1) defeated Hatsuyama (0-2). Asanoyama advanced steadily and cut off Hatsuyama’s escape as the former Ozeki steered the rookie to the tawara. At the edge, Hatsuyama dug in so Asanoyama pressed forward with all of his might and crushed Hatsuyama, falling off the dohyo backwards. Long term fans breathe some relief as the big man gets a win in the top division. Yoritaoshi.

Asahakuryu (2-0) defeated Oshoumi (1-1). Asahakuryu locked up Oshoumi and overpowered him. He pulled up with his right-hand overarm grip and ushered Oshoumi back over the bales. Yorikiri.

Shishi (2-0) defeated Asakoryu (0-2). Shishi enveloped Asakoryu’s arms and dragged him back to the edge. His first heave failed but with his left arm hooked under Asakoryu’s right arm, he twisted and tossed Asakoryu down. Kotenage.

Mitakeumi (1-1) defeated Ryuden (1-1). Ryuden tried to bulldoze Mitakeumi, which is not an easy feat. He was not making much progress but neither was Mitakeumi. Mitakeumi shuffled right suddenly, trying to catch Ryuden off-guard. Ryuden reacted well to his first shift but Mitakeumi forced him to stumble to the bales with a second shift. Ryuden resisted with all of his might so Mitakeumi had to press with all of his might to shove Ryuden out. Oshitaoshi.

Tomokaze (1-1) defeated Midorifuji (0-2). Tomokaze pulled backward, slapping Midorifuji down at the edge as he stepped out. Gunbai Tomokaze. Mono-ii. Video review confirmed the gyoji’s initial call as Midorifuji’s arm touched the tawara before Tomokaze stepped out. In the hanamichi, Tomokaze slipped and landed hard on his butt. Hatakikomi.

Abi (2-0) defeated Tobizaru (1-1). Abi blasted away at Tobizaru with his patented tsuppari. Tobizaru tried to find an opening but Abi shifted right and Tobizaru stumbled forward. Abi grabbed Tobizaru’s mawashi and flung him across the ring and off the dohyo. Hatakikomi.

Nishikifuji (2-0) defeated Tokihayate (1-1). Tokihayate spun Nishikifuji close to the bales with his left-hand inside grip but Nishikifuji maintained excellent footing. He used his right-hand over arm grip to drive Tokihayate backward and out. Yorikiri.

Chiyoshoma (1-1) defeated Kotoshoho (0-2). Kotoshoho lost his footing as he stepped forward. Chiyoshoma shifted right and shoved Kotoshoho forward. Kotoshoho bumbled his way out. Tsukiotoshi.

Shodai (2-0) defeated Roga (1-1). Shodai keeps his perfect winning record against Roga. Roga pulled and tried to catch Shodai off-balance. Shodai was ready for it and immediately executed his own mini-pull and slapdown. I haven’t been seeing many pivots lately with these pulls. I might need to prepare a new rant. Hikiotoshi.

Kinbozan (1-1) defeated Gonoyama (0-2). Gonoyama shoved Kinbozan to the edge and pressed hard with a right hand nodowa. With Kinbozan’s weight pressing forward to counter the nodowa, Gonoyama tried to slip to his right and slip he did, aided by Kinbozan’s left-hand overarm hold. Gonoyama fell forward and Kinbozan landed on top of him. Oof! Uwatenage.

Fujinokawa (1-1) defeated Hiradoumi (1-1). Solid tachiai from both men followed by steady tsuppari. Hiradoumi’s left foot seemed to get out ahead of him and when Fujinokawa hit him, Hiradoumi fell backward. Oshitaoshi.

Halftime

Oshoma (2-0) defeated Onokatsu (0-2). Onokatsu fired forward aimlessly and Oshoma shifted right, deflecting Onokatsu to the left and bringing a quick, unsatisfying end to the bout. We’re seeing quite a bit of poor footwork today, it seems. Tsukiotoshi.

Churanoumi (2-0) defeated Daieisho (1-1). Count on Churanoumi to get his footing right. He weathered a torrent of abuse from Daieisho. When Daieisho pulled, Churanoumi advanced and kept his footing long enough to force Daieisho over the bales. Yorikiri.

Tamawashi (1-1) defeated Atamifuji (0-2). Again, Atamifuji launched ahead. Tamawashi stepped to his right and then hit Atamifuji with a nodowa, blasting him to the edge. Under assault, Atamifuji tried to shift left but Tamawashi stuck with him and shoved him out. Oshidashi.

Sanyaku

Hakunofuji (2-0) defeated Wakamotoharu (0-2). Hakunofuji powered ahead with his left-hand inside. Wakamotoharu braced his feet at the edge and tried to slip his own left hand inside for a belt grip. Hakunofuji suddenly sidestepped to his right and pulled Wakamotoharu forward. Tsukiotoshi.

Kirishima (2-0) defeated Takanosho (0-2). Kirishima’s tsuppari was more forceful as he avoided Takanosho’s big opening nodowa, wrapped up Takanosho’s left arm and drove him back with mighty shoves. Oshidashi.

Wakatakakage (1-1) defeated Takayasu (1-1). This was a great battle of strength, patience, and timing. Takayasu pressured Wakatakakage well but couldn’t quite get a hold on Wakatakakage’s belt. Wakatakakage charged forward with Takayasu’s right arm jammed up awkwardly. As Takayasu struggled to liberate his arm and stop his backward movement, Wakatakakage pivoted and pulled Takayasu forward by his shoulder. Katasukashi.

Kotozakura (2-0) defeated Ura (0-2). Kotozakura pressed forward into Ura and threw him off the dohyo as if he was a toy. More of this, please. And against guys bigger than Ura. Oshitaoshi.

Aonishiki (2-0) defeated Yoshinofuji (0-2). Yoshinofuji plowed ahead so at the edge, Aonishiki wrapped his right arm around Yoshinofuji’s head, twisted and thrust Yoshinofuji down, while hoisting Yoshinofuji’s left leg with his own right. Gunbai Aonishiki. Mono-ii. A bit of a long one, but let’s get it right. Aonishiki’s hand touched first but Yoshinofuji’s entire body was in the air, dead. Aonishiki’s hand was down to cushion his fall, kabaite. Good call. Kubinage.

Hoshoryu (2-0) defeated Ichiyamamoto (0-2). Ichiyamamoto seemed to get the jump on this tachiai. He thrust forward into the Yokozuna. Hoshoryu resisted so Ichiyamamoto locked up Hoshoryu’s belt. Ichiyamamoto tried a pull but Hoshoryu countered. Once Hoshoryu got his double-inside grip, he pressed ahead and forced Ichiyamamoto out. Great work from the rank-and-filer, though. Yorikiri.

Onosato (2-0) defeated Oho (0-2). Oho hit Onosato hard at the tachiai, staggering the Yokozuna and forcing him back. Onosato tried a quick slapdown. Thankfully he didn’t jam his gears completely into reverse, though. Instead, he charged ahead into Oho, got under both arms and drove him back over the edge. Yorikiri.

Wrap-up

Another strong day for the guys at the top of the banzuke. Aonishiki likely scraped by but it was a deserved win. Excellent to see how he was able to adjust to Yoshinofuji’s power and quickly spring the kubinage when he was on the back foot, so to speak.

Hoshoryu and Onosato both looked very strong, though we know both are walking wounded. Ichiyamamoto threw everything he had at Hoshoryu but even with his bad knee, Hoshoryu contained him and ushered him out. I like seeing Ichiyamamoto at this level. It’s funny to see the Abi-clone ranked so far ahead of Abi. But Abi’s had his own injury problems of late. Abi will face Nishikifuji tomorrow.

Before we look at tomorrow’s sanyaku bouts, Asanoyama will meet Mitakeumi in an interesting bout of the two former Ozeki. And another former Ozeki, Shodai, will take on Oshoma.

Oho will fight Wakatakakage. Takayasu will fight Daieisho. Kirishima will fight Hakunofuji with both men undefeated. That seems like a real momentum bout…who can keep this early run going? Might one of them challenge for the leaderboard next week?

Aonishiki will get his turn against Ichiyamamoto. Kotozakura will fight Wakamotoharu. Onosato takes on Ura and Hoshoryu will end the day against Yoshinofuji. There is definitely some upset potential in those bouts.

See you tomorrow!