Big K

Osaka Day 3 Highlights

Bruce H Abi (阿炎), Aoiyama, Asanoyama (朝乃山), Azumaryu, Chiyomaru, Chiyotairyū (千代大龍), Daiamami (大奄美), Daieisho (大栄翔), Endo (遠藤), Enho, Hakuho (白鵬), Haru Basho 2020 (Osaka), Hokutōfuji (北勝富士), Ikioi (勢), Ishiura (石浦), Kagayaki (輝), Kaisei (魁聖), Kakuryu (鶴竜), Kiribayama (霧馬山), Kotonowaka, Kotoshogiku (琴奨菊), Meisei, Mitakeumi(御嶽海), Myogiryu (妙義龍), Nishikigi, Okinoumi (隠岐の海), Ryuden (竜電), Sadanoumi (佐田の海), Shimanoumi, Shohozan, Shōdai (正代直也), Takakeishō (貴景勝), Takanosho, Takarafuji (宝富士), Takayasu (高安), Tamawashi (玉鷲), Terutsuyoshi, Tochinoshin (栃ノ心), Tochiozan (栃煌山), Tokushoryu, Tsurugisho, Yutakayama, Ōnoshō (阿武咲) , , , , ,

After some humdrum sumo to start the basho, today featured some hard, brutal matches. Some rikishi continued their winning runs, and few that had not seen their first wins, took a white star with great suno. Fast, brutal and aggressive sumo was on tap today, and it was great to see the rikishi bring their better sumo to the dohyo today. What did we get to see? Big Dan unleashed the V-Twin, Asanoyama reverts to Oshi-zuno, Shohozan unleashed a murderous lunge at the tachiai, Kotoshogiku snuck in a back bend, and the wave-action tsuppari machine washed Endo into the zabuton zone. Oh, and Enho and Yutakayama conducted what I can only assume is some sort of fertility dance.

Highlight Matches

Daiamami defeats Meisei – Daiamami picks up his first win of Haru. He tried to get a left hand frontal hold at the tachiai, but Meisei did a masterful job of disrupting Daiamami first few attacks. The match was quite even until Meisei attempted to pull Diamami forward from his forearm. His hold on that arm failed and left him off balance and Daiamami pushed him out. Maybe Daiamami is getting used to the empty hall.

Kotonowaka defeats Shimanoumi – Kotonowaka started with a surprisingly lethargic tachiai, and immediately tried to land a right hand inside. Because this is Kotonowaka’s trademark opening gambit, Shimanoumi shut it down. Kotonowaka kept working for grip, and executed a solid sukuinage at the tawara to seal the win. Did anyone else catch Kotoshogiku doing a back bend in in the tunnel in the background of that video? Brought a smile to my face.

Chiyomaru defeats Tsurugisho – Chiyomaru has a strong start to Haru, clearly the atmospherics don’t bother him one bit. He was fast and aggressive out of the tachiai, and once again stood his opponent up, and slapped him down. Chiyomaru improves to 3-0.

Azumaryu defeats Nishikigi – Nishikigi still cant find his first win without his glasses. Nishikigi came off of the shikiri-sen hard and fast, got a grip, but was too far forward. Azumaryu read it perfectly and exploited Nishikigi’s mistake to send him to the clay.

Aoiyama defeats Kotoshogiku – “Big Dan” Aoiyama improves to 3-0 in thunderous style. He blasted off the line and went straight into a V-Twin attack. When Aoiyama attacks with both arms thrusting, and he connects center-mass, there is little anyone or anything can do. I had to watch it twice, it was just so massive.

Ikioi defeats Kaisei – Wow, a strength battle that features Ikioi out powering Kaisei! That’s some serious chanko power, indeed. Both of them fought well, but Ikioi somehow managed to keep his stamina. Sadly Kaisei is still looking for his first win.

Chiyotairyu defeats Terutsuyoshi – Chiyotairyu also starts 3-0, today he took a straight ahead tachiai from Terutsuyoshi, grabbed the back of Terutsuyoshi’s neck and chucked him forward like a bale of rice. Wow.

Ishiura defeats Tochiozan – Tochiozan self-isolates into the 0-3 club as Ishiura picks up his 3rd straight win to start Haru. Tochiozan did manage to get some offense running, but Ishiura stayed mobile, and Mr Efficiency was unable to really do much other than chase him around for the first part of the match. Tochiozan eventually captured him and they went chest to chest. Bad mistake for Tochiozan, as Ishiura channels Enho and unleashed a brilliant shitatehineri. Suddenly one moment Tochiozan has Ishiura clamped down, the next he is on his back in the clay. Nice sumo Ishiura!

Takanosho defeats Sadanoumi – A showcase example of Sadanoumi’s tremendous speed, he was inside and attacking Takanosho in a moment at the tachiai. Takanosho worked hard to stop Sadanoumi’s forward rush, and ended with a double inside grip. Realizing he had the advantage, Takanosho dropped his hips and attacked. Three strokes of the gaburi-yori and it was his third solid win, as Takanosho maintains his place in the 3-0 club.

Tochinoshin defeats Kiribayama – I am overjoyed that Tochinoshin found his sumo today, and picked up his first win of Haru. He was fast, hit hard at the tachiai, and his left hand found his outside grip. Was it “skycrane sumo”? No, but it was a solid win and he looked good doing it.

Shohozan defeats Takarafuji – Shohozan also joins the first win club for today. That murderous lunge at the tachiai was a wonder, and I think it surprised Takarafuji who took a moment to set up his defense. But that momentary disorientation may have been enough, as Takarafuji struggled to find a good grip, Shohozan broke free and got behind Takarafuji, pushing him out from behind.

Kagayaki defeats Tamawashi – Great clash of styles in this match. Tamawashi focused on Kagayaki’s head, working to disorient him and disrupt his balance. But Kagayaki’s stance was wide and stable, and he focused pressure center-mass and pushed ahead strongly. Really classic fundamentals based sumo from Kagayaki today, and he left Tamawashi with no route to rally.

Ryuden defeats Myogiryu – Sadly Myogiryu joins the self-isolation group down at 0-3. This match was all about Ryuden’s superior reach, and his ability to wrap Myogiryu up, and shut down any chance he had to attack or defend.

Abi defeats Onosho – Abi picks up his first win of the basho, and he did it with his trademark Abi-zumo. His tachiai was a half step ahead, and he landed both hands against Onosho’s upper body. Onosho worked to respond, but Abi did not release the pressure. As is his custom, Onosho lost his balance and hit the clay.

Yutakayama defeats Enho – Lovely slow motion tachiai, I love when Yutakayama does this (its not his first time in a battle with Enho). This probably shut down plans A,B and G for Enho, and the two circled each other. Enho kept trying to grab an part of Yutakayama’s body, and Yutakayama kept thwarting every grasp. The match wears on, and it just keeps getting strange. Holding hands, dancing around – I am not sure I quite understand this pixie-sumo. Were they trying to summon an enchanted toadstool? Eventually Yutakayama closes in and shoves him to the clay. Huge effort from both.

Hokutofuji defeats Tokushoryu – Nice change-up tachiai from Hokutofuji today, he took Tokushoryu straight to his chest and went to work. Hokutofuji immediately had Tokushoryu on the run, and Tokushoryu attempted his trade mark thrust down at the bales, but could not get the timing worked out and was over the bales too early. Hatsu yusho winner Tokushoryu is still searching for his first win, and joins the quarantine group.

Mitakeumi defeats Shodai – Surprisingly solid sumo from two habitual under-performers. Shodai’s tachiai seems to be improved, but Mitakeumi was really low, and his body position was excellent. Shodai was never able to lower his hips, and Mitakeumi controlled this match from the start. Shodai tried a pull, tried turning, nothing work as Mitakeumi keep him locked down, with his hips and shoulders square to Shodai’s center-mass. Mitakeumi improves to 3-0, and looked very good today.

Asanoyama defeats Daieisho – Asanoyama takes another step closer to his double digit goal while Daieisho still can’t find his first win, and joins the quarantine group at 0-3. Daieisho opened strong and drove Asanoyama back, but Asanoyama rallied and dropped back to his original oshi-zumo form and attacked with power. Glad to see that the future Ozeki still has that toolkit close at hand when its needed.

Takakeisho defeats Endo – Oh so happy to see Takakeisho unleash the wave-action attack. Endo clearly was driving for a mawashi hold, as it seems to be the key to shutting down Takakeisho’s offense (at least for now). After an initial skirmish, Takakeisho set up the wave attacks. When he gets those running, nobody can keep their feet. Made my day….
Kimarite: tsukidashi
Takakeisho: 2-1
Endo: 1-2

Kakuryu defeats Okinoumi – I felt a sense of relief to see Kakuryu back in the groove. He came out fast and hard at the tachiai, and that left hand went straight to Okinoumi’s mawashi. Immediately, Okinoumi knew he was trapped, and Kakuryu dialed up the power. Great Yokozuna style today, and he improves to 2-1.

Hakuho defeats Takayasu – I know that Hakuho as many well deserved defenders, but in all sincerity – what the hell was that? Takayasu is a shade of his former self, and The Boss really struggled with this match. Hakuho is sol versitle that he completely improvised this match from start to finish, but it still worked. Hakuho improves to 3-0, but that was a lot more frantic than what we are used to seeing from him.

Osaka Day 2 Preview

Bruce H Abi (阿炎), Aoiyama, Asanoyama (朝乃山), Azumaryu, Chiyomaru, Chiyotairyū (千代大龍), Daiamami (大奄美), Daieisho (大栄翔), Endo (遠藤), Enho, Hakuho (白鵬), Haru Basho 2020 (Osaka), Hokutōfuji (北勝富士), Ikioi (勢), Ishiura (石浦), Kagayaki (輝), Kaisei (魁聖), Kakuryu (鶴竜), Kiribayama (霧馬山), Kotonowaka, Kotoshogiku (琴奨菊), Meisei, Mitakeumi(御嶽海), Myogiryu (妙義龍), Nishikigi, Okinoumi (隠岐の海), Ryuden (竜電), Sadanoumi (佐田の海), Shimanoumi, Shohozan, Shōdai (正代直也), Takakeishō (貴景勝), Takanosho, Takarafuji (宝富士), Takayasu (高安), Tamawashi (玉鷲), Terutsuyoshi, Tochinoshin (栃ノ心), Tochiozan (栃煌山), Tokushoryu, Tsurugisho, Yutakayama, Ōnoshō (阿武咲) , ,
The Gates To Osaka’s Edion Area Are Shut

As this basho continues, I am sure that myself and the rest of the sumo fans will become accustomed to the unique environment that is the “Silent Basho” of Osaka 2020. I think maybe one of the biggest changes was the Yumitori-Shiki, or the bow twirling ceremony at the end of the day’s matches. Typically when this happens, half of the crowd is rushing to exit and catch a train, and the rest of watching with rapt attention. There are shouts that accompany the ritual, and they are, at least to me, integral to the ceremony. But as the NHK Grand Sumo Live stream showed, it happened in dead silence.

In sumo action, it was an interesting and pleasant surprise to see Shodai focused and dare I say effective. I know I have been hard on the man from Uto-shi, but I stand ready to cheer him on the moment he turns the corner, and unleashes the potential that many (myself included) knew he always had. So this actually happen (and it may be happening this March), I would give huge credit to Yokozuna Kakuryu. Kakuryu has shown himself to be a very capable mentor and instructor, and if he can impart a variation of his reactive sumo onto Shodai, I think everyone would enjoy the results. Here’s to hoping that Shodai in on an upward path.

What We Are Watching Day 2

Meisei vs Kotonowaka – This first time match will give Meisei a chance to bounce back from his fairly weak opening day match against Shimanoumi. But Kotonowaka brings advantages in size, weight and strength, along with a suspicion that he will enjoy the typical first basho in the top division hot-streak.

Daiamami vs Shimanoumi – These two seem to have a match about once a year, so if its March, its time for them to fight. I would not call out either as having a clear advantage, other than to say that Shimanoumi seems to have come into Osaka ready to compete.

Tsurugisho vs Azumaryu – Tsurugisho has a 11-4 career advantage over Azumaryu. Simply put he has a solid formula for winning. To my eye, it comes down to Tsurugisho’s superior speed and normally low, wide stance.

Chiyomaru vs Nishikigi – This match will feature Nishikigi attempting to take Chiyomaru to his chest, and Chiyomaru in tsuppari mode. With an 8-2 career advantage, Nishikigi usually can grab a piece of that giant green mawashi and get into offense mode.

Kotoshogiku vs Kaisei – Kotoshogiku holds an 11-2 career record over Kaisei. I think Kaisei is susceptable to Kotoshogiku’s chest to chest attack strategies, but it will come down to how stable Kotoshogiku’s damaged knees are.

Aoiyama vs Ikioi – Another match of the grizzled veterans, we get Big Dan Aoiyama looking to stay mobile and stay hitting while Ikioi will work better close in where he can grab a piece of rubbery white flesh and move the man-mountain about. Not for the faint of heart.

Sadanoumi vs Ishiura – Ishiura tends to bring his evasive sumo form to his matches with Sadanoumi, and Sadanoumi does tend to fall for it most times. This has left Ishiura with a 7-3 career advantage, and a strong favorite in today’s fight.

Terutsuyoshi vs Tochiozan – Both rikishi lost their day 1 matches, and both want to put something into the win column. We did not get to see any high-efficiency sumo from Tochiozan, and really no pixie magic from Terutsuyoshi. Let’s hope that day 2 brings them back to form.

Chiyotairyu vs Tochinoshin – Although Tochinoshin holds an 8-2 career advantage, those numbers were racked up when the former-Ozeki’s body was in fighting form. I suspect this match will take a much different form, as Tochinoshin’s undercarriage may not even provide enough support to allow him to resist Chiyotairyu’s opening attack.

Shohozan vs Takanosho – Shohozan does tend to get “fired up” in his sumo, and I wonder if whatever face / head wound he picked up day 1 might have him eager to go out and resolve some of his frustrations against Takanosho. Shohozan will try to stay mobile, and keep hitting. Takanosho will try to close in and thrust his way to a win.

Kiribayama vs Tamawashi – Another first-time match, but I think there will be more Tamawashi “power thrust” on day 2. Kiribayama is smaller, lighter and may get a rough run from his Mongolian countryman who will out-class him in almost every factor.

Myogiryu vs Takarafuji – Takarafuji’s normal policy of “Defend and Extend” does not work very well against the improvisational combo-attack style of Myogiryu, who puts a lot of effort into disrupting his opponent’s balance. This shows in his 13-6 career lead over Takarafuji.

Kagayaki vs Onosho – I am keen to see these two square off. They have 5 wins each over their career, and it’s going to be a great clash of relentless fundamentals (Kagayaki) vs explosive speed and brutal forward power (Onosho).

Enho vs Ryuden – Enho took their only prior match, and after getting shut down and put away without his supper on day 1, Enho needs to bounce back. Ryuden (aka Shin-Ikioi) has been very much hit or miss over the past 6 months, but he looked much more calm and focused day 1 than I have seen him in some time. Let’s hope that is a start of a trend.

Abi vs Mitakeumi – A lot of fans want Abi to bounce back and return to the san’yaku. His wild, frantic sumo may have become predictable, and that will force him to adapt. Mitakeumi holds a 5-2 career advantage, and I am interested to see if Mitakeumi is over his various injuries that have hobbled his sumo this winter.

Yutakayama vs Endo – Endo suffered a critical body position / balance mistake day 1 against Yokozuna Hakuho, and I think he will be primed to take down Yutakayama on day 2. The two have a 3-3 career record, but Endo will probably look to get that left hand shallow grip at the tachiai. If he can land it, he should control the match.

Asanoyama vs Tokushoryu – I am really glad that Tokushoryu seems to be such an easy going, good natured person, as I think he is going to be eating a lot of Osaka clay this March. But be aware, Tokushoryu won their only prior match at Aki 2017.

Takayasu vs Shodai – This is the sort of match where we typically see Shodai’s cartoon sumo come out in full force. It will be all about defending against Takayasu’s lethal left. If he can repeat Takakeisho’s shut down of the former Ozeki’s primary weapon, he may start 2-0.

Takakeisho vs Okinoumi – Not taking anything away from Okinoumi, who is a consummate professional, and always does his best, but he is 6-1 against the lone surviving Ozeki. In fact the only time that he has beaten Takakeisho was day 2 of Natsu 2018 when Takakeisho was just a wee tadpole at Maegashira 10.

Hakuho vs Daieisho – My suspicions about his left foot aside, Hakuho seems to be brutally dialed into his sumo. So I am going to look for Daieisho to lose in the first 10 seconds.

Hokutofuji vs Kakuryu – A great match to end the day. Hokutofuji struggled to get his sumo on rhythm on day 1, and that is just the kind of malfunction that Kakuryu really enjoys. If Hokutofuji is not tack-sharp, we may see him on the receiving end of thrust down or throw.

Osaka Day 1 Highlights

Bruce H Abi (阿炎), Aoiyama, Asanoyama (朝乃山), Azumaryu, Chiyomaru, Chiyotairyū (千代大龍), Daiamami (大奄美), Daieisho (大栄翔), Endo (遠藤), Enho, Hakuho (白鵬), Haru Basho 2020 (Osaka), Hokutōfuji (北勝富士), Ikioi (勢), Ishiura (石浦), Kagayaki (輝), Kaisei (魁聖), Kakuryu (鶴竜), Kiribayama (霧馬山), Kotonowaka, Kotoshogiku (琴奨菊), Meisei, Mitakeumi(御嶽海), Myogiryu (妙義龍), Nishikigi, Okinoumi (隠岐の海), Ryuden (竜電), Sadanoumi (佐田の海), Shimanoumi, Shohozan, Shōdai (正代直也), Takakeishō (貴景勝), Takanosho, Takarafuji (宝富士), Takayasu (高安), Tamawashi (玉鷲), Terutsuyoshi, Tochinoshin (栃ノ心), Tochiozan (栃煌山), Tokushoryu, Tsurugisho, Yutakayama, Ōnoshō (阿武咲) , , ,

Note on images – yes, I am using images from the Sumo Kyokai’s twitter feed. Apologies to any who may be offended, but given the starkly barren visuals from this basho, none of the imagery from our now vast collection really work.

Am I glad sumo is back? Certainly! But I find the empty arena unsettling. If there were to be a sumo tournament held in conjunction with a funeral, it seems this would be the format, and that casts an omnipresent pall over what is normally a jubilant event. I would guess the rikishi feel it, too. Most unsettling to me? The dohyo-iri. The rikishi step onto the dohyo with no cheers, not shouts of encouragement, just the clack of the hyoushi-gi ringing like shots through the empty hall, the echoes emphasizing the vacancy.

But the show must go on, and go on it did.

Highlight Matches

Kotonowaka defeats Daiamami – Daiamami got the better of the tachiai, landing a left hand outside grip, but either could not hold it, or changed his mind. Kotonowaka proceeded to take him apart, advancing with strength for the force-out. Kotonowaka picks up his first top division win.

Shimanoumi defeats Meisei – Very balanced attack / defense form from both rikishi, with Meisei getting a marginally inside position at the tachiai. But Shimanoumi came back strong and stopped Meisei’s attack, and kept working to get advantage, and took the win.

Chiyomaru defeats Azumaryu – Chiyomaru continues his winning streak over Azumaryu, as Chiyomaru landed a nodowa at the tachiai, standing Azumaru up. From there Chiyomaru relentlessly focused on a center-mass thrusting attack for the win.

Tsurugisho defeats Nishikigi – Tsurugisho was high at the tachiai, but did manage to get morozashi on Nishikigi, who found Tsurugisho’s belly too round to set up his preferred double arm bar hold. Tsurugisho came to the dohyo with quite a good amount of tape today, including around his hips.

Aoiyama defeats Kaisei – The battle of the mega-fauna was over in a flash. Kaisei found himself turned to the side, and exited with one mighty shove from Aoiyama.

Ikioi defeats Kotoshogiku – Ikioi came to the dohyo slightly less hurt than Kotoshogiku. Ikioi’s tachiai was fast and sharp, and he took a left hand inside grip, which Kotoshogiku could not manage. Just really no power left in Kotoshogiku’s knees at all, and he abandoned an attempt to pivot at the bales for a “rescue” throw.

Ishiura defeats Terutsuyoshi – Terutsuyoshi came in fast at the tachiai, and a bit too far foward. After receiving the initial contact, Ishiura got a hand behind Terutsuyoshi’s head, and stepped to his left, escorting Terutsuyoshi ahead and out for the win.

Chiyotairyu defeats Tochiozan – After a matta, Tochiozan’s timing was clearly off, and Chiyotairyu stood him up at the tachiai and immediately slapped him down.

Sadanoumi defeats Tochinoshin – I saw a lot more power transmitted to ground through that knee than I expected, so maybe Tochinoshin is not quite as poorly as I had though. But Sadanoumi made sure to keep him from planting his feet for any kind of grip or any attempt at a lift.

Takanosho defeats Kiribayama – Kiribayama delivered a strong tachiai, but Kiribayama got him turned to the side, then turned around and pushed him out for the win. A bit of ring rust there.

Tamawashi defeats Shohozan – We expected there would be a lot of brawling in this match, and we got it. Tamawashi timed his opening gambit perfectly, and shut down Shohozan’s attempt to sieze the initiative. But the tachiai drew blood on Shohozan, and this really underscores the danger of this tournament. Sure rikishi bleed in practice and competition all the time. But against the backdrop of an empty venue, we see just how much risk the competitors can face of contracting any virus from a match.

Kagayaki defeats Takarafuji – As expected, both men showed excellent form. I marvel at Takarafuji some times, today he sensed that Kagayaki was just a bit too far forward, and played it for all he could take. It was nearly enough to send Kagayaki out, but he recovered and took a double inside grip, which Takarafuji could not overcome.

Onosho defeats Myogiryu – Myogiryu had a strong start, after Onosho’s matta. But while Myogiryu focused on disrupting Onosho’s balance, Onosho was driving hard against center-mass, and landed a vice-like left hand grip. Myogiryu circled away, but his foot placement was poor and found himself driving forward, but not centered. Onosho read this and was able to fire off a shitatenage before Myogiryu could drive him out of the ring.

Ryuden defeats Abi – Abi completely dominated this match, batting Ryuden around more or less at will. But Ryuden focused on keeping upright and absorbing whatever Abi delivered. He found an opening when he was about to get off-center from Abi’s line of attack. Now too far forward, Ryuden slapped him down for a solid recovery.

Mitakeumi defeats Enho – Enho attempted a side-step and dive tachiai, but Mitakeumi was ready, trapping Enho and shutting down any chance the smaller man had to use speed and agility to his advantage. Great tactics from Mitakeumi today, and really impressive body control.

Yutakayama defeats Hokutofuji – Surprisingly even match, and even more surprisingly to me, Yutakayama was able to overpower Hokutofuji. Hokutofuji tends to go for a big opening gambit, where Yutakayama kept it simple, and took control of the inside position, thrusting against Hokutofuji’s chest.

Shodai defeats Tokushoryu – Ok, that was really very solid sumo from Shodai. If that guy mounts the dohyo for the next 14 days, he’s a contender. He gave Tokushoryu zero chance for that side-step thrust down that won matches for him at Hatsu.

Asanoyama defeats Okinoumi – As anticipated, a protracted yotsu battle that showed that Asanoyama still has plenty of room to grow as a rikishi. Yes, he was able to pull out the win, but he gave Okinoumi opening after opening to blunt Asanoyama’s offense.

Takakeisho defeats Takayasu – Takayasu went high, Takakeisho went center mass, and actually put a couple of tsuppari waves against Takayasu’s chest. When Takakeisho can get the wave-train going, it’s really tough to keep your feet. Thankfully, Takayasu looks a lot closer to healthy than he did in January. I saw power out of that left arm, but Takakeisho did a great job of making sure he could never get connect with his left.

Kakuryu defeats Daieisho – Great reactive sumo from Kakuryu, dare we hope he’s healthy this time? I mean it almost seems that Daieisho knows that Big K is going to find a weakness and take him apart. Look at that tachiai from Kakuryu, very nice form.

Hakuho defeats Endo – Less than what most were hoping for Endo clearly lost his balance and his footing after the tachiai (assisted by a Hakuho blow to the head), and Hakuho covered him like a Marine jumping on a grenade. Did I see Hakuho favoring that left food following the match? Ugh, let’s hope not.

Osaka Day 1 Preview

Bruce H Abi (阿炎), Aoiyama, Asanoyama (朝乃山), Azumaryu, Chiyomaru, Chiyotairyū (千代大龍), Daiamami (大奄美), Daieisho (大栄翔), Endo (遠藤), Enho, Hakuho (白鵬), Haru Basho 2020 (Osaka), Hokutōfuji (北勝富士), Ikioi (勢), Ishiura (石浦), Kagayaki (輝), Kaisei (魁聖), Kakuryu (鶴竜), Kiribayama (霧馬山), Kotonowaka, Kotoshogiku (琴奨菊), Meisei, Mitakeumi(御嶽海), Myogiryu (妙義龍), Nishikigi, Okinoumi (隠岐の海), Ryuden (竜電), Sadanoumi (佐田の海), Shimanoumi, Shohozan, Shōdai (正代直也), Takakeishō (貴景勝), Takanosho, Takarafuji (宝富士), Takayasu (高安), Tamawashi (玉鷲), Terutsuyoshi, Tochinoshin (栃ノ心), Tochiozan (栃煌山), Tokushoryu, Tsurugisho, Yutakayama, Ōnoshō (阿武咲) , , , , , , , ,

It’s been 6 weeks, and the sumo world is ready for more action on the doyo. While we are looking forward to the next 2 weeks, we can’t help but worry about a tournament tinged with illness, should it come to that. The team at Tachiai hope for the best, with a strong, healthy showing by everyone from maezumo lads up to the Yokozuna.

The hall will be nearly empty, with a few members of the press, and the sumo association in attendance. I can only say I think it’s going to be downright odd, and perhaps a bit unsettling for the rikishi. But as they say around the world – “The Show Must Go On!”.

The scheduling crew have given us some tasty day 1 morsels, and I believe this basho marks another leg on the transitional journey. We have the rikishi most likely to lead the next age at the top of the banzuke, and they will all get to try their sumo against the fading legends. Will we see a Yokozuna retirement following Osaka? Probably not, but I think bizarro basho may be a turning point. The winds of the Reiwa era have already swept away the legacy Ozeki, and we know the top of the banzuke is next.

What We Are Watching Day 1

Kotonowaka vs Daiamami – These two have split their prior 2 matches, with Daiamami preferring to drive forward, and Kotonowaka (formerly Kotokamatani) looking to disrupt his opponent’s balance. In recent years, top divisions debutants seem to frequently “catch fire” and have solid, sometimes double digit, win records. I am looking for Kotonowaka to possibly follow this trend.

Meisei vs Shimanoumi – These two have not had a match since May of 2018, and they are long overdue for a bout. Meisei is freshly back from Juryo, and needs to get into a winning groove early to ensure he makes his 8.

Azumaryu vs Chiyomaru – A battle of the marus, where the much larger and rounder maru holds a clear advantage (11-4). In fact, Chiyomaru has taken the win in the last 4 matches, and I would suggest that Azumaryu really needs to open with a win to avoid early nomination for the Juryo doom-barge.

Tsurugisho vs Nishikigi – I am not sure why, but the fact that Nishikigi is back in the top division makes me happy. He’s kind of an “everyman” who manages to persist in doing competent sumo in spite of being blind as a bat. He has a 4-2 career advantage over Tsurugisho, although their last match (Kyushu) featured Nishikigi getting thrown.

Kaisei vs Aoiyama – Alright! Battle of the bigs today, with big Dan Aoiyama clearly the favorite (12-6). Both of them are right around 200kg, so I am calling this a Haru dohyo early stress test. That’s nearly half a ton of rampaging sumotori on the loose folks!

Kotoshogiku vs Ikioi – Follow up the mega-fauna match with a battle of the relics. Both are storied veterans who have just accumulated too many injuries to compete at higher rank, but they battle it out with as much gusto as they can manage every day. I could state that Kotoshogiku holds a 11-7 career lead, but this match is going to come down to which rikishi is in less pain and misery on Sunday.

Ishiura vs Terutsuyoshi – Let’s stick with the theme – with the battle of the ancients out of the way, lets have a pixie fight! Josh pointed out that Terutsuyoshi draws a lot of energy from the crowd, and may be hampered by the ghostly silence in the Edion arena. But it will likely come down to which version of Ishiura shows up today: The aggressive high-energy corvette or the henka dispenser.

Chiyotairyu vs Tochiozan – I would put Tochiozan in the “Injured Relic” grouping as well. I love watching his high-efficiency sumo, but his performance on any given day is mostly governed by how hurt he feels that afternoon. With 2 months to train, heal and prepare, we may see some excellent sumo from him, at least in the first week. Of course, all of the efficiency in the world may not matter when Chiyotairyu unleashes the cannon-ball tachiai.

Sadanoumi vs Tochinoshin – In our Heru preview podcast, I predicted that former Ozeki Tochinoshin would end the tournament with a deep make-koshi. Not because he lacks strength or fighting spirit, but because I am fairly sure there is not much that can be done for his damaged knee. Without a stable stance, there are no options to unleash his massive strength. Tochinoshin fans, best to buckle up for this basho.

Takanosho vs Kiribayama – Takanosho ended Hatsu with 7-8 make-koshi, but due to banzuke math as only can happen after a 3rd round of sake, he kept his rank. He’s up against Kiribayama, who finished Hatsu with a debut double digit win and a fighting spirit prize. With 6 weeks to prepare, we will see if Takanosho has gotten his sumo back in order.

Shohozan vs Tamawashi – Shohozan holds a 13-4 career advantage over Tamawashi, who has been fading out slowly since his January 2019 yusho. Both of these guys would classify as Heisei relics, but they have managed to keep their bodies up enough that they continue to compete in the mid-Maegashira ranks.

Takarafuji vs Kagayaki – Well bust my buttons! Another “theme” match. I see what you are doing here, torikumi committee! So we have two fundamentals-focused rikishi, but Takarafuji has a clear advantage, as his “extend and defend” approach nearly always dominates Kagayaki (6-3). I continue to hold out hope that the rikishi voted to have the “best chest” (no, not kidding) will take the next step in his sumo.

Myogiryu vs Onosho – Onosho fans, try to keep in mind that he typically starts cold and rusty, and then catches fire by day 5. So I am not going to be surprised if he drops this match to the taller and faster Myogiryu. But if Onosho can get locked on Myogiryu’s center-mass, he has more than enough power to drive Myogiryu out.

Ryuden vs Abi – I am looking for one of Ryuden’s trademark matta cheap-hits today. Abi holds a 5-1 career lead, so if Ryuden does not disrupt Abi’s tachiai, Abi will get the neck attack running and that tends to carry the match.

Enho vs Mitakeumi – I had to check, but this is their first ever match up. Biggest concern would be Enho going for a leg pick and re-injuring Mitakeumi’s damaged knee. It’s going to be so very odd to not hear the crowd approach near-riot intensity when Enho mounts the dohyo. I think this may hamper him a bit.

Hokutofuji vs Yutakayama – Oh thank you Great Sumo Cat! This is going to be such a fun match, as Hokutofuji has never beaten Yutakayama. But given that “Cap’n Stompy” is fighting with his best sumo these days, he may be able to take one back. I imagine that Hokutofuji may be disappointed he does not get a Yokozuna for his day 1 opponent, as is customary, but I think the NSK wanted to give the Yokozuna a break.

Tokushoryu vs Shodai – This may be an early indication on Shodai’s mental state. Shodai is a great rikishi with a confidence problem, its evident that his emotions can take over from his sumo and help him get into losing streaks. On the other side of the shikiri-sen, veteran yusho winner Tokushoryu is calm and focused every day. But everyone wants to know how he’s going to fare at the top end of the banzuke.

Asanoyama vs Okinoumi – Asanoyama has a double-digit goal for Haru, and he gets a good start on day when when he faces another Heisei veteran, Okinoumi. Asanoyama has a 7-1 career lead, but Okinoumi will bring experience and a strong yotsu-zumo skill set to the match. In spite of the lopsided career record, I think this one has a lot of potential.

Takakeisho vs Takayasu – With pre-basho training sessions closed to the public and the press, the work up of the kanban rikishi can only be assumed. But it seems Takayasu, no longer feeling the stress of trying to return to Ozeki, has a much better mental state and is possibly in his best condition in years. I picked Takakeisho to shine this basho, so let’s see how he manages an opponent who out weighs him, and has an easy 15cm reach advantage.

Daieisho vs Kakuryu – First Yokozuna fight, everything pre-basho indicates that Kakuryu is in excellent form, and I am going to look for his reactive sumo to be engaged for his day 1 match. Of course we will all be looking to see if he wins moving forward.

Hakuho vs Endo – Oh Great Sumo Cat, how you shower us with fine contests this shonichi! The rematch of Hatsu’s day 2 barn burner where Hakuho recieved payback for the blood Endo shed in Kyushu. There is no love lost between these two, so this match has a lot of potential. The worry is that Endo has not fully recovered from elbow surgery, and is actually in no condition to compete.