Fujinokawa

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 Five

Andy Kyushu 2025, Kyushu Basho ,

With Shirokuma’s loss to Kazekeno, Juryo rookie Fujiryoga took sole possession of the lead in Juryo by defeating Kitanowaka. If his success continues, Fujishima beya may have two new Makuuchi wrestlers in a few tournaments. Heya-mate Fujiseiun is at the top of the division and is also doing well. He could crack the barrier for Hatsu 2026. Asanoyama picked up a third win as we plot his progress back to the top division.

The link to your NHK videos is here.

Makuuchi Action

Asakoryu (4-1) defeated Sadanoumi (1-4). Henka! Asakoryu leapt left to slap Sadanoumi down. Sadanoumi reacted well and tried to push Asakoryu out. The two settled into a lean, or at least it seemed like Sadanoumi wanted to. Asakoryu did not have the patience and pulled Sadanoumi down by grabbing his outstretched left arm. Kotenage.

Daiseizan defeated Shonannoumi. When Shonannoumi got his right hand outside grip to accompany his left hand inside, he tried to haul Daiseizan back over the bales. Daiseizan twisted to break Shonannoumi’s belt grips, then pressed forward with his head to create some separation and shoved Shonannoumi down to the ground. In sumo, that’s “using your head.” Tsukiotoshi.

Ryuden defeated Chiyoshoma. When Ryuden landed his favorite right-hand outside grip, he twisted and hauled Chiyoshoma down. Ryuden was exhausted and his face was bloodied after this rather lengthy brawl. Uwatedashinage.

Mitakeumi (2-3) defeated Oshoumi (1-4). Mitakeumi was allowed to do his brand of sumo as he pressed Oshoumi backward and over the bales. Oshidashi.

Nishikifuji (4-1) defeated Gonoyama (2-3). Nishikifuji pulled and pivoted with his right foot to slapdown Gonoyama. Hatakikomi.

Tokihayate (4-1) defeated Tomokaze (0-5). Tomokaze pulled backwards, no pivot, and ceded all position to his opponent with his feeble slapdown attempt. Andy yelled at the TV as Tokihayate shoved Tomokaze over the bales. “PIVOT!!” Sometimes these guys are just desperate, impatient or just plain lazy and they don’t PIVOT. Oshidashi.

Roga (3-2) defeated Shishi (1-4). Roga seized Shishi’s belt with his left hand uwate (overarm grip). While Shishi was settling into a lean, Roga twisted clockwise and pulled Shishi with that left hand. Shishi stumbled to his knees. Uwatenage.

Fujinokawa (5-0) defeated Kotoshoho (3-2). Kotoshoho yielded position to Fujinokawa and quickly had his heels at the bales. As Kotoshoho looked for something to grab onto for a last second counter-maneauver, Fujinokawa thrust him over the bales. Fujinokawa’s blitzing style has him off to his best start since he reached the top division. Tsukidashi.

Daieisho (3-2) defeated Kinbozan (1-4). Kinbozan thrust Daieisho back to the tawara. Daieisho pivoted and pulled, slapping Kinbozan to the ground. Kinbozan has a serious case of Daieshoitis. He has powerful thrusts but he gets caught too far over his feet. Hatakikomi.

Ichiyamamoto (3-2) defeated Tobizaru (2-3). Oof. Wow. Live, it looked like Ichiyamamoto lifted Tobizaru backwards off his feet with a brutal right hand nodowa, slamming him to the ground. Replay showed Tobizaru tried a poorly-timed leg sweep and caught nothing but air, right as Ichiyamamoto’s pressed forward with that nodowa. Ichiyamamoto’s reputation as the gentleman of the division is intact. Oshitaoshi.

Midorifuji (2-3) defeated Churanoumi (3-2). After a lengthy tussle, an exhausted Midorifuji used his right hand uwate to haul Churanoumi over the bales. Yorikiri.

Halftime

Onokatsu (2-3) defeated Abi (2-3). Abi pulled straight back and Onokatsu shoved him out. I have no patience for this impudence. Or maybe it’s just too early in the morning and I need some coffee. Yorikiri.

Yoshinofuji (4-1) defeated Shodai (1-4). Shodai forced Yoshinofuji back to the bales but Yoshinofuji spun and forced Shodai to the edge. Yoshinofuji then finished Shodai off and forced him over the tawara. Yorikiri.

Atamifuji (4-1) defeated Oshoma (2-3). Head-down, Atamifuji chugged forward and shoved Oshoma out. Oshidashi.

Kirishima (2-3) defeated Old Tom O’Washi (3-2). Tamawashi put his head down to press forward but Kirishima backed away and quickly slapped him down. Hatakikomi.

Sanyaku

Hakuoho (2-3) defeated Takanosho (0-5). Takanosho looks lost back in sanyaku. Hakuoho got inside quickly, eliminating any of Takanosho’s tsuppari. He chugged and shoved Takanosho back and out. Oshidashi.

Takayasu (4-1) defeated Oho (2-3). Oho did not want Takayasu to get a belt grip so he retreated each time Takayasu went inside. Takayasu pursued well, though. Takayasu used his steady footwork and constant pressure to work Oho toward the bales and out. Oshidashi.

Wakatakakage (1-4) defeated Aonishiki (4-1). HENKA!!! Oh, wow. This one might go down in lore alongside Hakuho’s henka of Harumafuji and Terunofuji’s henka of Kotoshogiku. Even die-hard WTK fans might think, WTF?? At the core of every desperate 0-4 start, is a cold, cold heart. That was a thing of beauty. Evil beauty. Aonishiki rushed forward and fell to the dirt and ceded his first loss of the tournament. Aonishiki tried desperately to stop his forward momentum and regain his footing but Wakatakakage have him a little shove from the back to finish him off. Okuriotoshi.

Ura (3-2) defeated Kotozakura (2-3). Ura planted in the center of the ring and, borrowing Zeki’s spring analogy, compressed himself and then released and sprung forward, forcing the Ozeki back and out. Yorikiri.

Hoshoryu (4-1) defeated Hiradoumi (2-3). Hiradoumi launched himself out at the Yokozuna. As he blasted Hoshoryu backward, the Yokozuna shifted to the side – one might say PIVOTED – and slapped him down. Hatakikomi.

Onosato (5-0) defeated Wakamotoharu (1-4). Wakamotoharu got a left hand uwate but Onosato ignored it as he drove forward and forced Wakamotoharu to the bales. Wakamotoharu showed the slightest resistance and Onosato took this as an affront. Onosato pivoted and with his right hand hooked in WMH’s left shoulder, blasted his opponent through the ring and off the fighting surface. Yoritaoshi.

Wrap-up

Fujinokawa has had quite the run and is now the only man other than Onosato to remain undefeated in the top division. He will fight Mitakeumi tomorrow. As jmotzi and herbern pointed out yesterday, schedulers will soon plan to bring him up to fight higher-ranked opponents. As you all said, Hiradoumi, Ura, and even Aonishiki would be great choices. Hiradoumi or a Hakuoho would be a great pairing with Fujinokawa’s blitzing style of attack.

As I noted after he had a poor run to start Aki,

“I know Fujinokawa has his boosters, that he’s “for real.” I know he did well in Nagoya…but I don’t get the hype. Maybe one of you can convince me how he’s much better than, say, the shorter Tobizaru or even the powerful Asakoryu? Where does he fit in the top division? A grinder like Sadanoumi? Or someone who will reach sanyaku?”

This tournament has started completely different from the previous two. His 6-9 record from Aki forced him to slip down the banzuke a bit, to the bottom quarter of the division. He has been overwhelming his opponents so far with his speed. Former Yusho-winner Kotoshoho looked out of place today.

I know it’s early in his career but I’d like to bring that question up again. I wonder where he will fit in the division. There are more “smaller” wrestlers now and several who have preceded him, so I wonder whose track he will follow. I mentioned Sadanoumi because I wonder about how Fujinokawa would do in Sanyaku.

When people talk about longevity and age, we naturally mention the Iron Man, Tamawashi, but Sadanoumi actually has the longest tenure in the Sumo Association of anyone currently in the top division. His debut was way back in early 2003.

However, his top rank is Maegashira 1, which he earned back in 2015 after winning a kinboshi off Harumafuji. Since then, he’s largely remained in the bottom half of the division but he has been a regular presence, a solid Makuuchi veteran. Will sanyaku be too high of a cap for Fujinokawa?

Ura has peaked at Komusubi, so far, and is regularly in the joi-jin. When he falls from the joi, he usually performs really well against lower rank-and-filers and gets flung back up into the joi. But that seems to be his peak. Takakeisho was a little shorter than Fujinokawa but is he perhaps a more fitting comparison? Will Fujinokawa be able to rise that high and find a place as a sanyaku regular? Maybe he will be similar to Hiradoumi?

After seeing smaller wrestlers like Ishiura, Enho, and Ura come up and have some success in the top division, I just wonder where these new faces like Fujinokawa, Tokihayate, and Asakoryu will go. How high can they climb? Do they need to “bulk up” to Ura or Takakeisho proportions to take it to sanyaku, or can they do it now?

But I digress. I think I ended up having too much coffee this morning because I have spent far too long on this. I am interested in what you all think of this new crop of smaller wrestlers, in particular Fujinokawa with this blitzing style.

Takayasu is quietly having a great start to this tournament. His only loss was the Day One bout against Onosato. He will get his turn against a dispirited Takanosho tomorrow. Aonishiki will take on Ura tomorrow. Hakuoho will face Oho.

Kotozakura will need to regroup against Tamawashi or he needs to go kyujo and come back stronger, and fully healed. If he goes kadoban again, all of this effort and damage will take its toll. Onosato will fight Hiradoumi and Hoshoryu will battle Wakamotoharu in the musubi-no-ichiban.

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.