Grand Sumo Preview

Kyushu Day One Preview

Andy Kyushu 2025, Kyushu Basho , , ,

Once again, the Dohyo Matsuri will be streamed live on the Sumo Association’s YouTube channel at 8pm Eastern. For those new to the sport, this is the consecration ceremony, based on Japan’s Shinto roots. The kami are beckoned to the dohyo to watch after the action on the dohyo. Let’s hope there will be a safe tournament!

Action will begin on Sunday morning, Japan time with the Jonokuchi bouts. The Top Division action will start later in the afternoon, around 4pm until 6. The schedule of the first two days of sekitori bouts has been published.

In Sanyaku, we will have Komusubi Takanosho open things up against Hiradoumi, Wakamotoharu will fight Sekiwake Oho and Shin-Sekiwake will face Kirishima. Ozeki Kotozakura will mount the dohyo and fight Wakatakakage in a big test of the Ozeki’s fitness. Then Hoshoryu will fight Hakuoho before Onosato caps off the day against Takayasu.

Other bouts that will draw a bit of interest will be Ura versus Tamawashi, Yoshinofuji (ex-Kusano) will fight his first bout with the new shikona against Oshoma. Shodai will fight Atamifuji and Abi will take on Ichiyamamoto. A few months ago we were looking at Daieisho as an Ozeki candidate but he will fight Shishi tomorrow as he hopes to turn things around.

Be prepared to see Endo (Kitajin) and Takarafuji (Kiriyama) in new navy blue jackets. They will likely have security duties and we might see them assemble at the close of the day to help usher folks out of the arena. Sunday Morning at 1am, NHK Premium will have its Dosukoi program on Shitatenage and then Makuuchi action begins at 2am Eastern. Again, that’s a subscription service through NHK Premium. In the US and Canada it’s available with JME. For free, at 3:10am NHK World will stream action live via its website. That usually catches the second half of action, which will include the Sanyaku. The NHK Preview Show is available here.

May – Grand Sumo Preview

Bruce H Mock Natsu Basho 2020

Believe it or not, NHK World Japan will be hosting one in the ongoing series of Grand Sumo Previews. In spite of the fact that the Natsu basho has been canceled (although Tachiai and Grand Sumo Breakdown are carrying on with a mock basho) – the crew at Grand Sumo are prepared to talk about the situation with our favorite sport.

NHK WORLD-JAPAN reviews the Grand Sumo spring tournament held without spectators. It also looks at the current situation of sumo after the cancellation of the May tournament.

Tune in Friday (Japan time) to see if they force Raja to get his sinus swabbed by a laughing Chiyomaru in a demonstration of the uncomfortable nature of COVID-19 testing. First showing is 00:30 Eastern time US on Friday / 21:30 Pacific time Thursday.

NHK Grand Sumo Preview – Friday

Bruce H Haru Basho 2020 (Osaka), NHK

Yes, it’s that time again! With the Haru Basho only days away, NHK World Japan is streaming their trademark Grand Sumo Preview show. Always worth the watch (my only knock is that it’s fairly short), it looks like we get an inside look at the yobidashi this time, which I am sure I will enjoy.

The show airs at 13:30 JST, and every 6 hours following that. So catch it on the NHK World Japan app, via a web browser, or wait for it to become watchable on demand about a day following.

NHK Grand Sumo Preview

Bruce H Kyushu Basho 2019

With just a few days to go before the Kyushu basho, its time once again for our favorite sumo presenters to take to NHK World Japan to discuss the upcoming tournament.

I am looking forward to this program’s featured rikishi, the team’s commentary and predictions, and what manner of torture Raja has to endure this time. Maybe they will make him eat the same lunch that Mitakeumi does…

The first showing will be tonight (US time) at 11:30 PM Eastern / 8:30 PM Central. Consult the NHK World web site for the correct time in your location.