Hoshoryu

Nagoya 2026: Day Five

Andy Nagoya 2026, Nagoya Basho , , ,

Day Five in Nagoya. Oshoumi, in Juryo, is kyujo and will undergo surgery. Tough break for the kid, as that will likely lead to his demotion from Juryo at Aki.

In Makushita, Tanji (2-1) suffered his first loss, to Nabatame (3-0). Tanji remains in the driver’s seat for Juryo promotion but Nabatame is building his own case. Hakuyozan’s and even Oshoumi’s positions will be up for grabs but it’s obviously way too early to know how many other Juryo slots will be available. Asahifuji will battle Fujisodai tomorrow as he tries to make his own case for promotion via yusho. Tanji will move up and fight Nishikigi. Trial by fire.

Shirokuma and Arashifuji continue winning and remain undefeated at 5-0. Shirokuma fights Meisei tomorrow and Arashifuji will take on Hatsuyama. Enho lost to Nishikigi and Meisei fell to Tamawashi as the schedulers pitted our favorite veterans against themselves. Enho will face Kagayaki and Tamawashi will fight Kitanowaka.

NHK videos are here.

Makuuchi Action

Daiseizan (2-3) defeated Onokatsu (0-5). Onokatsu used his hidari-yotsu to push Daiseizan to the bales but Daiseizan pivoted at the edge and toppled Onokatsu over the tawara. Yoritaoshi.

Shishi (5-0) defeated Ryuden (1-4). Ryuden visited from Juryo and disrupted Shishi’s desired attack. Ryuden’s left hand ottsuke blocked Shishi from getting the grip he wanted. So, Shishi had to adapt. He pulled and dragged Ryuden to the bales, then toppled him over the edge. Sukuinage.

Kinbozan (3-2) defeated Asakoryu (2-3). Asakoryu gave up a double-inside grip to Kinbozan. That was a huge mistake. Kinbozan immediately bulldozed through the dohyo and forced Asakoryu back over the edge. Yorikiri.

Takerufuji (4-1) defeated Kazuma (2-3). Takerufuji twisted as the pair advanced toward the edge and Kazuma’s leg buckled, taking a knee. It didn’t seem to be an injury issue, rather a footwork issue. Sukuinage.

Abi (3-2) defeated Asahakuryu (2-3). Abi henka. The henka itself did not appear designed to win but to get a left-hand grip on Asahakuryu’s belt. Then Abi pivoted and dragged Asahakuryu down with that belt grip, aided by his right hand on his opponent’s head, pressing down. Uwatedashinage.

Nishikifuji (4-1) defeated Mitakeumi (0-5). Mitakeumi charged ahead but Nishikifuji pivoted and yanked Mitakeumi over the bales. Uwatedashinage.

Asanoyama (3-2) defeated Chiyoshoma (1-4). Chiyoshoma lashed out with a brief nodowa and then pulled, which was a mistake. Asanoyama made quick work and happily forced him over the edge. Yorikiri.

Wakanosho (5-0) defeated Tobizaru (1-4). Tobizaru pulled early and shifted to the side, but Wakanosho put on the brakes quickly enough to avoid stepping out. Wakanosho then reacquired his target, drove forward and blasted Tobizaru from the ring. Tsukidashi.

Roga (2-3) defeated Wakamotoharu (2-3). Wakamotoharu deployed his usual tawara-twisting throw attempt but Roga had read the brief, kept Wakamotoharu centered, and drove through him. Yoritaoshi.

Takayasu (4-1) defeated Fujiryoga (3-2). Fujiryoga was not intimidated and fought well against Takayasu as the two traded tsuppari and head butts. Takayasu dramatically spun away to his left and slapped Fujiryoga down as the latter re-engaged. Hatakikomi.

Shodai (2-3) defeated Fujiseiun (2-3). Shodai pivoted at the bales and dragged Fujiseiun down. Hikiotoshi.

Halftime

Kotoeiho (4-1) defeated Oshoma (1-4). Kotoeiho used his left-hand inside, right hand outside grip to steer Oshoma to the edge and force him over. Yorikiri.

Daieisho defeated Ichiyamamoto. Daieisho’s pull forced Ichiyamamoto to the edge and off-balance. Daieisho then squared up and shoved Ichiyamamoto out of the ring. Oshidashi.

Hakunofuji (4-1) defeated Ura (1-4). Hakunofuji got both hands inside and charged to the edge. Ura tried to pivot but Hakunofuji kept Ura in front of him and crushed him out. Sukuinage.

Sanyaku

Yoshinofuji (3-2) defeated Oho (1-4). Yoshinofuji let Oho lead as they waltzed to the edge. Oho tired quickly, though, and let Yoshinofuji take over. Yoshinofuji pulled up with both hands squarely on Oho’s belt and drove him out. Oho gave his best Shodai impression at the edge, which means he tried to twist but lost. He was more Shodai today than Shodai, himself, was. Yorikiri.

Takanosho (1-4) defeated Atamifuji (3-2). Takanosho has that disruptive ability if he can stay up and in. After trading nodowa and tsuppari, Takanosho had shoved Atamifuji to the edge. Atamifuji then pulled when he had no room left and Takanosho shoved him out. Oshidashi.

Fujinokawa (3-2) defeated Kotoshoho (3-2). Henka! Fujinokawa leapt to the left. Kotoshoho was caught completely off guard and flopped forward. Tsukiotoshi.

Aonishiki (4-1) defeated Kotozakura (3-2). Kotozakura pulled and tried to slap Aonishiki down. Aonishiki braced himself with his right hand inside and drove forward, forcing Kotozakura out. Yorikiri.

Hiradoumi (1-4) defeated Kirishima (4-1). Kirishima was committed to the slapdown but Hiradoumi did well to stay upright and force Kirishima out. Oshidashi.

Onosato (2-3) defeated Churanoumi (1-4). Onosato charged ahead as Churanoumi shifted left and tried to pull on Onosato’s right arm. Importantly, Onosato did not move in reverse! Instead, he pressed forward and shoved Churanoumi out. Everyone breathed a sigh of relief and the crowd gave Onosato a solid round of applause. Not a lot of hooting or hollering but I think folks were just happy the Yokozuna moved forward and won. Oshidashi.

Hoshoryu (4-1) defeated Gonoyama (1-4). Hoshoryu pulled Gonoyama’s left arm and shoved him down as he ran past. Maybe this tactic would have been more effective against Aonishiki than the straight-forward slap-down attempt? Keep that arm off your belt by yanking on it? I guess anything’s possible. Tottari.

Wrap-Up

Kirishima slipped up today against Hiradoumi. The slapdown is a good strategy, on paper, against Hiradoumi. But today Hiradoumi kept his footing and Kirishima did not use any mis-direction or anything to throw him off. Trying a slapdown against Aonishiki, though, is a bit more of a gamble. He seems so solid with his footwork. He doesn’t really tend to get his mass out ahead of his feet, certainly not in the way that Kotozakura tends to get his (m)ass moving backward and off of the dohyo.

Lots of big match-ups tomorrow. Hoshoryu will fight Hakunofuji. Onosato will fight Hiradoumi. Not easy bouts for the Yokozuna-tachi, that’s for sure. Kirishima will fight Yoshinofuji and Kotozakura will fight himself and Gonoyama. Atamifuji is up against Fujinokawa, Kotoshoho will square off against Takanosho and Aonishiki will fight Oho.

Among the rank-and-file, Ura versus Kotoeiho will be interesting and undefeated Wakanosho will fight Fujiryoga. Shishi will take on Asakoryu. Will Onokatsu show up? I’ve got my eye on a few guys for possible kyujo and he’s at the top of my list.

おやすみなさい。

Nagoya 2026: Day Four

Andy Nagoya 2026, Nagoya Basho , , , ,

Eisei won his second bout. One more win and that should be enough of maezumo. Then we’ll see him at Nakabi in his kesho-mawashi finery. It will be Jonokuchi in September. I’m eager to see him take on Hikarumusashi. But that clash wouldn’t be happening until next year, maybe Osaka? As for Hikarumusashi, he is 0-2 in Sandanme at the moment. He will face Ayanofuji tomorrow.

In Makushita, Kaida fell to Hananoumi. Neither Kaida nor Asahifuji appear to be on the docket for tomorrow. Meanwhile, the competition in Juryo has quickly shifted to a two man race: Shirokuma and Arashifuji are undefeated at 4-0. Enho won, and somehow managed to preserve his arm. Nishikigi got his second win. Meisei, Tamashoho, and Oshoumi, though, still seeek that shonichi first win.

Your NHK videos are here.

Makuuchi Action

Sadanoumi (1-3) defeated Onokatsu (0-4). Sadanoumi, the freight train, steamed ahead and forced Onokatsu back and out. It should be pointed out this was Sadanoumi’s first win. Yorikiri.

Shishi (4-0) defeated Kazuma (2-2). Shishi bear hugged Kazuma under his shoulders and pulled up, eliminating any attack from Kazuma. Shishi is putting in a strong case that his sumo has improved to another level; if he keeps this up he will be moving up the banzuke. Yorikiri.

Nishikifuji (3-1) defeated Asakoryu (2-2). Henka! Nishikifuji anticipated Asakoryu’s shift and adjusted well. He grabbed Asakoryu and drove him straight back and out. Yorikiri.

Takerufuji (3-1) defeated Daiseizan (1-3). Takerufuji modeled Shishi and Sadanoumi, quickly dispatching Daiseizan. Notch 8*! Yorikiri.

Kinbozan (2-2) defeated Abi (2-2). Kinbozan eventually forced himself inside Abi’s thrusts and got a hold of Abi’s belt. Once he got inside, Abi couldn’t use his tsuppari so Kinbozan pressed forward and forced him out. The last few days feel like a Yotsu Renaissance as guys like Kinbozan find the belt, find that it negates some Oshi attacks, and thus find wins. Yorikiri.

Wakanosho (4-0) defeated Mitakeumi (0-4). On cue, as I wax on about the rise of yotsu, Wakanosho steps up. He used his steady tsuppari to keep Mitakeumi at bay, pressed him back to the bales and forced him out. Not a simple Oshidashi here. The upgrade: Tsukidashi.

Asahakuryu (2-2) defeated Chiyoshoma (1-3). Hidari-yotsu battle. Asahakuryu had the advantage in strength and pressed Chiyoshoma back and over the bales. Yorikiri.

Fujiryoga (3-1) defeated Tobizaru (1-3). Tobizaru pulled and tried to slap Fujiryoga down but accidentally stepped out. Oshidashi.

Asanoyama (2-2) defeated Roga (1-3). Roga landed his left hand inside but Asanoyama charged ahead anyway, forcing Roga back and out. Yorikiri.

Kotoeiho (3-1) outlasted Takayasu (3-1). Kotoeiho struggled with his right hand this bout, trying to get inside. He finally popped Takayasu’s left arm off, squeezed his right hand inside and drove Papa Bear over the bales. Yorikiri.

Wakamotoharu (2-2) defeated Fujiseiun (2-2). Henka! Desperate times, desperate measures. I have a feeling we will see this tactic again this tournament. Tsukiotoshi.

Halftime

Ura (1-3) defeated Oshoma (1-3). Oshoma charged ahead so Ura shifted right along the bales to counter attack. Ura dipped inside and got his left hand on Oshoma’s belt. He then pulled and dragged Oshoma down. Ura seemed to glare at Oshoma as the latter slinked away down the hanamichi. I don’t think Ura appreciated Oshoma’s gamesmanship before the tachiai. Uwatedashinage.

Ichiyamamoto (3-1) defeated Shodai (1-3). Shodai pulled. (Quelle surprise!!) Ichiyamamoto stuck with him and shoved him out. Oshidashi.

Hakunofuji defeated Hiradoumi. Hiradoumi plugged ahead behind forceful tsuppari but as the pair got to the edge, Hakunofuji shifted along the bale and slapped Hiradoumi down to the ground. Konishiki used to hate these hatakikomi guys. A little reminder to myself that I have this page with the old Narō footage. Hatakikomi.

Sanyaku

Yoshinofuji (2-2) defeated Aonishiki (3-1). Aonishiki got his left hand grip and dragged Yoshinofuji to the bales. He tried to trip Yoshinofuji and then he tried to just grab his leg and pick it up for an ashitori. Yoshinofuji kept his composure through all of it. His right paw had a firm hold of Aonishiki’s belt and he heaved Aonishiki over for a late, come-from-behind victory at the edge. A massive roar from the crowd, appreciative of the late turn of events. This video will be on replay A LOT. I guarantee it will make the NHK highlight package, probably from multiple angles. Uwatenage.

Oho (1-3) defeated Kotoshoho (3-1). Oho weathered Kotoshoho’s tsuppari and blasted the Sadogatake Sekiwake with his own, trading volley after volley. Kotoshoho grew weary first and pulled. Oho charged ahead and shoved him out. A bruising win for your favorite spoil sport. Oshidashi.

Daieisho (3-1) defeated Atamifuji (3-1). All of the Sekiwake fell today! Atamifuji gave Daieisho his best Daieisho impression, blasting the veteran with his most forceful tsuppari. Atamifuji needs to work on Phase Two, though. Daieisho knows misdirection and he knows how to pull. As Atamifuji charged forward to chase, Daieisho deflected Atamifuji’s attack. He shifted suddenly, as the action was going left, Daieisho went back to the right and Atamifuji fell forward to the clay. Tsukiotoshi.

Kirishima (4-0) defeated Takanosho (0-4). This was not an easy one for the Ozeki. Kirishima certainlt had a plan to get in behind Takanosho and get that belt. Kirishima grabbed it good once, but Takanosho spun away. Kirishima went in for it again and Takanosho backed away again, swatting Kirishima off but Kirishima was able to shove Takanosho out. Oshidashi.

Kotozakura (3-1) defeated Fujinokawa (2-2). Fujinokawa attacked fiercefully but Kotozakura cycled back, clockwise along the bales, and slapped Fujinokawa down, and pulled him forward by the belt for good measure. Fujinokawa had to catch his fall with his right hand and lost. Hatakikomi.

Hoshoryu (3-1) defeated Churanoumi (1-3). Hoshoryu seemed patient today and it paid off. He grabbed Churanoumi’s left arm and pulled him forward to the bales. As Churanoumi again went for the Yokozuna’s belt with that left hand, Hoshoryu grabbed it. It looked like he would rip it off, in a rather more violent variant of the kotenage attack. But Churanoumi stumbled forward and Hoshoryu was satisfied with just shoving him down. Tsukiotoshi.

Gonoyama (1-3) defeated Onosato (1-3). Gonoyama charged ahead, Onosato opted for the slapdown. Onosato leapt for his life, flying higher than an eagle (certainly higher than Tamawashi can manage nowadays). Gonoyama landed in the dirt while Onosato glided through the air. Gunbai Onosato. Mono-ii? Reversal? What? Dude was robbed. The Yokozuna was robbed. I’m going to struggle to understand this one for a while. Oshidashi.

Wrap-Up

Well, um…I don’t know what to say about this one but I’m going to dig into more about this Gonoyama decision. I guess congratulations are in order for the kinboshi and the massive stack of kensho. I am sure there will be some articles about this but frankly, I think Kokonoe-oyakata and his team got the decision wrong.

What makes it even more odd is that Nishonoseki-oyakata was in on this decision. The duration of the conference makes me think this wasn’t a cut-and-dry thing and folks needed to be convinced. I’m going to need to be convinced on this one. What seems more likely is that Nishonoseki took exception to Onosato’s decision to take flight. With Onosato clearly leaving the dohyo, and the Earth’s atmosphere, and entering orbit before Gonoyama fell therefore Onosato died first?

Ugh. Now that I think about it, it’s rather cut-and-dry. I need to put away my Onosato rally towel and accept his defeat. Onosato’s jump ended his time on Earth and he therefore lost. Anyway, Day Four is in the books, whether I like it or not. Let’s turn to Day Five.

Onosato will face Churanoumi while Hoshoryu will take on Gonoyama. Kirishima will battle Hiradoumi as he hopes to remain undefeated. Kotozakura will face Aonishiki. Circle that one. Bold it, highlight it, draw pretty stars around it, write it in red, tattoo it to the back of your hand, do whatever but that will be a big bout. Atamifuji will face Takanosho and Kotoshoho will take on Fujinokawa. The Komusubi pair, Yoshinofuji and Oho will also face off for what should be an interesting bout.

There are other interesting bouts, too. Like Wakanosho versus Tobizaru. If you had told me there would be a Ukrainian undefeated going into Day Five, I don’t think I would have thought of Shishi. Anyway, should be thrilling. Tune in tomorrow!

*Note: For those who aren’t down with the railroad lingo, “Notch 8” is the highest notch on a train engine — essentially Full Throttle. I buried this explanation for comedic effect. Not for your amusement, purely mine. I get silly at this hour. Ha Ha.

Natsu 2026: Shonichi

Andy Natsu 2026, Natsu Basho

Welcome back. I tackled a few items in the preview post, like the Onosato/Aonishiki kyujo. I’ll not rehash them here. We can file this item under “miscellaneous.” Ex-Chiyonokuni makes his debut as a shimpan this tournament and will be ringside during the first half of top division action. We also get to see Chiyomaru in his new wakaimonogashira role. Unfortunately, he will make an entrance in the action later today.

Enho won his first bout back in Juryo. He defeated Tochitaikai by oshidashi push out. Down in sandanme, Enho’s phenom stablemate, Asahifuji, easily dispatched Hakuomaru with a yorikiri (force out).

Update: I forgot to add the link to the NHK videos. Consider that fixed. They included a couple of Juryo videos: Enho vs Tochitaikai and Okaryu vs Hakuyozan.

Let’s turn our attention to the top division for a few items of note. First, this tournament marks a milestone for Tamawashi. It’s his 100th basho in the top division. Only Hakuho (103) and Kaio (107) are ahead of him. He can tie Hakuho at 103 this year. He can pass both next year.

Makuuchi Action

Fujiryoga defeated Ryuden. Fujiryoga seemed in control this whole bout. He got his left hand inside and right hand outside grip. Despite Ryuden’s loose mawashi, Fujiryoga got enough leverage to drive Ryuden back and over the bales. Yorikiri. Fujiryoga will fight top division newbie, Wakanosho tomorrow. Ryuden will take on Oshoumi.

Wakanosho defeated Oshoumi. Wakanosho blitzed Oshoumi at the tachiai with a strong, fast tsuppari attack. He forced Oshoumi back and out quickly. Tsukidashi.

Tobizaru defeated Roga. Roga had the early advantage until Tobizaru slipped inside and got a right hand grip. He used his right foot to attempt to trip Roga and though he missed, the move got Roga moving backward. Tobizaru pressed forward and Roga’s momentum drove him out. Oshidashi. Tobizaru will fight Mitakeumi tomorrow; Roga will take on Tamawashi.

Mitakeumi defeated Tamawashi. Tamawashi tried to pull but Mitakeumi countered well, driving the Iron Man backward and out of the ring. Oshidashi.

Kotoeiho defeated Tokihayate. Tokihayate used his speed and inside position to put Kotoeiho on the ropes early and for much of the bout. Kotoeiho barely maintained his balance and stayed inside the ring. He was able to get his left arm grip and pull Tokihayate down at the edge. Uwatenage. Kotoeiho will fight Shishi; Tokihayate will fight Kinbozan.

Kinbozan defeated Shishi. Kinbozan overpowered Shishi, drove him back to the bales and toppled the Ukrainian backwards with his entire weight. Abisetaoshi.

Ura defeated Hakunofuji. Hakunofuji pulled but Ura was ready and drove him straight back and out. Oshidashi. Ura will fight Nishikifuji tomorrow; Hakunofuji will have to regroup against Asanoyama.

Asanoyama defeated Nishikifuji. Nishikifuji lashed out at Asanoyama and drove him back a step at the tachiai. However, he quickly backed up and tried to slap the former Ozeki down. Asanoyama pressed forward and forced Nishikifuji out. Yorikiri.

Abi defeated Asahakuryu. Abi tried his slapdown attack for much of the bout but Asahakuryu maintained his balance and kept the pressure up. Abi switched gears and drove forward behind that tsuppari and shoved Asahakuryu over the bales. Oshidashi. Abi will take on another Takasago boy tomorrow in Asakoryu; Asahakuryu will fight Oshouma. Can I think of a bad Kohaku joke in time for tomorrow? (Kohaku is the term for the alternating red/white colors which are often on display for celebrations in Japan. The shikona of Asakoryu and Asahakuryu feature these characters.)

Asakoryu defeated Oshoma. One, Two, Three matta from Asakoryu. You know what that means, henka! What? No henka? What the hell? Asakoryu hit Oshoma with a solid tachiai. The two squared up in the center of the ring and as Asakoryu charged in again, Oshoma reversed and tried to slap him down but Asakoryu kept his balance and forced Oshoma off the dohyo. Oshidashi.

Halftime

Fujiseiun defeated Chiyoshoma. Fujiseiun brushed off Chiyoshoma’s tsuppari and plowed through the ring, driving him out. Yorikiri. Fujiseiun will fight Shodai tomorrow; Chiyoshoma will take on Churanoumi.

Churanoumi defeated Shodai. Churanoumi kept Shodai centered and drove him out. Shodai appeared to want to try some sort of reversal at the edge but couldn’t execute. Oshidashi.

Gonoyama defeated Wakamotoharu. Gonoyama attacked Wakamotoharu and drove him back over the bales. Wakamotoharu tried to execute a slapdown with both feet on the tawara and that’s just not going to work. Oshidashi. Gonoyama will fight Oho tomorrow; Wakamotoharu will face Daieisho.

Daieisho defeated Oho. Daieisho seemed prepared for Oho to try to slap him down. He still hit Oho with his usual thrusting tsuppari attack but he didn’t get out over his feet. He seemed to hold back, preventing Oho from finding any openings for a slapdown. Befuddled, Oho was easily shoved out. Oshidashi.

Sanyaku

Wakatakakage defeated Hiradoumi. Not a henka but…Wakatakakage shifted to his left at the tachiai and Hiradoumi blasted forward like a jack-in-the-box, into a void. Hiradoumi’s momentum carried him through the ring and down the other side. Tsukiotoshi.

Kotoshoho defeated Yoshinofuji. Kotoshoho forced Yoshinofuji to the edge. Yoshinofuji balanced on one foot as he tried to slap Kotoshoho down. Both men tumbled down. Gunbai Kotoshoho. Mono-ii. Replays showed Kotoshoho landing on the dohyo while Yoshinofuji’s foot was still inside the bales. Gunbai overturned Sukuinage.

Ichiyamamoto defeated Atamifuji. Ichiyamamoto leapt to his right and pulled Atamifuji forward. Atamin’s momentum carried him over the bales. Hatakikomi.

Kirishima defeated Takanosho. Now, Takanosho did get out ahead of his feet so when Kirishima shifted left, Takanosho stumbled forward. Kirishima easily slapped him down. Hakakikomi.

Fujinokawa defeated Kotozakura. Kotozakura seemed to have the upper hand at the start but Fujinokawa jumped left and tried a slapdown. Kotozakura recovered but had no counter attack near the edge. Fujinokawa seized the opportunity, charged forward again and blasted Kotozakura back and out. Tsukidashi.

Takayasu defeated Hoshoryu. Hoshoryu tried to get his right hand inside so he reared back and then dove forward to get at Takayasu’s belt. However, Takayasu pulled Hoshoryu forward with his left hand deep at the back of Hoshoryu’s belt and slapped him down with his right hand. Hoshoryu fell backward awkwardly on his butt. He’d been in a half-split and likely pulled a hammy. Hoshoryu was slow to get up and hobbled back down the hanamichi but needed the big wheelchair once he’d gotten to the back. Wakaimonogashira Chiyomaru was among the crew attending to the Yokozuna as he left the dohyo. Kyujo incoming. Uwatenage.

Wrap-up

Great to be back with you all for the next two weeks but we have lost another of our top guys to injury. We’ll keep an eye out for news of Hoshoryu. Kotozakura will need to dig himself out of this hole he’s dug for himself on Day One but we’re rather used to that. Kirishima is suddenly in the driver’s seat this basho. I’m sure it won’t be that straightforward so we’re surely in for a roller coaster ride.

Let’s take a look at the sanyaku matchups for tomorrow. Takayasu will fight Ichiyamamoto, Atamifuji will battle Hiradoumi, and Kotoshoho fights Takanosho. Kotozakura will face Wakatakakage, Kirishima will take on Yoshinofuji, and Fujinokawa might pick up a fusen default victory from Hoshoryu. Judging by Hoshoryu’s condition after the bout today, he won’t be back soon.

Haru 2026: Day Fourteen

Andy Haru 2026, Haru Basho , ,

Day Fourteen in Osaka. The kyujo banner waves again. We swing by the infirmary and Wakatakakage has checked in. He will be kyujo today and Daieisho will receive the walkover win.

Down in Juryo, Dewanoryu lost to Ryuden, who is looking to come back to Makuuchi. Daiseizan hopes to make a case for promotion by visiting Makuuchi in a possible exchange bout with struggling Oshoumi. Enho lost to Nishikigi. Nishikigi likely saved his skin but did the result close the door on Enho?

It will be a tight call between Takakento and Enho but I would hope Enho would pick up that fourth opening. Tsurugisho, Shimazuumi and Kotokuzan have indisputable demotable records. We’ve seen weird things happen with 6-9 records so things may hinge on the results tomorrow.

In the yusho race, Wakanosho defeated Toshinofuji, improving to 11-3. So Dewanoryu and Wakanosho sit tied at 11-3 with Kazuma behind them at 10-4. The three men have already fought each other so it will be interesting to see who they’re paired against on senshuraku.

Your NHK videos are here.

Makuuchi Action

Asakoryu (9-5) defeated Kinbozan (8-6). Oshidashi.

Kotoeiho (9-5) defeated Shishi (6-8). Kotoeiho pivoted and quickly drove Shishi out. Shishi missed when he tried to grab Kotoeiho’s belt. Yorikiri.

Oshoumi (4-10) defeated Daiseizan (Juryo 7-7). Henka! Oshoumi jumps to the side and shoves Daiseizan down to the clay. “Desperate times call for desperate measures.” With the win, Oshoumi is likely safe from demotion but a win tomorrow can’t hurt. Tsukiotoshi.

Asahakuryu (10-4) defeated Gonoyama (9-5). Asahakuryu quickly grabbed Gonoyama’s belt with a left-handed uwate. He pivoted and pulled, dragging Gonoyama while slapping him down with his right hand. Uwatedashinage.

Roga (5-9) defeated Fujiryoga (6-8). Roga grabbed Fujiryoga’s belt with his left hand. Fujiryoga slipped his right hand inside but he was already perilously positioned along the bales. Roga rotated and dragged Fujiryoga down. Uwatenage.

Chiyoshoma (9-5) defeated Tokihayate (5-9). Chiyoshoma forced Tokihayate to the edge with his nodowa and tsuppari. Tokihayate quickly jumped left to turn the tables and force Chiyoshoma to the edge but Chiyoshoma just grabbed Tokihayate’s belt, drove him to the edge, and tripped him over the bales. Kirikaeshi.

Tobizaru (6-8) defeated Tamawashi (4-10). For a while, Tamawashi kept Tobizaru at bay with tsuppari. But Tobizaru eventually worked his way inside. This got him close enough to execute his trip. Kicking Tamawashi’s right foot forced Tamawashi off-balance and Tobizaru shoved him down as Tamawashi stumbled forward. Tsukiotoshi.

Mitakeumi (8-6) defeated Ura (5-9). Mitakeumi used the leverage from his right arm under Ura’s shoulder to twist Ura down. Sukuinage.

Nishikifuji (8-6) defeated Shodai (7-7). Nishikifuji made Shodai uncomfortable with a nodowa and got the big lug moving backwards. One more shove to the clavicle finished him off. Oshidashi.

Oshoma (5-9) defeated Fujiseiun (9-5). Oshoma stood Fujiseiun up with tsuppari and a nodowa, then pulled and slapped him down. Hatakikomi.

Halftime

If folks wonder what happens at halftime, the shimpan leave and a new team of judges comes in. The yobidashi come up and care for the dohyo, sprinkling water from a pail onto the surface and then brushing the surface, freshening it up. They sweep the free granules of clay from the shikirisen, making the white lines pristine. In the Konishiki videos, Konishiki points out that after a while, the dohyo gets hard and compacted like concrete. This softens it up a tad and distributes the loose clay evenly along the surface.

Abi (4-5-5) defeated Asanoyama (8-6). Abi henka! Abi leapt to the left and grabbed Asanoyama’s belt with his left hand. He then rotated and pulled Asanoyama forward and off the dohyo. Uwatenage.

Fujinokawa (7-7) defeated Hiradoumi (6-8). Hiradoumi blitzed Fujinokawa with a fast tachiai but Fujinokawa twisted back and used his left hand under Hiradoumi’s armpit to heave Hiradoumi over and slam him to the ground at the edge. Sukuinage.

Hakunofuji (4-6-4) defeated Churanoumi (4-10). Hakunofuji charged ahead and got inside. Churanoumi quit about 3 feet from the bales and Hakunofuji ushered him out.

Daieisho (7-7) default win over Wakatakakage (8-6). NHK zoomed in on some fans who’d brought their homemade Wakatakakage signs, rubbing salt into the wounds that they won’t see their man in the arena today. NHK just knows what buttons to press. Their management must be S.

Oho (7-7) defeated Yoshinofuji (6-8). Oho grabbed Yoshinofuji by the head and forced him to the edge. Yoshinofuji freed himself with a shove to Oho’s right hand but when Yoshinofuji re-engaged, Oho pulled AND PIVOTED, thrusting Yoshinofuji down to the clay. Tsukiotoshi.

Sanyaku

Wakamotoharu (3-11) defeated Takanosho (9-5). Takanosho drove Wakamotoharu back to the edge with his nodowa and tsuppari. At the edge, Wakamotoharu shifted left and pulled Takanosho down while balancing on the bales with his best Daniel “crane pose.” Gunbai Wakamotoharu. No mono-ii. Hikiotoshi.

Atamifuji (9-5) defeated Kotoshoho (10-4). Kotoshoho’s initial slapdown attempt failed so he locked on to Atamifuji’s belt. Atamifuji seemed to heavy for him to move, so Atamifuji pressed forward and shoved him out. Oshidashi.

Ichiyamamoto (8-6) defeated Takayasu (6-8). Ichiyamamoto pulled and shifted left to get access to Takayasu’s belt. He pulled him forward for the win. Uwatenage.

Aonishiki (7-7) defeated Kirishima (12-2). Aonishiki does not want to go kadoban. Hoshoryu needs to win to prevent Kirishima claiming the title. Kirishima had the right-hand uwate grip he wanted but when he pulled backward, Aonishiki pulled him down to a knee. Shitatenage.

Kotozakura (9-5) defeated Hoshoryu (10-4). Hoshoryu and Kotozakura locked up at the tachiai. We started with a migi-yotsu battle. What now? Kotozakura demonstrated the initiative by pulling up on Hoshoryu and forcing him toward the edge but couldn’t get him over. Hoshoryu released with his right hand and pulled back to try an uwatenage. Kotozakura managed to get a morozashi, double inside grip. Hoshoryu panicked and reared back but Kotozakura worked his left leg behind Hoshoryu’s right, forced Hoshoryu off-balance and back onto his butt. Kirishima yusho! Sotogake.

Wrap-up

The yusho has been decided, even if tomorrow’s bout lineup has not. It’s appropriate to use the passive voice, rather than the active voice, since the title was claimed by Kirishima despite a loss today. One is left with the feeling that the cup fell to its winner’s lap rather than being seized through a victory.

Kirishima will likely fight Kotozakura tomorrow with Hoshoryu fighting Aonishiki. Add Onosato into the mix and I hope we get these five guys leading the field for quite a while. There are a lot of good rivalries here.

It looks like we’ll have two open Sekiwake slots with Takayasu earning demotion today and Kirishima’s likely promotion. Atamifuji will be a lock for one slot. The other will likely go to Wakatakakage as the next promotable results lie with Takanosho and Kotoshoho. Both men lost today but maybe a senshuraku win will help one leapfrog Wakatakakage?

Well, there’s another day of action, apparently. See you back here tomorrow.