intai

October 2025 Sumo News Round-up

Andy Jungyo (巡業), Juryo (十両), Retirement , , ,

“Aki Basho is over and but there are still some note-worthy updates to make.”

That’s how I began this post several weeks ago when I started drafting it. Now it’s nearly Halloween. Time flies and my conceptualized update post needs significant updates. Wrestlers who just got back from London will be packing up and heading to Kyushu. Some are already there in advance doing a bit of PR. The banzuke drops tonight but that’s clearly not the only bit of news from the past few weeks which I need to mention. Leonid mentioned a few of these items in his Kyushu Banzuke Preview post. His full prediction is here. I will be back with the banzuke later but these items needed attention.

Takarabune’s Final Sail

Takarafuji has retired. Since he looks vaguely like my uncle, I’ve always had a bit of a soft spot for him. Under the storied Isegahama banner, his sumo has always been rather straight-forward yotsu-zumo, fought in an earnest, quiet, and respectful manner. He had never been a big showman on the ring, letting the results speak for themselves. In a video message on the Kyokai’s Twitter account, he thanked his fans for supporting his career over the past sixteen years.

He started his sumo career in 2009 and fought in Juryo rediscovered the sport in 2011, climbing the ranks as I dove back into following the sport. He peaked at the rank of Sekiwake and won kinboshi from Kakuryu, Hakuho, and Kisenosato. Accumulated injuries have certainly taken their toll and he had slipped from Makuuchi into Juryo. Lately he was often overpowered and out maneuvered by his opponents. With a 5-10 record in Tokyo this past September, he was destined to fall out of the paid ranks and into Makushita.

Over the past few years, I’ve enjoyed writing about his bouts in a metaphorical sense, as if he were the Takarabune of legend and his bouts were legs of some epic journey. Sadly, that journey has come to an end. Takarafuji will remain with Isegahama as a coach, Kiriyama-oyakata.

Juryo Promotions

Four wrestlers were promoted to Juryo, including two newcomers. Both of the shin-juryo wrestlers have changed their shikona. Welcome Himukamaru (ex-Nagamura) and Fujiryuga (ex-Goshima) to the ranks of the full-timers. Kitanowaka and Wakanosho join them in Juryo.

Check out Justin’s Makushita posts to keep early tabs on some prospects as they rise into the division. It will take a while for guys to make the push through this tough third division. I’m keeping my eye on Noda. He’s been grinding and appears to be getting better. I’m eager to see where he will fall when the new banzuke comes out.

Takakeisho Retirement Ceremony

We had a pair of retirement ceremonies at the start of this break: Takakeisho and Myogiryu. Former Ozeki, Takakeisho, had his haircut first. Whenever we talk about Takakeisho now, the big story is his remarkable physical transformation. I’m looking forward to seeing him grow as a coach and hopefully become a stable master. Enjoy the video highlights of his retirement ceremony.

Myogiryu Retirement Ceremony

Myogiryu had a long, successful career in spite of injury. He joined Sakaigawa-beya and earned a Makushita debut from his university success at Nittaidai but suffered an injury when he earned promotion to Juryo. He fell back into Sandanme but fought back and rose all the way to Sekiwake, claiming six kinboshi over the course of his career — including two off of Hakuho.

London Basho

Our wrestlers went to London for a spectacular five-day tournament. The crew had last been there a few decades ago when Hakkaku was an active Yokozuna fighting as Hokutoumi. Since Covid restrictions are ancient history and sterling is doing quite well against the yen lately, the Sumo Association stands to make a decent haul from its trip and hopefully inspire another generation of sumo fans.

Hoshoryu took the top prize. But in a Grand Sumo stylee, there were special prizes to be had by those who fought well and those who won over the crowd. Hard core sumo lovers are sometimes hard to please with these exhibitions. I mean, let’s face it. The slaps don’t hit as hard in London — or Kanazawa — as they do on shonichi. Nevertheless, there was some great action, summarized in the video above.

It’s probably best that I was not able to attend. I have always wanted to throw a zabuton and would be more likely to do it in London than in Tokyo; I’m not trying to get my butt banned. But I figure London’s prepared for some well-mannered hooliganism. Another possible revenue stream would be to have a booth where punters can throw cushions and have Shodai catch them. I digress. I’m glad the event seems to have done well with the PR and I hope the rumors of a Paris Basho for next year hold true.

Hatsu 2025, Day Six: Terunofuji Steps Aside

Andy Hatsu 2025, Hatsu Basho ,

The big news coming into Day Six action is the sudden retirement of Yokozuna, Terunofuji. Terunofuji will remain with the sumo association as a coach, Terunofuji-oyakata. This brings his storied career to an end. He rocketed up the banzuke and reached the rank of Ozeki before knee injuries led to his demotion and eventual fall into Jonidan. Encouraged to stick with it by Isegahama-oyakata, Terunofuji climbed back up the ranks, reaching Yokozuna just as Hakuho retired, winning a total of 10 titles during his career.

We’re used to wrestlers adopting a new name when they become coach and either borrow or purchase a piece of the Sumo Association, known as a kabu. As Yokozuna, Terunofuji will be able to do so for five years under his name as Yokozuna. When that five year period is over, he will need to have a kabu if he wants to remain with the association.

We have a number of recent examples, such as Hakuho acquiring the Miyagino kabu. Kakuryu famously came down to the wire as he tried to acquire a kabu. Kisenosato shifted a couple of times to get Nishonoseki. There are a couple of kabu names associated with Terunofuji’s career which are likely target kabu. The obvious one is Isegahama but that is not written in stone. What is written in stone is current Isegahama is required to retire in July when he reaches mandatory retirement age of 65. The complication is that Isegahama can stay on with the Kyokai as a “sanyo” advisor, with that name, until he’s 70.

So, we will find out in the next few months if Isegahama-oyakata intends for Terunofuji to inherit the Isegahama kabu and the heya. During the broadcast today, Murray mentioned another elder in the stable, Homarefuji. In the case it’s not the Yokozuna who should take over, Terunofuji also has a history with the Magaki-kabu, currently owned by former Ishiura. Regardless, this process will have time to play out with the Yokozuna’s five-year grace period.

Finally, there is the little complication regarding Miyagino and Magaki as they are currently under Isegahama. With Terunofuji’s sudden retirement, I wonder if that will accelerate the timeline for allowing Hakuho to re-establish Miyagino-beya.

Your links to the NHK videos are here: Juryo Part I & Part II, Makuuchi Part I & Part II.

In Juryo, Wakaikari defeated Hakuyozan, meaning we have a log jam of co-leaders with one loss. Ryuden, Shishi, Aonishiki, Oshoumi share the lead with the fore-mentioned Hakuyozan and Wakaikari. Earlier, Enho picked up his second win and down in maezumo, Hikarumusashi picked up his third win. Tenrose and Sunasaka had locked up their three wins yesterday.

Makuuchi Action

Kitanowaka (4-2) defeated Tokihayate (3-3). Both men grabbed on with matching left-hand inside, right-hand outside belt grips. However, Kitanowaka was able to overpower Tokihayate and quickly escorted him back over the edge. Yorikiri.

Kinbozan (5-0) defeated Kagayaki (1-4). Kinbozan’s brutal nodowa forced Kagayaki back to the bales. Kagayaki pivoted and relieved the pressure on his neck but Kinbozan followed and shoved him out. Tsukidashi.

Tamashoho (2-4) defeated Shonannoumi (2-4). Tamashoho plugged away with his tsuppari but Shonannoumi shoved him to the side, almost toppling Tamashoho over. When he recovered his balance, Tamashoho slipped left and pulled Shonannoumi forward. Hatakikomi.

Nishikifuji (3-3) defeated Kotoshoho (1-5). The two men traded tsuppari but Nishikifuji outlasted Kotoshoho and shoved him over the bales. Oshidashi.

Onokatsu (3-3) defeated Hakuoho (3-3). Onokatsu overpowered Hakuoho and drove him over the edge. Yorikiri.

Meisei (2-4) defeated Nishikigi (4-2). Meisei obliterated Nishikigi at the tachiai, acquired a double-inside morozashi, and drove him straight back and over the bales. Yorikiri.

Takerufuji (5-1) defeated Churanoumi (2-4). Takerufuji hit Churanoumi and grabbed Churanoumi’s belt with a right-hand outside grip. His left hand held onto Churanoumi’s trunk and held him high as he drove him back and over the edge. Yorikiri.

Oshoma (4-2) defeated Midorifuji (1-5). Midorifuji jumped early. No henka. After the tachiai it looked like they would settle into a grapple but Oshoma quickly came to his senses and shoved Midorifuji away. He drove Midorifuji back and then pulled, attempting a slapdown. Midorifuji maintained his balance but Oshoma followed up with another shove and knocked Midorifuji out. Oshidashi.

Takarafuji (2-4) defeated Tamawashi (5-1). Solid tachiai. As Tamawashi chugged forward, Takarafuji shifted left and pulled on Tamawashi’s left arm. Off-balance, Tamawashi stumbled forward. Takarafuji followed up and shoved Tamawashi out from behind. Okuridashi.

A sudden, quick NHK news break. We didn’t even get our usual currency update. Odd. I appreciate the brevity so, I’m certainly not complaining.

Takayasu (3-3) defeated Roga (0-2-4). Takayasu took the driver’s seat early, and shoved Roga back and out. Roga squeezed his right hand inside and knocked Takayasu’s arm away as he tried to get things going his way but Takayasu just kept moving forward and forced Roga out. Yorikiri.

Halftime

Of course, more news. And let’s wait to start the break after the dohyo has been cleared and when Endo and Ichiyamamoto are mounting the dohyo. This is a much longer update to discuss the very interesting topic of FujiTV. We’ll bring in an extra commentator. Yeah, we’re going to miss a bout or two. Andy starts eyeing his VPN…so sexy. Ah, we’re going back to sumo! Still no currency update…does that mean another news break to come wise NHK producer-san?

Endo (3-3) defeated Ichiyamamoto (4-2). Ichiyamamoto charged forward. Endo grabbed Ichiyamamoto’s arm and pulled back, slipping to the side. Ichiyamamoto stumbled forward over the bales. Hikiotoshi.

Chiyoshoma (6-0) defeated Mitakeumi (2-4). Chiyoshoma has been eating his Wheaties. He locked on with that powerful right hand outside and quickly threw the former Ozeki. Uwatenage.

Hiradoumi (2-4) defeated Ura (2-4). Hiradoumi charged forward early. Reset. Solid tachiai. Hiradoumi locked on with a left-hand outside grip, hoisted Ura and drove him back and slammed him out of the ring. Yorikiri.

Oho (6-0) defeated Tobizaru (4-2). A thrilling bout here. Oho was dominant with his power, consistently driving Tobizaru back with strong tsuppari. Tobizaru shifted and pivoted over, and over. Patient Oho kept pace and pursued without getting ahead of himself and without letting Tobizaru get any misdirection. Oshidashi.

Sanyaku

Wakatakakage (3-3) defeated Abi (4-2). Henka! Wakatakakage side steps and pulls Abi forward and down. I know some of you dislike Abi because of his occasional henka. I wonder if those folks cheer this henka as Abi getting his just-desserts or if you all think this move by Wakatakakage was a bit of a stinker. Hikiotoshi.

Takanosho (1-5) defeated Wakamotoharu (1-5). Wakamotoharu’s struggles continue. Wakamotoharu shoved Takanosho to the edge but Takanosho escaped to the right and forced Wakamotoharu to the edge. As Wakamotoharu pressed forward to give himself some space, Takanosho slipped to the side again and slapped Wakamotoharu down. Hatakikomi.

Kirishima (3-3) defeated Daieisho (4-2). Daieisho jumped early. Reset. Solid tachiai followed by trading of tsuppari. Kirishima blasted  Daieisho and forced him back. As Daieisho recovered pitched his weight forward, Kirishima slipped to his right and pulled Daieisho down. Hikiotoshi.

Hoshoryu (5-1) defeated Gonoyama (4-2). Hoshoryu shoved Gonoyama’s right shoulder as Gonoyama tried to blast him. That allowed Hoshoryu to get in behind, seize Gonoyama’s belt from the back and drive him out from behind. Okuridashi.

Atamifuji (2-4) defeated Kotozakura (1-5). Kotozakura settled in for a lean. Atamifuji wanted to get things going so he charged forward. Kotozakura tried to react at the edge but Atamifuji kept up the pressure. Shimpan’s hand went up that Kotozakura touched out. Atamifuji walked him out. Gunbai Atamifuji. What the hell was Kotozakura thinking? What the hell are the shimpan thinking? Mono-ii? Rematch! The shimpan was red in the face, clearly embarrassed. Gotta feel for the guy. Anyway, the show carries on. After the tachiai, Atamifuji locked onto Kotozakura’s right arm and charged forward. Atamifuji forced Kotozakura over and won this bout again. Will Kotozakura go kyujo? Kimedashi.

Onosato (3-3) defeated Shodai (2-4). Shodai tried to pivot and throw Onosato at the edge. Onosato was ready for Shodai’s move and adjusted his attack so he shifted right and shoved Shodai over the edge. Yorikiri.

Wrap-up

The flub by the shimpan was not on my bingo card. Neither was NHK’s double news break. Terunofuji’s out of action for a matter of hours and the show goes to pot. This was a hilarious day of miscues. As karma for missing the thrilling Endo bout, the action lasted past 6pm and pre-empted the news. Stick it to the man Shodai!

Many folks started dreaming of a Tamawashi zensho-yusho so, of course he lost. That’s the way it had to be once y’all jinxed it. You know how it works.

We have Oho leading Chiyoshoma and Kinbozan, undefeated in the top division. Oho will square up against Hoshoryu tomorrow in an enticing matchup. Chiyoshoma will take on one-legged Roga and Kinbozan will face Tokihayate. Who knows where this will go? I’m just along for the ride.

Two Juryo Promotions Confirmed

Andy promotion, Retirement ,

As Leonid postulated, Hatsuyama (Tamanoi) and Kiryuko (Tatsunami) were promoted to Juryo. Hatsuyama will make his debut while Kiryuko will have his second attempt competing as sekitori. Kotokuzan’s narrow 4-3 record was not good enough to earn promotion from Ms4 but he will move closer to the promised land and have a good chance at promotion in January. Makuuchi veterans Chiyomaru and Onosho will likely slide into Makushita in January.

There is also news of eight retirements after the Kyushu tournament. Three men from Sandanme retired: Hayanami, Kotoozutsu, and Chiyoresshi. Two men from Jonidan retired: Daishosei and Kotoryusei. Jonokuchi wrestler Daishiyama as well as Nishikiori and Kokiryu, who had fallen off the banzuke, also retired. Unfortunately, I have not seen any news of Kawazoe since his early win and subsequent kyujo announcement. We will bring an update as soon as we have one.

Kotoeko Retires, Becomes Oguruma-Oyakata

Andy Kotoeko, Retirement ,

Speculation had been rife of late. Kotoeko has called it a career and will stay with the organization as Oguruma-oyakata. The Sadogatake-beya wrestler had made an impact on the top division despite being considerably smaller than many of his peers.

He debuted in Juryo for the first time in 2014 but sustained his sekitori status from 2016 until March of this year. He reached his career high rank of Maegashira 4 in 2021. Nagging injuries became apparent late in 2023. After the Osaka tournament he fell back into Makushita.

We look forward to seeing Kotoeko as a coach going forward!