Kotozakura

Kyushu 2024, Nakabi

Andy Kyushu 2024, Kyushu Basho , , ,

The middle day is upon us!

No one checked into the infirmary. In fact, Tohakuryu checked out. Mitakeumi cannot go kyujo, apparently. He’s too beat up and battered to sign himself in. Or maybe he’s inspired by baseball’s Otani and plans to have his teammates carry him through to a championship while he gamberizes impotently. Who Mitakeumi’s teammates are, I am not sure.

In Juryo, Oshoumi is doing his best to run away with the title. He is the first sekitori to secure a kachi-koshi. Kinbozan and Tsurugisho are one win back. Debutant Aonishiki picked up Win number 6 today but will have to go through Tsurugisho tomorrow.

Here are your NHK Video links: Juryo Part I and Part II, Makuuchi Part I and Part II. As always, live Top Division coverage on JME.tv with full replays four times each day.

Makuuchi Action

Onokatsu (7-1) defeated Asakoryu (3-5). Onokatsu was ready to get going. Two mattas. After a brief exchange of slaps and thrusts, Onokatsu ducked and reached inside. Once he acquired a double-inside hold on Asakoryu, the match was decided and he easily walked Asakoryu back over the bales. Yorikiri.

Takerufuji defeated Ryuden. Sidestep tachiai from Ryuden who attempted a slapdown. It feels like he hasn’t gotten his right hand on anyone’s belt so far this tournament. He didn’t get a grip on Takerufuji’s belt, either. Instead, Takerufuji pursued the retreating Ryuden and wrapped him up. Takerufuji drove Ryuden to the bales. When Ryuden resisted with his back to the tawara, Takerufuji seemed to say, “I’m not messing around, Get Out!” He released Ryuden’s belt and blasted him with strong shoves until Ryuden flew into the crowd. Oshidashi.

Hokutofuji (3-5) defeated Nishikifuji (2-6). Hokutofuji pressed forward into Nishikifuji with a strong nodowa. He suddenly pulled, and tried to thrust Nishikifuji to the side and out of the ring. That did not work well so he plowed forward again and drove Nishikifuji out of the dohyo. Forward moving sumo wins. Oshidashi.

Shishi (3-5) defeated Sadanoumi (3-5). Shishi obliterated Sadanoumi at the tachiai and jettisoned the veteran from the ring. Oshidashi.

Tokihayate (3-5) defeated Tamawashi (4-4). Tokihayate faced down Tamawashi’s slaps and thrusts, pressed inside and got a good hold of Tamawashi’s trunk. Once he got the hold, he forced Tamawashi over the edge. Yorikiri.

Meisei (5-3) defeated Chiyoshoma (4-4). Meisei took the brunt of Chiyoshoma’s slapping attack and withstood the slapdown attempt. He charged forward into Chiyoshoma and overwhelmed him at the edge of the ring, shoving Chiyoshoma down to the ground. Ever the gentleman, he helped Chiyoshoma up. Oshitaoshi.

Takarafuji (6-2) defeated Shonannoumi (5-3). Shonannoumi hit Takarafuji hard at the tachiai but Takarafuji deflected him to the side and Shonannoumi rolled over to his third loss. Hikiotoshi.

Endo (5-3) defeated Ichiyamamoto (4-4). Endo batted Ichiyamamoto’s arms away, and charged forward. Ichiyamamoto retreated and Endo finished him with a shoulder blast. Oshidashi.

Takayasu (4-4) defeated Mitakeumi (5-3). Takayasu locked Mitakeumi up and gently applied more and more pressure until he got Mitakeumi moving in reverse. I have a feeling Mitakeumi’s bouts will be good timing to head to the refrigerator and refill your tea. Maybe make a late-night sandwich. Hold the refrigerator door open in prolonged indecision…sweet potatoes or cake? Why not both? Yorikiri, btw.

Takanosho (7-1) defeated Midorifuji (3-5). Takanosho with another powerful tachiai and Midorifuji played into his hands with a pull attempt. Takanosho kept Midorifuji squarely in his sights and drove him from the ring. Oshidashi.

Halftime

Nishikigi (2-6) defeated Gonoyama (5-3). Nishikigi weathered Gonoyama’s attack and reached over for a strong left-hand grip. He drove Gonoyama back and then battered him at the edge to force him out for win number two. Good think Goeido was no longer ringside to witness this. Oshidashi.

Roga (4-4) defeated Kotoshoho (2-6) Kotoshoho charged forward at the tachiai and backed Roga to the edge, only to pull, and pull, and pull again. Roga chased and ejected the dejected Kotoshoho. Oshitaoshi.

Abi (6-2) defeated Ura (2-6). Ura did not have a plan for dealing with Abi-zumo, so Abi-zumo dealt with him. Oshitaoshi.

Wakatakakage (5-3) defeated Hiradoumi (1-7) More rhythmic clapping and chanting ahead of the bout in support of Hiradoumi. He’s got to finish this tournament with a better record than Mitakeumi. That’s the goal. It should be everyone’s goal, even Bushozan’s. Even Shodai’s. I heard that whoever has a worse record than Mitakeumi at the end of this tournament gets relegated. (Not really, I’m just upset Mitakeumi is still in this. It’s pissing me off almost as much as when Terunofuji was Ozeki the first time and wouldn’t go kyujo.)

Hiradoumi jumped early for a matta. They reset. At the initial charge, Hiradoumi pressed ahead and Wakatakakage resisted well. WTK then wisely stepped to the side, grabbed Hiradoumi’s left shoulder and pulled him down. Katasukashi.

Sanyaku

Wakamotoharu (5-3) defeated Atamifuji (4-4). Atamifuji drove Wakamotoharu back to the bales. But the bales imbued Wakamotoharu with the strength of rice grains. Wakamotoharu reversed course and plowed ahead into the young Atamifuji, forcing him from the ring. Yorikiri.

Shodai (3-5) defeated Oho (2-6). Shodai met Oho head on and pressed forward to get a good hold of Oho. With a firm left-hand grip, Shodai slipped to the side and swung Oho around. Oho did not go down from the throw but he got spun around and Shodai chased Oho out. Okuridashi.

Daieisho (5-3) destroyed Kirishima (2-6). Kirishima brought nothing to the bout but a half-hearted slapdown attempt. Daieisho drove forward smoothly and forced Kirishima out. “How did a chump like you make Ozeki when I can’t?” Little did anyone know, Kiribayama’s power was in his shikona. He gave up horse power for limp Napa cabbage. Oshidashi.

Kotozakura (7-1) defeated Churanoumi (2-6). Churanoumi played fierce defense. Kotonowaka was patient and assertive. Stubborn in his attack, he continued to press forward and fight for a hold of Churanoumi’s belt. Churanoumi worked his way back to the center of the ring but with the lone right-hand grip, Kotonowaka backed away and spun him down. Uwatehineri.

Onosato (6-2) defeated Tobizaru (5-3). Onosato did not give Tobizaru an inch. He pressed forward from the tachiai and blasted Tobizaru from the ring. Oshidashi.

Hoshoryu (7-1) defeated Oshoma (2-6). Hoshoryu seized Oshoma’s belt with his outside hand, reared back, spun Oshoma around and swung him to the ground. “Welcome to the Jungle, Baby.” Uwatenage.

Wrap-up

Onokatsu was the first of the leadership group to collect a win, followed by Takanosho. Takanosho is certainly taking this Heyagashira role seriously. He’s probably getting a big boost in support now. Takerufuji and Takarafuji also picked up wins to stay in this young yusho race. Like Shonannoumi, Gonoyama wanted no part in this yusho race. After seeing the Ozeki in action today, one can understand why. No sensible rank-and-filer aside from Takerufuji, perhaps, would want a date with these Ozeki in Week 2.

The Ozeki really had a great day. Kotozakura had the biggest challenge from Churanoumi but he really dominated that bout. Churanoumi was doing all he could to defend but it was not enough.

Our top division leaderboard going into Week Two looks like this:

✶: Kotozakura, Hoshoryu, Takanosho, Onokatsu

✶✶: Onosato, Abi, Takarafuji, Takerufuji.

Obviously, we’re still very early in this contest but the way these Ozeki are fighting, it will take something extra special to surprise us with a rank-and-file yusho this tournament. Next weekend the Ozeki will take turns fighting each other. Won’t it be something if the yusho is on the line? It feels like it has been quite a while since the top guys were all in the race…even by this point.

Hoshoryu will get his turn against Churanoumi tomorrow while Kotozakura will get the leftovers of what Hoshoryu chewed up today. Onosato will have a tougher time with Wakamotoharu tomorrow in the musubi-no-ichiban.

Further down the banzuke Abi will fight Daieisho, Takanosho will face Roga, Onokatsu will fight Takarafuji, and Takerufuji will take on Sadanoumi. I can’t wait to see what happens! Welp, back to bed after I put away the last sweet potato. I’ll see y’all tomorrow.

Kyushu 2024, Day Seven

Andy Kyushu 2024 , , ,

Bushozan is kyujo. Mitakeumi is not. The NHK’s commentator for today, former Ozeki Takakeisho, hopes Bushozan, his senpai from Saitama Sakae HS, gets well soon. Takakeisho was a great guest on the NHK broadcast. They showed videos from his career, showing his rise up the ranks and several great top-division bouts. I’ll be watching again later on JME.

The NHK links for today’s action are here: Juryo Part I and Part II, Makuuchi Part I and Part II.

Makuuchi Action

Tamashoho (5-2) fusen win over Bushozan (1-6).

Takerufuji (5-2) defeated Onokatsu (6-1). Takerufuji hit Onokatsu hard, driving him back to the bales. Takerufuji’s initial hazu-oshi hit a wall so Takerufuji paused to lock up Onokatsu’s belt, left-hand inside. Once he got a firm hold of Onokatsu’s belt, he drove forward and ushered Onokatsu over.

Chiyoshoma (4-3) defeated Shishi (2-5). Chiyoshoma lashed out at Shishi with nodowa and tsuppari to the face. Shishi was less than pleased with this treatment and swatted Chiyoshoma’s hands away. When Shishi leaned inside to attack, Chiyoshoma quickly seized his belt with his right hand and pulled him forward. Uwatedashinage.

Shonannoumi (5-2) defeated Asakoryu (3-4). Asakoryu grabbed Shonannoumi’s arm and tried to pull him forward. When that didn’t work, Asakoryu plowed forward. Shonannoumi retreated to the edge where he twisted Asakoryu to the ground. Uwatehineri.

Nishikifuji (2-5) defeated Sadanoumi (3-4). Nishikifuji launched an attack of tsuppari at Sadanoumi. Sadanoumi had no defense and was too overwhelmed to attack. Nishikifuji blasted Sadanoumi back and out. Tsukidashi.

Hokutofuji (2-5) defeated Tokihayate (2-5). Hokutofuji charged forward with tsuppari. Tokihayate pivoted and spun Hokutofuji so his back was to the bales. Tokihayate then launched his own attack. Hokutofuji resisted at the bales and then pressed forward and powered Tokihayate over the bales. Oshidashi.

Takarafuji (5-2) defeated Ryuden (2-5). Takarafuji’s used his lefthand inside belt grip to drive Ryuden back and out. Yorikiri.

Meisei (4-3) defeated Ichiyamamoto (4-3). Ichiyamamoto did his brand of sumo but Meisei twisted at the edge, shifting to his right, and pulled Ichiyamamoto to the floor. Hikiotoshi.

Tamawashi (4-3) defeated Midorifuji (3-4). Henka! Midorifuji hopped to his left to attack Tamawashi from the side. Tamawashi was not impressed. Tamawashi adjusted quickly, grabbed Midorifuji’s face and yanked him to the ground. Ow. Oshitaoshi.

Roga (3-4) defeated Takayasu (3-4). As Takayasu charged forward, Roga shifted to the side and slapped Takayasu down. Hatakikomi.

Endo (4-3) defeated Gonoyama (5-2). Endo’s hit-and-shift tachiai caught Gonoyama completely by surprise. Endo met Gonoyama’s charge with his right arm to Gonoyama’s shoulder. But he quickly shifted left and locked in on Gonoyama’s belt. Then he spun Gonoyama toward the edge. When Gonoyama finally processed what was happening, he was ready to step back and out. Yorikiri.

Halftime

Takanosho defeated Mitakeumi. Why is Mitakeumi here? Takanosho wrapped him up at the tachiai and gingerly ushered him over the bales. Yorikiri.

Tobizaru defeated Nishikigi. Tobizaru wore Nishikigi out with his arms-length sumo. Early in the bout, they’d traded pulls and shoves. Eventually they settled at the center of the ring, toe-to-toe. Nishikigi was gassed Oshidashi.

Kotoshoho (2-5) defeated Churanoumi (2-5). This was a great brawl. Churanoumi was always on the attack, pressing forward. Kotoshoho did his best to shift and pull, trying to use misdirection but nothing worked. Churanoumi was always there and always maintained his balance. Churanoumi seemed to say, “If you’re going to beat me, it’s going to be with forward-moving sumo.” Kotoshoho finally pressed forward and shoved Churanoumi out. Kotoshoho walked back down the hanamichi with a fresh welt forming on his forehead. Oshidashi.

Oshoma (2-5) defeated Wakatakakage (4-3). WTK plowed forward but Oshoma shifted right after the tachiai. Oshoma’s tachiai effectively deflected the WTK Juggernaut to the edge. Oshoma re-engaged and shoved Wakatakakage over the bales. Oshidashi.

Sanyaku

Wakamotoharu (4-3) defeated Oho (2-5). Oho did well to start, forcing Wakamotoharu back to the bales. Wakamotoharu stepped inside and briefly secured a lefthand inside grip. This was enough to reverse the flow of the action and shift momentum to WMH. Oshidashi.

Daieisho (4-3) defeated Hiradoumi (1-6). Huge cheers of support from the crowd before the bout, urging Hiradoumi on. THIS is the kind of atmosphere I want to experience live. Wow. Despite the home crowd advantage, Daieisho’s thrusting attack was too much for Hiradoumi. The two gladiators traded thrusts and headbutts for the first half of yet another exciting bout. Hiradoumi tired of the brawl and tried to reach inside for a belt grip. Daieisho slipped to the side and slapped Hiradoumi down. Hiradoumi rolled off the edge, coming to a stop under the red tassel. Hatakikomi.

Kirishima (2-5) defeated Shodai (2-5). Shodai showed up today. He hit Kirishima hard at the tachiai and persistently tried to get his lefthand inside grip. But Kirishima kept Shodai off his belt. He tried oshi to start but secured a right hand inside grip on Shodai’s belt. Kirishima then drove forward. Shodai twisted at the edge to try a last gasp Tsukidashi but Kirishima kept his balance and kept up the pressure. Good bout. Lots of good bouts from guys who are 2-5 or 1-6, tonight. Yorikiri.

Onosato (5-2) defeated Ura (2-5). Onosato chased Ura off the dohyo. What did I say about good bouts from guys who are 2-5? Not this one. Ura ran away. Oshidashi.

Abi (5-2) defeated Hoshoryu (6-1). Abi charged forward, drove his hands into Hoshoryu’s face, holding him high. Then he disappeared and Hoshoryu flopped forward. Good thing the zabuton are bolted to the floor. They would have come raining down after this and people wouldn’t have anything to sit on for the final bout. Hikiotoshi.

Kotozakura (6-1) defeated Atamifuji (4-3). Atamifuji wrapped up Kotozakura’s right arm, put his head down and charged forward. Maybe he picked the wrong arm because Kotozakura reached around with his left hand and grabbed Atamifuji’s belt. As Atamifuji pressed ahead, Kotozakura shifted left and pulled Atamifuji down. Uwatenage.

Wrap-up

One week into this Kyushu bahso. What a week! Yet another night chock full of great bouts. Heading into nakabi (the middle day) we now have four guys tied with one loss, Kotozakura, Hoshoryu, Takanosho, and Onokatsu. Eight more guys have two losses.

Tomorrow, the Ozeki will continue to plow through rank-and-file opponents. Kotozakura will face Churanoumi, Onosato will take on Tobizaru, and Hoshoryu will face Oshoma. Meanwhile, a few sleepers continue to do well further down the banzuke. Where will this yusho race lead?

Kyushu 2024: Day 2 Highlights

Andy Kyushu 2024 , ,

JME.tv coverage was pre-empted. The Japanese Diet is voting for Prime Minister. Oh, boy, this could be a while. Time to fire up the VPN! Let’s see what’s on Abema.

Oh, Shohozan doing the commentary! Did I mention that I met him? Yes? Well, you’re going to hear that tale again because it was absolutely the highlight of my latest trip to Japan. Shohozan has a restaurant just outside Tokyo. I dragged my son out to Funabashi to try Shohozan’s yakiniku. Shohozan’s meat is great, by the way.

The thing is, he doesn’t just own the place, Shohozan works there. He quickly had me pegged as a sumo fan and challenged me to rock-paper-scissors for a round of drinks, which I won! I am UNDEFEATED against Shohozan! I think I got a lemon hi-ball while my son got a Calpis soda. The meat was great and my son and I had a great time.

We hung around and chatted with Shohozan a bit and checked out the memorabilia he has on display. While leaving, he signed a couple of coasters for my son and I…and then we bumped into Tochinoshin while getting out of the elevator! Bottom line, Funabashi is a quick train ride from downtown Tokyo on the Sobu line and Shohozan’s restaurant is very close to the train station. Go check him out!

The NHK links for today’s bouts are here:

Juryo Part I and Part II, Makuuchi Part I and Part II

Makuuchi Action

Kinbozan (2-0) defeated Asakoryu (0-2). Kinbozan used his size advantage well. He kept Asakoryu in front of him and blasted him with his tsuppari. Asakoryu tried to deflection and misdirection but eventually had to turn his back and Kinbozan shoved him gently over the bales. Okuridashi.

Shishi (2-0) defeated Bushozan (0-2). Shishi dodged Bushozan’s second charge and that seemed to completely eliminate all of Bushozan’s offensive power. Shishi locked him up and walked him out. Yorikiri.

Tokihayate (2-0) defeated Takerufuji (1-1). Tokihayate got inside with both arms. Takerufuji was able to get his left hand on Tokihayate’s belt but missed with the right. Tokihayate took advantage and pivoted Takerufuji toward the bales and drove him out. Yorikiri.

Onokatsu (2-0) defeated Chiyoshoma (1-1). Chiyoshoma did well to start. He took the initiative and tried a katasukashi but Onokatsu resisted. Chiyoshoma had a good left hand grip but Onokatsu worked his right hand inside while at the same knocking Chiyoshoma away. From there, Onokatsu was able to walk Chiyoshoma out. Yorikiri.

Shonannoumi (1-1) defeated Nishikifuji (0-2). Shonannoumi pulled and caught Nishikifuji unprepared. He knocked Nishikifuji off-balance, then followed up and shoved Nishikifuji over the bales. Oshidashi.

Ryuden (1-1) defeated Hokutofuij (1-1). Hokutofuji tried a slapdown but Ryuden maintained his balance and drove an exhausted Hokutofuji back and out. Yorikiri.

Meisei (1-1) defeated Sadanoumi (1-1). Meisei shifted to the side after the tachiai. His inashi caught Sadanoumi off guard. He re-engaged, wrapped up Sadanoumi and drove him over the edge. Yorikiri.

Ichiyamamoto (2-0) destroyed Tamawashi (1-1). Ichiyamamoto drove straight into the Iron Man, who Tsukidashi.

Takayasu (1-1) defeated Takarafuji (0-2). Takayasu blasted Takarafuji at the tachiai. He followed with a pull, yanking on that wounded left arm while pushing Takarafuji’s head down. Oshidashi.

FINALLY!!! The NHK wisely switched back from the Diet vote over to sumo in time for Midorifuji vs Roga. Sorry, Shohozan, switching over.

Roga (1-1) defeated Midorifuji (1-1). Once Roga got Midorifuji moving backwards, the bout was over. Roga followed through by running over Midorifuji at the edge. Yoritaoshi.

Gonoyama (1-1) defeated Mitakeumi (1-1). The bout started with strong tsuppari from both men. Gonoyama charged back inside and forced a yotsu bout. He quickly overwhelmed Mitakeumi and drove him backwards and out. Yorikiri.

Halftime

Takanosho (2-0) defeated Endo (1-1). Takanosho’s forceful blasts overwhelmed Endo. Endo tried to retreat and deflect but Takanosho kept pace and cast Endo from the ring. Oshidashi.

Kotoshoho (1-1) defeated Nishikigi (0-2). Kotoshoho slammed into Nishikigi, drove him straight backward and over the bales. Oshidashi.

Tobizaru (2-0) defeated Churanoumi (0-2). This was a wild, back and forth brawl. Tobizaru timed a pull and slapdown well and deflected a hard-charging Churanoumi into the front row. Gunbai to Tobizaru. But we have a mono-ii. Tobizaru stayed in but was there a hair-pull? Replay showed no grip on the hair at all. Hatakikomi.

Atamifuji (2-0) defeated Oshoma (0-2). Atamifuji wrapped up Oshoma and pressed him back to the bales. Some gaburi hip-pump action forced Oshoma over the bales. Yorikiri.

Sanyaku

Abi (1-1) defeated Shodai (0-2). Abi-zumo dispatched Shodai quickly. His nodowa got Shodai moving backwards. Abi then followed with powerful tsuppari and thrust Shodai from the fighting surface. Tsukidashi.

Ura (1-1) defeated Kirishima (0-2). Kirishima started well, blasting Ura to the edge. He assaulted Ura at the edge but could not thrust him over the bales. He tried an ill-conceived pull, allowing Ura back to the center of the ring. This gave Ura a chance to shift and use his lateral mobility and attempt some misdirection. Ura shifted right and Kirishima stumbled forward. Tsukiotoshi.

Wakatakakage (2-0) defeated Daieisho (1-1). Daieisho’s thrusts kept WTK at bay but then Daieisho tried a pull. What a mistake! Wakatakakage moved quickly and maintained his balance as he drove forward into Daieisho, thrusting him from the dohyo. Oshidashi.

Kotozakura (2-0) defeated Hiradoumi (0-2). Hiradoumi hit Kotozakura hard and tried to twist Kotozakura out. Kotozakura had Hiradoumi wrapped up well. He kept Hiradoumi centered and pressed forward, forcing Hiradoumi out. Yorikiri.

Onosato (2-0) defeated Oho (0-2). Oho wrapped up Onosato’s shoulder and pulled. Onosato used good foot work to stay up and angrily dispatched Oho at the edge, throwing the big boy on his butt. Oshitaoshi.

Hoshoryu (2-0) defeated Wakamotoharu (0-2) Jesus. Hoshoryu destroyed Wakamotoharu. Powerful nodowa then a follow up by wrapping his shoulder. Hoshoryu yanked Wakamotoharu around the ring and shoved him into the cameraman under the black tassel. All that for an Oshidashi?

Wrap-up

I will get back on JME to see about that SLA. Frankly, the early action was not that exciting. Though, my opinion may be colored by Takerufuji’s disappointing loss. He was way too high and was trying to do too much with a one-handed grip. I just expected much better against Tokihayate. There just seemed to be a lot of broken guys, too. Bushozan, Chiyoshoma, Takarafuji, Sadanoumi, and Tamawashi did not quite seem ready for the pace of their opponents. Maybe they’re still acclimatizing to Fukuoka?

It was a completely different story at the other end of the torikumi. Our Ozeki shared a bottle of smelling salts down in the shitakubeya because they came out firing on all cylinders. Hoshoryu absolutely obliterated Wakamotoharu, as if to say, “do you really think you belong back in Sanyaku?” Wow.

Tomorrow, Onokatsu will take on Shishi in an interesting early bout. Both men have done well to start this tournament. I hope there is some good action between here and the Tobizaru/Takanosho bout but frankly, I think we coast all the way to Wakatakakage versus Churanoumi before Day 3 action gets hot.

Hiradoumi will get his crack at Hoshoryu, then Kotozakura will face Oho and Onosato will take on Shodai in the musubi-no-ichiban. That’s a clash of my rally towels and after today’s action, I think the Shodai towel goes in the wash. Let’s get some good mojo going on Day 3!

Kyushu 2024, Shonichi Highlights

Andy Kyushu 2024 , , ,

The only early news from the infirmary is that Terunofuji will not participate in the basho. His continuing injury and health issues will keep him on the sidelines until at least Hatsu Basho. I’m watching live on JME again. I was a little concerned when I saw that the Waseda/Keio baseball game was right before the sumo action. Thankfully my boys at Keio pulled out the narrow 2-1 win.

This is probably one time that I would not have whined much if the game went into extra innings and sumo was pre-empted for a few bouts. I used to teach at Hiyoshi and I lived near their Mita campus, so I always have an affinity for Keio. Many of their high school and college students (and some of the teachers and professors) came to our language school. Fun times… Thankfully, it was not pre-empted and they actually had time for a little feature about the Tama Monorail. I had just taken that over the summer to go to the Jungyo event.

While I ponder the meaning of life and my role in the universe, as they seem to have planned this programming for me, back here on Earth, we’ve got a sumo tournament to cover. So, in the NHK videos for Today, we’ve got Juryo Part I and Part II and Makuuchi Part I and Part II.

Among the debutants in the top half of Juryo, Kotoeiho was assaulted and sent home battered and bruised by Nabatame on his sekitori debut. Wakaikari received a similarly brutal welcome at the hands of Tochitaikai who drove Wakaikari head first to the clay. Aonishiki wrangled Fujiseiun to the ground with a great shitatenage to pick up his first win as a full-time wrestler.

In the last half of Juryo, Hakuoho defeated Shirokuma. Shirokuma dragged Hakuoho to the edge with his left hand inside and tried to tip Hakuoho over the edge. Shirokuma’s head was so low to the ground that Hakuoho, whose hair is still too short for an oicho-mage, used his left hand on Shirokuma’s head to help press him to the ground.

Makuuchi Action

Kitanowaka defeated Bushozan. Kitanowaka got his left hand over Bushozan’s back, establishing a solid grip on the back of Bushozan’s mawashi. He used his right hand on Bushozan’s head to help pull him down. Uwatenage.

Takerufuji defeated Asakoryu. Takerufuji’s left hand ottsuke was strong but Asakoryu drove forward with all of his might. Takerufuji took advantage of Asakoryu’s forceful advance by getting both hands behind Asakoryu’s head and pulled him down to the ground. Hatakikomi.

Shishi defeated Tokihayate. A weird late matta. On the second try, the lumbering Shishi slammed his head into Tokihatate’s throat and wrapped up Tokihayate. He stayed low, despite being much bigger than Tokihayate and drove Tokihayate over the bales. Yorikiri.

Onokatsu defeated Nishikifuji. Nishikifuji drove forward to start but Onokatsu stopped his advance. Nishikifuji then tried a kotenage but Onokatsu stayed inside. As Nishikifuji backed away, Onokatsu drove forward and pressed Nishikifuji out. Oshidashi.

Chiyoshoma defeated Shonannoumi. Chiyoshoma latched on with his right-hand outside and spun Shonannoumi toward the bales and over. After Shonannoumi started heading back toward the hanamichi, the chief shimpan recalled him, forcing him to bow. It will be interesting if the Kyokai begin enforcing this a bit more. Some bows are quite perfunctory nods…if that. Yorikiri.

Sadanoumi defeated Ryuden. Power sumo from Sadanoumi. Ryuden locked on with his right hand outside but Sadanoumi switched up his grip to a left hand outside and right-hand inside. From there, Sadanoumi summoned the strength of the home Kyushu crowd to pull Ryuden up, drove him up, back, and off the cliff, into the crowd. Yorikiri.

Hokutofuji defeated Meisei. What a beautiful YOTSU bout from Thumper! This was a great, lengthy grapple and surely an early contender for “Bout-of-the-Day.” Hokutofuji finished Meisei off by twisting and pulling Meisei forward with his right hand. Uwatenage.

Tamawashi defeated Takarafuji. Tamawashi’s bruising kotenage wrenched Takarafuji’s bad left arm in a way that made Takayasu wince from his seat at the side of the ring. In obvious pain, Takarafuji pulled his left arm out and turned away. Tamawashi then gently ushered Takarafuji over. Okuridashi.

Ichiyamamoto defeated Takayasu. Takayasu landed several strikes to Ichiyamamoto’s head but Ichiyamamoto’s forceful tsuppari drove Takayasu back and out. Oshidashi.

Midorifuji defeated Gonoyama. Midorifuji henka! Midorifuji avoided Gonoyama’s tachiai, latched on to his right shoulder and spun him down. What else? Katasukashi.

Mitakeumi defeated Roga. Roga forced Mitakeumi to slide to the bales. Mitakeumi had a firm morozashi, however. He hoisted Roga up, spun around, and drove Roga out. Yorikiri.

Halftime

Endo defeated Nishikigi. Nishikigi had little offense but tried to counter Endo’s attack, relying on inshashi. Endo knew where that green mawashi was, however, gave chase and pressed forward with his solid yotsu. Yorikiri.

Takanosho defeated Kotoshoho. Takanosho assaulted Kotoshoho about the head and shoulders and blasted him out of the ring. More of this, please. Oshitaoshi.

Tobizaru defeated Oshoma. Oshoma did not really know how to approach Tobizaru, other than to keep him at arm’s length. He was probably trying to get a pull down timed right but Tobizaru pressed forward and shoved him out. Oshidashi.

Atamifuji defeated Churanoumi. Churanoumi yanked Atamifuji’s left arm away but Atamifuji continued to press forward and ushered him out. Yorikiri.

Sanyaku

Wakamotoharu defeated Abi. Standard Abi-zumo as he pressed forward initially then retreated and tried to slap Wakamotoharu down. Gunbai WMH. Mono-ii. Both were out at the same time, so we need a rematch. More of the same in the rematch but Abi’s right foot grazed the top of the tawara and slid out, under the black tassel. Abi-zumo needs an overhaul. Oshidashi.

Daieisho defeated Ura. Daieisho kept Ura in front of him and kept thrusting him back. Ura tried to dig in at the edge but Daieisho finishes him. Tsukitaoshi.

Wakatakakage defeated Kirishima. Wakatakakage drove forward and forced Kirishima’s heels to the bales. Kirishima did not want to go out so Wakatakakage finished him off by pitching over to his right and throwing him down. Shitatenage.

Onosato defeated Hiradoumi. Hiradoumi blasted Onosato at the initial charge and had the early advantage but Onosato deflected the bowling ball to the side, under the white tassel, by thrusting his left arm into Hiradoumi’s right armpit. Tsukiotoshi.

Hoshoryu defeated Oho. A day one win from Hoshoryu! That’s something. Strong tachiai from both men but Hoshoryu seemed to be the only one who showed up with a plan. He slipped to the right, stayed low and drove into Oho, seizing his opponent’s belt. Oho was immediately back-footed and tried a slapdown but Hoshoryu forced him out, under the black tassel. Yorikiri.

Kotozakura defeated Shodai. Kotozakura baited Shodai into pressing forward. Shodai was too eager AND TOO DAMN HIGH!! At the edge, Kotozakura turned the tables and shrugged Shodai over to the side with a well-placed shove to the shoulder as he ducked to the side. Tsukiotoshi.

Wrap-up

WE’RE BACK! Many changes at the top and some shaky performances but all of the Ozeki won their first bouts. Hoshoryu was dominant in his bout. He appeared to have a plan and executed well. Across the torikumi there was definitely some ring rust to be found and Takarafuji’s elbow injury is concerning. But there were a lot of positives. Hokutofuji’s transformation into a grappler has me shook, though. We’ve seen it progress over the past few basho but this bout with Meisei was great. I have no idea how deep Sadanoumi’s well is as he overpowered Ryuden.

Kirishima will need to bounce back against Ura tomorrow and Shodai will face Abi. But Wakamotoharu versus Hoshoryu in the musubi-no-ichiban is certainly a worthy bout to feature. Onosato will not want to be caught wrong-footed against Oho tomorrow but it’s Kotozakura that worries me most. His relaxed, passive sumo of today will be threatened by the powder keg, Hiradoumi, on Day 2.

It is great to have you all back to enjoy this tournament with us. I can’t wait to see where this yusho race takes us. And Go, Keio!