Oho

Hatsu 2026: Day Four

Andy Hatsu 2026, Hatsu Basho , , ,

Day Four begins in Tokyo. No kyujo to report from the top two divisions. In Juryo, Meisei and Wakanosho lost to fall out of the lead group of Fujiseiun, Sadanoumi, and Dewanoryu. Video of Sadanoumi’s win is included in today’s NHK videos. Scroll past the top division action to find it, along with interview videos from today.

Yesterday’s action is behind us. Well, not quite. There was a lot of great action but the controversy around Ura’s loss to Onosato attracted a lot of attention in the press. To recap, Onosato forced Ura backward but with a last second twist, Ura pulled Onosato forward and forced Onosato to touch the ground a split second before Ura landed on his butt.

The judges’ decision for a rematch instead of Ura’s outright win rightly created a lot of confusion. “But Onosato touched first.” Some point at Ura’s heel as the deciding factor but Takadagawa-oyakata, the head judge on the dohyo at the time, revealed there was divided opinion among the folks in the replay room. With such doubt, the rematch was decided.

Effectively, rather than seizing victory from the jaws of defeat, Ura seized a rematch. His move sewed doubt in many of us watching and earned himself a rematch. Unfortunately for him, Onosato dominated the second bout. Anyway, I found it telling that the judges themselves were split in this case and lacking consensus, opted for a rematch.

NHK videos for Day Four are here.

Makuuchi Action

Oshoumi (3-1) defeated Ryuden (1-3). Ryuden shifted to his left at the tachiai. Oshoumi turned and stopped his momentum in time but Ryuden blitzed and shoved Oshoumi to the edge. Both men grabbed each others mawashi and pulled up with all their might as Ryuden tried to force Oshoumi over the bales. Oshoumi twisted and turned the tables on Ryuden, heaving the Takadagawa-beya veteran over the bales. Utchari.

Asakoryu (2-2) defeated Hatsuyama (0-4). Hatsuyama pulled and tried a slapdown but that played into Asakoryu’s hands as he shoved Hatsuyama back and over the bales. Oshidashi.

Asanoyama (3-1) defeated Shishi (3-1). Shishi charged forward but Asanoyama was strong enough to resist Shishi’s pressure. He wasn’t going anywhere. He hooked his right arm under Shishi’s left and twisted Shishi down with a quick beltless throw. Sukuinage.

Mitakeumi (2-2) defeated Asahakuryu (3-1). A rather soft tachiai from Asahakuryu as he shifted left. Mitakeumi turned and pressed forward, forcing Asahakuryu over the bales. Yorikiri.

Midorifuji (1-3) defeated Tobizaru (1-3). Midorifuji picked up his first win after a great belt battle. Tobizaru locked in with his right hand inside belt grip. Midorifuji countered with his left hand over arm. He pulled Tobizaru toward the bales and with his right arm freed from Tobizaru’s ottsuke, twisted Tobizaru down at the edge. Sukuinage.

Abi (4-0) defeated Tomokaze (1-3). Tomokaze pressed forward for a change and Abi immediately shifted right and pulled Tomokaze down. “That’s how you execute.” Hatakikomi.

Tokihayate (2-2) defeated Chiyoshoma (2-2). Tokihayate grabbed Chiyoshoma’s belt with his right-hand over arm grip and hauled Chiyoshoma down, pressing on Chiyoshoma’s head with his left hand. Gunbai Tokihayate. Mono-ii. Hairpull? Upon review, Tokihayate’s hand never curled itself in Chiyoshoma’s top-knot. No pull so the gyoji’s decision was confirmed. Uwatedashinage.

Kotoshoho (2-2) defeated Nishikifuji (2-2). The two men clashed with head butts and tsuppari. Kotoshoho slipped left as Nishikifuji charged forward and caught Nishikifuji off-balance, slapping him down. Hatakikomi.

Shodai (3-1) defeated Gonoyama (1-3). Gonoyama pressed his weight forward into Shodai but he couldn’t create forward momentum. Instead Shodai charged ahead. Gonoyama shoved his arm into Shodai’s face. Displeased, Shodai used his left arm, hooked under Gonoyama’s right to shove Gonoyama down to the ground. Tsukiotoshi.

Roga (2-2) defeated Kinbozan (1-3). Kinbozan charged ahead but his right leg lost grip with the dohyo and he slipped down. Tsukiotoshi.

Oshoma (4-0) defeated Hiradoumi (2-2). Oshoma grabbed Hiradoumi’s left arm and dragged him over to the bales. As Hiradoumi slammed on the brakes and resisted Oshoma’s pull, Oshoma changed his approach and shoved Hiradoumi, instead. This used Hiradoumi’s force against him and sent Hiradoumi across the dohyo and over the bales. Oshidashi.

Halftime

Fujinokawa (3-1) defeated Onokatsu (1-3). Fujinokawa threw everything but the kitchen sink at Onokatsu. Pushes, pulls, throws, and kicks. Eventually, Fujinokawa got a morozashi hold of Onokatsu’s belt, twisted him over to the bales and then hauled him over. Yorikiri.

Tamawashi (2-2) defeated Daieisho (1-3). As Daieisho thrust his way forward, Tamawashi shifted to his right and shoved Daieisho to the ground. Tsukiotoshi.

Atamifuji (2-2) defeated Churanoumi (2-2). Atamifuji used his left arm to pull Churanoumi’s right arm off his belt. Pulling up with the right arm under Churanoumi’s left, Atamifuji thrust forward with gaburi-yotsu and forced Churanoumi over the edge. Yorikiri.

Wakatakakage (3-1) defeated Takanosho (0-4). Takanosho drove forward, putting Wakatakakage’s back to the edge. But Wakatakakage was able to escape to his right and pulled Takanosho forward to the bales. He then charged ahead to finish Takanosho off. Oshidashi.

Sanyaku

Kirishima (4-0) defeated Wakamotoharu (0-4). Kirishima used his left arm under Wakamotoharu’s right and kept twisting, trying to unleash that sukuinage but Wakamotoharu resisted each time. Kirishima tried to change his left-hand hold for a belt grip but WMH wouldn’t let him. Instead, Kirishima reached over with his right arm, grabbed Wakamotoharu’s belt and drove him straight back over the bales. Yorikiri.

Takayasu (3-1) defeated Hakunofuji (2-2). Hakunofuji tried to grab Takayasu’s left arm for a kotenage but Takayasu cleverly turned the tables and locked Hakunofuji’s right arm. He then pulled Hakunofuji forward by his right arm. Sakatottari.  

Ichiyamamoto (1-3) defeated Kotozakura (3-1). Ichiyamamoto wrapped up Kotozakura with his right hand inside. As Ichiyamamoto lifted and pressed forward, Kotozakura tried to twist Ichiyamamoto down. Kotozakura stepped out as Ichiyamamoto went down. Gunbai Ichiyamamoto. No mono-ii. Yorikiri.

Oho (1-3) defeated Aonishiki (3-1). Oho hooked his arms under Aonishiki’s left arm and pulled hard. He did not want Aonishiki to have that belt grip. He succeeded in forcing Aonishiki to release. Even more, he forced Aonishiki back to the edge. Aonishiki tried to twist as both men crashed over the edge. Gunbai Oho. No mono-ii. Abisetaoshi.

Hoshoryu (3-1) defeated Ura (0-4). Hoshoryu found himself with a hand full of Ura’s belt and Ura pitched perilously forward. Hoshoryu realized he could shift left and pull Ura forward for an easy win. Uwatehineri.

Yoshinofuji (2-2) defeated Onosato (3-1). Yoshinofuji is a hoss. Another double-fisted stack of kensho. Wow. Yoshinofuji owned this bout. He quickly locked on to Onosato’s belt with his left hand over arm grip, pivoted left and hoisted Onosato over. Uwatenage.

Wrap-up

Three upsets today. Aonishiki has looked vulnerable at times but managed to keep winning. Oho put an end to that today. It looked like he had a plan and executed it well by attacking that left arm. Will others take note and follow that strategy? Yoshinofuji won another kinboshi off Onosato. His rise has been so fast, like the Yokozuna’s, that he still can’t wear the oicho-mage.

Today threw a wrench into a whole lot of yusho plans. We’re down to three undefeated wrestlers in Makuuchi: Kirishima, Oshoma, and Abi. Do you see a yusho coming from one of those three? Obviously, Kirishima and Abi are yusho winners already. Kirishima is finally in form and would love to put together a new Ozeki run. I have a feeling there would be open revolt among Tachiai readers if Oshoma were to win or if Abi would win again from such a low rank…again. What’s more likely is the yusho race will look completely different after nakabi.

There are a slew of great bouts on tap tomorrow, even among rank-and-filers. Top division action will open with Asanoyama fighting Ryuden. Abi will take on Chiyoshoma. Oshoma will fight Kinbozan. Ura will fight Atamifuji and Ichiyamamoto will take on Yoshinofuji, earning their break from sanyaku opponents.

In sanyaku, Takayasu will fight Wakamotoharu who is struggling to find a win. Takayasu, though, seems to be winning well by attacking his opponents’ arms. I wonder if that will continue or if that’s just a weird coincidence. Kirishima will take on Oho. Aonishiki will fight Daieisho with very slim chances that Daieisho will try to repeat Oho’s successful maneuver. Kotozakura will fight Hakunofuji, Onosato will take on the hapless Takanosho and Hoshoryu will have a tough one against Wakatakakage.

It’s the year of the horse so, “Giddyap.”

Natsu 2025, Day Three Highlights

Andy Natsu 2025 ,

I’m back! Thank you, Leonid, for the Makushita updates while I was away. I am eager to see this yusho contest, especially with Asanoyama and Enho both mounting comebacks from the division. Enho needs just one more tournament in juryo to earn his kabu (if I’m getting my kabu math correct). As I think I’d mentioned in the comments, though, I’m not very eager for an Enho/Asanoyama bout. As we will see today, there are a lot of smaller rikishi in the top division nowadays but they’ve all got rather more aggressive styles than Enho, particularly after Enho’s scary neck injury.

To briefly explain my own kyujo for the first couple of days, it’s certainly nothing exciting. Our clan had journeyed up to New Jersey to say our final goodbyes to my grandmother who passed back in December at 96. She was a pretty awesome woman and is missed.

As for the wrestlers’ kyujo, we have Kotoshoho out from Day One while Wakanosho was added to the list for today’s action. That’s definitely a bummer for the youngster and will not be good for his hopes of keeping that sekitori status. As others noted in the comments, Hokutofuji and Wakatakamoto’s absences are rather ominous. I will keep my eyes and ears out for any official news.

Twelve new recruits in Maezumo which started up today. The NHK coverage featured a young Brazilian while former Kaisei was today’s sideline correspondent. He will have a long way to go, though, from the looks of things but good luck. Everyone has to get their start somewhere.

The big story, though, is obviously Onosato and his rope run. He will face Abi today and Abi is certainly one of those wild cards who can pull out an upset. Will he do it today?

Our Three Days of videos to catch up on. Shonichi Juryo; and Makuuchi Part I and Part II. Day Two Juryo; Makuuchi Part I and Part II. Lastly, today’s Day Three Juryo; Makuuchi Part I and Part II.

Makuuchi Action

Asakoryu (2-1) defeated Tochitaikai (2-1). Not a henka, but Asakoryu shifted to his left and rotated while shoving Tochitaikai back. Tochitaikai tried to slap Asakoryu down at the edge but Asakoryu maintained stable footing and forced Tochitaikai out. Oshidashi.

Tamashoho (1-2) defeated Hidenoumi (1-2). Tamashoho wrapped up Hidenoumi with his left hand outside then followed up with a right-hand inside. I was a bit surprised by the head on strength from Tamashoho as he drove the larger Hidenoumi to the edge. Hidenoumi tried to get a morozashi but Tamashoho used his right hand ottsuke effectively to defend while forcing Hidenoumi back and over the bales. Yorikiri.

Shonannoumi (1-2) defeated Kayo (0-3). Kayo tried to pull Shonannoumi’s arms and force him down. Shonannoumi used the forward momentum to his advantage and just drove Kayo back and out. Oshidashi.

Nishikigi (3-0) defeated Ryuden (1-2). Nishikigi with a solid, dominant win today. Nishikigi locked up Ryuden with a left hand inside, right hand outside. Yorikiri.

Tokihayate (2-1) defeated Roga (2-1). Tokihayate blitzed Roga with both hands inside. He blocked Roga from getting a hold and forced Roga up and back. Yorikiri.

Takanosho (2-1) defeated Sadanoumi (1-2). Takanosho dominated Sadanoumi once he started going forward. After an initial step backward, Takanosho saw the light and chugged forward, blasting Sadanoumi back and out. Oshidashi.

Endo (3-0) defeated Atamifuji (2-1). Endo pulled Atamifuji forward to the edge while Atamifuji charged forward, forcing Endo off the dohyo. Endo fell backward off the dohyo, hard. Gunbai Atamifuji. Mono-ii. Atamifuji’s hand came down first so the gyoji’s call was overturned. Endo was given the win. Katasukashi.

Shodai (2-1) defeated Shishi (0-3). Shodai charged forward briefly before he shifted into reverse. The slapdown did not work so Shodai shifted right. As he did so, Shishi stumbled forward and Shodai finished Shishi off, shoving him down to the clay. Tsukiotoshi.

Meisei (2-1) defeated Kinbozan (1-2). Kinbozan will be frustrated with this loss. Kinbozan forced Meisei to the edge with overwhelming size and strength. But Meisei escaped along the dohyo long enough to tire Kinbozan. Meisei then grabbed Kinbozan’s arm and pulled him to the edge. Kinbozan resisted and resettled in the center. Kinbozan was totally gassed and Meisei drove forward and forced Kinbozan back and out. Yorikiri.

Aonishiki (2-1) defeated Onokatsu (2-1). Aonishiki stayed low and after an initial flurry of tsuppari from Onokatsu, Aonishiki locked on to the front of Onokatsu’s belt with his left hand. “Get it off! Get it off!” As if a radioactive spider had interrupted his picnic, Onokatsu retreated and tried to bat Aonishiki away. Aonishiki pursued well and locked on with his right hand and drove Onokatsu out. Yorikiri.

Churanoumi (1-2) defeated Midorifuji (0-3). Churanoumi kept Midorifuji from getting inside with an overwhelming forward attack. Midorifuji tried to escape but Churanoumi wrapped him up with both arms inside, forced him back and out. Okuridashi.

Halftime

Oshoma shoved hard to keep Tobizaru back. Tobizaru got his right hand on Oshoma and pulled him back. Both men hurdled off the dohyo. Gunbai Oshoma. Mono-ii. Both guys were determined to fall out at the same time. The Shimpan ordered a Torinaoshi rematch. In the rematch, Tobizaru avoided Oshoma’s slapdown attacks and forced Oshoma out. Oshidashi.

News Break

Hakuoho (3-0) defeated Chiyoshoma (0-3) Chiyoshoma got a strong grip and yanked Hakuoho around the dohyo. Hakuoho kept his balance, pivoted, and eventually powered Chiyoshoma backwards and over the edge. Yorikiri.

Takerufuji (3-0) defeated Ichiyamamoto (1-2). Takerufuji’s immediate, powerful forward attack negated Ichiyamamoto’s tsuppari and he forced Ichiyamamoto out quickly. Oshidashi.

Hiradoumi (2-1) defeated Ura (0-3). A bit of a brawl to start but Hiradoumi launched inside driving Ura back and . Ura tried to rotate but Hiradoumi forced him out and both men tumbled from the dohyo. Gunbai Hiradoumi. No mono-ii. Yoritaoshi.

Sanyaku

Takayasu (1-2) defeated Gonoyama (0-3). Gonoyama charged forward and forced Takayasu high, driving him to the bales. Takayasu found the bales and retreated along them. Gonoyama gave chase but as Takayasu retreated, Gonoyama lost his balance. Takayasu then pounced and shoved Gonoyama from behind. That was not good sumo but a win is a win for Takayasu. Okuridashi.

Kirishima (2-1) defeated Tamawashi (1-2). Kirishima weathered Tamawashi’s thrusting attack and locked his opponent up with a double-inside grip. From there, Kirishima ushered Tamawashi back and out. Yorikiri.

Daieisho (3-0) defeated Wakamotoharu (0-3). Wakamotoharu charged forward into Daieisho, forcing Daieisho back to the edge. Daieisho pivoted beautifully and shrugged Wakamotoharu off to the side. Tsukiotoshi.

Wakatakakage (2-1) defeated Kotozakura (1-2). The Ozeki looked like dead weight here. He could not get low and Wakatakakage took advantage. Wakatakakage latched on with his right hand inside, left hand outside and worked Kotozakura back to the edge. Kotozakura tried to rotate but Wakatakakage defended well and forced the Ozeki over the edge. Kotozakura seems bound for a hard fought kadoban at this point. Yorikiri.

Onosato (3-0) defeated Abi (0-3). Abi forced Onosato back with a great nodowa. Onosato used his left hand to bat Abi’s attacking right arm away, strongly. That forced Abi to the side and Onosato wrapped Abi up from behind and shoved him out. Okuridashi.

Mr. Donut is a kensho sponsor now. I wonder if they would be interested in a yusho prize. I think a heya would be appreciative of a year’s worth of donuts. That reminds me that my boss owes me a donut.

Oho (3-0) defeated Hoshoryu (2-1). A pusher-thruster bout as Oho moved forward and took it to the Yokozuna. Oho got his arms up on Hoshoryu’s shoulders, pivoted, and pulled Hoshoryu down. Hatakikomi.

Wrap-up

Well, I come back and Oho earns a kinboshi from Hoshoryu! That’s a result. Oho moved forward really well. The important thing, at least in my mind, is that he pivoted when he pulled. He didn’t really move backwards as he pulled but rather rotated and remained in the center of the ring. I feel if more guys did that, they would win more decisively. I would look at Endo’s pull down as an example of the opposite; he moved backward and nearly took himself out. Oho used to lose a lot of bouts moving backward like that. I am eager to see if he is finally turning that corner and making a push to be a sanyaku regular.

Onosato took another step forward to Yokozuna today as Kotozakura is off to another poor start. Daieisho, though, will be an interesting one to watch. He’s got his own dark horse promotion run going. A yusho would be spectacular.

Well, it’s great to be back. It’s great to have sumo and I look forward to the next 12 days of action.

Hatsu 2025, Senshuraku

Andy Hatsu 2025, Hatsu Basho , ,

Shishi claimed his first yusho in Juryo with a win over Tomokaze. The jun-yusho, runner-up, is Aonishiki after he beat Nabatame and Ryuden lost to Tohakuryu. With Kayo’s loss to Hakuyozan, we’re looking at, at least, five probable Makuuchi promotions: Sadanoumi, Shishi, Ryuden, Aonishiki and Asakoryu. This would be Aonishiki’s debut in the top division while all four of the rest make their quick returns after one-basho drops.

We have our bi-monthly proof of life via Twitter of Miyagino-oyakata as he presents the Kyokai’s selections for special prizes alongside Otowayama-oyakata. Oho claimed an unconditional Technique Prize and Kinbozan was awarded an unconditional Fighting Spirit prize. Additional Fighting Spirit prizes for Kirishima, Takerufuji, and Tamawashi are conditional on today’s action and they must win their bouts. Outstanding Performance prizes are conditional on Kinbozan or Oho winning the yusho.

Your NHK videos are available here: Juryo Part I & Part II, Makuuchi Part I & Part II.

Aside from the sansho, the big prize is on the line today. Kinbozan will fight Oho for the yusho.

Makuuchi Action

Kotoshoho (5-10) defeated Tamawashi (9-6). Today’s top division action began with a consequential bout. Kotoshoho was likely fighting to stay in the division while Tamawashi fought for a special prize. Solid tachiai. Tamawashi charged forward and Kotoshoho pulled, slapping Tamawashi down. Hatakikomi.

Nishikigi (8-7) defeated Oshoma (8-7). After briefly trading tsuppari, Nishikigi lodged his forearm in Oshoma’s chin. Oshoma dug in for a belt grip and Nishikigi allowed Oshoma a morozashi. Oshoma pressed Nishikigi to the edge but Nishikigi planted his left foot in the tawara. Nishikigi then pulled to his left and brought Oshoma down. Kotenage.

Tokihayate (7-8) defeated Takarafuji (5-10). Takarafuji pulled Tokihayate’s right arm up and off his belt but Tokihayate pressed forward. Takarafuji tried to pull but had no room and was far too high to make any aggressive counter. Tokihayate pressed the Takarabune out. Did Tokihayate do enough to stay in Makuuchi? Yorikiri.

Tamashoho (6-9) defeated Mitakeumi (2-13). Mitakeumi pressed ahead, into the torrent of Tamashoho’s tsuppari. At the edge, Tamashoho jumped right and Mitakeumi bumbled forward a step but slammed on the brakes at the edge. Tamashoho came back quickly and shoved Mitakeumi from behind to force Mitakeumi out. Okuridashi.

Hakuoho (10-5) defeated Takayasu (8-7). Hakuoho jumped the gun. The pair reset. Takayasu hit Hakuoho with force and quickly drove Hakuoho back to the bales. With one arm under Takayasu’s left shoulder, Hakuoho pivoted along the bales and tried a throw but Takayasu resisted. This gave Hakuoho an opportunity, though, to bring action a step closer to center. When Hakuoho worked both arms inside and under Takayasu’s shoulders, he was able to gain the upper hand and drive Takayasu off the dohyo. Yorikiri.

Chiyoshoma (9-6) defeated Shonannoumi (8-7). A fiery bout. Chiyoshoma worked Shonannoumi to the edge but Shonannoumi used his height to extend forward from the bales and drive Chiyoshoma backwards as Chiyoshoma shifted his grip. Chyoshoma tried a quick throw but followed up with a headbutt to Shonannoumi’s chin and some forceful tsuppari. The bout shifted to an oshi-style brawl with Shonannoumi in retreat. Chiyoshoma landed a great right that shoved Shonannoumi over the bales. Oshidashi.

Hiradoumi (7-8) defeated Onokatsu (7-8). Hiradoumi drove into Onokatsu and forced him quickly from the dohyo. Yorikiri.

Nishikifuji (9-6) defeated Shodai (6-9). Shodai tried a pivot and slapdown but Nishikifuji kept his focus and his footing and forced Shodai over the bales. Yorikiri.

Gonoyama (8-7) defeated Midorifuji (7-8). Darwin Bout #1 of 2. Gonoyama chased Midorifuji for a full lap around the dohyo. Midorifuji tried desperately to get a slapdown or katasukashi, anything. But Gonoyama’s solid footwork and forceful tsuppari drove Midorifuji from the ring, eventually. Tsukidashi.

Atamifuji (5-10) defeated Churanoumi (4-11). Churanoumi dug in hard but Atamifuji drove forward with solid gaburi-yotsu and lifted Churanoumi over the bales to finish him off. Kimedashi.

Halftime

Tobizaru (7-8) defeated Meisei (6-9). This fight was fought in two phases. It began with an oshi-style brawl. Meisei backed himself to the ropes with his rope-a-dope style but Tobizaru was not falling for any slapdowns or misdirection. So, Meisei settled on driving Tobizaru back to center and wrapping him up for the second phase, a yotsu-style grapple. Meisei tried to pull but Tobizaru’s footwork was steady and he ran Meisei back and out. Oshidashi.

Kirishima (11-4) defeated Takerufuji (10-5). After the initial clash, Kirishima pulled and Takerufuji dove forward. Kirishima had stayed in just long enough. Gunbai Kirishima. No mono-ii. Kirishima got his second Kanto-sho. Hatakikomi.

Oho (12-3) defeated Kinbozan (12-3). As the two wrestlers mounted the dohyo, a big cheer rose from the crowd. Yes, there are other bouts to follow but this bout is why these folks were here. Initial clash and Kinbozan fired off immediately from those bazookas. Oho pulled and Andy shouted, “NOOOO!!” but Oho cleverly used the pull for position. He pivoted at the edge, forcing Kinbozan’s back to the bales. From here, Oho blasted volley after volley of tsuppari at Kinbozan. Oho finally finished him off with some gaburi-yotsu. Oshidashi? Okay. We will have a PLAYOFF!!!

Kagayaki (6-9) defeated Takanosho (6-9). After a brawl, the two paused to catch their breath at the center of the ring. Kagayaki waited for Takanosho to tire or make the first move. When Takanosho pulled, Kagayaki charged forward and forced him out. Oshidashi.

Sanyaku

Ichiyamamoto (8-7) defeated Wakatakakage (7-8). Darwin Bout #2 of 2. The idol versus the fan boy. How many fans get to strangle their idols? Wakatakakage opened with a pull. Ichiyamamoto followed and strangled him, both hands up in Wakatakakage’s neck. As Wakatakakage tried to press forward, Ichiyamamoto suddenly pulled and slapped WTK down. Hatakikomi.

Daieisho (11-4) defeated Abi (7-8). Push and Pull. Push and Pull. Neither pull worked so Daieisho went back to his roots and blasted into Abi’s shoulders, driving him back and out. Tsukidashi.

Kore Yori Sanyaku

Wakamotoharu (6-9) defeated Endo (6-9). What the hell is Endo doing up in the kore-yori-sanyaku? Oh, right…Wakamotoharu is 5-9 and not worthy of fighting Ozeki. Well, current ones, anyway. This has not been a good tournament for Arashio-beya. Hopefully Daiseizan did enough to maintain his status as sekitori. Both Wakamotoharu and Wakatakakage will fall from sanyaku into the rank-and-file. Back to the “action”…Endo did not want Wakamotoharu to get that right hand uwate grip and used his best ottsuke to keep WMH at bay. The two leaned into each other for a while. As Endo pulled, Wakamotoharu followed and sent Endo into the crowd for some fansa. Oshidashi.

Onosato (10-5) defeated Ura (7-8). Ura opted for the non-tachiai. I’m not sure if that was a henka attempt but it got caught out quickly as Onosato plowed forward and to the left a bit. That was his tenth win and the easiest stack of kensho he has yet received. We need to remember that this is a poor showing for him because he was a non-factor in the yusho. Bad Onosato, bad. Take that stack back to your castle and think about what you have done. Tsukidashi.

All of the lower division titles were decided “in regulation.” We know there will be a top-division playoff. Will Hoshoryu join?

Hoshoryu (12-3) defeated Kotozakura (5-10). Kotozakura withstood Hoshoryu’s nodowa and pressed into The Nephew, locking on with a left-hand uwate. Hoshoryu tried to throw Kotozakura but Kotozakura kept his balance. However, Kotozakura could not pressure Hoshoryu. When Hoshoryu locked on with a morozashi, Kotozakura was toast. Kotozakura resisted as well as he could but Hoshoryu drove forward and forced Kotozakura off the dohyo. Hoshoryu secured his position in the playoff AND keeps those Yokozuna promotion hopes alive. Yorikiri.

PLAY OFF

With three contenders, the goal is pretty simple: win two bouts in a row. Draw lots to see who fights first and we exchange fighters until someone wins two consecutive bouts.

Bout #1: Hoshoryu defeated Kinbozan. Hoshoryu blitzed Kinbozan but Kinbozan also managed a solid grip. They both tried to throw the other. Hoshoryu was too powerful and when Kinbozan let up at the edge, the Ozeki thrust him into the crowd.

Bout #2: Hoshoryu defeated Oho. Oho resisted at the bales and brought the action back to center. Hoshoryu tried a pull and nearly slapped Oho down but Oho stayed up and even dodged Hoshoryu’s leg sweep. But as Oho backed away, Hoshoryu chased and drove Oho into the ground.

Hoshoryu Yusho.

Thank you, everyone, for reading and enjoying this tournament with me. Hoshoryu’s title opens the door to a new Yokozuna promotion. It is not a certainty and we will update on the any promotion. The new banzuke will be decided early this week, so we will definitely have promotion news (yay or nay) before then. We will also learn who gets promoted to Juryo and keep you apprized of any more big retirements.

There is no Jungyo between now and Osaka. The Kyokai has posted the Spring tour schedule, as shared by Asashosakari in the comments (English version). I’m sure the Kyokai would like to have a Yokozuna available for some of those events to perform Dohyo-iri, in particular at Ise and Yasukuni. Those events may be enough to tip the scales in Hoshoryu’s favor. I’d love to be a fly on the wall while they deliberate.

In February, the Kokugikan will host a number of events, so keep your eyes peeled for news on those. Tokushoryu’s retirement ceremony is on the first. That will be followed by the NHK’s fundraiser sumo event on the 8th and the FujiTV Tournament on the 9th.

Hatsu 2025, Day Fourteen

Andy Hatsu 2025, Hatsu Basho , ,

Shishi defeated Kotoeiho and improves to 12-2. Nabatame defeated Ryuden so both men join Aonishiki on 11-3. Shishi has already fought the wrestlers with the best records in the division. My guess is they might throw Tomokaze at him. Tomokaze will be seeking kachi-koshi. But that seems like a weak deciding bout for this race. Anyone have a better idea?

Your NHK videos are still here, despite today’s pre-emption. Juryo Part I & Part II, Makuuchi Part I & Part II.

If any of my readers are going to Kokugikan tomorrow, be sure to prepare for extra security screening. The Kyokai posted an announcement that they will be doing more bag checks tomorrow and confiscating any banned items. My guess is that they will have a VIP in attendance, possibly the new PM or the Emperor.

It has been a few years since the Emperor came to watch in person, and obviously there was the famous scene several years ago when PM Abe hosted American President Donald Trump. Maybe Ishiba will come to present the Prime Minister’s Cup? Or, maybe they just want to be extra safe on senshuraku and Andy’s just letting his mind go wild with senseless speculation again. We shall see.

I fired up the VPN to watch today’s action. When I turned on JME, there was supposed to be a short program on Okinawa dialects before sumo coverage but instead there was a soccer game that was tied 1-1 and in the 3rd minute of extra time. That meant sumo was being pre-empted so this will be my first time in a while watching the Abema coverage.

Interesting, they have added approximate shimekomi colors next to the wrestlers’ shikona. If you’re familiar with soccer coverage, it’s similar to the way they display the different kit colors. There is a bit more of an ad mix nowadays, apparently. I also enjoyed being able to see the kensho banners more clearly. But no news breaks and no sense of being rushed out the door at the end of the day’s action as NHK usually rushes to the news at 6pm. NHK has a bit to learn from Abema and a dedicated sumo channel would go a long way.

Makuuchi Action

Nishikigi (7-7) defeated Kagayaki (5-9). Nishikigi let Kagayaki get a morozashi, double-inside grip. As Kagayaki started to chug forward, Nishikigi pivoted and rolled Kagayaki down along the tawara. Kotenage.

Tamawashi (9-5) defeated Nishikifuji (8-6). Old Tom O’Washi rushed out with purpose and hit Nishikifuji with a solid tachiai. Nishikifuji pulled immediately and Tom surged forward, casting Nishikifuji into the crowd. Nishikifuji was dead before Tom’s hand touched down. No mono-ii. Oshidashi.

Meisei (6-8) defeated Onokatsu (6-8). Onokatsu drove Meisei to the bales with his tsuppari but Meisei resisted and locked on with a good belt grip. Meisei rotated and forced Onokatsu up against the bales and then pressed him over. Yorikiri.

Tokihayate (6-8) defeated Churanoumi (4-10). Tokihayate rotated to his right and drove Churanoumi backwards and over the bales. Churanoumi seemed to move rather gingerly, as if his left ankle or knee is giving him issues. That would explain his terrible performance this tournament. Stonecreek shared a list of wrestlers who have been performing particularly poorly and I would add Churanoumi to that list of Wakamotoharu, Atamifuji, and Mitakeumi. Yorikiri.

Oshoma (8-6) defeated Tamashoho (5-9). Oshoma rotated slightly to the left and rolled Tamashoho off the dohyo. Tsukiotoshi.

Kotoshoho (4-10) defeated Takarafuji (5-9). Takarafuji was content to play passive, reactive sumo at the start of this bout. He seemed to be waiting for Kotoshoho to make his moves and then he was trying to counter with inashi. Kotoshoho decided to jettison his oshi-tsuki attack and reached in for a belt grip. The two settled into a lean. Here, Takarafuji started to take the initiative and drove into Kotoshoho. Kotoshoho countered and threw Takarafuji. Takarafuji rolled down the dohyo and landed on his butt next to Kokonoe. A polite little bow to the head shimpan, “How do you do, sir?” Uwatenage.

Hakuoho (9-5) defeated Endo (6-8). Endo resisted powerfully and took it to Hakuoho. Where has this Endo been? This has been the most competitive I have seen him in some time. Hakuoho still managed to throw him with a powerful left-hand inside belt grip. Shitatenage.

Shonannoumi (8-6) defeated Ichiyamamoto (7-7). Ichiyamamoto started this bout on the belt but Shonannoumi bucked him off quickly. As Ichiyamamoto began to get his tsuppari engine going and began to churn his legs forward, Shonannoumi slipped to the right and shoved Ichiyamamoto down and out. Oshidashi.

Midorifuji (7-7) defeated Shodai (6-8). Shodai confidently stepped forward into Midorifuji as Midorifuji slammed into him over and over without much success in driving him back. But he wasn’t alert to what Midorifuji was doing with his right hand. Midorifuji slammed into Shodai and brought his right hand up inside Shodai’s left armpit and suddenly pulled Shodai down. Hisashiburi. Katasukashi.

Gonoyama (7-7) defeated Tobizaru (6-8). Tobizaru henka. Gonoyama caught it and gently shoved Tobizaru out. After such a great start to the tournament, claiming a kinboshi, forcing Terunofuji to go intai, and two Ozeki scalps on top of it… Tobizaru is make-koshi. Surely, he was on pace for a special prize early in the tournament. Pfffth. That’s gone as he leapt meekly from the dohyo. Tsukidashi.

Halftime

Atamifuji (4-10) defeated Mitakeumi (2-12). Mitakeumi gave Atamifuji one good shove to the face at the tachiai. Then Atamifuji chugged forward and forced Mitakeumi out. If there was a time to go to the bathroom or get some tea, you could do it during this bout so you wouldn’t miss the delicate dohyo maintenance during halftime. Oshidashi.

Oho (11-3) defeated Takanosho (6-8). Excellent counter from Oho. As Takanosho chugged forward, Oho pivoted and tried a kotenage. That failed but he tried again with a shove into Takanosho right shoulder. Tsukiotoshi.

Kinbozan (12-2) defeated Kirishima (10-4). Kinbozan wants this yusho. This was a great yotsu bout. Kirishima forced his way inside, negating Kinbozan’s usual pusher-thruster style. Kirishima tried an uwatenage from that left-hand outside grip. But Kinbozan kept his footing and countered with a powerful right-hand throw. He had a grip with his right-hand inside on Kirishima’s belt but Kirishima’s uwatenage attempt pulled Kinbozan’s hand off his belt. This might have given Kinbozan better leverage by shifting his grip under Kirishima’s shoulder. Great work from both men but Kinbozan walks away with the white star and remains in the lead. Sukuinage.

Sanyaku

Takayasu (8-6) defeated Abi (7-7). Abi pounded away at Takayasu’s face while Takayasu drove Abi back to the bales. As Abi planted his feet against the tawara, Takayasu shifted left and slapped Abi back into the ring. Hatakikomi.

Ura (7-7) defeated Wakatakakage (7-7). Wakatakakage tried to slap Ura down but Ura kept his balance. Ura with the nice counter, drove into Wakatakakage, establishing a double-inside hold of Wakatakakage’s trunk. Waka then tried to throw Ura from the right but Ura staggered Wakatakakage with a shove and WTK stutter-stepped out as he tried to catch himself.

Wakamotoharu (5-9) defeated Chiyoshoma (8-6). When I see Chiyoshoma now, I just hear the voice of a young Martin Sheen. “Everyone gets everything he wants. I wanted a [yusho run], and for my sins, they gave me one.” Chiyoshoma hit Wakamotoharu hard at the tachiai and then pulled. Wakamotoharu kept his footing so Chiyoshoma slammed back into WMH, leading with his head to Wakamotoharu’s chin. This flung Wakamotoharu across the ring. As WMH teetered on the bales, he pivoted and threw Chiyoshoma forward. The gyoji seemed to look for a mark in the Janome and when he saw it, pointed his gunbai to Chiyoshoma. Mono-ii. Review showed that Wakamotoharu’s counter throw defeated Chiyoshoma. Tsukiotoshi.

Daieisho (10-4) defeated Hiradoumi (6-8). Daieisho’s thrusting overpowered Hiradoumi. Tsukidashi.

Onosato (9-5) defeated Kotozakura (5-9). Onosato’s steady footwork earned him a massive, double-fisted stack of kensho-kin. Kotozakura tried to throw him from the right as they moved back to the bales. But Onosato shrugged off the hold and continued to plow Kotozakura backward. Oshidashi.

Don’t worry, another double-stack of kensho-kin awaited the winner of the musubi-no-ichiban.

Hoshoryu (11-3) defeated Takerufuji (10-4). Takerufuji went high and tried a kubinage after the tachiai. He grabbed Hoshoryu’s belt with the left and wrapped his right arm around Hoshoryu’s head and rotated clockwise. Hoshoryu did not go down, though. Instead, he went low, got hold of Takerufuji’s belt, lifted him up and drove him backward from the dohyo. Yorikiri.

Wrap-up

Kirishima fell out of the yusho race with his loss to Kinbozan, taking the loser of the Hoshoryu/Takerufuji bout with him (Takerufuji). The yusho race narrows to include Kinbozan in the lead, and only Hoshoryu and Oho chasing.

Senshuraku fights are not out yet. I will try to bring an update before action starts tonight for both Juryo and Makuuchi. Will this Hoshoryu vs Kotozakura bout happen? I think so. Hoshoryu has already fought Oho and Kinbozan. Kinbozan has not fought Oho, though. If Kinbozan beats his opponent tomorrow, whether it’s Oho or anyone else, the Cup is his. If Oho wins and Kinbozan loses, we will have a play-off, possibly with Hoshoryu, if he wins his bout.