Onosato

Kyushu 2026: Day Three

Andy Kyujo (休場), Kyushu 2026, Kyushu Basho , , ,

Day Three in Fukuoka.

This usually means the start of maezumo but there will not be maezumo at this tournament. There were only four participants in the entrance exam before the basho and two of them were foreigners. The foreigners have to wait for their visas to come through, which will likely be January. One of them is Anatoli, a recruit from Estonia who will join Hidenoyama beya.

As Justin mentioned in the replies, the two Japanese recruits are going to join the same heya and there won’t be any injured rikishi coming back who would participate in maezumo again. So, no maezumo.

We do have a new report from the infirmary today. Kotoeiho is kyujo due to a neck injury that led to numbness in his right hand. Apparently, he’s got a herniated disc in his neck. Yikes. NHK says he’s out for four weeks. Kinbozan will receive the default victory.

Speaking of NHK, your videos are here. Today’s videos include a nice little interview with Shinkomusubi Churanoumi that features his work promoting sumo with kids.

Before we hop to the top division action, let’s check in on our former makuuchi wrestlers in Juryo. Wakatakakage and Tobizaru continue to fight for their return, joined by Kayo, Enho, and Tamashoho at 3-0. Enho is always dangerous with his leg picks as Sadanoumi discovered today.

In Makushita, Fujinokawa’s brother, Ikarigata Chugo is making a case for rapid promotion. He tood down Asahifuji’s old nemesis, Tenshoyama, today. Ikazuchido picked up his first win of the tournament against Kyokumizuno and Kaki got his second win. Naya picked off Kiryuko. Hikarumusashi won his first bout of the basho against Ryutsukasa. Eisei and Sunamusashi had the day off. Apologies for the truncated early division action but there’s a lot of great action to focus on in Makuuchi today.

Makuuchi Action

Kyokukaiyu (2-1) defeated Arashifuji (2-1). Solid tachiai from Kyokuakiyu. As Kyokukaiyu recoiled, Arashifuji stumbled forward and touched the clay with his hand. Kimura Shozaburo didn’t see, so he tried to play it off and the fight continued briefly before Kokonoe-oyakata, the head shimpan, alerted the gyoji. “Yo, Arashifuji touched, dude.” That’s an awesome name, “Shou-ZA-buro.” I could say that all day. Tsukite.

Tamawashi (2-1) defeated Daiseizan (0-3). Daiseizan has not looked ready for this tournament. Tamawashi blasted into him at the tachiai, leading with a fierce clash of heads. Tamawashi followed with tsuppari and drove Daiseizan out. Oshidashi.

Dewanoryu (3-0) defeated Kitanowaka (1-2). Kitanowaka tried to use his right hand ottsuke to displace Dewanoryu’s left-hand inside grip. He briefly broke Dewanoryu’s hold but Dewanoryu quickly locked back on again. He used that strong hidari-yotsu hold and dragged Kitanowaka over to the edge, pivoted and threw Kitanowaka to the ground with his right-hand overarm grip. After my Day One snafu with his shikona, Dewanoryu’s message to Andy is, “Learn my name, Dude.” Yes, sir. He’s been fighting really well to start this tournament and looks like he belongs in the division. Kitanowaka, Toshinofuji, and Daiseizan are not quite as persuasive here. Uwatedashinage.

Tokihayate (1-2) defeated Toshinofuji (0-3). While Toshinofuji leaned over Tokihayate’s back and fumbled for a belt grip, Tokihayate charged into Toshinofuji and blasted him from the ring. Oshidashi.

Asasuiryu (2-1) defeated Abi (1-2). Abi’s back, ankle wrapped up with about sixty feet of tape there. Asasuiryu did not take it easy on him and bulldozed Abi back and out. Will he grind it out and pray for leniency from the Banzuke committee? Oshidashi.

Takanosho (3-0) defeated Ichiyamamoto (1-2). The men traded tsuppari, Ichiyamamoto advancing steadily. As Takanosho reached the edge of the dohyo, he shifted left and slapped Ichiyamamoto down. Hatakikomi.

Oho (2-1) defeated Asahakuryu (2-1). Oho moved forward! He forced Asahakuryu back to the edge where Asahakuryu tried to shift right and thrust Oho down to the side. But Oho had his wits about him, adjusted to Asahakuryu’s shift and plowed ahead. “Call Mr. Plow. That’s my name. That name again is Mr. Plow.” I like this version of Oho. Yorikiri.

Oshoma (2-1) defeated Shishi (0-3). Shishi tried to lumber forward and get in for his left hand grip but Oshoma kept shoving him away. Eventually, Shishi grew so tired (or bored) that he fell asleep and flopped into the middle of the ring. YAWN. Again, terrible footwork from Shishi. He’s stumbling all over. And Oshoma demonstrated the less creativity than a kindergarden art class. Hatakikomi.

Nishikifuji (1-2) defeated Asakoryu (1-2). Nishikifuji’s tachiai woke me up. He hit Asakoryu with a shoulder blast and followed with steady thrusts. Asakoryu barely had time to try any counter attack before he was being driven over the bales. Yorikiri.

Wakamotoharu (2-1) defeated Roga (1-2). Wakamotoharu got a left-hand grip deep at the back of Roga’s mawashi. He drove ahead and forced Roga out quickly. Yorikiri.

Kinbozan (3-0) default win over Kotoeiho (1-2).

Halftime

Kotoshoho (2-1) defeated Hiradoumi (1-2). Kotoshoho battered Hiradoumi with head shots out the gate. Hiradoumi shifted to avoid and tried to re-engage from the side but Kotoshoho slapped him down. Hatakikomi.

Takerufuji (2-1) defeated Gonoyama (1-2). Gonoyama charged ahead but Takerufuji slid to the left and pulled Gonoyama down. Tsukiotoshi.

Hakunofuji (2-1) defeated Takayasu (1-2). Hakunofuji reminded me of a weatherman assigned to hurricane duty. He withstood a shoulder blast tachiai followed by a torrent of tsuppari from Takayasu. The only respite came from wrapping his arms around a tree (Takayasu) and waiting for the storm to die down. Hakunofuji then pressed forward and forced Takayasu out with an extra shove to make sure Papayasu was good and out. Yorikiri.

Sanyaku

Atamifuji (3-0) defeated Daieisho (1-2). Atamifuji read the brief. He blocked as much of Daieisho’s incoming blasts as he could and watched out for Daieisho’s sudden shifts. Daieisho eventually shifted himself too close to the edge and Atamifuji charged ahead. Daieisho tried to run away and shift again but shifted himself out. Oshidashi.

Churanoumi (1-2) defeated Fujinokawa (0-3). Fujinokawa was on edge and jumped the gun twice. Churanoumi got a strong left-arm uwate and dragged Fujinokawa down with a forceful throw. I’m sorry, did Churanoumi pull a tooth out, all nonchalant-like, while walking back down the hanamichi? I hope that was just some broccoli. Uwatenage.

Kotozakura (2-1) defeated Fujiseiun (1-2). Now this was Ozeki zumo. Kotozakura forced his way forward until he got that big left-hand grip at the back of Fujiseiun’s belt. Then, he pivoted and dragged Fujiseiun down. Fight like this from now on, Zakura-seki! Can I call you, Zack? No? Wise choice. Uwatenage.

Aonishiki (2-1) defeated Ura (0-3). I didn’t know what Ura had planned and Aonishiki likely didn’t either. We all knew what Aonishiki had planned. Left-hand inside. Ura, it turns out, let him go for that because he was counting on it. He bum-rushed the Ozeki and drove forward, seizing Aonishiki’s belt with his right hand outside as the Ozeki got his favored hold. Ura then suddenly pulled and tried a forceful uwatenage. It would have been a spectacular move but Aonishiki maintained his composure and used his excellent footwork to move inside, wrapping up Ura with both arms and forcing him back and out. Excellent sumo from both men. Good try, Ura-zeki. Yorikiri.

Yoshinofuji (2-1) defeated Kirishima (2-1). Yoshinofuji got his right hand uwate early. Kirishima tried to use his left-hand inside hold to throw Yoshinofuji. Yoshinofuji countered by wrapping his leg around Kirishima and using the added leverage to make his overarm throw work. Fantastic move! Kirishima had a wry smile of appreciation as he got himself back up from the ground. Uwatenage.

Fujiryoga (2-1) defeated Hoshoryu (2-1). Fujiryoga exposed the vulnerability of Hoshoryu’s knee. Hatsu-kinboshi. Hoshoryu pivoted and pulled, clutching for that right hand uwate. It never came. Fujiryoga recovered and charged at the Yokozuna, forcing him back to the edge and then bull-rushing him back onto his ass. “Das ist nicht gut.” Oshitaoshi.

Onosato (2-1) defeated Asanoyama (1-2). Asanoyama got his left-hand uwate but could not quite get that right arm inside. Undeterred, he planted his foot and pulled hard on the Yokozuna’s belt, dragging him toward the edge. Onosato used his footwork and his own solid inside belt grip to keep Asanoyama centered, crushing the former Ozeki backward and out. Asanoyama may have lost but he left his mark. Onosato got up with a bloodied mouth. I’m not sure if it was from the fierce tachiai or the fall. I wouldn’t be surprised if Onosato will be looking for some late-night dental work. Yoritaoshi.

Wrap-up

I’ve got a serious question. Who is better, Yoshinofuji or Atamifuji? Which Isegahama wrestler is destined for higher office, more accolades, more titles, more hardware? Right now, Atamifuji has the Heyagashira title. I mean, it’s staggering to think of Hakunofuji and Takerufuji as the “B-Team” at Isegahama-beya but here we are.

Now, turning to the Fujishima Boys, Fujiryoga draws first blood, claiming his first kinboshi. Both of these guys have burst onto the scene and are becoming quite the duo. I look forward to seeing these guys develop. Fujiseiun will get his chance at a kinboshi tomorrow as he will fight Onosato. Fujiryoga will take on Aonishiki and both are first-time meets.

Hoshoryu looked shaky today on that knee. He will fight Ura tomorrow. We’ll see how he recovers from today’s loss. It will be very important to pick up these early wins. He can’t be scrambling for a kachi-koshi in the final days, or we’ll see his final days on the dohyo sooner rather than later.

Asanoyama will fight Kotozakura, whom he leads in the rivalry with a 3-0 record. However, their first head-to-head was more than 10 years ago, way back in Sandanme and both were fighting under their real names: Ishibashi vs. Koto-Kamatani. They would fight again two years ago when Asanoyama was making his first comeback. We’ll see how it goes this time. With Kotozakura fighting well, this could actually be a really good bout.

Kirishima will fight Takayasu in yet another highlight bout. Atamifuji will fight Churanoumi and Fujinokawa will take on Yoshinofuji. It’s amazing Fujinokawa is still winless. Can he turn this around and save his potential Ozeki run? Or will it wither on the vine? Yoshinofuji leads the head-to-head with a 6-1 advantage.

Kyushu 2026: Shonichi

Andy Kyushu 2026, Kyushu Basho , , , ,

Day One in Fukuoka. Before action started, media reported Shirokuma will be kyujo. He tore a ligament in his right ankle. Mitakeumi received the default win. That’s a tough break for the Number Two guy at Nishinoseki-beya.

In Jonokuchi, Sunamusashi kicked the tournament off with a win. His shusshin is officially Tokyo, but he was raised in Hawaii. Good luck! Hopefully he and Hikarumusashi can learn from each other and steadily climb the banzuke. We look forward to following his career. Eisei will fight Banju in early Jonidan action tomorrow. Lots to cover in Juryo so let’s get moving.

Wakatakakage, naked of any braces or wraps on his knee, overwhelmed Ryuden to pick up his first win. He might be the favorite for the Juryo title after Asahifuji fell to…checks notes…Tamashoho? Really? Wow. The quick slapdown and Asahifuji is stunned. It’s a long tournament and he’ll have an even longer career but an auspicious start, certainly. Ryuho, the other Juryo debutant, won his first bout against Hatsuyama. Enho defeated Wakanosho by first trying a leg grab on Wakanosho’s weak right knee. Wakanosho then chased Enho around the ring and battered him a bit but Enho got that leg and forced Wakanosho out. Meisei lost to Tokifudo.

NHK videos are here.

Makuuchi Action

Kyokukaiyu defeated Daiseizan. Kyokukaiyu established a left-hand belt grip and chugged forward, easing Daiseizan over the tawara. Yorikiri.

Arashifuji defeated Kitanowaka. Arashifuji used his big right hand ottsuke to keep Kitanowaka from getting a left hand grip AND to drive Kitanowaka back. Oshidashi.

Dewanoryu defeated Tamawashi. Tamawashi used his powerful left-hand nodowa to force Dewanoryu back to the edge. However, Dewanoryu managed to get inside and get a right-hand belt grip. “Get him off me! Get him off me!” Tamawashi tried to shove his arms away but by now Dewanoryu worked both arms in there for a firm morozashi. Yorikiri.

Asasuiryu defeated Tokihayate. A great back-and-forth here but Asasuiryu finally corralled Tokihayate and rushed him out of the ring. Yorikiri.

Abi defeated Toshinofuji. Toshinofuji charged into Abi and drove him back to the edge. But Abi shifted left at the edge and slapped Toshinofuji down to the clay. Hatakikomi.

Asahakuryu defeated Ichiyamamoto. Ichiyamamoto pulled and Asahakuryu bulldozed him back easily. Terrible start for Ichiyamamoto fans. Oshidashi.

Takanosho defeated Oho. Oho got some initial penetration into Takanosho’s side of the dohyo as a result of a strong tachiai. However, he yielded it right back to Takanosho as he pulled and Takanosho shoved him back and out. Oshidashi.

Asakoryu defeated Shishi. Shishi tried to get his left hand on Asakoryu’s belt but Asakoryu forced Shishi back and over the edge. Impressive strength from Mighty Mouse. Yorikiri.

Oshoma defeated Nishikifuji. Nishikifuji had just locked on with his left hand when Oshoma shoved Nishikifuji violently to the right and shifted to his left. Nishikifuiji’s momentum helped Oshoma drive him to the ground. Tsukiotoshi.

Kinbozan defeated Roga. One-way bout here as Kinbozan overpowered Roga and quickly forced him over the edge. Yorikiri.

Wakamotoharu defeated Kotoeiho. Wakamotoharu forced Kotoeiho back and out. Yorikiri.

Halftime

Gonoyama defeated Kotoshoho. Gonoyama did not come to play around. He obliterated Kotoshoho with powerful thrusts. Oshidashi.

Hiradoumi defeated Takerufuji. Takerufuji’s torso got out way in front of his feet. It looked hilarious as he tried to slap Hiradoumi down only to bring himself to the clay. Hikiotoshi.

Daieisho defeated Hakunofuji. Daieisho welcomed Hakunofuji to Fukuoka in the traditional manner: Aggravated Assault. Hakunofuji was just trying to buy some salt from the nice guy with the magic water and before he knew what was happening, this brute came out of nowhere and started battering him then thrust him out of the store. Tsukidashi.

Sanyaku

Atamifuji defeated Takayasu. Takayasu tried to spin away from Atamifuji but Atamifuji charged forward with perfect timing and shoved Takayasu out from behind. Okuridashi.

Fujiseiun defeated Fujinokawa. Fujiseiun attacked Fujinokawa and drove him to the edge. As Fujinokawa tried to shift along the bales, Fujiseiun worked to establish firm grips on Fujinokawa’s belt. With his steady footwork, he didn’t allow any openings for Fujinokawa to counter attack and he patiently drove Fujinokawa out. Yorikiri.

Kirishima defeated Ura. When Kirishima charged forward, Ura pivoted and tried to escape to the left. Ura forgot to tell his feet what he was planning, though, and he tripped and rolled across the ring. Yoritaoshi.

Fujiryoga defeated Kotonanahachi. Somehow, I knew this was going to happen and I’m confident that you all did, too. Kotohachinana pulled and Fujiryoga chased him out of the ring by virtue of his steady footwork and solid tsuppari. No need to worry about a tracking any “rope runs” with this Ozeki. Oshidashi.

Asanoyama defeated Aonishiki. I did NOT see this one coming, though. Aonishiki got his left-hand grip. But he couldn’t pull Asanoyama over. Asanoyama wasted no time and went on the offense, with both arms tucked up under Aonishiki’s armpits. He drove into Aonishiki and methodically broke him down. Aonishiki tried to spin away but Asanoyama wrapped him up and used his own left-hand grip to haul Aonishiki to the clay, outside the ring. Yoritaoshi.

Hoshoryu defeated Churanoumi. Churanoumi wanted the left hand maemitsu grip and he had it for a second. Hoshoryu immediately shifted right and slapped Churanoumi’s hand away. Churanoumi then went for the nodowa but Hoshoryu doesn’t have a neck anymore so that attack didn’t really go anywhere. Hoshoryu, for his part, just tried to stay in the ring and on his feet He succeeded. He shifted right and left, baiting Churanoumi into the attack. Churanoumi charged forward and Hoshoryu slipped away again, this time following up with a shove, sending Churanoumi off balance, stumbling over the bales. After collecting his kensho, Hoshoryu looked upward and gave a sigh of relief. One down. Fourteen to go. Oshidashi.

Yoshinofuji defeated Onosato. Onosato charged ahead, boldly forcing Yoshinofuji back to the edge. Yoshinofuji pivoted on the straw bales and let the Yokozuna fall forward. Gunbai Yoshinofuji. Mono-ii. Did Onosato’s finger touch the tawara as he flailed around? Yes, his hand touched. Tsukiotoshi.

Wrap-up

Hopefully, Hakunofuji will realize he’s at a sumo tournament. He will need to as he’s scheduled to fight a the high-octane Hiradoumi tomorrow. Fujinokawa will fight Takayasu. Atamifuji and takes on Ura. Takayasu and Ura need to get their heads in the game, too. Both had rather sloppy Day One losses.

Aonishiki will fight Yoshinofuji, Kirishima will take on Fujiseiun, and Kotozakura will fight Churanoumi. Onosato will try to regroup against Fujiryoga and Hoshoryu will face a massive test with Asanoyama.

I think I’m going to see how much mileage I can get out of comparing the Fujishima-beya Boys to the Duke Brothers. Just a couple of working-class guys from a small, humble heya, fighting The Man and taking it one day at a time. If that’s the case, who’s Uncle Jesse? Maybe Takayasu. More importantly, who’s Daisy? Kotozak…no. He’s Sheriff Roscoe P Coltrane, surely, since Onosato seems to want to be Boss Hogg. We still need a Daisy, though. Oh well, maybe this is where the analogy dies.

It’s great to be back with y’all. As Onosato and Kotozakura stumbled out of the gate, Hoshoryu can finally breathe. However, it’s a long tournament and Hoshoryu was not exactly using great sumo here today. Long tournament? In two weeks I’m going to be lamenting, AGAIN, how quickly the action passed.

Kyushu 2026: Shonichi Preview

Andy Kyushu 2026, Kyushu Basho , , ,

Day One in the historic Hakata district of Fukuoka. Fresh off his victory in September, Yokozuna Onosato will look to win a title in Kyushu for the first time. It is fitting that his first bout this tournament will be against Yoshinofuji, whom he finally managed to beat on his path to that title. Prior to Aki, Yoshinofuji appeared to have access to Onosato’s kryptonite, winning their first three bouts. So, this will be a very tough challenge but with that first win, Onosato might feel like he’s broken the curse, gotten the monkey off his back. It won’t be an easy fight but he can go into it with a clear mind.

On the other hand, Hoshoryu has the weight of his rank on his back. He returns from knee surgery and has been working it out on tour and in practice. But this is a hon-basho. Is he “production ready?” The pressure to perform is not just coming from the press, who constantly reminds fans that he has yet to win a title as Yokozuna; his shisho is looking for nothing less than a yusho. Churanoumi will be a difficult opponent but one to whom Hoshoryu has never lost. Churanoumi will be motivated to represent Okinawans as he is now the highest ranked Okinawan sumo wrestler, ever. These are the most dangerous matchups, in my mind. It’s probably good, then, that I will not be up on that dohyo.

Aonishiki will fight Asanoyama in a first-time meeting (初顔合わせ). It’s rather astonishing to me that these guys haven’t fought yet. But here we are. Asanoyama, the former Ozeki still has hopes of returning to his former rank. There are many new fans will not recall the drama of his sudden fall from grace or even his first comeback. Asanoyama has clawed his way back, again, to the top of the rank and file. Can he make it back into sanyaku? Before the scandal, there had been murmurs of Yokozuna, as there are now for his opponent, Aonishiki. Frankly, I just want to see these guys stay healthy for a while. They will undoubtedly give it all they have. It should be a highlight bout.

Rounding out the Ozeki ranks, Kotozakura will fight Fujiryoga and Kirishima will take on Ura. At Sekiwake, we have Fujinokawa fighting Fujiseiun and Atamifuji battling Takayasu. There are some great rank-and-file matchups, too, like Daieisho versus Hakunofuji, Takerufuji against Hiradoumi and Kotoshoho versus Gonoyama. Wakamotoharu will fight Kotoeiho as he works his way back toward the joi.

I’m also watching Takanosho versus Oho. These guys could easily be fighting each other in the joi or sanyaku. In fact, that’s usually where they face each other. Their performances here toward the lower third of the banzuke could tell us a lot about their condition and prospects for moving back up…or sliding down into Juryo. Similarly, Ichiyamamoto will fight Asahakuryu and Abi will take on Toshinofuji.

American readers in particular, though, will be firing up the VPNs tonight to catch early action Sunamusashi will kick off the action tonight. He completed maezumo in September. He was raised in Hawaii and is the son of former Juryo wrestler, Sunahama. Sunahama was fighting in Juryo back when music was good. (Western Civilization peaked in the 1990s. Autotune ruined everything. I will not accept debate on this issue. But feel free to debate anything else in the comments section.)

Aki 2026: Senshuraku

Andy Aki 2026 , , ,

Kitanowaka of Hakkaku-beya won the Juryo yusho. He defeated Kagayaki in regulation to force a play-off. Kayo joined the play-off as he beat Tamawashi. Kitanowaka then defeated Kagayaki and Kayo to claim the title.

What works once must work twice. Rinse and repeat, no?

The Makushita to Juryo promotion queue will be interesting. There’s precedent for elevating Makushita 4 with 4-3 records: Nabatame & Hoshoryu. There’s precedent for elevating Makushita 9 with a 6-1: Hakuho. There’s also precedent for keeping a 6-9 at the same rank. It will be interesting but I think Tochitaikai, Nishikigi, Tamashoho, Hatsuyama go down. Asahifuji, Ryuho, Ikarigata and Tenshoyama come up. What do y’all think? Frankly, the Sumo Association will do what the Sumo Association wants to do.

Special Prize Nominations:

Takayasu will get a Fighting Spirit prize if he wins and Onosato claims the yusho. Fujinokawa will receive an unconditional Fighting Spirit Prize. Churanoumi, Asanoyama, and Toshinofuji are eligible for Fighting Spirit Prizes if they win today. No one will receive a Technique prize. “No soup for you!”

NHK videos are here. Of all of the Juryo action available, the NHK posted the Tanji-Arashifuji bout. Enjoy.

Makuuchi Action

Kazuma defeated Shonannoumi. Kazuma shoved Shonannoumi out quickly. Oshidashi.

Chiyoshoma (5-10) defeated Shodai (3-12). Chiyoshoma charged forward and Shodai tried to change direction while shoving Chiyoshoma to the side but Chiyoshoma ran right through Shodai. Oshidashi.

Oho (7-8) defeated Tokihayate (8-7). Oho got his left arm inside and held Tokihayate up, under the shoulder. Oho used gaburi hip thrusts to drive Tokihayate back and out.  Yorikiri.

Asasuiryu (8-7) defeated Shishi (7-8). Asasuiryu charged forward and Shishi gave up on the edge. Yorikiri.

Ura (10-5) defeated Tobizaru (4-11). It looked like a pair of clones out there, fighting with the same push-pull strategy. Eventually, Ura charged forward and DIDN’T pull. When he pressed forward at the edge, he forced Tobizaru out. Yorikiri.

Hiradoumi (9-6) defeated Toshinofuji (9-6). Hiradoumi hooked both arms inside Toshinofuji and pressed forward. Toshinofuji tried a throw at the edge but Hiradoumi bulldozed ahead and forced him out. No Special Prize for Toshinofuji. Yorikiri.

Takerufuji (9-6) defeated Asahakuryu (8-7). Takerufuji got low, hooked both arms inside, rotated and plowed through Asahakuryu. Yorikiri.

Abi (8-7) defeated Nishikifuji (7-8). Abi used strong tsuppari to force Nishikifuji back. Nishikifuji grabbed Abi’s left arm and tried an armbar. It nearly paid dividends and Abi stumbled forward but stopped before the tawara. Abi then pulled, shuffled along the tawara and slapped Nishikifuji down. Hatakikomi.

Fujiseiun (9-6) defeated Asakoryu (9-6). Asakoryu pulled and rotated but couldn’t throw Fujiseiun. Fujiseiun grabbed Asakoryu’s thong and got behind Asakoryu. [Cue Sisqo, “Thong song.”] Asakoryu kind of gave up and let Fujiseiun force him out from behind. I don’t think it was the wedgie that ended Asakoryu’s day. He flexed his right knee after the bout. Okuridashi.

Ichiyamamoto (4-11) defeated Kinbozan (9-6). Ichiyamamoto shifted slightly to the side after the tachiai and Kinbozan stumbled forward. Ichiyamamoto tracked in from behind like a velociraptor and shoved Kinbozan out from behind. Okuridashi.

Halftime

Gonoyama (6-9) defeated Wakamotoharu (10-5). Gonoyama charged forward and was careful about Wakamotoharu’s rotation, shoving him out. Oshidashi.

Yoshinofuji (9-6) defeated Asanoyama (10-5). Yoshinofuji rotated and crushed Asanoyama out. No special prize for Asanoyama. Yoritaoshi.

Fujiryoga (8-7) defeated Takayasu (7-8). Takayasu pivoted and pulled but Fujiryoga’s excellent footwork avoided defeat. Fujiryoga drove forward into Takayasu and looped his arm inside Takayasu’s shoulder. When Takayasu dug his heels into the tawara, Fujiryoga twisted and dragged him down. No Outstanding Performance prize for Takayasu. Sukuinage.

Kotoeiho (5-10) defeated Oshoma (6-9). Oshoma pulled while shoving Kotoeiho’s head down. Kotoeiho’s legs kept churning forward and he forced Oshoma out. Yorikiri.

Sanyaku

Churanoumi (10-5) defeated Daieisho (5-10). Daieisho hit Churanoumi with his thrust-pull combo. Churanoumi had read the brief. He blocked what tsuppari he could and then rushed Daieisho out.

Hakunofuji (5-10) defeated Roga (6-9). Roga briefly got the back of Hakunofuji’s belt but Hakunofuji charged ahead and forced him out. I do not wake up this early in the morning to watch Roga or Oshoma fight, that’s for sure. Yorikiri.

Kore-Yori-Sanyaku

Well, looky there. The kore-yori-sanyaku are all Sekiwake and above. That’s a good tournament. Terunofuji standing up in the hanamichi like, “bring home those arrows!”

Fujinokawa (11-4) defeated Atamifuji (8-7). Atamifuji wrapped up Fujinokawa with a kimedashi hold and drove forward. But he released Fujinokawa’s right arm so he could shove Fujinokawa with the left hand. Bad mistake. Freed from that kimedashi, Fujinokawa shifted left and used his left arm to heave Atamifuji over. That’s Fighting Spirit. Unconditional. Atamifuji walked back down the hanamichi only to see Ikioi and Terunofuji hunched over the replay screen. “Oh crap.” Sukuinage.

Kirishima (8-7) defeated Kotozakura (9-6). Nail-biter here as Kotozakura tried to catch Kirishima at the edge. Then he actually tried to overpower him with a yorikiri. Kirishima wanted the win more, needed the win more, and hauled Kotozakura over the edge. No kadoban Ozeki for Kyushu. Ain’t that something? Uwatenage.

Onosato (12-3) defeated Aonishiki (11-4). Onosato hit Aonishiki with tsuppari to the face, repeatedly. Aonishiki had that left-hand grip for a moment before the beating started. Onosato’s shoves broke Aonishiki’s hold and his resolve. That final left hand to the jaw looked uncomfortable. Shonosuke called a great bout, the last of his career. お疲れ様でした。 Tsukidashi.

Wrap-up

Onosato Yusho. The win appeared to hit him during the playing of the national anthem as he broke up and started to cry. He had to cover his face. It looks like this one really meant a lot.

We’ll see you back here in a couple of days for the Juryo promotion announcements