Oshoumi

Hatsu 2026: Day Fourteen

Andy Hatsu 2026, Hatsu Basho , , , , , ,

No new reports from the infirmary. Both Yokozuna are intent on completing this tournament. Don’t think they’ll get a bunch of rest until March. On February 7th and 8th, the Japanese Sumo Association will hold two annual events at Kokugikan. The NHK Sumo Charity event and the Annual one-day tournament which used to be sponsored by FujiTV.

Wakanosho continues to lead the Juryo yusho race with his oshidashi victory over Kotoeiho. Fujiseiun beat Hitoshi to keep the heat on for senshuraku. And Leonid has our makushita coverage here and gives an update on the Juryo promotion picture.

Tokiwayama-oyakata retires and former Takakeisho will assume the mantle as stablemaster after this tournament.

Your NHK videos are here.

Makuuchi Action

Kotoshoho (8-6) defeated Mitakeumi (6-8). Kotoshoho had Conservation Center duties today, cuddled the giant sloth and carried him over the tawara. Kotoshoho kachi-koshi, Mitakeumi make-koshi. Yorikiri.

Gonoyama (7-7) defeated Hatsuyama (2-12). Gonoyama overwhelmed Hatsuyama with tsuppari and drove him back over the edge. Oshidashi.

Asahakuryu (7-7) defeated Shodai (6-8). Asahakuryu drove Shodai back and over the tawara. Shodai’s loss makes him make-koshi for the tournament. Yorikiri.

Midorifuji (6-8) defeated Kinbozan (4-10). After an exchange of tsuppari, Midorifuji got a morozashi as he got both hands inside Kinbozan’s arms with his hands up behind Kinbozan’s shoulder. He then pulled Kinbozan down as he reversed along the tawara. Katasukashi.

Oshoma (7-7) defeated Ryuden (6-8). Oshoma held Ryuden at bay with a nodowa, then pivoted to his left and pulled Ryuden down to the clay. Hikiotoshi.

Fujinokawa (9-5) defeated Asakoryu (8-6). Fujinokawa engaged Asakoryu in a bit of a brawl but then moved inside to grab Asakoryu’s mawashi, ending Asakoryu’s slaps. With a solid migi-yotsu hold, Fujinokawa forced Asakoryu to the edge and then slammed him to the ground at the edge. Yoritaoshi.

Oshoumi (10-4) defeated Hiradoumi (9-5). Hiradoumi charged forward out of the gate, forcing Oshoumi to the edge. Oshoumi used the bales as a base to mount his counter attack. He hoisted Hiradoumi up, bulldozed through the dohyo and slammed Hiradoumi down to the ground at the edge. Abisetaoshi.

Tobizaru (6-8) defeated Onokatsu (7-7). Tobiaru kicked out at Onokatsu and then pulled. As he approached the tawara, though, Tobizaru slammed the gear into drive and advanced into Onokatsu. He grabbed Onokatsu’s mawashi deep at the back with his right hand and forced him back over the bales. Yorikiri.

Tamawashi (5-9) defeated Tomokaze (4-10). As both men traded tsuppari, Tamawashi pivoted as he backed to the edge. This forced Tomokaze’s back to the tawara. Tamawashi picked up the pace and power of his tsuppari to blast Tomokaze from the dohyo and into Kasugano-oyakata’s lap. Oshidashi.

Churanoumi (8-6) defeated Roga (6-8). Roga attempted a slapdown but Churanoumi drove through it and shoved Roga over the bales. Oshidashi.

Halftime

Chiyoshoma (6-8) defeated Takanosho (4-10). Takanosho tried to use a nodowa against Chiyoshoma but Chiyoshoma grabbed his arm and pulled him down. Tottari.

Wakatakakage (8-6) defeated Daieisho (6-8). Henka! Daieisho Superman-flopped his way to a make-koshi as Wakatakakage shifted left at the tachiai. Hikiotoshi.

Tokihayate (8-6) defeated Ichiyamamoto (3-11). Tokihayate grabbed Ichiyamamoto’s belt with his left hand, drove forward and shoved Ichiyamamoto over the edge. Oshidashi.

Yoshinofuji (7-7) defeated Shishi (9-5). Yoshinofuji used his right hand uwate to pull Shishi over the bales. Uwatenage.

Sanyaku

Ura (3-11) defeated Oho (4-10). Ura pivoted to his right and pulled. Oho tumbled to the ground, rolling forward with a bit of an Ura-esque flourish. If you’re going to fall out of sanyaku, fall with style. Hatakikomi.

Wakamotoharu (7-7) defeated Asanoyama (9-5). Wakamotoharu did not let Asanoyama get his right hand inside. Asanoyama tried again and again to slip that hand in there and that really put him at a disadvantage because he would rear back and Wakamotoharu would plow forward, advancing to the bales. Eventually, Wakamotoharu forced Asanoyama over the bales. Yorikiri.

Atamifuji (11-3) defeated Kirishima (10-4). Atamifuji got his left hand uwate hold on Kirishima’s belt. With his right-hand outside, he powered through Kirishima and crushed him over the edge. Ow. Kirishima struggled to get back up to the dohyo. That big ole bloody scrape on his left butt cheek hints at a new injury. Maybe lower back? Maybe hip? Maybe both? Yikes. Lastly, who kidnapped Atamifuji and replaced him with this kaiju? Abiseta-ouchi.

Abi (10-4) defeated Takayasu (8-6). Abi-zumo. Thrusts, slapdown attempts… Oh, no. Takayasu got turned around. That’s never good. Abi caught up and shoved him over the edge from behind. A dispirited Takayasu landed on Naruto-oyakata and took his time getting back up. The west side spectators are having a rough go of things today. Getting a lot of the “kinetic fansa.” Okuridashi.

Hoshoryu defeated Kotozakura. Gee–zuhs. Just when Kotozakura worked his right hand inside and got his morozashi, Hoshoryu yanked him hard with his right hand uwate and flipped the big bloke onto his back. In the movies, the camera would zoom in on the villain’s face, “That hurt.” In the Sumo Association, we just wait impatiently for him to walk back to his side and bow. While the gyoji scramble to figure out what the kimarite was, we move on to the much-anticipated musubi-no-ichiban. Uwatenage.

Onosato (10-4) defeated Aonishiki (11-3). Aonishiki’s borrowed shimekomi came enchanted with henka dust from its owner and previous bearer. He shifted left at the tachiai but Onosato adjusted really well. The Yokozuna pursued and shoved Anonishiki to the ground as the Ozeki stumbled in retreat. Well, it’s back to the drawing board, for sure, at Ajigawa. One Yokozuna solved. The other Yokozuna, decidedly unsolved. Oshitaoshi.

Wrap-up

Aonishiki’s loss opens things up quite a bit in the yusho race.

  • 3-losses: Aonishiki, Atamifuji
  • 4-losses: Onosato, Kirishima, Abi, Oshoumi.

Aonishiki and Atamifuji lead with Onosato, Kirishima, Abi and Oshoumi chasing and hoping for losses tomorrow. Aonishiki and Atamifuji fought on Day 12 with Aonishiki defeating the big man.

The senshuraku torikumi is not out yet but we can presume the musubi-no-ichiban will be the Yokozuna showdown and that will be preceded by the Ozeki showdown. If Atamifuji loses his bout, Aonishiki will fight with the yusho on the line. If Atamifuji wins his bout, Aonishiki will need to win to force a play-off.

The play-off possibilities get crazy if both Atamifuji and Aonishiki lose their bouts. Then Onosato will even be fighting for a spot in the playoff. I’ll post later when the pairings have been finalized.

One rule for comments today. I’m going to be strict. No mentioning Wakatakakage’s henka. It has nothing to do with the yusho. There’s no drama there, so no need for whining about it. It is what it is, let’s move on. Any mention and I’ll remove the comment and I might put the author into the penalty box. As a henka aficionato, I actually enjoy the firy henka debate — so long as the jabs don’t get personal. Going forward, I’m going to be strict about that from now on and start deleting comments that cross the line into personal barbs. But today, I’m going to be super-strict. No mentioning Wakatakakage’s henka. I said it twice, I mean it.

I’ll be back later today. If you need to go blow off steam about Wakatakakage’s henka, you have time to go take a walk around the neighborhood and clear your mind.

Hatsu 2026: Day Twelve

Andy Hatsu 2026, Hatsu Basho , , , , , , ,

Unfortunately, we have news from the infirmary today that Nishikifuji is kyujo with herniated discs in his neck and arthritis in his elbow. He will not be back this tournament. Onokatsu will get the fusen victory. Nishikifuji will finish the tournament 6-6-3. At M11, six wins should be more than enough to keep him in the division. So far, the only passenger booked for the barge to Juryo is Hatsuyama. He’s even been given the captain’s hat.

Sadanoumi fell out of the leadership group with his yorikiri loss to Mototaro-san. Fujiseiun and Wakanosho improved to 9-3. Update: The two leaders are scheduled to fight on Day 13. Chaser Sadanoumi will fight Kyokukaiyu and 8-win Fujiryoga will fight Nishinoryu. With Nishikifuji’s kyujo, Kotoeiho will visit Makuuchi and fight Asahakuryu to kick off Top Division action.

NHK videos are here.

Makuuchi Action

Tobizaru (5-7) defeated Mitakeumi (5-7). Mitakeumi demonstrates the offensive output of a giant sloth as he allowed Tobizaru to wrap him up like staff at a conservation center, walk him around the ring and over the bales. Yorikiri.

Chiyoshoma (5-7) defeated Tomokaze (4-8). Chiyoshoma pressed forward and shoved Tomokaze over the bales, unfazed by Tomokaze’s slapdown attempt. Oshidashi.

Asakoryu (7-5) defeated Tokihayate (6-6). Asakoryu blitzed Tokihayate and assaulted him repeatedly with tsuppari, shoving him over the side. I think Tokihayate had made a joke about Asakoryu’s mother. Oshidashi.

Kotoshoho (7-5) defeated Asahakuryu (5-7). Kotoshoho charged forward to the bales before reversing course and dragging Asahakuryu down with his right-hand inside grip. Shitatenage.

Roga (5-7) defeated Hatsuyama (1-11). Roga used his migi-yotsu to drive through Hatsuyama’s attack and carry him over the bales. Yorikiri.

Shodai (6-6) defeated Midorifuji (5-7). Shodai trapped Midorifuji’s right arm and swung him over the edge. Kotenage.

Ryuden (5-7) defeated Kinbozan (4-8). Migiyotsu. Ryuden twisted and dragged Kinbozan toward the edge and shoved him over the bales. Yorikiri.

Asanoyama (9-3) defeated Fujinokawa (7-5). Fujinokawa wrapped his right shoulder inside Asanoyama’s left arm and tried to hoist him over. Asanoyama shuffled laterally to counter the throw and shoved Fujinokawa over the edge. Oshidashi.

Onokatsu (6-6) default victory over Nishikifuji (6-6).

Gonoyama (5-7) defeated Tamawashi (4-8). Tamawashi chugged forward but Gonoyama shifted to his left and pivoted, forcing Tamawashi to the edge. Gonoyama followed up with tsuppari and shoved Tamawashi out. Oshidashi.

Oshoumi (9-3) defeated Churanoumi (7-5). Churanoumi got a morozashi but Oshoumi used his left hand uwate to carry Chura to the bales. He lost his grip but as Churanoumi fought to survive but shoved Churanoumi over the tawara. Oshidashi.

Halftime

Daieisho (5-7) defeated Oshoma (6-6). Daieisho hit Oshoma with a few tsuppari before stepping left and thrusting Oshoma down. Tsukiotoshi.

Ura (2-10) defeated Hakunofuji (5-7). Ura got his left hand inside Hakunofuji’s armpit. As Hakunofuji pressed forward, Ura pivoted along the tawara brought his right hand up onto Hakunofuji’s head and pulled Hakunofuji forward with his left under Hakunofuji’s shoulder. Katasukashi.

Takanosho (3-9) defeated Ichiyamamoto (2-10). Takanosho held Ichiyamamoto with a right hand nodowa. He used his left hand to bat Ichiyamamoto’s attack away. Takanosho drove forward and forced Ichiyamamoto out. Oshidashi.

Wakatakakage (6-6) defeated Yoshinofuji (6-6). Wakatakakage kept steady as Yoshinofuji tried a slapdown, kubinage, kotenage,… Yoshinofuji pulled and tried another slapdown but Wakatakakage pursued, maintained his balance and forced him over the edge. Yorikiri.

Sanyaku

Shishi (9-3) defeated Oho (4-8). Who abducted the real Shishi and replaced him with someone with a skill approaching actual agility? Shishi nearly slapped Oho down earlier in the bout but he finished him off when Oho charged in for an attack and Shishi evaded it to the right and slapped Oho down. Hatakikomi.

Hiradoumi (8-4) defeated Wakamotoharu (5-7). Hiradoumi wrapped up WMH with a morozashi and charged forward. At the bales, Wakamotoharu twisted and tried an utchari. Both men tumbled into the crowd. Gunbai Hiradoumi. Hiradoumi got his kensho and was going to leave but the shimpan called a late mono-ii. Wakamotoharu’s foot touched over the bales, confirming the gyoji’s call. Yorikiri.

Kotozakura (8-4) defeated Abi (9-3). Kotozakura charged forward with his left hand uwate. At the edge, Kotozakura briefly got his right hand on Abi’s belt and lifted him up over the bales. Tsuridashi.

Aonishiki (10-2) defeated Atamifuji (9-3). Aonishiki stayed low and got his left hand inside. As he charged forward, Atamifuji raised up and batted him away. Aonishiki re-engaged, this time with the right hand. Again, Atamifuji defended. Aonishiki kept coming, though, and eventually worked both hands briefly inside on Atamifuji’s belt. Atamifuji tried to escape but Aonishiki was relentless and drove him over the edge. Yorikiri.

Kirishima (9-3) defeated Hoshoryu (8-4). Kirishima quickly got a morozashi. Hoshoryu reared back to attempt a makikae, change of grip. He wanted his right hand inside. Kirishima used the opening to press forward and force the Yokozuna over the bales. Their momentum forced both men to hop down from the dohyo. Hoshoryu doubled over as the shock to his knee probably smarted a wee bit with that torn meniscus. “Don’t remind me, Andy.” Yorikiri.

Onosato (8-4) defeated Takayasu (7-5). Onosato’s Houdini act was on display again. Takayasu had him.  Takayasu got the left hand inside and when Onosato pulled, he forced the Yokozuna to the edge. Onosato recovered at the bales, though. This time, Takayasu tried the pull and pulled himself right out of the ring. MOVE FORWARD. BACKWARD BAD. FORWARD GOOD. Yorikiri.

Wrap-up

Aonishiki is in the driver’s seat with hands firmly at 10 and 2. “Andy, you’ve used that joke before. Come up with something new.”

  • 2-losses: Aonishiki
  • 3-losses: Kirishima, Atamifuji, Abi, Shishi, Asanoyama, Oshoumi

Oho’s makekoshi puts a komusubi slot on the market. Yoshinofuji and Wakatakakage have three more days to make a case for why they deserve it, or Atamifuji might steal it from under their noses.

As of this writing, the Day 13 pairings are not set. I might be able to get an update out later but expect a lot of maegashira fighting folks in sanyaku. Aonishiki has two Yokozuna bouts and an Ozeki bout remaining, however. If one of those Yokozuna quietly mentions they will go kyujo, though, maybe they slot in a Aonishiki versus Asanoyama or Aonishiki versus Abi bout?

Update: Yokozuna/Ozeki fights begin. Hoshoryu will fight Aonishiki. Onosato will fight Kotozakura. Before that, sanyaku will be a mix of low-rankers fighting sanyaku. Wakamotoharu will start things off fighting Oshoumi. Then, Oho will fight Hiradoumi, Takayasu (with kachi-koshi on the line) will fight Asanoyama, and Kirishima will fight Shishi. Near the mid-way point, Abi will face off with Atamifuji. That’s a wild night of action.

Kyushu 2025: Shonichi

Andy Kyushu 2025, Kyushu Basho , ,

Kyushu basho is here!

Meisei is kyujo. Hitoshi will visit from Juryo and fight Asakoryu.

NHK has changed things up on their website with this new NHK One restructuring. A lot of the old links don’t work anymore and some of the links point to warnings that the content is intended for people in Japan. However, those of us outside of Japan are not left completely in the lurch. Your NHK videos are here for Makuuchi.

If you don’t go into epileptic fits from the flashing error at the top of the page, scroll down to see the videos. You’ll see the top half of the image for the first video. In the middle, there’s this phrase: 続きを読む. Click that and the rest of the videos will come into view.

Makuuchi Action

Asakoryu defeated Hitoshi. Hitoshi made good first contact and drove forward into Asakoryu’s side of the dohyo. However, he chose to put his hands behind Asakoryu’s head and pull. Asakoryu kept his footing and pressed forward. When Hitoshi tried to stop his momentum at the tawara, Asakoryu thrust Hitoshi out. Tsukidashi.

Chiyoshoma defeated Sadanoumi. Chiyoshoma quickly got a left-hand inside grip. His subtle twist meant Sadanoumi had to stretch to reach his belt. As Sadanoumi reached forward, Chiyoshoma twisted and rotated to his left while he yanked hard on Sadanoumi’s belt, throwing him to the ground. Shitatedashinage.

Oshoumi defeated Shonannoumi. Oshoumi quickly wrapped up Shonannoumi with a left hand inside and right-hand outside. Shonannoumi backed away to his right but Oshoumi was ready for it and drove forward, ushering Shonannoumi out. Oshoumi wins his on his debut! Yorikiri.

Tokihayate defeated Nishikifuji. It was Nishikifuji’s turn to try a pull and Tokihayate made him pay. Tokihayate tried to get both hands inside. Nishikifuji locked up Tokihayate’s left arm in his right armpit, trying a kotenage as he wrenched Tokihayate forward. Tokihayate adjusted well and forced Nishikifuji out. Yorikiri.

Ryuden defeated Mitakeumi. Mitakeumi tried some tsuppari but did not make much headway as Ryuden tried to press straight ahead. So, he decided to try to grab Ryuden’s arm and pull. This put Mitakeumi’s heels at the tawara. Ryuden kept up the pressure, overpowered Mitakeumi and shoved him over the bales. Oshidashi.

Gonoyama defeated Tomokaze. Our first real tsuppari brawl. Tomokaze’s upper body seemed to get too far forward of his feet. Tomokaze lost his footing and fell to the ground. Hikiotoshi.

Fujinokawa defeated Roga. Fujinokawa blitzed Roga at the tachiai, got both arms inside quickly and charged ahead. As Roga backed toward the bales, he twisted to his left to try a last second throw. But Fujinokawa had him securely wrapped up and slammed Roga to the ground outside the dohyo. Solid NFL-style tackle. Don’t just hit, wrap him up and drive him to the ground. Yoritaoshi.

Daieisho defeated Shishi. Our first false start as Shishi slow-rolled Daieisho and an eager Daieisho jumped first. Daieisho did not allow Shishi inside to get a belt grip so Shishi had to rely on thrusts and parries. Daieisho had his own thrusts and forced Shishi to the edge. Daieisho then pulled and cycled around the ring in reverse as Shishi stumbled forward. Daieisho grabbed Shishi’s belt and shoved him to the ground from behind. Okuritaoshi.

Tobizaru defeated Kotoshoho. Tobizaru got some space behind his slaps and shifts of direction. With Kotoshoho only a few feet from the ring’s edge, Tobizaru pulled and slapped Kotoshoho down to the ground as the flying monkey took flight, leaping backward into the crowd. Hatakikomi.

Kinbozan defeated Midorifuji. Midorifuji got a quick morozashi and had the upper-hand from a great low position. Kinbozan needed to break that so he tried to settle the action at the center of the ring to buy some time. Usually for a makikae, we see guys pull backward to work their arm inside for a grip. From Kinbozan’s position with his chin on top of Midorifuji’s head, he seemed to shove Midorifuji down with his chin in order to squeeze that right hand inside and break Midorifuji’s hold. Midorifuji wanted the double-inside grip back but Kinbozan fought hard with his right to prevent Midorifuji from getting that left hand inside. As Kinbozan continued to keep Midorifuji’s left hand contained, Kinbozan dragged Midorifuji to the edge with his own left-hand overarm grip. With a heave, Kinbozan threw Midorifuji into a heap. Uwatenage.

Abi defeated Ichiyamamoto. Ichiyamamoto started out with some tsuppari, head down. Abi quickly put his right hand behind Ichiyamamoto’s head and slapped him down. Hatakikomi.

Halftime

Churanoumi defeated Onokatsu. Churanoumi got his left hand inside and pressed Onokatsu back. Onokatsu released his grip to try to get a new one. Churanoumi chugged forward so Onokatsu tried to shift away. Churanoumi pursued well and drove Onokatsu back and over the edge. Yorikiri.

Atamifuji defeated Shodai. Atamifuji stayed low and chugged forward quickly, forcing Shodai out. Shodai was trying to squeeze both of his hands inside for a hold of Atamifuji but it was completely futile from his position. Like rent, Shodai’s body was “too damn high!” Oshidashi.

Yoshinofuji defeated Oshoma. The artist formerly known as Kusano shoved Oshoma back with powerful tsuppari. With Oshoma battling to survive on the edge, Yoshinofuji wrapped him up with both arms inside and drove Oshoma over the edge. Yorikiri.

Ura defeated Tamawashi. Ura stood Tamawashi up and overpowered him, driving him back and over the edge. Oshidashi.

Sanyaku

Hiradoumi defeated Takanosho. Takanosho slapped Hiradoumi to force Hiradoumi back a few steps. But then Takanosho pulled. Hiradoumi saw his opening and took it, driving Takanosho back and out of the ring. Oshidashi.

Oho defeated Wakamotoharu. Wakamotoharu tried to wrap Oho up quickly and got his right hand inside. As he tried to get his left-hand grip, Oho seized on Wakamotoharu’s right shoulder. He then pulled and cycled clockwise, staying just inside the edge of the dohyo and dragging Wakamotoharu down. Katasukashi.

Aonishiki defeated Kirishima. We got a great brawl here as both men slapped each other silly. First Kirishima forced Aonishiki back a few steps then Aonishiki reversed course and charged forward. While the arms were flying, Aonishiki managed to seize Kirishima’s left elbow and pulled him forward. This spun Kirishima around so his back was to Aonishiki. “Be gentle, kind sir.” Kirishima immediately let up because he was completely prone. Aonishiki gently shoved him over the bales from behind. Okuridashi.

Kotozakura defeated Wakatakakage. Kotozakura got his right hand inside Wakatakakage’s left shoulder and rotated a little to his left. With that firm right hand inside and a little help from his left arm wrapped around WTK’s right arm, Kotozakura charged forward and forced Wakatakakage over the edge. This was a quick, dominant win for the injury-plagued Ozeki. Yorikiri.

Hakuoho defeated Hoshoryu. Shonichi Kinboshi! Hakuoho blitzed the Yokozuna, driving him back. Hoshoryu desperately tried to escape, grabbing at Hakuoho’s belt and pulling him forward to the ground as he flew from the ring. No mono-ii. From the multiple replays, it was close. Hakuoho’s leg does come down but Hoshoryu’s foot had just left the surface of the dohyo. Yoritaoshi.

Onosato defeated Takayasu. Shoulder blast tachiai, Takayasu tried to shift left and pull Onosato’s head down. Onosato adjusted well, hopped forward, keeping his trunk centered above his feet. Takayasu tried again to pull but Onosato was too powerful and ushered Papa Bear over the bales. Yorikiri.

Wrap-up

Well. Hoshoryu got off on the wrong foot today, losing on Day One. On the other hand, Onosato just looks dominant and made a solid step forward to claiming another title. Aonishiki’s beautiful tactical win against Kirishima instantly puts him into the conversation as one of the few rikishi who might be able to challenge Onosato. Hakuoho will have his shot first, though. Hakuoho will fight Onosato tomorrow with another kinboshi on the line.

Takanosho steps up to fight Hoshoryu in the musubi-no-ichiban. Ozeki Kotozakura will fight Kirishima. Wakatakakage will try to recover against Oho. Aonishiki will fight Wakamotoharu and Takayasu will take on Hiradoumi.

Oh, it’s so nice to have sumo back. The London basho seems ages ago. Kotozakura and his father instantly became a meme as they were captured on camera in what appeared to be a very serious conversation at the senshuraku party. Kotozakura was kyujo to end Aki and missed the London trip.

It’s only Shonichi but it looks like they made a tough, but correct call to hold him out and focus on recovery. Hopefully he will stay solid this basho. Might he be able to mount a credible yusho run? I doubt he has entered many title conversations but he was able to put up nine wins in Aki with that big, meaningful win over Hoshoryu on Day 13.