Shishi

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.

Hatsu 2026: Day Ten

Andy Hatsu 2026, Hatsu Basho , , , ,

Day 10 opens and the only kyujo news is from Juryo division’s Tochitaikai. He has pulled out due to an MCL injury. Daiseizan received the fusen victory today. The division will have a visitor from Makushita beginning tomorrow. Meanwhile, Sadanoumi defeated Hitoshi by yorikiri to collect his kachi-koshi and remain in the lead. Fujiseiun lost to Nishinoryu, falling into the hunt group. Sadanoumi will fight Wakanosho on Day 11.

Catch up on the Makushita yusho race with Leonid’s update of the fifth round, as well as the promotion picture. The sixth round of yusho race bouts will be contested tomorrow.

Your NHK videos are here.

Makuuchi Action

Tobizaru (2-7) defeated Ryuden (4-5). Tobizaru grabbed Ryuden’s belt deep, behind Ryuden’s back, with his left hand inside. He was able to start a gaburi hip-thrust action and forced Ryuden over the edge. Yorikiri.

Tomokaze (4-6) defeated Mitakeumi (4-6). Mitakeumi chugged forward, forcing the pair toward the bales. As they approached, Tomokaze executed his slapdown while falling out of the dohyo. Gunbai Mitakeumi. Mono-ii. Tomokaze was still in when Mitakeumi came down. The gyoji’s call was reversed. Hatakikomi.

Midorifuji (4-6) defeated Hatsuyama (1-9). After a lengthy, entertaining grapple, Midorifuji pulled and tried a slapdown. This caught Hatsuyama off-balance. Midorifuji grabbed Hatsuyama’s left arm and drove him forward over the bales. Kimedashi.

Abi (8-2) defeated Oshoumi (7-3). Abi-zumo. Tsuppari, then a pull. At the edge, Oshoumi pressed Abi hard to the bales but at the edge Abi twisted and thrust Oshoumi down. Tsukiotoshi.

Chiyoshoma (4-6) defeated Asahakuryu (5-5). Chiyoshoma shifted left and grabbed Asahakuryu’s arm, pulling him forward to the bales. He then got in behind and shoved him over the edge. Okuridashi.

Asakoryu (5-5) defeated Nishikifuji (6-4). Asakoryu hit Nishikifuji hard and chugged toward the bales. Nishikifuji twisted as he fell out. It was close but Nishikifuji stepped out before Asakoryu stumbled off the dohyo. Oshidashi.

Asanoyama (7-3) defeated Kinbozan (3-7). Asanoyama grabbed Kinbozan’s belt with a right hand uwate grip and wrapped his right-hand inside. Asanoyama powered forward and ushered Kinbozan back over the bales. Yorikiri.

Oshoma (6-4) defeated Kotoshoho (6-4). Henka! Oshoma shifted left and Kotoshoho blasted forward into empty space. Oshoma slapped him down. Hatakikomi.

Shishi (8-2) defeated Fujinokawa (7-3). Fujinokawa tried to slap Shishi down. Shishi stumbled forward but regained his balance. He then got angry and blasted Fujinokawa in the face. Then behind more powerful thrusts, Shishi forced Fujinokawa back and blasted him over the bales. Shishi is fighting very well this tournament and just picked up his kachi-koshi. Oshitaoshi.

Hiradoumi (7-3) defeated Tokihayate (5-5). Hiradoumi blitzed Tokihayate and shoved him over the bales. Oshidashi.

Onokatsu (4-6) defeated Roga (3-7). Onokatsu overpowered Roga and forced him back over the bales. Yorikiri.

Halftime

Tamawashi (4-6) defeated Shodai (4-6). Tamawashi shoved Shodai in the face, putting a quick end to Shodai’s desire to fight. Shodai quickly found the exit. Oshidashi.

Gonoyama (4-6) defeated Churanoumi (6-4). Gonoyama plowed into Churanoumi with thrusts to Churanoumi’s face. Gonoyama shoved Churanoumi back over the edge. Oshidashi.

Daieisho (4-6) defeated Ura (1-9). Ura charged forward while Daieisho pulled and slapped him down. Ura pretty clearly touched first but they called a mono-ii to make sure. Hatakikomi.

Wakatakakage (5-5) defeated Hakunofuji (5-5). Wakatakakage pulled and tried to slap Hakunofuji down. Hakunofuji resisted but Wakatakakage used his right hand uwate to force Hakunofuji forward over the edge. Yorikiri.

Sanyaku

Wakamotoharu (4-6) defeated Ichiyamamoto (1-9). Ichiyamamoto tried his patented slapdown but Wakamotoharu kept pace and shoved him over the bales. Far from me to tell Ichiyamamoto what to do but there wasn’t much of a pivot there to go with that pull. Oshidashi.

Takayasu (7-3) defeated Yoshinofuji (5-5). Yoshinofuji traded tsuppari with Takayasu for a while before deciding on a pull. Takayasu moved forward well and forced Yoshinofuji out. A big difference in the attacks here was that Takayasu’s tsuppari repeatedly landed in Yoshinofuji’s face. Yoshinofuji, on the other hand, concentrated his tsuppari on Takayasu’s arms and chest, trying to block much of the incoming volleys but clearly not as aggressive as Takayasu’s. Yoshinofuji will need to Tsukidashi.

Kotozakura (7-3) defeated Kirishima (8-2). Every time Kotozakura pulled, he pivoted, came up well short of the edge and re-engaged Kirishima. This was a welcome change from recent basho where he would seemingly give up at the edge. When the pulls didn’t work, Kotozakura wrapped up Kirishima and drove him over the tawara. Yorikiri.

Aonishiki (8-2) defeated Takanosho (1-9). Takanosho challenged Aonishiki with strong tsuppari but lost the bout on his pulls. He’d fought hard to take the bout to Aonishiki and then gave up his position, pulling across the dohyo. His second pull was a disaster — exhausted capitulation — and Aonishiki easily shoved him over the bales. Oshidashi.

Hoshoryu (7-3) defeated Oho (4-6). Hoshoryu quickly landed a right hand inside grip. Oho tried to pull that arm off but this might have allowed Hoshoryu an opening to envelope Oho further. While Oho was preoccupied with the right hand, Hoshoryu followed up with a left hand uwate and dragged Oho forward. Uwatedashinage.

Atamifuji (7-2) defeated Onosato (6-4). After an evenly contested grapple, Atamifuji drove the Yokozuna to the edge and tried to throw him over. Both men crashed to the ground. Onosato landed square on that left shoulder and looked at it, ominously, as he got up. Gunbai Atamifuji. Mono-ii. The shimpan decided both men fell out at the same time and demanded a rematch. On the rematch, Atamifuji pulled and tried a slapdown. Onosato almost recovered at the edge but Atamifuji re-engaged and shoved Onosato out. Oshidashi.

Wrap-up

Both Yokozuna surprised me by showing up. Hoshoryu, however, seems to be in the best shape and is the most aggressive, despite the nagging knee injury. And now he’s back in the yusho race. He must feel a bit like Pachino in Godfather III, “Just when I thought I was out, they pull me back in.” As for Onosato, he seems a bit lost and he landed heavily on that left shoulder after the first bout with Atamifuji today. “In for a penny, in for a pound.” Is this the Nishonoseki motto?

Nevertheless, I’ll not speculate about tomorrow. I’ll report on changes as I see them. We have a yusho race to pay attention to.

We’ve got five guys tied for the lead with two losses and another seven just behind them with three.

  • 2-losses: Aonishiki, Kirishima, Atamifuji, Abi, Shishi
  • 3-losses: Hoshoryu, Kotozakura, Takayasu, Hiradoumi, Fujinokawa, Asanoyama, Oshoumi

There are six guys who have already won yusho in this rather large group and six guys who would love to make their mark with a yusho. The Sumo Association has paired them off for tomorrow to try to whittle the field a bit. That hasn’t worked well over the past few days, though.

In the rank-and-file bouts, Shishi will fight Abi, Oshoumi will take on Nishikifuji, Hiradoumi will fight Asanoyama, and Fujinokawa will battle Atamifuji.

Up in sanyaku, our yusho race bouts pit Aonishiki against Hakunofuji, Kotozakura against Takanosho, Onosato with Kirishima and Hoshoryu versus Takayasu.

The other sanyaku bouts include Wakamotoharu against Ura and Oho versus Yoshinofuji.

Who’s ready to hop back on this rickety old roller-coaster tomorrow?