Takayasu

Kyushu 2023, Day 6

Andy Kyushu 2023, Kyushu Basho

Let’s just get right to the action, shall we?

Highlights

Tomokaze (4-2) defeated Kitanowaka (3-3): Both men locked in at the tachiai, Tomokaze with right-hand inside while Kitanowaka was obviously left-hand outside. Each tried to pitch his opponent forward, with the help of their feet tripping each other. I guess both succeeded? Both fell. Gumbai Tomokaze. No mono-ii. Uchigake.

Ichiyamamoto (6-0) defeated Nishikifuji (2-4). The thrusts from Ichiyamamoto’s initial charge drove Nishikifuji back to where his feet were at the bales. Ichiyamamoto then pulled and Nishikifuji launched across the dohyo and off the fighting surface. Hatakikomi.

Roga (2-4) defeated Takarafuji (1-5). Roga threw Takarafuji with an apparent shitatehineri. It looked like Takarafuji’s right leg tripped on his own left. Gunbai to Roga. Mono-ii to check whether Roga had stepped out during the long tussle which preceded the throw.

Roga will face Tomokaze tomorrow and Takarafuji gets Kitanowaka.

Tsurugisho (2-4) defeated Tohakuryu (2-4). Slapfest, thankfully. Tohakuryu focused on tsuppari around Tsurugisho’s shoulders and a couple of pull attempts. But his tsuppari was completely ineffective. Tsurugisho was able to corral Tohakuryu at the edge and pushed Tohakuryu out as he tried to spin around. Oshidashi. Not to dwell on the obvious point that Tsurugisho should go kyujo but it’s more obvious that even going through the sonkyo in the pre-bout routine is difficult.

Churanoumi (5-1) defeated Tamawashi (4-2). Tamawashi used insufficient tsuppari before his pull attempt, which left him with inadequate space for the pull. So, Churanoumi was able to drive him over the bales and out. Yorikiri.

Churanoumi will face Tsurugisho.

Ryuden (4-2) defeated Oho (2-4). The first half of this bout was Oho’s brand of sumo, oshi-/tsuki- with tsuppari, head-butts, and pull-down attempts. Immediately after the initial charge, Oho nearly brought Ryuden down with a hatakikomi attempt but Ryuden recovered. Ryuden chased and was able to stay upright and inbounds long enough to tire Oho. As Oho grew weary, the two locked into a yotsu battle and Ryuden got that first grip, a left-hand inside Oho’s right, and deep at the back of Oho’s belt. He then snaked his right hand up over Oho’s shoulder. Once he got that grip, it was over. This was what Atamifuji had been so afraid of. He pulled up and ushered Oho out.

Oho will face Nishikifuji tomorrow.

Myogiryu (3-3) defeated Kotoeko (2-4). Myogiryu wrapped up Kotoeko and drove forward, forcing him quickly over the bales. Yorikiri.

Myogiryu will face Tamawashi and Kotoeko will face Ryuden.

Hiradoumi (3-3) defeated Mitakeumi (2-4). As Hiradoumi established a belt-grip with both hands, he started pumping with the gabburi-yotsu and forced Mitakeumi out, Yorikiri.

Mitakeumi will face Tohakuryu.

Sadanoumi (3-3) defeated Atamifuji (5-1). It’s always the quiet ones. Sadanoumi established his brand of sumo, the migi-yotsu, which is also Atamifuji’s brand of sumo. But Sadanoumi did it better. Yorikiri.

Sadanoumi will be challenged by the undefeated Ichiyamamoto while Atamifuji will want to do better against Hiradoumi, in two sets of clashing styles.

Kinbozan (3-3) defeated Shonannoumi (4-2). After a short brawl, Shonannoumi got his right-hand inside grip. Kinbozan fought hard to prevent it, and retreated desperately to try to free himself and slap Shonannoumi down. But Shonannoumi stuck with him and even got a morozashi for a moment. But it was Kinbozan who was able to force Shonannoumi to the bales and out. Yorikiri.

Halftime

Takanosho (3-3) defeated Onosho (2-4). Onosho got his arms inside and drove Takanosho backwards. But Takanosho countered at the edge by dragging Onosho down with an armbar. At the last moment, Takanosho was able to free himself of Onosho’s right arm and with Onosho’s left wrapped up, he twisted down. Kotenage.

Takanosho will face Shonannoumi.

Midorifuji (5-1) defeated Endo (0-6). Midorifuji got both hands inside Endo’s arms and around his trunk at the start. He was able to get deeper, and establish a right hand grip at the back of Endo’s mawashi. Midorifuji got his Yorikiri.

Endo will take on Onosho.

Nishikigi (4-2) defeated Hokuseiho (2-4). Hokuseiho is letting his opponents push him to the edge. I don’t know if he hopes to counter there but Nishikigi established a morozashi and completely lifted Hokuseiho off the dohyo and carried him out…to the fans’ appreciation. Tsuridashi.

Nishikigi will face Kinbozan. Hokuseiho will face Midorifuji.

Ura (1-5) defeated Meisei (1-5). Meisei forced Ura back quickly to the bales but Ura resisted there and drove back into Meisei. Ura was able to reverse their momentum and drive into Meisei. Meisei tried to use the momentum shift to execute a pull and drive Ura down. Both tumbled out at the same time. Gunbai Ura. Mono-ii. The shimpan wanted to get it right. Meisei was out first. Ura claimed his first win. Oshitaoshi.

Abi (2-4) defeated Wakamotoharu (3-3). Brutal tsuppari to the head from Abi. Forceful nodowa sent Wakamotoharu back but not out. As Wakamotoharu fought to stay upright, Abi pulled back. The change in momentum allowed Wakamotoharu to come forward but as he did, Abi wrapped up his arm and drove him down. Kotenage. An unusual kimarite from an Abi bout but it was definitely Abi-zumo.

Daieisho (4-2) vs Shodai (2-4). Overeager Daieisho fell, literally, to a retreating Shodai. Hatakikomi.

Shodai will face Wakamotoharu tomorrow.

Kotonowaka (6-0) defeated Hokutofuji (2-4). This was a very impressive bout from Kotonowaka, for me. It seemed like he was going to let Hokutofuji do his thing, but he was just shrugging it off. “Sure, you can drive me back to the edge. But I stop here. You can try to push me down. But I stay here.” In the end, Kotonowaka took charge, drove forward and shoved Hokutofuji out. Oshidashi.

Kotonowaka will face Ura; Hokutofuji will have a tough matchup in Daieisho.

Gonoyama (2-4) defeated Kirishima (4-2). Ah, the Ozeki should have done better. Gonoyama threw hands and drove into Kirishima. Kirishima shifted to Gonoyama’s right and Gonoyama drove him down.  I think Kirishima planned to let his feet slide a little bit but they sprawled out further than anticipated. This is the flip-side, the danger, of what Kotonowaka was trying in the first bout. If you let the opponent attack and just try to absorb it before launching your counter-attack, sometimes you don’t get to launch that counter-attack. Tsukiotoshi.

Takakeisho (5-1) defeated Tobizaru (2-4). Henkazaru, or Tobihenka? He tried the hatakikomi but Takakiesho didn’t go down. Both followed up with tsuppari but Takakeisho’s was stronger. He forced Tobizaru to the edge so Tobizaru turned around to find a soft landing place and Takakeisho shoved him out. Frankly, this is the overpowering tsuppari I like to see, and I expect to see, from T-Rex. Okuridashi.

Takakeisho will face Gonoyama in the musubi-no-ichiban. Tobizaru will take on Kirishima.

Takayasu (3-3) defeated Hoshoryu (5-1). This was a wild bout that nearly took out the gyoji, started as an oshi-brawl, settled into a grapple, and ended with a spectacular kimarite which I don’t think I have seen before. (There have been far too many of these close calls with gyoji this tournament, in the same place in the dohyo, too.) Both men had belt grips, each trying to topple the other. It was kind of a mirror image of the Tomokaze/Kitanowaka situation from earlier. This time, however, instead of both men landing on their bellies, Takayasu reached down, grabbed Hoshoryu’s right knee, and pulled upwards. Ashitori? No, komatasukui.

Takayasu will have to face Meisei on Day 7; Hoshoryu will try to recover against Abi.

Wrap-Up

Well, wow. That was a rousing day of action in Makuuchi. The Ozeki have had some trouble but are still putting forward strong performances. Kotonowaka is really impressing me. He exercised complete control over Hokutofuji today, seemingly taunting him by allowing himself to be pressed to the tawara but demonstrating that Hokutofuji did not have the strength or guile to get him over those bales. At least, not today, anyway. Ichiyamamoto has had a great run but with close bouts at this end of the banzuke, I feel he’ll get overwhelmed if he faces higher ranked opponents.

Everyone else seems to show moments of brilliance, like Sadanoumi today. I guess Ryuden is always constantly there, and constantly a threat. I would say the same of Atamifuji but I didn’t see him pose a threat in the Sadanoumi bout. It seemed that he was completely on defense, trying to stay alive. I got from Takakeisho what I wanted to see, overwhelming tsuppari. Can he do the same against Kotonowaka instead of Tobizaru? I’m not so confident there. But we’ll find out next week!

The Daieisho/Hokutofuji bout should be a great one. Kotonowaka can’t allow himself to toy with Ura as he did with Hokutofuji. Ura’s got more tricks up his sleeve. But if Kotonowaka sticks to his fundamentals, that bout will be a lock.

Nagoya 2023: Day 5 Highlights

Andy Nagoya 2023, Nagoya Basho , ,

Is Nishikigi for real? Takayasu is cleaning up against mid-maegashira. But Nishikigi is tearing up sanyaku. What is this? Let’s not get ahead of ourselves. Nishikigi is still only half-way to sweeping up sansho prizes, much less talk of yusho. There’s a lot of sumo remaining. But what an impressive start!

Highlights

Roga (2-3) defeated Bushozan (1-4): Bushozan launched forward at the tachiai but Roga was quickly able to secure a grip on his belt and drive forward, forcing Bushozan over the bales. Yorikiri.

Endo (4-1) defeated Takarafuji (3-2): Endo drove Takarafuji to the edge and then shoved him, forcefully, to send Takarafuji over the edge. Oshidashi.

Ryuden (1-4) defeated Hakuoho (3-2): Hakuoho seemed uncomfortable with a left-hand inside grip and struggled to generate any offense. Ryuden took advantage and worked Hakuoho to the edge and over. Yorikiri.

Shonannoumi (4-1) defeated Aoiyama (2-3): Aoiyama’s tsuppari was not very effective at moving the makuuchi debutant. Shonannoumi shrugged off Aoiyama’s attack, moved inside and secured a belt grip. From there, he quickly walked Aoiyama back and out of the ring. Oshidashi.

Daishoho (1-4) defeated Chiyoshoma (2-3): Useless henka attempt from Daishoho. But Chiyoshoma’s early tsuppari was ineffective and even when Chiyoshoma acquired a belt grip, he was unable to budge Daishoho. Daishoho, on the other hand, was finally able to use his weight and gather up his strength to move forward and he drove Chiyoshoma over the edge. Yorikiri.

Kotoshoho (2-3) defeated Tsurugisho (1-4): Kotoshoho pressed forward and shoved Tsurugisho over the edge. Oshidashi. Tsurugisho immediately cradled his left arm. He had used his upper-body strength yesterday but if that’s sapped with a left arm injury, he may be toast with no offensive options.

Gonoyama (5-0) defeated Kotoeko (3-2): The strength of Gonoyama’s tachiai was enough to stagger Kotoeko, drawing appreciative gasps from the crowd. Kotoeko was not able to corral Gonoyama, who used his tsuppari effectively to chase Kotoeko around the ring before slapping him down. In truth, Kotoeko was over-extended and off-balance as he tried to re-engage, so he slipped to the dohyo easily. I’m not sure whether Gonoyama’s slap down even connected. Hatakikomi.

Myogiryu (2-3) defeated Takanosho (0-5): As Myogiryu pushed forward, Takanosho’s left leg buckled. They called it Tsukiotoshi. The way Takanosho went down, I would have been tempted to call tsukihiza but Myogiryu had been generating a good bit of forward pressure.

Kinbozan (3-2) defeated Nishikifuji (3-2): Simple shift of direction from Kinbozan and a quick slap-down. Textbook hatakikomi.

Hokutofuji (4-1) defeated Sadanoumi (1-4): Hokutofuji’s ottsuke, paired with his effective tsuppari left Sadanoumi struggling to find a way inside. When Hokutofuji got Sadanoumi spun around, it was an easy pushout from behind. Okuridashi.

Halftime

Tamawashi (4-1) defeated Onosho (1-4): Onosho did a good job driving Tamawashi back to the edge but Tamawashi did a better job of pivoting, grabbing the belt (what?) and forcing Onosho over the edge. Yorikiri. Yes, Tamawashi with a yotsu-style win.

Takayasu (5-0) defeated Hiradoumi (1-4): Takayasu drove forward and when Hiradoumi resisted, pressing forward with all of his weight, Takayasu stepped aside and executed a beautiful, forceful slapdown. Hatakikomi.

Ura (3-2) defeated Oho (2-3): From a master class in how to execute a slapdown, to a master class in how to defeat a slapdown. Oho drove Ura to the tawara and then pulled, trying a slapdown. Ura just moved forward with Oho and accelerated, driving Oho into the third row of VIP seats. Tsukidashi.

Hokuseiho (3-2) defeated Asanoyama (3-2): Hokuseiho executed his sumo well against a very strong opponent. Hokuseiho attempted a throw, and while it didn’t force Asanoyama down, it was successful at forcing Asanoyama to the edge. Hokuseiho tried to shove Asanoyama over but Asanoyama resisted. However, Hokuseiho kept up the pressure and forced Asanoyama to step out. Yorikiri.

Midorifuji (1-4) defeated Mitakeumi (0-5): A lengthy grapple at the center of the ring. Mitakeumi couldn’t get the power needed to drive Midorifuji back. Midorifuji eventually relented, dropped his resistance and pulled and shoved Mitakeumi to the ground. Tsukiotoshi.

Sanyaku

Kotonowaka (3-2) defeated Shodai (2-3): Once Kotonowaka got Shodai in a bear hug, Shodai was toast. You don’t need a belt grip to execute yotsu-zumo and this was an excellent example. Kotonowaka held Shodai right under the armpits in a bear hug. Yorikiri.

Hoshoryu (4-1) defeated Abi (3-2): Abi’s henka-slapdown attempt failed. So he followed up with his standard tsuppari driving Hoshoryu to the edge. But it was Hoshoryu who demonstrated the proper way to leverage misdirection. “Henka are so pedestrian, dude. You’re basic.” He shifted so effectively, Abi was shoving nothing but air and crumpled to the ground when Hoshoryu reappeared behind him. Okuritaoshi.

Nishikigi (5-0) defeated Wakamotoharu (3-2): Nishikigi is in the zone. Which one of these guys was on the Ozeki run? He had a significant weight advantage and used it to drive Wakamotoharu over the edge. Yorikiri.

Daieisho (4-1) defeated Meisei (2-3): That was Daiei-zumo. Well done. Oshidashi.

Tobizaru (2-3) defeated Kirishima (1-2-2): Kirishima came out strong but Tobizaru resisted and drove the shin-Ozeki back and into the front row. Yorikiri.

Nagoya 2023: Day 2 Preview

Andy Nagoya 2023, Nagoya Basho, Takayasu (高安), Tamawashi (玉鷲), Terunofuji (照ノ富士), Ōzeki (大関) ,

A lot of excellent action last night, with a dash of controversy. Hakuoho and several of the young guns impressed. But was Tobizaru dead? Why did no one bother to look? It may have just been a missed call or a conscious decision that the off-balance, tumbling monkey didn’t deserve to win. Frankly, that’s my view but why not throw in a torinaoshi; have them do it again. Well, we’ll put that aside as we gear up for Day 2 with the expectation that the debate will fire back up as Hoshoryu inches closer to 12 wins.

Torikumi

Kagayaki (J1-0) vs Hakuoho (1-0): Hakuoho took a battering from Aoiyama but emerged victorious. Kagayaki visits from Juryo tonight and will have much the same game plan, though a bit less forceful. Hakuoho’s left shoulder, though, is a bit of a concern and might present an opportunity to Kagayaki.

Aoiyama (0-1) vs Bushozan (0-1): We saw Aoiyama on the offense against Hakuoho but Bushozan didn’t get to illustrate much of his brand of sumo last night as he fell, quickly and easily, to Endo. Expect guns blazing from Aoiyama and possibly another quick bout.

Ryuden (0-1) vs Endo (1-0): Endo holds the numerical edge in this rivalry and certainly put his best face forward last night, while Ryuden just fell face forward. Ryuden has won their last few meetings but Endo’s a different challenge for Ryuden, compared to Takarafuji, and likely a healthier opponent. We’ll get a better sense tonight if Ryuden belongs kyujo and if Endo can put together a strong run.

Takarafuji (1-0) vs Shonannoumi (1-0): “Down. Go down.” Takarafuji had one plan against Ryden, and it worked. I don’t think that he will find the same success tonight against Shonannoumi, without changing things up. A long bout would seem to favor Shonannoumi.

Daishoho (0-1) vs Kotoshoho (0-1): After his loss yesterday, Kotoshoho seemed to stare at the heavens and wonder, “why am I here?” If he loses convincingly again today, I think we’ll all wonder the same thing.

Chiyoshoma (1-0) vs Gonoyama (1-0): Chiyoshoma will face a healthier opponent today, certainly one who can fight back with more than token resistance. It’s also their first ever meeting. I expect this bout to be a highlight bout from the bottom third of the division.

Kotoeko (1-0) vs Tsurugisho (0-1): Kotoeko was rather dominant in his win over Myogiryu while Tsurugisho appeared lame, unable to press forward with the left leg. This could be another quick one.

Kinbozan (0-1) vs Myogiryu (0-1): Young gun on his way up meets grizzled veteran on his way down in their first ever clash. Kinbozan needs this one.

Takanosho (0-1) vs Hokutofuji (1-0): Hokutofuji was on his game last night while Takanosho may have had a bit of that ring rust. Both are ranked a bit lower than their talents suggest so they should have good tournaments but Hokutofuji should have the edge in this bout.

Sadanoumi (0-1) vs Nishikifuji (1-0): Nishikifuji is no Tamawashi. Sadanoumi should be able to wrangle him and knotch a victory tonight.

Takayasu (1-0) vs Tamawashi (1-0): Expect fireworks. I have no idea who will win but I’m eager to see both of these geezers try.

Hokuseiho (1-0) vs Oho (0-1): This will be another exciting clash. They’ve split their first two meetings but after watching Hokuseiho dismantle Onosho, Oho may just be a bigger bump on the road to the joi-jin.

Hiradoumi (1-0) vs Onosho (0-1): Hiradoumi is ready while we didn’t get to see much of an attack from Onosho. Hopefully Hokuseiho knocked the ring-rust loose and Onosho comes back with the quality we’ve seen before.

Asanoyama (0-1) vs Ura (0-1): Asanoyama needs to bounce back from that loss to Meisei. He seemed to have the edge but the desperation lunge caught Asanoyama out. Ura’s whole thing seems to be desperation acrobatics at the edge. Asanoyama needs this, so he’ll need to keep his wits about him and not let Ura do anything crazy.

Sanyaku

Kotonowaka (1-0) vs Meisei (1-0): These guys are evenly matched demonstrated by the 4-4 record in this rivalry. Meisei did what he needed to win against Asanoyama. Will the confidence boost from that upset carry over to tonight?

Midorifuji (1-0) vs Abi (0-1): Is it as surprising to you as it is to me that Abi has never beaten Midorifuji? After seeing how stablemate and Yokozuna, Terunofuji, completely dismantled Abi’s big guns, maybe it shouldn’t. I would normally expect Abi to blast Midorifuji, repeatedly, and pick up the win. I will pay closer attention tonight to see if Abi is actually able to use his main weapon.

Hoshoryu (1-0) vs Shodai (0-1): We saw dreadful sumo from both of these guys last night. Shodai is nowhere near as mobile or dynamic as Tobizaru, however, so should be easy prey for the dragon.

Tobizaru (0-1) vs Wakamotoharu (1-0): Tobizaru snatched defeat from the jaws of victory yesterday with that wild, off-balance display. Wakamotoharu will need to contain him.

Mitakeumi (0-1) vs Daieisho (1-0): I’m eagerly anticipating this fight. Mitakeumi came in a bit high last night and was shown the exit…but at least he looks healthy. Daieisho has fire in his belly and laser-guided tsuppari. Of the three Ozeki candidates, I thought he put on the most convincing performance.

Terunofuji (1-0) vs Nishikigi (1-0): We haven’t seen Nishikigi in action yet but that shouldn’t matter. Terunofuji should dismantle Nishikigi with the ease that he displayed against Abi.

Who, exactly, is the old guard ?

Timothée Heinz Haru Basho 2020 (Osaka) , , , , ,

So, the 2020 Haru basho went through all coronavirus fears, and, fortunately, could go all the way and without incident.

It certainly has been a pretty unusual basho, with no spectators admitted. However, some recurring themes went on appearing; among them, the continuous rise – and, on several occasions, disappointment brought by the new generation of rikishi.

Thirteen’s day musubi no ichiban, which saw Hakuho facing Asanoyama, could have been subtitled as: “Who is going to take the lead of this basho? Young talent Asanoyama, or old guard leader, dai yokozuna Hakuho?”

If it’s not too hard remembering when our youngsters made their makuuchi debuts (guessing the correct year, at least), who, exactly, constitutes the “old guard”?

Let’s divide this topic into two questions:

1. Who made the oldest makuuchi appearance?

2. Who has the longest uninterrupted makuuchi appearance from today?

First of all, let’s spoil things a bit, as the podium can already be determined. Three names spring to mind: both yokozuna, obviously, and former ozeki Kotoshogiku, now 36, who has stayed in makuuchi after his demotion.

Both yokozuna have stayed in makuuchi right from their first appearance (May 2004 for Hakuho, November 2016), whereas Kotoshogiku made one last stint in juryo before establishing himself in makuuchi on the long run (first appearance in January 2005, continuously in makuuchi since May of the same year).

36 and kicking : Kotoshogiku Kazuhiro (left)

So, who are the best of the rest ?

1. Who made the oldest makuuchi appearance?

Several names come to mind but it’s no surprise one of the “seven samurai”, Tochiozan, holds the oldest appearance, back in March 2007! He stayed in makuuchi the whole time since his unfortunate demotion by the end of 2019, which makes an impressive 12 years stint.

An impressive twelve year stint in makuuchi: Tochiozan Yuichiro

His career highlight? The nervous playoff he lost to Kyokutenho, in May 2012.

Tochinoshin is known for his famous comeback from makushita to makuuchi in 2013-2014, after having sustained a serious knee injury. What is less known is that he already had five years in makuuchi behind him, his debut being back in May 2008.

His career highlight? His promotion to ozeki after, notably, clinching the January 2018 yusho.

The year 2008 also saw the first appearance of Tamawashi. He took the lift down to juryo five times – never for more than one basho – from 2008 to 2013, before establishing himself for good.

January 2019’s surprise winner: Tamawashi Ichiro (right)

His career highlight? A nice run at sekiwake, which saw him clinching the January 2019 tournament.

Okinoumi got promoted to makuuchi in March 2010, and after a short period back to juryo, has fought in makuuchi with no exception since the end of that year.

His career highlight? Three runner up performances, and no less than four gold stars (three wins against Harumafuji, one win against Kakuryu).

However, the main core of the old guard belongs to the “2011 promotion”. Let’s pay tribute to these brave fighters. Under brackets, their age and numbers of jun yusho: Kaisei (33 y.o./2 jun yusho), Takayasu (30/4), Takarafuji (33/1), Aoiyama (33/1), Shohozan (36/1) and Myogiryu (33/0).

All of them have reached san’yaku: Takayasu got promoted to ozeki, Shohozan had a career best as komosubi, all the others went as high as sekiwake.

Let’s finally point out Ikioi, who began a makuuchi career in March 2012.

To sum up:

RikishiOldest makuuchi appearance
Hakuho ShoMay 2004
Kotoshogiku KazuhiroJanuary 2005
Kakuryu RikisaburoNovember 2006
Tochiozan YuichiroMarch 2007
Tochinoshin TsuyoshiMay 2008
Tamawashi IchiroSeptember 2008
Okinoumi AyumiMarch 2010
Kaisei IchiroMay 2011
Takayasu AkiraJuly 2011
Takarafuji DaisukeJuly 2011
Aoiyama KosukeNovember 2011
Shohozan YuyaNovember 2011
Myorigyu YasunariNovember 2011
Ikioi ShotaMarch 2012

2. Who has the longest uninterrupted makuuchi appearance from today?

Continuously fighting in makuuchi on the long run is no easy task, as we shall see. We may (and we should) all applause Kotoshogiku for his incredible longevity, as well as we can praise Okinoumi for being around since November 2010, and Takayasu for having not being demoted a single time to juryo, since his first makuuchi appearance in July 2011!

Present since 2010: Okinoumi Ayumi

Several rikishi have unfortunately suffered demotion since their debut, but do hang to makuuchi for quite some time: Tamawashi (present since July 2013), Takarafuji (since July 2013), Tochinoshin (since November 2014), Shohozan (demoted during the year 2015, present since November 2015).

Some of the courageous warriors have unfortunately suffered demotion lately. Myogiryu and Aoiyama came back to makuuchi in March 2018, whereas Ikioi, Tochiozan and Kaisei all stormed back in January 2020.

So, who complete our table? Incredibly, the “new guard”! Shohozan brought Mitakeumi with him, in November 2015. We witnessed, shortly after, Shodai (January 2016), Endo (May 2016) and Kagayaki’s (July 2016) rise.

Finally setting his sights on ozeki promotion? Mitakeumi Hisashi
RikishiStayed in makuuchi since
Hakuho ShoMay 2004
Kotoshogiku KazuhiroMay 2005
Kakuryu RikisaburoNovember 2006
Okinoumi AyumiNovember 2010
Takayasu AkiraJuly 2011
Tamawashi IchiroJuly 2013
Takarafuji DaisukeJanuary 2013
Tochinoshin TsuyoshiNovember 2014
Shohozan YuyaNovember 2015
Mitakeumi HisashiNovember 2015
Shodai NaoyaJanuary 2016
Endo ShotaMay 2016
Kagayaki TaishiJuly 2016
Myogiryu YasunariMarch 2018
Aoiyama KosukeMarch 2018
Ikioi ShotaJanuary 2020
Tochiozan YuichiroJanuary 2020
Kaisei IchiroJanuary 2020

So what’s the conclusion? Some of the old guard is having a rough time, with Shohozan, Tochiozan or Myogiryu having suffering big make kochi in Osaka, not even mentioning Takayasu’s worrying state.

At the same time, the clock is ticking for the young hopes to shine…