Terunofuji (照ノ富士)

Terunofuji Retirement Ceremony

Andy Retirement, Sumo Topics, Terunofuji (照ノ富士) , ,

Sumo News is not over! There are a number of sumo-related events going on in-between tournaments. Kokugikan hosted the retirement ceremony of former Yokozuna, Terunofuji on Saturday, January 31.

The event was streamed live on Abema. I had a conflict with a previously scheduled engagement, so I missed it but it looks like Terunofuji put on a great show. There was shokkiri performed by Asaazuma and Suigafuji with Shikimori Kinosuke as the gyoji. Shokkiri is a sumo comedy routine that’s generally included in all of these exhibition events, like with jungyo. They explain the rules of sumo by basically breaking all of them.

There was a bracket-style tournament featuring eight of the lower-ranked Isegahama wrestlers. The bracket is in the Twitter post below. Let me know if any of these are not working and I’ll see if I can source them from elsewhere. Some of the Twitter embeds get blocked but others are visible to people without accounts. From the top left we have Mienofuji (Tenshoho/Mukainakano), Satorufuji, Hananofuji (Kiho/Kawazoe) and Suzunofuji. On the right side we have Asahifuji, Churafuji (Chura/Chikuba), Yumenofuji, and Arashifuji (Matsui).

The yusho was claimed by Asahifuji, fresh off his Jonokuchi division title. He is the much-hyped rookie who was given the shikona of the former Yokozuna (and former Isegahama-oyakata). The Japanese press seems to like calling him the strongest recruit ever. He has been living with and training with the heya for the last four years since he couldn’t officially join with Terunofuji on the books as the resident foreign wrestler. He is also Mongolian and we will keep an eye on his career, that’s for sure.

There were also exhibition bouts with sekitori, capped off with a bout between Hoshoryu and Onosato. Hoshoryu picked up Onosato (be careful with that knee!) and dropped him into Oshima-oyakata’s lap. Oshima-oyakata (former Kyokutenho) seemed to be a common target for falling rikishi but took it with a laugh. Seems like Kirishima was a target, too. One gem in particular from these bouts was the introduction of Takanosho as hailing from Minatogawa-beya, which you can hopefully hear in the tweet embedded below. See our previous news brief about Takakeisho becoming master.

Terunofuji performed his final dohyo-iri with Hoshoryu as sword-bearer and Onosato as dew-sweeper. As Josh pointed out in the comments, ex-Satonofuji was on hand to help get that rope ready. He’s not the only blast-from-the-past who attended the event.

Terunofuji’s 3-year-old son joined them on the dohyo wearing his own tsuna (Yokozuna rope belt) and kesho mawashi, held by Onosato. Check back in 20 years. That kid might have his own legit belt.

Now, the main event was obviously the haircut. A stream of supporters, celebrities, and sumo elite (including Hakuho) took their turns cutting Terunofuji’s topknot. Shunba, Terunofuji’s former tsukebito took his turn, as did Takarafuji, and the current crop of Isegahama sekitori. Here, though, we have Miyagino-oyakata taking the final snips.

When all was said and done, we got to see the obligatory picture of okamisan adjusting Terunofuji’s — excuse me — Isegahama-oyakata’s tie.

Then, they all partied like it was 1899.

That’s it for this weekend but join us next weekend for news about the NHK Charity Sumo event and the One Day Tournament. This one day tournament used to be known as the FUJI TV tournament but since last year’s Fuji TV scandal, it looks like Fuji TV is not aligned with it anymore. Nevertheless, if you’re in Japan and think you missed all of the sumo action after the end of Hatsu, take heart. You may still have an opportunity to attend these events or other sumo-related tours and events.

Hatsu 2025, Day Six: Terunofuji Steps Aside

Andy Hatsu 2025, Hatsu Basho ,

The big news coming into Day Six action is the sudden retirement of Yokozuna, Terunofuji. Terunofuji will remain with the sumo association as a coach, Terunofuji-oyakata. This brings his storied career to an end. He rocketed up the banzuke and reached the rank of Ozeki before knee injuries led to his demotion and eventual fall into Jonidan. Encouraged to stick with it by Isegahama-oyakata, Terunofuji climbed back up the ranks, reaching Yokozuna just as Hakuho retired, winning a total of 10 titles during his career.

We’re used to wrestlers adopting a new name when they become coach and either borrow or purchase a piece of the Sumo Association, known as a kabu. As Yokozuna, Terunofuji will be able to do so for five years under his name as Yokozuna. When that five year period is over, he will need to have a kabu if he wants to remain with the association.

We have a number of recent examples, such as Hakuho acquiring the Miyagino kabu. Kakuryu famously came down to the wire as he tried to acquire a kabu. Kisenosato shifted a couple of times to get Nishonoseki. There are a couple of kabu names associated with Terunofuji’s career which are likely target kabu. The obvious one is Isegahama but that is not written in stone. What is written in stone is current Isegahama is required to retire in July when he reaches mandatory retirement age of 65. The complication is that Isegahama can stay on with the Kyokai as a “sanyo” advisor, with that name, until he’s 70.

So, we will find out in the next few months if Isegahama-oyakata intends for Terunofuji to inherit the Isegahama kabu and the heya. During the broadcast today, Murray mentioned another elder in the stable, Homarefuji. In the case it’s not the Yokozuna who should take over, Terunofuji also has a history with the Magaki-kabu, currently owned by former Ishiura. Regardless, this process will have time to play out with the Yokozuna’s five-year grace period.

Finally, there is the little complication regarding Miyagino and Magaki as they are currently under Isegahama. With Terunofuji’s sudden retirement, I wonder if that will accelerate the timeline for allowing Hakuho to re-establish Miyagino-beya.

Your links to the NHK videos are here: Juryo Part I & Part II, Makuuchi Part I & Part II.

In Juryo, Wakaikari defeated Hakuyozan, meaning we have a log jam of co-leaders with one loss. Ryuden, Shishi, Aonishiki, Oshoumi share the lead with the fore-mentioned Hakuyozan and Wakaikari. Earlier, Enho picked up his second win and down in maezumo, Hikarumusashi picked up his third win. Tenrose and Sunasaka had locked up their three wins yesterday.

Makuuchi Action

Kitanowaka (4-2) defeated Tokihayate (3-3). Both men grabbed on with matching left-hand inside, right-hand outside belt grips. However, Kitanowaka was able to overpower Tokihayate and quickly escorted him back over the edge. Yorikiri.

Kinbozan (5-0) defeated Kagayaki (1-4). Kinbozan’s brutal nodowa forced Kagayaki back to the bales. Kagayaki pivoted and relieved the pressure on his neck but Kinbozan followed and shoved him out. Tsukidashi.

Tamashoho (2-4) defeated Shonannoumi (2-4). Tamashoho plugged away with his tsuppari but Shonannoumi shoved him to the side, almost toppling Tamashoho over. When he recovered his balance, Tamashoho slipped left and pulled Shonannoumi forward. Hatakikomi.

Nishikifuji (3-3) defeated Kotoshoho (1-5). The two men traded tsuppari but Nishikifuji outlasted Kotoshoho and shoved him over the bales. Oshidashi.

Onokatsu (3-3) defeated Hakuoho (3-3). Onokatsu overpowered Hakuoho and drove him over the edge. Yorikiri.

Meisei (2-4) defeated Nishikigi (4-2). Meisei obliterated Nishikigi at the tachiai, acquired a double-inside morozashi, and drove him straight back and over the bales. Yorikiri.

Takerufuji (5-1) defeated Churanoumi (2-4). Takerufuji hit Churanoumi and grabbed Churanoumi’s belt with a right-hand outside grip. His left hand held onto Churanoumi’s trunk and held him high as he drove him back and over the edge. Yorikiri.

Oshoma (4-2) defeated Midorifuji (1-5). Midorifuji jumped early. No henka. After the tachiai it looked like they would settle into a grapple but Oshoma quickly came to his senses and shoved Midorifuji away. He drove Midorifuji back and then pulled, attempting a slapdown. Midorifuji maintained his balance but Oshoma followed up with another shove and knocked Midorifuji out. Oshidashi.

Takarafuji (2-4) defeated Tamawashi (5-1). Solid tachiai. As Tamawashi chugged forward, Takarafuji shifted left and pulled on Tamawashi’s left arm. Off-balance, Tamawashi stumbled forward. Takarafuji followed up and shoved Tamawashi out from behind. Okuridashi.

A sudden, quick NHK news break. We didn’t even get our usual currency update. Odd. I appreciate the brevity so, I’m certainly not complaining.

Takayasu (3-3) defeated Roga (0-2-4). Takayasu took the driver’s seat early, and shoved Roga back and out. Roga squeezed his right hand inside and knocked Takayasu’s arm away as he tried to get things going his way but Takayasu just kept moving forward and forced Roga out. Yorikiri.

Halftime

Of course, more news. And let’s wait to start the break after the dohyo has been cleared and when Endo and Ichiyamamoto are mounting the dohyo. This is a much longer update to discuss the very interesting topic of FujiTV. We’ll bring in an extra commentator. Yeah, we’re going to miss a bout or two. Andy starts eyeing his VPN…so sexy. Ah, we’re going back to sumo! Still no currency update…does that mean another news break to come wise NHK producer-san?

Endo (3-3) defeated Ichiyamamoto (4-2). Ichiyamamoto charged forward. Endo grabbed Ichiyamamoto’s arm and pulled back, slipping to the side. Ichiyamamoto stumbled forward over the bales. Hikiotoshi.

Chiyoshoma (6-0) defeated Mitakeumi (2-4). Chiyoshoma has been eating his Wheaties. He locked on with that powerful right hand outside and quickly threw the former Ozeki. Uwatenage.

Hiradoumi (2-4) defeated Ura (2-4). Hiradoumi charged forward early. Reset. Solid tachiai. Hiradoumi locked on with a left-hand outside grip, hoisted Ura and drove him back and slammed him out of the ring. Yorikiri.

Oho (6-0) defeated Tobizaru (4-2). A thrilling bout here. Oho was dominant with his power, consistently driving Tobizaru back with strong tsuppari. Tobizaru shifted and pivoted over, and over. Patient Oho kept pace and pursued without getting ahead of himself and without letting Tobizaru get any misdirection. Oshidashi.

Sanyaku

Wakatakakage (3-3) defeated Abi (4-2). Henka! Wakatakakage side steps and pulls Abi forward and down. I know some of you dislike Abi because of his occasional henka. I wonder if those folks cheer this henka as Abi getting his just-desserts or if you all think this move by Wakatakakage was a bit of a stinker. Hikiotoshi.

Takanosho (1-5) defeated Wakamotoharu (1-5). Wakamotoharu’s struggles continue. Wakamotoharu shoved Takanosho to the edge but Takanosho escaped to the right and forced Wakamotoharu to the edge. As Wakamotoharu pressed forward to give himself some space, Takanosho slipped to the side again and slapped Wakamotoharu down. Hatakikomi.

Kirishima (3-3) defeated Daieisho (4-2). Daieisho jumped early. Reset. Solid tachiai followed by trading of tsuppari. Kirishima blasted  Daieisho and forced him back. As Daieisho recovered pitched his weight forward, Kirishima slipped to his right and pulled Daieisho down. Hikiotoshi.

Hoshoryu (5-1) defeated Gonoyama (4-2). Hoshoryu shoved Gonoyama’s right shoulder as Gonoyama tried to blast him. That allowed Hoshoryu to get in behind, seize Gonoyama’s belt from the back and drive him out from behind. Okuridashi.

Atamifuji (2-4) defeated Kotozakura (1-5). Kotozakura settled in for a lean. Atamifuji wanted to get things going so he charged forward. Kotozakura tried to react at the edge but Atamifuji kept up the pressure. Shimpan’s hand went up that Kotozakura touched out. Atamifuji walked him out. Gunbai Atamifuji. What the hell was Kotozakura thinking? What the hell are the shimpan thinking? Mono-ii? Rematch! The shimpan was red in the face, clearly embarrassed. Gotta feel for the guy. Anyway, the show carries on. After the tachiai, Atamifuji locked onto Kotozakura’s right arm and charged forward. Atamifuji forced Kotozakura over and won this bout again. Will Kotozakura go kyujo? Kimedashi.

Onosato (3-3) defeated Shodai (2-4). Shodai tried to pivot and throw Onosato at the edge. Onosato was ready for Shodai’s move and adjusted his attack so he shifted right and shoved Shodai over the edge. Yorikiri.

Wrap-up

The flub by the shimpan was not on my bingo card. Neither was NHK’s double news break. Terunofuji’s out of action for a matter of hours and the show goes to pot. This was a hilarious day of miscues. As karma for missing the thrilling Endo bout, the action lasted past 6pm and pre-empted the news. Stick it to the man Shodai!

Many folks started dreaming of a Tamawashi zensho-yusho so, of course he lost. That’s the way it had to be once y’all jinxed it. You know how it works.

We have Oho leading Chiyoshoma and Kinbozan, undefeated in the top division. Oho will square up against Hoshoryu tomorrow in an enticing matchup. Chiyoshoma will take on one-legged Roga and Kinbozan will face Tokihayate. Who knows where this will go? I’m just along for the ride.

Nagoya 2024: Day Nine Highlights

Andy Nagoya 2024, Nagoya Basho

No news from the infirmary. This tournament has been rather quiet, so far, in the kyujo department.

In Juryo, Shishi was first in the division to pick up his kachi-koshi. He leads at 8-1. Onokatsu lost to Tohakuryu so Shirokuma is the only competitor at 7-2. He fought Tsurugisho who has found new life in the second division and sits at 6-3 with Onokatsu, Fujiseiun, Shimazuumi, and Hakuoho.

If any NHK folks are listening, I wish you would have the profile pages for Juryo wrestlers on your video pages, like you have for Makuuchi. In the NHK pages for Makuuchi Videos (e.g., Day 9 Part I and Part II), there are links to profile pages in between the videos. On these profile pages, the NHK has a string of video links to previous bouts for that wrestler. If they had that for Juryo, we would be able to view Shishi’s run all in one page!

I want you to notice, however, that you CAN do this for Makuuchi wrestlers. Our Makuuchi leader, Terunofuji, has his profile page here.

Makuuchi Division Highlights

Nishikifuji (4-5) defeated Daishoho (Juryo 3-6). Nishikifuji was the aggressor here. He slammed into Daishoho, shoved him with tsuppari, backed up and slammed into him again. Daishoho stepped back over the bales as Nishikifuji drove headlong into him again. Oshidashi.

Kagayaki (5-4) defeated Roga (5-4). Both men locked up belt grips. Roga bellied up and drove forward toward the bales. As they neared the edge of the dohyo, Kagayaki released his grip, pivoted, and shoved Roga down. Tsukiotoshi.

Churanoumi (7-2) defeated Chiyoshoma (3-1-5). This was a great back and forth yotsu bout. Someone asked in the comments why we don’t see many kicks from Hoshoryu anymore. I wonder if Chiyoshoma’s attempted trip in this bout presented Churanoumi with the opening and the leverage he needed to throw Chiyoshoma. Chiyoshoma kicked out and wrapped his foot around Churanoumi for a moment. That’s when Churanoumi was able to rotate and throw Chiyoshoma to the ground. Shitatenage.

Nishikigi (1-8) defeated Bushozan (5-4). Nishikigi is still here and still fighting. Today we saw him pick up his first win of the tournament! He went chest to chest with Bushozan, rotated with all of his might and threw him. Shitatenage.

Tsurugisho will visit from Juryo tomorrow to face Bushozan in the heavy-weight bout. Nishikigi will fight Kagayaki.

Ichiyamamoto (5-4) defeated Hokutofuji (3-6). Ichiyamomoto shifted left and grabbed Hokutofuji’s belt with his left hand, driving him forward and out. Okuridashi.

Ichiyamamoto will mix things up with Nishikifuji. Hokutofuji will face Chiyoshoma.

Endo (5-4) defeated Oshoma (4-5). What was this harite from Oshoma? Endo shifted right and pressed Oshoma with solid tsuppari, shoving him from the ring. Oshidashi.

Endo will fight Churanoumi on Day 10. Churanoumi has a shot at kachi-koshi.

Wakatakakage (6-3) defeated Kinbozan (3-6). After the tachiai, the two wrestlers settled into a long lean. It may not have looked like much was going on but Kinbozan was desperately trying to keep Wakatakakage’s right hand away from his belt. Wakatakakage eventually decided he would never get that belt grip so he yanked Kinbozan hard with his left hand and used the right to shove Kinbozan in the face. Once he got Kinbozan moving toward the bales, Wakatakakage pursued and shoved him out. Oshidashi.

Tamawashi (5-4) defeated Ryuden (2-7). Tamawashi did Tamawashi things and blasted Ryuden from the dohyo. Ryuden has been completely ineffective this tournament. He is usually able to wrap up his opponents and attack with his powerful yotsu. Oshidashi.

Ryuden will fight Roga.

Takarafuji (3-6) defeated Sadanoumi (3-6). Sadanoumi pulled and tried to slap Takarafuji down but Takarafuji reacted well, maintained his balance and drove forward. Sadanoumi tried another throw at the edge but Takarafuji’s footwork was solid today as he shoved Sadanoumi over the bales. Oshidashi.

Takarafuji will fight Tamawashi. Sadanoumi has been paired up with Oshoma.

Midorifuji (6-3) defeated Kotoshoho (5-4). Midorifuji tried to sneak that right hand up behind Kotoshoho’s shoulder but Kotoshoho shrugged it away. Midorifuji slipped to his right and Kotoshoho stumbled forward. As Kotoshoho tried to regain his footing Midorifuji followed up and shoved him from the ring. Oshidashi.

Midorifuji versus Wakatakakage will be a highlight from the first half of action on Day 10.

Halftime

Oho (6-3) defeated Shodai (6-3). Guess who moved forward? Oho. He forced Shodai to the edge where Shodai tried Shodai tricks. Oho’s sumo was solid today as he kept Shodai centered and forced him from the ring. Yorikiri.

Shodai will face Kinbozan on Day 10.

Takanosho (6-3) defeated Wakamotoharu (4-5). Takanosho went for the jugular. He drove Wakamotoharu backwards with powerful nodowa. Oshidashi.

Atamifuji (4-5) defeated Shonannoumi (5-4). I expected Shonannoumi to move backwards but he went chest to chest with Atamifuji and held his own for a while. Eventually, Atamifuji was able to overpower him, though and forced him over the edge. Yorikiri.

Sanyaku

Gonoyama (3-6) defeated Onosato (5-4). Gonoyama hit Onosato hard in the face with his head at the tachiai. Onosato reacted poorly by trying a pull. Gonoyama pressed ahead and forced the Sekiwake from the dohyo. Oshidashi.

Abi (5-4) defeated Ura (3-6). Ura tried a pull and Abi ran past but Abi had enough space to regain his footing and reengage. He took revenge by slapping Ura down and falling on top of him for good measure. Hatakikomi.

Kirishima (5-4) defeated Meisei (2-7). Kirishima put his head down and drove forward, forcing Meisei from the ring. Yorikiri.

Hoshoryu (6-3) defeated Tobizaru (4-5). Henka! Hoshoryu slipped right at the tachiai, grabbed Tobizaru’s belt and flung him from the dohyo. Uwatedashinage.

Kotozakura (7-2) defeated Hiradoumi (5-4). It took Kotozakura a while to figure out what he wanted to do here. Hiradoumi had been holding Kotozakura at bay but when he tried to slip his right hand inside, Kotozakura used the moment to charge forward and drive Hiradoumi out. Oshidashi.

Takakeisho (4-5) defeated Mitakeumi (3-6). Takakeisho charged forward powerfully and drove the impotent blocking sled backwards to the edge where he stepped out. Oshidashi.

Terunofuji (9-0)defeated Daieisho. After a wild brawl, Terunofuji was able to grab Daieisho’s belt and Daieisho flopped onto his belly. Quelle surprise. Uwatedashinage.

Wrap-up

Terunofuji continues to lead, alone. Kotozakura and Churanoumi are the only two wrestlers at 7-2 and the only two wrestlers who will have a shot at kachi-koshi tomorrow. Kotozakura will have to go through Onosato while Churanoumi faces Endo. I think Churanoumi is more likely to pick up that kachi-koshi tomorrow.

The rest of the Sanyaku fight card tomorrow is interesting, too. Daieisho will face Atamifuji. Wakamotoharu will face Hiradoumi and Abi will fight Takakeisho. Shonannoumi is being thrown into Hoshoryu and Terunofuji will fight Kirishima. Kirishima only has room for one more loss. Otherwise his demotion becomes permanent. There is no room for error and he will need to pull off several huge upsets down the line here. Terunofuji would be the biggest upset.

Nagoya 2024: Day Seven Highlights

Andy Nagoya 2024, Nagoya Basho ,

No changes in attendance today but we have news that Takerufuji will show up on Day 8. He will fight Onokatsu on Day 1. Geez, no relief for the weary!

Down in Juryo, Onokatsu and Shishi lead the pack at 6-1. So, Takerufuji is being immediately injected into the second division yusho race by fighting one of the leaders.

In retirement news, we do have an announcement that Asabenkei, a former Juryo-level wrestler from Takasago-beya, is throwing in the towel. He has battled injury over the past few years. We wish him well in his next career.

On to the action. NHK videos available here.

Day 7 Makuuchi Action

Chiyoshoma(2-0-5) defeated Mitoryu (3-4). Chiyoshoma slammed into Mitoryu and dictated the pace of action. He grabbed Mitoryu’s right arm and rolled the big man down to the floor. Tottari.

Wakatakakage (5-2) defeated Nishikifuji (3-4). Wakatakakage hit Nishikifuji hard and drove him back to the bales. Nishikifuji tried to lose Wakatakakage by shifting left along the bales but Wakatakakage was not fooled and rotated with him. Yorikiri.

Kagayaki (4-3) defeated Takarafuji (2-5). Kagayaki planted his big paw in Takarafuji’s chest and shoved him backwards to the tawara. He followed up with another shove to send Takarafuji over. Oshidashi.

Bushozan (4-3) defeated Hokutofuji (3-4). Hokutofuji brought both arms up behind Bushozan’s head and tried to shove him down. Bushozan kept his balance and moved forward, forcing Hokutofuji from the dohyo. Oshidashi.

Bushozan will face Takarafuji. At this stage, Takarafuji appears to be the one who should have stayed in Juryo.

Endo (3-4) defeated Nishikigi (0-7). Endo executed the slowest shift ever at the tachiai, popping Nishikigi right in the head with his head. Nishikigi shifted with him and pressed forward. Endo shoved down on Nishikigi’s arms and brought him down. Hikiotoshi.

Asakoryu will visit from Juryo to face Endo. Nishikigi will face Chiyoshoma. If Chiyonoshoma has any sense of mercy, he might want to dust off his henka-ing boots.

Roga (4-3) defeated Ichiyamamoto (3-4). Roga shifted left at the tachiai and grabbed at Ichiyamamoto’s upper body as Ichi ran past. Roga then twisted and yanked Ichi down by his shoulder. Sukuinage.

Roga will fight Hokutofuji. Ichiyamamoto will square up against Kagayaki.

Churanoumi (5-2) defeated Midorifuji (4-3). A wild brawl. Churanoumi pulled Midorifuji down. Hatakikomi.

Churanoumi will face Nishikifuji on Nakabi.

Shodai (5-2) defeated Sadanoumi (2-5). Shodai got inside Sadanoumi and pursued well as Sadanoumi rotated and retreated. Sadanoumi ran out of space and Shodai forced him over the bales and off the dohyo. Yorikiri.

Shodai will fight Wakatakakage as the Kyokai seek to whittle down the challenger group.

Kotoshoho (5-2) defeated Ryuden (2-5). Ryuden’s power has been absent this basho and he has not been able to find his usual belt grip. Today, Kotoshoho grabbed the front of Ryuden’s belt with his right hand and rotated, dragging Ryuden to the floor. Shitatedashinage.

Ryuden will fight Midorifuji.

Oho (4-3) defeated Tamawashi (4-3). Oho got his hand into Tamawashi’s armpit and shoved upward. Moving forward, Oho drove Tamawashi from the ring. Oshidashi.

Tamawashi will fight Sadanoumi.

Halftime

Kinbozan (2-5) defeated Takanosho (4-3). This bout had three phases. In the first phase, both men tussled for a belt grip. Kinbozan drove forward during the tussle, forcingin Takanosho to the edge. At the edge, Takanosho planted his foot and seized Kinbozan’s belt, stopping Kinobozan’s forward progress and starting Phase Two. In Phase Two, Takanosho asserted more pressure and both men were locked in a Yotsu position. Takanosho pulled up and drove Kinbozan backwards. Kinbozan was able to stop Takanosho at the edge and shift toward Phase Three. In Phase Three, Kinbozan reasserted his control and pressed forward, forcing Takanosho out. Yorikiri.

Kinbozan will fight Kotoshoho.

Shonannoumi (5-2) defeated Oshoma (4-3). Shonannoumi punished Oshoma for his henka by grabbing him and driving him into the ground. Hatakikomi.

Oshoma will face Oho.

Wakamotoharu (4-3) defeated Gonoyama (2-5). Wakamotoharu fought aggressively today. Hi hit Gonoyama with a kachiage at the tachiai and pressed forward with a fierce nodowa and tsuppari. Gonoyama resisted at the bales but Wakamotoharu reset by seizing Gonoyama’s belt. He hoisted upward, pivoted, and drove Gonoyama from the ring. Yorikiri.

Sanyaku

Daieisho (5-2) defeated Meisei (2-5). Blast and pivot, blast and pivot. Meisei tried a slapdown but missed. Daieisho drove forward and caught Meisei with a finishing blast as he was changing direction. Oshitaoshi.

Onosato (4-3) defeated Atamifuji (2-5). Onosato tried hard to keep Atamifuji’s right arm off his belt but to no avail. Atamifuji was able to lock on with both hands. However, he was not able to use the grip to generate offense. Instead, Onosato churned forward with his right arm inside and left arm shoving hard into Atamifuji. It was almost a half-yotsu, half-oshi attack as he pressed forward and drove Atamifuji from the ring. Yorikiri.

Atamifuji will fight Wakamotoharu on Nakabi.

Abi (3-4) defeated Mitakeumi (3-4). Brutal nodowa from Abi and he put all of his weight and drive into it. At the edge, Mitakeumi twisted and threw him to the side but the counter attack was too late as both tumbled into the crowd. Abi had won. Oshidashi.

Abi will fight Gonoyama and Mitakeumi will take on Takanosho.

Hiradoumi (4-3) defeated Takakeisho (2-5). Takakeisho opened with his Old Faithful: the wave action. It was completely without power. As if Takakeisho was playing patty-cake, Hiradoumi generated forward pressure and drove into Takakeisho. The Ozeki switched things up, swinging with wild haymakers, then turning in retreat. He tried to lose Hiradoumi but Hiradoumi followed well. As Takakeisho tired at the edge, Hiradoumi wrapped him up and drove the Ozeki from the ring. Yorikiri.

Hiradoumi versus Meisei could be a great brawl.

Kirishima (4-3) defeated Hoshoryu (4-3). A quick shift and pulldown from Kirishima and Hoshoryu fell forward. Hikiotoshi.

Kirishima will fight Takakeisho. WOW. Must win for each. Hoshoryu will face Daieisho.

Kotozakura (5-2) defeated Tobizaru (4-3). Tobizaru pulled and Kotozakura pressed forward. Both fell and the gunbai went to the forward-moving rikishi. No mono-ii. Meanwhile Tobizaru fell into and destroyed the Yobidashi station, knocking his bucket over and chair away. My old “Office of Safety”-hat comes out of me as I am reminded of the tripping hazards everywhere. Oshidashi.

Kotozakura will face Ura. Tobizaru gets Onosato.

Terunofuji (7-0) defeated Ura (3-4). The crowd applauded and gave an appreciative “ooh” as yobidashi bring more and more banners onto the dohyo. The crowd applauded and yelled much louder after the action on the dohyo. What a bout! Ura took it to the Yokozuna. He had one of those fancy things called, “a game plan.” That plan was to grab Terunofuji’s arm and drag him down. It nearly worked, too! Ura had Terunofuji on the edge but the Yokozuna kept his balance. As he regrouped, Ura launched another attack, and another. Each attack was progressively less powerful and Terunofuji began to assert his size advantage, eventually succeeding in wrapping up Ura at the edge. One can imagine a quiet plea from the condemned, “I’m tired. Be gentle,” as Terunofuji eased Ura over the bales. Yorikiri.

Terunofuji will fight…checks notes…Shonannoumi. Interesting. This bout should not be interesting, though. Should be one-sided. We’ll see how it works out.

Wrap-up

It is always a good day when the musubi-no-ichiban brings us the bout-of-the-day. Terunofuji showed both his vulnerability and his strength in that bout as he remains undefeated. Pretty much the entire field is in a small band between 2 and 5 wins; Terunofuji alone on top and Nishikigi on the other end with no wins. Tomorrow, on Nakabi, Terunofuji can be the first in the division to secure kachi-koshi while Nishikigi is heading for Juryo with Asanoyama. If he keeps up this pace, he will be at the front of the line. I put together a quick little graphic to show just how tightly distributed the field is here, with a ton of guys on 4 wins. This is sumo, so that might actually be a couple of tons of guys at 4 wins, to be honest.

Kirishima won today but still looks shaky and has a long road ahead. Takakeisho’s road seems even longer now and the pair will be pitted against each other tomorrow. If folks are scratching their heads about how Terunofuji got paired with Shonannoumi, this should be the lowest-ranked fighter to take on the Yokozuna this tournament. Takayasu and Onosho are kyujo and Atamifuji is from the same stable. From here in, the Yokozuna will start churning through sanyaku competition as the title race heats up in Week Two.