Wakatakakage

Natsu 2026: Nakabi

Andy Natsu 2026, Natsu Basho , , , , ,

It is Nakabi in Tokyo which means Shinjo Shusse Hiro. These seven noobies are put on display in their master’s kesho mawashi because they have completed maezumo and will be in Jonokuchi for Nagoya. Kakizoe (Ikazuchi), Uza (Onoe), Ogawa (Tamanoi), Otsuna (Kokonoe), Tetsufuji (Isegahama), Ibata (Sakaigawa), and Haruto (Shikoroyama).

We talked about Chiyoshoma yesterday and Otsuna (far left front) is wearing one of his kesho mawashi. I imagine he might be Chiyoshoma’s recruit. Behind him, I think Haruto is wearing one of Abi’s. If that’s true, it should give you hints as to who is planning to join the ranks of the oyakata and who will likely inherit a stable or branch out on their own. Or I’m reading too much into things and they just grabbed one that was laying around.

In Juryo, Kazekeno shoved Toshinofuji from the dohyo to remain undefeated. With Daiseizan’s defeat at the hands of Kyokukaiyu, Kazekeno has opened a 2-bout lead over Daiseizan and Enho. For his part Enho beat Kayo, as expected. Nay, as we demanded.

Your NHK videos are here.

Makuuchi Action

Sadanoumi (4-4 Juryo) defeated Wakanosho (4-4) That was the fastest and most aggressive move I have seen from Sadanoumi. He might have been irritated at the kachi-age from Wakanosho at the tachiai but he blitzed the shin-nyumaku, grabbed the front of Wakanosho’s mawashi and charged toward the front edge of the dohyo. He worked that right hand inside and finished Wakanosho off and drove him into the crowd. Wakanosho was just along for the ride. Yorikiri.

Fujiryoga (6-2) defeated Kotoeiho (6-2). Fujiryoga pressed into Kotoeiho and Kotoeiho slid back to the tawara, expecting to use the bales as a backstop. Fujiryoga kept driving him back though, and crushed him out. Watashikomi.

Ryuden (3-5) defeated Tamawashi (0-8). Ryuden worked to get both hands inside on Tamawashi’s belt. To me, it looked like Ryuden twisted and pulled Tamawashi forward, so I was expected a shitatenage. Maybe with the sudden shift of weight, Tamawashi fell forward. Instead, they’re saying Tamawashi basically took a knee. Tsukihiza.

Tokihayate (3-5) defeated Oshoumi (1-7). Tokihayate grabbed Oshoumi quickly, pivoted and pressed him over the bales. Yorikiri.

Tobizaru (7-1) defeated Ura (5-3). Tobizaru and Ura shoved each other around the ring. At the decisive moment, Tobizaru pulled and Ura drove forward. Tobizaru fell out of the dohyo as Ura fell down. Gunbai Ura. Mono-ii. The shimpan decided on a Torinaoshi (rematch). In the rematch, Ura pulled and Tobizaru kept his footing as he pressed ahead and shoved him out of the ring. Oshidashi.

Roga (5-3) defeated Kinbozan (4-4). Henka! Kinbozan fell for it. Hatakikomi.

Mitakeumi (4-4) defeated Hakunofuji (5-3). Mitakeumi was all offense today. He charged into Hakunofuji with a nodowa and continued to press forward while grabbing Hakunofuji’s belt. Hakunofuji used the tawara to stop Mitakeumi’s advance. Undeterred, Mitakeumi pivoted and pulled Hakunofuji down by that inside belt grip. Shitatedashinage.

Nishikifuji (2-6) defeated Shishi (2-6). Nishikifuji rammed his head into Shishi and bulldozed ahead. Shishi tried to avoid that head butt and turned away. Nishikifuji kept charging ahead and shoved Shishi out from behind. Okuridashi.

Asanoyama (5-3) defeated Oshoma (5-3). Asanoyama waltzed around the ring with Oshoma for a while before pivoting and using his left-hand over-arm belt grip to throw Oshoma into the middle of the ring. Uwatenage.

Asahakuryu (3-5) defeated Chiyoshoma (4-4). Asahakuryu outlasted Chiyoshoma in this lengthy grapple. Both men had left-hand inside grips and tussled for advantage. Asahakuryu forced Chiyoshoma back and over the edge. Yorikiri.

Halftime

Abi (4-4) defeated Fujiseiun (5-3). Abi Henka! Abi leapt to the left, reached over Fujiseiun’s back for a grasp of his belt and pulled him forward. Uwatenage.

Hiradoumi (4-4) defeated Churanoumi (5-3). Hiradoumi blitzed Churanoumi and drove him to the edge. Churanoumi tried to find a way to counter at the bales but Hiradoumi put his head down and blasted his way forward, shoving Churanoumi out. Oshidashi.

Yoshinofuji (5-3) defeated Fujinokawa (4-4). Yoshinofuji did a great job of keeping Fujinokawa in front of him, though he earned a bloody nose for his efforts. As Fujinokawa flailed around, Yoshinofuji used his excellent balance and footwork to stay centered and steadily work Fujinokawa to the edge. Fujinokawa tried to trip him and change directions. Yoshinofuji eventually shoved him over the bales. Oshidashi.

Ichiyamamoto (3-5) defeated Takanosho (3-5). Ichiyamamoto grasped the big onigiri in both hands, like a minister holding up a wafer for communion, and then — exactly like a minister during communion — Ichiyamamoto shifted right and dumped Takanosho on the floor. Hikiotoshi.

Sanyaku

Wakatakakage (7-1) defeated Oho (3-5). Wakatakakage pulled Oho forward toward the edge, cycled along the tawara in order to regain an advantageous position while forcing Oho to the edge. While he couldn’t execute an uwatenage, he followed up by pressing forward into Oho and driving Oho over the bales. Yorikiri.

Atamifuji (4-4) defeated Shodai (2-6). Shodai’s ACME-brand gear shift was stuck in reverse. Atamifuji jumped all over him, grabbed the front of his belt with his left hand and shoved him over the bales. Oshidashi.

Kotoshoho (5-3) defeated Wakamotoharu (2-6). Wakamoto-henka jumped to the left. Kotoshoho adjusted and charged ahead, shoving Wakamotoharu from the dohyo. Oshidashi.

Daieisho (3-5) defeated Kotozakura (2-6). Kotozakura didn’t have any offense today. Daieisho Dai-ei-Showed him to the exit with his tsuppari (as depleted as it has been the past few basho). Kotozakura is on a Path to Kadobanship. Oshidashi.

Gonoyama (6-2) defeated Kirishima (7-1). After Kirishima’s throw attempt failed, Kirishima seemed to just run out of ideas and strength. Gonoyama pressed forward and ushered the Ozeki over the bales. Oshidashi.

Wrap-up

Gonoyama denied Kirishima his kachi-koshi. Kirishima falls back into a share of the lead with Wakatakakage and Tobizaru, way down in the rank-and-file. On 6-2 we have Gonoyama, Kotoeiho, and Fujiryoga.

  • 1-Loss: Kirishima, Wakatakakage, Tobizaru
  • 2-Losses: Gonoyama, Kotoeiho, Fujiryoga

Kirishima will fight Wakamotoharu tomorrow. Wakamotoharu has looked completely lost this tournament but I’d expect him to be able to find focus against an Ozeki, especially one battling his brother for the title. Gonoyama will get a crack at Kotozakura, aka the lost Ozeki wandering around in the wilderness. Atamifuji will fight Daieisho and Kotoshoho will fight Wakatakakage. Tobizaru will fight Kotoeiho as the Kyokai begins to put an end to these rank-and-file yusho runs. Fujiryoga will fight Mitakeumi.

Natsu 2026: Day Four

Andy Natsu 2026, Natsu Basho , ,

Takayasu kyujo. They’re dropping like flies in sanyaku. At this rate, by Senshuraku, Shodai will be in the musubi-no-ichiban. If you’ll recall, Takayasu took a tumble into the crowd yesterday and is unfortunately another casualty of this Natsu Basho.

Down in Juryo, Enho’s charge continues as he picked up his fourth straight win. He joins Kazekeno, Toshinofuji, and Kyokukaiyu as early leaders in the second division. Way to go, Enho!

I want to highlight that former Makushita “up-and-comer” Yoshii has taken a proper shikona and today picked up his first win against Hanaoka. Rather than fighting under his real name, Yoshii Ko, he is now Tokifudo Ko. Tokifudo is now 1-1.

Anyway, I say former “up-and-comer” because he’s been toiling in Makushita since we were in lockdown. He’s a grizzled vet by now. Can he make a charge for promotion this year?

Top division NHK videos are here.

Makuuchi Action

Daiseizan (4-0 Juryo) defeated Ryuden (0-4). Daiseizan got his left-hand inside belt grip and quickly drove Ryuden back and out of the ring. Ryuden is being just plain beat by these youngsters. He feels ready for a seat on the barge. Yorikiri.

Fujiryoga (3-1) defeated Tobizaru (3-1). Tobizaru pulled and tried to shuffle laterally along the tawara but Fujiryoga gave chase and pushed him down. Oshitaoshi.

Wakanosho (3-1) defeated Mitakeumi (1-3). Mitakeumi charged forward into Wakanosho. Wakanosho hit Mitakeumi with tsuppari to the face as he retreated. As the pair reached the bales, Wakanosho grabbed Mitakeumi’s left arm and pulled him forward, then shoved him from behind to send him out. Okuridashi.

Roga (3-1) defeated Oshoumi (1-3). The two tussled with their left-hand inside belt grips when suddenly Roga yanked Oshoumi over with a spectacular and powerful shitatenage. The crowd liked that one.

Tokihayate (1-3) defeated Tamawashi (0-4). Tamawashi’s struggles continue. Despite a 43-kg size advantage, Tokihayate was able to grab Tamawashi’s belt and steer him toward the edge like a big rig. At the bales, Tamawashi stopped his momentum and began to charge forward but Tokihayate slipped to the side and let Tamawashi rush forward. Tokihayate then came up from behind and pushed Tamawashi out. Okuridashi.

Ura (2-2) defeated Shishi (1-3). Shishi got the best of the tachiai and charged forward to finish Ura off but Ura shifted left, grabbed Shishi’s belt and shoved him out. Shitatenage.

Kotoeiho (4-0) defeated Kinbozan (2-2). Kinbozan pulled Kotoeiho up by his belt and drove him toward the bales. Kotoeiho braced his left foot on the tawara and used the leverage to hoist Kinbozan over. Shitatenage.

Abi (2-2) defeated Asanoyama (2-2). Abi blasted Asanoyama with tsuppari and drove him back over the bales. Oshidashi.

Oshoma (2-2) defeated Nishikifuji (1-3). As Nishikifuji charged forward, Oshoma grabbed Nishikifuji’s left arm and pulled him forward to the bales. Nishikifuji spun away but Oshoma was in hot pursuit and shoved Nishikifuji out. Oshidashi.

Hakunofuji (3-1) defeated Asahakuryu (2-2). Asahakuryu wrapped his arms around Hakunofuji’s and forced Hakunofuji back to the edge. Hakunofuji dug in at the tawara and would not go over. When Asahakuryu relented, Hakunofuji was able to grab his belt with both hands, turn him around and drive him out. Yorikiri.

Halftime

Fujiseiun (3-1) defeated Asakoryu (2-2). Asakoryu blitzed Fujiseiun at the tachiai and drove him back to the bales. At the bales, Fujiseiun shifted to his right and twisted, dragging Asakoryu forward to the edge. He then shoved him over to finish him off. Tsukiotoshi.  

Churanoumi (3-1) defeated Wakamotoharu (1-3). Churanoumi stayed calm in the face of Wakamotoharu’s fierce attack and steadily pressed Wakamotoharu away from the center of the ring. Churanoumi stayed low and shoved Wakamotoharu back and out. Oshidashi.

Chiyoshoma (2-2) defeated Shodai (1-3). Shodai charged forward but Chiyoshoma slipped to his left and slapped Shodai down. Shodai was completely out of his element as the aggressor, bulldozing through the ring in pursuit of Chiyoshoma. Despite the loss, I really like this development. Katasukashi.

Gonoyama (3-1) defeated Hiradoumi (2-2). Hiradoumi had Gonoyama at the edge but Gonoyama used the bales to brace himself, charged forward to give himself a little room, then pivoted to his right and slapped Hiradoumi down. Notice Gonoyama didn’t need much room for his slapdown since he pivoted instead of backing up. I’m thinking of Asanoyama’s bout with Hakunofuji earlier this basho where Asanoyama backed himself out of the ring. PIVOT!!!! Thank you, Gonoyama. Hikiotoshi.

Sanyaku

Wakatakakage (4-0) defeated Daieisho (2-2). After taking multiple blows from Daieisho, Wakatakakage shifted right and hit Daieisho from the side. This disrupted Daieisho’s attack. Wakatakakage then drove his hands into Daieisho’s armpits, blasting him toward the edge. He followed up with a nodowa and cast Daieisho into the crowd. Oshidashi.

Oho (2-2) default win over Takayasu (2-2).

Takanosho (2-2) defeated Atamifuji (1-3). Takanosho tried the slapdown, that didn’t work. So he quickly adjusted to throwing a flurry of tsuppari. As Atamifuji resisted, Takanosho grabbed his left arm and pulled him forward. This allowed Takanosho to get in behind and dig out Atamifuji’s thong. Takanosho gave Atamifuji a wedgie and drove him over the bales. Hopefully he washed his hands after soon after. Oshidashi.

Fujinokawa (3-1) defeated Kotoshoho (1-3). Solid tachiai but Fujinokawa quickly backed away to his left. Kotoshoho charged forward into the void. Fujinokawa finished him off with a shove. Tsukiotoshi.

Kotozakura (2-2) defeated Yoshinofuji (1-3). Kotozakura must have eaten at the same ramen shop as Shodai. Somehow they’re both super aggressive today. Kotozakura steamrolled through Yoshinofuji, blasting him with tsuppari and shoving him out of the ring. More of this Kotozakura, please. Oshidashi.

Kirishima defeated Ichiyamamoto. Kirishima tried for an early sukuinage but Ichiyamamoto continued to charge forward, head first. Kirishima backed up to the bales and slapped Ichi down. “Andy, shut up about the pivoting. I don’t need to.” Hatakikomi.

Wrap-up

We’ve only got five sanyaku bouts tomorrow. Wakatakakage will start things off and fight Takanosho, Oho will then take on Kotoshoho, Atamifuji will fight Fujinokawa. Kirishima will then take on Hiradoumi and Kotozakura will close things out against Ichiyamamoto. It will also be worth checking out if Kotoeiho can throw Roga.

Meanwhile, I’m going to dig around here for some chestnuts, sake, salt and squid to see if I can’t get my own dohyo matsuri going. Something must have gone awry with the one in Tokyo. Maybe they mistook sugar for salt or used the wrong variety of chestnut. The kami are picky and vengeful when it’s not as they like it, apparently. We’ll see if we can appease them. I was never quite successful at appeasing the golf gods, though, so this might go sideways. But at least I’ll have some good sake.

Natsu 2026: Day Three

Andy Natsu 2026, Natsu Basho , , ,

First thing’s first. I overslept. I forgot to set my alarm and missed the live action. Watching these video clips misses so much of the drama. I feel a bit distant from it today. Oh well, que sera, sera. 仕方がない。

Thankfully no new kyujo and Enho keeps tearing things up in Juryo. Today, he beat Takakento, visiting from Makushita.

On with the descriptions. NHK videos are here.

Makuuchi Action

Onokatsu (2-1) defeated Fujiryoga (2-1). Fujiryoga leaned forward to start chugging away with tsuppari but Onokatsu caught him right under the chin with a forearm kachi-age, followed by a slap down. And down Fujiryoga went. Hatakikomi.

Wakanosho (2-1) defeated Ryuden (0-3). Wakanosho used his powerful thrusts to keep Ryuden from getting anywhere near his belt. Ryuden made one good surge forward but Wakanosho charged right back and thrust the veteran off the dohyo. Tsukidashi.

Tobizaru (3-0) defeated Oshoumi (1-2). Tobizaru pulled and slapped Oshoumi down like it was a jungyo training bout with a high-schooler. Tsukiotoshi.

Roga (2-1) defeated Mitakeumi (1-2). Roga overpowered Mitakeumi, plain and simple. Wulftrax may be right about Mitakeumi’s right hand. He got it inside Roga’s arm quickly but never grabbed the belt and really did nothing with it. Yorikiri.

Kotoeiho (3-0) defeated Tamawashi (0-3). Kotoeiho persevered through Tamawashi’s attack, grabbing Tamawashi’s belt with his left hand. He didn’t quit until he’d driven Tamawashi back over the bales. At this rate, Kaio’s record is safe. Oshidashi.

Shishi (1-2) defeated Tokihayate (0-3). Shishi rested on Tokihayate’s shoulder as if Shishi had a rough night out and Tokihayate was responsible for getting him back home. As Tokihayate turned, to get the big lug off him, Shishi pressed more of his weight onto him and crushed him over the edge. Abisetaoshi.

Hakunofuji (2-1) defeated Kinbozan (2-1). Henka-ish side-step there from Hakunofuji. He stepped left before driving forward with his attack. Coming from Kinbozan’s right side, Kinbozan didn’t get a chance to recover or retaliate before Hakunofuji shoved him out. Oshidashi.

Asanoyama (2-1) defeated Ura (1-2). Asanoyama just drove hard into Ura and threw him backward off the dohyo like, “why are you here?.” Oshidashi.

Asahakuryu (2-1) defeated Nishikifuji (1-2). Asahakuryu got a strong hold of Nishikifuji’s belt with his left hand over-arm grip. Nishikifuji was still struggling to get his hand inside so he put it in reverse and tried a slapdown. Asahakuryu just rode him over the edge. Yorikiri.

Oshoma (1-2) defeated Abi (1-2). Abi’s thrusting attack is back and Oshoma let Abi shove him to the bales. Oshoma is much more comfortable with his feet supported by the raised tawara. Once there, he just shifted right and shoved Abi to the floor. Tsukiotoshi.

Halftime

Chiyoshoma (1-2) defeated Asakoryu (2-1). This one looked easy. No henka from Chiyoshoma. He just seemed to absorb Asakoryu’s attack in slow motion, shifted to his left and slapped him down. Frankly, it’s been quite a while since we’ve seen a Chiyo-henka. I’m starting to miss them. Hatakikomi.

Fujiseiun (2-1) defeated Churanoumi (2-1). Churanoumi laid into Fujiseiun with a strong shoving attack and drove him backwards. Fujiseiun tried to shove back but it wasn’t getting him much. The slapdown attempt got batted away. So, Fujiseiun reached around for Churanoumi’s belt with his left hand. He missed but Churanoumi backed away as if he’s ticklish on that side. Fujiseiun then drove harder and grabbed Churanoumi’s belt deep with his left hand. Once inside, he drove Churanoumi back and over the edge. Yorikiri.

Wakamotoharu (1-2) defeated Shodai (1-2). Shodai tried to stand Wakamotoharu up in the center of the ring but he was standing way too high. Despite no leverage from the bales to support his attack, Wakamotoharu held Shodai high, drove forward and forced Shodai over the edge. Yorikiri.

Gonoyama (2-1) defeated Daieisho (2-1). As Daieisho charged forward, Gonoyama cycled right to the bales, forcing Daieisho to the outside. Then Daieisho gave up and Gonoyama gently eased him over the bales. A disappointing end to someone I was looking to for a yusho run. Oshidashi.

Sanyaku

Hiradoumi (2-1) defeated Takayasu (2-1). Hiradoumi charged forward and Takayasu pulled…right off the dohyo. Goddamn it. There goes another one of my yusho hopes. Oshidashi.

Wakatakakage (3-0) defeated Yoshinofuji (1-2). Wakatakakage got inside and bulldozed Yoshinofuji through the ring and over the edge. A little dame-oshi there to finish him off? Yorikiri.

Kotoshoho (1-2) defeated Ichiyamamoto (1-2). Ichiyamamoto got his left hand on Kotoshoho’s belt and was determined to win this on the belt. He surged forward, forcing Kotoshoho to the edge where Kotoshoho pivoted, twisted, and used his right hand inside Ichi’s shoulder to sling him – face first – to the clay. Ouch. What a move. Great bout. Sukuinage.

Atamifuji (1-2) defeated Oho (1-2). Atamifuji just drove Oho back like Oho was still asleep. Oshidashi.

Kirishima (3-0) defeated Fujinokawa (2-1). Kirishima got a kimedashi grip with both hands outside Fujinokawa and tried to wrangle the youngster. Fujinokawa tried a trip but Kirishima avoided it and used the leverage to force Fujinokawa backward to the edge and over. Yorikiri.

Kotozakura (1-2) defeated Takanosho (1-2). What the hell was Takanosho doing trying to grab Kotozakura’s belt? He got a fistful of sagari instead. When he realized, “oh, I’m a pusher-thruster,” and backed up to do some pusher-thrusting, Kotozakura just followed him and pushed him out. Oshidashi.

Wrap-up

I don’t know where this yusho race will go but we’ve got Kirishima and Wakatakakage as the only undefeated sanyaku competitors. Only Kotoeiho and Tobizaru join them from the rank-and-file.

Wakatakakage will fight Daieisho tomorrow, followed by Takayasu and Oho. Then Atamifuji will fight Takanosho and Kotoshoho will fight Fujinokawa. Kotozakura will take on Yoshinofuji and then Kirishima will wrap things up against Ichiyamamoto.

It’s really way too early to start thinking about the yusho, yes. But I do like seeing who is still undefeated after the first few days and we don’t have many guys left. Well, let’s see where this goes…

Aki 2025: Day One

Andy Aki 2025, Aki Basho , ,

Welcome back, everyone. I am eager to get this basho going. Stuff has been rather busy and it’s nice to wake up at 3am every morning to catch a little sumo action to start the day.

There are several storylines heading into the tournament, but we will start with who is not here. Takerufuji is absent due to bicep surgery. We will not see him in action this tournament. Endo, down in Juryo, is also kyujo with those knee surgeries. Wakatakakage has a chance here in Tokyo for Ozeki promotion. He needs 11-wins to hit that infamous 33-win benchmark.

Nagoya champion, Kotoshoho has leapt up the banzuke to Maegashira 5 and will fight Wakamotoharu here on Day One. The odds are stacked against a repeat with this tougher competition. His yusho portrait was unveiled alongside Onosato’s in Kokugikan. Thank you to OneLoveLulit who was in attendance on Shonichi for the videos.

Down in Makushita, Enho is back in action and got things started with a win! It was a bit shaky there but a win is a win. At Makushita 31, he will be hoping for a kachi-koshi to move up the banzuke into the promotion zone.

NHK videos are here: The NHK video site is being redesigned. All of the top division bouts from Day One are on that page. The site has needed a “refresh” for a while as the list of videos has gotten rather long. But the bad news is that Juryo videos for Aki appear to be blocked from viewing outside Japan, as is the highlight video at the top of the Makuuchi page. This is not good. But it gets worse! According to this announcement, they will also take down the videos of prior tournaments on September 24. Watch them while you can.

For today’s Juryo action, here’s a video of Asanoyama’s return. The former Ozeki is on the left in the video above. He claimed a sukuinage win over Kyokukaiyu, a rookie sekitori from Kyokutenho’s Oshima-beya. And Asasuiryu outlasted the creaking Takarabune (below). Let me know if you all are able to watch the videos. But, let’s get to the top division action.

Makuuchi Action

Daiseizan defeated Shishi. Daiseizan visited from Juryo and secured a right-hand inside grip. Shishi’s left hand over arm grip couldn’t get enough leverage to topple Daiseizan so he released to change his grip inside, which was a mistake. Daiseizan pulled and dragged Shishi down to the ground. Uwatenage.

Ryuden defeated Hitoshi. It was Hitoshi’s debut bout in the top division but Ryuden dominated, driving Hitoshi back and over the edge with powerful shoves. Oshidashi.

Tomokaze defeated Nishikigi. Tomokaze pressed forward and ushered Nishikigi over the edge quickly. Oshidashi.

Tobizaru defeated Shonannoumi. Shonannoumi tried to get a deep overarm grab of Tobizaru’s belt. But each time Shonannoumi grabbed hold, Tobizaru spun away. As the bout went on, Shonannoumi tired and Tobizaru was able to square up and drive Shonannoumi over the edge. Despite the win, we saw Tobizaru’s taped right knee did not appear to be able to take the full weight of both men. Oshidashi.

Sadanoumi defeated Asakoryu. Sadanoumi drove forward and got his right hand inside, forcing Asakoryu out. Yorikiri.

Meisei defeated Tokihayate. Meisei pressed forward with powerful thrusts and charged ahead quickly when Tokihayate attempted to pull. Meisei kept Tokihayate centered and shoved him over the bales. Oshidashi.

Roga defeated Mitakeumi. Mitakeumi had a solid right hand inside grip but couldn’t make much headway. He pressed Roga toward the edge but Roga countered well. Mitakeumi pulled and Roga chased him out the other side of the dohyo. Yorikiri.

Shodai defeated Churanoumi. Churanoumi got a left-hand over arm grip and pressed Shodai to the edge. Churanoumi had tons of space to pivot and pull but Shodai used the maneuver to cut off the dohyo and attack. He forced Churanoumi to the edge and finished him off with a shove. Yorikiri.

Daieisho defeated Fujinokawa. Daieisho blasted Fujinokawa with his powerful thrusting attack. Fujinokawa pivoted right with his right hand inside Daieisho’s shoulder but Daieisho followed well and shoved Fuijinokawa out. Oshidashi.

Midorifuji defeated Kinbozan. Kinbozan pulled Midorifuji over to the edge with a powerful lefthand outside. But Midorifuji’s position and leverage were superior as both men tipped toward the edge, Midorifuji used that leverage to pull Kinbozan off-balance and Kinbozan had to catch himself with his hand. Shitatenage.

Ura defeated Oshoma. Oshoma was leery of Ura and stayed back with rather passive, reactive sumo. Ura lunged forward and grabbed Oshoma’s forward right leg and drove forward. Oshoma reared up and tried to get his leg back but Ura shoved him out. Oshidashi.

Halftime

Takanosho defeated Kusano. Takanosho drove Kusano to the edge quickly. Kusano resisted and brought action back to the center. Kusano pulled with his left hand overarm hold but Takanosho adjusted and shoved Kusano out. Yorikiri.

Onokatsu defeated Ichiyamamoto. Onokatsu weathered Ichiyamamoto’s tsuppari attack and waited for Ichi to tire. Onokatsu got both hands inside and immediately charged forward and forced Ichiyamamoto over the edge. Yorikiri.

Wakamotoharu defeated Kotoshoho. Kotoshoho pivoted and tried to drag Wakamotoharu forward to the bales but Kotoshoho’s right foot stepped over the tawara. Yorikiri.

Hiradoumi defeated Gonoyama. Gonoyama charged forward. Hiradoumi pivoted and slapped Gonoayama down to the ground. Hatakikomi.

Sanyaku

Atamifuji defeated Takayasu. Atamifuji worked his right hand inside and got a left-hand over arm grip, forcing Takayasu to the edge. Takayasu resisted but Atamifuji reinforced his attack with some gaburi hip-thrusting to force Takayasu over the edge. Yorikiri.

Kirishima defeated Oho. Kirishima used his left hand to reach around Oho’s arm and latch on to his belt. While Oho was still trying to figure out what to do, Kirishim  Yorikiri.

Hakuoho defeated Wakatakakage. Hakuoho, in full Juggernaut mode, plowed forward and shoved Wakatakakage off the dohyo. Wakatakakage rotated to his right but Hakuoho kept pace and shoved WTK in the face. Oshidashi.

Kotozakura defeated Abi. Kotozakura obliterated Abi, forced him to the edge and shoved him over. Oshidashi.

Hoshoryu defeated Tamawashi. Hoshoryu drove forward and grabbed Tamawashi’s right thigh, pulling his leg up and pushing him backward. Both men went down simultaneously. No mono-ii. Tamawashi was clearly dead but that was really close. Hoshoryu glanced uncomfortably toward the shimpan, praying no one’s hands went up. Watashikomi.

Onosato defeated Aonishiki. Onosato hit Aonishiki well at the tachiai and pressed forward. Aonishiki tried to escape to the right but Onosato stuck with him and pinned him to the ground. Yoritaoshi.

Wrap-up

Great, powerful start from Onosato, a bit of a shaky first bout from Hoshoryu and a promising win from Kotozakura. Hakuoho splashed cold water on Wakatakakage’s Ozeki run, here on Day One.