Wakatakakage

Natsu 2026: Senshuraku

Andy Natsu 2026, Natsu Basho ,

Fujinokawa’s brother, Ikarigata, came out on top of the seven-man play-off and won the Makushita yusho with a henka in the ultimate bout. Asahifuji defeated Kiryuko for the second time and claimed the Sandanme yusho with a nice sukuinage.

No one will receive the Outstanding Performance prize. We have five nominees for the Fighting Spirit prize for the rank-and-filers in the yusho race, all conditional on winning today: Yoshinofuji, Hakunofuji, Ura, Kotoeiho, and Fujiryoga. Finally, Wakatakakage claims the Technique prize for a seventh time. (For those wondering, no, it’s not a record. A couple of guys have 9.)

NHK videos are here.

Makuuchi Action

Dewanoryu defeated Oshoumi. Dewanoryu got his left hand inside belt grip. As Oshoumi pressed forward to the bales, Dewanoryu pivoted and dragged Oshoumi to the ground. Shitatenage.

Shishi (6-9) defeated Ryuden (5-10). When Shishi got his right hand inside belt grip to accompany his left hand uwate, he drove forward and forced Ryuden out. Yorikiri.

Kinbozan (6-9) defeated Tobizaru (9-6). Kinbozan chased Tobizaru and shoved him off the dohyo. Oshitaoshi.

Nishikifuji (5-10) defeated Tokihayate (4-11). Nishikifuji began by shoving Tokihayate back to the edge of the ring and he finished with a pull and slapdown. Hatakikomi.

Wakanosho (9-6) defeated Asahakuryu (5-10). Wakanosho would not allow Asahakuryu to establish a grip on his belt. He ripped Asahakuryu’s hand away and continued his tsuppari attack. Asahakuryu pressed forward but Wakanosho slipped to the side and shoved Asahakuryu out. Tsukiotoshi.

Hakunofuji (11-4) defeated Fujiseiun (7-8). Henka! Hakunofuji shifted to the left and slapped Fujiseiun down. Hakunofuji picked up his special prize and claimed his slot in a possible yusho play-off. Hatakikomi.

Roga (9-6) defeated Gonoyama (8-7). Roga overpowered Gonoyama and crushed him out over the bales as Gonoyama tried to resist at the edge. Yoritaoshi.

Daieisho defeated Mitakeumi. Daieisho thrust Mitakeumi repeatedly to the edge, then shifted to his left and thrust Mitakeumi to the floor. Tsukiotoshi.

Oho (9-6) defeated Abi (5-10). Oho’s thrusts > Abi’s thrusts. It’s just math. Tsukidashi.

Halftime

Hiradoumi (7-8) defeated Tamawashi (2-12). Hiradoumi easily forced Tamawashi out. A nice applause came from the crowd, not to congratulate Hiradoumi but in appreciation for Tamawashi. Yorikiri.

Ichiyamamoto (6-9) defeated Shodai (6-9). Ichiyamamoto used his thrusts to shove Shodai back and over the edge. Shodai’s last second side-step was an insufficient and uninspired counter-attack. Oshidashi.

Yoshinofuji (11-4) defeated Kotoeiho (10-5). Yoshinofuji used his left hand uwate to wrangle Kotoeiho, drive him to the edge and force him over. Yoshinofuji claimed the special prize that was up for grabs and the spot in a potential yusho play-off. Yorikiri.

Takanosho (7-8) defeated Chiyoshoma (5-10). We got a flurry of tsuppari from these two which Takanosho put an end to by slapping Chiyoshoma down. Hatakikomi.

Fujinokawa (7-8) defeated Wakamotoharu (5-10). Henka! Like his brother, Fujinokawa leapt to the side and slapped his opponent to the ground. Hatakikomi.

Sanyaku

Wakatakakage (12-3) defeated Fujiryoga (10-5). Fujiryoga might have been a bit overeager to counter Wakatakakage’s strength. Fujiryoga committed to driving forward but Wakatakakage shifted back and to his right and pulled Fujiryoga forward. Wakatakakage put an end to hopes of a larger play-off at 11-4. As Fujiryoga walked back down the hanamichi, Chris Tucker’s voice came in from the background. “He’s going to cry in the car.” Katasukashi.

Kotoshoho (9-6) defeated Churanoumi (9-6). Churanoumi seemed extra motivated today, perhaps by the potential to win the arrows. He slapped away with wild abandon at Kotoshoho. Kotoshoho, however, was a rock and would not budge…until he suddenly shifted left and thrust Churanoumi to the ground. Tsukiotoshi.

Atamifuji (9-6) defeated Oshoma (8-7). Oshoma’s strategy was too obvious and too easy for Atamifuji to avoid. Oshoma tried to grab Atamifuji’s arm and pull him forward, then he tried to slap him down. Atamifuji just kept plugging away with his tsuppari and eventually Oshoma walked himself back and out. Oshidashi.

Kirishima (12-3) defeated Ura (10-5). Kirishima had a plan and executed. Kirishima hit Ura firmly at the tachiai and pulled Ura to his left. Kirishima immediately followed up by kicking and tripping Ura as he thrust back to the right. Oshitaoshi.

We have a Play-Off!

Wakatakakage defeated Kirishima. Wakatakakage avenged his Day 11 defeat by over-powering Kirishima and thrusting him backward from the ring as Kirishima seemed set on a pulldown which never materialized. Oshidashi.

Wrap-Up

Congratulations to Wakatakakage! He claimed his second yusho, more than four years after his first title as Sekiwake in Osaka 2022. Before you start thinking about Ozeki runs, WTK is Komusubi and last tournament he barely scraped by with a 8-6-1 record. He will undoubtedly join a crowded Sekiwake rank, with Atamifuji and Kotoshoho preserving their rank and Aonishiki’s forthcoming demotion.

So, I know it’s tempting to start throwing out yet another Ozeki run to chase…but not so fast. People were already out there wanting Kirishima to fly into Yokozuna-dom. I’m not going to even entertain an Ozeki line of thinking until September. Let’s stay focused on June. The Paris tournament is coming up and we’ve got two retirement ceremonies. Then we will look at July. There will be a lot of change in the upcoming banzuke and many stories as our kyujo wrestlers return. See you soon!

Natsu 2026: Day Fourteen

Andy Natsu 2026, Natsu Basho ,

Day 14 in Tokyo.

Kazekeno (10-4) dropped his third bout in a row to a motivated Takerufuji and fell out of the yusho lead. Takerufuji is pushing for Makuuchi promotion and likely has it with this frontal crush out win. Kazuma (11-1) leads heading into senshuraku, as he defeated Asasuiryu. Enho (8-6) lost to Shirokuma (7-7).

Your NHK videos are here.

Makuuchi Action

Daiseizan (8-6) defeated Tokihayate (4-10). Daiseizan took his time to get a solid belt grip. With his left hand inside and right hand over arm grips, he pivoted and dragged Tokihayate to the edge and forced him over the bales. Yorikiri.

Wakanosho (8-6) defeated Kinbozan (5-9). Lots of thrusting and side-stepping here. Wakanosho adopted Kinbozan’s attack and eventually beat him with it. Wakanosho got in behind Kinbozan and shoved him out. Okuridashi.

Shishi (5-9) defeated Abi (5-9). Shishi put his head down and charged forward into Abi, shoving him over the bales. Oshidashi.

Nishikifuji (4-10) defeated Tamawashi (2-12). Tamawashi charged ahead and Nishikifuji shifted left and slapped him down. Hatakikomi.

Oshoma (8-6) defeated Roga (8-6). Oshoma grabbed Roga’s belt with his right hand inside, pivoted, and rolled Roga to the floor. Shitatenage.

Asahakuryu (5-9) defeated Ryuden (5-9). It was as if Ryuden got lost somewhere between the shikirisen. Ryuden went left and touched the ground with his hand as Asahakuryu also shift left and Ryuden lost his balance. Tsukiotoshi.

Mitakeumi (8-6) defeated Chiyoshoma (5-9). Migi-yotsu. The longest bout I’ve seen from Mitakeumi in a minute. He finally reared up and hauled Chiyoshoma to the edge and forced him over. Yorikiri.

Wakamotoharu (5-9) defeated Oshoumi (4-10). Hidari-yotsu. Wakamotoharu drove forward and forced Oshoumi to the edge. Oshoumi resisted so Wakamotoharu crushed him back over the tawara. Yoritaoshi.

Churanoumi (9-5) defeated Gonoyama (8-6). A long, ranging brawl before Churanoumi cornered Gonoyama along the edge and pressed forward, forcing both men to tumble out. Yoritaoshi.

Halftime

Fujiseiun (7-7) defeated Hiradoumi (6-8). Fujiseiun got his right hand inside hold and drove Hiradoumi through the dohyo and out. Yorikiri.

Oho (8-6) defeated Tobizaru (9-5). Oho charged forward and deposited a spent monkey over the edge of the dohyo. Oshidashi.

Fujiryoga (10-4) defeated Yoshinofuji (10-4). Yoshinofuji tried to charge forward and drive Fujiryoga back. Fujiryoga slipped from Yoshinofuji’s grasp while pivoting and rotating with his left shoulder underneath Yoshinofuji’s right arm. Sukuinage.

Daieisho (6-8) defeated Ichiyamamoto (5-9). Both men alternated slapdown attempts. Daieisho’s was the first to succeed. Hikiotoshi.

Ura (10-4) defeated Fujinokawa (6-8). Fujinokawa charged into Ura behind a nodowa. Ura slipped from Fujinokawa’s grasp and ducked to the side, allowing Fujinokawa to keep rushing on by and off the dohyo. Tsukitaoshi.

Takanosho (6-8) defeated Shodai (6-8). Takanosho held Shodai up for a second with a nodowa, then Takanosho shifted right and let go. Shodai fell forward on his belly. Hikiotoshi.

Sanyaku

Wakatakakage (11-3) defeated Kotoeiho (10-4). Kotoeiho tried to shift left and pull Wakatakakage down but Wakatakakage just stayed low, shifted with Kotoeiho, and shoved him out. Oshidashi.

Atamifuji (8-6) defeated Kotoshoho (8-6) There’s only so long you can try the same throw before your opponent just pushes you out. Kotoshoho discovered that limit as Atamifuji finally forced Kotoshoho over the bales. It took one lap around the bales and Kotoshoho was deposited from whence he came. Yorikiri.

Hakunofuji (10-4) defeated Kirishima (11-3). Kirishima nearly shoved Hakunofuji out but Hakunofuji mounted his defense from the tawara. With his left hand up on the front of Kirishima’s belt he briefly got his right hand inside as well and he pressed forward into Kirishima, driving him back and toppling him over the edge. Yoritaoshi.

Wrap-Up

Kirishima’s loss turns the race back into a hot mess. With a win, it would have been down to himself and Wakatakakage tomorrow. With the loss, our 10-4 folks become eligible for a possible playoff tomorrow if both Kirishima and Wakatakakage lose.

Yusho Arasoi:

  • 3-Losses: Kirishima, Wakatakakage
  • 4-Losses: Yoshinofuji, Hakunofuji, Ura, Kotoeiho, Fujiryoga

For Kirishima’s bouts tomorrow, NHK brought the prospects of Atamifuji, Ura and Fujiryoga as possible opponents. For Wakatakakage they’re also looking at Ura and Fujiryoga, as well as Hakunofuji. I can’t believe Fujiryoga is up in this, to be honest. He’s good but he didn’t look so hot last basho. Who am I kidding? The four guys remaining from sanyaku could barely muster three bouts. It will be crazy to see the depleated field represented in the kore-yori-sanyaku tomorrow.

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.