Shodai Official, Relief for Tamanoi-beya, Ura Returns | Early Banzuke Revelations
On the 30th, the Japan Sumo Association held their extraordinary board meeting, and a meeting of the rank-deciding committee. The hottest topic on the table was the promotion of first time champion Shodai to Ozeki. Mostly a formality as the arrangements had essentially been made beforehand, a unanimous stamp of approval was given. Between DirectorContinue reading “Shodai Official, Relief for Tamanoi-beya, Ura Returns | Early Banzuke Revelations”
Shodai Prepares for Ozeki Promotion
Aki Basho’s top division champion Shodai has finally reached his long sought-after milestone of sumo’s second highest rank. In preparation for his Ozeki promotion acceptance speech, he has selected a special “four character idiom” which is customary for this situation. The one he chose is meant to express his desired way of life from nowContinue reading “Shodai Prepares for Ozeki Promotion”
All 24 Hospitalized Tamanoi Wrestlers Return Home
Good News! As scheduled, the 24 wrestlers from Tamanoi-beya who had been hospitalized due to coronavirus have been discharged and returned home on Sunday, the 27th. With great relief, all of them are reportedly doing well, and plans are being made for the stable — which houses Juryo rikishi Azumaryu and Fujiazuma — to enterContinue reading “All 24 Hospitalized Tamanoi Wrestlers Return Home”
Aki 2020 | Bout of the Day #15 | Shodai vs. Tobizaru
It all came down to this match. Either rookie Tobizaru would outwit his much larger foe and force a play-off, or Sekiwake Shodai would take the most direct route to his long sought-after first Makuuchi championship title. When all was said and done, Tobizaru seemed to be thrilled just to have the chance to playContinue reading “Aki 2020 | Bout of the Day #15 | Shodai vs. Tobizaru”
Aki 2020 | Basho Recap
The 2020 Autumn Grand Sumo Tournament in Tokyo got underway on September 13, in the absence of both Yokozuna who are trying to heal many years’ worth of pain and injuries. A lot of other wrestlers took time off this basho as well. Ishiura didn’t start until midway through, coming back to get just 4Continue reading “Aki 2020 | Basho Recap”
Aki 2020 | Senshuraku Preview
On the second to last day of Aki Basho 2020, Chiyonokuni secured the Juryo division championship with a slapdown against Wakamotoharu. This is his third time winning a second division title, and he did it with a comfortable two win margin. Congratulations to him! It has come down to the final day in the topContinue reading “Aki 2020 | Senshuraku Preview”
Aki 2020 | Bout of the Day #14 | Hoshoryu vs. Kagayaki
Young throwing specialist Hoshoryu faced the giant (6’4) Kagayaki for the first time today. Hoshoryu’s debut in Makuuchi has been an interesting back and forth, winning one or two days — usually in exciting fashion — and losing one or two more, often with a painful slam to the clay. He’s been carrying the burdenContinue reading “Aki 2020 | Bout of the Day #14 | Hoshoryu vs. Kagayaki”
Terunofuji and Chiyotairyu Bring the Withdrawal Total to 13
July’s top division champion M1 Terunofuji has announced his withdrawal from Aki Basho due to resurfacing left knee pain from osteoarthritis. He leaves the tournament with a record of 8-4, a majority of wins that will ensure a historical promotion back to sanyaku. Treatment is expected to take three weeks. Surprise title contender Wakatakakage getsContinue reading “Terunofuji and Chiyotairyu Bring the Withdrawal Total to 13”
Aki 2020 | Bout of the Day #13 | Myogiryu vs. Tamawashi
Today’s bout of the day features two former Sekiwake with over 27 years of professional experience between them. Both fighters entered day 13 with a record of 5-7, one loss away from make-koshi, so it became a make-or-break situation if either one of them was trying to climb back to sanyaku. On paper, not muchContinue reading “Aki 2020 | Bout of the Day #13 | Myogiryu vs. Tamawashi”
Aki 2020 | Bout of the Day #12 | Terunofuji vs. Onosho
M9 Onosho is coming back from his worst top division score ever of 2-13 at the July tournament. And what a comeback it has been! For a moment (day 5) he was leading this basho as the only undefeated rikishi. That momentum has slowed a bit as he dropped to a shared second place onContinue reading “Aki 2020 | Bout of the Day #12 | Terunofuji vs. Onosho”
Endo Out, Kiribayama Back In
Due to pain and effusion from an ACL injury, struggling Komusubi Endo has decided to sit out the rest of Aki Basho. He leaves on day 12 with only 3 wins (including some impressive ones), his make-koshi already having been decided. According to Oitekaze-oyakata, “It’s been like this, but when his right knee started fillingContinue reading “Endo Out, Kiribayama Back In”
Aki 2020 | Bout of the Day #11 | Enho vs. Shimanoumi
“They’re figuring him out.” That’s what people are saying now that Enho’s top division kachi-koshi streak has been replaced by 3 make-koshi in a row. But here are some reasons the lightweight may not be disappearing from the main broadcast as soon as some may think. The thing is, the majority of wrestlers get “figuredContinue reading “Aki 2020 | Bout of the Day #11 | Enho vs. Shimanoumi”
Takakeisho’s Shoulder May Be an Issue [Video]
After defeating veteran Maegashira #5 Takarafuji with a diving oshidashi on day 11 of Aki Basho, Ozeki Takakeisho was seen having difficulty using his right arm to prop himself up. He was finally able to get up after several seconds of struggle where it seemed like something had partially dislocated. Afterwards, the now 9-2 tournamentContinue reading “Takakeisho’s Shoulder May Be an Issue [Video]”
Aki 2020 | Bout of the Day #10 | Meisei vs. Aoiyama
For the past few days, a very saturated leaderboard has kept our minds busy with speculations. Will Asanoyama pull through as “less worthy” rikishi fall away? Will we see another bottom rung champion? Will Takakeisho hold it together? Will Shodai finally see the fruits of his labor? Did Onosho’s brief sole lead foreshadow something significant?Continue reading “Aki 2020 | Bout of the Day #10 | Meisei vs. Aoiyama”
Kiribayama Forced to Drop Out of Title Race
East Maegashira #5 Kiribayama of Michinoku Stable strained his left rotator cuff on day 9 of the Autumn Grand Sumo Tournament, and will likely be out for the remainder of the basho. The injury occurred during his match against Ozeki Takakeisho, in which he heard a “popping” sound. According to Michinoku-oyakata, a September comeback dependsContinue reading “Kiribayama Forced to Drop Out of Title Race”
Aki 2020 | Bout of the Day #9 | Enho vs. Ichinojo
We’ve watched little Enho get the better of giants such as Aoiyama, Tokushoryu, Chiyotairyu, and Daishoho to name just a few. But the one match we’ve all longed to see and that hasn’t occurred outside of exhibition or amateur sumo is Ichinojo vs. Enho. That is until today! It happened folks. Yes the two haveContinue reading “Aki 2020 | Bout of the Day #9 | Enho vs. Ichinojo”
Aki 2020 | Bout of the Day #8 | Sadanoumi vs. Tobizaru
Exciting new top division wrestler Tobizaru has been catching everyone’s attention with his often wild style of fighting. Living up to his shikona, which actually means “flying monkey,” relative lightweight Tobizaru reminds us a lot of our beloved Ura, whose creative style has had fans following him throughout his lower division journey. Like a lotContinue reading “Aki 2020 | Bout of the Day #8 | Sadanoumi vs. Tobizaru”
Yutakayama Forfeits Win to Asanoyama
Tokitsukaze wrestler, Yutakayama injured his right leg in his match against Ozeki Takakeisho on day 7 of the 2020 Autumn Grand Sumo Tournament. The official diagnosis was a strain of the right anterior tibiofemoral ligament, which caused the East Maegashira #4 to withdraw from Sunday’s action. The injury was caused by a twisting force onContinue reading “Yutakayama Forfeits Win to Asanoyama”
Aki 2020 | Bout of the Day #7 | Daieisho vs. Tochinoshin
Almost halfway through the tournament and bouts are getting really entertaining. It was difficult to decide between this match and Tobizaru vs. Chiyotairyu, but overall, the back and forth style clash of pusher-thruster Daieisho vs. powerhouse grappler Tochinoshin was the most interesting to watch from a technical standpoint. 26 year old Daieisho is fighting atContinue reading “Aki 2020 | Bout of the Day #7 | Daieisho vs. Tochinoshin”
Ishiura Entering Basho Half Way Through
Miyagino stable’s Ishiura (M13), who has taken the first 7 days of Aki Basho off due to a fracture in his right ankle, will make his first appearance on Sunday. The doctor’s note which explained his diagnosis as a right talus fracture also outlined a projected healing time of three weeks. The injury took placeContinue reading “Ishiura Entering Basho Half Way Through”
Kotoshogiku to Return to Action on Saturday
The oldest current salaried level rikishi, 36 year old Kotoshogiku will make a return to the Kokugikan on the 19th. He had injured his left calf in a match against Meisei on Tuesday, and painfully withdrew on day 4. At only one win, the former Ozeki (now M11) would be almost guaranteed to drop toContinue reading “Kotoshogiku to Return to Action on Saturday”
Aki 2020 | Bout of the Day #6 | Aoiyama vs. Takarafuji
East Tale of the Tape West W. Maegashira #7 Rank W. Maegashira #5 Aoiyama Name Takarafuji Kasugano Stable Isegahama 34 Age 33 6’2/191cm Height 6’/185cm 414lbs/188kg Weight 366lbs/166kg Oshi-zumo Style Hidari yotsu-zumo 21 wins Past Meetings (24) 3 wins 3-3 Record this Basho 4-2
Aki 2020 | Bout of the Day #5 | Okinoumi vs. Endo
An awesome belt battle between the Komusubi ensued today. On the East side, Okinoumi was coming off his first win of the tournament against Sekiwake Mitakeumi yesterday. In the West, Endo had already taken out two top contenders in Ozeki Asanoyama and July champion Terunofuji. Six years the younger and eight years less experienced, EndoContinue reading “Aki 2020 | Bout of the Day #5 | Okinoumi vs. Endo”
Kyokutaisei is 8th Salaried Level Kyujo
After injuring his left achilles tendon during his fight against Shimanoumi on day 4, East Maegashira #16 Kyokutaisei (Tomozuna-beya) had to withdraw from day 5 action. He will likely sit out the rest of the tournament as his projected healing and treatment time is 6 weeks. He left Aki Basho with a 2-2 record beforeContinue reading “Kyokutaisei is 8th Salaried Level Kyujo”
Aki 2020 | Bout of the Day #4 | Tamawashi vs. Takakeisho
Veteran pusher-thruster Tamawashi and young Ozeki Takakeisho faced off on day 4, both seeking their third win. Takakeisho took his first loss of the basho yesterday, falling to East M2 Hokutofuji. This came after a solid start with oshidashi wins against July’s champion Terunofuji and Komusubi Okinoumi respectively. Tamawashi went into today with signature winsContinue reading “Aki 2020 | Bout of the Day #4 | Tamawashi vs. Takakeisho”
Aki 2020 | Bout of the Day #3 | Asanoyama vs. Terunofuji
So far 0-2 Ozeki Asanoyama took on returning champion Terunofuji in an exciting grappling match. They first faced each other last basho, Terunofuji prevailing and going on to win the title. Asanoyama finished runner-up with a respectable Ozeki record of 12-3, but with the pressure of being the highest ranking active wrestler at the moment,Continue reading “Aki 2020 | Bout of the Day #3 | Asanoyama vs. Terunofuji”
Kotoshogiku Out with Calf Strain
According to a medical certificate presented to the JSA on the 15th, Kotoshogiku has strained his left calf muscle and will likely take around two weeks to heal. The East Maegashira #11 from Sadogatake-beya withdrew from day 3 action, forfeiting a win to West M11 Chiyotairyu. Kotoshogiku leaves with a single win so far. AfterContinue reading “Kotoshogiku Out with Calf Strain”
Aki 2020 | Bout of the Day #2 | Shimanoumi vs. Hoshoryu
Maegashira #16 Hoshoryu (Tatsunami), the nephew of legendary Mongolian Yokozuna Asashoryu, experienced his first top division loss today, following his debut win against Ichinojo on Sunday. Day 2 saw him face 31 year old M15 Shimanoumi (Kise), a relatively late-blooming Maegashira mainstay. Their first meeting in Monday’s second Makuuchi bout was a classic “striker vs.Continue reading “Aki 2020 | Bout of the Day #2 | Shimanoumi vs. Hoshoryu”
Aki 2020 | Bout of the Day #1 | Asanoyama vs. Endo
Welcome to the 2020 September Grand Sumo Tournament, AKA Aki Basho or Kugatsu Basho! As in July, competition is being held in a limited capacity Tokyo Ryogoku Kokugikan. Unlike last time though, no Yokozuna will be with us from the very start of the basho. Hakuho is recovering from knee surgery, and Kakuryu is stillContinue reading “Aki 2020 | Bout of the Day #1 | Asanoyama vs. Endo”
Both Yokozuna to Take September Off
Two days before the beginning of Aki Basho, both current Yokozuna submitted doctor’s notes to the sumo association, withdrawing from the tournament. This will be the first time in 37 years that two or more active Yokozuna will not compete from day one. The last time this happened was at Natsu Basho 1983, when bothContinue reading “Both Yokozuna to Take September Off”
19 Tamanoi Wrestlers Infected
Tamanoi-beya has become the latest epicenter of coronavirus within the professional sumo world. 19 total infections have been reported out of Tamanoi as of Thursday, including Juryo #14 Fujiazuma, and the September 5th case which prompted a full examination of said stable. All except for Fujiazuma are at Makushita or lower. 12 of the infectedContinue reading “19 Tamanoi Wrestlers Infected”
COVID Cases Continue Ahead of September Meet
The Japan Sumo Association uncovered a new case of coronavirus within the Makushita ranks on Saturday, September 5th. On Wednesday, Public relations director Shibatayama announced that another case had been found. Subsequent tests within the concerned stable have come back as false positives, and suggested several more true positive cases may be likely. Shibatayama-oyakata assuredContinue reading “COVID Cases Continue Ahead of September Meet”
Retired Rikishi Dies While Coaching
Former Makushita wrestler Maeta Masaru passed away on Wednesday night at a hospital in Hachimantai, Iwate Prefecture. The cause of death is believed to be a heart attack. At only 38 years old, Maeta had retired from professional sumo less than two years ago. After retirement he began a fertilizer management career at Sanken Soil.Continue reading “Retired Rikishi Dies While Coaching”
Another Wrestler Tests Positive, Matsugane-oyakata Discharged
On the 14th it was reported that an anonymous lower division wrestler has tested positive for coronavirus. He was complaining of COVID related symptoms on Monday evening and was promptly quarantined within his stable. A PCR test was administered the next day, coming back negative. His symptoms persisted for a few days after that, promptingContinue reading “Another Wrestler Tests Positive, Matsugane-oyakata Discharged”
Former Tokitsukaze Coach Passes
67 year old Adachi Toshimasa, a former sumo coach and top division wrestler, died on Sunday after a prolonged battle with cancer. Working as an advisor for the JSA past the normal retirement age of 65, Mr. Adachi (or Takekuma-oyakata as he was most recently named) began to experience the irreversible affects of multiple myeloma.Continue reading “Former Tokitsukaze Coach Passes”
Nishonoseki Coach Tests Positive
It was revealed on Friday that Matsugane-oyakata (former Tamarikido) of Nishonoseki-beya has tested positive to a PCR test for COVID-19. On Thursday, Matsugane had been on an outing to meet with possible recruits and decided to take a test afterwards just in case. The test came back positive around midnight of the same day, andContinue reading “Nishonoseki Coach Tests Positive”
Abi’s Resignation Rejected, Tagonoura is Scolded
After ignoring safety protocols to go out drinking with friends, Abi (Maegashira #5 East) was forced to withdraw midway through the July basho. He submitted a formal resignation to sumo officials on August 4th, but on Thursday, the Japan Sumo Association rejected the letters and decided on a lesser punishment. While most of the professionalContinue reading “Abi’s Resignation Rejected, Tagonoura is Scolded”
Wrestlers Run Away from Overbearing Stable Life
Nine out of the 19 rikishi living at Shikihide-beya packed up and left their sumo home in Ibaraki Prefecture on Tuesday. The group contacted sumo officials from a karaoke booth in Chiba Prefecture. Their main complaint was “moral harassment” from their stablemaster’s wife who has taken a more authoritative role recently. The wrestlers then headedContinue reading “Wrestlers Run Away from Overbearing Stable Life”
Senshuraku Recap/Review
The 2020 July Grand Sumo Tournament in Tokyo came to a history making conclusion on Sunday, August 2nd, after two weeks of action. Juryo: After regularly scheduled matches, six Juryo wrestlers remained at 10 and 5. Eliminated in the first round were Kyokutaisei, Mitoryu, and Chiyono’o. The Juryo championship was then decided in a three-wayContinue reading “Senshuraku Recap/Review”
Senshuraku Preview | “Nagoya” 2020
Former top division rikishi Chiyonokuni won his second Makushita championship with a 7 and 0 record on day 13, and hopefully we will see him return to salaried status soon. In Juryo, it is possible for any one of these 8 men to win the title, but most likely it will come down to oneContinue reading “Senshuraku Preview | “Nagoya” 2020″
Kotoyuki “Tags In” Stablemate Kotonowaka
Another top division wrestler from Sadogatake-beya is out. The first was rising star Kotonowaka (M13) on day 8 due to left knee pain; this time it’s Maegashira 17 Kotoyuki because of a right knee injury. As the younger rikishi Kotonowaka made a reentry to competition on Saturday, Kotoyuki did not show up, forfeiting the winContinue reading “Kotoyuki “Tags In” Stablemate Kotonowaka”
No Yokozuna Left at July Basho, Title Race Narrows
The remaining Yokozuna, Hakuho, is withdrawing from day 13 of Shichigatsu Basho (July tournament) in Tokyo. The cause is a meniscus and patellofemoral ligament injury in the right knee, as well as some arthritis. The treatment is expected to take two weeks, suggesting he, like the others who have already exited, probably will not beContinue reading “No Yokozuna Left at July Basho, Title Race Narrows”
Takakeisho Leaves, Fourth Kyujo for July
Complaining of an exacerbation of a chronic knee issue, Ozeki Takakeisho has withdrawn from the tournament on day 12. This came right after achieving his 8th win and avoiding demotion from Ozeki. Going into the July meet with the threat of demotion looming ever since March, the rotund pusher-thruster wasted little time getting to kachikoshi.Continue reading “Takakeisho Leaves, Fourth Kyujo for July”
Monoii for Illegal Finger Bending, Historical First
Juryo #2 Tobizaru (Oitekaze-beya) went up against Juryo #6 Hakuyozan (Takadagawa-beya) in the third to last Juryo match of day 9. Hakuyozan won by oshidashi after a push-thrust battle with the smaller Tobizaru. Towards the end of the bout, Hakuyozan had grabbed Tobizaru’s left hand and held it outstretched to neutralize his attack. The wayContinue reading “Monoii for Illegal Finger Bending, Historical First”
Nakabi Report | “Nagoya” 2020
It’s Nakabi! Wakamotoharu is leading Juryo with 7 wins, followed by Mitoryu with 6. Terunofuji (7-1) is holding his own pretty easily at M17, his only loss so far coming from fellow former Ozeki Takayasu on day 5. He faces Sadanoumi next. New top division rikishi Kotoshoho (6-2) lost to Sadanoumi today but has beenContinue reading “Nakabi Report | “Nagoya” 2020″
Kotonowaka Leaves Action with Knee Injury
Maegashira #13 Kotonowaka of Sadogatake-beya has withdrawn from the July tournament after day 7 citing a left knee injury. Kotonowaka lost to M10 Kaisei by tsukitaoshi, twisting his knee and striking it while falling from the dohyo. Father and stablemaster of the injured wrestler, Sadogatake-oyakata told reporters that Kotonowaka had felt his knee twist whileContinue reading “Kotonowaka Leaves Action with Knee Injury”
Abi in Trouble Once Again, Withdraws from July Basho
The notorious Abi (Maegashira #5) is once again in the spotlight for some mischief after going out for dinner with company after Friday’s fights. This led to the newlywed’s early withdrawal from competition at the strictly held July tournament. With meticulous measures being taken to prevent the spread of coronavirus while still holding a tournamentContinue reading “Abi in Trouble Once Again, Withdraws from July Basho”
Ura Extends Winning Streak at July Basho
Ura, the exciting former top division fighter from Kise stable, won his third straight bout on Friday against Tsushimanada, going 3-0 at Makushita #19. This win extends an already impressive comeback record as well. In Friday’s bout, Ura read a dodgy tachiai by Tsushimanada (Makushita #21), dove low under the Sakaigawa wrestler’s defense, and forcedContinue reading “Ura Extends Winning Streak at July Basho”
Former Rikishi Takes Down Shoplifter
Sumo performer, Metcha, received merit after apprehending a shoplifter on a Tokyo shopping street Tuesday night. The 31 year old retired wrestler caught the perpetrator after hearing shouts of, “Stop! Catch him!” from a Musashikoyama shopping street vendor. Metcha, former Jonidan wrestler Aononami, was heading back from a visit to the public bathhouse when heContinue reading “Former Rikishi Takes Down Shoplifter”
Yokozuna Kakuryu Out with Elbow Injury
Once again, Kakuryu pulls out due to injury. This time he aggrivated a right elbow injury during his opening day loss to Maegashira 1 Endo, who evaded Kakuryu’s fully committed foot sweep and let him fall by his own mistake. The finishing move, considered a non-technique was termed “koshi kudake,” which means “hip break,” andContinue reading “Yokozuna Kakuryu Out with Elbow Injury”
