Can Kakuryu Catch a Break?
Last Wednesday, Kakuryu confirmed his intention to return to the ring after four consecutive tournaments absent. Ranked at West Yokozuna alongside fellow Mongolian Hakuho in the East slot, Kakuryu shared his feelings on the upcoming Haru Basho, now only one week away. “I’m finally competing. Finally,” he said between sniffles and coughs while talking toContinue reading “Can Kakuryu Catch a Break?”
Spring Banzuke! | February News
The official rankings chart for the 2020 March Grand Sumo Tournament in Tokyo was released Monday morning! A few things stick out immediately: 1. Both Yokozuna have made it to Banzuke-day without retiring (or should I say we made it to Banzuke-day without our Yokozuna retiring?) In fact, Kakuryu has made a great showing atContinue reading “Spring Banzuke! | February News”
Champions, Concussions, Changes, and Consequences | January News
It’s been a week since the sumo world pushed its 2021 luck with the New Year tournament. We all know by now that Maegashira #1 Daieisho won his first top division yusho, beating the entirety of a relatively strong sanyaku, and going 8-0 right from the beginning. If you haven’t seen how this played out,Continue reading “Champions, Concussions, Changes, and Consequences | January News”
Takakeisho Withdraws from New Year Tournament
November’s top division champion Ozeki Takakeisho has decided to withdraw from Hatsu Basho 2021 after a disappointing first half. Coming off of his recent title and a runner-up result before that in September, the 24 year old had been looking forward to showing that it is indeed possible to reach Yokozuna on his signature pushContinue reading “Takakeisho Withdraws from New Year Tournament”
The Kyujo-est Tournament of All!
Hatsu Basho 2021 commenced on Sunday amid another coronavirus surge and corresponding state of emergency in Tokyo. Four entire stables — Miyagino, Arashio, Kokonoe, and Tomozuna — have been barred from competing at the January tournament due to COVID outbreaks. Out of 878 sumo personnel tested, 65 wrestlers and 18 other sumo association members wereContinue reading “The Kyujo-est Tournament of All!”
Arashio Stable Newest Outbreak
It was revealed on the last day of 2020 that Maegashira #2 Wakatakakage had developed symptoms and tested positive for COVID-19. He had apparently not been in contact with any others outside of Arashio-beya. Subsequent tests within the stable came back on New Years Day, indicating 11 more infections, including Arashio-oyakata (former top division Sokokurai),Continue reading “Arashio Stable Newest Outbreak”
New Year Banzuke!
The official rankings chart for Hatsu Basho (beginning January 10th in Tokyo) was released a bit earlier than usual, so we’re a bit late in presenting it! 🙀 Here’s some of the basic info you should know ahead of the New Year tournament: East MAKUUCHI West looking fit anddominating inpractice HakuhoMiyagino Yokozuna KakuryuMichinoku has notContinue reading “New Year Banzuke!”
Minato-oyakata Hospitalized, Tatsunami-beya Adds 1 to Infected List
On the 15th, 52 year old Minato-oyakata developed symptoms and tested positive for coronavirus. He was hospitalized on Thursday. An investigation by a Saitama area healthcare facility determined there had been no close contact recently with other Minato Stable dwellers, but PCR tests were administered to all 10 Minato wrestlers per sumo association policy. NoneContinue reading “Minato-oyakata Hospitalized, Tatsunami-beya Adds 1 to Infected List”
Kotoshoho Anticipates Rivalry with Oho
Kotoshoho joined his Sadogatake stablemates for a morning spar on Saturday under the hands-on guidance of Hidenoyama-oyakata (recently retired Kotoshogiku). Now the highest ranker (M5) in a highly successful stable, a lot of fans have high hopes for Kotoshoho, as well as for a few exciting salaried wrestlers around his age. Among those he considersContinue reading “Kotoshoho Anticipates Rivalry with Oho”
10 Tatsunami Wrestlers Test Positive
On Wednesday, it was reported that three anonymous lower division wrestlers had tested positive for COVID-19 after developing high fevers and coughs. On Friday, seven new cases found within the same stable were made public. Since the infected group includes one of Tatsunami-beya’s top division rikishi, Akua, said stable has been identified as the homeContinue reading “10 Tatsunami Wrestlers Test Positive”
Kakuryu is Japanese! | Hakuho Challenges Takakeisho
Mongolian-born Yokozuna Kakuryu has attained Japanese citizenship, a prerequisite for holding elder stock in the Japan Sumo Association. He of course has the option to continue competing, but with 15 years worth of professional level wear-and-tear, and pressure from the Yokozuna Deliberation Council to produce results or quit, it seems the main thing holding himContinue reading “Kakuryu is Japanese! | Hakuho Challenges Takakeisho”
Terunofuji Aims for “Double Digits” and Ozeki Return
Most sumo stables take one week of complete rest after a basho before resuming training. During the first week back, wrestlers usually work on foundational movements such as shiko, footwork, pole striking, and push ups. This first week back began with a bit more intensity than that for Komusubi Terunofuji though. “This is normal atContinue reading “Terunofuji Aims for “Double Digits” and Ozeki Return”
“I wanted to reach the top this way” Takakeisho’s Push for Yokozuna
Having taken only half a week of complete rest after the basho, November champion Ozeki Takakeisho has already been back at it in a newly-named Tokiwayama Stable’s training hall. On Tuesday, he worked up a sweat with some basic exercises before taking questions over the phone. “I want to see what level I can takeContinue reading ““I wanted to reach the top this way” Takakeisho’s Push for Yokozuna”
“It ended up a good experience” Shodai’s Injury and Outlook on Hatsu
Having withdrawn from the November tournament due to a left ankle injury, new Ozeki Shodai looks to escape kadoban at Hatsu Basho 2020, only his second tournament at the rank. “I think it will recover well enough by that time,” a relaxed Shodai told reporters over the phone on Monday. With taping fixed to hisContinue reading ““It ended up a good experience” Shodai’s Injury and Outlook on Hatsu”
“When in doubt, hit hard!” Kotoshogiku’s Retirement, Crazy Techniques, and Injured Stars | Nov. 8-14 News
Starting off with the biggest story of the week… Kotoshogiku Retires Former Ozeki Kotoshogiku of Sadogatake-beya announced his retirement Friday, after losing his last professional match at the rank of Juryo #3 West. The ever popular 36 year old gave his all during this tournament and the one prior while suffering from a calf muscleContinue reading ““When in doubt, hit hard!” Kotoshogiku’s Retirement, Crazy Techniques, and Injured Stars | Nov. 8-14 News”
Injured Asanoyama Joins Yokozuna on Sidelines
Favored by many for a November title, Ozeki Asanoyama submitted a medical certificate for withdrawal after Monday’s loss to Komusubi Terunofuji. The injury is stated to be a contusion of a right deltoid (shoulder) muscle which will take about 4 weeks to heal properly. Asanoyama’s day 1 match against Kiribayama is apparently where he sustainedContinue reading “Injured Asanoyama Joins Yokozuna on Sidelines”
November Banzuke
We are less than two weeks away from the last honbasho of 2020! Taking place in Tokyo instead of the usual Fukuoka Kokusai Center, spectator capacity in the Ryogoku Kokugikan will be increased to around 5000 seats, double the previous tournament. Aside from bold moves by the sumo association, the newly released rankings chart promisesContinue reading “November Banzuke”
Takakeisho and Shodai Prepare for Three Ozeki November
Following Shodai’s successful Aki Basho and promotion, three Ozeki sit atop the rankings chart, just below the waning Yokozuna. It will be one year in November since three Ozeki — Takakeisho, Takayasu, and Goeido — competed together. Of those three, only the 24 year old Takakeisho remains at the rank. A little over a weekContinue reading “Takakeisho and Shodai Prepare for Three Ozeki November”
“It’s Regrettable that Shodai made Ozeki” Asanoyama Recounts Big Loss
Over a year since his first and so far only top division title, Asanoyama finished his second basho ranked at Ozeki with a record of 10-5. After a rough 3-loss start, a mid-tournament comeback (aided by two default wins) put him in the yusho race. Unfortunately though, this was not enough to put him inContinue reading ““It’s Regrettable that Shodai made Ozeki” Asanoyama Recounts Big Loss”
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”
