Here are the quick results from today’s Day 7-the first half of Promotion Day-of the September 2025 Grand Sumo Tournament in Tokyo:
Key: M-Maegashira, K-Komusubi, S-Sekiwake, O-Ozeki, Y-Yokozuna, J-Juryo
Makuuchi (top tier):
Shishi (M18) beat Nishikigi (M16)
Shonannoumi (M15) beat Tomokaze (M16)
Tobizaru (M15) beat Kagayaki (J4)
Hitoshi (M17) beat Asakoryu (M14)
Ryuden (M17) beat Sadanoumi (M14)
Tokihayate (M13) beat Churanoumi (M10)
Daieisho (M10) beat Meisei (M13)
Fujinokawa (M9) beat Roga (M11)
Shodai (M11) beat Midorifuji (M9)
Kinbozan (M8) beat Mitakeumi (M12)
Onokatsu (M6) beat Oshoma (M7)
Ura (M8) beat Ichiyamamoto (M5)
Kusano (M6 beat Kotoshoho (M5)
Takanosho (M7) beat Wakamotoharu (M4)
Atamifuji (M3) beat Tamawashi (M1)
Takayasu (K) beat Abi (M1)
Hakuoho (M2) beat Kirishima (S)
Aonishiki (K) beat Wakatakakage (S)
Oho (M2) beat Kotozakura (O)
Hoshoryu (Y) beat Hiradoumi (M4)
Onosato (Y) beat Gonoyama (M3)
Leader: Hoshoryu (7-0)
Of note: Solid wins again for both Yokozuna, Hiradoumi kept hoping for a Mono-ii as he thought his loss to Hoahoryu was much closer at the edge than it really was. TV replays clearly showed Hoshoryu stayed in longer on the throw/push down attempt so it would have made no difference. This is now Hoshoryu’s best-ever start to a tournament in the top tier and he keeps his lead over 4 at 6-1. Onosato remained one off the pace entering the second half and they’re still on track for a potential winner-take-all Yokozuna Showdown on the final day. They each have one or two more Kinboshi chance days left before they shirt into Sanyaku ahead of standings driving remainign matches, tomorrow Hiradoumi tries again for a Gold Star Victory against Onosato while Gonoyama looks to avoid demotion against Hoshoryu. Gonoyama had success against both in the past but hasn’t beaten either in over a year now (July 2024). And his only win to date against a Yokozuna at all didn’t really count because it was a fusen.
At the bottom, Nishikigi looks headed to demotion back to Juryo as he is 0-7 amidst injury issues, while Hitoshi has now seemingly found his footing in the top tier with 3 straight wins after an 0-4 start.
Elsewhere, despite a big win over Kirishima there are worries about Hakuoho and if he suffered an arm/elbow injury today, he clearly was favoring his right arm afterwards.
Ozeki Watch: Aonishiki is a tough out for anyone and was today for Wakatakakage. He’s now 4-3 and can probably only afford one more loss and still have a chance at promotion.
Juryo:
Asahakuryu (J11) beat Nishinoryu (J14)
Kazekeno (J11) beat Asasuiryu (J13)
Shiden (J14) beat Miyanokaze (J10)
Asanoyama (J13) beat Hakuyozan (J10)
Kyokukaiyu (J13) beat Kotokuzan (J14)
Takarafuji (J12) beat Hatsuyama (J8)
Tsurugisho (J9) beat Hidenoumi (J7)
Tamashoho (J7) beat Shirokuma (J9)
Nishikifuji (J3) beat Tohakuryu (J6)
Chiyoshoma (J2) beat Kayo (J6)
Fujiseiun (J5) beat Kotoeiho (J2)
Tochitaikai (J5) beat Oshoumi (J1)
Mita (J4) beat Daiseizan (J1)
Leader: Mita (7-0)
Of note: Mita continues his potential march to the top tier, while it depends partly on what happens in the higher ranks I think 3 more wins will do it. Kotokuzan took his first loss today to fall into a tie with a Takasago pair-Asahakuryu and Asanoyama-at 6-1. The other newcomers are hanging in there with Asasuiryu now at 4-3 and Kyokukaiyu at 3-4.
Lower tier notes: In the lower tiers today is the first half of what I call Promotion Day, when the leaders after today will be 4-0 and thus clinch winning records and promotions in the next tournament. The Maushita has 4 at 4-0 so far and, among them at Ms1, Kitanowaka has clinched promotion and will return to Juryo in November. Enho lost to internet favorite Sazanami (a former Makushita Champion who has gained popularity for appearances on the “Sumo Prime Time” YouTube channel alongside coach Kabutoyama and NHK World Japan personality Hiroshi “Hiro” Morita, who hosts the channel) and is now 2-2. In the Sandanme, 5 have clinched promotion so far. The Jonidan has 11 with promotions so far and in the Jonokuchi Daishisho is the first and only 4-0 so far with 3 at 3-0.
Reminder: NHK World Japan will have 50 minutes of LIVE top tier coverage in English FOR FREE tomorrow beginning at 1:10 AM PT/4:10 AM ET.
In other news, it was announced earlier today on social media that the current Oyama, the former Hokutofuji before he retired earlier this year, will have his retirement & haircutting ceremony next year on 5/30. Also, Mitoryu held a press conference today after retiring yesterday. He will be leaving sumo (eligible for elder stock but likely no spots available) and will have a haircutting & retirement ceremony in February. He will stay in Japan and seek employment outside of sumo.
UPDATE: Despite a confirmed arm injury, Hakuoho is IN for tomorrow’s Day 8 per stablemaster Isegahama (the former Terunofuji).