Here are the quick results from today’s Day 12 of the January 2026 Grand Sumo Tournament in Tokyo:
Key: M-Maegashira, K-Komusubi, S-Sekiwake, O-Ozeki, Y-Yokozuna, J-Juryo, Ms-Makushita
Makuuchi (top tier):
Tobizaru (M13) beat Mitakeumi (M14)
Chiyoshoma (M11) beat Tomokaze (M13)
Asakoryu (M15) beat Tokihayate (M10)
Kotoshoho (M10) beat Asahakuryu (M17)
Roga (M9) beat Hatsuyama (M17)
Shodai (M8) beat Midorifuji (M12)
Ryuden (M15) beat Kinbozan (M8)
Asanoyama (M16) beat Fujjnokawa (M7)
Onokatsu (M6) beat Nishikifuji (M11) by default/withdrawal
Gonoyama (M9) beat Tamawashi (M5)
Oshoumi (M16) beat Churanouni (M5)
Daieisho (M4) beat Oshoma (M6)
Ura (M2) beat Hakunofuji (M3)
Takanosho (M3) beat Ichiyamamoto (M1)
Wakatakakage (M2) beat Yoshinofuji (M1)
Shishi (M14) beat Oho (K)
Hiradoumi (M6) beat Wakamotoharu (K)
Kotozakura (O) beat Abi (M12)
Aonishiki (O) beat Atamifuji (M4)
Kirishima (S) beat Hoshoryu (Y)
Onosato (Y) beat Takayasu (S)
Leader: Aonishiki (10-2)
WITHDRAWAL: Nishikifuji (M11). Herniated discs and right elbow. Tournament over. Out at least 2 weeks. Will finish the equivalent of 6-9 (he was 6-5 going into today after 2 straight losses) and be demoted but his top tier spot is safe. Onokatsu got the fusen as a result.
Of note: No perfect attendance this time. Nishikifuji is the first top tier withdrawal of the tournament but despite his demotion Aomori’s streak of unbroken top tier representation going back to the 1800s will continue as Nishikifuji will stay in the top tier while Takerufuji is still in Juryo.
Of note: it looks like two straight tournaments without a Yokozuna champion, and now it’s perhaps Aonishiki’s to lose. If he can win out and claim the title at 13-2, I think we might hear some Yokozuna rumblings as it would be consecutive championships. But first he must get by the current Yokozuna beginning tomorrow with Hoshoryu, and here’s a maybe-shocker: Including the November playoff they have met 4 times to date…Aonishiki has won them all. Against Onosato? 0-3. Both Yokozuna are 8-4 and will be out of it with another loss, with Onosato facing Kotozakura tomorrow after the Ozeki got his 8th win to protect his rank again. 5 are still in it at 9-3 including Asanoyama, looking for his second top tier title.
Juryo:
Himukamaru (Ms2) beat Hakuyozan (J14!
Kyokukaiyu (J12) beat Kazekeno (J10)
Kazuma (J14) beat Kitanowaka (J8)
Hidenouni (J13) beat Kotokuzan (J6)
Nishinoryu (J6) beat Dewanoryu (J13)
Nishikigi (J12) beat Tamashoho (J5)
Tsurugisho (J11) beat Sadanoumi (J4)
Tohakuryu (J10) beat Shonannoumi (J4)
Fujiryoga (J3) beat Kayo (J9)
Takerufuji (J5) beat Shirokuma (J3)
Daiseizan (J2) beat Hitoshi (J9)
Wakanosho (J11) beat Kagayaki (J2)
Asasuiryu (J7) beat Kotoeiho (J1)
Fujiseiun (J1) beat Meisei (J6)
Leader: Fujiseiun, Wakanosho (9-3)
Of note: It’s now pretty much definite that Fujiseiun will be promoted to the top tier in March with likely at least 2 demotions. Kagayaki has all but lost his chance now at 5-7, Kotoeiho still needs a win at 7-5 while Daiseizan needs to win out at 6-6. Fujiryoga & Sadanoumi both will be promoted but need to win out to have any chance. At the bottom, Himukamaru clinched promotion today so he has a chance at a quick Juryo return, but it will depend on the numbers game. Both Ms1 ranks will be demoted (Tocjimusashi is 2-4, Mita is absent) and fellow Ms2 Toshinofuji (fka Seihakuho) is also promoted at 4-2, Shimazuuni is 5-1 at Ms5…ultimately it may depend on Enho. If he wins the championship tomorrow he could be promoted from Ms11 and take a spot away. It’s too early to speculate about the bottom of Juryo with several at 5-7, 6-6 or 7-5 but Kazekeno is 3-9 and could be demoted if he loses out and Wakanosho is a co-leader and promoted. Tocjitaikai is also a toss-up as he seems to be done and would be equal to 3-12 at J7 if he is As for Kazuma, he is now 7-5 and one win from promotion and staying in Juryo as his strong comeback from an 0-3 start continues.
Lower tier notes: No match for Enho today as expected or any of the lower division co-leaders ahead of Championship Day tomorrow. All the lower tier champions may be crowned tomorrow but Jonidan may need a playoff and Jonokuchi may need a playoff between Isegahama stablemates.