With the May 2023 Tournament beginning late tomorrow, the first 2 days’ matches for the top tier have been announced, along with some final pre-tournament observations:
It’s official-Terunofuji is back. The Yokozuna returns after missing all or part of the last 4 tournaments due to injuries. His opening opponent is Shodai, who returns to Sanyaku at Komusubi for the first time since his demotion from Ozeki. Takakeisho, looking to avoid demotion from Ozeki after withdrawing during March because of injury, opens with Abi while March champion Kiribayama has Midorifuji. Asanoyama, returning to the top tier for the first time since 2021, opens with Chiyoshoma.
On Day 2 we’ll see our first Kinboshi (Gold Star Victory) chance in a while as Terunofuji faces Abi (Maegashira 1). A Kinboshi is whenever a Maegashira beats a Yokozuna in a tournament match (except when due to withdrawal). Other notable Day 2 matches are Takakeisho vs. Kotonowaka and Kiribayama vs. Endo. Asanoyama’s Day 2 for is Taurugisho, now (I believe) the biggest rikishi in the top tier without Ichinojo around.
So far the any only pre-tournament withdrawal at any level is Wakatakakage, which was expected as he is out anywhere from 6 months to 1 year due to injury. He was at Komusubi after withdrawing on Day 15 in March, demoting him from Sekiwake after over a year. Also Ichinojo retired, which is the only one so far.
Finally, the traditional pre-tournament ring purifying ceremony will be held later today. You can watch LIVE FOR FREE on the Nihon Sumo Kyokai Japanese YouTube channel beginning at 6 PM PT/9 PM ET below (the ceremony usually runs around 25 minutes, there is no commentary):
