Open The Forbidden Gate

Here are the quick results from today’s Day 10 of the November 2025 Grand Sumo Tournament in Fukuoka:
Key: M-Maegashira, K-Komusubi, S-Sekiwake, O-Ozeki, Y-Yokozuna, J-Juryo, Ms-Makushita

Makuuchi (top tier):
Oshoumi (M16) beat Sadanoumi (M16!
Nishikifuji (M15) beat Meisei (M18)
Chiyoshoma (M17) beat Tokihayate (M14)
Shonannoumi (M15) beat Gonoyama (M13)
Mitakeumi (M13) beat Asakoryu (M17)
Midorifuji (M9) beat Ryuden (M15)
Ichiyamamoto (M8) beat Tomokaze (M12)
Kinbozan (M8) beat Fujinokawa (M12)
Roga (M11) beat Churanoumi (M8)
Abi (M7) beat Shishi (M11)
Kotoshoho (M10) beat Atamifuji (M6)
Daieisho (M10) beat Onokatsu (M6)
Shodai (M6) beat Tobizaru (M9)
Wakamotoharu (M2) beat Hiradoumi (M3)
Wakatakakage (M1) beat Hakuoho (M1)
Ura (M3) beat Takanosho (K)
Kirishima (M2) beat Takayasu (K)
Aonishiki (S) beat Tamawashi (M4)
Kotozakura (O) beat Oho (S)
Yosjinofuji (M5) beat Onosato (Y). KINBOSHI!!! The first career Gold Star Victory for Yoshinofuji!
Hoshoryu (Y) beat Oshoma (M4)
Leader: Onosato, Aonishiki (9-1)
Of note: Well, we can stop the 15-0 thinking now. And the door is wide open too thanks to perhaps Yoshinofuji’s biggest career win yet (and clearly validates his “next big thing/future star hype), which moves Aonishiki back into a share of the lead and gets Hoshoryu back to within contention at 8-2. Remember he beat Onosato in September on the final day to force a playoff before Onosato won, and Hoshoryu still leads their head-to-head series. The Yokozuna now move on to Sanyaku the rest of the way before their final day showdown.
Elsewhere, Meisei made his tournament debut after being absent due to recovering from lower back surgery. Already set to be demoted at the equivalent of 0-9, today’s loss seals the deal and will see him in Juryo in January for the first time since July 2020. That lasted just one tournament as he won the championship and came back up but this will be a bigger fall unless he wins out. Worst-case is losing them all could even mean Makushita.
Finally, the long drought is over-for the first time since July, or maybe May, Midorifuji finally won again with a katasukashi, under shoulder swing down, considered his signature technique. And while I haven’t seen match video yet, I’m a little concerned about Takayasu after he lost by tsukihiza, a non-winning technique meaning knee touch down, either inadvertent or not because of an opponent’s technique. That could also mean injury.
Ozeki Watch (unofficial): Besides still having a chance this time, every win now helps improve Aonishiki’s chances in January. He would now need 13 wins in January but could still be promoted here with a championship (not unprecedented-Mitakeumi managed to make it happen in 2 tournaments).

Juryo:
Dewanoryu (Ma3) beat Himukamaru (J13)
Shiden (J14) beat Hakuyozan (J10)
Wakanosho (J14) beat Tohakuryu (J10)
Fujiryoga (J13) beat Hidenoumi (J9)
Asasuiryu (J12) beat Nishinoryu (J9)
Tamashoho (J11) beat Kayo (J8)
Kazekeno (J8) beat Tsurugisho (J11)
Shirokuma (J7) beat Kitanowaka (J12)
Kagayaki (J4) beat Tochitaikai (J5)
Asanoyama (J4) beat Daiseizan (J3)
Takerufuji (J7) beat Kotoeiho (J2)
Asahakuryu (J2) beat Hatsuyama (J5)
Nishikigi (J6) beat Hitoshi (J1)
Kotokuzan (J6) beat Fujiseiun (J1)
Leader: Fujiryoga (9-1)

Lower tier notes: Enho took his second loss today against fellow former top tier wrestler Shimanoumi. falling to 3-2 while Shimanoumi clinched promotion. He’ll try again tomorrow. Also, some news sites are hinting at Dewanoryu, now 5-1 after his Juryo win today, possibly having earned promotion to Juryo for the first time in January as a result. His career beat ranking to date is Ms2 in May.

Finally, having found a new subscription service called JME TV that allows me to access NHK World Premium outside Japan and watch their coverage live and on taped replay during tournaments, there is a chance I will try to do LIVE results for the top tier on the final day (maybe Juryo as there is a YouTube channel that livestreams those matches on Days 1, 8 & 15 by using the live ABEMA stream which is hard to get outside Japan). I checked it out after finding a promo they are advertising on Facebook offering discounts until the end of the year. You can get more information and subscribe at jme.tv or through mobile/smart TV apps for Apple iOS, Apple TV, Android, Amazon Fire TV and Roku.

JME TV is a streaming service provided by NHK, Japan’s public broadcast network, that provides live streams of NHK World Premium (Japanese only, live and some on demand programming), NHK World Japan (English only) and streams of select programs featuring Japanese movies, drama series, variety shows, documentaries, some anime, kids’ programming, some live sports and-during tournaments-a dedicated sumo channel broadcasting replays of all top tier matches, both as they aired live and in highlight packages. These replays air 4 times a day so they are easy to watch. NHK World Premium usually broadcasts all top tier matches live with both Japanese and English commentary available, usually for about 2 hours each day. The service normally costs around $25-27 US per month (they charge taxes which raise the listed price some) and they also have 6-month and annual plans. Currently they have a promo going for 50% off monthly plans for 3 months or just over 25% off 6-month and annual plans (takes annual from $260 to $200 before tax) and 6-month from $140 to $100) with monthly being about $14 during the promo. If you opt not to use the promo code, there may be a 5-day free trial available. The only thing I really don’t like so far is you can get NHK World Japan for free on its own so I’m paying for it in part and also the available on demand selection is limited plus no DVR or downloading due to copyright restrictions & broadcast rights (although on NHK World Premium you can actually go back a week and re-watch most programming, or at least news). And it also doesn’t have the main NHK network but this is the next-beat thing.

Here are the quick results from today’s Day 9 of the November 2025 Grand Sumo Tournament in Fukuoka:
Key: M-Maegashira, K-Komusubi, S-Sekiwake, O-Ozeki, Y-Yokozuna, J-Juryo

Makuuchi (top tier):
Asakoryu (M17) beat Tochitaikai (J5)
Sadanoumi (M16) beat Mitakeumi (M13)
Gonoyama (M13) beat Oshoumi (M16)
Tomokaze (M12) beat Shonannoumi (M15)
Tokihayate (M14) beat Fujinokawa (M12)
Roga (M11) beat Nishikifuji (M15)
Shishi (M11) beat Chiyoshoma (M17)
Ichiyamamoto (M8) beat Ryuden (M14)
Abo (M7) beat Kotoshoho (M10)
Churanoumi (M7) beat Tobizaru (M9)
Onokatsu (M6) beat Kinbozan (M8)
Atamifuji (M6) beat Daieisho (M10)
Midorifuji (M9) beat Shodai (M5)
Ura (M3) beat Wakamotoharu (M2)
Kirishima (M2) beat Hakuoho (M1)
Wakatakakage (M1) beat Takayasu (K)
Oho (S) beat Tamawashi (M4)
Aonishiki (S) beat Hiradoumi (M3)
Kotozakura (O) beat Takanosho (K)
Hoshoryu (Y) beat Yoshinofuji (M5)
Onosato (Y) beat Oshoma (M4)
Leader: Onosato (9-0)
RE-ENTRY: Meisei (M18). Will return tomorrow. Has missed the entire tournament so far due to a back injury. Will be the equivalent of 0-9 and already demoted, but even one win should prevent potential demotion to Makushita. Finishing 6-0 will give him an incredibly slim chance of staying at M18.
Of note: RARE KIMARITE ALERT!!! Midorifuji beat Shodai with a rare favorite technique today-amiuchi, The Fisherman’s Throw. Sadanoumi managed to do this multiple times in a tournament earlier this year. Elsewhere, Oshoumi is the first demotion after a rough 1-8 rookie effort so far, but he can stay in the top tier by winning out or getting to 6-9. Onosato is once again in line for another chance at a perfect championship, there’s one more Kinboshi chance for both Yokozuna tomorrow then it should be Sanyaku the rest of the way. Hoshoryu remains in contention at 7-3 but Aonishiki stands between them at 8-1.
Ozeki Watch: If he doesn’t get there this time, Aonishiki will now be in official promotion contention next time. He clinched a winning record today and the unofficial “magic number” of 33 is now attainable in January (currently he would need 14 wins). To get promoted after this tournament he probably needs to win the championship.

Juryo:
Wakanosho (J14) beat Tamashoho (J11)
Shiden (J14) beat Tohakuryu (J10)
Hakuyozan (J10) beat Fujiryoga (J13)
Kitanowaka (J13) beat Nishinoryu (J9)
Kazekeno (J8) beat Himukamaru (J13)
Kayo (J8) beat Asasuiryu (J12)
Tsurugisho (J11) beat Shirokuma (J7)
Kotokuzan (J6) beat Hidenoumi (J9)
Daiseizan (J3) beat Takerufuji (J7)
Asahakuryu (J2) beat Nishikigi (J6)
Kotoeiho (J2) beat Kagayaki (J4)
Hatsuyama (J5) beat Fujiseiun (J1)
Hitoshi (J1) beat Asanoyama (J4)
Leader: Fujiryoga, Daiseizan (8-1)
Of note: No perfect Juryo debut for Fujiryoga, who also sees an overall 11-match win streak ended. He only has one career tournament so far with more than a loss but that’s only 4 prior (he debuted in March). It also allowed Daiseizan to move into a share of the lead while also clinching promotion, meaning if he can get a couple more wins he could be promoted to the top tier for the first time in January. No demotions yet thanks to Hitoshi getting a win against Asamoyama but now Noshikigi and Himukamaru are in danger of demotion at 2-7, with Himukamaru likely headed back to Makushita with another loss.

Lower tier notes: No match for Enho today, he goes for promotion tomorrow against fellow former top tier and Juryo man Shimanoumi, also looking for promotion as both are 3-1. The Makushita leaderboard is down to the Final 4 with 4 remaining at 5-0 after today’s matches, and two of them ate stablemates (Oitekaze Beya) meaning there is a chance of an all-stablemate playoff for the championship (and higher chance of a playoff period as a result). The Sandanme also has their final 4 at 5-0 set, also including an Oitekaze man so the stable has a chance for multiple championships this tournament. The Jonidan has 6 left at 5-0 including a pair of Otowayama stablemates so there could be a playoff between two of the former Yokozuna Kakuryu’s wrestlers. The Jonokuchi has two currently at 5-0.

Here are the quick results from today’s Day 8-the Halfway Point-of the November 2025 Grand Sumo Tournament in Fukuoka:
Key: M-Maegashira, K-Komusubi, S-Sekiwake, O-Ozeki, Y-Yokozuna, J-Juryo

Makuuchi (top tier):
Chiyoshoma (M17) beat Oshoumi (M16)
Nishikifuji (M15) beat Sadanoumi (M16)
Hatsuyama (J5) beat Ryuden (M14)
Tokihayate (M14) beat Asakoryu (M17)
Mitakeumi (M13) beat Shonannoumi (M15)
Tomokaze (M12) beat Fujinokawa (M12)
Gonoyama (M13) beat Roga (M11)
Midorifuji (M9) beat Shishi (M11)
Kotoshoho (M10) beat Churanoumi (M7)
Abi (M7) beat Daieisho (M10)
Tobizaru (M9) beat Atamifuji (M6)
Ichiyamamoto (M8) beat Onokatsu (M6)
Kinbozan (M8) beat Shodai (M5)
Wakamotoharu (M2) beat Yoshinofuji (M5)
Wakatakakage (M1) beat Oshoma (M4)
Takanosho (K) beat Kirishima (M2)
Takayasu (K) beat Hakuoho (M1)
Aonishiki (S) beat Oho (S)
Kotozakura (O) beat Hiradoumi (M3)
Onosato (Y) beat Tamawashi (M4)
Hoshoryu (Y) beat Ura (M2)
Leader: Onosato (8-0)
Of note: Almost a 9th Kinboshi for Tamawashi but Onosato stayed in the ring on the edge long enough for the Iron Man to go down first and keep the Yokozuna unbeaten. Tamawashi is now #2 all-time in top tier appearances with 25 to go to the record. Aonishiki is the only wrestler one back at 7-1 with Hoshoryu in a group at 6-2. Outside of the absent Meisei still no demotions yet but that could change tomorrow. Tomorrow may be the last of the Kinboshi chances for this tournament as both Yokozuna have yet to start the Sanyaku slate and they’ll face each other on the final day.
Ozeki Watch (unofficial): If Aonishiki can get 4 more wins that will continue rumblings that he could be considered for promotion in only his second Sanyaku appearance as it would be 3 straight 11-win efforts. He has a good chance to protect his rank tomorrow as he gets 2-6 Hiradoumi.

Juryo:
Asasuiryu (J12) beat Tsurugisho (J11)
Wakanosho (J14) beat Hakuyozan (J10)
Fujiryoga (J13) beat Tohakuryu (J10)
Nishinoryu (J9) beat Himukamaru (J13)
Kitanowaka (J12) beat Kayo (J8)
Tamashoho (J11) beat Kazekeno (J8)
Takerufuji (J7) beat Hidenoumi (J9)
Shiden (J14) beat Shirokuma (J7)
Kagayaki (J4) beat Nishikigi (J6)
Daiseizan (J3) beat Kotoeiho (J2)
Asahakuryu (J4) beat Kotokuzan (J6)
Tochitaikai (J5) beat Hitoshi (J1)
Asanoyama (J2) beat Fujiseiun (J1)
Leader: Fujiryoga (8-0)
Of note: The Juryo rookie becomes the first wrestler to clinch promotion in the top 2 tiers (Onosato clinched a winning record and Yokozuna can’t be demoted) and now has just Daiseizan one behind at 7-1. 4 are at 6-2 including Asanoyama, who is getting closer to a potential top tier return for the first time in over 500 days when/if it happens. What may help him is that Hitoshi won’t be going back up unless he wins out as he is now 1-7 and on the verge of demotion.

Lower tier notes: With Promotion Day now completed the Makushita leaderboard is down to 7 remaining at 4-0, with 2 of them-Tochimusashi & Kazuma-having a chance at Juryo promotion if they finish 7-0. If Tochimusashi gets promoted he would be back in Juryo for the first time in 2 years, ironically his only winning record in the second tier resulted in his first Juryo Championship, every other time (4 so far) resulted in demotion. Enho won his match today and is now at 3-1, needing one more win for promotion. The Sandanme has 9 at 4-0 with promotions clinched. The Jonidan has 12 at 4-0 while the Jonokuchi has 4 at 4-0.

UPDATE: Meisei will return/enter on Day 10. Any wins he can get should guarantee he will not be demoted to Makushita in January. His only hope to stay in the top tier, and it’s incredibly slim, is to win all 6 of his matches.

Here are the quick results form today’s Day 7 of the November 2025 Grand Sumo Tournament in Fukuoka:
Key: M-Maegashira, K-Komusubi, S-Sekiwake, O-Ozeki, Y-Yokozuna, J-Juryo

Makuuchi (top tier):
Nishikifuji (M15) beat Asakoryu (M17)
Asanoyama (J4) beat Tokihayate (M14)
Sadanoumi (M16) beat Ryuden (M14)
Chiyoshoma (M17) beat Mitakeumi (M13)
Roga (M11) beat Oshoumi (M16)
Shishi (M11) beat Shonannoumi (M15)
Gonoyama (M13) beat Kotoshoho (M10)
Daieisho (M10) beat Tomokaze (M12)
Fujinokawa (M12) beat Tobizaru (M9)
Churanoumi (M7) beat Abi (M7))
Onokatsu (M6) beat Midorifuji (M9)
Kinbozan (M8) beat Atamifuji (M6)
Shodai (M5) beat Ichiyamamoto (M8)
Yoshinofuji (M5) beat Hiradoumi (M3)
Hakuoho (M1) beat Oshoma (M4)
Wakatakakage (M1) beat Takanosho (K)
Kirishima (M2) beat Oho (S)
Aonishiki (S) beat Takayasu (K)
Wakamotoharu (M2) beat Kotozakura (O)
Hoshoryu (Y) beat Tamawashi (M4)
Onosato (Y) beat Ura (M3)
Leader: Onosato (7-0)
Of note: Nikkan Sports noted this was Asanoyama’s first top tier appearance in 486 days, his most recent demotion down to the lower tiers coming a couple years ago due to another serious knee injury. At 5-2 now he goes into the second week still with a chance at promotion back up in January depending on how he finishes…based on how others are doing I think 10 wins may be enough but ideally he’ll get 11 or 12. He started 0-2 but has now won 5 straight so hopefully he keeps it going. Right now at least 2 spots figure to be opening due to demotions (definitely one because Meisei won’t return tomorrow and that guarantees demotion) and at least one Juryo man above him is not getting promoted back up without a miracle. Elsewhere, still Onosato’s title to lose and time to start wondering if he can get the perfect championship, although 3 remain one back at 6-1 including Fujinokawa and Aonishiki, who is potentially halfway to Ozeki promotion consideration now. Hoshoryu remains 2 back at 5-2.
Finally, with today’s appearance Tamawashi’s latest Iron Man record was attained-he is now tied for 2nd place all-time in top tier appearances at 1444. He has 26 to go to tie the all-time record, meaning if he continues showing up every day he will set that record on March 2026 Day 4. The overall total match record? Still 10 tournaments away. It’s 1891 and he’s at 1740. So he’d have to make it through the July 2027 Tournament.

Juryo:
Fujiryoga (J13) beat Wakanosho (J14)
Tsurugisho (J11) beat Shiden (J14)
Asasuiryu (J12) beat Tamashoho (J11)
Tohakuryu (J10) beat Himukamaru (J13)
Kitanowaka (J12) beat Hakuyozan (J10)
Kayo (J8) beat Hidenoumi (J9)
Shirokuma (J7) beat Nishinoryu (J9)
Takerufuji (J7) beat Kazekeno (J8)
Kagayaki (J4) beat Kotokuzan (J6)
Daiseizan (J3) beat Nishikigi (J6)
Kotoeiho (J2) beat Asahakuryu (J2)
Tochitaikai (J5) beat Fujiseiun (J1)
Hatsuyama (J5) beat Hitoshi (J1)
Leader: Fujiryoga (7-0)
Of note: Fujiryoga now is the only unbeaten wrestler left in the top 2 tiers as his impressive rookie debut effort continues, with a resurgent Shirokuma right behind at 6-1 along with Daiseizan. Fujiryoga goes for promotion tomorrow against Tohakuryu while Hatsuyama will be the Juryo man getting his turn in the top tier tomorrow. He is currently 5-2 with still a chance at promotion up if he can keep winning and get a little help.

Lower tier notes: Today is the first half of Promotion Day in the lower tiers, where the co-leaders will be 4-0 and thus secure promotions for the next tournament. Most of the Makushita 3-0 wrestlers will be going for promotion tomorrow as there is just one at 4-0 after today and nearly a dozen more up tomorrow, with most if not all facing off so the co-leader ranks will thin quickly. No match for Enho today as expected, he’ll be back in action tomorrow trying to go to 3-1. The Sandanme currently has 4 at 4-0 with another 10 at 3-0 competing tomorrow. The Jonidan has 6 currently at 4-0 with 14 more at 3-0 to compete tomorrow, while the Jonokuchi has 5 currently at 3-0.

Reminder; NHK World Japan will have 50 minutes of LIVE top tier coverage FOR FREE tomorrow beginning at 12:10 AM PT/3:10 AM ET.