Here are the quick results from today’s Day 7-the first Promotion Day-of the January 2025 Grand Sumo Tournament in Tokyo:
Key: M-Maegashira, K-Komusubi, S-Sekiwake, O-Ozeki, J-Juryo, Ms-Makushita
Makuuchi (top tier):
Hakuoho (M15) beat Tamashoho (M16)
Kinbozan (M14) beat Tokihayate (M17)
Kagayaki (M16) beat Kotoshoho (M13)
Nishikifuji (M17) beat Shonannoumi (M13)
Onokatsu (M12) beat Kitanowaka (M15)
Tamawashi (M10) beat Nishikigi (M12)
Takerufuji (M11) beat Oshoma (M9)
Churanoumi (M9) beat Midorifuji (M11)
Takarafuji (M8) beat Meisei (M10)
Takayasu (M6) beat Mitakeumi (M7)
Chiyoshoma (M5) beat Roga (M8) by default/withdrawal
Hiradoumi (M5) beat Endo (M7)
Ura (M4) beat Ichiyamamoto (M6)
Tobizaru (M2) beat Shodai (M4)
Kirishima (M1) beat Wakatakakage (K)
Takanosho (M1) beat Abi (K)
Daieisho (S) beat Wakamotoharu (S)
Onosato (O) beat Atamifuji (M2)
Hoshoryu (O) beat Oho (M3)
Kotozakura (O) beat Gonoyama (M3)
Leader: Chiyoshoma, Kinbozan (7-0)
WITHDRAWAL: Roga (M8). Right hamstring. Status uncertain. Will be demoted unless he returns tomorrow and wins out because he is now the equivalent of 0-7. Demotion to Juryo is a possibility. Chiyoshoma got the fusen as a result.
Of note: Is this finally the big moment for Oho? Expectations have always been sky-high for him as the grandson of legendary Yokozuna Taiho (fun fact: Who may be Oho’s brother, also a grandson of Taiho, is Japanese pro wrestler Yukio Naya in the DDT promotion), and he’s had his moments but generally has struggled at the upper ranks. He may finally be putting it all together after just missing out on Sanyaku after September despite taking his first loss today against Hoshoryu. Chiyoshoma got a free pass today to continue his best-ever start. Kotozakura also got another needed win as he tries to salvage a winning record with his Yokozuna hopes dashed, improving to 2-5. He can still get to a respectable 10 wins he he wins out. The other surprise leader is Kinbocan following demotion to Juryo due to injuries while Takerufuji is among a group right behind at 6-1.
Yokozuna Watch: Hoshoryu remains in contention after handing Oho his first loss today, sitting in a group of 4 at 6-1. He has Shodai tomorrow, who is currently 2-5.
Juryo:
Kiryuko (J12) beat Daishoho (J14)
Miyagi (Ms4) beat Hatsuyama (J13)
Nabatame (J14) beat Daiamami (J11)
Kotoeiho (J13) beat Hakuyozan (J10)
Wakaikari (J13) beat Shimazuumi (J10)
Tohakuryu (J11) beat Fujiseiun (J8)
Tochitaikai (J7) beat Tomokaze (J6)
Hidenoumi (J6) beat Oshoumi (J9)
Aonishiki (J5) beat Daiseizan (J9)
Mitoryu (J8) beat Shonannoumi (J5)
Asakoryu (J2) beat Ryuden (J3)
Shiden (J2) beat Tsurugisho (J3)
Shishi (J4) beat Kayo (J1)
Sadanoumi (J1) beat Shirokuma (J4)
Leader: Shishi, Aonishiki, Wakaikari (6-1)
Of note: It’s getting interesting with 2 Ukranians sharing the lead. That could make for quite the showdown when/if it happens between Shishi, trying to get back to the top tier after demotion last time out, and fast-rising Aonishiki who is on pact to reach the top tier in what would be only his 9th career tournament as his career so far is off to a blazing 54-10 start and he won the championship in his first 2 tournaments (Jonokuchi & Jonidan). November was by far his worst tournament to date and the only time so far he’s lost more than one match in a tournament, although he finished a still-impressive 10-5 in his Juryo debut. After just hanging on to Juryo after a losing record last time out, Wakaikari has nearly matched his November win total with a 6-1 start to share the lead.
:Lower tier notes:
It’s the first half of Promotion Day in the lower tiers, where the leaders are 4-0 and thus clinch promotions for the next tournament. In the Makushita, 5 are currently tied at 4-0 with 4 more trying to join them tomorrow. In the Sandanme, 6 are tired at 4-0 with 8 more getting their chance tomorrow. In the Jonidan, 5 are tied at 4-0 after the first half while the Jonokuchi has one at 4-0 with another at 3-0. Also of note, Enho won his 3rd straight match today to go to 3-1 in the Sandanme and one win away from promotion, which should get him back to Makushita in March.
Reminder: NHK World Japan will have 50 minutes of LIVE top tier coverage in English FOR FREE tomorrow beginning at 12:10 AM PT/3:10 AM ET.
