With France done and an even month about over- it’s that time again-the Japan Sumo Association has announced the updated Banzuke (rankings) for the July 2026 Grand Sumo Tournament. Here are the full rankings for the top 2 tiers and other notes:
Makuuchi (top tier):
Yokozuna-Hoshoryu, Onosato
Ozeki-Kirishima, Kotozakura
Sekiwake-Atamifuji, Kotoshoho, Wakatakakage (May Tournament Champion), Aonishiki
Komusubi-Yoshinofuji, Oho
Maegashira 1-Fujinokawa, Takanosho
Maegashira 2-Gonoyama, Churanoumi
Maegashira 3-Hiradoumi, Hakunofuji
Maegashira 4-Daieisho, Ichiyamamoto
Maegashira 5-Ura, Oshoma
Maegashira 6-Shodai, Fujiseiun
Maegashira 7-Kotoeiho, Takayasu
Maegashira 8-Wakamotoharu, Roga
Maegashira 9-Fujiryoga, Tobizaru
Maegashira 10-Asanoyama, Chiyoshoma
Maegashira 11-Wakanosho, Mitakeumi
Maegashira 12-Asahakuryu, Abi
Maegashira 13-Nishikifuji, Takerufuji
Maegashira 14-Kinbozan, Shishi
Maegashira 15-Onokatsu, Kazuma (May Juryo Champion)
Maegashira 16-Daiseizan, Asakoryu
Notes: Both Yokozuna will hopefully be at full strength after being active in Paris and Onosato said he is “Definitely In” for July after sitting out May due to a shoulder injury. At Ozeki, Kirishima is on Yokozuna Watch meaning a championship or another playoff appearance, ideally with at least 12 wins, would give him a chance at promotion while Kotozakura is on kadoban status and must win at least 8 matches to avoid demotion. 4 Sekiwake results from Aonishiki being demoted from Ozeki due to missing May, with a chance at quick re-promotion if he wins at least 10 matches, and Wakatakakage moving up from Komusubi after his second Emperor’s Cup in May. That allows Yoshinofuji to make his Sanyaku debut at Komusubi alongside the returning Oho. 2 debuts highlight the bottom as Kazuma is promoted up for the first time after winning the Juryo championship, making 4 Kise men in the top tier, and Daiseizan finally gets up to the top tier as well. Takerufuji also returns to the top tier after a while down due to injury, slotting alongside stablemate Nishikifuji at M13 to keep Aomori’s Iron Man streak going. But what’s missing takes us to…
Juryo:
Juryo 1-Asasuiryu, Kyokukaiyu
Juryo 2-Tokihayate, Sadanoumi
Juryo 3-Ryuden, Dewanoryu
Juryo 4-Tomokaze, Toshinofuji
Juryo 5-Kitanowaka, Oshoumi
Juryo 6-Shonannoumi, Kazekeno
Juryo 7-Tamawashi, Meisei
Juryo 8-Midorifuji, Hatsuyama
Juryo 9-Shirokuma, Nishinoryu
Juryo 10-Hitoshi, Tamashoho
Juryo 11-Kagayaki, Enho
Juryo 12-Tohakuryu, Kayo
Juryo 13-Arashifuji, Hakuyozan
Juryo 14-Toachitaikai, Nishikigi
Notes: …J7?!? I figured Tamawashi would be demoted after a 2-13 May, but all the way down to J7? Much bigger drop than I expected. But The Iron Man has no intent of retiring so his streak will keep going even though his top tier one ended. Asasuiryu slots in at J1 after possibly missing the top tier by a win alongside Kyokukaiyu, looking to be the first Oshima man to get back to the top in some time. Despite only finishing 8-7 after a 7-1 start Enho moved up a little more than expected to J11 while the only Shin-Juryo this time, Arashifuji, slots in at J13. No Sai-Juryo which allowed Nishikigi to hang on to Juryo and salary one more time.
Lower tier notes: May Makushita Champion Ikarigata didn’t make as big a move up as usual for a champion, in part due to a 6-1 championship, only going from Ms20 to Ms7. The big story of course is unbeaten Arashifuji, who after 3 championships in 3 career tournaments zooms up to Ms11. That gives him a chance at Juryo in September if he wins the championship. Last time’s Juryo debutant Okaryu took a hard fall after a 3-12 debut, falling to Ms8. The man who Asahifuji beat the last 2 tournaments in championship playoffs, Kiryuko, continues his rapid climb back up to Juryo as he moves way up to Ms53. The Sandanme is at the now-usual 80 ranks with 160 wrestlers. The Jonidan has shrunk down to 99 ranks and 198 wrestlers, while the Jonokuchi has 20 ranks with 40 wrestlers.
The July Tournament is July 12-26 at IG Arena in Nagoya, the second year it is being held at the new venue that replaced Aichi Prefectural Gym. All tickets are sold out for all days.