Here are the quick results from today’s Day 1-Opening Day-of the July 2026 Grand Sumo Tournament in Nagoya:
Key: M-Maegashira, K-Komusubi, S-Sekiwake, O-Ozeki, Y-Yokozuna, J-Juryo
Makuuchi (top tier):
Asakoryu (M16) beat Kyokukaiyu (J1)
Daiseizan (M16) beat Kazuma (M15)
Shishi (M14) beat Onokatsu (M15)
Takerufuji (M13) beat Kinbozan (M14)
Abi (M12) beat Nishikifuji (M13)
Asahakuryu (M12) beat Mitakeumi (M11)
Wakanosho (M11) beat Chiyoshoma (M12)
Asanoyama (M10) beat Tobizaru (M9)
Fujiryoga (M9) beat Roga (M8)
Takayasu (M7) beat Wakamotoharu (M8)
Fujiseiun (M6) beat Kotoeiho (M7)
Oshoma (M5) beat Shodai (M6)
Ichiyamamoto (M4) beat Ura (M5)
Hakunofuji (M3) beat Daieisho (M4)
Aonishiki (S) beat hiradoumi (M3)
Kotoshoho (S) beat Churanoumi (M2)
Atamifuji (S) beat Gonoyama (M2)
Kotozakura (O) beat Takanosho (M1)
Kirishima (O) beat Fujinokawa (M1)
Yoshinofuji (K) beat Onosato (Y)
Hoshoryu (Y) beat Oho (K)
WITHDRAWAL (Pre-Tournament): Wakatakakage (S). Left thigh (compartment syndrome). Will not compete this tournament.
Of note: There were reports the Wakatakakage injury was almost career-threatening and possibly life-threatening had he waited a few more hours than he did to go to the hospital. He was in intensive care for several days but is out although he remains hospitalized. The injury apparently happened in practice earlier in the month when visiting Sadogatake Beya. How long he’s out is uncertain but some internet rumors suggest 4-6 months, which would put him out of November and, if he misses January, possibly back down to Makushita when he returns. Hochi Sports reported yesterday he will be out at least 2 months, so he is questionable at best for September. This will be the first time in 2 years the prior tournament’s champion does not compete in the following tournament (Terunofuji, who of course after making Yokozuna either won the championship or did not finish the tournament/did not even enter). If he misses September he will probably be demoted to Juryo.
As for in-ring today, Snayaku generally got off to a good start except for Onosato, who was exposed for his continued over-pulling weakness and easily dispatched by Yoshinofuji, who is now 4-0 against the Yokozuna (with one withdrawal). Hoshoryu easily beat Oho while Kirishima nicely pushed down Fujinokawa to begin his Yokozuna bid, and Aonishiki’s efffort to return to Ozeki saw him quickly throw down Hiradoumi. Aonishiki now needs 9 more wins to be promoted to Ozeki.
Juryo:
Tochitaikai (J14) beat Nishikigi (J14))
Arashifuji (J13) beat Tohakuryu (J12)
Kayo (J12) beat Kagayaki (J11)
Hitoshi (J10) beat Enho (J11)
Shirokuma (J9) beat Tamashoho (J10)
Midorifuji (J8) beat Nishinoryu (J9)
Tamawashi (J7) beat Hatsuyama (J8)
Shonannoumi (J6) beat Meisei (J7)
Kitanowaka (J5) beat Kazekeno (J6)
Tomokaze (J4) beat Oshoumi (J5)
Toshinofuji (J4) beat Ryuden (J3)
Tokihayate (J2) beat Dewanoryu (J3)
Asasuiryu (J1) beat Sadanoumi (J2)
WITHDRAWAL (Pre-Tournament): Hakuyozan (J13). Right achilles tendon. Will not compete this tournament. Out about 6 months dating back to surgery about a month ago so his year is over. Will be demoted from Juryo as a result.
Of note: Not the best start for Enho with a loss to Hitoshi, but one good sign was Midorifuji winning with his signature katasukashi for the first time in a couple tournaments. But the real story of course is Tamawashi, who is a Juryo man for the first time in 13 years after being demoted from the top tier after May when he went 2-13, largely due to injury. Ni signs of that injury now, and after Hatsuyama came out quickly the Iron Man got his signature nodowa locked in for an easy win after that.
Lower tier notes: Whether or not Asahifuji can continue his unbeaten rise to Juryo and make it happen this time is the big story in Makushita, but it is on hold because of no match yesterday. His first match is tomorrow, he is at Ms11 and probably will reach Juryo with a championship or 7-0. Mita picked up a win in his Makushita return at Ms41 as he also tries to climb back up to Juryo. Kiryuko, who lost the last 2 tournaments to Asahifuji in playoffs after also going 7-0, did not have a match today and will start his effort tomorrow. Tomorrow also marks the start of the tournament for everyone’s favorite lovable loser Moriurara in Jonokuchi as he tries to stop a 40-tournament demotion/losing record streak that now dates back 7 years to his last winning effort in July 2019 (the May 2020 tournament was cancelled due to the pandemic).