Joining in progress now that I am back from Japan, here are the quick results from today’s Day 5 of the May 2025 Grand Smo Tournament in Tokyo and some notes so far:
Key: M-Maegashira, K-Komusubi, S-Sekiwake, O-Ozeki, Y-Yokozuna, J-Juryo, Ms-Makushita
Makuuchi (Top tier):
Nishikigi (M16) beat Tochitaikai (M18)
Kayo (M16) beat Takarafuji (J3)
Asakoryu (M17) beat Shonannoumi (M15)
Roga (M14) beat Tamashoho (M17)
Ryuden (M15) beat Tokihayate (M13)
Sadanoumi (M13) beat Atamifuji (M12)
Takanosho (M12) beat Endo (M11)
Meisei (M10) beat Shishi (M11)
Aonishiki (M9) beat Midorifuji (M9)
Kinbozan (M8) beat Shodai (M10)
Hakuoho (M7) beat Churanoumi (M7)
Onokatsu (M8) beat Tobizaru (M6)
Ura (M5) beat Chiyoshoma (M5)
Ichiyamamoto (M4) beat Oshoma (M6)
Abi (M2) beat Takerufuji (M4)
Wakamotoharu (M1) beat Takayasu (K)
Wakatakakage (K) beat Kirishima (S)
Daieisho (S) beat Oho (M1)
Kotozakura (O) beat Hiradoumi (M3)
Onosato (O) beat Tamawashi (M3)
Hoshoryu (Y) beat Gonoyama (M2)
Leader: 4 at 5-0
WITHDRAWAL (Pre-Tournament): Kotoshoho (M14). Right thigh muscle. Will return tomorrow (Day 6). Injury happened before the tournament but he was expected to enter at some point as it was considered minor. He will start in a 0-5 hole.
Of note: RARE KIMARITE ALERT!!! Aonishiki beat Midorifuji with what looked like the touch of death to the knee, actually a technique called uchimuso or inner thigh propping twist down. It looked like Aonishiki barely touched Midorifuji’s knee with his hand and that caused Midorifuji to go down. It’s the second straight day we’ve been treated to a rare technique as we yesterday had a win by amiuchi, the fisherman’s throw.
Yokozuna Watch: Onosato is 1/3 of the way there at 5-0 and among the 4 co-leaders. Of course the 2 straight championships doesn’t guarantee promotion as other factors are considered but it’s looking good.
Ozeki Watch: Daieisho is also among the 4 at 5-0 so he is doing what he needs to, probably needing at least 8 more for a chance at promotion.
Juryo:
Mudoho (J14) beat Daiamami (J13)
Mitoryu (J12) beat Mita (J14)
Kazekeno (J11) beat Miyanokaze (J13)
Tohakuryu (J10) beat Nabatame (J12)
Tsurugisho (J9) beat Hatsuyama (J10)
Oshoumi (J9) beat Shimanoumi (J8)
Hitoshi (J6) beat Shiden (J8)
Wakaikari (J7) beat Kotoeiho (J7)
Daiseizan (J6) beat Nishikifuji (J5)
Tomokaze (J7) beat Kagayaki (J4)
Hidenoumi (J2) beat Shirokuma (J3)
Kusano (J1) beat Hakuyozan (J4)
Fujiseiun (J2) beat Mitakeumi (J1)
Leader: 5 at 4-1
WITHDRAWAL: Wakanosho (J11) on Day 3. Unknown. Status uncertain.
RETIREMENT: Hokutofuji (Ms3). The Japan Sumo Association announced he retired today. He has not competed this tournament due to injury. He does have elder stock and will cash it in to become Oyama oyakata. Hokutofuji, real name Daiki Nakamura (the same real name as Onosato), will finish with a career record of 424-368-40 (win-loss-absent) including 3 absent this tournament, 360-338-37 in the top tier, 3 championships (1 Juryo, 1 Sandanme, 1 Jonidan), 3 Special Prizes and 7 Kinboshi in just over 10 years with a highest rank of Komusubi.
