Here are the quick results from today’s Day 12 of the May 2026 Grand Sumo Tournament in Tokyo:
Key: M-Maegashira, K-Komusubi, S-Sekiwake, O-Ozeki, J-Juryo, Ms-Makushita
Makuuchi (top tier):
Kyokukaiyu (J4) beat Tamawashi (M13)
Mitakeumi (M14) beat Shishi (M12)
Ryuden (M16) beat Tokihayate (M12)
Ura (M11) beat Fujiryoga (M17)
Kotoeiho (M13) beat Asanoyama (M10) by default/withdrawal
Roga (M14) beat Nishikifuji (M9)
Oshoma (M8) beat Wakanosho (M16)
Asahakuryu (M8) beat Oshoumi (M15)
Chiyoshoma (M7) beat Kinbozan (M11)
Shodai (M5) beat Abi (M9)
Oho (M3) beat Hakunofuji (M10)
Yoshinofuji (M2) beat Tobizaru (M15)
Hiradoumi (M3) beat Ichiyamamoto (M2)
Fujinokawa (M1) beat Daieisho (M4)
Takanosho (M1) beat Wakamotoharu (M5)
Wakatakakage (K) beat Gonoyama (M4)
Atamifuji (S) beat Fujiseiun (M6)
Churanoumi (M6) beat Kotozakura (O) by default/withdrawal
Kirishima (O) beat Kotoshoho (S)
Leader: Kotoeiho, Kirishima (10-2)
WITHDRAWALS: Asanoyama (M10), Kotozakura (O). Asanoyama-toe. Status uncertain. He expects to return before the tournament is over. He was 7-4 before today and needs one win to secure promotion. If he can’t return that means demotion, but not falling down much at the equivalent of 7-8. Kotozakura-lower back. Tournament likely over. Already has a losing record and will be at risk of demotion after July. He is expected to return for the retirement events later this month and be in for Paris in June. Kotoeiho & Churanoumi, respectively, got the fusen as a result.
Of note: With Kotoeiho getting the free win today, he remains tied for the lead with Kirishima ahead of their big faceoff tomorrow. It will be their first-ever meeting. The winner has a chance to clinch the championship Saturday but it’s not guaranteed because there will be 3 still in it at 10-3 including the loser tomorrow.
And no moving further up the total win charts this time for Tamawashi due to a loss today. I believe he still needs to go 2-1 the rest of the way to avoid demotion to Juryo.
Juryo:
Tokifudo (Ms5) beat Nishikigi (J11)
Tamashoho (J12) beat Tohakuryu (J10)
Hitoshi (J12) beat Nishinoryu (J9)
Kayo (J9) beat Okaryu (J13)
Shirokuma (J8) beat Hakuyozan (J13)
Toshinofuji (J7) beat Tochitaikai (J14)
Midorifuji (J10) beat Tomokaze (J6)
Asasuiryu (J4) beat Kazekeno (J11)
Shimanoumi (J8) beat Dewanoryu (J3)
Hatsuyama (J3) beat Enho (J14)
Sadanoumi (J2) beat Kitanowaka (J5)
Takerufuji (J2) beat Kagayaki (J7)
Meisei (J6) beat Onokatsu (J1)
Kazuma (J6) beat Daiseizan (J1)
Leader: Kazekeno (10-2)
Of note: Kazekeno could have all but clinched the championship today going in but that won’t happen now. But he gets a second chance tomorrow when he faces Kazuma. If Kazekeno wins, worst-case is Kazuma can still force a playoff rematch. If Kazuma wins, they’re even and it goes to the Final Day. Elsewhere, now the worrying about Enho begins as that’s 3 straight losses to miss out on clinching promotion at 7-5. Takerufuji clinched promotion today and now has a chance to return to the top tier in July. He likely needs one more win to make it certain.
Lower tier notes: Here are the more detailed Championship Day scenarios for tomorrow now that we know the schedules: In the Makushita Akua faces Mudoho and Akua will be the champion if he wins. If Akua loses there will be a SEVEN-WAY playoff! And a 6-1 champion. In the Sandanme there will be a playoff but the participants depend on tomorrow’s “final 4” results-first Tenshoyama will face Kiryuko followed by Asahifuji taking on Mita. Winners go to the playoff. That means a potential Asahifuji-Kiryuko playoff rematch from the Jonidan in March. The Jonidan Championship will be Maniwayama vs. Shosei. In the Jonokuchi, Hakugetsuro will be the champion if he beats Hienriki. If he loses, there will be a 3-way or 4-way playoff depending on other match result and also a 6-1 champion.
UPDATE: Right after I posted this I found an update on Asanoyama. Lisfranc aka left ankle sprain. Tournament over. Out about 4 weeks. That would mean questionable at best for Paris. He will finish the equivalent of 7-9 and be demoted.