Tag: grand sumo

Here are the quick results from today’s Day 9 of the January 2025 Grand Sumo Tournament in Tokyo:
Key: M-Maegashira, K-Komusubi, S-Sekiwake, O-Ozeki, J-Juryo

Makuuchi (top tier):
Kagayaki (J16) beat Shiden (J2)
Kotoshoho (M13) beat Tamashoho (M16)
Shonannoumi (M13) beat Tokihayate (M17)
Onokatsu (M12) beat Nishikifuji (M17)
Nishikigi (M12) beat Kitanowaka (M15) by default/withdrawal
Kinbozan (M14) beat Takerufuji (M11)
Hakuoho (M15) beat Meisei (M10)
Midorifuji (M11) beat Mitakeumi (M7)
Endo (M7) beat Tamawashi (M10)
Ichiyamamoto (M6) beat Oshoma (M9)
Takayasu (M6) beat Takarafuji (M8)
Chiyoshoma (M5) beat Churanoumi (M9)
Shodai (M4) beat Gonoyama (M3)
Oho (M3) beat Atamifuji (M2)
Wakatakakage (K) beat Takanosho (M1)
Kirishima (M1) beat Abi (K)
Wakamotoharu (S) beat Tobizaru (M2)
Hiradoumi (M5) beat Hoshoryu (O)
Ura (M4) beat Kotozakura (O)
Onosato (O) beat Daieisho (S)
Leader; Kinbozan (9-0)
WITHDRAWAL: Kitanowaka (M15). Right ankle. Initial reports were it’s broken, if so, tournament over. Will be demoted back to Juryo again if he doesn’t return. He’s yet to have a winning tournament in the top tier.
Yokozuna Watch: It’s probably over for Hoshoryu. His first-ever loss to Hiradoumi leaves him 6-3 and 3 wins off the lead. He can still rally and get to 12-3, but even if that’s good enough for the championship it probably isn’t enough for promotion.
Of note: Chiyoshoma also bounced back from his first loss this tournament to clinch promotion and remains one off the pace at 8-1, with Oho & Takerufuji at 7-2. And Kirishima may have gotten back what he lost before, he has now won 6 in a row since starting 0-3. We’re also on the verge of the first demotions still, Wakamotoharu staved it off today but Atamifuji is showing he’s not ready for Sanyaku anytime soon as he’s fallen to 2-7.

Juryo:
Wakaikari (J13) beat Kiryuko (J12)
Kotoeiho (J13) beat Hatsuyama (J12)
Tohakuryu (J11) beat Daiamami (J11)
Nabatame (J14) beat Oshoumi (J9)
Daiseizan (J9) beat Daishoho (J14)
Fujiseiun (J8) beat Hakuyozan (J10)
Shishi (J4) beat Miroryu (J8)
Shirokuma (J4) beat Shimazuumi (J10)
Tochitaikai (J7) beat Tsurugisho (J3)
Ryuden (J3) beat Tomokaze (J6)
Hidenoumi (J6) beat Asakoryu (J2)
Aonishiki (J5) beat Kayo (J1)
Sadanoumi (J1) beat Shimanoumi (J5)
Leader: Wakaikari, Shishi, Aonishiki (8-1)
Of note: No changes at the top but all 3 co-leaders have clinched promotions, so Wakaikari will remain in Juryo while Shishi & Aonishiki could be in the top tier (back for Shishi) if they keep this up. The Ukranians remain on potential final day collision course. We’ll have a Makushita man up again each day starting tomorrow with Hitoshi, who is 4-1 and clinched promotion with a chance to return to Juryo if he can keep winning (he currently is at Ms4).

Lower tier notes:
The Makushita currently has 3 at 5-0 with Ishizaki, the younger brother of Asakoryu, having a chance at promotion to Juryo if he keeps winning (he is at Ms6). The Sandanme currently has 6 at 5-0 and Enho won today to go to 4-1 so he’ll be promoted back to Makushita in March from Sd4. The Jonidan has 5 currently at 5-0 while the Jonokuchi also has 2 remaining at 5-0.

Here are the quick results from today’s Day 8-the Halfway Point-of the January 2025 Grand Sumo Tournament in Tokyo:
Key: M-Maegashira, K-Komusubi, S-Sekiwake, O-Ozeki, J-Juryo

Makuuchi (top tier):
Kayo (J1) beat Nishikifuji (M17)
Tokihayate (M17) beat Kotoshoho (M13)
Hakuoho (M15) beat Nishikigi (M12)
Onokatsu (M12) beat Kagayaki (M16)
Tamashoho (M16) beat Midorifuji (M11)
Takerufuji (M11) beat Kitanowaka (M15)
Kinbozan (M14) beat Tamawashi (M10)
Shonannoumi (M13) beat Meisei (M10)
Takayasu (M6) beat Oshoma (M9)
Ichiyamamoto (M6) beat Churanoumi (M9)
Hiradoumi (M5) beat Mitakeumi (M7)
Takarafuji (M8) beat Chiyoshoma (M5)
Ura (M4) beat Endo (M7)
Gonoyama (M3) beat Atamifuji (M2)
Abi (K) beat Tobizaru (M2)
Kirishima (M1) beat Wakamotoharu (S)
Daieisho (S) beat Takanosho (M1)
Kooyozakura (O) beat Oho (M3)
Onosato (O) beat Wakatakakage (K)
Shodai (M4) beat Hoshoryu (O)
Leader: Kinbozan (8-0)
Of note: Kitanowaka’s streak of top tier appearances without a winning record appears set to continue as Nikkan Sports reports he suffered a broken ankle today against Takerufuji. If true, he’s done. Chiyoshoma’s perfect start ended today leaving Kinbozan as sole leader and first to clinch promotion this tournament. No demotions yet but they may happen tomorrow and include Wakamotoharu, whose latest stay at Sekiwake may end as he is now 1-7. Midorifuji & Kotoshoho are also in danger of demotion at 1-7 and need some wins to avoid dropping to Juryo (more likely for Kotoshoho right now). Elsewhere, Kotozakura now has consecutive wins as he tries to protect his Ozeki ranking and is up to 3-5 while Onosato is on the right side now at 5-3.
Yokozuna Watch: There’s pretty much no room for error left for Hoshoryu. Now at 6-2, he’ll probably have to win out for any real chance at promotion.

Juryo:
Wakaikari (J13) beat Kotoeiho (J13)
Nabatame (J14) beat Tohakuryu (J11)
Daishoho (J14) beat Shimazuumi (J10)
Kiryuko (J12) beat Daiseizan (J9)
Hatsuyama (J12) beat Fujiseiun (J8)
Mitoryu (J8) beat Hakuyozan (J10)
Tochitaikai (J7) beat Daiamami (J11)
Oshoumi (J9) beat Tomokaze (J6)
Ryuden (J3) beat Hidenoumi (J6)
Aonishiki (J5) beat Tsurugisho (J3)
Shirokuma (J4) beat Shiden (J2)
Asakoryu (J2) beat Shimanoumi (J5)
Shishi (J4) beat Sadanoumi (J1)
Leader: Wakaikari, Aonishiki, Shishi (7-1)
Of note: The Ukranians remain on a championship collision course but Wakaikari remains poised to be spoiler. There are 4 right behind them at 6-2. At the bottom, Daishoho avoided demotion today but Tsurugisho & Shimanoumi did not, clinching demotions at 0-8.

Lower tier notes:
In the Makushita, 7 have clinched promotions and share the lead at 4-0 with at least 2 former division champions among them. In the Sandanme, 10 remain unbeaten at 4-0 at this point. The Jonidan has 12 remaining perfect at 4-0 while the Jonokuchi has 2 tied at 4-0. No match for Enho in the Sandanme today, he’ll go for his promotion tomorrow.

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.

Here are the quick results from today’s Day 6 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):
Kitanowaka (M15) beat Tokihayate (M17)
Kinbozan (M14) beat Kagayaki (M16)
Tamashoho (M16) beat Shonannounmi (M13)
Nishikifuji (M17) beat Kotoshoho (M13)
Onokatsu (M12) beat Hakuoho (M15)
Meisei (M10) beat Nishikigi (M12)
Takerufuji (M11) beat Churanoumi (M9)
Oshoma (M9) beat Midorifuji (M11)
Takaradufji (M8) beat Tamawashi (M10)
Takayasu (M6) beat Roga (M8)
Endo (M7) beat Ichiyamamoto (M6)
Chiyoshoma (M5) beat Mitakeumi (M7)
Hiradoumi (M5) beat Ura (M4)
Oho (M3) beat Tobizaru (M2)
Wakatakakage (K) beat Abi (K)
Takanosho (M1) beat Wakamotoharu (S)
Kirishima (M1) beat Daieisho (S)
Hoshoryu (O) beat Gonoyama (M3)
Atamifuji (M2) beat Kotozakura (O)
Onosato (O) beat Shodai (M4)
Leader: Oho, Chiyoshoma, Kinbozan (6-0)
Of note: Atamifuji-Kotozakura had a very rare rematch declared because of a judge’s error-one of the judges raised his hand to indicate Kotozakura had stepped out and the referee stopped the match as a result. Replays confirmed this was incorrect and TV showed a clearly embarrassed judge over the mistake. But the result didn’t change and Kotozakura is now an inexplicable 1-5 after his November championship. We also now know that Roga missed the first 4 days due to a right knee injury, which appears to still be affecting him.
Yokozuna Watch: Hoshoryu’s hopes remain alive after a win today, keeping him one win off the lead at 5-1.
Also of note: Terunofuji & stablemaster Isegahama held a retirement press conference earlier today, which was covered by the Japanese media. Videos of the presser can be found on YouTube. The Yokozuna will remain at the stable as a coach for now, cashing in his Yokozuna elder stock which now gives him 5 years to find a permanent position, which should be easy as he’s considered a candidate to replace Isegahama when he must retire this summer due to reaching the mandatory retirement age. For the time being he will keep his ring name.

Juryo:
Kusano (Ms3) beat Kiryuko (J12)
Daiamami (J11) beat Kotoeiho (J13)
Tohakuryu (J11) beat Daishoho (J14)
Nabatame (J14) beat Shimazuumi (J10)
Wakaikari (J13) beat Hakuyozan (J10)
Ohsoumi (J9) beat Hatsuyama (J12)
Tochitaikai (J7) beat Daiseizan (J9)
Hidenoumi (J6) beat Mitoryu (J8)
Fujiseiun (J8) beat Tomokaze (J6)
Shishi (J4) beat Shimanoumi (J5)
Aonishiki (J5) beat Shiden (J2)
Asakoryu (J2) beat Tsurugisho (J3)
Ryuden (J3) beat Sadanoumi (J10
Kayo (J1) beat Shirokuma (J4)
Leader: 6 at 5-1
Of note: The last unbeaten left, Hakuyozan, lost today which made for a logjam at the top. Among those is Oshoumi, who may well have been November champion if he didn’t miss a couple days near the end. Interestingly, at the bottom are 3 surprises at 0-6: Tsurugisho, Shimanoumi and Daishoho, the last of which seems headed for sure demotion to Makushita this time. Kusano, the first Makushita man up this tournament for a Juryo appearance, is now 3-1 and the top prospect who began his pro career at Ms60 is setting himself up for a chance to be promoted to Juryo in March.

Lower tier notes:
As Promotion Day begins tomorrow, the Makushita has 14 tied at 3-0 who will go for 4-0 and promotion over the next 2 days. In the smaller Sandanme, 20 are 3-0 including rookie Ikarigata, who is at Sd80 in his career debut. The Jonidan has 24 tied at 3-0 while the Jonokuchi has 3 sharing the lead at 3-0. And for those wondering about Enho, he is 2-1 in the Sandanme having lost his first match but winning his last 2.

UPDATE: Roga has WITHDRAWN ahead of Day 7. Right knee. Unless he returns on Day 8 this guarantees demotion as he is the equivalent of 0-6. Chiyoshoma will get the fusen as a result and remain at least a co-leader at 7-0.

Here are the quick results from today’s Day 5 of the January 2025 Grand Sumo Tournament in Tokyo, and one that saw a seismic shift in the sumo landscape:
Key: M-Maegashira, K-Komusubi, S-Sekiwake, O-Ozeki, Y-Yokozuna, J-Juryo

Makuuchi (top tier):
Sadanoumi (J1) beat Tokihayate (M17)
Kitanowaka (M15) beat Tamashoho (M16)
Kagayaki (M16) beat Hakuoho (M15)
Kinbozan (M14) beat Nishikifuji (M17)
NIshikigi (M12) beat Onokatsu (M12)
Takerufuji (M11) beat Kotoshoho (M13)
Shonannoumi (M13) beat Midorifuji (M11)
Tamawashi (M10) beat Meisei (M10)
Oshoma (M9) beat Churanoumi (M9)
Takarafuji (M8) beat Mitakeumi (M7)
Endo (M7) beat Roga (M8)
CHiyoshoma (M5) beat Takayasu (M6)
Ichiyamamoto (M6) beat Hiradoumi (M5)
Tobizaru (M2) beat Ura (M4)
Kirishima (M1) beat Takanosho (M1)
Daieisho (S) beat Wakatakakage (K)
Abi (K) beat Wakamotoharu (S)
Shodai (M4) beat Kotozakura (O)
Oho (M3) beat Onosato (O)
Atamifuji (M2) beat Hoshoryu (O)
Gonoyama (M3) beat Terunofuji (Y) by default/withdrawal
Leader: Oho, Chiyoshoma, Tamawashi, Kinbozan (5-0)
WITHDRAWAL which soon became RETIREMENT: Terunofuji (Y). Unspecified as to why withdrawal but…it’s over. The 73rd Yokozuna has called it a career. A press conference will be held tomorrow (today Japan time) but it appears the major factor was health-chronic lower back & knee pain and diabetes. He will cash in his Yokozuna elder stock, retain his ring name and became an oyakata at Isegahama Beya. The question mark now is whether or not he’ll take over the stable this summer when the current Isegahama must step down due to turning 65 this summer, which is the mandatory retirement age in sumo, and it’s no secret he is undoubtedly the most powerful stablemaster in sumo despite Hakkaku being the director of the Japan Sumo Associasion. Nobody seems to have more influrnce. That means, for the first time in some time, there will be no Yokozuna active in grand sumo. His final match was yesterday’s loss to Tobizaru. For today, Gonoyama got the fusen as a result.
RE-ENTRY: Roga (M8). Returned today. Missed the first 4 days for unknown reasons.
Yokozuna Watch: It’s over for Kotozakura. The January champion has now stunningly lost 4 straight to fall to 1-4, and there is virtually no way a championship with 11-4, even consecutively, will earn him promotion. All hopes for now rest with Hoshoryu, who is 4-1 but took his first loss today. Onosato likely won’t get back into contention this time either at now 2-3.

Juryo:
Kotoeiho (J13) beat Daishoho (J14)
Nabatame (J14) beat Wakaikari (J13)
Kiryuko (J12) beat Daiamami (J11)
Hakuyozan (J10) beat Hatsuyama (J12)
Oshoumi (J9) beat Tohakuryu (J11)
Mitoryu (J8) beat Shimazuumi (J10)
Tomokaze (J6) beat Daiseizan (J9)
Tochitaikai (J6) beat Hidenoumi (J6)
Aonishiki (J5) beat Fujiseiun (J8)
Shirokuma (J4) beat Shimanoumi (J5)
Shishi (J4) beat Asakoryu (J2)
Ryuden (J3) beat Shiden (J2)
Kayo (J1) beat Tsurugisho (J3)
Leader: Hakuyozan (5-0)

Massive breaking news from sumo-after his withdrawal today ahead of Day 5 of the January Grand Sumo Tournament (results later, I could not post Days 3-4 results due to a scheduled medical procedure), the scenario Hakkaku feared most has come true…no active Yokozuna. Terunofuji has RETIRED effective immediately. He was 2-2 this tournament after a loss to Tobizaru yesterday, the third kinboshi (Gold Star Victory, when a Maegashira beats a Yokozuna) for The Flying Monkey. According to reliable YouTube English language source Chris Sumo, he will cash on his Yokozuna elder stock and remain at Isegahama Beya, presumably in line to take over when the current stablemaster must retire this summer due to reaching the mandatory retirement age (65). I think the only way he doesn’t take over is if Miyagino-former Yokozuna Hakuho-gets the spot but that seems extremely unlikely given the current elders’ great dialiking of the greatest Yokozuna ever (akin to why everyone outside of New York baseball hates the Yankees-they always seem to win). Because of the withdrawal today, Gonoyama got the fusen as a result, but no Kinboshi.

More as it becomes available.

UPDATE: It’s now official. Nikkan Sports has also confirmed the report. Reasons cites for withdrawal and now retirement were the usual for him-chronic lower back & knee pain and diabetes. An official retirement press conference will be held in the near future. Terunofuji, real name Seizan Suginomori, retires as The 73rd Yokozuna with a career record of (including tomorrow) 523-275-232 (win-loss-absent), 366-207-198 in the top tier, 10 Emperor’s Cups, 13 total championships and 9 Special Prizes and is considered a Dai-Yokozuna (Great Yokozuna), a distinction given to those who win at least 10 top-tier championships. He first debuted as Wakamisho in the now-closed Magaki Beya run by Wakanohana, then when it closed in the early-mid 2010s he transferred to Isegahama Beya and chamged bus name to Terunofuji. He reached Ozeki before prolonged injury absences saw him demoted all the way to Jonidan before storming back up the ranks and, following a final day loss in Hakuho’s final career match (Hakuho finished 15-0 in his final tournament, Terunofuji was runner-up at 14-1), was promoted to Grand Champion. Ironically, they’ll be likely working with each other now for a while until when/if Hakuho might get his Miyagino Beya back in a year or so.

UPDATE 2: His Yokozuna elder stock is good for 5 years so he must find an open position by this lime in 2030 to remain on the Association as more than a coach as he will be now. That should not be an issue, again the unanswered question is whether or not he’ll become the next Isegahama this summer.

Here are the quick results from today’s Day 1-Opening Day-of the January 2025 Grand Sumo Tournament in Tokyo:
Key: M-Maegashira, K-Komusubi, S-Sekiwake, O-Ozeki, Y-Yokozuna, J-Juryo, Ms-Makushita

Makuuchi (top tier):
Tokihayate (M17) beat Nishikifuji (M17)
Tamashoho (M16) beat Kagayaki (M16)
Hakuoho (M15) beat Kitanowaka (M15)
Kinbozan (M14) beat Kotoshoho (M13)
Onokatsu (M12) beat Shonannoumi (M13)
Takerufuji (M11) beat NIshikigi (M12)
Midorifuji (M11) beat Meisei (M10)
Tamawashi (M10) beat Oshoma (M9)
Churanoumi (M9) beat Takarafuji (M8)
Mitakeumi (M7) beat Endo (M7)
Ichiyamamoto (M6) beat Takayasu (M6)
Chiyoshoma (M5) beat Hiradoumi (M5)
Ura (M4) beat Shodai (M4)
Oho (M3) beat Abi (K)
Daieisho (S) beat Gonoyama (M3)
Wakamotoharu (S) beat Atamifuji (M2)
Tobizaru (M2) beat Onosato (O)
Hoshoryu (O) beat Kirishima (M1)
Kotozakura (O) beat Takanosho (M1)
Wakatakakage (K) beat Terunofuji (Y)
WITHDRAWALS (Pre-Tournament): Roga (M8), Hokutofuji (M14). Unspecified injuries for both. Roga-status uncertain. Hokutofuji-will not compete due to surgery and will probably be demoted to Juryo.
Of note: 2 upsets on day 1 starting with Tobizaru quickly flattening Onosato and Wakatakakage catching Terunofuji with bad footwork for an under shoulder swing down. Reportedly Terunofuji’s goal is 10+ wins, which supposedly will keep the Yokozuna Deliberation Council from recommending retirement actions until July, when Terunofuji will probably retire anyway after the current Isegahama must retire due to turning 65 (mandatory retirement age in sumo), opening up that valuable elder stock and stablemaster position. It’s early and no injury/health concerns here but still it’s not a good start. He has Takanosho tomorrow. Tobizaru has Hoshoryu tomorrow so another upset would put the Flying Monkey halfway to a potential Outstanding Performance Prize if he can finish with a winning record. Kotozakura, the leading Yokozuna contender after his first championship in November, has Abi tomorrow.

Juryo:
Wakanosho (Ms1) beat Daishoho (J14)
Kotoeiho (J13) beat Nabatame (J14)
Wakaikari (J12) beat Hatsuyama (J12)
Tohakuryu (J11) beat Kiryuko (J12)
Hakuyozan (J10) beat Daiamami (J11)
Oshoumi (J9) beat Shimazuumi (J10)
Mitoryu (J8) beat Daiseizan (J9)
Fujirsiun (J8) beat Toachitaikai (J7)
Hidenoumi (J6) beat Tomokaze (J6)
Aonishiki (J5) beat Shimanoumi (J5)
Shishi (J4) beat Shirokuma (J4)
Ryuden (J3) beat Tsurugisho (J3)
Asakoryu (J2) beat Shiden (J2)
Sadanoumi (J1) beat Kayo (J1)
WITHDRAWAL (Pre-Tournament): Bushozan (J7). Unknown. Status uncertain.

Lower tier notes: No match for Enho in the Sandanme today, he’ll begin his 2025 tomorrow.

Christmas has come a couple days early for sumo fans as the Japan Sumo Association has just announced the official Banzuke (rankings) for the January 2025 Grand Sumo Tournament. Here are the rankings for the top 2 tiers and some notes/observations:

MakuuchI (top tier):
Yokozuna-Terunofuji
Ozeki-Kotozakura (November Champion), Hoshoryu, Onosato
Sekiwake-Wakamotoharu, Daisieho
Komusubi-Abi, Wakatakakage
Maegashira 1-Takanosho, Kirishima
Maegashira 2-Tobizaru, Atamifuji
Maegashira 3-Gonoyama, Oho
Maegashira 4-Shodai, Ura
Maegashira 5-Hiradoumi, Chiyoshoma
Maegashira 6-Takayasu, Ichiyamamoto
Maegashira 7-Endo, Mitakeumi
Maegashira 8-Roga, Takarafuji
Maegashira 9-Churanoumi, Oshoma
Maegashira 10-Tamawashi, Meisei
Maegashira 11-Midorifuji, Takerufuji
Maegashira 12-NIshikigi, Onokatsu
Maegashira 13-Shonannoumi, Kotoshoho
Maegashira 14-Hokutofuji, Kinbozan (November Juryo Champion)
Maegashira 15-Hakuoho, Kitanowaka
Maegashira 16-Tamashoho, Kagayaki
Maegashira 17-NIshikifuji, Tokihayate

Juryo:
Juryo 1-Sadanoumi, Kayo
Juryo 2-Shiden, Asakoryu
Juryo 3-Ryuden, Tsurugisho
Juryo 4-Shirokuma, Shishi
Juryo 5-Shimanoumi, Aonishiki
Juryo 6-Hidenoumi, Tomokaze
Juryo 7-Tochitaikai, Bushozan
Juryo 8-Fujiseiun, Mitoryu
Juryo 9-Daiseizan, Oshoumi
Juryo 10-Shimazuumi, Hakuyozan
Juryo 11-Daiamami, Tohakuryu
Juryo 12-Hatsuyama, Kiryuko
Juryo 13-Wakaikari, Kotoeiho
Juryo 14-Nabatame, Daishoho

Notes:
In the top tier, 2 of the 3 Ozeki are on Yokozuna Watch as if either Kotozakura or Hoshoryu can win the championship, ideally with at least 13 wins, or finish with that many wins or more, one or both have a chance to be promoted for March. The Sekiwake this time, Wakamotoharu & Daieisho, both would have to win the championship to have any chance at promotion to Ozeki. Still no word yet on Terunofuji’s status for January, he has been on parts of the December tour as I’ve seen from YouTube videos but the feeling is that if all goes as planned, he’ll compete. Wakatakakage returns to Sanyaku for the first time since being injured in the March 2023 Tournament, coming in on 7 straight winning records and his worst performance since returning to Juryo has been 9-6. Abi returns to Komusubi after 11 wins in September following a 4-tournament winning run being snapped. Kirishima falls out of Sanyaku for the first time since summer 2022, down to M1. blowing another chance at an Ozeki return with a 6-9 November while Takanosho almost makes it back after a bounceback November following a disastrous September just after a July playoff title loss. Up one rank to M10, Tamawashi’s Iron Man Streak should reach 1674 by the end of the tournament as he’s held steady in the middle of the rankings. The bottom is filled out by a number of returns as Kitanowaka, Hakuoho, Tamashoho, Kagayaki and Juryo Champion Kinbozan all are promoted up from Juryo while Nishikifuji & Tokihayate hang on to the last spots after there were 5 demotions to Juryo.
The Juryo demotions were Sadanoumi, Asakoryu, Ryuden, Shishi & Bushozan, the last one of which was injured during November. Shishi could very well be about to be usurped as the Ukraine-born fan favorite by Aonishiki, whose fast rise up the ranks has taken him to J5 after a 10-5 debut, putting the top tier within reach if he can duplicate or improve on that effort. The Shin-Juryo Hatsuyama will make his second tier debut from J12 alongside Sai-Juryo Kiryuko, with Nabatame back up at J14.

Lower tier notes:
Because the rankings were determined before his retirement last week, Onosho is ranked at Makushita 3 but of course won’t compete and this tournament won’t go on his final record. He has left sumo completely because there was no elder stock for him even though he qualified, and will be going to work for a skin care company in a corporate role. Fast-rising Isegahama prospect Kusano has Ms3 all to himself, while Wakanosho & Kazekeno have the Ms1 ranks. Asanoyama is down at Ms41 and is considered questionable for January as he continues recovery from a foot/ankle injury (worst-case seems to be a March return). Below that, another 6-1 effort was not quite enough to get Enho out of the Sandanme, he will be at Sd4 this time and, in a surprise development, the Sandanme has shrunk down to just 80 ranks. A year or so ago it went down from 100 to 90 and now 90 to 80 amidst concerns about the thinning ranks of pro sumo wrestlers. The Jonidan grew slightly and is back up to 100 ranks this time, while the Jonokuchi has 19 ranks with 37 total entrants including what looks like at least 7 debuts. We’ve also learned from YouTube reporter Chris Sumo that come March or May we’ll probably have another new Makushita 60 debut.

The January Tournament runs from 1/12-1/26 at Ryogoku Kokugikan in Tokyo. Tickets have just sold out right before this post went up.

12/26/24 UPDATE: Kyokutaisei, a former top tier wrestler trying to rise back up the ranks, has retired. He fell all the way to Jonokuchi after a major knee injury and got as high as Makushita before falling back to the Sandanme this time (he would have been Sd20). His career best rank was M8, with a final record of 483-434-80 and one Special Price. He spent 38 tournaments in the top 2 tiers which would qualify him for elder stock but it doesn’t appear he can cash it in due to lack of availability.

Ahead of the next Banzuke announcement for January 2025, news has come out since yesterday that former top tier wrestler Onosho has retired effective immediately. He cited multiple injuries and inability to physically continue competing at a high level. Although eligible for elder stock, there apparently is none available and so he will leave sumo and, according to reliable YouTube reporter Chris Sumo, will work for a cosmetics marketing firm. Onosho, real name Fumiya Utetsu, from Aomori Prefecture, retires at 28 after just short of 12 years competing (debuted in January 2013), finishing with a career record of 473-422-59 (win-loss-absent), 297-287-46 in the top tier, 1 Juryo championship, 4 Special Prizes, 2 Kinboshi and a highest rank of Komusubi. He was Juryo 10 for his final tournament in November and finished 2-11-2, being forced to withdraw on Day 13 due to injury, and would have been demoted to Makushita in January. He will be replaced as senior wrestler at Onomatsu Beya by Onokatsu, who was promoted to the top tier in September and was Maegashira 15 in November, but will be promoted after going 9-6.

Here are the quick results from today’s Day 15-the Final Day-of the November 2024 Grand Sumo Tournament in Fukuoka:
Key: M-Maegashira, K-Komusubi, S-Sekiwake, O-Ozeki, J-Juryo, Ms-Makushita, Sd-Sandanme, Jd-Jonidan, Jk-Jonokuchi

Makuuchi (top tier):
Bushozan (M17) beat Ryuden (M13)
Asakoryu (M17) beat Meisei (M11)
Takerufuji (M15) beat Tamawashi (M10)
Shishi (M16) beat Takarafuji (M10)
Ichiyamamoto (M10) beat Sadanoumi (M12)
Hokutofuji (M12) beat Takayasu (M9)
Midorifuji (M9) beat Onokatsu (M15)
Roga (M8) beat Tokihayate (M15)
Endo (M7) beat Nishikifuji (M14)
Tobizaru (M5) beat Shonannoumi (M13)
Atamifuji (M3) beat Mitakeumi (M7)
Gonoyama (M8) beat Abi (M3)
Chiyoshoma (M14) beat Ura (M2)
Takanosho (M6) beat Wakatakakage (M2)
Hiradoumi (M1) beat Churanoumi (M4)
Oho (M1) beat Nishikigi (M6)
Oshoma (M4) beat Shodai (K)
Wakamotoharu (K) beat Daieisho (S)
Onosato (O) beat Kirishima (S)
Kotozakura (O) beat Hoshoryu (O). KOTOZAKURA YUSHO!!! The first career Emperor’s Cup for Kotozakura!
CHAMPION: Kotozakura (14-1)
Final thoughts: After that long-awaited first championship that he just missed in a July playoff, Kotozakura will now be in Yokozuna contention if he can repeat the feat in January, but so will Hoshoryu after a 13-2 tournament. Of course the unanswered question is if the Final Boss will return for one last stand and perhaps a ceremonial torch-passing if all goes as hoped for-that of course would be Terunofuji, who is expected to compete. As for the new Ozeki, Onosato struggled in the second half but won today to finish his debut at 9-6, still protecting his rank while keeping his career winning streak going, 10 tournaments so far with 10 winning records. Kirishima will be demoted from Sekiwake which should open the door for Wakamotoharu to return to the rank while Daieisho stays Sekiwake. Komusubi will be a tossup with Shodai being demoted which should allow Wakatakakage & Abi to be promoted to be promoted to the rank.

SPECIAL PRIZES:
Outstanding Performance (best record with most wins vs. Yukozuna & Ozeki): Abi
Fighting Spirit (best record with best display of fighting spirit): Takanosho
Technique (best display of technique/most different winning techniques): Wakatakakage

Juryo:
Kamito (Ms3) beat Chiyomaru (J11)
Oshoumi (J14) beat Hidenoumi (J7)
Shiden (J6) beat Tochitaikai (J12)
Fujiseiun (J10) beat Tohakuryu (J6)
Tomokaze (J5) beat Daiseizan (J12)
Shimazuumi (J5) beat Daishoho (J9)
Shimanoumi (J4) beat Hakuyozan (J8)
Tamashoho (J4) beat Nabatame (J14)
Kayo (J3) beat Kotoeiho (J13)
Shirokuma (J3) beat Daiamami (J9)
Hakuoho (J2) beat Wakaikari (J13)
Kagayaki (J2) beat Mitoryu (J7)
Kinbozan (J1) beat Aonishiki (J11). KINBOZAN JURYO YUSHO!!! 1st career Juryo Championship and 3rd overall
Kitanowaka (J1) beat Tsurugisho (J7)
CHAMPION: Kinbozan (12-3)
Of note: Kinbozan’s win prevented what would have been a playoff rematch with Aonishiki after Tsurugisho lost to finish 10-5. Oshoumi also finishes with the equivalent of that record and it can be argued the only reason he perhaps didn’t win the championship, or at least force a playoff, was due to missing 3 days with a left shoulder injury.

Jonidan:
Playoff: NIshikikuni (Jd9) beat Nakashima (Jd57). NISHIKIKUNI JONIDAN YUSHO!!! First career championship. Side note: September Jonokuchi champion Goseizan may have won the championship or had a chance if he hadn’t missed the first 2 days of the tournament and thus started the equivalent of 0-2, once he entered he went 5-0.

TOURNAMENT CHAMPIONS:
Makuuchi: Kotozakura (O). 1st career Emperor’s Cup, 3rd overall championship
Juryo: Kinbozan (J1). 1st career Juryo, 3rd overall championship
Makushita: Osanai (Ms48). 1st career Makushita, 2nd overall championship
Sandanme: Fujitoshi (Sd18). 1st career Sandanme and 1st overall championship
Jonidan: Nishikikuni (Jd9). 1st career Jonidan and 1st overall championship
Jonokuchi: Gonoumi (Jk12). 1st career Jonokuchi and 1st overall championship

The next tournament is the January 2025 Tournament scheduled from 1/12-1/26 at Ryogoku Kokugikan in Tokyo. Tickets go on sale 12/7. The Banzuke will be announced on 12/23. A final wrap-up post with thoughts, rankings notes and breaking news will come next weekend.