Tag: grand sumo

Here are the quick LIVE results from today’s Day 15-the Final Day-of the September 2026 Grand Sumo Tournament in Tokyo:
Key: M-Maegashira, K-Komusubi, S-Sekiwake, O-Ozeki, Y-Yokozuna, J-Juryo, Ms-Makushita, Sd-Sandanme, Jd-Jonidan, Jk-Jonokuchi

Updates below will begin at or around 9 PM PT/midnight ET or when the Juryo matches begin. Top tier updates will begin at 11:30 PM PT/2:30 AM ET when the NHK World Premium broadcast begins. The FREE NHK World Japan broadcast will begin at 12:30 AM PT/3:30 AM ET.

9:10 PM PT UPDATE: Special Prizes announced. See below.

11:30 PM PT UPDATE: Live top tier updates will begin shortly. The NHK World Premium broadcast is starting late.

11:32 PM PT UPDATE: Live top tier updates below begin now..

Juryo:
NIshikigi (J14) beat Okaryu (Ms5)
Tokifudo (J13) beat Hitoshi (J11)
Tochitaikai (J14) beat Tomokaze (J7)
Meisei (J13) beat Shirokuma (J6)
Kitanowaka )J6) beat Kagayaki (J11). PLAYOFF!!! This means there will be a 3-way playoff also including the Tamawashi-Kayo winner
Arashifuji (J5) beat Tanji (J10)
Tamashoho (J12) beat Sadanoumi (J5)
Hatsuyama (J8) beat Mitakeumi (J4)
Midorifuji (J7) beat Kazekeno (J4)
Nabatame (J10) beat Onokatsu (J3)
Kayo (J12) beat Tamawashi (J3). This means Kayo is in the playoff
Tohakuryu (J9) beat Daiseizan (J2)
Kyokukaiyu (J1) beat Enho (J9). Enho demoted but Kyokukaiyu should finally reach the top tier for the first time
Dewanoryu (J1) beat Ryuden (J8)

Playoff (3-way):: Kitanowaka, Kagayaki, Kayo. First to win 2 straight is champion
Kitanowaka beat Kagayaki
Kitanowaka beat Kayo. KITANOWAKA JURYO YUSHO!!! 1st career championship. Kagayaki epic collapse complete after a 10-0 start.
CHAMPION: Kitanowaka (11-4)

Makuuchi (top tier):
Kazuma (J2) beat Shonannoumi (M17)
Chiyoshoma (M14) beat Shodai (M11)
Oho (M10) beat Tokihayate (M15)
Asasuiryu (M15) beat Shishi (M9)
Ura (M9) beat Tobizaru (M14)
Hiradoumi (M8) beat Toshinofuji (M16)
Takerufuji (M8) beat Asahakuryu (M12)
Abi (M13) beat Nishikifuji (M7)
Fujiseiun (M7) beat Asakoryu (M13)
Ichiyamamoto (M6) beat Kinbozan (M10)
12:30 AM PT UPDATE: The NHK World Japan live broadcast begins here.
Gonoyama (M3) beat Wakamotoharu (M11)
Yoshinofuji (M2) beat Asanoyama (M6)
Fujiryoga (M4) beat Takayasu (M2)
Kotoeiho (M1) beat Oshoma (M5)
Churanoumi (M3) beat Daieisho (K)
Hakunofuji (K) beat Roga (M5)
Fujinokawa (S) beat Atamifuji (S). November magic number for Atamifuji will be 13
Kirishima (O) beat Kotozakura (O). Last-gasp rank save for Kirishima
Onosato (Y) beat Aonishiki (O). ONOSATO YUSHO!!! The 6th career Emperor’s Cup for Onosato!
CHAMPION: Onosato (12-3)

TOURNAMENT CHAMPIONS:
Makuuchi-Onosato (Y)
Juryo-Kitanowaka (J6)
Makushita-Inami (Ms25)
Sandanme-Kobayashi (Sd37)
Jonidan-Amane (Jd19)
Jonokuchi-Joshoyu (Jk17)

SPECIAL PRIZES:
Outstanding Performance (winning record with most wins vs. Yokozuna & Ozeki)-None. Takayasu would have gotten this if he won
Fighting Spirit (best display of fighting spirit): Fujinokawa, Churanoumi. Toshinofuji & Asanoyama would have gotten this if they won
Technique (winning record with best display of technique/most winning techniques): None. Remember Aonishiki is not eligible because of being Ozeki or Yokozuna

In non-tournament news, Hochi Sports reports Yokozuna Hoshoryu, who sat out the tournament, will join the October tour at some point but remains status uncertain for November.

The next tournament is 11/8-11/22 at Fukuoka International Center in Fukuoka. All tickets are already sold out. The Banzuke will be announced on 10/26 Japan time. Initial post-tournament news/ranking updates and reaction should be available Wednesday.

UPDATE: Today was also the final day for the current Kimura Shonosuke, the chief referee. He will reach the mandatory retirement age of 65 next month so this was his lazy tournament after over 45 years in sumo. So there will be a new chief referee, presumably the 40th Kimura Shonosuke, in November.

Here are the quick results from today’s Day 14-the penultimate day-of the September 2026 Grand Sumo Tournament in Tokyo:
Key: M-Maegashira, K-Komusubi, S-Sekiwake, O-Ozeki, Y-Yokozuna, J-Juryo, Ms-Makushita

Makuuchi (top tier):
Asasuiryu (M15) beat Daiseizan (J2)
Toshinofuji (M16) beat Tobizaru (M14)
Oho (M10) beat Chiyoshoma (M14)
Kinbozan (M10) beat Shonannoumi (M17)
Asakoryu (M13) beat Ura (M9)
Shishi (M9) beat Abi (M13)
Wakamotoharu (M11) beat Takerufuji (M8)
Hiradoumi (M8) beat Tokihayate (M15)
Asahakuryu (M12) beat Fujiseiun (M7)
Gonoyama (M3) beat Shodai (M11)
Takayasu (M2) beat Churanoumi (M3)
Yoshinofuji (M2) beat Fujiryoga (M4)
Nishikifuji (M7) beat Kotoeiho (M10)
Ichiyamamoto (M6) beat Hakunofuji (K)
Daieisho (K) beat Oshoma (M5)
Roga (M5) beat Atamifuji (S)
Fujinokawa (S) beat Asanoyama (M6)
Aonishiki (O) beat Kirishima (O)
Kotozakura (O) beat Onosato (Y)
Leader: Onosato, Aonishiki (11-3)
Of note: It was Onosato’s to lose the last 3 days…and he lost it as Korozakura got to 9 wins with a chance to get to 10 tomorrow and Aonishiki beat Kirishima. Now it’s winner-take-all on the final day, and even worse it’s against Aonishiki. Winner is the champion, meaning a 6th Emperor’s Cup for Onosato or a second straight again for Aonishiki and back on Yokozuna Watch in November. Over the past year it’s 3-1 Onosato but Aonishiki won the laast meeting in July. Elsewhere, Aonishiki dropped Kirishima to 7-7 meaning Kirishima must win tomorrow just to protect his status. Atamifuji lost again to drop to 8-6 so for now his November magic number for Ozeki consideration without a championship is 13. If he wins tomorrow, 12. And how about Yoshinofuji? 0-5 to now promotion at 8-6. He may not earn a Special Prize for that but he deserves one.

Juryo:
Ikarigata (Ms4) beat Tochitaikai (J14)
Nabatame (J10) beat Meisei (J13)
Tokifudo (J13) beat Hatsuyama (J8)
Kitanowaka (J6) beat Kayo (J5)
Shirokuma (J6) beat Tamashoho (J12)
Sadanoumi (J5) beat Nishikigi (J13)
Arashifuji (J5) beat Hitoshi (J11)
Kazekeno (J4) beat Tohakuryu (J9)
Midorifuji (J7) beat Mitakeumi (J4)
Tamawahsi (J3) beat Kagayaki (J11)
Onokatsu (J3) beat Tanji (J10)
Tomokaze (J7) beat Kazuma (J2)
Dewanoryu (J1) beat Enho (J0)
Ryuden (J8) beat Kyokukaiyu (J1)
Leader: Kagayaki (11-3)
Of note: Kagayaki lost again but so did Kayo and now it’s complicated because Kitanowaka is back in it by beating Kayo as is Tamawashi. So here’s the scenario tomorrow-if Kagayaki beats Kitanowaka it’s all over and Kagayaki is the champion. If Kagayaki loses, there will be a 3-way playoff with Kagayaki, Kitanowaka and the Kayo-Tamawashi winner. Regardless what happens, 9 straight wins and 10 total now have me very confident about the Iron Man returning to the top tier 2 tournaments after demotion.
At the bottom…there’s no reason to save either Tochitaikai or Nishikigi if you ask me as both will be 5-10 or 6-9 at best. Nishikigi can get to 6-9 but Tochitaikai will be 5-10 or 4-11. But we’ll see as I only expect one Makushita promotion. This suggests a 4th straight save for Nishikigi…if he wins tomorrow…

Lower tier notes: Asahifuji won his final Makushita match so he will be promoted to Juryo with a 6-1 record at Ms1. I don’t expect any other promotions except maybe Inami, who won the championship at Ms25. In the Jonokuchi, Moriurara capped another 1-6 effort with a loss today and his only win today was a freebie as The Streak reaches 43. I should start a betting pool as to what happens first for him-300 career wins or 600 career losses? His career record now is 295-660-13 (win-loss-absent). At his current pace he’d need 5 tournaments to get to either mark and it would be a toss-up as to what happens first.

Reminder: NHK World Japan will have 90 minutes of LIVE top tier coverage FOR FREE tomorrow, including the final matches, Onosato-Aonishiki, awards ceremony and champion’s interview, tomorrow beginning at 12:30 AM PT/3:30 AM ET.

Here are the quick results from today’s Day 13-Chanpionship Day-of the September 2026 Grand Sumo Tournament in Tokyo:
Key: M-Maegashira, K-Komusubi, S-Sekiwake, O-Ozeki, Y-Yooozuna, J-Juryo, Ms-Makushita, Sd-Sandanme, Jd-Jonidan, Jk-Jonokuchi

First, a correction from a late update yesterday: I originally said Takayasu was a withdrawal today due to injury. It was Takanosho. Website translation was bad and I didn’t look close enough at the original kanji or article pictures. Apologies for the error.

Makuuchi (top tier):
Toshinofuji (M16) beat Abi (M13)
Tokihayate (M15) beat Asahakuryu (M12)
Shodai (M11) beat Shonannoumi (M17)
Oho (M10) beat Tobizaru (M14)
Shishi (M9) beat Chiyoshoma (M14)
Wakamotoharu (M11) beat Hiradoumi (M8)
Takerufuji (M8) beat Kinbozan (M10)
Asakoryu (M13) beat Nishikifuji (M7)
Ura (M9) beat Fujiseiun (M7)
Asasuiryu (M15) beat Ichiyamamoto (M6)
Yoshinofuji (M2) beat Oshoma (M5)
Takayasu (M2) beat Gonoyama (M3)
Kotoeiho (M1) beat Roga (M5)
Fujiryoga (M4) beat Daieisho (K)
Hakunofuji (K) beat Takanosho (M4) by default/withdrawal
Churanoumi (M3) beat Fujinokawa (S)
Asanoyama (M6) beat Atamifuji (S)
Aonishiki (O) beat Kotozakura (O)
Kirishima (O) beat Onosato (Y)
Leader: Onosato (11-2)
WITHDRAWAL: Takanosho (M4). Left knee/Achilles. Tournament over. Out 1 month. Hakunofuji got the fusen as a result.
Of note: It’s not over yet. Onosato still is in control but-and a big but-the door just further cracked open for Aonishiki to sneak in and go back-to-back again. And another dark horse is lurking too-Asanoyama, who is also 10-3, He has one championship before and a second would be a huge boost towards his goal of an Ozeki return. But Onosato can still win the championship tomorrow if Asanoyama (Fujinokawa) and Aonishiki (Kirishima) both lose AND Onosato wins (Kotozakura).
At the bottom, Toshinofuji clinched promotion today in his top tier debut. And how about Yoshinofuji? He started 0-5 and is now on the verge of promotion at 7-6. Atamifuji’s Ozeki bid is over for now but mathematically he will have another chance in November, right now the magic number is 13 or championship.

Juryo:
Hitoshi (J11) beat Nishikigi (J14)
Tanji (J10) beat Tokifudo (J13)
Nabatame (J10) beat Kagayaki (J11)
Tohakuryu (J9) beat Tamashoho (J8)
Enho (J9) beat Tochitaikai (J14)
Meisei (J13) beat Sadanoumi (J5)
Mitakeumi (J4) beat Kayo (J12)
Hatsuyama (J8) beat Kazekeno (J4)
Onokatsu (J3) beat Tomokaze (J7)
Tamawashi (J3) beat Ryuden (J8)
Arashifuji (J5) beat Kazuma (J2)
Kiranowaka (J6) beat Daiseizan (J2)
Kyokukaiyu (J1) beat Shirokuma (J6)
Dewanoryu (J1) beat Midorifuji (J7)
Leader: Kagayaki (11-2)
Of note: Both Kagayaki and Kayo lost so the title chase continues to tomorrow. It can end if Kagayaki wins and Kayo loses. Kayo first faces Kitanowaka and Kagayaki faces Tamawashi. Bad timing as the Iron Man now has won 8 straight and it seems like he is headed back to the top tier. I believe one more win makes it definite. A Kagayaki loss could also blow the title picture wide open.
Elsewhere, Dewanoryu finally got to 8 wins today and should be promoted to the top tier for the first time in November. Enho won to get to 7-6 and one win from promotion. At the bottom, Nishikigi is now in demotion talk at 5-8, Tochitaikai is 4-9, Tokifudo is also 5-8, so…who will get saved? Or not? And Meisei still isn’t safe although he got to 6-7 with bis win.

Makushita:
Inami (Ms25) beat Yumenofuji (Ms53). INAMI MAKUSHITA YUSHO!!! 2nd career championship, 1st Makushita. Will have a very slim chance-but still a chance-of promotion to Juryo.

Asahifuji goes for another 6-1 finish tomorrow before promotion to Juryo.

Sandanme:
Kobayashi (Sd37) beat Naya (Sd61). KOBAYASHI SANDANME YUSHO!!! 2nd career championship and 2nd Sandanme championship.

Jonidan:
Amane (Jd19) beat Suigafuji (Jd46). AMANE JONIDAN YUSHO!!! First career championship.

Jonokuchi:
Joshoyu (Jk17) beat Kakuho (Jd80). JOSHOYU JONOKUCHI YUSHO!!! First career championship in debut tournament. And maybe the first at any level for the former Takakeisho as a stablemaster (Minatogawa).

Elsewhere in Jonokuchi, Eisei lost his final match and finishes his debut at 4-3, which still should mean promotion to Jonidan. Moriurara tries to avoid 1-6 either on Day 14 or 15. Likely will be Day 15 based on schedules.

RETIREMENT: Yago (Sd22). The veteran called it a career today after his final match, finishing the tournament 3-4. He cited injury issues as the reason for retiring as he tried to make bis way back up the rankings. Yago, real name Takanori Yago from Oshiogawa Beya, finishes with a career record of 274-290-21 (win-loss-absent), 25-35 in the top tier (4 tournaments), 2 championships (1 Makushita, 1 Jonidan) and a highest rank of M10. He was an Ms15 debutant. He does not qualify for elder stock (only 24 tournaments in the top 2 tiers, need at least 30) but will remain involved in sumo as Nikkan Sports reports he will join the Chuo University Sumo Club as a coach.

Reminder: NHK World Japan will have 50 minutes of LIVE top tier coverage FOR FREE tomorrow at 1:10 AM PT/4:10 AM ET.

Here are the quick results from today’s Day 12 of the September 2026 Grand Sumo Tournament in Tokyo:
Key: M-Maegashira, K-Komusubi, S-Sekiwake, O-Ozeki, Y-Yokozuna, J-Juryo, Ms-Makushita

Makuuchi (top tier):
Kyokukaiyu (J1) beat Tobizaru (M14)
Abi (M13) beat Chiyoshoma (M14)
Asahakuryu (M12) beat Toshinofuji (M16!
Oho (M10) beat Shonannoumi (M17)
Ura (M9) beat Tokihayate (M15)
Asasuiryu (M15) beat Takerufuji (M8)
Asakoryu (M13) beat Hiradoumi (M8)
Fujiseiun (M7) beat Shodai (M10)
Nishikifuji (M7) beat Shishi (M9)
Wakamotoharu (M11) beat Ichiyamamoto (M6)
Asanoyama (M6) beat Churanoumi (M3)
Yoshinofuji (M2) beat Roga (M5)
Fujiryoga (M4) beat Kotoshoho (M1) by default/withdrawal
Kotoeiho (M1) beat Takanosho (M4)
Gonoyama (M3) beat Hakunofuji (K)
Takayasu (M2) beat Daieisho (K)
Kotozakura (O) beat Oshoma (M5)
Fujinokawa (S) beat Kirishima (O)
Aonishiki (O) beat Kinbozan (M10)
Onosato (Y) beat Atamifuji (S)
Leader: Onosato (11-1)
WITHDRAWAL: Kotoshoho (M1). Concussion. Tournament over. Was hospitalized but is expected to be discharged today. Occurred during yesterday’s loss after being KO’d by a head shot to the chin. Will be demoted with the equivalent of a 5-10 record. Fujiryoga got the fusen as a result.
Of note: It could be over tomorrow. Of Fujinokawa, Aonishiki and Asanoyama all lose AND Onosato beats Kirishima, Onosato is the champion. Onosato is two wins ahead of those three. Anyone at 8-4 including Atamifuji can only hope to force a playoff but they need Onosato to lose. Elsewhere, Kirishima has gone from Yokozuna Watxh to panic mode as he has fallen to 6-6 and now has to go 2-1 just to protect his Ozeki rank. Kotozakura got to 8 wins today so he can breathe a little easier there. Kotoshoho’s withdrawal and being done for the tournament is largely precautionary but hopefully he’ll be back for November. No more Juryo man each day due to that.

Juryo:
Nishikigi (J14) beat Ryuho (Ms4)
Nabatame (J10) beat Tochitaikai (J14)
Kayo (J12) beat Tanji (J10)
Tohakuryu (J9) beat Tokifudo (J13)
Meisei (J14) beat Hatsuyama (J8)
Kitanowaka (J6) beat Hitoshi (J11)
Arashifuji (J5) beat Tamashoho (J12)
Kazekeno (J4) beat Ryuden (J8)
Mitakeumi (J4) beat Tomokaze (J7)
Tamawashi (J3) beat Sadanoumi (J5)
Midorifuji (J7) beat Onokatsu (J6)
Kagayaki (J11) beat Daiseizan (J2)
Enho (J9) beat Kazuma (J2)
Shirokuma (J6) beat Dewanoryu (J1)
Leader: Kagayaki (11-1)
Of note: It’s Kagayaki’s first title to lose. It looks like only Kayo has any chance to catch him, and Kagayaki already beat Kayo so any rematch would only happen in a playoff. Now let’s talk bottom because those rumblings are here-Tochitaikai has clinched presumed demotion at 4-8 and Nishikigi is again hanging on at 5-7. Reputation could also be the saving factor for Meisei if he doesn’t win out, today got him to 5-7 but losing out could end his career if he gets demoted down (injuries have really derailed his career the last 2-3 years). The only Makushita man coming up for sure is Asahifuji (5-1 at Ms1) so it may depend on how many get demoted from the top tier and if it outweighs promotions. Tamashoho isn’t yet safe either at J12. As for Tamawashi, the Iton Man clinched promotion today and now has 7 straight wins after starting 1-4, so any more wins will improve his chances of a top tier return. Right now I think he needs at least one more, ideally 2. Enho won again to get back to even at 6-6, at J9 that will be enough to keep him in Juryo if he gets demoted and finishes 6-9.
Tomorrow sees Kagayaki face Nabatame while Kayo has Mitakeumi. Kagayaki can’t win the championship tomorrow but could be 2 up on Kayo afterwards with a chance to clinch on Day 14, which would mean Kayo could only force a playoff rematch No Makushita man up tomorrow but maybe on day 14 and there should be a couple up on the Final Day as there traditionally are.

Lower tier notes: No match tomorrow for Asahifuji so he could be held back for said Juryo match for the second time this tournament this weekend.

UPDATE: Nikkan Sports reports Takayasu has WITHDRAWN ahead of Day 13. Left knee (Achilles). Tournament over. Likely out several weeks. He was 5-7 coming in and if true, he is going to be demoted and it looks like equal to 5-10 in the end. Not yet announced by the Japan Sumo Association but if true, Gonoyama will get the fusen as a result.

UPDATE 2: Correction to update above-it was Takanosho, not Takayasu. Blame bad website translations. That meant Hakunofuji got the fusen.

Here are the quick results from today’s Day 11 of the September 2026 Grand Sumo Tournament in Tokyo:
Key: M-Maegashira, K-Komusubi, S-Sekiwake, O-Ozeki, Y-Yokozuna, J-Juryo, Ms-Makushita

Makuuchi (top tier):
Dewanoryu (J1) beat Chiyoshoma (M14)
Wakamotoharu (M11) beat Tobizaru (M14)
Asahakuryu (M12) beat Oho (M10)
Shishi (M9) beat Shonannoumi (M17)
Toshinofuji (M16) beat Ura (M9)
Hiradoumi (M8) beat Shodai (M11)
Takerufuji (M8) beat Abi (M13)
Nishikifuji (M7) beat Asasuiryu (M15)
Fujiseiun (M7) beat Tokihayate (M15)
Asakoryu (M13) beat Ichiyamamoto (M6)
Asanoyama (M6) beat Kinbozan (M10)
Fujiryoga (M4) beat Oshoma (M5)
Yoshinofuji (M2) beat Gonoyama (M3)
Churanoumi (M3) beat Kotoshoho (M1)
Daieisho (K) beat Kotoeiho (M1)
Takayasu (M2) beat Hakunofuji (K)
Kirishima (O) beat Atamifuji (K)
Aonishiki (O) beat Takanosho (M4)
Kotozakura (O) beat Roga (M5)
Onosato (Y) beat Fujinokawa (S)
Leader; Onosato (10-1)
Or note: It’s officially Onosato’s to lose, and the only one who may now have a chance at stopping the Yokozuna’s return to the top is Atamifuji tomorrow, although the Kinbozan-Aonishiki winner will still have a chance, albeit a potentially slim one. And Atamifuji must win to keep his first Ozeki bid alive-he’s already protected his Sekiwake rank, but to get to the unofficial magic number of 33 wins for promotion consideration, he must win out. Or somehow win the championship. But no matter what he’ll have another chance in November, although his chances this time were greatly hurt today by Kirishima beating him. Aonishiki protected his Ozeki rank today with an 8th win and, with a little help, can still rally to win another championship and if he does so at 12-3 it could put him back on Yokozuna Watch in November. At the bottom, Shonannoumi was finally sent to demotion today and probably will be returning to Juryo, perhaps to make room for Daiseizan’s return. Dewanoryu winning today puts him one win from promotion to the top tier for the first time. Kyokukaiyu will be the Juryo man up tomorrow, he is trying to rally to make it as he has won 3 straight to get to 5-6 after a 2-6 first half.

Juryo:
Asahifuji (Ms1) beat Meisei (J13)
Kayo (J12) beat Tamashoho (J12)
Hitoshi (J11) beat Kagayaki (J13)
Tanji (J10) beat Nishikigi (J14)
Enho (J9) beat Tokifudo (J13)
Tochitaikai (J14) beat Hatsuyama (J8)
Ryuden (J8) beat Nabatame (J10)
Tohakuryu (J9) beat Tomokaze (J7)
Kazekeno (J4) beat Shirokuma (J6)
Onokatsu (J3) beat Sadanoumi (J5)
Tamawashi (J7) beat Mitakeumi (J4)
Kazuma (J2) beat Midorifuji (J7)
Arashifuji (J5) beat Daiseizan (J2)
Kyokukaiyu (J1) beat Kitanowaka (J6)
Leader: Kagayaki (10-1)
Of note: I spoke to soon and…no 15-0. Kagayaki’s zensho yusho bid was ended by Hitoshi, but he still leads with only Kayo one win back. That was an important win for Hitoshi because it also means promotion. Tanji also secured promotion in his Juryo debut while Enho snapped his current skid with a win to get back to 5-6. At the bottom, it’s time to start reputation talk for NIshikigi & Tochitaikai as both are now 4-7 although Tochitaikai briefly staved off demotion with a win today, and with his win as the Makushita man it’s definitely official-Asahifuji will be promoted to Juryo in November, just without another championship as that run to open his career ends at 4 championships but not a 5th in 5 tournaments. Finally, that’s 6 for the Iron Man as Tamawashi has moved within reach of promotion, his latest winning run taking him to 7-4 after a 1-4 start. If he can get at least 2 more wins he’ll have a chance at a top tier return. Tomorrow Kagayaki goes for 11-1 against Daiseizan. Ryuho will be the Makushita man up tomorrow, he has clinched promotion at 4-2 at Ms4, a win over Nishikigi would give him at least a chance at Juryo consideration.

Lower tier notes: As noted above, the Makushita champion will not be Asahifuji because there are 2 left at 6-0 now, so the championship match will be Inami vs. Yumenofuji. The Sandanme championship is set and will be Kobayashi vs. Naya (one of Oho’s brothers). The Jonidan has 3 at 6-0 so there is a chance of a playoff, while the Jonokuchi has only Joshoyu at 6-0. Today’s results saw Eisei’s 4-match winning streak end against Hokuto, but Eisei should still be promoted to Jonidan in November, while Moriurara took a 5th straight loss against formerly winless Chiyoshinzan.

UPDATE: Kotoshoho has WITHDRAWN ahead of Day 12. Not sure why but possibly head as he was essentially boxing-like KO’d yesterdsay. He was 5-6 coming into today. Fujiryoga will get the fusen as a result.

Here are the quick results from today’s Day 9 of the September 2026 Grand Sumo Tournament in Tokyo:
Key: M-Maegashira, K-Komusubi, S-Sekiwake, O-Ozeki, Y-Yokozuna, J-Juryo, Ms-Makushita

Makuuchi (top tier):
Tokihayate (M15) beat Sadanoumi (J5)
Abi (M13) beat Shonannoumi (M17)
Tobizaru (M14) beat Shodai (M11)
Wakamotoharu (M11) beat Toshinofuji (M16!
Kinbozan (M10) beat Chiyoshoma (M14)
Hiradoumi (M8) beat Asasuiryu (M15)
Takerufuji (M8) beat Asakoryu (M13)
Nishikifuji (M7) beat Asahakuryu (M12)
Fujiseiun (M7) beat Oho (M10)
Shishi (M9) beat Ichiyamamoto (M6)
Oshoma (M5) beat Ura (M9)
Takanosho (M4) beat Asanoyama (M6)
Churanoumi (M3) beat Roga (M5)
Kotoshoho (M1) beat Gonoyama (M3)
Hakunofuji (K) beat Kotoeiho (M1)
Atamifuji (S) beat Takayasu (M2)
Fujinokawa (S) beat Kotozakura (O)
Daieisho (K) beat Kirishima (O)
Aonishiki (O) beat Yoshinofuji (M2)
Onosato (Y) beat Fujiryoga (M4)
Leader: Onosato (8-1)
Of note: As the only one with a winning record clinched so far, it’s looking a little more like Onosato’s to lose. The trailing pack is down to 4 at 7-2, with both Sekiwake and a pair of Kise men hanging in there. Elsewhere, the current Yokozuna bid is over for Kirishima, he is now 5-4 and 11-4 isn’t going to do it. At the bottom, Ichiyamamoto became the first demotion of the tournament at 1-8. Tomorrow Onosato faces Yoshinofuji. Arashifuji is the Juryo man up for the day as they keep working down the list, he is currently 4-5 at J5.

Juryo:
Tochitaikai (J14) beat Okaryu (Ms5)
Kagayaki (J11) beat Kayo (J12)
Nabatame (J10) beat Hitoshi (J11)
Tohakuryu (M9) beat Nishikigi (J14)
Tamashoho (J12) beat Hatsuyama (J8)
Ryuden (J8) beat Tokifudo (J13)
Tomokaze (J7) beat Meisei (J13)
Tanji (J10) beat Midorifuji (J7)
Shirokuma (J6) beat Enho (J9)
Tamawashi (J3) beat Kitanowaka (J6)
Kazuma (J2) beat Mitakeumi (J4)
Daiseizan (J2) beat Onokatsu (J3)
Kyokukaiyu (J1) beat Atamifuji (J5)
Dewanoryu (J1) beat Kazekeno (J4)
Leader: Kagayaki (9-0)
Of note: Kagayaki now has a 2 win lead after avoiding being Kayo’d today as Daiseizan makes it 3 in the 7-2 group along with Kitanowaka. And that’s 4 straight wins for Tamawashi as the Iron Man improved to 5-4 and is keeping bis top tier return bid alive. Enho lost again to fall to 4-5 and will try to hand Kagayaki his first loss tomorrow. No demotions yet but Hatsuyama & Sadanoumi could be first tomorrow. Nishinoryu is the Makushita man up tomorrow, he is 2-3 at Ms1.

Lower tier notes: Asahifuji has all but clinched promotion to Juryo in November by winning today to go to 4-1. With 3 left in Makushita at 5-0 he’s not out of the championship chase yet. The Sandanme is down to the final 4 at 5-0. The Jonidan has 7 at 4-0 while the Jonokuchi has just one at 5-0 while Eisei clinched promotion in his debut tournament with a 4th straight win today, meaning he’ll move up to Jonidan in November.

Here are the quick results from today’s Day 8-the Halfway Point-of the September 2026 Grand Sumo Tournament in Tokyo:
Key: M-Maegashira, K-Komusubi, S-Sekiwake, O-Ozeki, Y-Yokozuna, J-Juryo, Ms-Makushita

Makuuchi (top tier):
Toshinofuji (M16) beat Mitakeumi (J4)
Tokhayate (M15) beat Tobizaru (M14)
Asakoryu (M13) beat Chiyoshoma (M14)
Shonannoumi (M17) beat Asahakuryu (M12)
Abi (M13) beat Wakamotoharu (M11)
Shodai (M11) beat Asasuiryu (M15)
Kinbozan (M10) beat Fujiseiun (M7)
Oho (M10) beat NIshikifuji (M7)
Asanoyama (M6) beat Shishi (M9)
Ura (M9) beat Ichiyamamoto (M6)
Hiradoumi (M8) beat Roga (M5)
Takerufuji (M8) beat Oshoma (M5)
Fujiryoga (M4) beat Gonoyama (M3)
Yoshinofuji (M1) beat Kotoshoho (M1)
Atamifuji (S) beat Kotoeiho (M1)
Fujinokawa (S) beat Takayasu (M2)
Churanoumi (M3) beat Kirishima (O)
Aonishiki (O) beat Daieisho (K)
Hakunofuji (K) beat Kotozakura (O)
Onosato (Y) beat Takanosho (M4)
Leader: Onosato (7-1)
Of note: Ura definitely put on the match of the day as he worked his acrobatic magic once again, seemingly about to be pushed out by Ichiyamamoto but somehow staying in and pulling off a slick arm bar throw to pull victory away from defeat. That’s one reason why he’s such a fan favorite win or lose. At the top, it may be all but over now. Yes there are still 7 days left but Onosato is being the old Onosato so far and is now the sole leader after Kotozakura lost to Hakunofuji. The Yokozuna is now halfway to a potential 6th Emperor’s Cup. Elsewhere, Kirishima’s latest Yokozuna bid may have suffered a fatal blow today as 5-3 now means his only real hope is probably to win out AND the championship. Yoshinofuji seems to have shaken off his 0-5 start as he now has 3 straight wins, and those who were potentially in danger of demotion won again except for Ichiyamamoto, who is the only one at risk tomorrow. Tomorrow Onosato faces Fujiryoga for the first time while the massive 6-2 pack will thin out in part because of Fujinokawa-Kotozakura. Sadanoumi will be the Juryo man up tomorrow, and this is the closest he’s going to get to a return for now because he is 2-6 at J5.

Juryo:
Nishikigi (J14) beat Fujisodai (Ms5)
Tamashoho (J12) beat Meisei (J13)
Kagayaki (J11) beat Tokifudo (J13)
Enho (J9) beat Tanji (J10)
Tohakuryu (J9) beat Tochitaikai (J13)
Ryuden (J8) beat Kayo (J12)
Hitoshi (J11) beat Hatsuyama (J8)
Nabatame (J10) beat Midorifuji (J7)
Tomokaze (J7) beat Kitanowaka (J6)
Onokatsu (J3) beat Shirokuma (J6)
Tamawwashi (J3) beat Daiseizan (J2)
Kazuma (J2) beat Sadanoumi (J5)
Arashifuji (J5) beat Dewanoryu (J1)
Kazekeno (J4) beat Kyokukaiyu (J1)
Leader: Kagayaki (8-0)
Of note: The first promotion of the top 2 tiers goes to the only 8-0 left, following Ryuden Kayo’ing one perfect start and Kitanowaka getting tripped up by Tomokaze, leaving just Kagayaki at the top for now. But he has to avoid being Kayo’d tomorrow. He’s snapped a streak of 4 straight demotions and, if he were to win out, can get back to having a winning record for his career. And while he has a long way to go to catch Tamawashi, Kagayaki does have an impressive Iron Man streak going which is now at 1240 matches without ever missing a day. As for Tamawashi, the lead Iron Man got another win today to improve to 4-4, now with 3 straight wins and still a chance at a top tier return in November. It gets much tougher tomorrow with Kitanowaka. Enho also got to 4-4 with a win today, meaning he is all but safe in Juryo again even if demoted. Nobody can be demoted tomorrow as those at the bottom are 2-6, but it means Kyokukaiyu is all but going to miss out on top tier promotion again Okaryu is the Makushita man up tomorrow, trying to get back up to Juryo from Ms5 but it’s now a longshot as he is 2-2.

Lower tier notes: With Promotion Day now in the books, the Makushita has 6 left at 4-0, a small enough number to still give Asahifuji a championship chance at 6-1 as those 6 will get narrowed down to 3 tomorrow. He can clinch promotion to Juryo tomorrow by beating Ikarigata, also 3-1. In the Sandanme, 10 have clinched promotions and are atop the leaderboard at 4-0. The Jonidan currently has 12 at 4-0 while the Jonokuchi is down to 2 at 4-0, with Eisei looking for promotion tomorrow at 3-1 while a loss today leaves Moriurara at 1-3, seemingly destined to extend The Streak to 43.

UPDATE: The Shindeshi/new debutant ceremony was also held today on its traditional day. 4 new wrestlers will officially debut in November including top Musashigawa prospect Sunada, a Japanese-American from Hawaii, who it appears will have the shikona (ring name) Sunamusashi.

Here are the quick results from today’s Day 7 of the September 2026 Grand Sumo Tournament in Tokyo:
Key: M-Maegashira, K-Komusubi, S-Sekiwake, O-Ozeki, Y-Yokozuna, J-Juryo, Ms-Makushita

Makuuchi (top tier):
Shonannoumi (M17) beat Kazekeno (J4)
Asasuiryu (M15) beat Tokihayate (M15)
Chiyoshoma (M14) beat Tobizaru (M14)
Asakoryu (M13) beat Wakamotoharu (M11)
Kinbozan (M10) beat Abi (M13)
Oho (M10) beat Toshinofuji (M16)
Asahakuryu (M12) beat Shishi (M9)
Shodai (M11) beat Ura (M9)
Ichiyamamoto (M5) beat Nishikifuji (M7)
Fujiseiun (M7) beat Asanoyama (M6)
Oshoma (M5) beat Hiradoumi (M8)
Roga (M5) beat Takerufuji (M6)
Takayasu (M2) beat Takanosho (M4)
Yoshinofuji (M2) beat Kotoeiho (M1)
Kotoshoho (M1) beat Hakunofuji (K)
Fujinokawa (S) beat Daieisho (K)
Aonishiki (O) beat Atamifuji (S)
Kotozakura (O) beat Fujiryoga (M4)
Kirishima (O) beat Gonoyama (M3)
Onosato (Y) beat Churanoumi (M3)
Leader: Onosato, Kotozakura (6-1)
Of note: Did my pointing it out make a difference? Yesterday I noted the 3 who were 0-6 and a couple potentially in danger of demotion to Juryo. Today they all got their first win. At the top, the leaderboard briefly thinned out considerably as the 7-way tie for the lead is now just Onosato & Kotozakura. Aonishiki bounced back with a big win against Atamifuji, which hurts the Sekiwake’s Ozeki promotion hopes but he’s still alive, however he probably now needs to go 7-1 or 8-0 or win the championship. Kirishima is still in Yokozuna contention at 5-2 but probably needs to win out, and keep in mind the elders are pretty adamant about him needing another championship to be considered for promotion. Tomorrow will see Mitakeumi return as the Juryo man for the day, he is currently 3-4 at J4.

Juryo:
Meisei (J13) beat Tokifudo (J13)
Kayo (J12) beat NIshikigi (J14)
Hitoshi (J11) beat Ikarigata (Ms4)
Kagayaki (J11) beat Tochitaikai (J14)
Tamashoho (J12) beat Enho (J9)
Ryuden (J8) beat Tanji (J10)
Tomokaze (J7) beat Nabatame (J10)
Tohakuryu (J9) beat Midorifuji (J7)
Hatsuyama (J8) beat Shirokuma (J6)
Kitanowaka (J6) beat ONokatsu (J3)
Tamawashi (J3) beat Arashifuji (J5)
Daiseizan (J2) beat Kazuma (J2)
Mitakeumi (J4) beat Kyokukaiyu (J1)
Dewanoryu (J1) beat Sadanoumi (J5)
Leader: Kayo, Kagayaki, Kitanowaka (7-0)
Of note: No changes at the top as opponents keep getting Kayo’d, Kagayaki is somehow turning back time and Kitanowaka is keeping potential top tier return hopes alive. Daiseizan is keeping pace at 6-1 and is on track for a potential top tier return in November with 2 (ideally at least 3) more wins, while it looks like Kazuma won’t be back as he is now 1-6. Tamawashi added another win today after moving into 8th all-time yesterday, moving the Iron Man to 3-4. Fujisodai is the Makushita man up tomorrow, he is 1-3 at Ms4 so he needs a win to avoid demotion. Ikarigata missed out on promotion today but at 3-1 his Juryo hopes are still alive.

Lower tier notes: Today is the first half of what I call Promotion Day in the lower tiers, where the leaders will be 4-0 and clinch promotions for next time. In the Makushita, just 2 are 4-0 so far with 8 more up tomorrow, while Asahifuji is 3-1 and technically not out of championship contention. He’ll sit out tomorrow and be back on Day 9 or 10. In the Sandanme, 5 clinched promotions today at 4-0 with 10 more up tomorrow. In the Jonidan, 4 are at 4-0 with 16 more to try tomorrow, while in the Jonokuchi there is one at 4-0 with 2 more to try tomorrow. Also in Jonokuchi, Eisei picked up his 3rd win today to improve to 3-1 by beating Fukufukumaru while Moriurara tries for his 2nd win tomorrow.

Reminder: NHK World Japan will have 50 minutes of LIVE top tier coverage FOR FREE tomorrow beginning at 1:10 AM PT/4:10 AM ET. It will also be available on demand for a limited time on the network’s English-language website and also may be available on YouTube for a limited time as well.

Here are the quick results from today’s Day 6 of the September 2026 Grand Sumo Tournament in Tokyo:
Key: M-Maegashira, K-Komusubi, S-Sekiwake, O-Ozeki, Y-Yokozuna, J-Juryo, Ms-Makushita

Makuuchi (top tier):
Tokihayate (J15) beat Shonannoumi (M17)
Tobizaru (M14) beat Onokatsu (J3)
Toshinofuji (M16) beat Chiyoshoma (M14)
Abi (M13) beat Asasuiryu (M15)
Wakamotoharu (M11) beat Oho (M10)
Kinbozan (M10) beat Asakoryu (M13)
Ura (M9) beat Asahakuryu (M12)
Shishi (M9) beat Shodai (M11)
Asanoyama (M6) beat Hiradoumi (M8)
Takerufuji (M6) beat Ichiyamamoto (M6)
Nishikifuji (M7) beat Roga (M5)
Fujiseiun (M7) beat Oshoma (M5)
Churanoumi (M3) beat Fujiryoga (M4)
Kotoeiho (M1) beat Takayasu (M2)
Daieisho (K) beat Hakunofuji (K)
Atamifuji (S) beat Kotoshoho (M1)
Kotozakura (O) beat Takanosho (M4)
Yoshinofuji (M2) beat Kirishima (O)
Fujinokawa (S) beat Aonishiki (O)
Onosato (Y) beat Gonoyama (M3)
Leader: 7 at 5-1
Of note: The leaderboard notably includes only one Ozeki now-Kotozakura is keeping pace at 5-1 but Kirishima was upset by Yoshinofuji, who got his first win today, and Aonishiki has fallen to 3-3, admittedly he may not be 100% still but after a good start this is a little concerning. Onosato also remains in the lead pack at 5-1, a good sign for the beleagured Yokozuna, while many fans are surely happy to see Ura in contention again. Atamifuji is now almost halfway to potential Ozeki promotion in the 5-1 group. At the bottom, it looks like Shonannoumi’s top tier return will be brief as he is now 0-6 and it’s time to wonder if Shodai is headed for the same fate as he is also 0-6.
Onosato faces Churanoumi tomorrow, who is also 5-1, Kotozakura has Fujiryoga, Atamifuji gets Aonishiki with the rest of the co-leaders farther down. Kazekeno will be the Juryo man up tomorrow, he is currently 4-2 at J4.

Juryo:
Tamashoho (J12) beat Ryuho (Ms4)
Kagayaki (J11) beat Nishikigi (J14)
Hitoshi (J11) beat Tochitaikai (J14)
Nabatame (J10) beat Tokifudo (J13)
Tanji (J10) beat Meisei (J13)
Kayo (J12) beat Tohakuryu (J9)
Midorifuji (J7) beat Hatsuyama (J8)
Enho (J9) beat Tomokaze (J7)
Kitanowaka ((J6) beat Shirokuma (J6)
Arashifuji (J5) beat Ryuden (J8)
Mitakeumi (J4) beat Kazekeno (J4)
Sadanoumi (J5) beat Daiseizan (J2)
Tamawashi (J3) beat Dewanoryu (J1)
Kyokukaiyu (J1) beat Kazuma (J2)
Leader: Kitanowaka, Kagayaki, Kayo (6-0)
Of note: As expected, Nabatame returned today after being out yesterday due to mumps (or, more technically, an inner ear issue) and won to even his record at 3-3. His stablemaster Futagoyama indicated this was only a one-day thing so Nabatame should be fine going forward. Enho also won today to stop his losing streak and get back to even at 3-3. And that’s finally #908 for Tamawashi today, moving the Iron Man into #8 on the all-time career wins list. It’s a Special K leaderboard now with Kitanowaka, Kagayaki and Kayo all 6-0, at J6 Kitanowaka could have a chance at a top tier return if he wins the championship. That would be nice for Hakkaku as the Chairman hasn’t had a top tier wrestler since Hokutofuji retired (he’s now Oyama oyakata). Ikarigata is the Makushita man up tomorrow. He is at Ms4 and 3-0 so a win would mean promotion and a chance to reach Juryo in November if he can get a couple more wins. He will face Hitosbi.

Lower tier notes: Asahifuji returned to Makushita today and won to improve to 2-1, but with 13 in Makushita left at 3-0 it’s now very unlikely he extends his career-opening championship streak to 5, but not impossible. The Sandanme has 20 at 3-0 including Kiryuko, who saw his recent comeback halted last time by demotion due to an injury withdrawal. The Jonidan has 24 at 3-0 while the Jonokuchi has 4 at 3-0. Tomorrow is the first half of what I call Promotion Day, when the leaders will improve to 4-0 and clinch winning records and thus promotions for the next tournament.

Also, if they are not already available, advance tickets (or what’s left of them) for the November Tournament at Fukuoka International Center in Fukuoka go on sale today.

UPDATE: Major news from Nikkan Sports after today’s matches-Nishikifuji will have heart surgery after the tournament. He is currently being treated for atrial fibrillation (Afib) and is expected to be hospitalized for 4 days. He stated it started earlier this year around the time stablemate Midorifuji was diagnosed with heart failure. Nishikifuji also revealed he has chronic neck disease too, but since he is not single he intends to continue his career. Had he been single he would have retired already. When/if that day does come, he does qualify for elder stock so he may be able to stay on as a coach.

UPDATE 2: Took less than 3 hours and all remaining November tickets are now already sold out.

Here are the quick results from today’s Day 5 of the September 2026 Grand Sumo Tournament in Tokyo:
Key: M-Maegashira, K-Komusubi, S-Sekiwake, O-Ozeki, Y-Yokozuna, J-Juryo, Ms-Makushita

Makuuchi (top tier):
Toshinofuji (M16) beat Shonannoumi (M17)
Chiyoshoma (M14) beat Tamawashi (J3)
Tobizaru (M14) beat Asasuiryu (M15)
Tokihayate (M15) beat Asakoryu (M13)
Abi (M13) beat Shodai (M11)
Asahakuryu (M12) beat Kinbozan (M10)
Shishi (M9) beat Oho (M10)
Ura (M9) beat Wakamotoharu (M11)
Hiradoumi (M8) beat Ichiyamamoto (M6)
Asanoyama (M6) beat Takerufuji (M8)
Oshoma (M5) beat Nishikifuji (M7)
Roga (M5) beat Fujiseiun (M7)
Fujiryoga (M4) beat Kotoeiho (M1)
Kotoshoho (M1) beat Takayasu (M2)
Fujinokawa (S) beat Hakunofuji (K)
Atamifuji (S) beat Daieisho (K)
Kirishima (O) beat Takanosho (M4)
Gonoyama (M3) beat Aonishiki (O)
Churanoumi (M3) beat Kotozakura (O)
Onosato (Y) beat Yoshinofuji (M2)
Leader: 9 at 4-1
Of note: Not the top tier return the Iron Man hoped for as Tamawashi was beaten by Chiyoshoma, keeping him one win from moving into sole possession of 8th on the all-time wins list and dropping him to 1-4. Elsewhere, it was finally O Yes for Onosato as he managed to beat Yoshinofuji for the first time and, with Kotozakura losing (and thus no 15-0 champion), join a 9-way tie at 4-1 for the lead. Aonishiki now has a rare losing streak and is 3-2 but not time to panic yet. Onokatsu will be the Juryo man up tomorrow as he looks to return to the top tier in November and is currently 3-2.

Juryo:
Nishikigi (J14) beat Tochitaikai (J14)
Kayo (J12) beat Tochikodai (Ms3)
Tokifudo (J13) beat Tamashoho (J12)
Kagayaki (J11) beat Meisei (J13)
Tanji (J10) beat Nabatame (J10) by default/withdrawal
Hitoshi (J11) beat Tohakuryu (J9)
Ryuden (J8) beat Enho (J9)
Hatsuyama (J8) beat Tokihayate (J7)
Kitanowaka (J6) beat Midorifuji (J7)
Shirokuma (J6) beat Arashifuji (J5)
Kazekeno (J4) beat Sadanoumi (J5)
Daiseizan (J2) beat Mitakeumi (J4)
Onokatsu (J3) beat Kyokukaiyu (J1)
Dewanoryu (J1) beat Kazuma (J2)
Leader: 4 at 5-0
WITHDRAWAL: Nabatame (J10). Mumps. Will return tomorrow. Nothing to worry about. He will be 2-3 with today’s absence. Tanji got the fusen as a result.
Of note: If Nishikigi gets spared demotion for a 4th straight time after this tournament if he finishes 7-8 or 6-9, today may be why. Same for a Tochitaikai demotion, but that’s all 10 days out. Enho took another loss today to fall to 2-3 while among the co-leaders is Daiseizan, not past halfway to a potential top tier return, and a surprise start by Kagayaki who is also 5-0. Ryuho will be the Makushita man up tomorrow, he is currently 2-1 at Ms4.

Lower tier notes: Asahifuji came back from only his second career loss and a 2-day break today with a win to improve to 2-1, leaving him 2 wins from promotion in Makushita. His next match should come on Day 7 or 8. Currently there are 5 at 3-0. Down in the Jonokuchi, Eisei picked up his second career win at the expense of Moriurara, now 1-2 and halfway to a 43rd straight demotion/losing record.