Tag: grand sumo

Nikkan Sports reports a sumo story that will have some major implications for wrestlers-MIchinoku Beya (stable/room), currently boasting Ozeki and Yokozuna candidate Kirishima, will be closing in April and will cease to exist after roughly 50 years. The closing is because the current stablemaster Michinoku (former Ozeki Kirishima, not the current one) turns 65 on April 2, which means per Japan Sumo Association rules he must retire (65 is the mandatory retirement age in sumo), and there is no successor to inherit the stable. The current Kirishima will at least temporarily transfer to Otowoyama Beya, the new stable run by former Yokozuna Kakuryu, who left Michinoku last year to form his own stable, but later on he and perhaps other MIchinoku wrestlers could transfer to Tokitsukaze Beya, but those plans will be determined after the March tournament. Michinoku currently has 8 wrestlers, with Kirishima the only one ranked above the Sandanme division, and also one Yobidashi (staff/usher/announcer) for Makushita division.
Tokitsukaze, for those who may go there, currently has 17 rikishi with the highest ranked being Shodai at Maegashira 10 (formerly Ozeki) and Tokihayate at Juryo 1. The current stablemaster is 38 and reached a highest rank of Maegashira 1.
Otowayama stable, run by Kakuryu, currently has 3 rikishi, one in the Sandanme and a second in Jonokuchi. A third rikishi is either unranked or has yet to make his pro debut.
Said transfers will not happen until after the March Tournament.

This will also affect the Association’s corporate ranks as Michinoku, real name Kazumi Yoshinaga, is a director. It also could open up elder stock, allowing an eligible retired rikishi to remain in the Association as an Oyakata, starting out as an usher and working up the ranks to coach and maybe eventually a stablemaster, also serving as a judge during tournaments.

It’s that exciting time of the even-numbered month again: The Japan Sumo Association has announced the Banzuke (rankings) for the March 2024 Grand Sumo Tournament in Osaka. Here’s the full rankings for the top 2 tiers and other notes (it should be cautioned that the rankings were actually determined shortly after the January tournament so they do not take into account recent events such as Hokuseiho’s forced retirement last week, the Banzuke is not announced to the public and wrestlers until 2 weeks before the next tournament-only promotions from Makushita, the 3rd highest division, to Juryo, the second highest, are announced early as well as Ozeki promotions):

Continue reading “Sumo-March 2024 Banzuke Announced (Updated)”

Nikkan Sports reports on another troubling case of bullying/violence in sumo by more experienced rikishi towards younger and lower ranked subordinates…this is especially troubling as it involves Miyagino stable, now owned and operated by former Yokozuna Haluho, the greatest Yokozuna of all time. Specifically it involves his highest ranked wrestler Hokuseiho, who at 6’10” is maybe the tallest wrestler in all of sumo. Apparently Hokuseiho not only bullied and was physically violent towards subordinates, but also stole money from them.

Here’s what I’ve been able to figure out punishment-wise from translation, from the Compliance Committee of the Japan Sumo Association: Miyagino/Hakuho has been given a 2-level demotion in ranking among senior stablemasters/oyakata, which is a severe penalty that is just short of the only worse sanctions-dismissal and then forced retirement. Hokuseiho has been reportedly suspended since after the January tournament according to reliable YouTube reporter “Chris Sumo”, and at an extraordinary board meeting on Friday it probably will be recommended that Hokuseiho be forced to retire, meaning if true his career is over. Possibly also disciplined to a lesser extent, or at least mentioned in this, is the current Magaki Oyakata, the former wrestler Ishiura who was forced to retire this past year due to injury.

If this is the end for Hokuseiho, the 22-year-old from Hokkaido will be done after just short of 4 years with a career record of 134-72-44, 41-40-9 in 6 top tier tournaments, and a 2-4-9 (win-loss-absent) record in his final tournament in January, cut short due to injury. He withdrew after his second win on Day 5. His career highest rank was Maegashira 6, he was at Maegaahira 8 in January. He will mot be eligible for elder stock, a retirement ceremony at Ryoogku Kokugikan or other benefits (as well as staying on as a coach/oyakata) because he only had 2 years total in the top 2 tiers-you need 5 years (30 total tournaments) at Makuuchi or Juryo. Hokuseiho only appeared in 23 total tournaments.

More as it becomes available. The original article (in Japanese) is below:
https://www.nikkansports.com/battle/sumo/news/202402210001519.html

UPDATE: Hokuseiho will retire. Nikkan Sports reports he gave notice ahead of tomorrow’s meeting to determine discipline. He was the highest ranked wrestler in the stable.

UPDATE 2: Miyagino/Hakuho will also lose his stablemaster role for a while. For the March Tournament and into April, an interim stablemaster from Isegahama stable will be appointed and the stable and association will assume oversight of Miyagino stable. As far as stablemaster rankings go the demotion puts him at the bottom pf the seniority list.

Now that the January 2024 Grand Sumo Tournament is in the books and the post-tournament rankings & extraordinary council meeting have been held, here is the final wrap-up for the tournament:

Continue reading “Sumo-January 2024 Tournament Final Standings & Rankings Notes”

As expected, the Japan Sumo Association has just announced that, following an extraordinary meeting today (1/31 Japan time), Kotonowaka has been promoted to Ozeki following a 13-2 January tournament that saw the Sekiwake lose in a playoff for the championship to Yokozuna Terunofuji but win the Technique Prize. Kotonowaka had 33 wins in his last 3 tournaments, considered an unofficial benchmark for promotion consideration. He is expected to also change his shikona, or ring name, to Kotozakura, the ring name of his Yokozuna grandfather. This will make 4 Ozeki, the second highest tanking in sumo, for the March tournament in Osaka.

UPDATE: In other news, some other promotions were also confirmed. There will be no Shin-Juryo rikishi in March 2024 but 4 will be Sai-Juryo and return to the second tier (and get their salary back): Former Sekiwake and newly crowned Makushita Champion Wakatakakage (as expected), Tsushimanada, Kitaharima and Hakuoho. Kiraharima was last in Juryo in September 2020, and the 37-year-old undoubtedly hopes to get one more chance in the top tier before his career is over. He made it in July 2016, coming in at Maegashira 15 for one tournament but demoted after going 6-9/ Tsushimanada returns to Juryo for the first time since July (his highest career rank is J9), while Hakuoko is back up after one tournament demoted from Juryo after missing 2 tournaments due to injury following an 11-4 top tier debut in July. Expect him back in Makuuchi in no time, probably in July if all goes well.

Here are the quick results from today’s Day 15-the Final Day-of the January 2024 Grand Sumo Tournament in Tokyo (top tier only because Juryo was decided yesterday):
Key: M-Maegashira, K-Komusubi, S-Sekiwake, O-Ozeki, Y-Yokozuna, J-Juryo, Ms-Makushita, Sd-Sandanme, Jd-Jonidan, Jk-Jonokuchi

Makuuchi (top tier):
Takarafuji (M16) beat Kotoshoho (M14)
Oho (M11) beat Tomokaze (M15)
Tsurugisho (M11) beat BUshozan (M16)
Onosho (M14) beat Sadanoumi (M10)
Onosato (M15) beat Tamawashi (M10)
Meisei (M9) beat Shimazuumi (M17)
Mitakeumi (M9) beat Endo (M13)
Myogiryu (M12) beat Ichiyamamoto (M7)
Churanoumi (M13) beat Shodai (M4)
Takanosho (M12) beat Gonoyama (M3)
Hiradoumi (M8) beat Abi (M2)
Kinbozan (M6) beat Midorifuji (M2)
Shonannoumi (M6) beat Atamifuji (M1)
Wakamotoharu (M1) beat Nishikigi (M5)
Ura (K) beat Ryuden (M5)
Daieisho (S) beat Asanoyama (M7)
Kotonowaka (S) beat Tobizaru (M4)
Terunofuji (Y) beat Kirishima (O). PLAYOFF!!!
Playoff: Terunofuji beat Kotonowaka. TERUNOFUJI YUSHO!!!
CHAMPION: Terunofuji (Y). 9th career Emperor’s Cup
SPECIAL PRIZES:
Outstanding Performance (winning record with most wins against Yokozuna & Ozeki by a Sekiwake or lower rank): Wakamotoharu
Fighting Spirit (lower ranked wrestler with winning record judged to have shown best fighting spirit): Onosato (Shimazuumi missed out on this due to his loss)
Technique (Sekiwake or lower with winning record judged to have shown best technique or most different techniques used): Kotonowaka
Of note: RARE KIMARITE ALERT! Once again Ura showed off his impressive wrestler background and wowed the fans with an incredible rare technique in victory-tsutaezori, an under arm forward body drop. Elsewhere, at the top this continues quite the trend for Terunofuji since promotion to Yokozuna-he either wins the championship or doesn’t finish the tournament. He undoubtedly was helped by the Hoshoryu withdrawal yesterday (Day 14). Had the Ozeki not pulled out, Kotonowaka would have faced him and not Tobizaru today. Terunofuji beat Kotonowaka a couple days ago and has never lost in their series to date.
Yokozuna Watch: Not going to happen this time for Kirishima. He lost his last 2 and losing to Terunofuji sealed the deal. He has never beaten Terunofuji, now 0-11 career, and will have to try again in March, his last chance before his stabemaster, the current Michinoku, must retire in April (Michinoku will turn 65, the mandatory retirement age in sumo).
Ozeki Watch: Despite the playoff loss, it sounds like Kotonowaka is going to be promoted. An extraordinary meeting will be held in the next couple days so in 2-3 days he may be promoted and will then change his shikona, or ring name, to that of his grandfather, former Yokozuna Kotozakura. Looking ahead to March, Daieisho as usual will have a chance at promotion as he maintained his Sekiwake rank, but he’s going to have to win the championship unless he goes 15-0 and somehow winds up in a playoff. And the numbers game will work against him with potentially 4 Ozeki ahead of him although Takakeisho will be in kadoban status in March due to having to withdraw early this time (injury). With both Komusubi demoted and the pending promotion of Kotonowaka, Wakamotoharu could return to Sekiwake after one tournament.

Jonidan:
Playoff: Aonishiki (Jd10) beat Chiyotaiko (Jd74). AONISHIKI JONIDAN YUSHO!!! 2nd career championship, first Jonidan, in 2 tournaments for the rookie from Ukraine.

TOURNAMENT CHAMPIONS:
Makuuchi: Terunofuji (Y). 9th Emperor’s Cup
Juryo: Takerufuji (J10). 3rd career, 1st Juryo
Makushita: Wakatakakage (Ms1). 4th career, 2nd Makushita
Sandanme: Fujiseiun.(Sd26). 3rd career, 2nd Sandanme
Jonidan: Aonishiki (Jd10). 2nd career, 1st Jonidan
Jonokuchi: Anhibiki (Jk15). 1st career in debut tournament
That’s 2 championships this time for both Isegahama and Ajigawa Beya.

The next tournament is March 10-24 at Osaka Prefectural Gym in Osaka. Advance tickets will go on sale on 2/10. The Banzuke will be announced on 2/28. The final wrap-up post will come later this week after we get official word on Kotonowaka potentially being promoted.

Here are the quick results from today’s Day 14-the penultimate day-of the January 2024 Grand Sumo Tournament in Tokyo:
Key: M-Maegashira, K-Komusubi, S-Sekiwake, O-Ozeki, Y-Yokozuna, J-Juryo, Ms-Makushita

Makuuchi (top tier):
Endo (M13) beat Roga (J3)
Takanosho (M12) beat Bushozan (M16)
Tsurugisho (M11) beat Shimazuumi (M17)
Oho (M11) beat Takarafuji (M16)
Onosato (M15) beat Sadanoumi (M10)
Kotoshoho (M14) beat Mitakeumi (M9)
Onosho (M14) beat Meisei (M9)
Tomokaze (M14) beat Ichiyamamoto (M7)
Churanoumi (M13) beat Shonannoumi (M6)
Nishikigi (M5) beat Tamawashi (M10)
Hiradoumi (M8) beat Tobizaru (M4)
Gonoyama (M3) beat Myogiryu (M12)
Midorifuji (M2) beat Ryuden (M5)
Abi (M2) beat Wakamotoharu (M1)
Asanoyama (M7) beat Atamifuji (M1)
Ura (K) beat Shodai (M4)
Daieisho (S) beat Kinbozan (M6)
Kotonowaka (S) beat Kirishima (O)
Terunofuji (Y) beat Hoshoryu (O) by default/withdrawal
Leader: Terunofuji, Kotonowaka (12-2)
WITHDRAWAL: Hoshoryu (O). Ankle. Likely out for the final day. Will finish the equivalent of 10-5 it that is the case so he will maintain his Ozeki status but it cost him a chance at the championship.
Of note: There’s still a playoff chance but either we’ll have a repeat winner or a first-timer. Terunofuji may have been gifted another Emperor’s Cup today because of the Hoshoryu withdrawal but he still has to beat Kirishima tomorrow. Kotonowaka has easier for his potential first championship but not that easy-Tobizaru. The Flying Monkey is going for promotion and, along with Ura, is one of the most unpredictable rikishi in the top tier. If Kotonowaka does win, he either wins his first championship or will have a playoff rematch against Terunofuji. If Kotonowaka loses, Terunofuji is the champion if he beats Kisishima, but if Kirishima wins there would be a 3-way playoff. Elsewhere, that’s 7 straight wins for Abi, who has gone from a 1-6 start to promotion. Onosato has stopped his 4-match losing streak since an 8-1 start with 2 straight wins now, and with 10 wins he’s going to have a chance to win one of the Special Prizes.
Finally, I think we can say with confidence that it’s over for Takaraduji. 5-9 at M16 is going to send him to Juryo for the first time since 2012. If he wins his finale (Kotoshoho, who is now 9-5) it would take Isegahama really flexing his clout to keep his veteran in the top tier, and he’s had that kind of influence in the rankings lately. Maybe too much. A loss and demotion is definite.
Yokozuna Watch: Kotonowaka all but slammed the door shut on Kirishima but there still is hope. If Kirishima beats Terunofuji and Kotonowaka loses to Tobizaru, there will be a 3-way playoff for the championship. That gives Kirishima a good chance, he’ll almost definitely be promoted if he wins while a playoff loss still gives him hope because 12 wins would be equal to the championship. If he finishes 2nd with 12 wins to 13 for Kotonowaka, there’s still a possibility because when Terunofuji was promoted, he was runner-up with 14 wins after a final day loss to Hakuho for the legend’s final championship before retirement after a perfect 15-0 finale.
Ozeki Watch: Promotion is now Kotonowaka’s to lose. If he wins tomorrow, that’s 33 wins and potentially his first championship so it would be pretty much definite. If he is the champion, promotion will happen. If he loses, that’s 32 wins but it’s not mandatory to hit 33 wins so he will have a chance. If no promotion this time, he’s looking at a magic number of 10 wins in March.

Juryo:
Kitaharima (Ms2) beat Akua (J11)
Takerufuji (J10) beat Chiyosakae (J14). TAKERUFUJI JURYO YUSHO!!! The latest Isegahama super-prospect wins his first Juryo Championship and 3rd career championship. In 8 tournaments he has a career mark of 55-8. Depending on his final day result, he’ll probably go up to J1 or J2, with an outside chance of reaching the top tier.
Shimanoumi (J8) beat Tochimusashi (J14)
Yuma (J13) beat Shiden (J8)
Hidenoumi (J11) beat Kagayaki (J7)
Shitokuma (J6) beat Tenshoho (J12)
Oshoumi (J13) beat Chiyoshoma (J5)
Daishoho (J9) beat Tamashoho (J4)
Kotoeko (J4) beat Chiyomaru (J12)
Kitanowaka (J3) beat Hakuyozan (J10)
Oshoma (J5) beat Nishikifuji (J2)
Tokihayate (J6) beat Tohakuryu (J2)
Asakoryu (J7) beat Daiamami (J1)
Shishi (J7) beat Miroryu (J1)
CHAMPION: Takerufuji (12-2)
Of note: The deal was sealed early. Although both Kitanowaka & Tokihayate win, Takerufuji closed the door and maintained his 2-win lead to end the championship race. At 13-2 or 12-3 when it ends he’s going to have at least a chance at reaching the top tier depending on what happens elsewhere. With Daiamami & Mitoryu both at 7-7 and having to win for promotion tomorrow, Takerufuji probably needs both to lose to reach Makuuchi. If one of both win, I’ll slot him at J1 in March. At the bottom, I think we’re now looking at a minimum of 4 demotions to Makushita-Yuma, Tochimusashi (again), Chiyosakae all for sure and one or both of Tenshoho & Chiyomaru. Kotoeko is in danger but at the equivalent of 3-11 at J4 (missed 3 days due to flu) I think he’s managed enough wins to hang on to salary for March, If he gets a 4th win tomorrow, he’s safe.
As far as Makushita, right now we’re looking at one definite promotion-Wakatakakage, the former Sekiwake who at Ms1 won the championship at 7-0 and will get his salary back, and 2 probable promotions-Kitaharima clinched promotion today at Ms2 and the numbers game is working in his favor, and Hakuoho, who went 6-1 at Ms5 in his return from shoulder surgery and has the rocket fully fired up for a quick return to the top tier, possibly by July. Tsushimanada, who is 4-2 at Ms2 with promotion already clinched, will also have a chance at a Juryo return, and if he wins it should be definite.

Reminder: NHK World Japan will have 90 minutes of LIVE top tier coverage, including the championship matches, playoffs if necessary, Emperor’s Cup award ceremony and champion’s interview, beginning tonight at 11:30 PM PT/2:30 AM ET.

Here are the quick results from today’s Day 13 (Lower Tier Championship Day) of the January 2024 Grand Sumo Tournament in Tokyo:
Key: M-Margashira, K-Komusubi, S-Sekiwake, O-Ozeki, Y-Yokozuna, J-Juryo, Ms-Makushita, Sd-Sandanme, Jd-Jonidan, Jk-Jobokuchi

Makuuchi (Top tier):
Tohakuryu (H2) beat Takarafuji (M16)
Onosato (M15) beat Takanosho (M12)
Sadanoumi (M10) beat Tomokaze (M15)
Tamawashi (M10) beat Churanoumi (M13)
Meisei (M9) beat Kotoshoho (M14)
Shimazuumi (M17) beat Mitakeumi (M9)
Oho (M11) beat Hiradoumi (M8)
Shonannoumi (M6) beat Bushozan (M16)
Endo (M13) beat Ryuden (M10)
Tsurugisho (M11) beat Shodai (M4)
Asanoyama (M7) beat Gonoyama (M3)
Abi (M2) beat Ichiyamamoto (M7)
Midorifuji (M2) beat Myogiryu (M12)
Atamifuji (M1) beat Kinbozan (M6)
Wakamotoharu (M1) beat Onosho (M14)
Ura (K) beat Tobizaru (M4)
Nishikigi (M5) beat Daieisho (S)
Kirishima (O) beat Hoshoryu (O)
Terunofuji (Y) beat Kotonowaka (S)
Leader: Terunofuji, Kotonowaka, Kirishima (11-2)
Of note: RARE KIMARITE ALERT!!! Kirishima beat Hosboryu with a very rare technique called nimaigeri, or ankle kicking twist down. Along the lines of other things that haven’t happened in a long time, the end of a long top-tier tenure, and maybe a career, is potentially near for Takarafuji. He hasn’t been demoted from the top tier in over 12 years but at 5-8 now at M16, that streak is all but over. Another loss and he will definitely be demoted to Juryo for the first time since 2012. Tomokaze will also be demoted along with Aoiyama (absent for the most part) and possibly Endo if he loses out to finish 4-11 at M13. I also would not be surprised if Kinbozan decides to withdraw instead of trying to salvage promotion on his injured right knee, he is 6-7 and clearly affected by the injury..
Yokozuna Watch: Kirishima got the opening he needed with Terunofuji winning. Now if he can beat Kotonowaka tomorrow he can all but clinch promotion. If he wins his last 2 matches he should also get it because that would mean either a second straight championship or, at worst, a playoff.
Ozeki Watch: Kotonowaka still has a chance. He probably needs to win his last 2 matches to guarantee it or, at a minimum, beat Kirishima tomorrow. If he is not promoted this time, he’s looking at probably needing 10-11 wins in March for another chance.

Reminder: NHK World Japan will have 50 minutes of LIVE top tier coverage FOR FREE tomorrow beginning at 12:10 AM PT/3:10 AM ET. The network is available online and on mobile/tablet/smart TV apps and is free to download/watch with no restrictions and no payments/accounts needed

Juryo:
Hakuoho (Ms5) beat Chiyomaru (J12)
Takerufuji (J10) beat Tenshoho (J12)
Hidenoumi (J11) beat Daishoho (J9)
Oshoumi (J13) beat Asakoryu (J9)
Hakuyozan (J10) beat Shiden (J8)
Shishi (J7) beat Akua (J8)
Chiyoshoma (J5) beat Tochimusashi (J14)
Chiyosakae (J14) beat Kotoeko (J4)
Tamashoho (J4) beat Yuma (J13)
Kitanowaka (J3) beat Tokihayate (J6)
Oshoma (J5) beat Roga (J3)
Nishikifuji (J2) beat Shirokuma (J6)
Kagayaki (J7) beat Mitoryu (J1)
Daiamami (J1) beat Shimanoumi (J8)
Leader: Takerufuji (11-2)
Of note: And just like that Takerufuji is back on the cusp of the championship. If he beats Chiyosakae tomorrow, which would demote Chiyosakae to Makushita. Takerufuji is the champion. If not, it will have to wait until the Final Day because the Hakuyozan-Kitanowaka winner would be 10-4 and can still force a playoff. There is a chance of a 3-way or 4-way playoff too depending on results and final day matches.
Hakuoho was the Makushita man of the day in Juryo and will finish 6-1 with today’s win. That should be enough to see him return to Juryo from Ms5 but it also will depend on the numbers game-working in his favor is that Wakatakakage is likely the only other promotion coming from Makushita (from Ms1) and there will be at least 2 demotions from Juryo (Tochimusashi & Yuma, there could be as many as 4 more depending on the last 2 days’ outcomes).

Makushita:
Wakatakakage (Ms1) beat Haruyama (Ms41). WAKATAKAKAGE MAKUSHITA YUSHO!!! The former Sekiwake wins his 4th career championship, 2nd Makushita, and will be promoted back to Juryo in March.

Sandanme:
Fujiseiun (Sd26) beat Takashoki (Sd44). FUJISEIUN SANDANME YUSHO!!! The former Juryo man wins his 3rd career championship, 2nd Sandanme, and will be promoted back to Makushita in March. (He was last in Juryo on July when he was absent for the first of 3 straight tournaments)

Jonidan:
Chiyotaiko (Jd74) beat Hokuomaru (Jd58)
Aonishiki (Jd10) beat Mogamizakura (Jd16). PLAYOFF!!! With Chiyotaiko winning earlier, that means the Aonishiki-Mogamizakura match was to determine who would be the second half of a playoff for the championship. That match should happen on the Final Day and will be Chiyotaiko vs. Aonishiki, both 7-0.

Jonokuchi:
Anhibiki (Jk15) beat Asashorei (Jd92). ANHIBIKI JOBOKUCHI YUSHO!!! He wins his debut tournament for his first career championship. This match was in the Jonidan.

UPDATE: Hoshoryu has WITHDRAWN. Knee. Terunofuji gets a free win tomorrow and will remain at least a co-leader going into the Final Day. Status for Final Day uncertain but it unfortunately takes Hoshoryu out of the championship race. He does have 10 wins already so his Ozeki ranking is safe going into March.

Here are the quick results from today’s Day 12 of the January 2024 Grand Sumo Tournament in Tokyo:
Key: M-Maegashira, K-Kokusubi, S-Sekiwake, O-Ozeki, Y-Yokozuna, J-Juryo

Makiuchi (top tier):
Shimazuumi (M17) beat Churanoumi (M13)
Oho (M11) beat Bushozan (M16)
Sadanoumi (M10) beat Takarafuji (M16)
Tomokaze (M15) beat Mitakeumi (M9)
Myogiryu (M12) beat Meisei (M9)
Hiradoumi (M8) beat Endo (M13)
Tsurugisho (M11) beat Kinbozan (M6)
Tobizaru (M4) beat Ichiyamamoto (M7)
Shonannoumi (M6) beat Shodai (M4)
Abi (M2) beat Midorifuji (M2)
Kotoshoho (M14) beat Wakamotoharu (M1)
Nishikigi (M5) beat Atamifuji (M1)
Ura (K) beat Gonoyama (M3)
Kotonowaka (S) beat Onosho (M14)
Daieisho (S) beat Ryuden (M5)
Hoshoryu (O) beat Takanosho (M12)
Kirishima (O) beat Tamawashi (M10)
Terubofuji (Y) beat Onosato (M15)

Leader: Kotonowaka (11-1)
RE-ENTRY: Asanoyama (M7). Will return tomorrow. Missed 4 days after Day 9 withdrawal (ankle). It cost him a chance at the championship as he was 7-1 at the time but he can still earn promotion with at least one more win (he will be the equivalent of 7-5). At worst, I think 7-8 (7-5-3 officially) would keep him at M7 in March.
Yokozuna Watch: Kirishima keeps winning and staying close but it will probably depend on tomorrow when Terunofuji faces Kotonowaka. Kirishima needs Terunofuji to win and he also has to beat Hoshoryu. Not out of it if Kotonowaka wins but it will be a much tougher task although if Kitishima can force a playoff and finish 13-2 that may be enough, even if he loses. If Hoshoryu wins out and takes the championship, he’ll be on the radar for May although the Yokozuna Deliberation Council isn’t exactly smitten with him (he is the nephew of former Yokozuna Asashoryu, who was not exactly a model Yokozuna behavior-wise). (Kirishima leads Hoshoryu 3-2 over the past year but one win was a fusen when Hosboryu was a withdrawal).
Ozeki Watch: It won’t put him at the unofficial 33 wins but if Kotonowaka beats Tetunofuji tomorrow, I believe that’s promotion. 2 of 3 more wins or all 3 should do it for sure. Terunofuji won their last meeting in May 2023.

Juryo:
Oshoumi (J13) beat Daishoho (J9)
Shiden (J8) beat Chiyosakae (J14)
Takerufuji (J10) beat Kagayaki (J7)
Shishi (J7) beat Tenshoho (J12)
Akua (J11) beat Chiyoshoma (J5)
Hidenoumi (J11) beat Oshoma (J5)
Tochimusashi (J14) beat Tamashoho (J4)
Kotoeko (J4) beat Yuma (J13)
Hakuyozan (J10) beat Roga (J3)
Asakoryu (J9) beat Kitanowaka (J3)
Nishikifuji (J2) beat Chiyomaru (J12)
Tohakuryu (J2) beat Shimanoumi (J8)
Daiamami (J1) beat Shirokuma (J6)
Motoryu (J1) beat Tokihayate (J6)
Leader: Takerufuji (10-2)

Here are the quick results from today’s Day 11 of the January 2024 Grand Sumo Tournament in Tokyo:
Key: M-Maegashira, K-Komusubi, S-Sekiwake, O-Ozeki, Y-Yokozuna, J-Juryo, Ma-Makushita

Makiuchi (top tier):
Takanosho (M12) beat Kotoshoho (M14)
Tsurugisho (M11) beat Churanoumi (M13)
Shimazuumi (M17) beat Sadanoumi (M10)
Meisei (M9) beat Endo (M13)
Hiradoumi (M8) beat Bushozan (M16)
Ichiyamamoto (M7) beat Takarafuji (M16)
Tomokaze (M15) beat Shonannoumi (M6)
Kinbozan (M6) beat Myogiryu (M12)
Mitakeumi (M9) beat Nishikigi (M5)
Gonoyama (M3) beat Ryuden (M5)
Tobizaru (M4) beat Midorifuji (M2)
Atamifuji (M1) beat Shodai (M4)
Wakamotoharu (M1) beat Tamawashi (M10)
Abi (M2) beat Ura (K)
Kotonowaka (S) beat Oho (M11)
Kirishima (O) beat Daieisho (S)
Hoshoryu (O) beat Onosato (M15)
Terunofuji (Y) beat Onosho (M14)
Leader: Kotonowaka (10-1)
Of note: It’s likely down to Sanyaku for the championship with a Sekiwake leading then the Yokiozuna & 2 Ozeki one back. Onosho & Onosato are now both in a group 2 back after losses today, which includes Wakamotoharu after he clinched promotion and a return to Sanyaku in March. Also, Asanoyama has now missed enough time with injury that despite starting 7-1 he is now out of title contention even if he returns. Tomorrow might be the last kinboxhi chance this time for anyone when Terunofuji faces Onosato, as I expect all of Sanyaku to face each other based on the standings as we go into the final 3 days. As for Hoshoryu, who is also right there at 9-2, he has Takanosho tomorrow.
Yokozuna Watch: Kirishima hasn’t faced any Sanyaku yet except Daieisho so that’s probably coming after tomorrow. That will decide potential promotion but he still is very much in it. He has Tamawashi tomorrow.
Ozeki Watch: Kotonowaka continues to control his fate but he’s getting closer, now just needing to hold on for his first championship or get 3 more wins. Next up is Onosho.

Juryo:
Tenshoho (J12) beat Chiyonoumi (Ms4)
Daishoho (J9) beat Tochimusashi (J14)
Chiyosakae (J14) beat Asakoryu (J9)
Oshoumi (J13) beat Shiden (J7)
Shimanoumi (J8) beat Yuma (J13)
Chiyomaru (J12) beat Shishi (J7)
Oshoma (J5) beat Akua (J11)
Hakuyozan (J10) beat Tamashoho (J4)
Kitanowaka (J3) beat Takerufuji (J10)
Roga (J3) beat Chiyoshoma (J5)
Togakuryu (J2) beat Hidenoumi (J11)
Kagayaki (J7) beat Nishikifuji (J2)
Mitoryu (J1) beat Shirokuma (J6)
Tokihayate (J6) beat Daiamami (J1)
Leader: Roga, Tokihayate, Takerufuji (9-2)
RE-ENTRY: Kotoeko (J4). Will return tomorrow. Missed the last 3 days after withdrawal on Day 9 (flu). Any wins he can get now should prevent potential demotion to Makushita as he is the equivalent of 1-10.
Of note: Out of gas? That’s 2 straight losses and lead lost for Takerufuji after a 9-0 start in his Juryo debut, and it’s now a 3-way tie for the lead. With his 9th win, Roga will probably return to the top tier in March for a second chance after demotion in his first try (if he wins at least one more match he will definitely go back up). On the flip side, Tochimusashi will be demoted back to Makushita after an 8th loss today along with Yuma. He won’t avoid the 3:10 to demotion this time unless he wins out to get to 7-8.

Lower tier notes: It will be Wakatakakage vs. Haruyama for the Makushita Championship with both emerging from today at 6-0. Haruyama beat Tanji (a Sandanme man) then Wakatakakge beat Dewanoryu. Wakatakakage will be going for his 4th championship and second in Makushita before he returns to Juryo in March while Haruyama will be going for his second championship. At 5-1 at Ms5, Hakuoho will also have a chance to return to Juryo in March (a 6th win should make it certain). In the Sandanme, it will be Fujiseiun vs. Takashoki for the championship, with Fujiseiun going for his 3rd championship (second in Sandanme) and Takashoki going for his first career title. The Jonidan may need a playoff as 3 remain tied at 6-0, while in the Jonokuchi Anhibiki (6-0) will be the champion is he wins his final match.