Tag: grand sumo

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

Makuuchi (top tier):
Nishikigi (J1) beat Shishi (M17)
Kusano (M14) beat Hidenoumi (M15)
Kayo (M16) beat Fujinokawa (M14)
Churanoumi (M13) beat Kotoeiho (M17)
Kotoshoho (M15) beat Shodai (M13)
Takanosho (M11) beat Mitakeumi (M16)
Midorifuji (M12) beat Tokihayate (M11)
Roga (M10) beat Asakoryu (M12)
Ichiyamamoto (M8) beat Atamifuji (M10)
Tobizaru (M7) beat Chiyoshoma (M9)
Ura (M9) beat Takerufuji (M6)
Hiradoumi (M5) beat Gonoyama (M6)
Meisei (M5) beat Sadanoumi (M8)
Tamawashi (M4) beat Abi (M2)
Aonishiki (M1) beat Oho (M2)
Takayasu (K) beat Wakamotoharu (M1)
Kirishima (S) beat Onokatsu (M3)
Wakatakakage (S) beat Kinbozan (M3)
Oshoma (K) beat Kotozakura (O)
Hakuoho (M4) beat Onosato (Y). KINBOSHI!!! The first career Gold Star Victory for Hakuoho!
Leader: Kirishima, Tamawashi, Ichiyamamoto, Kusano (7-1)
Of note: The 6 co-leaders were trimmed down to 4 today after Onosato & Mitakeumi lost. And I thought Kotozakura had a good matchup against Oshoma today…oops. And while no promotions yet the first demotions were clinched today as Hidenoumi returned after being our 3 days and unfortunately had to face Kusano, which didn’t go well, and Chiyoshoma is also now 0-8 after a loss. Today was the second Kinboshi Onosato has given up this tournament as a new Yokozuna, but his pattern so far has been 3 wins, Kinboshi, 3 wins, Kinboshi. So no panic yet as he should win another 3 in a row now and he’s still only one off the lead. Tomorrow he faces Takayasu, who has been serving as sword-bearer for Onosato’s ring-entering ceremonies. For obvious reasons that won’t be the case tomorrow. Ichiyamamoto gets the honor instead.
Can’t declare Ozeki Watch yet and haven’t but if Kirishima keeps this up, he has a chance at re-promotion. He needs to win his last 7 to get to the unofficial “magic number” of 33 wins over the last 3 tournaments in Sanyaku for promotion chances, but if he can get 13 or maybe 12 a championship could do it as well.

Juryo:
Kitanowaka (Ms3) beat Shimanoumi (J12)
Hatsuyama (J13) beat Shiden (J11)
Nishikifuji (J9) beat Miyanokaze (J14)
Tsurugisho (J9) beat Otsuji (J12)
Fujiseiun (J8) beat Daiamami (J13)
Kotokuzan (J14) beat Kagayaki (J7)
Mita (J11) beat Takarafuji (J7)
Kazekeno (J8) beat Hakuyozan (J5)
Oshoumi (J3) beat Shirokuma (J4)
Tochitaikai (J4) beat Tamashoho (J3)
Daiseizan (J6) beat Shonannoumi (J2)
Tomokaze (J2) beat Tohakuryu (M5)
Ryuden (J1) beat Hitoshi (J6)
Leader: Daiseizan, Nishikifuji (7-1)
Of note: No promotions yet although the co-leaders are about there, but the first demotion will be Shirokuma who fell to 0-8. Otsuji seems to be headed back to Makushita as he is now 1-7 in his Juryo return and must win out to maintain his ranking. Same for Shimanoumi whose latest slow start in Juryo may be his last as he is also 1-7. That win over Shimanoumi also clinched promotion for Kitanowaka so any more wins he can get in Makushita will increase his chances of a Juryo return.

Lower tier notes: Unfortunately Enho has WITHDRAWN ahead of Day 9. Left leg. Nikkan Sports reports it was injured in his Day 7 match. Status uncertain but if he misses Days 11-12 or doesn’t return that’s another demotion and means he won’t make it back to Juryo this year.
With Promotion Day now finished, the Makushita has 7 left at 4-0, with two-Asahakuryu & Kamito-with chances for Juryo promotion. Kamito probably needs to win the championship to be promoted while Asahakuryu probably needs at least one more win. The Sandanme has 10 left at 4-0. The Jonidan has 12 tied for the lead at 4-0 while the Jonokuchi has 4 at 4-0.

UPDATE: Nikkan Sports provided an update on Enho-avulsion fracture in left leg. Tournament over. Status uncertain beyond this. Will be demoted in September due to having equal yo a 2-5 record this time.

Here are the quick results from today’s Day 7-Promotion Day-of the July 2025 Grand Sumo Tournament in Nagoya (and apologies for not posting the results the last several days, it’s not possible during the week now due to work schedule conflicts and not having cell phone/internet access at my new job):
Key: M-Maegashira, K-Komusubi, S-Sekiwake, O-Ozeki, Y-Yokozuna, J-Juryo, Ms-Makushita

Makuuchi (top tier):
Fujinokawa (M14) beat Mitakeumi (M16)
Kusano (M14) beat Kotoeiho (M17)
Shodai (M13) beat Shishi (M17)
Midorifuji (M12) beat Kayo (M17)
Kotoshoho (M15) beat Tokihayate (M11)
Roga (M10) beat Churanoumi (M13)
Atamifuji (M10) beat Asakoryu (M12)
Takanosho (M11) beat Chiyoshoma (M9)
Sadanoumi (M8) beat Tobizaru (M7)
Gonoyama (M6) beat Ura (M9)
Ichiyamamoto (M8) beat Takerufuji (M6)
Hiradoumi (M5) beat Meisei (M5)
Onokatsu (M3) beat Oho (M2)
Abi (M2) beat Wakamotoharu (M1)
Aonishiki (M1) beat Oshoma (K)
Tamawashi (M4) beat Wakatakakage (S)
Kirishima (S) beat Takayasu (K)
Kotozakura (O) beat Hakuoho (M4)
Onosato (Y) beat Kinbozan (M3)
Leader: 6 at 6-1
WITHDRAWALS: Day 5-Hoshoryu (Y), Hidenoumi (M16). Hoshoryu-toe. Out 4 weeks. Tournament over. He wanted to push through it but stablemaster Tatsunami talked him out of it. Aggravated the injury in a loss earlier this week to Aonishiki, one of 3 straight Kinboshi-granting losses. That is BAD. That means since promotion he has gone 5 days & withdrawal (5-5-5), 12-3 and runner-up including handing champion Onosato his only loss in May, 5 days & withdrawal (1-4-10). This tournament also includes an absolutely embarrassing blown call by the chief referee when Hoshoryu was decvalred the winner when he had clearly been forced out of the ring first.
Hidenoumi-right calf. Will return tomorrow. Will be the equivalent of 0-7 so he must win out to avoid likely demotion to Juryo.
Also of note: Daieisho is officially out for the entire tournament. His iron man career streak (excluding 2 coronavirus protocol-related absences) ended when he missed the first day.
Of note today-wise: The last unbeaten fell as Mitakeumi’s surprise unbeaten start was ended by Fujinokawa, who since an 0-2 start in his top tier debut now has won 5 straight. Also quite an early match when Kayo got Kayo’d trying to pull a HENKA! on Midorifuji but it was perfectly read and caught and the MUCH SMALLER Midorifuji quickly bulldozed Kayo out to 0-7, one more loss sends him back to Juryo with demotion. That being said, seeing a 400-pound-plus wrestler try to pull that off is still incredible. They are much more agile than you’d think. Watch for a potential Takerufuji withdrawal as he injured his right arm/bicep in a Day 6 win and it clearly is affecting him now. If he can’t finish the tournament, his top tier position is almost certainly safe as he currently is 4-3. The leaderboard includes Onosato among the 6 co-leaders plus rookie Kusano and, proving age does mean nothing, Iron Man Tamawashi. And hopefully Kotozakura is back on track too, after another shaky 1-2 start the lone Ozeki has now won 4 straight and a badly slumping Oshoma tomorrow could make it 5 and keep him one off the pace.

Juryo:
Daiamami (J13) beat Otsuji (J12)
Mita (J11) beat Miyanokaze (J14)
Kotokuzan (J14) beat Tsurugisho (J9)
Nishikifuji (J9) beat Hatsuyama (J13)
Takarafuji (J7) beat Shimanoumi (J12)
Shiden (J11) beat Kaayaki (J7)
Daiseizan (J6) beat Kazekwno (J8)
Hitoshi (J6) beat Fujiseiun (J8)
Oshoumi (J3) beat Hakuyozan (J5)
Tamashoho (J3) beat Tomokaze (J2)
Shonannoumi (J2) beat Tochitaikai (J4)
Tohakuryu (J5) beat Ryuden (J1)
Nishikigi (J1) beat Shirokuma (J4)
Leader: Shonannoumi, Daiseizan, Nishikifuji (6-1)
WITHDRAWAL: Day 5-Mitoryu (J10). Hemorrhoids. Out 1 week. Expected back for the last few days. Will be demoted regardless because he was 0-5 at the time of withdrawal. Also, Nabatame has had ACL surgery per stablemaster Futagoyama. Out 8 months so his 2025 is over. Expected to be demoted to the Sandanme.

Lower tier notes:
Today is the first half of Promotion Day, where those leading the divisions usually finish the days with 4 wins and thus clinch promotions for the next tournament. So far in the Makushita 7 have reached that mark to share the lead, this means co-leader Asahakuryu at Ms3 will have a chance at Juryo promotion in September. He does need one more to make it certain. Asanoyama? 2-2 after a loss today so he must win at least 2 of his last 3 to return to Juryo next time. Enho is also 2-2 and can’t be promoted up next time. In the Sandanme, 3 are currently 4-0 with nearly 20 more trying to earn promotion tomorrow. The Jonidan has 8 at 4-0 with 3 more going for that tomorrow, while the Jonokuchi has one at 4-0 with 4 more trying for promotion tomorrow.

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

Here are the quick results from today’s Day 2 of the July 2025 Grand Sumo Tournament in Nagoya:
Key: M-Maegashira, K-Komusubi, S-Sekiwake, O-Ozeki, Y-Yokozuna, J-Juryo, Ms-Makushita

Makuuchi (top tier):
Kotoeiho (M17) beat Kayo (M16)
Kotoshoho (M15) beat Shishi (M17)
Mitakeumi (M16) beat Hidenoumi (M15)
Kusano (M14) beat Churanoumi (M13)
Shodai (M13) beat Fujinokawa (M14)
Midorifuji (M12) beat Takanosho (M11)
Asakoryu (M11) beat Tokihayate (M12)
Ura (M9) beat Atamifuji (M10)
Roga (M10) beat Chiyoshoma (M9)
Ichiyamamoto (M8) beat Tobizaru (M7)
Gonoyama (M6) beat Sadanoumi (M8)
Takerufuji (M6) beat Hiradoumi (M5)
Tamawashi (M4) beat Meisei (M5)
Hakuoho (M4) beat Oshoma (K)
Takayasu (K) beat Kinbozan (M3)
Kirishima (S) beat Abi (M2)
Wakatakakage (S) beat Onokatsu (M3)
Kotozakura (O) beat Oho (M2)
Wakamotoharu (M1) beat Hoshoryu (Y). KINBOSHI!!! The 2nd career Gold Star Victory for Wakamotoharu!
Onosato (Y) beat Aonishiki (M1)

Juryo:
Kotokuzan (J14) beat Asanoyama (Ms1)
Miyanokaze (J14) beat Daiamami (J13)
Hatsuyama (J13) beat Shimanoumi (J12)
Mita (J11) beat Otsuji (J12)
Shiden (J11) beat Nishikifuji (J9)
Tsurugisho (J9) beat Mitoryu (J10)
Kazekeno (J8) beat Kagayaki (J7)
Fujiseiun (J8) beat Takarafuji (J7)
Hitoshi (J6) beat Tohakuryu (J5)
Daiseizan (J6) beat Hakuyozan (J5)
Oshoumi (J3) beat Tochitaikai (J4)
Tamashoho (J3) beat Shirokuma (J2)
Shonannoumi (J2) beat NIshikigi (J1)
Ryuden (J1) beat Tomokaze (J2)

Here are the quick results from today’s Day 1-Opening Day-of the July 2025 Grand Sumo Tournament in Nagoya, being held for the first time at the brand new IG Arena (Aichi International Arena) which is replacing the now-closed Aichi Prefectural Gym:
Key: M-Maegashira, K-Komusubi, S-Sekiwake, O-Ozeki, Y-Yokozuna, J-Juryo, Ms-Makushita

Makuuchi (top tier):
Shishi (M17) beat Kotoeiho (M17)
Mitakeumi (M16) beat Kayo (M16)
Kotoshoho (M15) beat Hidenoumi (M15)
Kusano (M14) beat Fujinokawa (M14)
Shodai (M13) beat Churanoumi (M13)
Midorifuji (M12) beat Asakoryu (M12)
Takanosho (M11) beat Tokihayate (M11)
Roga (M10) beat Atamifuji (M10)
Ura (M9) beat Chiyoshoma (M9)
Ichiyamamoto (M8) beat Sadanoumi (M8)
Gonoyama (M6) beat Tobizaru (M7)
Takerufuji (M6) beat Meisei (M5)
Tamawashi (M4) beat Hiradoumi (M5)
Kinbozan (M3) beat Hakuoho (M4)
Abi (M2) beat ONokatsu (M3)
Wakatakakage (S) beat Oho (M2)
Kirishima (S) beat Wakamotoharu (M1)
Aonishiki (M1) beat Kotozakura (O)
Onosato (Y) beat Oshoma (K)
Hoshoryu (Y) beat Takayasu (K)
WITHDRAWALS (Pre-Tournament): Daieisho (S), Endo (M7). Daieisho-torn calf. Will miss the entire tournament. This is the first time, excluding 2 coronavirus-related days missed, he’s had to withdraw in his entire career,which spans 13 1/2 years. If those 2 absent days were expunged, his consecutive match streak to begin his career ends at 1071 and his top tier consecutive match streak ends at 803. It’s also expected he will lose his title as, excluding Yokozuna, the longest-tenured wrestler ranked at or above M4 since achieving that rank. He hasn’t been below that rank since January 2019. Also means his latest and maybe final career Ozeki bid is over as he is into his 30s. Endo-knee surgery. Will also miss the entire tournament and possibly is done for the year, but may be back in November. That could see him demoted to Makushita for the first time since May 2013-his second career tournament (he debuted at Ms10). That may also explain the concerns about his conditions post-match in the last 2 tournaments where he has clearly been affected by something.
Of note: The first tournament with 2 Yokozuna since 2021 started as expected, with both Onosato & Hoshoryu winning easily. Tomorrow Onosato must defend against his first kinboshi opportunity as a Yokozuna, and it’s not going to be easy as it’s against Aonishiki, who gets his first career chance at a Gold Star Victory. Hoshoryu is in a likewise situation but his opponent is Wakamotoharu.

Juryo:
Miyanokaze (J14) beat Kyokukaiyu (Ms1)
Kotokuzan (J14) beat Daiamami (J13)
Hatsuyama (J13) beat Otsuji (J12)
Mita (J11) beat Shimanoumi (J12)
Shiden (J11) beat Mitoryu (J10)
Nishikifuji (J9) beat Tsurugisho (J9)
Fujiseiun (J8) beat Kazekeno (J8)
Kagayaki (J7) beat Takaraduji (J7)
Hitoshi (J6) beat Daiseizan (J6)
Tohakuryu (J5) beat Hakuyozan (J5)
Tochitaikai (J4) beat Shirokuma (J4)
Tamashoho (J3) beat Oshoumi (J3)
Tomokaze (J2) beat Shonannoumi (J2)
Ryuden (J1) beat Nishikigi (J1)
WITHDRAWAL (Pre-Tournament): Nabatame (J10). Left knee. Status uncertain, YouTube English news source Chris Sumo says out at least the first 2 days, however in a YouTube video his stablemaster Futagoyama noted he will have surgery. When that does happen he will be out at least 4 tournaments. That would mean 6-9 months. If he doesn’t compete this time he will be demoted from Juryo and the expectation is that absence will see him demoted to the Sandanme.

Lower-tier notes: Congratulations to Jonokuchi wrestler Tosoumi, real name Sosuke Imakawa, who in his career debut became the answer to a future trivia question by becoming the first rikishi to win a match in the new IG Arena during a tournament (Jonokuchi matches are always the first of each day). Elsewhere, Asanoyama won his first Makushita match at Ms1 so he is 3 wins from promotion back to Juryo, but Enho lost his first match which all but ends his Juryo return chances for September as he probably had to go 7-0 and win the championship.

It’s the end of an even month which means that wonderful time for sumo fans is here once again-the Japan Sumo Association has released the official Banzuke (rankings) for the July 2025 Grand Sumo Tournamernt. Here are the full rankings for the top 2 tiers and other notes:

Makuuchi (top tier):
Yokozuna-Hoshoryu, Onosato (May Tournament Champion)
Ozeki-Kotozakura
Sekiwake-Daieisho, Kirishima, Wakatakakage
Komusubi-Oshoma, Takayasu
Maegashira 1-Aonishiki, Wakatakakage
Maegashira 2-Oho, Abi
Maegashira 3-Onokatsu, Kinbozan
Maegashira 4-Hakuoho, Tamawashi
Maegashira 5-Hiradoumi, Meisei
Maegashira 6-Takerufuji, Gonoyama
Maegashira 7-Tobizaru, Endo
Maegashira 8-Sadanoumi, Ichiyamamoto
Maegashira 9-Ura, Chiyoshoma
Maegashira 10-Atamifuji, Roga
Maegashira 11-Takanosho, Tokihayate
Maegashira 12-Midorifuji, Asakoryu
Maegashira 13-Churanoumi, Shodai
Maegashira 14-Kusano (May Juryo Champion), Fujinokawa
Maegashira 15-Kotoshoho, Hidenoumi
Maegashira 16-Kayo, Mitakeumi
Maegashira 17-Kotoeiho, Shishi
Notes: First up, there is a kaimei rikishi in the top tier as Wakaikari, who was to make his top tier debut this tournament, has a new shikona (ring name change) and is now Fujinokawa. That aside, this is the first time in a number of years there are 2 Yokozuna at the top following Onosato’s promotion after the May Tournament, thus only one Ozeki in Kotozakura and now 3 Sekiwake again. May’s mostly-demoted top half means a big top half and Sanyaku shakeup that sees Oshoma up to Komusubi for the first time and Takayasu staying in Sanyaku despite what should have been a 6-9 demotion (but the top 5 Maegashira ranks were all demoted on both sides) as well along with Wakatakakage returning to Sekiwake. Aonishiki is on the verge of joining them as his second straight Fighting Spirit Prize in May helps him leap up to M1. The other demotions helped keep Iron Man Tamawashi’s demotion to just one rank from May as he’ll keep his streak going as it’s now at over 1700 for his career and his current top tier run is at just over 12 years. After winning his second straight Juryo championship, Kusano debuts on the lower end of where I thought he would in the top tier, starting at M14-I had him potentially being as high as M12. Kotoeiho, the real-life brother of Kotoshoho, makes his top tier debut and Shishi just hangs on to his spot while Mitakeumi also returns to the top tier after one tournament. (One more late Tamawashi note-he’ll tie Terao and move up another spot on the consecutive top tier appearance rankings as long as he competes on Day 1 and will move up another spot if he makes it to Day 4)

Juryo:
Juryo 1-Nishikigi, Ryuden
Juryo 2-Shonannoumi, Tomokaze
Juryo 3-Oshoumi, Tamashoho
Juryo 4-Tochitaikai, Shirokuma
Juryo 5-Tohakuryu, Hakuyozan
Juryo 6-Hitoshi, Daiseizan
Juryo 7-Kagayaki, Takarafuji
Juryo 8-Kazekeno, Fujiseiun
Juryo 9-Nishikifuji, Tsurugisho
Juryo 10-Mitoryu, Nabatame
Juryo 11-Shiden, Mita
Juryo 12-Shimanoumi, Otsuji (May Makushita Champion)
Juryo 13-Hatsuyama, Daiamami
Juryo 14-Kotokuzan, Miyanokaze
Notes: The top 2 ranks are all top tier demotions as Nishikigi’s 7-year top tier run ends after another collapse following a strong start and Ryuden is back down after one tournament back up. Shonannoumi has dealt with potential injury issues while Tamashoho couldn’t replicate relative Tamawashi’s top tier success in his first try. Takarafuji keeps plugging along after I thought he might retire but since he didn’t get the Isegahama stablemaster position (it went to Terunofuji who is now Isegahama, the former Isegahama is now Miyagino as he gets another 5 years elder stock as a former Yokozuna to replace the now-departed Hakuho) so I’m thinking he’ll try and hang on until January when ex-Terunofuji may leave to start his own stable. Mita clinched promotion in May before an injury cost him the last couple days and left his status uncertain while Miyanokaze gets a second chance at Juryo despite what should have been demotion.
There were no Shin-Juryo rikishi this time but Otsuji & Kotokuzan are Sai-Juryo, returning after prior demotions with Otsuji coming back after winning the Makushita Championship in May.

Lower tier notes:
Someone is desperate to get Asanoyama back up, they put him all the way up at Makushita 1 which is quite a bit higher than I had him potentially being after 6-1 in May. Enho was demoted to Ms16 after not only his first not 6-1 finish in his comeback from injury, but his first demotion in that time so it seems November is now best-case for a potential Juryo return. Wakanosho was demoted to Ms6 from Juryo after an early May injury but is expected to try and return in July. The Sandanme is again at it’s further slimmed-down 80 rankings, while the Jonidan is at 106 rankings with 212 total wrestlers. Finally, the Jonokuchi is at its biggest in some time that I can remember with 26 rankings and 52 total wrestlers with likely double-digit debutants and veteran Moriurara, now taking the old-timers torch for himself with fellow 47-year-old Satonofuji having retired after May with the record of most closing-day ceremonies performed in history (first for Asahifuji, the former Isegahama, and more recently for Terunofuji among others). Apparently Satonofuji decided to retire alongside the former Isegahama, who had to step down due to reaching the mandatory retirement age in sumo-65, which really isn’t in cases like his. Moriurara, who just turned 48, is entering his 22nd year as a wrestler and will continue serving as a gatekeeper of sorts in Jonokuchi-in fact, since after the July 2023 Tournament when he was last demoted from Jonidan he’s only been above Jonokuchi once. And, as far as records I can find show, never above Jonidan in his career.

The July Tournament starts on 7/13 and runs through 7/27 at the new Aichi International Arena aka IG Arena in Nagoya. All tickets are now sold out. The venue has a reported maximum capacity of 17,000 although I don’t know what the setup for sumo will be.

Updating the stories from last week about the status of Miyagino fka ex-Yokozuna Hakuho, his retirement request was accepted today by the Japan Sumo Association and will be official next Monday, June 9 when he reportedly returns from a trip back to his native Mongolia. Also today, the transfer of Isegahama Beya to ex-Yokozuna Terunofuji was made official and Isegahama was appointed as a special counselor to the stable despite having to retire, but as a former Yokozuna he also is given 5 years of elder stock and that reportedly means he’ll become, of all people, Miyagino. The stable is expected to reopen but not until the end of the year as reports from Nikkan Sports and YouTuber Chris Sumo indicates some within the Isegahama conglomerate, including stablemaster Asakayama who is also a Director in the Association, pushed for it to happen sooner AND for Hakuho to remain onboard, but the major dissenting voice was Hakkaku, the current Chairman of the Association, who reportedly didn’t get along well with Hakuho. Plus Hakuho reportedly didn’t want to be a junior on paper to his felloe Mongolian Yokozuna. There also was talk of moving the Miyagino wrestlers to Asakayama Beya. For now they remain Isegahama men. Chris Sumo also notes Hakuho does have his share of powerful allies inside and outside of sumo so this could set off a civil war of sorts. I liken what could happen to “Star Wars”, with the Association as the Empire and Hakuho as the Rebellion.

They didn’t take much if any action last week because it was a period of celebration for the promotion of Onosato to Yokozuna, the first Japanese born Grand Champion in roughly 8 years. The last one? Kisenosato, now Onosato’s stablemaster Nishonoseki.

Okay, that’s just my punny thinking but in a new YouTube update from reliable English-language sumo reporter Chris Sumo, that’s what has happened-the current stablemaster Miyagino aka ex-Yokozuna Hakuho, the greatest ever and then some, is done. He submitted his retirement papers today to the Japan Sumo Association, but they will not be accepted yet because this is a week of celebration in Japan because of the promotion of Onosato to Yokozuna. Chris Sumo reports a board meeting will happen Monday where the fate of Miyagino Beya may be settled along with Isegahama Beya possibly being handed over to fellow ex-Yokozuna Terunofuji who just retired in January (the current Isegahama must retire before the July tournament because he turns 65 before then, which is the mandatory retirement age in sumo). And Hakuho submits his retirement papers again. Cue the various sports comparisons…and me walking back my thoughts on Takarafuji perhaps retiring because it seems he’s not getting Isegahama after all. At least not until maybe next year.

More as it becomes available.

UPDATE: In an update posted after today’s Onosato Yokozuna debut ring-entering ceremony at Meiji Shrine in Tokyo (moved indoors and closed to the public due to rain but some fans did show up and watch from outside), it was reported Isegahama will submit Hakuho’s retirement papers on his behalf Monday and Hakuho reportedly said he would “never answer to/work under Terunofuji”. Considering it was Hakuho who introduced the man to sumo and recommended him to his stable before the future Yokozuna would move to Isegahama…clearly no love lost between the iconic Mongolians. And the rain today is thought to be a symbol of this split…when it rains it pours as they always say. This is far from over.

UPDATE 2: It’s now official. Accepted on 6/2 Japan time by the Japan Sumo Association. He possibly has already returned to his native Mongolia.

With the May Grand Sumo Tournament and post-event rankings meetings and more now in the books, here is the final recap and post-tournament news:

Continue reading “Sumo-May 2025 Grand Sumo Tournament Final Standings & Post-Event News (Updated x2)”

The worst-kept secret in sumo is now official-Onosato has been promoted and is now The 75th Yokozuna in history! It was a foregone conclusion after winning the May Tournament this past weekend for his second straight championship with records of 12-3 in March and 14-1 in May. Onosato, real name Daiki Nakamura, 24 (he turns 25 on June 7), went from debut at Makushita 10 to Grand Champion in a record-fast 13 tournaments, winning 4 Emperor’s Cups so far and 8 Special Prizes in just 9 top tier tournaments, and a career record of 135-44, 101-34 in the top tier, and has yet to have a losing tournament.

Here are the quick results from today’s Day 15-the Final Day-of the May 2025 Grand Sumo Tournament in Tokyo:
Key: M-Maegashira, K-Komusuvi, S-Sekiwake, O-Ozeki, Y-Yokozuna, J-Juryo, Ms-Makushita, Sd-Sandanme, Jd-Jonidan, Jk-Jonokuchi

Makuuchi )top tier):
Roga (M14) beat Kotoshoho (M14)
Atamifuji (M12) beat Nishikigi (M16)
Toachitaikai (M18) beat Shishi (M11)
Endo (M11) beat Asakoryu (M17)
Shodai (M10) beat Shonannoumi (M15)
Midorifuji (M9) beat Tamashoho (M17)
Aonishiki (M9) beat Sadanoumi (M13)
Kinbozan (M8) beat Kayo (M16)
Onokatsu (M8) beat Meisei (M10)
Churanoumi (M7) beat Ryuden (M15)
Tokihayate (M13) beat Hakuoho (M7)
Ura (M5) beat Takanosho (M12)
Tamawashi (M3) beat Hiradoumi (M3)
Takerufuji (M4) beat Gonoyama (M2)
Oshoma (M6) beat Abi (M2)
Oho (M1) beat Chiyoshoma (M5)
Wakamotoharu (M1) beat Ichiyamamoto (M4)
Wakatakakage (K) beat Tobizaru (M6)
Takayasu (K) beat Kirishima (S)
Daieisho (S) beat Kotozakura (O)
Hoshoryu (Y) beat Onosato (O)
CHAMPION: Onosato (14-1)
Of note: No zensho yusho. That was the only question of the day-could Onosato beat Hoshoryu and finish 15-0? Hoshoryu said no and beat Onosato for the 3rd straight time. So Onosato finishes 14-1 with his 4th Emperor’s Cup, 2nd straight and expected promotion to Yokozuna in a few days. Now the real question I’m asking: Can he be the next Hakuho, if not greater? Hakuho won a record 45 championships in his career. Onosato already has 4 in only 9 top tier tournaments and 13 career. Let’s say he stays healthy for the next 15 years…he would be 40 by then (Hakuho retired at roughly 38) but that would put him on a pace for 40-44 titles total. He could have a chance. Elsewhere, despite protecting his rank as the likely only Ozeki Kotozakura lost his last 3 to finish a disappointing 8-7. Kirishima will go in July with a chance at an Ozeki return but he’s almost certainly going to need a championship as otherwise his unofficial magic number for promotion contention will be 14, and Wakatakakage will also be in promotion contention as he should return to Sekiwake but would also need a championship for promotion hopes. Daieisho remains in Ozeki contention but again will need a championship or, like Kirishima, at least 14 wins. At the bottom, demotions to Juryo will include Tamashoho, Tochitaikai, maybe Nishikigi and maybe Shonannoumi & Ryuden among others. Despite missing the first 5 days I think a 6-4 finish will be enough to keep Kotoshoho in the top tier despite 3 straight losses at the end.

SPECIAL PRIZES:
Outstanding performance (winning record with most wins vs. Yokozuna & Ozeki): None (the likely winner, Oho, was not eligible due to demotion)
Fighting Spirit (most wins with best display of fighting spirit among lower ranks): Sadanoumi, Aonishiki (2nd straight time) (Asakoryu would’ve have won it had he won his last match)
Technique (most wins with best display of technique): Kirishima, Wakatakakage (6th time)

Juryo:
Kotokuzan (Ms4) beat Miyanokaze (J13)
Hatsuyama (J10) beat Ishizaki (Ms4)
Nabatame (J12) beat Daiseizan (J6)
Hitoshi (J6) beat Mitoryu (J12)
Wakaikari (J5) beat Daiamami (J13)
Nishikifuji (J5) beat Mudoho (J14)
Kagayaki (J4) beat Shimanoumi (J5)
Kazekeno (J11) beat Hakuyozan (J4)
Kotoeiho (J7) beat Shirokuma (J3)
Takarafuji (J3) beat Shiden (J9)
Tomokaze (J7) beat Fujiseiun (J2)
Kusano (J1) beat Tsurugisho (J9). KUSANO JURYO YUSHO!!! 2nd straight championship
Oshoumi (J9) beat Mitakeumi (J1)
CHAMPION: Kusano (13-2)
Of note: With 2 straight Juryo titles Kusano is now emphatically headed to the top tier, the question is how high will his starting rank be. With 13 wins I’m guessing he’ll slot in at M12. Despite today’s loss Mitakeumi will return to the top tier as well with 8 wins, and Wakaikari has a chance at promotion after a 12-3 runner-up effort. Elsewhere, if this is the end of the road for Takarafuji amidst rumors he may retire and cash in his elder stock to potentially take over Isegahama Beya, he finishes with a win but would stay in Juryo should he continue and try to extend his career streak of 1368 matches without missing a day. At the bottom, Miyanokaze will be demoted to Makushita after his debut tournament as will Mudoho (a brother of Oho), while Daiamami is a toss-up.

Jonidan:
Playoff: Mineyaiba (Jd61) beat Tenrosei (Jd21). MINEYAIBA JONIDAN YUSHO!!!1st career championship. An emotional and very rare circumstances playoff because both are from the same stable (Shikorouama Beya).

Lower tier notes: Otsuji is the only guaranteed Makushita promotion as the champion from Ms3 and will return to Juryo in July. Kotokuzan, who went 5-2 at Ms4, will have a chance at a Juryo return for the first time since March 2023 (he’s been as high as M16). Enho will be demoted after a 3-4 finish, done in by 4 straight losses after a 2-1 start, so a potential Juryo return now probably won’t happen until at least November if it does. Asanoyama went 6-1 at Ms14 so a September promotion is possible.

TOURNAMENT CHAMPIONS:
Makuuchi-Onosato (4th Emperor’s Cup, 4th career)
Juryo Kusano (2nd career, 2nd Juryo)
Makushita-Otsuji (1st career)
Sandanme-Hatooka (4th career, 1st Sandanme)
Jonidan-Mineyaiba (1st career)
Jonokuchi-Kazuma (1st career)

The next tournament is 7/13-7/27 at the hew IG Arena in Nagoya, which has been built as a replacement for the Aichi Prefectural Gym (aka Dolphins Arena). Advance tickets are now on sale. The Banzuke will be announced on June 30. As for Onosato being promoted to Yokozuna? It could happen as soon as Wednesday (Tuesday night US time).

UPDATE: A late result of note from Makushita today…Chiyotora beat Yuma by foul/judges’ reversal…HANSOKU!!! Although Yuma initially won he grabbed the opponent’s hair/topknot in the process, which is illegal in sumo. Thus Yuma was DQ’d and the results overturned.

Also, earlier tonight (Monday morning Japan time) a post-tournament press conference with Onosato was held at Nishinoseki Stable. Some Japanese news channels broadcast this live including NTV/Nippon Television Network, which also streamed it live FOR FREE on YouTube as part of their 24/7 live news streaming. You can watch it on demand below in Japanese:

UPDATE 2: While it is non-binding, the Yokozuna Deliberation Council approved the promotion at their meeting today. In a record 6 minutes.

UPDATE 3: Some poorly-timed unfortunate news: Nikkan Sports reports an unnamed referee is under investigation for embezzlement for stealing-and reportedly gambling away-tens of millions of yen set aside in a reserve fund of the Wrestlers’ Association that is used for supporting children affected by the devastating 2011 earthquake in Japan. How much exactly is now known but tens of millions of yen, if true, would be hundreds of thousands-or maybe millions-in US dollars. Punishment is expected in June and could be quite severe (expulsion from the association alone would probably be best case).

UPDATE 4: Per NHK’s weekday “7 News” Japanese-language news broadcast, Onosato will be promoted Wednesday (Tuesday night US time) barring the absolute unexpected. He will become The 75th Yokozuna in history.