Tag: ozumo

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

Makuuchi (top tier):
Ohsoumi (M11) beat Tobizaru (M13)
Fujiseiun (M13) beat Shishi (M11)
Kinbozan (M16) bat Roga (M10)
Tamawashi (M9) beat Kotoeiho (M17)
Fujiryoga (M17) beat Tokihayate (M9)
Chiyoshoma 9M14) beat Ura (M8)
Hakunofuji (M7) beat Asahakuryu (M16)
Ichiyamamoto (M6) beat Mitakeumi (M16)
Kotoshoho (M5) beat Asakoryu (M12)
Nishikifuji (M14) beat Abi (M5)
Gonoyama )M10) beat Takanosho (M4)
Shodai (M8) beat Daieisho (M4)
Hiradoumi (M3) beat Churanoumi (M2)
Fujinokawa (M2) beat Oho (M3)
Yoshinofuji (M1) beat Asanoyama (M12)
Oshoma (M7) beat Wakamotoharu (K)
Takayasu (S) beat Atamifuji (K)
Kotozakura (O) beat Kirishima (S)
Hoshoryu (Y) beat Aonishiki (O). Whoa…this was to have been perhaps 3 straight titles and Yokozuna coronation…but it all went wrong and now, Aonishiki kadoban…
CHAMPION: Kirishima (12-3)

Initial thoughts: The Osaka Tournament is called “The Stormy Spring Basho” by many in the Japanese media and it once again lived up to that moniker. Look at the top to start-it seems like Aonishiki finally got figured out. His first career losing record comes at the worst possible time, crushing his Yokozuna hopes after Onosato went out early due to injury and Hoshoryu fell out of contention late, although he finally did beat Aonishiki but no playoff for a 4rd straight time and he keeps trying for his first title as a Grand Champion. Aonishiki must get 8+ wins in May or he will be demoted. Kirishima has a chance for Ozeki re-promotion now but not sure if 12-3 will do it. If not, he will need 10 wins in May. We will probably know either way by Wednesday or Thursday. And no other Ozeki contender because, unfortunately, Takayasu was recent Takayasu. 5-0 start, 6-1 after the first week and finishes 7-8, meaning likely demotion. Atamifuji could be a new Sekiwake in May and with Wakamotoharu being demoted, Wakatakakage could move back up as despite withdrawing yesterday he had clinched promotion from M1. At the bottom, it looks like Fujiryoga may be going down to Juryo but only to J1 while Midorifuji will also be demoted for the first time in 5 years due to missing the tournament (heart failure). That’s probably it as both Hakunofuji & Abi returned to get enough wins to save their spots despite injury concerns, and Abi’s back will probably be okay given how he was able to HENKA!! on Asanoyama yesterday, which was a common theme of the day (the crowd hates them. It’s considered cheap)
But now that it’s all over, the other big story moves to the front again this week-the potential fate of Iesgahama Beya and its stablemaster more specifically. The former Terunofuji stayed away this tournament as he awaits potential discipline for an apparent act of violence against Hakunofuji outside the stable, and the question is whether he gets a slap on the wrist or does karma come for the stable and worst-case happen? That would be he gets kicked out of the Japan Sumo Association, which perhaps would be some vindication for the former Hakuho, who ultimately got pushed out by the old Isegahama (now Miyagino). If worst-case happens, I read in the Japanese media that Tateyama would be most likely to take over as he seems to be the next coach in the succession plan, although there is a chance of it being the former Takarafuji, who is now a coach there too.

During the Champion’s interview it was revealed that Kirishima will be considered for Ozeki re-promotion. Either way we should know by Thursday.

SPECIAL PRIZES:
Outstanding Performance (Sekiwake or lower best record with most wins vs. Yokozuna & Ozeki)-Kirishima
Fighting Spirit (best display of fighting spirit)-Kotoshoho, Fujiseiun (Atamifuji would have gotten this too if he won)
Technique (best display of technique)-Fujinokawa

Juryo:
Tochimaru (Ms6) beat Tsurugisho (J12)
Toshinofuji (J11) beat Kyokukaiyu (J7)
Nishikigi (J12) beat Kayo (J6)
Hitoshi (J6) beat Fujitensei (J13)
Shirokuma (J5) beat Kotokuzan (J14)
Kagayaki (J5) beat Tohakuryu (J10)
Takerufuji (J4) beat Dewanoryu (J10)
Nishinoryu (J4) beat Kazekeno (J14)
Hatsuyama (J6) beat Wakanosho (J3). PLAYOFF!!!
Daiseizan (J3) beat Meisei (J7)
Tamashoho (J9) beat Tomokaze (J2) by DQ/judges’ reversal…HANSOKU!!! Tomokaze pulled the hair/topknot which is illegal
Asasuiryu (J2) beat Kitanowaka (J8)
Sadanoumi (J1) beat Shonannoumi (J8)
Ryuden (J1) beat Kazuma (J11). That means it’s Dewanoryu & Wakanosho in the playoff.
Playoff: Dewanoryu beat Wakanosho. DEWANORYU JURYO YUSHO!!! 1st Juryo championship and 2nd career.
CHAMPION: Dewanoryu (11-4)
Of note: Wakanosho is presumably still headed to the top tier despite just missing a second straight championship but I doubt Dewanoryu is despite the title. 11-4 from J10 won’t be enough plus Ryuden is also going back up or should be so maybe no space. Nishikigi managed to save his spot with promotion today after finishing with 5 straight wins and…I guess we now wait for Tsurugisho to call it a career. He vowed to retire when he was next demoted from Juryo, and he’s crashing out with an 0-15 finale. But he does qualify for elder stock so we’ll see what happens.

Sandanme:
Playoff: Nabatame (Sd3) beat Hogasho (Sd21). NABATAME SANDANME YUSHO!!! First career championship. Will be promoted back to Makushita.

Jonidan:
Playoff: Asahifuji (Jd8) beat Kiryuko (Jd100). ASAHIFUJI JONIDAN YUSHO!!! Second championship and second straight for the new Isegahama super-rookie. Will be promoted to the Sandanme.

Jonokuchi:
Playoff (3-way):
Aron (Jk12) beat Kojikara (Jk12)
Aron beat Shosei (Jk18). ARON JONOKUCHI YUSHO!!! First career championship.

TOURNAMENT CHAMPIONS:
Makuuchi-Kirishima (S). 3rd Emperor’s Cup, 5th career
Juryo-Dewanoryu (J10). 1st Juryo, 2nd career
Makushita-Wakanofuji (Ms28). 1st career
Sandanme-Nabatame (Sd3). 1st career
Jonidan-Asahifuji (Jd8). 1st Jonidan, 2nd career
Jonokuchi-Aron (Jk12). 1st career

As for Enho…we’ll know if he earned Juryo promotion Tuesday or Wednesday after the next rankings meeting is held because they announce Juryo promotions & re-promotions afterwards. It’s a toss-up based on numbers but I lean towards it happening. That means he would become eligible for elder stock after retiring. It looks like 4 could be going up from Makushita and 4 are going fown from Juryo. Worst-case is Wakanofuji steals the spot because of the championship from Ms28, which could happen.

The next tournament is 5/10-5/24 at Ryogoku Kokugikan in Tokyo. Tickets go on sale on 4/4. The Banzuke will be announced on 4/27. Final updates/post-tournament news to come later this week.

UPDATE: Hidenoumi, who was Ms3 and demoted after a 3-4 effort, has RETIRED. More to cone.

UPDATE 2: Chiyomaru, also a former top tier wrestler, has RETIRED.

Chiyomaru was at Sd1 this tournament and would have been promoted back to Makushita in May with a 4-3 record Chiyomaru, real name Kazuki Kinoahita, from Kokonoe Beya, finishes with a career record of 614-631-44 (win-loss-absent), 201-262-2 in the top tier and 1 Juryo Championship. He qualifies for elser stock and Nikkan Sports reports he will remain with the Association in a management role and also working with younger wrestlers in the lower tiers.

Hidenoumi, real name Takuya Iwasaki, from Kise Beya, was 3-4 at Ms3 and would have been demoted. He finishes with a career record of 541-539-22, 70-108-17 in the top tier and 3 championships (1 Juryo, 1 Jonidan, 1 Jonokuchi). He qualifies for elder stock but it’s not known if any is available or what bis future holds.

In other early post-tournament news from Nikkan Sports, it looks like a decision on the potential Isegahama (Terunofuji) punishment will be delayed until April. It sounds like a disposition plan is not expected to be finalized before the next board meeting on Thursday.

Also held were elections to determine the board members for the next 2 years. As expected, Hakkaku was re-elected chairman for what likely will be his final term before he must retire (65 is the mandatory retirement age in sumo), and there will be 13 directors with not all positions filled. They will be Dewanoumi, Fujishima, Onoe, Sadogatake, Takadagawa, Kataonami, Isenoumi, Oitekaze and Asakayama. 3 external directors were appointed-Juichi Yamaguchi, President & CEO of Yomiuri Shimbun Group; Toshio Takano, former Chief Prosecutor, Nagano High Public Prosecutor’s Office; Yoshihiko Shimizu, former Director of the Japan Broadcasting Corporation, which is better known to most of us as NHK.

UPDATE 3: YouTube reliable source Chris Sumo reports Kirishima will be re-promoted to Ozeki on Wednesday.

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

Makuuchi (top tier):
Asakoryu (M12) beat Kinbozan (M16)
Kotoeiho (M17) beat Shishi (M11)
Ohsoumi (M11) beat Daiseizan (J3)
Asahakuryu (M16) beat Gonoyama (M10)
Roga (M10) beat Fuyjiryoga (M17)
Chiyoshoma (M14) beat Tokihayate (M10)
Tobiuzaru (M13) beat Tamawashi (M9)
Mitakeumi (M15) beat Ura (M8)
Nishikifuji (M14) beat Shodai (M8)
Oshoma (M7) beat Fujiseiun (M13)
Abi (M5) beat Asanoyama (M12)
Fujinokawa (M2) beat Hiradoumi (M3)
Hakunofuji (M7) beat Churanoumi (M2)
Daieisho (M4) beat Wakatakakage (M1) by default/withdrawal
Oho (M3) beat Yoshinofuji (M1)
Wakamotoharu (K) beat Takanosho (M4)
Atamifuji (KJ beat Kotoshoho (M5)
Ichiyamamoto (M6) beat Takayasu (S)
Aonishiki (O) beat Kirishima (S)
Kotozakura (O) beat Hoshoryu (Y). KIRISHIMA YUSHO!!! The 3rd career Emperor’s Cup for Kirishima!
CHAMPION: Kirishima (12-2)
WITHDRAWAL: Wakatakakage (M1). Right elbow. Out 6 weeks. It happened during his win yesterday which clinched promotion as he did get to 8 wins. Hopefully he will be ready for May but that could be cutting it close. Daieisho got the fusen as a result.
Of note: It’s all over. Not how Kirishima wanted to win it I’m sure but Hoshoryu’s loss sealed the deal. Now the question is will this earn Kirishima promotion back to Ozeki? If not, the magic number in May will be 9 or 10 wins.

Juryo:
Fujitensei (J13) beat Hidenoumi (Ms3)
Nishikigi (J12) beat Enho (Ms4(
Meisei (J7) beat Tohakuryu (J10)
Kazekeno (J14) beat Hitoshi (J6)
Hatsuyama (J9) beat Kayo (J6)
Kagayaki (J5) beat Kotokuzan (J14)
Shirokuma (J5) beat Tsurugisho (J12)
Kitanowaka (J8) beat Nishinoryu (J4)
Kazuma (J11) beat Takerufuji (J4)
Wakanosho (J3) beat Toshinofuji (J11)
Kyokukaiyu (J7) beat Asasuiryu (J2)
Tomokaze (J2) beat Shonannoumi (J8)
Ryuden (J1) beat Dewanoryu (J10)
Sadanoumi (J1) beat Tamashoho (J9)
Leader: Wakanosho, Dewanoryu (11-3)
Of note: Focusing on the bottom first, NIshikigi beating Enho likely saved his Juryo spot. I can’t see him going down at 7-8. Kazekeno was already promoted before this win. Fujitensei is probably being demoted even if he can get to 6-9 now. As for Tsurugisho, now the question is can he get one win before likely retiring, or will he crash out with an 0-15 finale? Now for the top…the championship goes to the Final Day. Dewanoryu is up first and faces Takerufuji. If Dewanoryu wins, he is the champion if Wakanosho then loses to Hatsuyama. If if’s the other way around (Dewanoryu loses and Wakanosho wins), Wakanosho is the champion. If both win, there will be a playoff. Their meeting earlier this tournament was won by Dewanoryu. But if both lose AND Kazuma wins (Ryuden), there will be a 3-way playoff. Kazuma lost to both for the record. Regardless of the outcome, Wakanosho is almost certainly headed to the top tier and it looks like Ryuden is going back up as he clinched promotion today. If Dewanoryu wins the championshp at 12-3, there’s a slim chance he’ll also be promoted to the top tier.

Lower tier notes: Enho’s loss takes Juryo promotion chances down from very likely to toss-up but still leaning likely as he will finish 5-2. It looks like 4 are going down from Juryo and 3 are definitely going up. What may give him the edge is Takakento was 4-3 at Ms3. Tochitaikai, Okaryu and perhaps Hakuyozan are all going up. Best-case is Enho sneaks in at J14. Worst-case is Ms1. But I think both Takakento and Hidenoumi losing today clinched Juryo promotion for Enho. The wild card will be Wakanofuji winning the Makushita championship from Ms28. At that rank there is a very slim chance of promotion straight to Juryo.

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

If the Special Prize winners are announced enough ahead of time, this post will be updated with those.

UPDATE: Special Prize winners:
Outstanding Performance-Kirishima
Fighting Spirit IF THEY WIN-Atamifuji, Kotoshoho, Fujiseiun
Technique-Fujinokawa IF HE WINS

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

Makuuchi (top tier):
Ryuden (J1) beat Fujiryoga (M17)
Kinbozan (M16) beat Asanoyama (M12)
Nishikifuji (M14) beat Asakoryu (M12)
Chiyoshoma (M14) beat Oshoumi (M11)
Tobizaru (M13) beat Shishi (M11)
Mitakeumi (M15) beat Roga (M10)
Asahakuryu (M16) beat Tokihayate (M9)
Fujiseiun (M13) beat Shodai (M8)
Kotoeiho (M17) beat Ura (M8)
Tamawashi (M9) beat Hakunofuji (M7)
Churanoumi (M2) beat Oshoma (M7)
Ichiyamamoto (M6) beat Fujinokawa (M2)
Yoshinofuji (M1) beat Hiradoumi (M3)
Wakatakakage (M1) beat Abi (M5)
Atamifuji (K) beat Gonoyama (M10)
Daieisho (M4) beat Wakamotoharu (K)
Takanosho (M4) beat Takayasu (S)
Kirishima (S) beat Oho (M3)
Aonishiki (O) beat Kotozakura (O)
Hoshoryu (Y) beat Kotoshoho (M5)
Leader: Kirishima (12-1)
Of note: It’s Kirishima’s championship to lose. He will win the championship tomorrow if he beats Aonishiki or Hoshoryu loses to Kotozakura. That could mean Ozeki re-promotion for Kirishima. If not, right now he would need at least 10 wins in May. Hoshoryu can still force a playoff rematch, but on the last day he’ll have Aonishiki, who the Yokozuna has not yet beaten in a tournament. Elsewhere, Kotoeiho clinched promotion and will stay in the top tier in May and Atamifuji will at least remain at Komusubi, with a chance to go to Sekiwake. Wakatakakage appears poised to replace his brother in Sanyaku. Takayasu needs to win his last 2 to stay Sekiwake as he has now lost 6 straight.

Juryo:
Tochitaikai (Ms1) beat Fujitensei (J13)
Nishikigi (J12) beat Himukamaru (Ms1)
Tamashoho (J9) beat Toshinofuji (J11)
Kitanowaka (J8) beat Tsurugisho (J12)
Tohakuryu (J10) beat Kayo (J6)
Hitoshi (J6) beat Kotokuzan (J14)
Shirokuma (J5) beat Kazekeno (J14)
Takerufuji (J4) beat Shonannoumi (J8)
Nishinoryu (J4) beat Kagayaki (J5)
Wakanosho (J3) beat Kazuma (J11)
Dewanoryu (J10) beat Daiseizan (J3)
Meisei (J7) beat Tomokaze (J2)
Hatsuyama (J9) beat Asasuiryu (J2)
Kyokukaiyu (J7) beat Sadanoumi (J1)
Leader: Dewanoryu (11-2)
Of note: Dewanoryu can win the championship tomorrow if he beats Ryuden and Wakanosho loses to Toshinofuji. Toshinofuji & Kazuma can stay in with playoff chances of they win and Dewanoryu loses. Wakanosho now seems likely to be promoted to the top tier with 10 wins and if Ryuden can spoil Dewanoryu’s title hopes, he likely gets promoted back up too. Sadanoumi will not go back up as today’s loss means demotion. At the bottom, it now looks like 3 demotions for sure with Fujitensei, Tsurugisho and Kotokuzan all going down while Nishikigi has won 3 straight to try and stave off demotion, but he’s got a tough one tomorrow…Enho, who is trying to get promoted back to Juryo.

Makushita:
Wakanofuji (Ms28) beat Arashifuji (Ms7). WAKANOFUJI MAKUSHITA YUSHO!!! First career championship in only his second career tournament, he was a Ms60 debut in January.

Sandanme:
Hogasho (Sd21) beat Gyotoku (Sd5)
Nabatame (Sd3) beat Tatsubayama (Sd7). PLAYOFF!!! This means it will be Hogasho vs. Nabatame for the championship on the Final Day.

Jonidan:
Kiryuko (Jd100) beat Satumasho (Jd63)
Asahifuji (Jd8) beat Tenshoyama (Jd39). PLAYOFF!!! It was guaranteed to be a playoff but now we know the participants-it will be Kiryuko vs. Asahifuji. The former Juryo man in his first full tournament in over a year against the latest Isegahama super-rookie.

Jonokuchi:
Shosei (Jk18) beat Kazeoki (Jk6)
Aron (Jk12) beat Tamanotora (Jk5)
Kojikara (Jk12) beat Ideno (Jk3). PLAYOFF!!! This means there will be a 3-way playoff with Shosei, Aron & Kojikawa on the Final Day, all at 6-1. Ideno was also 5-1 so the match with Kojikawa turned out to be an eliminator.

As for Enho, he’ll be in Juryo tomorrow for his final match to face Nishikigi. The promotion scenario for top Makushita now looks like Okaryu is definitely going up (6-1), Himukamaru is demoted (3-4), Tochitaikai is a maybe (4-3), Hakuyozan is a maybe (4-2 at Ms2) and now with Wakanofuji winning the championship that can’t be ruled out. Slim chances from Ms28 but not impossible. If Enho wins I think he’s going up. If he loses, he needs Hakuyozan to lose his last match.

RETIREMENT: Chiyosakae (Jd3). Called it a career after his last match today, which he won. He would have been promoted back to the Sandanme in May as he finished March with a 5-2 record. Chiyosakae, from Kokonoe Beya, real name Eita Kishi, will finish his career with a record of 396-380-35 (win-loss-absent) and a career high rank of J8. He does not qualify for elder stock (not enough tournaments in Juryo) and will have his haircutting ceremony at the Kokonoe Beya Senshuraku Party after the Final Day and move on from sumo. He is the rather uncommon case of a wrestler ending his career with, excluding absent days (which are treated as losses for ranking purposes), a winning record.

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.

UPDATE: Wakatakakage has WITHDRAWN. Right elbow injury suffered in today’s match. Out 6 weeks per Nikkan Sports. He did clinch promotion with today’s win so worst-case is he maintains his rank but he’ll miss the last 2 matches. Daieisho will get the fusen tomorrow as a result.

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

Makuuchi (top tier):
Takerufuji (J4) beat Tobizaru (M13)
Asanoyama (M12) beat Kotoeiho (M17)
Oshoumi (M11) beat Fujiryoga (M17)
Chiyoshoma (M14) beat Roga (M10)
Mitakeumi (M15) beat Tokihayate (M9)
Nishikifuji (M14) beat Tamawashi (M9)
Asakoryu (M12) beat Ura (M8)
Asahakuryu (M16) beat Shodai (M8)
Shishi (M11) beat Oshoma (M7)
Kinbozan (M16) beat Hakunofuji (M7)
Takanosho (M4) beat Fujiseiun (M13)
Fujinokawa (M2) beat Churanoumi (M2)
Wakatakakage (M1) beat Ichiyamamoto (M6)
Kotoshoho (M5) beat Yoshinofuji (M1)
Abi (M5) beat Wakamotoharu (K)
Oho (M3) beat Atamifuji (K)
Hiradoumi (M3) beat Takayasu (S)
Daieisho (M4) beat Aonishiki (O)
Kotozakura (O) beat Gonoyama (M10)
Kirishima (S) beat Hoshoryu (Y)
Leader: Kirishima (11-1)
Of note: It’s almost Kirishima’s to lose but now he needs Hoshoryu to beat Kotoshoho tomorrow. They have met once this past year (September) and Hoshoryu won. Kirishima has Oho tomorrow, Oho beat Kirishima in January to stop a 3-match winning streak by Kirishima, so they are at 3-2 Kirishima this last year. Also tomorrow is the Ozeki Showdown-Kotozakura has once again protected his rank, now Aonishiki must win out just to protect his but he has won 4 straight against Kotozakura. A loss by Kirishima could also put Gonoyama back in contention. Also, another Takayasu epic collapse continues-that’s 5 straight losses after a 6-1 first week.
At the bottom, Ashakuryu has become the first to clinch promotion and protect his top tier spot at 8-4 at M16, most of the rest are taking it down to the wire.

Juryo:
Dewanoryu (J10) beat Kazuma (J11)
Tamashoho (J9) beat Fujitensei (J13)
Hatsuyama (J9) beat Kazekeno (J14)
Toshinofuji (J11) beat Kitanowaka (J8)
Kotokuzan (J14) beat Kyokukaiyu (J7)
Nishikigi (J12) beat Hitoshi (J6)
Tohakuryu (J10) beat Nishinoryu (J4)
Kagayaki (J5) beat Daiseizan (J3)
Wakanosho (J3) beat Shirokuma (J5)
Shonannoumi (J8) beat Asasuiryu (J2)
Tomokaze (J2) beat Tsurugisho (J12)
Ryuden (J1) beat Meisei (J7)
Kayo (J6) beat Sadanoumi (J1)
Leader: Dewanoryu (10-2)
Of note: Dewanoryu took control of the championship race today but it’s far from over. If Dewanoryu can win out and be champion at 13-2 he would have a slight chance at the top tier. Wakanosho probably needs one more win to get to the top tier in May. At the bottom, Fujitensei is now at risk of demotion to Makushita and needs to win out to have any chance at staying in Juryo. That means 4 probably or definitely demoted (Tsurugisho, Fujitensei, Shimazuumi, Kotokuzan) while Nishikigi is trying to hang on at 5-7. Kazekeno is safe at J14 as he has clinched promotion.

Lower tier notes: Tomorrow is Championship Day in the lower tiers and it’s going to be a lot of fun because we are virtually guaranteed a Final fay full of playoffs. First, the Makushita-if Wakanofuji beats Arashifuji, Wakanofuji is the champion. But if Wakanofuji loses, there will be AT LEAST a 6-way playoff because that means a 6-1 champion and at least 6 will have that record. But it could be 7 depending on Enho’s final match…which will not be tomorrow so he’ll have to wait a day or two. The Sandanme may be decided tomorrow with 3 left-first up, if Hogasho beats Gyotoku, there will be a playoff between Hogasho and the Tatsubayama-Nabatame winner. And if it’s Hogasho-Tatsubayama, that’s a playoff between Tokitsukaze stablemates. If Hogasho loses, Tatsubayama-Nabatame is for the championship. The Jonidan will have a playoff because there are 4 left at 6-0 and those will be narrowed down to 2 tomorrow. The Jonokichi is unsettled with 4 at 5-1, the last match involving them could be the championship match but if one of both of the other co-leaders win before that, there will be a playoff and it could be a 3-way or 4-way.

And here’s what to know about Enho’s promotion chances right now at 5-1: Of the 6 Makushita men above him (Enho is at Ms4), Okadyu is 5-1 at Ms2 and almost certainly will be promoted to Juryo. Hakuyozan is 4-2 at Ms2 and probably gets to Juryo with a win in his final match. If he loses, it’s a toss-up. At Ms1, Himukamatu & Tochitaikai are 3-3. Himukamaru will be in Juryo tomorrow to face Nishikigi. Tochitaikai also is in Juryo to face Fujitensei. Takakento is also promoted at Ms3 (4-3) while Hidenoumi is 3-3. So Enho really needs that last win to finish 6-1 then may need some help, but if one or both Ms1s lose too, Juryo chances go way up even though it means potentially fewer demotions. Worst case now will be Ms1 in May. For now it looks like Juryo demotions will open up 3-4 spots. Best-case is Nishikigi loses out and gets demoted to make 4 but that means Himukamaru likely takes a spot away. I only see 3 if Fujitensei gets to 7-8.

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

Makuuchi (top tier):
Kinbozan (M16) beat Nishikifuji (M14)
Chiyoshoma (M15) beat Nishinoryu (J4)
Tobizaru (M13) beat Kotoeiho (M17)
Asanoyama (M12) beat Mitakeumi (M15)
Fujiseiun (M13) beat Oshoumi (M11)
Asakoryu (M12) beat Shodai (M8)
Ura (M8) beat Asahakuryu (M16)
Tokihayate (M9) beat Hakunofuji (M7)
Roga (M10) beat Oshoma (M7)
Ichiyamamoto (M6) beat Tamawashi (M9)
Fujinokawa (M2) beat Abi (M5)
Yoshinofuji (M1) beat Churanoumi (M2)
Wakatakakage (M1) beat Hiradoumi (M3)
Atmofuji (K) beat Daieisho (M4)
Oho (M3) beat Wakamotoharu (K)
Kirishima (S) beat Gonoyama (M10)
Kotozakura (O) beat Takanosho (M4)
Kotoshoho (M5) beat Aonishiki (O)
Hoshoryu (Y) beat Takayasu (S)
Leader: Kirishima (10-1)
Of note: Ozeki Watch may suddenly be on again because if Kirishima wins the championship there is a chance of re-promotion. He can’t get there without it because of currently only 2 straight Sanyaku tournaments (he was M2 3 tournaments ago). But he has to win the big one tomorrow-Hoshoryu. Over the last year it’s 2-2 but Kirishima won in January and historically he has a solid edge over Hoshoryu, I believe it’s 14-8 according to NHK during the end of yesterday’s broadcast. Regardless, Kirishima will be on Ozeki Watch in May. A loss would also potentially keep Gonoyama & Kotoshoho in the title race. At the bottom, Fujiseiun clinched promotion in his top tier debut and will stick around in May. Both Hakunofuji & Yoshinofuji competrd despite injury scares-Hakuoho was wincing and clearly in pain after yesterday but came back today, while Yoshinofuji was limping a little in his loss yesterday when his foot turned awkwardly while sliding before going down. And now it’s worry time about Aonishiki, who is at 5-6.

Juryo:
Enho (Ms4) beat Kotokuzam (14)
Toshinofuji (J11) beat Kazuma (J11)
Tohakuryu (J10) beat Shimazuumi (J13) by default/withdrawal
Nishikigi (J13) beat Hatsuyama (J9)
Kitanowaka (J8) beat Kazekeno (J14)
Shonannoumi (J8) beat Fujitensei (J13)
Kagayaki (J5) beat Tsurugisho (J12)
Takerufuji (J4) beat Tamashoho (J9)
Dewanoryu (J10) beat Wakanosho (J3)
Daiseizan (J3) beat Kyokukaiyu (J7)
Tomokaze (J2) beat Hitoshi (J6)
Asasuiryu (J2) beat Shirokuma (J5)
Meisei (J7) beat Sadanoumi (J1)
Ryuden (J1) beat Kayo (J6)
Leader: Kazuma, Dewanoryu (9-2)
WITHDRAWAL: Shimazuumi (J13). Right knee (medial meniscus). Injured on Day 3 but tried to push through it. Tournament over. Out about 3 weeks. Will be demoted back to Makushita. Tohakuryu got the fusen as a result.
Of note: This win greatly increases the chances Enho will be promoted back to Juryo in May but right now it’s a numbers game. The problem is all of the top 3 Makushita ranks above are 3-3 or 4-2, meaning a chance of promotion or promoted and Okaryu (Ms2) is 5-1 and almost certainly going up. Both Ms1 or Ms2 wrestlers have a chance, At Ms3 Takakento is 4-2 and a maybe, Hidenoumi is 3-3 and won’t go up even with a win. Enho’s win does mean 3 from Juryo are going down for sure with a chance of maybe 2 more unless they win out (Nishikigi & Fujitensei, Nishikigi is J12 so 6-9 may spare him from demotion). So right now it wiuld depend on Himukamaru & Tochitaikai at Ms1, both are 3-3. So Enho fans meed them to both lose their last matches. But if Enho wins his last match, there is almost no way he doesn’t go up at 6-1. Oh, and the way the championship picture down there is now? A playoff is still possible. Regardless, none compete tomorrow so we’ll have to wait for the Day 13 schedule to speculate further.
And Wakanosho may be seeing a second straight championship and the top tier slipping away. A second straight loss, today to Dewanoryu, drops the former leader to 8-3 and leaves Dewanoryu & Kazuma tied at 9-2 with Kazuma losing today. Takerufuji will be the Juryo Man in the top tier tomorrow. No Makushita Man up again until the Final Day unless there’s another withdrawal or re-entry in the top 2 tiers.

Lower tier notes: The Makushita championship is not yet settled because while Wakanofuji beat Okaryu to advance to what usually is the championship match, the other unbeaten left-Oshoryu-lost. So that means if Wakanofuji wins his last match, he is the champion. If not, there is a good chance of a playoff. The Sandanme has 3 left at 6-0 and 2 are Tokitsukaze men so there could be an all-stablemates playoff. The Jonidan has 4 left at 6-0 meaning a high likelihood of a playoff. The Jonokichi has 2 at 5-1 so it will be the rare case of a lower tiers champion not finishing 7-0. It happens, especially in Jonokichi, but it not a regular thing.

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

Makuuchi (top tier):
Asahakuryu (M16) beat Kinbozan (M16)
Fujiseiun (M13) beat Chiyoshoma (M14)
Asakoryu (M12) beat Fujiryoga (M17)
Mitakeumi (M15) beat Oshoumi (M11)
Shishi (M11) beat Nishikifuji (M14)
Tobizaru (M13) beat Roga (M16)
Gonoyama (M10) beat Kotoeiho (M17)
Asanoyama (M12) beat Tamawashi (M9)
Oshoma (M7) beat Tokihayate (M9)
Shodai (M8) beat Onokatsu (M6) by default/withdrawal
Haunofuji (M7) beat Ichiyamamoto (M6)
Kotoshoho (M5) beat Ura (M8)
Abi (M5) beat Churanoumi (M2)
Wakatakakage (M1) beat Yoshinofuji (M1)
Fujinokawa (M2) beat Atamifuji (K)
Wakamotoharu (K) beat Hiradoumi (M3)
Kirishima (S) beat Daieisho (M4)
Kotozakura (O) beat Oho (M3)
Aonishiki (O) beat Takayasu (S)
Hoshoryu (Y) beat Takanosho (M4)
Leader: Gonoyama, Kotoshoho, Kirishima (8-1)
WITHDRAWAL: Onokatsu (again). Unknown if same as before. Status uncertain but may be done. Will be demoted but his one win should be enough to keep him in the top tier. Shodai got the fusen as a result. (UPDATE: Same as before-sprained left ankle. The original report was he was expected to be out 2 weeks. Probably safe to say tournament over)
Of note: The first promotions were clinched today and Kirishima is now setting himself up for another chance at Ozeki re-promotion in May if he does not win the championship. Hoshoryu has done well in his career against Takanosho and that continued today to keep the Yokozuna at 7-2 and in contention along with Takanosho despite the loss. Takayasu may have fallen out of it with a loss to Aonishiki, who improved to 4-5 as he tries to salvage his worst top-tier effort yet. No 3-peat. Wakamotoharu is now 6 away from the miracle rank save at 2-7 after an 0-7 start but tomorrow he has Hoshoryu. While he has taken 2 Kinboshi from the Yokozuna since his promotion he has lost 4 other times including January.
Also tomorrow, Wakanosho will be the Juryo Man of the day in a potential May preview of his top tier debut as he has clinched promotion but probably needs 2 more wins to make it official. It’s hard to say for sure right now because the only guaranteed demotion to make a space available is Midorifuji. Most of the other lowest ranked wrestlers have winning records right now. Abi has saved his spot with a second win even if he loses out after missing 6 days due to injury.

Juryo:
Nishikigi (J12) beat Shimazuumi (J13)
Kazuma (J11) beat Fujitensei (J13)
Tohakuryu (J10) beat Kotokuzan (J14)
Toshinofuji (J11) beat Hatsuyama (J9)
Tamashoho (J9) beat Tsurugisho (J12)
Shonannoumi (J8) beat Kazekeno (J14)
Dewanoryu (J10) beat Kyokukaiyu (J7)
Meisei (J7) beat Kitanowaka (J8)
Nishinoryu (J4) beat Kayo (J6!
Wakanosho (J3) beat Kagayaki (J5)
Tomokaze (J2) beat Takerufuji (J4)
Daiseizan (J3) beat Asasuiryu (J2)
Hitoshi (J6) beat Sadanoumi (J1)
Shirokuma (J5) beat Ryuden (J1)
Leader: Wakanosho, Kazuma (8-1)
Of note: Last time out seems like an exception and not the rule for Kazuma. He struggled badly in his Juryo debut after bulldozing his way up the ranks post-injury but barely secured promotion at the end. Now he has promotion and is co-leaser, clearly comfortable in the second tier and back in form. Wakanosho now has a chance at top tier promotion and he’ll be up for the day tomorrow. Kazume faces Kitanowaka. For now it’s between them for the championship as only Dewanoryu is 7-2. And following up on yesterday, I think Tsurugisho retirement is now official as 0-9 at J12 means even 6-9 probably isn’t enough to save his spot in Juryo.

Lower tier notes: After losing to him in the last 2 tournaments, including the championship match in January, Enho finally beat Nobehara in Makushita today, and that means promotion with a 4-1 record so far. He still needs at least one more win for a real chance at a Juryo return, winning his last 2 should be enough. Also depends on above him as all the higher Makushita are 3-2 or 2-3 except Okaryu. No match tomorrow so next is Day 11 or 12 with a chance for a Juryo appearance or two. Elsewhere in Makushita it’s down to 3 at 5-0 with Okaryu, Walanofuji & Oshoryu the final 3. Okaryu has probably clinched promotion to Juryo which would make 3 Tatsunami men in the top 2 tiers, assuming Meisei does not get demoted. The Sandanme has 6 left at 5-0 with a chance of a stablemate playoff with 2 Tokitsukaze men in that group. The Jonidan has 6 at 5-0 including Isegahama super-prospect Asahifuji who is Sandanme bound and former Juryo man Kiryuko in his first full tournament back after a year out. In the Jonokichi, Shosei is the sole leader at 5-0 but still has to win out to clinch a championship. Elsewhere, there is now talk the injured Mita, demoted from Juryo due to injury and headed to the Sandanme as a result, could return in May based on how his recovery is going. Worst-case seems to be July.

UPDATE: Obituary-the sumo media has reported on the death of former Ozeki Wakashimazu, who also was a former Nishonoseki stablemaster before the current stablemaster (the former Yokozuna Kisenosato). He died yesterday in Chiba Prefecture at 69, the reported cause of death was pneumonia. He won 2 top tier championships in his career and among his notable trainees who is active today is Ichiyamamoto.

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

Makuuchi (top tier):
Mitakeumi (M15) beat Daiseizan (J3)
Kotoeiho (M17) beat Nishikifuji (M14)
Fujiryoga (M17) beat Tobizaru (M13)
Fujiseiun (M13) beat Asahakuryu (M16)
Chiyoshoma (M14) beat Shishi (M11)
Gonoyama (M10) beat Kinbozan (M16)
Tokihayate (M9) beat Asanoyama 9M12)
Asakoryu (M12) beat Tamawashi (M9)
Ura (M8) beat Roga (M10)
Ohsoumi (M11) beat Shodai (M8)
Oshoma (M7) beat Ichiyamamoto (M6)
Kotoshoho (M5) beat Hakunofuji (M7)
Oho (M3) beat Onokatsu (M6)
Yoshinofuji (M1) beat Fujinokawa (M2)
Wakamotoharu (K) beat Churanoumi (M2)
Atamifuji (K) beat Wakatakakage (M1)
Kirishima (S) beat Takayasu (S)
Takanosho (M4) beat Aonishiki (O)
Hiradoumi (M3) beat Kotozakura (O)
Daieisho (M4) beat Hoshoryu (Y). KINBOSHI!!! The 6th career Gold Star Victory for Daieisho!
Leader: Gonoyama, Kotoshoho, Takanosho, Kirishima (7-1)
RE-ENTRY: Abi (M5). Will return tomorrow. Missed the last 6 days due to a back injury. Was expected to be out a week so the return is right on schedule. Will be demoted but one or two wins will at least ensure he stays in the top tier and avoids 0-15.
Of note: That’s also the second straight Kinboxhi for Daieisho, who has always been a tough out for Hoshoryu. But at 6-2 the Yokozuna is still very much in it. Kirishima was the other big winner of the day, dropping Takayasu in the Sekiwake Showdown and from the lead group, otherwise it’s all Maegashira with Gonoyama a surprise contender, Takanosho hanging in there and Kotoshoho in contention for a second title. Takanosho has Hoshoryu tomorrow, while Takanosho has 3 Kinboshi they’ve lately been against Onosato as he has lost at least his last 4 against Hoshoryu. At the bottom, Wakamotoharu is going down fighting again-last time he went from 0-6 to 8-7 and saving his rank. Today he came in 0-7 and now…1-7. Can he do it again?
Yokozuna Watch: Now it’s over and Aonishiki will have his worst top-tier performance to date in his career, he had never been worse than 11-4. He’s been figured out, it seems. He’s got Takayasu tomorrow.

Juryo:
Kazekeno (J14) beat NIshikigi (J12)
Takakento (Ms3) beat Tsurugisho (J12)
Kazuma (J11) beat Kotokuzan (J14)
Toshinofuji (J11) beat Shimazuumi (J13)
Dewanoryu (J10) beat Fujitensei (J13)
Shonannoumi (J8) beat Tamashoho (J9)
Kitanowaka (J8) beat Tohakuryu (J10)
Kyokukaiyu (J7) beat Hatsuyama (J9)
Meisei (J7) beat Nishinoryu (J4)
Kayo (J5) beat Wakanosho (J3)
Asasuiryu (J2) beat Hitoshi (J6)
Shirokuma (J5) beat Tomokaze (J2)
Takerufuji (J4) beat Ryuden (J1)
Sadanoumi (J1) beat Kagayaki (J5)
Leader: Wakanosho, Kazuma, Kazekeno (7-1)
Of note: No more unbeatens and no promotions today so Wakanosho’s potential top tier ascent has to wait at least another day. The first demotion came today though, and it seems like the end is here for Tsurugisho became he’s going down and likely going to follow through with his vow to retire if he does drop down. His only hope now is to win out.

Lower tier notes: No match for Enho today as Promotion Day wrapped up today and the championship eliminators begin tomorrow. Enho will go for promotion tomorrow against Nobehara, who is also 3-1. There are 7 left at 4-0 with a Tatsunami playoff possible as Okaryu & former top tier & Juryo man Akua are among that group, along with another Isegahama man looking to reach Juryo in Arashifuji (fka Matsui) from Ms7). The Sandanme has 11 at 4-0. The Jonidan has 12 at 4-0 led by Sandanme-bound Isegamana super-prospect Asahifuji. The Jonokuchi has 2 left at 4-0.

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

Makuuchi (top tier):
Asahakuryu (M15) beat Tomokaze (J2)
Fujiryoga (M17) beat Mitakeumi (M13)
Chiyoshoma (M14) beat Kinbozan (M16)
Kotoeiho (M17) beat Fujiseiun (M13)
Tobizaru (M13) beat Nishikifuji (M14)
Roga (M10) beat Asanoyama (M12)
Tamawashi (M9) beat Oshoumi (M11)
Tokihayate (M9) beat Asakoryu (M12)
Shishi (M11) beat Shodai (M8)
Gonoyama (M10) beat Ura (M8)
Hakunofuji (M7) beat Onokatsu (M6)
Kotoshoho (M5) beat Oshoma (M7)
Takanosho (M4) beat Ichiyamamoto (M6)
Churanoumi (M2) beat Wakatakakage (M1)
Yoshinofuji (M1) beat Wakamotoharu (K)
Takayasu (S) beat Daieisho (M4)
Kirishima (S) beat Hiradoumi (M3)
Kotozakura (O) beat Fujinokawa (M2)
Atamifuji (K) beat Aonishiki (O)
Hoshoryu (Y) beat Oho (M3)
Leader: 6 at 6-1
Of note: 2 of the injury absences who just returned faced of today, and based on performances either may not make it through the tournament. Hakunofuji looked much better while Onokatsu was walking gingerly afterwards. Hakunofuji was supposed to be out 3 weeks with his injury but came back after 6 days. I think this win will keep him from demotion to Juryo in worst-case. Let’s see now if Wakamotoharu can pull the miracle to save his Sanyaku rank and get to 8-7, would be more impressive now that he’s 0-7. At the top, Hoshoryu leads a pack of 6 that includes both Sekiwake and former champion Kotoshoho, but the ranks will thin tomorrow because the Sekiwake Showdown between Kirishima & Takayasu is on tap and both are 6-1. Takanosho, who again is in contention at 6-1, will face Aonishiki while Hoshoryu gets Daieisho. Kotoshoho is scheduled to face Hakunofuji.
Yokozuna Watch: It’s over. Unless it’s somehow enough for the championship, 11-4 will not get Aonishiki promoted. Ironically, it was perhaps ended by the man who he beat in January for the championship-Atamifuji. And in fact, Aonishiki must win out to keep his streak of 11+ wins in every top tier tournament so far intact.

UPDATE: RE-ENTRY: Abi (M5). Will return Monday on Day 9. Wiulll have missed a total of 6 days due to a back injury that was expected to keep him out a week. Will be the equivalent of 0-8 and already demoted so this may be just to try and get a win or two to ensure he stays in the top tier, but I would expect him to be safe even at 0-15.

Juryo:
Kazekeno (J14) beat Kotokuzan (J14)
Okaryu (Ms2) beat Shimazuumi (J13)
Kazuma (J11) beat Tsurugisho (J12)
Tohakuryu (J10) beat Fujitensei (J13)
Dewanoryu (J10) beat NIshikigi (J12)
Shonannoumi (J6) beat Toshinofuji (J11)
Kyokukaiyu (J7) beat Tamashoho (J9)
Hatsuyama (J9) beat Meisei (J7)
Kayo (J6) beat Kitanowaka (J6)
Nishinoryu (J4) beat Hitoshi (J6)
Daiseizan (J3) beat Shirokuma (J6)
Asasuiryu (J2) beat Kagayaki (J5)
Sadanoumi (J1) beat Takerufuji (J4)
Wakanosho (J3) beat Ryuden (J1)
Leader: Wakanosho (7-0)
Of note: In addition to consecutive championships, Wakanosho appears to be well on his way to the top tier in March. The only ones one behind now are Kazekeno who seems to be on the way to holding on to his Juryo spot, and Kazuma who seems more comfortable in his second Juryo outing and is off to a strong 6-1 start. Wakanosho gets Kayo tomorrow who is 4-3.Kazekeno & Kazuma face 2-5 Nishikigi & Kotokuzan, respectively. As for the retirement watch, tomorrow may be the start of the farewell for Tsurugisho-a loss to Makushita man Takakento means demotion from J12.

Lower tier notes: Today is what I call the start of Promotion Day in the lower tiers, when the leaders go to 4-0 and thus clinch winning records & thus promotions for the next tournament. In the Makushita, 5 are at 4-0 so far and, with Okaryu at Ms2 among them, means he has a good chance at promotion to Juryo for the first time. 5 more at 3-0 go for promotion tomorrow. Enho bounced back from his first loss-which came to Okaryu-with a win today to improve to 3-1, still with a chance for Juryo promotion. The Sandanme has 6 at 6-0 with 9 more going for promotion tomorrow. The Jonidan has 9 at 4-0 so far including former Juryo man Kiryuko, almost demoted to Jonokuchi after missing a year due to injury but now has a chance to be promoted back to the Sandanme. No Jonokuchi wrestler had their 5th match today so they have 3 at 3-0 right now.

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 6 of the March 2026 Grand Sumo Tournament in Osaka:
Key: M-Maegashira, K-Komusubi, S-Sekiwake, O-Ozeki, Y-Yokozuna, J-Juryo

Makuuchi (top tier):
Chiyoshoma (M14) beat Asahakuryu (M16)
Nishikifuji (M14) beat Fujiryoga (M17)
Kinbozan (M16) beat Tobizaru (M13)
Fujiseiun (M13) beat Mitakeumi (M15)
Kotoeiho (M17) beat Asakoryu (M12)
Asanoyama (M12) beat Shishi (M11)
Oshoumi (M11) beat Tokihayate (M9)
Gonoyama (M10) beat Tamawashi (M9)
Shodai (M8) beat Roga (M10)
Ichiyamamoto (M6) beat Ura (M8)
Onokatsu (M6) beat Oshoma (M7) by DQ/judges’ reversal…HANSOKU!!! Oshoma won by grabbing & pulling Onokatsu’s topknot/hair which is illegal so the result was overturned
Kotoshoho (M5) beat Takanosho (M4)
Daieisho (M4) beat Churanoumi (M2)
Fujinokawa (M2) beat Wakamotoharu (K)
Kirishima (S) beat Yoshinofuji (M1)
Wakatakakage (M1) beat Takayasu (S)
Oho (M3) beat Aonishiki (O)
Atamifuji (K) beat Kotozakura (O)
Hoshoryu (Y) beat Hiradoumi (M3)
Leader: 6 at 5-1
RE-ENTRY: Hakunofuji (M7). Will return tomorrow. Was expected to be out the rest of the tournament after withdrawing on Day 2 due to a Lisfranc/toe injury, which is related to prior toe injuries recently. Will be the equivalent of 0-6 so he still has a chance at promotion but this may be to try and get a couple wins to prevent potential demotion to Juryo.
Of note: No unbeatens left as the remaining ones lost today, so now there’s a logjam at the top that does include Hoshoryu, and with Aonishiki 2 wins back plus no Onosato he has a real chance for that first post-promotion championship. Onokatsu won in his return after being absent 4 days so, not counting Hakunofuji and the absent Midorifuji, the only winless left otherwise is Wakamotoharu who now is 0-6 and has to go 8-1 to save his rank again after going from 0-5 to 8-7 in January. Hoshoryu has Oho tomorrow, who has beaten the Yokozuna a couple times although his last win was a fusen.
Yokozuna Watch-It’s all but over for Aonishiki this time as he fell to 3-3. Now he has to win out and at least force yet another playoff for any chance at promotion.

Juryo:
Kotokuzan (J14) beat Nishikigi (J12)
Kazekeno (J14) beat Kazuma (J11)
Toshinofuji (J11) beat Fujitensei (J13)
Dewanoryu (J10) beat Shimazuumi (J13)
Tohakuryu (J10) beat Tsurugisho (J12)
Hatsuyama (M9) beat Shonannoumi (M8)
Meisei (J7) beat Tamashoho (J9)
Hitoshi (J6) beat Kayo (J6)
Kitanowaka (J8) beat Kagayaki (J5)
Shirokuma (J5) beat Kyokukaiyu (J7)
Daiseizan (J3) beat Takerufuji (J4)
Tomokaze (J2) beat Asasuiryu (J2)
Ryuden (J1) beat Nishinoryu (J4)
Wakanosho (J3) beat Sadanoumi (J1)
Leader: Wakanosho (6-0)
Of note: Kazuma taking his first loss after a strong start to his second Juryo effort leaves Wakanosho the sole unbeaten, almost halfway to a repeat championship and a likely promotion to the top tier. Kitanowaka & Kazekeno are also in the 5-1 group. And remember Tsurugisho saying post-marriage he’ll retire when he’s demoted out of Juryo? Sounds like this is it as he’s 0-6 and seemingly on his farewell tour now. At least as a wrestler, he does qualify for elder stock when he retires.

Lower tier notes: A very odd and rare occurrence in the Jonokuchi today, a scheduled match ended in a double fusen because both wrestlers could not participate. Both withdrew due to various medical reasons last-minute. So what happens when a situation like this arises? It counts as a loss for both. Nikkan Sports reports this is only the second time in recent memory this has happened, the first being during the pandemic. Elsewhere, tomorrow starts Promotion Day in the lower tiers and with Makushita men going back up to Juryo starting tomorrow, Okaryu goes up from Ms2 for perhaps a preview of May as the Tatsunami man will clinch promotion with a win that would take him to 4-0. Enho is in the last match of the day against Himukamaru, also 2-1 and looking for a Juryo return from Ms1.