Tag: ozumo

This is bad for sumo and really bad if true-Nikkan Sports reports there is another investigation of violence among wrestlers within a sumo stable…and if this one is true, open the floodgates because it involves…Isegahama Beya. The current stablemaster, fka Yokozuna Terunofuji, is being investigated for violent acts against one of his wrestlers-Hakunofuji, who will be ranked Maegashira 7 in the March Tournament. The report indicates there may be witnesses as fellow Isegahama wrestler Nishikifuji was also interviewed about this.

This could be an uncomfortable full-circle moment for the sumo powers-this kind of incident ultimately led to the former Yokozuna Hakuho being forced out of the Japan Sumo Association and Miyagino Beya being taken over by Isegahama-and the former Isegahama, just forced to retire last year (reaching age 65, the mandatory retirement age in sumo), currently has that elder stock for up to 5 years as a former Yokozuna although, if Enho can get promoted back to Juryo again, he will be eligible for elder stock which is hope. Nonetheless, with more details and potential punishment to be announced in the near future, what goes around may have just come around. Best-case punishment? Equal to a slap on the wrist. Worst-case? If recent history is an indication, he could be kicked out of the Association and his career & stablemaster time would be over. There was such a situation more recently with Kise Beya but that was wrestler-on-wrestler violence/bullying, however Kise was punished stiffly with the equivalent of demotion in the stablemaster hierarchy and perhaps hopes of running for an executive position soon being dashed.

Nikkan Sports also reports Hakunofuji is currently not with the rest of the stable for pre-Tournament training camp in Osaka and Terunofuji was absent from a press conference the other day with Atamifuji after the January playoff loser was promoted to Komusubi, becoming the first rikishi from Shizuoka Prefecture to reach Sanyaku since 1930. And in worst-case it could take down the most powerful & influential stable in sumo (and the biggest too).

More as it becomes available.

After being delayed a day because today (yesterday Japan time) was a holiday, the Japan Sumo Association has now announced the updated Banzuke (rankings) for the March 2026 Grand Sumo Tournament. Here are the full rankings for the top 2 tiers and other notes:

Makuuchi (top tier):
Yokozuna-Hoshoryu, Onosato
Ozeki-Aonishiki (January Champion), Kotozakura
Sekiwake-Kirishima, Takayasu
Komusubi-Wakamotoharu, Atamifuji
Maegashira 1-Wakatakakage, Yoshinofuji
Maegashira 2-Fujinokawa, Churanoumi
Maegashira 3-Hiradoumi, Oho
Maegashira 4-Daieisho, Takanosho
Maegashira 5-Abi, Kotoshoho
Maegashira 6-Ichiyamamoto, Onokatsu
Maegashira 7-Oshoma, Hakunofuji
Maegashira 8-Ura, Shodai
Maegashira 9-Tokihayate, Tamawashi
Maegashira 10-Gonoyama, Roga
Maegashira 11-Shishi, Oshoumi
Maegashira 12-Asakoryu, Asanoyama
Maegashira 13-Tobizaru, Fujiseiun
Maegashira 14-Chiyoshoma, Nishikifuji
Maegashira 15-Midorifuji, Mitakeumi
Maegashira 16-Asahakuryu, Kinbozan
Maegashira 17-Fujiryoga, Kotoeiho
Notes: The big story is Aonishiki being on Yokozuna watch as he goes for 3 straight championships and potential promotion. Next up is Atamifuji, whose playoff loss in January finally gets him into Sanyaku as he is Komusubi for the first time alongside Wakamotoharu, who protected his rank on the final day of January after an 0-5 start. No change at Sekiwake-Kirishima has a chance at promotion back to Ozeki if he wins the championship. Yoshinofuji was perhaps only denied Komusubi by Wakamotoharu’s promotion-saving win and Atamifuji’s playoff loss. Fujinokawa & Abi are notable big movers up while Tamawashi will keep his Iron Man streak going from the middle of the chart. There were rumblings about Aomori’s top tier representation streak being in danger of ending due to Nishikifuji’s demotion because of late withdrawal but it’s safe for now as he only fell to M14. But he needs to compete and do decent or hope Takerufuji can get back up from Juryo this time, which is possible. Fujiseiun was also rightfully promoted up from Juryo for the first time, and they made up for January’s snub by taking him up to M13 and also coming up is Fujiryoga at M17 for his rookie effort.

Juryo:
Juryo 1-Ryuden, Sadanoumi
Juryo 2-Asasuiryu, Tomokaze
Juryo 3-Daiseizan, Wakanosho (January Champion)
Juryo 4-Nishinoryu, Takerufuji
Juryo 5-Kagayaki, Shirokuma
Juryo 6-Hitoshi, Kayo
Juryo 7-Meisei, Kyokukaiyu
Juryo 8-Shonannoumi, Kitanowaka
Juryo 9-Tamashoho, Hatsuyama
Juryo 10-Dewanoryu, Tohakuryu
Juryo 11-Kazuma, Toshinofuji
Juryo 12-Nishikigi, Tsurugisho
Juryo 13-Shimazuumi, Fujitensei
Juryo 14-Kazekeno, Kotokuzan
Notes: Ryuden was once again demoted from the top tier while Sadanoumi came closer to going back up than I expected as they are the J1s this time. January Champion Wakanosho went from J11 to J3 this time. At the bottom, Toshinofuji (fka Seihakuho) & Fujitensei are the Shin-Juryo rikishi while Fujitensei is also kaimei, as his promotion comes with a new shikona (ring name) for the former Fukuzaki, while Shimazuumi is Sai-Juryo returning from the lower tiers. A slight surprise that Nishikigi gets one more chance to stay Juryo while Tsurugisho staves off demotion-induced retirement for another tournament.

Lower tier notes: In the Makushita Enho is within promotion range, climbing up to Ms4. That means he needs 5+ wins for a chance at that long-hoped-for Juryo return. Himukamaru is at Ms1 after demotion to Juryo but with a chance to return quickly, alongside Tochitaikai. Hakuyozan was demoted from Juryo to Ms2 alongside Okaryu, who climbs to a career-best with Juryo in reach. January champion Nobehara is up to Ms6 with a chance at promotion too. The Sandanme has the “new normal” 80 ranks & 160 total wrestlers. The Jonidan slims down just a little to 100 ranks & 200 wrestlers, with both Isrgahama January Jonokuchi unbeatens, champion Asahifuji (their next super-prospect) & runner-up Aoifuji, slotting in high at Jd8, while the Jonokuchi has 21 ranks with 42 wrestlers and what looks like 7 debuts, and the net’s favorite “lovable loser” Moriurara at Jk14 (also getting more popularity thanks to Otake Beya starting a YouTube channel a few months ago).

The March Tournament runs from 3/8-3/22 at Osaka Prefectural Gym in Osaka. All tickets are already sold out. Remember the time change forward in the US starts on 3/8 so everything is an hour later than usual for TV/streaming.

Normally the Banzuke for the March Grand Sumo Tournament would be announced today (Monday Japan time). However, because Monday is a holiday in Japan, the Banzuke announcement is DELAYED and will be announced Tuesday, so that post will come Monday afternoon US time, likely between 2-6 PM PT.

With 10 days until the next Banzuke announcement, the Japan Sumo Association announced another wrestler decided to retire today-Daishoho is calling it a career. Daishoho, from Oitekaze Beya, real name Chimidregzen Shijirbayar from Mongolia, is leaving after just short of 13 years in pro sumo with a career record of 417-433-2 (win-loss-absent), 53-82 in the top tier, one Jonidan Championship and a career high rank of Maegashira 9. Because the 2 absent were due to coronavirus protocols during the pandemic, they were expunged and he is credited with perfect attendance in his career (this applied to many wrestlers with such absent days, including most notably Tamawashi, which kept his Iron Man streak intact). He went 3-4 in January at Sandanme 5 which meant a demotion and, due to the timing of retirement, he will appear on the March Banzuke but it will not count on his record and he will be perhaps announced as a pre-tournament withdrawal. He qualified for elder stock but the reports I read on Nikkan Sports & Hochi Sports as well as the JSA announcement made no mention of it so he probably is leaving the Association or will not become a coach.

The big post-January Tournament happening in sumo this weekend was yesterday’s retirement & haircutting ceremony for former Yokozuna Terunofuji, now stablemaster Isegahama. For those who don’t have access to ABEMA (where it’s available on demand in its entirety until Thursday) or who don’t want to search for short cut-up clips of the event on YouTube (they are there however), the official Isegahama Beya YouTube channel has put together a 35 minute highlight package including the final topknot butting by the former Isegahama (now Miyagino), which you can watch FOR FREE below (note the only subtitles available are Japanese which are auto-generated, you can auto-translate to English but it’ll be hilariously bad at times):

With the January 2026 Grand Sumo Tournament now in the books, here is a look back at the final standings and early post-tournament news from the first rankings meeting:

First, here is the final Hoshitori (Tournament Records) based on the Banzuke for the top 2 tiers, records are in win-loss-absent format (for rankings purposes absent is treated like a loss)::
Makuuchi (top tier):
Yokozuna-Hoshoryu (10-5), Onosato (10-5)
Ozeki-Aonishiki (12-3, Tournament Champion), Kotozakura (8-7)
Sekiwake-Kirishima (11-4), Takayasu (8-7)
Komusubi-Oho (4-11), Wakamotoharu (8-7)
Maegashira 1-Ichiyamamoto (4-11), Yoshinofuji (8-7)
Maegashira 2-Ura (4-11). Wakatakakage (9-6)
Maegashira 3-Takanosho (5-10), Hakunofuji (5-8-2)
Maegashira 4-Daieisho (7-8), Atamifuji (12-3, lost playoff)
Maegashira 5-Tamawashi (5-10), Churanoumi (9-6)
Maegashira 6-Hiradoumi (9-6), Onokatsu (7-8)
Maegashira 7-Oshoma (7-8), Fujinokawa (10-5)
Maegashira 8-Shodai (7-8), Kinbozan (4-11)
Maegashira 9-Gonoyama (7-8), Roga (7-8)
Maegashira 10-Tokihayate (8-7), Kotoshoho (9-6)
Maegashira 11-Chiyoshoma (6-9), Nishikifuji (6-6-3)
Maegashira 12-Midorifuji (6-9), Abi (10-5)
Maegashira 13-Tobizaru (7-8), Tomokaze (4-11)
Maegashira 14-Shishi (9-6), Mitakeumi (7-8)
Maegashira 15-Ryuden (6-9), Asakoryu (9-6)
Maegashira 16-Asanoyama (9-6), Oshoumi (10-5)
Maegashira 17-Asahakuryu (8-7), Hatsuyama (2-13)

Juryo:
Juryo 1-Kotoeiho (8-7), Fujiseiun (11-4)
Juryo 2-Daiseizan (7-8), Kagayaki (6-9)
Juryo 3-Fujiryoga (9-6), Shirokuyma (6-9)
Juryo 4-Sadanoumi (9-6), Shonannoumi (5-10)
Juryo 5-Tamashoho (5-10), Takerufuji (8-7)
Juryo 6-Kotokuzan (3-12), Nishinoryu (9-6)
Juryo 7-Tochitaikai (3-7-5), Asasuiryu (10-5)
Juryo 8-Meisei (8-7), Kitanowaka (7-8)
Juryo 9-Hitoshi (9-6), Kayo (9-6)
Juryo 10-Kazekeno (5-10), Tohakuryu (7-8)
Juryo 11-Wakanosho (12-3, Tournament Champion), Tsurugisho (6-9)
Juryo 12-NIshikigi (7-8), Kuokukaiyu (10-5)
Juryo 13-Hidenoumi (5-10), Dewanoryu (8-7)
Juryo 14-Hakuyozan (6-9), Kazuma (8-7)

Notes: Is it too early to think about Aonishiki Yokozuna? He’s got the consecutive championships now but the first one was at Sekiwake so that may mean having to go for promotion in March and doing what he’s done every tournament so far-11 or 12 wins. Based on the champion’s interview and post-tournament Association comments promotion contention is a no right now. Both Yokozuna had injury issues/rumors and struggled despite managing 10 wins each and Onosato getting back into championship contention at the end but they both started 6-1 then it fell apart. Kotozakura showed flashes of contention but as usual for this past year slumped late, losing his last 3 to fall out of it and disappoint yet again with only 8 wins to barely protect his rank. Kirishima & Takayasu will stay Sekiwake, with Kirishima needing a championship next time for potential Ozeki promotion because he was M2 last tournament. Wakamotoharu salvaged his rank on the last day after an 0-5 start, rallying to get to 8-7 while Oho will take another big fall as he can’t break through in Sanyaku. Ichiyamamoto’s personal best ranking effort ended early with a disastrous 1-9 start while Yoshinofuji rescued a Special Prize with his win today. Ura also is taking another big fall while Atamifuji is the big toss-up after his playoff loss-he could finally reach Sanyaku but based on Wakamotoharu saving his rank and the playoff loss I believe he won’t make it and will be M1 in March. For now it looks like the only definite demotion to Juryo is Hatsuyama, who may be lucky to hang on to Juryo after a 2-13 top tier debut at M17. Ryuden is a big maybe for demotion as is Tomokaze. It was also revealed there was no Technique Prize awarded because it would have gone yet again to Aonishiki but as Ozeki or Yokozuna he is not eligible for Special Prizes (only Maegashira, Komusubi & Sekiwake are).
For Juryo, It’s been revealed on social media that Shirokuma was injured in his final day match. Twisted ankle. Status uncertain. That aside, the numbers game is going to shun somebody again, this time I think it will be Kotoeiho staying in Juryo while Fujiseiun gets promoted this time. Fujiryoga will probably slot in as the other J1 while Sadanoumi likely just misses out on a top tier return after a strong start. Asasuiryu had an impressive finish after starting 0-4, going 10-1 the rest of the way while Wakanosho won his last 6 and 8 of his last 9 for his first championship. At the bottom, Hakuyozan & Hidenoumi look like they’ll be demoted to Makushita and possibly Tochitaikai, which if that happens would mean no Kasugano Beya wrestlers in the top 2 tiers for the first time in 60 years. Thanks to a final day win Nishikigi is probably safe one more time. As for Tsurugisho’s pledge to retire if demoted out of Juryo again? 6-9 at J11 probably means no retirement (it’s in big part because he announced his marriage at the start of the tournament). But reportedly he was also injured on the final day. Status uncertain but if he can’t compete in March then it’s over. Despite finishing with consecutive losses Kazuma & Dewanoryu did enough beforehand to clinch promotion and will stay in Juryo with 8 wins each.

The Shin-Juryo & Sai-Juryo rikishi for March 2026 have been announced: Promoted to Juryo for the first time are Toshinofuji (the former Seihakuho) and Fukuzaki, who also will be kaimei as his new shikona (ring name) will be Fujitensei. Being promoted back to Juryo after prior demotion is Shimazuumi. There were 8 retirements which includes Daiamami, who was the only one above the Sandanme to retire (2 Sandanme, 3 Jonidan, 2 Jonokuchi).

Also, it was announced earlier this week that Tamawashi has been recognized by Guinness World Records for his Iron Man streak of never missing a day (excluding 2 expunged absent days that were pandemic-related because they were not his fault. There were policies at one time stating of one wrestler got Covid-19 during a tournament, the entire stable had to withdraw even if they did not have the virus. Mitakeumi got an extra chance at Ozeki because this would have otherwise resulted in demotion due to having to withdraw because of this).

In other major off-dohyo news, Tokiwayama Beya is changing hands and names because the current Tokiwayama stepped down after the tournament because he just reached, or is about to reach, the mandatory retirement age of 65. It will now become Minatogawa Beya as the former Takakeisho takes over as stablemaster. This may open the Tokiwayama elder stock for Takanosho when he retires as it’s believed he holds it but if he wants to be a stablemaster he may have to go elsewhere as Minatogawa/Takakeisho has nearly 40 years until he turns 65. Also coming up this Saturday is the retirement & haircutting ceremony for the former Terunofuji, now Isegahama. Watch for clips hopefully showing up on YouTube in the next week or two. Also coming in the next couple weeks os the 2026 Hakuho Cup, the 16th annual event held by the legendary former Yokozuna, now without Japan Sumo Association backing or involvement (namely no former Isegahama-now Miyagino-keeping a close leash on Hakubo). Live (and hopefully on demand streams) of the event will be available FOR FREE on YouTube.

UPDATE: The Terunofuji retirement event will be streamed live on ABEMA beginning Friday at 5 PN PT/8 PM ET.

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

Makuuchi (top tier):
Asahakuryu (M17) beat Sadanoumi (J4)
Kotoeiho (J1) beat Ryuden (M15)
Mitakeumi (M14) beat Midorifuji (M12)
Tobizaru (M13) beat Chiyoshoma (M11)
Kotoshoho (M10) beat Hatsuyama (M17)
Roga (M9) beat Tomokaze (M13)
Asakoryu (M15) beat Gonoyama (M9)
Shodai (M8) beat Asanoyama (M16)
Fujinokawa (M7) beat Tokihayate (M10)
Atamifuji (M4) beat Oshoumi (M16)
Daieisho (M4) beat Shishi (M14)
Wakatakakage (M2) beat Hiradoumi (M6)
Ura (M2) beat Tamawashi (M5)
Yoshinofuji (M1) beat Oshoma (M7)
Ichiyamamoto (M1) beat Kinbozan (M8)
Wakamotoharu (K) beat Onokatsu (M6)
Takanosho (M3) beat Oho (K)
Churanoumi (M5) beat Takayasu (S)
Kirishima (S) beat Abi (M12)
Aonishiki (O) beat Kotozakura (O). PLAYOFF!!! There will be an Aonishiki-Atamifuji rematch for the championship!
Hoshoryu (Y) beat Onosato (Y)
Playoff: Aonishiki beat Atamifuji. AONISHIKI YUSHO!!! The 2nd career-and consecutive-Emperor’s Cup for Aonishiki!
CHAMPION: Aonishiki (12-3)

Juryo:
Hakuyozan (J14) beat Takakento (Ms3)
Shimazuumi (Ms5) beat Hidenoumi (J13)
Nishikigi (J12) beat Kazekeno (J10)
Asasuiryu (J7) beat Dewanoryu (J13)
Hitoshi (J9) beat Nishinoryu (J6)
Fukuzaki (Ms3) beat Kotokuzan (J6)
Kyokukaiyu (J12) beat Takerufuji (J5)
Tamashoho (J5) beat Kazuma (J14)
Kayo (J9) beat Shonannoumi (J4)
Kitanowaka (J8) beat Shirokuma (J3)
Wakanosho (J11) beat Fujiryoga (J3). WAKANOSHO JURYO YUSHO!!! 1st career championship
Kagayaki (J2) beat Tsurugisho (J11)
Meisei (J8) beat Daiseizan (J2)
Fujiseiun (J1) beat Tohakuryu (J10)
CHAMPION: Wakanosho (12-3)

Jonokuchi:
Playoff: Asahifuji (Jk19) beat Aoifuji (Jk17). ASAHIFUJI JONOKUCHI YUSHO!!! 1st career championship in first tournament

TOURNAMENT CHAMPIONS:
Makuuchi: Aonishiki (O) (2nd Emperor’s Cup, 4th career championship)
Juryo: Wakanosho (J11) (1st career)
Makushita: Nobehara (Ms54) (1st career)
Sandanme: Hinanofuji (Sd23) (2nd career, 2nd Sandanme)
Jonidan: Koseiryu (Jd3) (1st career)
Jonokuchi: Asahifuji (Jk17). (1st career)

SPECIAL PRIZES:
Outstanding Performance (best record with most wins vs. Yokuzuna & Ozeki): Yoshinofuji (Correction-it was originally stated Atamifujji won this as well or would if he won bis match, which he did. Apparently he had to win the championship too, which he did not)
Fighting Spirit (best record with best display of fighting spirit): Atamifuji, Kirishima (Oshoumi & Abi would’ve gotten this with a win)
Technique (winning record with best display of technique/most winning techniques used): None

The next tournament is 3/8-3/22 at Osaka Prefectural Gym in Osaka. Tickets go on sale 2/7. The initial post-tournament wrap-up and news post will tentatively come Wednesday or Thursday. The new Banzuke will be announced on 2/23 (2/22 US time).

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

Makuuchi (top tier):
Kotoshoho (M10) beat Mitakeumi (M14)
Gonoyama (M9) beat Hatsuyama (M17)
Asahakuryu (M17) beat Shodai (M8)
Midorifuji (M12) beat Kinbozan (M8)
Oshoma (M7) beat Ryuden (M15)
Fujinokawa (M7) beat Asakoryu (M15)
Oshoumi (M16) beat Hiradoumi (M6)
Tobizaru (M13) beat Onokatsu (M6)
Tamawashi (M5) beat Tomokaze (M13)
Churanoumi (M5) beat Roga (M9)
Chiyoshoma (M11) beat Takanosho (M3)
Wakatakakage (M2) beat Daieisho (M4)
Tokihayate (M10) beat Ichiyamamoto (M1)
Yoshinofuji (M1) beat Shishi (M14)
Ura (M2) beat Oho (K)
Wakamotoharu (K) beat Asanoyama (M16)
Atamifuji (M4) beat Kirishima (S)
Abi (M12) beat Takayasu (S)
Hoshoryu (Y) beat Kotozakura (O)
Onosato (Y) beat Aonishiki (O)
Leader: Aonishiki, Atamifuji (11-3)
Of note: The championship will be decided tomorrow, but it won’t be simple because Aonishiki-Atamifuji already happened on Day 12. So here are the championship scenarios:
1-If either Aonishiki (Kotozakura) or Atamifuji (Oshoumi) win AND the other loses, the winner is the champion.
2-If both win, there will be a playoff.
3-if both lose, there will be a 4-way playoff with Aonishiki, Atamifuji, Oshoumi and the Kirishima-Abi winner as both are now 10-4 so the winner becomes a co-leader. But if Onosato wins the Yokozuna Showdown tomorrow in this scenario, there would be a FIVE-WAY playoff!
Atamifuji is up first tomorrow so Aonishiki will know his destiny before he faces Kotozakura. Kirishima-Abi happens right before Aonishiki-Kotozakura, and of course Onosato-Hoshoryu is last and remember that despite Onosato’s playoff win history between them still favors Hoshoryu.
At the bottom, Sadanoumi & Kotoeiho will be the Juryo men up for tomorrow’s final day, both trying to get back to the top tier in March-Sadanoumi already has promotion at 9-5 but probably does need that 10th win (Asahakuryu) to move up from J4, Kotoeiho is 7-7 at J1 so he must win (Ryuden).
Also of note: With this win Tamawashi (finally) moves into 9th place all-time in top tier wins with 707, breaking a tie with Musashimaru (now Musashigawa). A long way to go to 8th which is 777.

Juryo:
Toshinofuji (Ms2) beat Hakuyozan (J14)
Meisei (J8) beat Dewanoryu (J13)
Kotokuzan (J6) beat Nishikigi (J12)
Nishinoryu (J9) beat Kazuma (J14)
Kyokukaiyu (J12) beat Tamashoho (J5)
Takerufuji (J5) beat Hidenoumi (J13)
Sadanoumi (J4) beat Kayo (J9)
Kitanowaka (J8) beat Shonannoumi (J4)
Fujiryoga (J3) beat Tsurugisho (J11)
Tohakuryu (J10) beat Shirokuma (J3)
Asasuiryu (J7) beat Daiseizan (J2)
Kazekeno (J10) beat Kagayaki (J2)
Wakanosho (J11) beat Kotoeiho (J1)
Fujiseiun (J1) beat Hitoshi (J9)
Leader: Wakanosho (11-3)
Of note: The Juryo title picture is much simpler tomorrow-if Wakanosho wins (Fujiryoga), he is the champion. If Wakanosho loses and Fujiseiun wins (Tohakuryu), there will be a playoff. Wakanosho is up first and Fujiseiun is the last match of the day. Fujiseiun is headed to the top tier regardless, if Wakanosho wins the championship I don’t think 12-3 at J11 will be enough. But he should be J1 or J2 for sure, at worst J3 with top tier demotions. I don’t think Daiseizen will move up even if he clinches promotion tomorrow to finish 8-7 at J2 but Fujiryoga will have a chance if he wins to get to 10-5 at J3. With his win today it looks like Toshinofuji, the former Seihakuho, is probably getting promoted to Juryo in March for the first time. He was considered the last of the real Hakuho big-time prospects before the Isegahama takeover. As far as anyone else coming up, Himukamaru is a toss-up for a return at 4-3 from Ms2 as he is done, Fukuzaki has a chance fro Ms3 if he wins tomorrow to finish 5-2 and maybe Shimazuumi from Ms5 if he gets to 6-1. I’d like to see Okaryu have a chance as he is a stablemate of Hoshoryu and finished 6-1 (lost his first match then won all the rest) but Ms7 may be too far down. He probably goes to Ms3, maybe Ms2.

Reminder: NHK World Japan will have 90 minutes of LIVE top tier coverage, including the final matches, playoff if necessary, awards ceremony and champions’ interview, FOR FREE TONIGHT beginning at 11:30 PM PT/2:30 AM ET. NHK World Premium coverage begins at 11 PM PT/2 AM ET. I will try and do live results tonight beginning with Juryo around 9:30 PM PT/12:30 AM ET.

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

Makuuchi (top tier):
Asahakuryu (M17) beat Kotoeiho (J1)
Ryuden (M15) beat Chiyoshoma (M11)
Tokihayate (M10) beat Tomokaze (M13)
Roga (M9) beat Tobizaru (M13)
Gonoyama (M9) beat Midorifuji (M12)
Hatsuyama (M17) beat Kinbozan (M8)
Mitakeumi (M14) beat Shodai (M6)
Fujinokawa (M7) beat Kotoshoho (M10)
Asakoryu (M15) beat Oshoma ((M7)
Atamifuji (M4) beat Abi (M12)
Onokatsu (M6) beat Hakunofuji (M3) by default/withdrawal
Wakatakakage (M2) beat Churanouni (M5)
Takanosho (M3) beat Ura (M2)
Daieisho (M4) beat Yoshinofuji (M1)
Ichiyamamoto (M1) beat Tamawashi (M5)
Wakamotoharu (K) beat Osboumi (M16)
Hiradoumi (M6) beat Oho (K)
Takayasu (S) beat Asanoyama (M16)
Kirishima (S) beat Shishi (M14)
Onosato (Y) beat Kotozakura (O)
Aonishiki (O) beat Hoshoryu (Y)
Leader: Aonishiki (11-2)
WITHDRAWAL: Hakunofuji (M3). Toe. Tournament over. Injury occurred yesterday in loss to Aonishiki where his foot turned awkwardly at the end of the match. Status uncertain beyond this weekend. Will be demoted. Onokatsu got the fusen again as a result. (UPDATE: Per Hochi Sports, out about 4 weeks. That means he should be back for March)
Of note: It’s Aonishiki’s to lose but he can’t win the championship tomorrow because both Kirishima & Atamifuji are 10-3 and face off tomorrow. No 3rd straight playoff for Hosboryu as 8-5 means he is out of it, while Onosato is 9-4 and needs a lot of help as do the other 5 with that record. In fact, Onosato’s fate is the easiest to decide because he has Aonishiki tomorrow-he must win to have any chance at a 6th championship. At the bottom, Hatsuyama got his second win today which, despite a big demotion coming, should be enough to at least keep him in Juryo.
Finally, I don’t think Onokatsu will get lucky and fusen his way to promotion, he’s gonna have to face Tobizaru tomorrow barring the unexpected. But the last two days did help, taking him from 5-6 to 7-6.

Juryo:
Kayo (J9) beat Nishikigi (J12)
Hitoshi (J9) beat Hakuyozan (J14)
Kazuma (J14) beat Meisei (J8)
Asasuiryu (J7) beat Taurugisho (J11)
Dewanoryu (J14) beat Takerufuji (J5)
Kazekeno (J10) beat Tamashoho (J5)
Shonannoumi (J4) beat Hidenouni (J13)
Kyokukaiyu (J12) beat Sadanoumi (J4)
Shirokuma (J3) beat Kotokuzan (J6)
Nishinoryu (J6) beat Fujiryoga (J3)
Kitanowaka (J8) beat Kagayaki (J2)
Daiseizan (J2) beat Tohakuryu (J10)
Wakanosho (J11) beat Fujiseiun (J1)
Leader: Wakanosho (10-3)
Of note: Wakanosho now controls his destiny and the championship after today. If he beats Kotoeiho tomorrow and Hitoshi beats Fujiseiun, Wakanosho is the champion. Otherwise, Fujiseiun can still force a playoff. A Wakanosho loss could also keep as many as 7 others in contention for a playoff, including newcomer Kazuma who continued his impressive rebound from an 0-3 start by securing promotion today. At the bottom, Hakuyozan will presumably be demoted to Makushita at 5-8 now while Hidenouni is in danger of demotion at 5-8 along with Nishikigi at 6-7. The others at the bottom, Dewanoryu & Kyokukaiyu, clinched promotions today. As far as potential Makushita promotions, nobody who still has a chance competed today. Records so far show perhaps 5 with a chance still, and more realistically 3 at best.

Makushita:
Nobehara (Ms54) beat Enho (Ms11). NOBEHARA MAKUSHITA YUSHO!!! 1st career championship. So close and yet so far away for Enho, who just misses out on potential Juryo promotion. He’ll try again in Match from a much closer rank.

Sandanme:
Hananofuji (Sd23) beat Kakueizan (Sd9). HANANOFUJI SANDANME YUSBO!!! 2nd career championship and 2nd Sandanme championship for the former Kawazoe. Will be promoted to Makushita as he tries to climb back up to Juryo himself after a long injury absence.

Jonidan:
Asanojo (Jd49) beat Takakurayama (Jd68)
Koseiryu (Jd3) beat Chiyoyamato (Jd41). KOSEIRYU JONIDAN YUSHO!!! First career championship. Takakurayama was eliminated from contention with his loss.

Jonokuchi:
Asahifuji (Jk19) beat Wakaonehara (Jk1)
Aoifuji (Jk17) beat Datenoumi (Jd98). PLAYOFF!!! And between stablemates! Both Isegahama men will face off for the championship on Sunday.

Reminder: NHK World Japan will have 50 minutes of LIVE top tier coverage FOR FREE tomorrow at 12:10 AM PT/3:10 AM ET. NHK World Premium will have 2 hours of top tier coverage beginning at 11 PM PT/2 AM ET, and remember if you are in the US or Canada you can subscribe to Jme and new subscribers get a 5 day free trial so you can watch the final weekend for free that way.

UPDATE: From the lower tiers, Nikkan Sports reports we have another retirement: Kenho (Jk5), who is calling it quits after nearly 15 years despite earning promotion with a 5-2 record this tournament. His highest career rank was Ms59 for one tournament and he nearly won one Sandanme Championship, losing in a playoff in January 2012. He was better known for being, at one point, one of the heaviest wrestlers ever at roughly 575 pounds, but following major health issues including having part of his stomach removed he reportedly slimmed down to about 420 pounds although for this tournament he was listed as back up to 501.6 pounds. His career record was 258-254-90 (win-loss-absent).