Tag: ozumo

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

Makuuchi (top tier):
Asahakuryu (M12) beat Kaxuma (M15)
Asakoryu (M16) beat Abi (M15)
Daiseizan (M16) beat Mitakeumi (M11)
Shishi (M14) beat Asanoyama (M10)
Fujiryoga (M9) beat Nishikifuji (M13)
Tobizaru (M9) beat Onokatsu (M15)
Takerufuji (M13) beat Takayasu (M7)
Kinbozan (M14) beat Shodai (M6!
Roga (M8) beat Ura (M5)
Chiyoshoma (M10) beat Oshoma (M5)
Daieisho (M4) beat Fujiseiun (M6)
Wakamotoharu (M8) beat Ichiyamamoto (M4)
Fujinokawa (M1) beat Gonoyama (M2)
Takanosho (M1) beat Hakunofuji (M3)
Hiradoumi (M3) beat Yoshinofuji (K)
Churanoumi (M2) beat Oho (K)
Atamifuji (S) beat Kotoeiho (M1)
Kotoshoho (S) beat Aonishiki (S)
Kotozakura (O) beat Hoshoryu (Y)
Kirishima (O) beat Onosato (Y)
Leader: Kirishima, Aonishiki, Takerufuji, Shishi (10-2)
Of note: Thanks to Kotoshoho it’s now wide open as he handed Aonishiki only hos second loss, which means 4 are now tied for the lead and 3 are not quite out yet at 9-3 the big change comes tomorrow-they finally stop feeding Shishi bottom rank guys and will test him with Kotozakura, who needs one more win to get out of kadoban status and remain Ozeki. Onosato is officially out of title contention now at 6-6 while Hoshoryu is out of it at 7-5 due to tomorrow’s matches between co-leaders, meaning 11 wins will be the minimum for the championship. This also has allowed Takerufuji to get into a share of the lead as he chased his second championship and first since his top tier debut, when despite a last day withdrawal due to injury he held on for the Emperor’s Cup before falling down the ranks.
Yokozuna Watch: It almost certainly comes down to tomorrow for Kirishima-the eagerly-awaited match against Aonishiki. A win and Kirishima stays in the title lead at 11-2. A loss and he would have to get to 12-3 and force a playoff for any real chance at promotion. History is not on the Ozeki’s side though-they have met 5 times before and Aonishiki has won 4.
Ozeki Watch: Since he reached 10 wins yesterday Aonishiki will get re-promoted even if he loses out.

Juryo:
Hitoshi (J10) beat Kayo (J12)
Tohakuryu (J12) beat Nishinoryu (J9)
Tochitaikai (J14) beat Meisei (J7)
Shonannoumi (J6) beat Arashifuji (J13)
Kazekeno (J6) beat Nishikigi (J14)
Tomokaze (J4) beat Kagayaki (J11)
Shirokuma (J9) beat Toshinofuji (J4)
Tamashoho (J10) beat Ryuden (J3)
Dewanoryu (J3) beat Kitanowaka (J5)
Tokihayate (J2) beat Midorifuji (J8)
Enho (J11) beat Sadanoumi (J2)
Asasuiryu (J1) beat Tamawashi (J7)
Kyokukaiyu (J1) beat Hatsuyama (J8)
Leader: Arashifuji (10-2)
Of note: It’s still an Isegahama title to lose but both lost today so Shirokuma & Shonannoumi join Toshinofuji at 9-3. There will be a potential eliminator tomorrow between Shonannoumi & Shirokuma, Toshinofuji faces Tohakuryu and Arashifuji gets Dewanoryu, who clinched promotion today and now has a chance to reach the top tier with probably at least 2 more wins. Elsewhere, Enho spoiled Sadanoumi’s promotion hopes with a win to get to 6-6, meaning his Juryo rank is likely safe even if he loses out. He faces Tomokaze tomorrow. Asasuiryu has likely clinched promotion to the top tier as he finally got bis 8th win today which could mean 4 Takasago men up there in September (if Asahakuryu & Asakoryu can stay up there, Asanoyama has already clinched promotion). Tokihayate also has a chance at a top tier return now with promotion secured but probably needs one more win. Also, Tamawashi’s Iron Man streak is now at 1805, meaning tomorrow he will move into sole possession of 3rd place on the all-time appearances list. He is 6-6 so if he keeps going in September he will remain in Juryo even if demoted from J7.
The Makushita men will start coning up again tomorrow for the final days, with Ms1 Tanji & Ms2 Tokifudo up first. Tanji will be promoted to Juryo with a win at 3-3 while Tokifudo already has promotion at 4-2 but would make it certain with a win.

Lower tier notes: Tomorrow is Championship Day in the lower tiers. Here’s how everything looks: In the Makushita…unusually, it won’t be. Nabatame is the sole leader at 6-0 but, in a first time occurrence since I have been following sumo, has no match tomorrow. But we will know one thing-if Nabatame loses his last match there will be a playoff and after tomorrow we’ll know how many could be involved. It’s guaranteed to be a 6-way playoff if it happens and could be 7. And that could include Asahifuji and/or Mita, meaning Asahifuji could still have a chance at Juryo promotion. Kiryuko, who will be demoted due to withdrawing earlier at 1-1 at the time, will return tomorrow to try and get a second win. In the Snadanme there are 3 left at 6-0 so there are two scenarios: First ip is Tochimusashi. If he beats Kazemitsuki (5-1), there will be a playoff as he would face the Tenshoyama-Ohata winner. If Tochimusashi loses, Tenshoyama-Ohata is for the championship. There is a similar scenario in the Jonidan, which also has 3 at 6-0. First, Asahabataki faces Kakizoe, who is up as the Jonokuchi leader. If Asahabataki wins, there will be a playoff as he would face Hakugetsuro-Nakazawa winner and there will be a Jonokuchi playoff which could be a 3-way playoff. If Kakizoe wins, he is the Jonokuchi champion and Hakugetsuro-Nakazawa will be for the Jonidan championship.

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

Makuuchi (top tier):
Daiseizan (M16) beat Abi (M12)
Asakoryu (M16) beat Chiyoshoma (M10)
Takerufuji (M13) beat Asanoyama (M10)
Fujiryoga (M9) beat Kazuma (M15)
Roga (M8) beat Onokatsu (M15)
Wakamotoharu (M8) beat Kinbozan (M14)
Shishi (M14) beat Kotoeiho (M7)
Fujiseiun (M6) beat Mitakeumi (M11)
Asahakuryu (M12) beat Shodai (M7)
Oshoma (M5) beat Tobizaru (M9)
Nishikifuji (M13) beat Daieisho (M4)
Takayasu (M7) beat Hakunofuji (M3)
Fujinokawa (M1) beat Hiradoumi (M3)
Takanosho (M1) beat Oho (K)
Churanoumi (M2) beat Yoshinofuji (K)
Aonishiki (S) beat Gonogama (M2)
Kotozakura (O) beat Ura (M5)
Kirishima (O) beat Ichiyamamoto (M4)
Atamifuji (S) beat Onosato (Y)
Hosboryu (Y) beat Kotoshoho (S)
Leader: Aonishiki (10-1)
Of note: Clearly they are saving Aonishiki-Kirishima for the final day if possible as that seems to be Aonishiki’s last obstacle to another championship despite several others still in it at 9-2. However, tomorrow’s matches will narrow that group by at least one or two. The Yokozuna are pretty much out of it now, Hoshoryu still has a slim chance at 7-4 but Onosato is now 6-5 and could only force a playoff. Tomorrow Aonishiki faces Kotoshoho, with a loss meaning demotion from Sekiwake for Kotoshoho. Kirishima starts his Yokozuna slate with Onosato. Kotoeiho, who remains 9-2 despite the loss to Shishi, faces Atamifuji who has protected his Sekiwake ranking and now will be on Ozeki Watch in September, but right now the only way he can get promotion will be to win the championship. Shishi remains facing the bottom ranks but that doesn’t mean easier-he’s got Asanoyama tomorrow.
Yokozuna Watch: Kirishima keeps hanging in there, at 9-2 the promotion hopes remain alive. But now he has to go through the Yokozuna and still Aonishiki. First, Onosato and history suggests the bid ends here-they have met, by my count, 11 times before. Kirishima is 0-nosato. Onosato has won them all.
Ozeki Watch: Successful second chance! Because he now has the required 10 wins, Aonishiki will be promoted back to Ozeki immediately after the tournament regardless of the final result.

Juryo:
Nishikigi (J14) beat Hitoshi (J10)
Nishinoryu (J9) beat Tochitaikai (J14)
Shirokuma (J9) beat Enho (J11)
Kayo (J12) beat Hatsuyama (J8)
Shonannoumi (J6) beat Tohakuryu (J12)
Kitanowaka (J5) beat Kagayaki (J11)
Toshinofuji (J4) beat Tomokaze (J4)
Dewanoryu (J3) beat Midorifuji (J8)
Meisei (J7) beat Ryuden (J3)
Tamashoho (J10) beat Sadanoumi (J2)
Arashifuji (J13) beat Tokihayate (J2)
Tamawashi (J7) beat Kyokukaiyu (J1)
Kazekeno (J6) beat Asasuiryu (J1)
Leader: Arashifuji (10-1)
Of note: While he likely would have lost anyway based on the video, Enho took a second straight loss which today was unfortunately by a non-winning technique-tsukihiza, knee touch down. It was inadvertent and his left knee barely touched down but long enough to count against him. He’s now 5-6 and still on the Juryo bubble if he can’t get to 8 wins. At the top, it’s looking more like an Isegahama championship with Arashifuji still leading and Toshinofuji one back. The only other ones within range now are Shonannoumi & Shirokuma at 8-3. Elsewhere, Asasuiryu again misses out on a chance for promotion with another loss and it’s looking like Sadanoumi will miss out on another top tier return chance as he is now 4-7.

Lower tier notes: The Makushita is now Nabatame’s to lose as the only 6-0 after he beat Fudoho and Mita lost. If he wins his last match, he is the champion. If he loses, there almost certainly will be a playoff and the door re-opens for Asahifuji as, even at 6-1, a championship could still mean Juryo promotion. At Ms3, Nabatame is headed back to Juryo a year after demotion due to injury. The Sandanme has 3 left at 6-0 making a playoff possible. The Jonidan also has 3 left at 3-0 while in the Jonokuchi Kakizoe is the only 6-0 and just needs to win bis last match for the championship. And then presumably get an Ikazuchi-something name as part of that stable (although Shishi still hasn’t…). Finally, for those keeping score, Moriurara is now 1-5 after another loss. That’ll be 4 straight tournaments with only 1-2 wins.

Here are the quick results from today’s Day 10 of the July 2026 Grand Sumo Tournament in Nagoya:
Key: M-Maegashira, K-Komusubi, S-Sekiwake, O-Ozeki, Y-Yokozuna, J-Juryo

Makuuchi (top tier):
Daiseizan (M16) beat Kinbozan (M14)
Nishikifuji (M13) beat Onokatsu (M15)
Asahakuryu (J12) beat Shishi (J14)
Asakoryu (M16) beat Mitakeumi (M11)
Takerufuji (M12) beat Chiyoshima (M10)
Wakamotoharu (M8) beat Kazuma (M15)
Kotoeiho (M7) beat Abi (M12)
Takayasu (M7) beat Tobizaru (M9)
Roga (M8) beat Shodai (M6)
Asanoyama (M10) beat Fujiseiun (M6)
Fujiryoga (M9) beat Oshoma (M5)
Ura (M5) beat Hiradoumi (M3)
Takanosho (M1) beat Fujinokawa (M1)
Gonoyama (M2) beat Yoshinofuji (K)
Ichiyamamoto (M4) beat Kotoshoho (S)
Atamifuji (S) beat Churanoumi (M2)
Kirishima (O) beat Hakunofuji (M2)
Kotozakura (O) beat Oho (K)
Aonishiki (S) beat Hoshoryu (Y)
Onosato (Y) beat Daieisho (M4)
Leader: Aonishiki, Fujinokawa (9-1)
Of note: Injury worries aside, the old Aonishiki clearly is back. Only an apocalyptic collapse will keep him from promotion now, and he could claim his 3rd championship if he keeps winning. It’ll help that he’s done with the Yokozuna who at 6-4 are both about out of it and the only real obstacle left in his path now is Kirishima. But he can’t let his guard down until then as he has to beat everyone else in his way starting tomorrow with Gonoyama. Kotoeiho is keeping pace at 9-1 but also has to beat Shishi tomorrow. 5 are right behind at 8-2 including back-in-it Takayasu, still in eternal pursuit of elusive title 1. At the bottom, Onokatsu will probably be headed back to Juryo as he clinched demotion from M15 while Kazuma is one loss from possibly going back down too at 3-7 in his debut effort.
Yokozuna Watch: Kirishima is at 8-2 and hope for promotion remains alive but he still likely needs to win out and ideally beat Aonishiki. Tomorrow’s opponent is Ichiyamamoto, they have met 2 times this past year and Kirishima won both.
Ozeki Watch: Aonishiki now needs just one more win for re-promotion and could get it tomorrow against Gonoyama. This may be a first-time meeting. In fact, Aonishiki can only miss out if he goes 0-6 the rest of the way.

Juryo:
Arashifuji (J13) beat Tamashoho (J10)
Shirokuma (J9) beat Kayo (J12)
Nishikigi (J14) beat Nishinoryu (J9)
Hatsuyama (J8) beat Tochitaikai (J14)
Kagayaki (J11) beat Tamawashi (J7)
Tohakuryu (J12) beat Meisei (J7)
Tomokaze (J4) beat Midorifuji (J8)
Ryuden (J3) beat Enho (J11)
Hitoshi (J10) beat Dewanoryu (J3)
Tokihayate (J2) beat Kazekeno (J6)
Toshinofuji (J4) beat Sadanoumi (J2)
Shonannoumi (J6) beat Asasuiryu (J1)
Kyokukaiyu (J1) beat Kitanowaka (J5)
Leader: Arashifuji (9-1)
Of note: Unfortunately Ryuden decided to try today and ended his 7-match losing streak by ending Enho’s current 3-match winning streak so Enho is back down to 5-5. Asasuiryu had a potential top tier promotion spoiled by Shonannoumi so at 7-3 he’ll have to try again tomorrow. It’s turning into an Isegahama leaderboard as Arashifuji remains on top at 9-1 with Toshinofuji at 8-2, the latter now with a chance for top tier promotion if he can get enough wins. Arashifuji faces Tokihayate tomorrow with the latter having a chance at promotion back to the top tier with a win, Toshinofuji has Tomokaze who is looking to avoid demotion.

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

Makuuchi (top tier):
Takerufuji (M13) beat Asakoryu (M16)
Shishi (M14) beat Abi (M12)
Kinbozan (M14) beat Asahakuryu (M12)
Onokatsu (M15) beat Mitakeumi (M11)
Chiyoshoma (M10) beat Kazuma (M15)
Asanoyama (M10) beat Daiseizan (M16)
Takayasu (M7) beat Nishikifuji (M13)
Kotoeiho (M7) beat Fujiryoga (M9)
Fujiseiun (M6) beat Tobizaru (M9)
Oshoma (M5) beat Roga (M8)
Ura (M5) beat Wakamotoharu (M8)
Daieisho (M4) beat Shodai (M6)
Gonoyama (M3) beat Takanosho (M1)
Fujinokawa (M1) beat Oho (K)
Kotoshoho (S) beat Hiradoumi (M3)
Atamifuji (S) beat Ichiyamamoto (M4)
Hakunofuji (M3) beat Kotozakura (O)
Churanoumi (M2) beat Kirishima (O)
Aonishiki (S) beat Onosato (Y)
Yoshinofuji (K) beat Hoshoryu (Y)
Leader: Aonishiki, Kotoeiho, Shishi (8-1)
Of note: There were concerns Aonishiki got hurt again yesterday when he took a bad tumble at the end of his win against Takanosho, but he came back today and got one of his biggest career wins yet-defeating Onosato for the first time. It was 4-0 Onosato coming in. Both Yokozuna lost yesterday so Onosato is now 5-4 with Hosboryu at 6-3. Kotoeiho & Shishi clinched promotions to keep pace with Aonoshiki at the top. At the bottom, after staving it off for a day Mitakeumi joined Hiradoumi & Oho as the first official demotions, meaning Oho is out of Sanyaku unless maybe he wins out.
Yokozuna Watch: A second straight setback to Churanoumi drops Kirishima to 7-2. He’s still in it but has almost no room for error left. Tomorrow he gets Hakunofuji, who won their May meeting and is 3-2 against Kirishima over this last year.
Ozeki Watch: Aonishiki now needs just 2 more wins for re-promotion, but today’s win will protect his Sekiwake rank in case of disaster as he clinched a winning record. He has Hoshoryu tomorrow meaning a win would all but do it as he’d get to 9. Hoshoryu won their last meeting in May but Aonishiki won the prior 4 before that.

Juryo:
Tochitaikai (J14) beat Kagayaki (J11)
Tamahsoho (J10) beat Nishikigi (J14)
Arashifuji (J13) beat Shirokuma (J9)
Enho (J11) beat Hatsuyama (J8)
Midorifuji (J8) beat Tohakuryu (J12)
Meisei (J7) beat Hitoshi (J10)
Kayo (J12) beat Tamawashi (J7)
Dewanoryu (J3) beat Nishinoryu (J6)
Kazekeno (J6) beat Ryuden (J3)
Sadanoumi (J2) beat Tomokaze (J4)
Toshinofuji (J4) beat Tokihayate (J2)
Shonannoumi (J6) beat Kyokukaiyu (J1)
Asasuiryu (J1) beat Kitanowaka (J5)
Leader: Arashifuji (8-1)
Of note: RARE KIMARITE ALERT!!! In another example of size matters not, Midorifuji took down Tohakuryu with another new-to-me technique: okuritsuriotoshi, rear lifting body slam. That’s lifting your opponent up from the back and dropping him to the ground. The initial announcement was incorrect as something different and on video it looked more like okuridashi, or rear push out. But the former is what the record will state. Elsewhere, Tamawashi’s winning streak got Kayo’d today to drop the Iron Man to 5-4 and end any faint hopes of a top tier return in September while Arashifuji bounced back from his first loss to clinch promotion and maintain the lead, ensuring he stays in Juryo. Enho improved to 5-4 with his win, at this point one more win should ensure he stays in Juryo in September. At the top, Asasuiryu may be one win away from top tier promotion from J1 while Ryuden is not going back up as he now has demotion from J3 at 1-8.
As he tries to hold off the 7-2 pack tomorrow, Arashifuji faces Tamashoho who is 2-7.

Lower tier notes: 25-1. Asahifuji’s perfect career start and unbeaten run to Juryo is now over as Nabatame handed the Isegahama super-rookie his first career loss in Makushita today. There are 3 left at 5-0 as Nabatame is joined by Futagoyama stablemate Mita at 5-0 along with Fudoho, so there could still be a 6-1 champion and Asahifuji could win it in a playoff and make Juryo. But doing so perfect will not happen. The Sandanme has 5 left at 5-0 including 2 Nakamura stablemates. The Jonidan has 7 left at 5-0 with 2 Kise stablemates so there could potentially be up to 3 all-stablemate playoffs if they keep winning. The Jonokuchi is down to Kakizoe as the sole 5-0 leader and, a day after winning and saying he wants a winning record…41. Moriurara lost to clinch demotion/losing record for what is now 7 full years and 41 straight tournaments with 4+ losses (includes one cancelled tournament in 2020).

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

Makuuchi (top tier):
Asakoryu (M16) beat Daiseizan (M16)
Shishi (M14) beat Kinbozan (M14)|
Kazuma (M15) beat Nishikifuji (M13)
Mitakeumi (M11) beat Takerufuji (M13)
Asanoyama (M10) beat Onokatsu (M15)
Abi (M12) beat Chiyoshoma (M10)
Tobizaru (M9) beat Asahakuryu (M12)
Shodai (M6) beat Fujiryoga (M9)
Roga (M8) beat Fujiseiun (M6)
Ura (M5) beat Takayasu (M7)
Oshoma (M5) beat Wakamotoharu (M8)
Kotoeiho (M7) beat Ichiyamamoto (M4)
Churanoumi (M2) beat Gonoyama (M2)
Yoshinofuji (K) beat Fujinokawa (M1)
Aonishiki (S) beat Takanosho (M1)
Hakunofuji (M3) beat Kotoshoho (S)
Kirishima (O) beat Atamifuji (S)
Kotozakura (O) beat Hiradoumi (M3)
Hoshoryu (Y) beat Daieisho (M4)
Onosato (Y) beat Oho (K)
Leader: Kirishima, Aonishiki, Shishi, Kotoeiho (7-1)
Of note: The 6-way leaderboard yesterday narrowed down to 4 today with 2 perhaps expected-Kirishima & Aonishiki-and 2 unexpected-Shishi & Kotoeiho. The first demotion that could have happened today will not as Mitakeumi finally got his first win of the tournament to get to 1-7. Hiradoumi, Oho & Onokatsu are all now in demotion danger at 1-7, Onokatsu could be demoted to Juryo if he can’t win out. The Yokozuna are winning again and still in it, with Hoshoryu at 6-2 and Onosato now up to 5-3 with a more Onosato-like 4 straight wins.
An update on Wakanosho injury per Nikkan Sports-right knee bone contusion. Tournament over. Out at least 2 weeks for treatment. Status uncertain for September. He will finish the equivalent of 5-10 and it’s heartbreaking because he was 5-0 before Day 6 when the injury happened in his first loss.
Now the question is will that be enough to keep him in the top tier in November, I think it’s going to be a toss-up.
Yokozuna Watch: Kirishima remains alive at 7-1, he can still afford maybe one more loss. He has Churanoumi tomorrow (2-6), who won their last meeting in March.
Ozeki Watch: Aonishiki now needs 3 more for re-promotion. He has breathing room now and may need it for tomorrow-Onosato is next and the Yokozuna has never lose to Aonishiki (4-0). If Aonishiki gets one more win he will at least protect his Sekiwake ranking.

Juryo:
Tohakuryu J12) beat Kayo (J12)
Tochitaikai (J14) beat Shirokuma (J9)
Nishinoryu (J9) beat Arashifuji (J13)
Midorifuji (J8) beat Tamashoho (J10)
Hatsuyama (J8) beat Nishikigi (J14)
Kagayaki (J11) beat Meisei (J7)
Enho (J11) beat Kazekeno (J6)
Dewanoryu (J3) beat Ryuden (J3)
Tokihayate (J2) beat Kitanowaka (J5)
Sadanoumi (J2) beat Shonannoumi (J6)
Asasuiryu (J1) beat Tomokaze (J4)
Tohsinofuji (J4) beat Kyokukaiyu (J1)
Leader: Arashifuji (7-1)
Of note: Nobody will go 16-0 and tough first loss for Arashifuji as it came by a non-winning technique-isamiashi, forward step out, which usually is inadvertent. But he kept the lead as Shirokuma lost again and is now in a group of 5 at 6-2. Tamawashi seems to be back in the zone now as the Iron Man improved to 5-3 with a win, he won’t get back to the top tier this time unless he somehow wins the championship at 12-3 but if he slumps his Juryo position and salary is probably safe now. Enho got another win to improve to 4-4 at halfway, he probably needs at least 2 more wins to be safe.

Lower tier notes: The Makushita is down to 7 leaders after the second half of Promotion Day at 4-0. Before the Sandanme lead…RARE KIMARITE ALERT!!! One for the pro wrestling fans out there as Asakiryu at Sd28 beat Minorufuji at Ss25 by another new-to-me-technique: izori, backwards body drop. No video that I know of but based on the description it’s like in pro wrestling when a wrestler is running towards a standing opponent and the standing one hoists them up in the air and over them so the flying one lands on his back. I think a better example is in the old 80s videogame “Double Dragon” when the giant Abobo enemy grabs the player by their knees and tosses them back and over like a ragdoll. As for the leaderboard, there are 10 tied at 4-0 including former Juryo champion Tochimusashi. The Jonidan has 12 tied at 4-0 while the Jonokuchi has two in the lad at 4-0

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

Makuuchi (top tier):
Asakoryu (M16) beat Tomokaze (J4)
Takerufuji (M13) beat Onokatsu (M15)
Nishikifuji (M13) beat Shishi (M14)
Abi (M12) beat Kazuma (M15)
Daiseizan (M10) beat Asahakuryu (M12)
Kinbozan (M14) beat Wakanosho (M11) by default/withdrawal
Asanoytama (M10) beat Mitakeumi (M11)
Fujiryoga (M9) beat Chiyoshoma (M10)
Wakamotoharu (M8) beat Tobizaru (M9)
Kotoeiho (M7) beat Roga (M8)
Takayasu (M7) beat Shodai (M6)
Fujiseiun (M6) beat Ura (M5)
Oshoma (M6) beat Daieisho (M4)
Ichiyamamoto (M4) beat Churanoumi (M2)
Gonoyama (M2) beat Oho (K)
Takanosho (M1) beat Yoshinofuji (K)
Aonishiki (S) beat Fujinokawa (M1)
Atamifuji (S) beat Kotozakura (O)
Kirishima (O) beat Kotoshoho (S)
Onosato (Y) beat Hakunofuji (M3)
Hoshoryu (Y) beat Hiradoumi (M3)
Leader: 7 at 6-1
WITHDRAWAL: Wakanosho (M11). Right knee. Status uncertain. Terrible timing because he was 5-1 after yesterday’s loss where it happened. Kinbozan got the fusen as a result. (UPDATE: Per Nikkan Sports, tournament over. Bone contusion. Out at least 2 weeks.)
Of note: The highlight of the day may have been Aonishiki’s win-Fujionokawa went for the HENKA!!! but Aonishiki read it perfectly and made the midair catch & push out for an easy win. He now joins a massive group sharing the lead as there will be no 15-0, Shishi lost today so nobody is unbeaten. Chiyoshoma gets honorable mention for his very audible slaps against Fujiryoga-we don’t see them a lot but they are allowed and when they connect effectively it’s something else.open-hand strikes are legal but closed-fist punches are not). Also both Yokozuna won which puts Onosato above .500 at 4-3 and Hoshoryu at 5-2, one off the pace. Only one Kinboshi chance tomorrow and it’s for Daieisho as he faces Hoshoryu, Onosato has Oho to begin his Sanyaku slate.
Yokozuna Watch: Kirishima is in the 6-1 group so still alive & well in terms of promotion chances. Still probably needs 13 or 12 with either a playoff loss or championship. Tomorrow he gets Atamifuji.
Ozeki Watch: Aonishiki now needs 4 more wins for re-promotion, 2 more wins to secure a winning record. He goes for 7 tomorrow against Takanosho, who has won 3 straight after an 0-4 start.

Juryo:
Daikisho (Ms1) beat Tochitaikai (J14)
Enho (J11) beat Kayo (J12)
Nishikigi (J14) beat Kagayaki (J11)
Tamashoho (J10) beat Tohakuryu (J12)
Arashifuji (J13) beat Hitoshi (J10)
Midorifuji (J8) beat Hatsuyama (J8)
Meisei (J7) beat NIshinoryu (J9)
Tamawashi (J7) beat Shirokuma (J9)
Kazekeno (J6) beat Shonannoumi (J6)
Kitanowaka (J5) beat Sadanoumi (J2)
Tokihayate (J2) beat Ryuden (J3)
Dewanoryu (J3) beat Kyokukaiyu (J1)
Toshinofuji (J4) beat Asasuiryu (J1)
Leader: Arashifuji (7-0)
Of note: The leaderboard is down to one after the Iron Man handed Shirokuma his first loss. Tamawashi now has a winning record for the first time this tournament at 4-3 including 3-1 in his last 4. Enho managed a win today to improve to 3-4 and will try to pull even tomorrow against Kazekeno. No more Makushita men starting tomorrow until the end unless there is another withdrawal.

Lower tier notes: Today is the first half of what I call Promotion Day in the lower tiers, when the leaders reach 4-0 and thus clinch promotions for the next tournament. First up, 25-0 for Asahifuji as he is one of 4 Makushita men currently at 4-0 along with Mita and fellow former Juryo men Nabatame & Kaisho, with 6 more at 3-0. The Sandanme currently has 6 at 4-0 with 8 more unbeatens up tomorrow. The Jonidan has 6 at 4-0 with many more to try tomorrow (in progress as of this post going up, that number has grown to 8 now) while the Jonokuchi has 2 at 4-0 and one other unbeaten but only 2-0 because he went 4 days without a match…never mind, he just had a Day 8 match before this was posted and lost. So just the 2. And in other early Day 8 notes…no demotion for Moriurara yet. He just got his first win.

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. It will also be available on demand for a limited time.

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

Makuuchi (top tier):
Onokatsu (M15) beat Kazuma (M15)
Kinbozan (M14) beat Dewanoryu (J3)
Shishi (M14) beat Asakoryu (M16)
Nishikifuji (M13) beat Daiseizan (M15)
Takerufuji (M13) beat Asahakuryu (J12)
Asanoyama (M10) beat Abi (M12)
Fujiryoga (M9) beat Wakanosho (M11)
Tobizaru (M9) beat Mitakeumi (M11)
Chiyoshoma (M10) beat Roga (M8)
Shodai (M6) beat Wakamotoharu (M8)
Kotoeiho (M7) beat Ura (M5)
Takayasu (M7) beat Oshoma (M5)
Fujiseiun (M6) beat Ichiyamamoto (M4)
Daieisho (M4) beat Churanoumi (M2)
Takanosho (M1) beat Kotoshoho (S)
Atamifuji (S) beat Fujinokawa (M1)
Aonishiki (S) beat Oho (K)
Kirishima (O) beat Yoshinofuji (K)
Gonoyama (M2) beat Kotozakura (O)
Hakunofuji (M3) beat Hosboryu (Y). KINBOSHI!!! The 5th career Gold Star Victory for Hakunofuji!
Onosato (Y) beat Hiradoumi (M3)
Leader: Shishi (6-0)
Of note: Hakkaku wellness check time. What is that now, 5 Kinboshi just this tournament? They’re not out of it with Hoshoryu now 4-2 and Onosato 3-3, but still…and now it’s just Shishi in the lead. He’s been here before but wasn’t able to hold on in the second half and has only faced lower-rank wrestlers so far. Wakanosho took his first loss today and is in a massive group of 5-1 wrestlers which include Kirishima & Aonishiki. Kirishima’s Yokozuna bid is still alive and Aonishiki is now halfway to Ozeki re-promotion and so far it’s looking really good for his chances.

Juryo:
Tanji (Ms1) beat Nishikigi (J14)
kagayaki (J11) beat Enho (J11)
Tohakuryu (J12) beat Hitoshi (J10)
Tochitaikai (J14) beat Tamashoho (J10)
Nishinoryu (J9) beat Kayo (J12)
Arashifuji (J13) beat Hatsuyama (J8)
Shirokuma (J9) beat Meisei (J7)
Shonannoumi (J6) beat Midorifuji (J8)
Kitanowaka (J5) beat Tamawashi (J7)
Toshinofuji (J4) beat Kazekeno (J6)
Tokihayate (J2) beat Sadanoumi (J2)
Asasuiryu (J1) beat Ryuden (J3)
Kyokukaiyu (J1) beat Tomokaze (J4)
Leader: Arashifuji, Shirokuma (6-0)
Of note: No changes atop the leaderboard, but at the top of the rankings Asasuiryu is closing in on a top tier promotion at 5-1. He is hoping to join his real-life brother Asakoryu in the top tier. At the bottom, Tanji was the first Makushita man to come up for the day and his win puts him one away from promotion at 3-1.

Lower tier notes: 24-0 for Asahifuji as he goes to 3-0 in Makushita, as does Mita. But Kiryuko has WITHDRAWN so he is now likely to be demoted unless he can return by Day 9. And barring a miracle the losing streak will reach 41 for Moriurara in Jonokuchi as he fell to 0-3 today. He could clinch demotion on Day 8.

Note: Tomorrow’s Day 7 results will be posted late in the day (if at all) due to prior commitments

UPDATE: Hochi Sports reports Wakanosho suffered a right knee injury in his match today and was hospitalized immediately afterwards. No further information yet per stablemaster Minatogawa (Takakeisho) but he says “we’ll make the best choice”. Horrible timing given Wakanosho is still 5-1 after today’s loss.

UPDATE 2: Walanosho has WITHDRAWN. Status uncertain. Kinbozan will get the fusen tomorrow as a result.

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

Makuuchi (top tier):
Daiseizan (M16) beat Onokatsu (M15)
Shishi (M14) beat Ryuden (J3)
Kinbozan (M14) beat Asakoryu (M16)
Takerufuji (M13) beat Kazuma (M15)
Abi (M12) beat Asahakuryu (M12)
Nishikifuji (M13) beat Mitakeumi (M15)
Asanoyama (M10) beat Chiyoshoma (M10)
Wakanosho (M11) beat Tobizaru (M9)
Roga (M8) beat Wakamotoharu (M8)
Takayasu (M7) beat Fujiryoga (M9)
Shodai (M6) beat Fujiseiun (M6)
Kotoeiho (M7) beat Oshoma (M5)
Daieisho (M4) beat Ichiyamamoto (M4)
Hakunofuji (M3) beat Ura (M5)
Yoshinofuji (K) beat Oho (K)
Takanosho (M1) beat Atamifuji (S)
Fujinokawa (M1) beat Kotoshoho (S)
Aonishiki (S) beat Kotozakura (O)
Hiradoumi (M3) beat Kirishima (O)
Onosato (Y) beat Churanoumi (M2)
Hoshoryu (Y) beat Gonoyama (M2)
Leader: Shishi, Wakanosho (5-0)
Of note: No kinboshi handed out today for the first time this tournament as both Yokozuna won, Onosato getting to 2-3 and Hoshoryu one off the lead at 4-1. Kirishima took a tough first loss to winless Hiradoumi, which doesn’t end his Yokozuna hopes but every loss hurts. He can only afford one more loss, maybe two (worst-case 3 but 11-4 must include the championship for any chance). Aonishiki bounced back from his first loss with another win, so he now needs 6 more for Ozeki re-promotion. But it’s a pair of Maegashira in the lead-Shishi tends to do well when at lower ranks but when he gets higher up he struggles, while Wakanosho is a fast-rising star as the former Takakeisho’s (now Minatogawa) first true star trainee since taking over the former Tokiwayama Beya.
More kinboshi up for grabs tomorrow as Hoshoryu faces Hakunofuji who is also 4-1 and has 4 Gold Star Victories already including one from Hosboryu, and Onosato has Hiradoumi.

Juryo:
Tohakuryu (J12) beat Tochitaikai (J13)
Nishikigi (J14) beat Enho (J11)
Arashifuji (J13) beat Kagayaki (J11)
Kayo (J12) beat Tamashoho (J10)
Shirokuma (J9) beat Nishinoryu (J9)
Hatsuyama (J8) beat Hitoshi (J10)
Tamawashi (J7) beat Meisei (J7)
Midorifuji (J8) beat Kazekeno (J6)
Kitanowaka (J5) beat Oshoumi (J5)
Shonannoumi (J6) beat Toshinofuji (J4)
Tokihayate (J2) beat Tomokaze (J4)
Sadanoumi (J2) beat Kyokukaiyu (J1)
Asasuiryu (J1) beat Dewanoryu (J3)
Leader: Arashifuji, Shirokuma (5-0)
WITHDRAWAL: Oshoumi (M5). Right foot. Tournament over. Out indefinitely but needs surgery for a broken or fractured bone. Will finish the equivalent of 0-15 and may be demoted to Makushita in September. Kitanowaka got the fusen as a result.
Of note: That’s the 900th career win for Tamawashi, moving the Iron Man into 9th place all-time. Unfortunately for Enho fans Nishikigi showed up today and the loss drops Enho to 2-3. And that hoped-for Kagayaki match? Tomorrow. Newcomer Arashifuji shares the lead with Onosato stablemate Shirokuma, who has been very inconsistent since reaching Juryo and changing his name from Takahashi. But he has a favorable match for 6-0 tomorrow against 0-5 Meisei. Arashifuji faces Hatsuyama.

Lower tier notes: Kiryuko’s rapid climb back to Juryo has possibly come to a halt-no word on why and he’s not listed as a withdrawal but he missed today’s Makushita match and gave up a fusen as a result to fall to 1-2. No Asahifuji or Mita matches today. They both will be in action tomorrow.

Here are the quick results from today’s Day 4 of the July 2026 Grand Sumo Tournament in Nagoya:
Key: M-Maegashira, K-Komusubi, S-Sekiwake, O-Ozeki, Y-Yokozuna, J-Juryo

Makuuchi (top tier):
Sadanoumi (J2) beat Onokatsu (M15)
Shishi (M14) beat Kazuma (M15)
Nishikifuji (M13) beat Asakoryu (M16?
Takerufuji (M13) beat Daiseizan (M16)
Kinbozan (M14) beat Abi (M12)
Wakanosho (M11) beat Mitakeumi (M11)
Asahakuryu (M12) beat Chiyoshoma (M10)
Fujiryoga (M9) beat Tobizaru (M9)
Asanoyama (M10) beat Roga (M8)
Kotoeiho (M7) beat Takayasu (M7)
Wakamotoharu (M8) beat Fujiseiun (M6)
Ura (M5) beat Oshoma (M5)
Ichiyamamoto (M4) beat Shodai (M6)
Hakunofuji (M3) beat Hiradoumi (M3)
Yoshinofuji (K) beat Aonishiki (S)
Oho (K) beat Kotoshoho (S)
Daieisho (M4) beat Atamifuji (S)
Kirishima (O) beat Takanosho (M1)
Kotozakura (O) beat Fujinokawa (M1)
Hoshoryu (Y) beat Churanoumi (M2)
Gonoyama (M2) beat Onosato (Y). KINBOSHI!!! The first career Gold Star Victory for Gonoyama!
Leader: Shishi, Wakanosho, Kirishima (4-0)
Of note: It was a judgement call that went against Onosato and the referee’s call for the Yokozuna was overturned after a Mono-ii (judges conference). It was very close as Onosato was in the air but outside the ring as Gonoyama hit the dohyo. The Japanese sumo media online are suggesting the initial call was clearly wrong, I’d need to see different angles than what I can see in the video on the official Grand Sumo app to be sure. Still, we can’t overlook that Onosato is now 1-3. Doesn’t appear injury-related but bad luck and performances. Most of Sanyaku fell off the lead pace today as several took their first loss including Aonishiki, but it’s not a big blow to his re-promotion hopes as he still needs 7 wins and is 3-1. Kirishima is one of 3 at 4-0 and in the lead, remaining in early Yokozuna contention. Gonoyama gets his second Kinboshi chance tomorrow against Hoshoryu while Churanoumi also gets his second chance against Onosato. Aonishiki faces Kotozakura (both 3-1) while Kirishima has 0-4 Hiradoumi.

Juryo:
Nishikigi (J14) beat Tohakuryu (J12)
Arashifuji (J13) beat Kayo (J12)
Enho (J11) beat Toxhitaikai (J14)
Hitoshi (J10) beat Kagayaki (J11)
Nishinoryu (J9) beat Tamashoho (J10)
Shirokuma (J9) beat Midorifuji (J8)
Hatsuyama (J8) beat Meisei (J7)
Tamawashi (J7) beat Shonannoumi (J6)
Kazekeno (J6) beat Oshoumi (J5)
Kitanowaka (J5) beat Tomokaze (J4)
Dewanoryu (J3) beat Toshinofuji (J4)
Tokihayate (J2) beat Asasuiryu (J1)
Kyokukaiyu (J1) beat Ryuden (J3)
Leader: Shirokuma, Arashifuji (4-0)
Of note: Enho got back to 2-2 today with a winning streak following losing his first 2, and will go for 3 straight tomorrow against Nishikigi. A number of 3-0 co-leaders lost today leaving just 2 tied for the lead now, and Tamawashi also got back to 2-2 with a win. The Iron Man has another former top tier mainstay tomorrow in Meisei, who is struggling at 0-4 and reportedly was dealing with more injury/illness issues right before the tournament, reportedly dizziness.

Lower tier notes: There likely won’t be an Asahifuji-Kiryuko Playoff 3 in Makushita as Kiryuko took the first non-playoff loss of his post-injury comeback today, ending his winning streak at 15. No matches for Asahifuji & Mita tomorrow so it looks like they’ll be back Friday on Day 6. And while we’re down there…RARE KIMARITE ALERT!! Ryuho, who is at Ms17, beat Asonoyama at Ms15 with a new-to-me technique: sabaori, forward force down-to use both hands to wrap around the opponent’s hips and pull him forward, and lean over from above forcing the opponent to lower his stance and get down on his knees. (Description via the Grand Sumo app)

Here is a video example of the move from NHK World Japan (via YouTube):
https://youtu.be/yg03NP5Q7fI?is=pj8TfbR_V3s4CRxQ

UPDATE: Oshoumi has WITHDRAWN from Juryo after Day 4. Possibly right foot per Nikkan Sports. He was 0-4 to this point at J5 meaning if he can’t return there is a slight chance of demotion to Makushita. Kitanowaka will get the fusen tomorrow as a result. (UPDATE 2: Broken or fractured bone in the foot. Surgery scheduled for today. Tournament over)

Here are the quick results from today’s Day 3 of the July 2026 Grand Sumo Tournament in Nagoya:
Key: M-Maegashira, K-Komusubi, S-Sekiwake, O-Ozeki, Y-Yokozuna, J-Juryo

Makuuchi (top tier):
Kazuma (M15) beat Tokihayate (J2)
Asakoryu (M16) beat Onokatsu (M15)
Shishi (M14) beat Daiseizan (M16)
Nishikifuji (M13) beat Kinbozan (M14)
Takerufuji (M13) beat Abi (M12)
Wakanosho (M11) beat Asahakuryu (M12)
Chiyoshoma (M10) beat Mitakeumi (M11)
Fujiryoga (M9) beat Asanoyama (M10)
Roga (M8) beat Tobizaru (M9)
Kotoeiho (M7) beat Wakamotoharu (M8)
Takayasu (M7) beat Fujiseiun (M6)
Shodai (M6) beat Ura (M5)
Ichiyamamoto (M4) beat Oshoma (M5)
Daisieho (M4) beat Hiradoumi (M3)
Kotoshoho (S) beat Yoshinofuji (K)
Atamifuji (S) beat Oho (K)
Aonishiki (S) beat Hakunofuji (M3)
Churanoumi (M2) beat Kotozakura (O)
Kirishima (O) beat Gonoyama (M3)
Onosato (Y) beat Takanosho (M1)
Fujinokawa (M1) beat Hoshoryu (Y). KINBOSHI!!! The 4th career Gold Star Victory for Fujinokawa!
Of note: Does Fujinokawa mean Yokozuna Killer in some language? In the last 3 tournaments he has 4 matches against the Yokozuna…and has won them all. The only reason he doesn’t have 5 Kinboshi already is his May win over Hoshoryu was a fusen due to the post-Day 1 withdrawal. Nikkan Sports reported that between prize money and the kinboshi Fujinokawa earned over 6 million yen for yesterday’s win, or over $35,000 US. Which works out to hundreds, if not thousands, per second. Wish I could make that kind of money! Onosato snapped his active 6-match losing streak (7 if a fusen is included) today with his first win since January Day 14, which has to be a huge relief. Kirishima & Aonishiki kept their good starts going as both go to 3-0, meaning Aonishiki now needs 7 more wins for Ozeki re-promotion. Kirishima needs at least 9 more wins for Yokozuna consideration.

Juryo:
Arashifuji (J13) beat Tochitaikai (J14)
Nishikigi (J14) beat Kayo (J12)
Kagayaki (J11) beat Tohakuryu (J12)
Enho (J11) beat Tamashoho (J10)
Shirokuma (J9) beat Hitoshi (J10)
Hatsuyama (J8) beat Nishinoryu (J9)
Midorifuji (J6) beat Tamawashi (J7)
Kazekeno (J6) beat Meisei (J7)
Shonannoumi (J6) beat Kitanowaka (J5)
Toshinofuji (J4) beat Oshoumi (J5)
Tomokaze (J4) beat Ryuden (J3)
Dewanoryu (J3) beat Sadanoumi (J2)
Asasuiryu (J1) beat Kyokukaiyu (J1)
Of note: Enho snapped his opening losing streak with his first win today, a big relief. He’ll face Tochitaikai tomorrow as both try to get to 2-2. A battle of former top tier mainstays ended with Midorifuji going to 3-0 by beating Tamawashi, dropping the Iron Man to 1-2. He has another former top tier opponent tomorrow in Shonannoumi who is currently 3-0. Sadanoumi goes back up to the top tier tomorrow as the Juryo Man, he is currently 0-3 and struggling to try and make it back up.

Lower tier notes: 23-0 for Asahifuji as he won his second Makushita match in consecutive days today. That means no match tomorrow. Mita also went to 2-0 with a win while Kiryuko didn’t have a match today so he’ll compete tomorrow. And Moriurara is halfway to 41 in Jonokuchi, 0-2 after 3 days puts him halfway to 7 consecutive years of losing records/demotions.