Tag: ozumo

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

Makuuchi (top tier):
Asasuiryu (J4) beat Ryuden (M16)
Oshoumi (M15) beat Tamawashi (M13)
Roga (M14) beat Tokihayate (M12)
Wakanosho (M16) beat Nishikifuji (M9)
Abi (M9) beat Mitakeumi (M14)
Shishi (M12) beat Asahakuryu (J8)
Fujiryoga (M17) beat Churanoumi (M6)
Wakamotoharu (M5) beat Kinbozan (M11)
Hakunofuji (M10) beat Gonoyama (M4)
Hiradoumi (M3) beat Daisieho (M4)
Oho (M3) beat Ichiyamamoto (M2)
Yoshinofuji (M2) beat Ura (M11)
Oshoma (M8) beat Takanosho (M1)
Fujinokawa (M1) beat Fujiseiun (M6)
Wakatakakage (K) beat Tobizaru (M15)
Kotoshoho (S) beat Shodai (M5)
Atamifuji (S) beat Chiyoshoma (M7)
Kirishima (O) beat Kotoeiho (M13)
Leader: Kirishima (11-2)
Of note: It’s now Kirishima’s to lose. But he can’t win the championship tomorrow because there are 3 at 10-3 and two of them, Kotoeiho & Wakatakakage, face off so the winner there can still force a playoff. Yoshinofuji is the other one still in it at 10-3, he has Fujiryoga. Kirishima faces Hakunofuji.
Elsewhere, I’m really starting to think Tamawashi is going to get demoted to Juryo. He is now 2-11 at M13 and I believe his only hope of staying in the top tier is to win his last 2. It may also depend on promotions/demotions, right now the only potential sure thing demotion is Ryuden, and he can still get to 7-8 which may keep him up because losing an Ozeki in July (Aonishiki) could open up one more Maegashira spot. But there also could be 4 Sekiwake with Aonishiki ther ebecause Kotoshoho clinched a winning record today and Wakatakakage could be promoted back to the rank, so it depends on Atamifuji at 7-6. At worst he’ll be demoted to Komusubi.
Finally, it should be noted that despite both being Fujis, Fujinokawa and Fujiseiun are not stablemates. Fujinokawa is an Isenoumi Beya man while Fujiseiun is a Fujishima Beya man. (Also worth noting that despite being a Fuji at the end of his ring name, Hokutofuji was never an Isegahama man. He is/was a Hakkaku man)

Juryo:
Daikisho (Ms5) beat Hakuyozan (J13)
Nishikigi (J11) beat Nishinoryu (J9)
Shirokuma (J8) beat Tochitaikai (J14)
Shonannoumi (J8) beat Hitoshi (J12)
Kagayaki (J7) beat Okaryu (J13)
Enho (J14) beat Meisei (J8)
Kazuma (J6) beat Kazekeno (J11)
Kyokukaiyu (J4) beat Tomokaze (J5)
Kitanowaka (J5) beat Hatsuyama (J3)
Dewanoryu (J3) beat Tohakuryu (J10)
Takerufuji (J2) beat Tamashoho (J12)
Kayo (J9) beat Sadanoumi (J2)
Toshinofuji (J5) beat Daiseizan (J1)
Onokatsu (J1) beat Midorifuji (J10)
Leader: Kazekeno, Kazuma (10-3)
Of note: It took 4 agonizing tries but Enho has finally clinched promotion and will stay in Juryo in July. He’s still a few tournaments from a potential top tier return but it’s a start. At the top, Kazekeno has blown his lead and Kazuma got back even at the top today. This also puts Takerufuji back in it at 9-4, which probably is enough to get him back to the top tier in July. At the bottom, Okaryu unfortunately will be demoted back to Makushita and it looks like Hakuyozan is going back down too. Tomorrow Kazekeno faces Takerufuji while Kazuma has Asasuiryu, also back in it at 9-4 following a top tier win today.

Makushita:
Mudoho (Ms15) beat Akua (Ms22). PLAYOFF!!! That means there will be a SEVEN-WAY PLAYOFF!!! Mudoho, Akua, Omori, Toshunryu, Ikarigata, Tsushimanada and Tanji are all in it at 6-1, meaning no 7-0 champion. We’ll see how that will play out but my thinking is they draw straws, long one gets to sit out the first round, the other 6 face off to narrow it down to 4, then 2, then champion. If Tanji is champion he could be promoted to Juryo from Ms6.

Sandanme:
Kiryuko (Sd77) beat Tenshoyama (Sd55)
Asahifuji (Sd6) beat Mita (Sd21). PLAYOFF!!! It was already guaranteed due to 4 left tied for the lead coming in but the question was who would be in it. This means it will be Kiryuko vs. Asahifuji again for the championship. Of course Asahifuji won their Jonidan playoff in March.

Jonidan:
Shosei (Jd37) beat Maniwayama (Jd61). SHOSEI JONIDAN YUSHO!!! First career championship in second career tournament.

Jonokuchi:
Hakugetsuro (Jk15) beat Hienriki (Jk4). HAKUGETSURO JONOKUCHI YUSHO!!! First career championship in debut tournament.

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: Nikkan Sports reports the first official retirement of the tournament came today-Asaobara, at Sd45, retired after his match today. He finished 3-4 after winning bis last 2 matches. His highest rank was Sd23 and he had a career record of 122-129-1 (win-loss-absent). He leaves at age 21 and will return home to decide on bis future plans.

There are also reports that Yuma, at Ms13, will also retire. He clinched promotion in his potential final match today. His highest rank was J13 (3 Juryo tournaments but was demoted after each one) and he had a career record of 256-208-50 with 1 Sandanme championship. He actually was on a run of 3 straight promotions including this time. But it seems the 3:10 to Yuma is no more.

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

Makuuchi (top tier):
Kyokukaiyu (J4) beat Tamawashi (M13)
Mitakeumi (M14) beat Shishi (M12)
Ryuden (M16) beat Tokihayate (M12)
Ura (M11) beat Fujiryoga (M17)
Kotoeiho (M13) beat Asanoyama (M10) by default/withdrawal
Roga (M14) beat Nishikifuji (M9)
Oshoma (M8) beat Wakanosho (M16)
Asahakuryu (M8) beat Oshoumi (M15)
Chiyoshoma (M7) beat Kinbozan (M11)
Shodai (M5) beat Abi (M9)
Oho (M3) beat Hakunofuji (M10)
Yoshinofuji (M2) beat Tobizaru (M15)
Hiradoumi (M3) beat Ichiyamamoto (M2)
Fujinokawa (M1) beat Daieisho (M4)
Takanosho (M1) beat Wakamotoharu (M5)
Wakatakakage (K) beat Gonoyama (M4)
Atamifuji (S) beat Fujiseiun (M6)
Churanoumi (M6) beat Kotozakura (O) by default/withdrawal
Kirishima (O) beat Kotoshoho (S)
Leader: Kotoeiho, Kirishima (10-2)
WITHDRAWALS: Asanoyama (M10), Kotozakura (O). Asanoyama-toe. Status uncertain. He expects to return before the tournament is over. He was 7-4 before today and needs one win to secure promotion. If he can’t return that means demotion, but not falling down much at the equivalent of 7-8. Kotozakura-lower back. Tournament likely over. Already has a losing record and will be at risk of demotion after July. He is expected to return for the retirement events later this month and be in for Paris in June. Kotoeiho & Churanoumi, respectively, got the fusen as a result.
Of note: With Kotoeiho getting the free win today, he remains tied for the lead with Kirishima ahead of their big faceoff tomorrow. It will be their first-ever meeting. The winner has a chance to clinch the championship Saturday but it’s not guaranteed because there will be 3 still in it at 10-3 including the loser tomorrow.
And no moving further up the total win charts this time for Tamawashi due to a loss today. I believe he still needs to go 2-1 the rest of the way to avoid demotion to Juryo.

Juryo:
Tokifudo (Ms5) beat Nishikigi (J11)
Tamashoho (J12) beat Tohakuryu (J10)
Hitoshi (J12) beat Nishinoryu (J9)
Kayo (J9) beat Okaryu (J13)
Shirokuma (J8) beat Hakuyozan (J13)
Toshinofuji (J7) beat Tochitaikai (J14)
Midorifuji (J10) beat Tomokaze (J6)
Asasuiryu (J4) beat Kazekeno (J11)
Shimanoumi (J8) beat Dewanoryu (J3)
Hatsuyama (J3) beat Enho (J14)
Sadanoumi (J2) beat Kitanowaka (J5)
Takerufuji (J2) beat Kagayaki (J7)
Meisei (J6) beat Onokatsu (J1)
Kazuma (J6) beat Daiseizan (J1)
Leader: Kazekeno (10-2)
Of note: Kazekeno could have all but clinched the championship today going in but that won’t happen now. But he gets a second chance tomorrow when he faces Kazuma. If Kazekeno wins, worst-case is Kazuma can still force a playoff rematch. If Kazuma wins, they’re even and it goes to the Final Day. Elsewhere, now the worrying about Enho begins as that’s 3 straight losses to miss out on clinching promotion at 7-5. Takerufuji clinched promotion today and now has a chance to return to the top tier in July. He likely needs one more win to make it certain.

Lower tier notes: Here are the more detailed Championship Day scenarios for tomorrow now that we know the schedules: In the Makushita Akua faces Mudoho and Akua will be the champion if he wins. If Akua loses there will be a SEVEN-WAY playoff! And a 6-1 champion. In the Sandanme there will be a playoff but the participants depend on tomorrow’s “final 4” results-first Tenshoyama will face Kiryuko followed by Asahifuji taking on Mita. Winners go to the playoff. That means a potential Asahifuji-Kiryuko playoff rematch from the Jonidan in March. The Jonidan Championship will be Maniwayama vs. Shosei. In the Jonokuchi, Hakugetsuro will be the champion if he beats Hienriki. If he loses, there will be a 3-way or 4-way playoff depending on other match result and also a 6-1 champion.

UPDATE: Right after I posted this I found an update on Asanoyama. Lisfranc aka left ankle sprain. Tournament over. Out about 4 weeks. That would mean questionable at best for Paris. He will finish the equivalent of 7-9 and be demoted.

UPDATE 2: Kotozakura update via Hochi Sports-lumbar spine strain. Out about 10 days.

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

Makuuchi (top tier):
Mitakeumi (M14) beat Hatsuyama (J3)
Oshouni (M15) beat Shishi (M12)
Tamawashi (M13) beat Kinbozan (M11)
Ura (M11) beat Wakanosho (M16)
Hakunofuji (M10) beat Fujiryoga (M17)
Tobizaru (M15) beat Asanoyama (M10)
Ryuden (M16) beat Nishikifuji (M9)
Roga (M14) beat Abi (M9)
Tokihayate (M12) beat Asahakuryu (M8)
Kotoeiho (M13) beat Oshoma (M8)
Ichiyamamoto (M2) beat Gonoyama (M4)
Yoshinofuji (M2) beat Hiradoumi (M3)
Daieisho (M1) beat Takanosho (M1)
Oho (M3) beat Fujinokawa (M1)
Kotoshoho (S) beat Fujiseiun (M6)
Churanoumi (M6) beat Atamifuji (S)
Kirishima (O) beat Wakatakakage (K)
Shodai (M5) beat Kotozakura (O). That means, for the second time as Ozeki and first since January 2025, Kotozakura kadoban…
Leader: Kirishima, Kotoeiho, Tobizaru (9-2)
Of note: For now the 6-way leaderboard is down to 3. Fujiryoga & Gonoyama both lost while Wakatakakage was beaten by Kirishima but at 8-3 are not out of it. The trailing pack was joined by Hakunofuji who beat Fujiryoga to clinch promotion. Several demotions were also handed out but the most notable was Kotozakura, who now must win at least 8 matches in July or be demoted, which potentially could mean no Ozeki in September depending on how Kirishima & Aonishiki fare next time (Kirishima could be going for Yokozuna promotion, Aonishiki will be Sekiwake and must win 10 matches to be re-promoted).
And hope remains alive-Tamawashi has a winning streak going! He will still be demoted but now has improved to 2-9, and if the Iron Man can win out to get to 6-9 he can still move a couple spots higher on the all-time top tier win rankings. (He could get into a tie for 6th if he wins his last 4. With today’s win he is now tied for 7th all time at 714. To have any chance at the record-holder, Hakuho, he’d have to win out for the next 20+ years) I still believe he needs at least 2 more wins to remain in the top tier.
Kirishima’s opponent tomorrow is Kotoshoho who is 7-4, meaning he needs a win to stay Sekiwake in July. Kotoshoho won their last meeting in July last year.

Juryo:
Hitoshi (J12) beat Gojinyu (Ms4)
Kazekeno (J11) beat Enho (J14)
Midorifuji (J10) beat Tamashoho (J12)
Nishikigi (J11) beat Tohakuryu (J10)
Hakuyozan (J13) beat Kayo (J9)
Tochitaikai (J14) beat Nishinoryu (J9)
Okaryu (J13) beat Shirokuma (J8)
Asasuiryu (J4) beat Shonannoumi (J8)
Toshinofuji (J7) beat Kyokukaiyu (J4)
Dewanoryu (J3) beat Kagayaki (J7)
Takerufuji (J2) beat Kitanowaka (J5)
Tomokaze (J5) beat Sadanoumi (J2)
Meisei (J6) beat Daiseizan (J1)
Onokatsu (J1) beat Kazuma (J6)
Leader: Kazekeno (10-1)
Of note: Unfortunately Kazekeno keeping the lead came at the expense of Enho, denied promotion once again and all but out of the championship race now (still in it but is 3 behind with 4 left). It’s now Kazekeno’s to lose as the only one even within 2 wins now is Kazuma (the only 8-3 right now). Kazekeno can all but clinch tomorrow by beating Asasuiryu. If that happens and Daiseizan beats Kazuma, worst-case for Kazekeno would be a playoff as he would be 3 wins ahead with only 3 matches left.

Lower tier notes: Today begins setting up Friday’s Championship Day matches in the lower tiers. The Makushita championship is Akua’s to lose as he is the only 6-0. He will be the champion if he wins his last match. Otherwise there likely will be a playoff and a rare 6-1 champion. He will have a slim chance of a Juryo return if he goes 7-0 as he is Ms22. The Sandanme likely will have a playoff with 4 at 6-0 including Asahifuji-who was in Makushita today and won, plus Mita & Kiryuko. Tenshoyama, in just his third career tournament, is the other and could play spoiler. The Jonidan championship match will be Shosei vs. Maniwayama while in the Jonokuchi Hakugetsuro is the sole 6-0 and will be champion by winning his final match.

UPDATE: Nikkan Sports provided an update on Yumenofuji, the Makushita wrestler who was taken out on a stretcher with an AED attached to his body and hospitalized following his loss yesterday, where he fell off the dohyo and was injured. Concussion. Although not listed as a withdrawal yet, tournament over. Out at least 1 week. The loss meant the first demotion of his career as he was 1-4 after the loss. He intends to return to training and competing once recovered & cleared.

UPDATE 2: Asanoyama has WITHDRAWN ahead of Day 12. Toe. Expected to return before the tournament ends. He needs one win for promotion. Kotoeiho will get the fusen as a result and maintain at least a tie for the lead at 10-2

Here are the quick results from today’s Day 10 of the May 2026 Grand Sumo Tournament in Tokyo:
Key: M-Maegashira, K-Komusubi, S-Sekiwake, O-Ozeki, J-Juryo, Ms-Makushita

Makuuchi (top tier):
Dewanoryu (J3) beat Roga (M14)
Kotoeiho (M13) beat Ryuden (M16)
Wakanosho (M16) beat Shishi (M12)
Fujiryoga (M17) beat Tokohayate (M12)
Mitakeumi (M14) beat Kinbozan (M11)
Tobizaru (M15) beat Abi (M9)
Oshoumi (M15) beat Nishikifuji (M9)
Ura (M11) beat Oshoma (M8)
Tamawashi (M13) beat Asahakuryu (M8)
Hakunofuji (M10) beat Chiyoshoma (M7)
Asanoyama (M10) beat Fujiseiun (M6)
Daieisho (M4) beat Churanoumi (M6)
Yoshinofuji (M2) beat Ichiyamamoto (M2)
Fujinokawa (M1) beat Hiradoumi (M3)
Oho (M3) beat Takanosho (M1)
Wakatakakage (K) beat Atamifuji (S)
Gonoyama (M4) beat Kotoshoho (S)
Kotozakura (O) beat Wakamotoharu (M5)
Shodai (M5) beat Kirishima (O)
Leader: 6 at 8-2
Of note: Shodai showed up today and chaos ensued. Instead of Kirishima maintaining the sole lead it’s now a 6-way tie. Kirishima was banged up after yesterday (busted open and possibly dazed after bis win) but seems to be fine. And there is hope again-Tamawashi finally got a win! I still think he needs 3 more to stay in the top tier.
Kirishima faces Wakatakakage in a battle of co-leaders tomorrow. Kirishima has won their meeting in each of the last 4 tournaments.

Juryo:
Tamashoho (J12) beat Himukamaru (Ms4)
Nishikigi (J11) beat Okaryu (J13)
Hitoshi (J12) beat Tohakuryu (J10)
Hakuyozan (J13) beat Midorifuji (J10)
Nishinoryu (J9) beat Enho (J14)
Tochitaikai (J14) beat Kayo (J9)
Kazekeno (J11) beat Shirokuma (J8)
Shonannoumi (J8) beat Kyokukaiyu (J4)
Asasuiryu (J4) beat Toshinofuji (J7)
Kagayaki (J7) beat Hatsuyama (J3)
Meisei (J6) beat Sadanoumi (J2)
Kazuma (J6) beat Takerufuji (J2)
Kitanowaka (J5) beat Onokatsu (J1)
Daiseizan (J1) beat Tomokaze (J5)
Leader: Kazekeno (9-1)
Of note: Kazekeno remains the sole leader and one ahead of Kazuma, who clinched promotion today at 8-2. Enho took his 3rd loss to be denied promotion but he’s got a big chance tomorrow as he faces Kazekeno, needing a win to stay in championship contention. Much to my dismay, Okaryu likely will be demoted to Makushita after falling to 2-8 today as his debut effort fell apart after a first day win.
Gojijyu will be the Makushita man up tomorrow, he is 3-2 at Ms4 and will try to clinch promotion after Himukamaru was denied today. Hatsuyama is the Juryo man in the top tier tomorrow and will try to avoid demotion against Mitakeumi.

UPDATE: There was a very scary scene after a lower tier match today. Yahoo News Japan, via Nikkan Sports, reports it happened in Makushita…after the Kiyota-Yumenofuji match, won by Kiyota, Yumenofuji fell off the dohyo and hit the back of his head, and had to be taken out on a stretcher with an AED attached to his upper body. He was hospitalized immediately. According to Tateyama, a coach at Isegahama Beya where Yumenofuji is based, Yumenofuji was able to move his hands and was speaking with stablemaster Isegahama (fka Terunofuji). More when/if it becomes available.

Also, the lovable loser keeps it going-with a loss today that’s 40 consecutive demotions/losing records for Moriurara, currently in the Jonokuchi.

Here are the quick results from today’s Day 9 of the May 2026 Grand Sumo Tournament in Tokyo:
Key: M-Maegashira, K-Komusubi, S-Sekiwake, O-Ozeki, J-Juryo, Ms-Makushita

Makuuchi (top tier):
Takerufuji (J2) beat Oshoumi (M15)
Wakanosho (M15) beat Roga (M14)
Fujiryoga (M17) beat Mitakeumi (M14)
Kotoeiho (M13) beat Tobizaru (M15)
Shishi (M12) beat Tamawashi (M13)
Kinbozan (M11) beat Ryuden (M16!
Ura (M11) beat Tokihayate (M12)
Hakunofuji (M10) beat Abi (M9)
Asanoyama (M10) beat Chiyoshoma (M7)
Nishikifuji (M9) beat Fujiseiun (M6)
Churanoumi (M6) beat Oshoma (M8)
Shodai (M5) beat Asahakuryu (M8)
Yoshinofuji (M2) beat Oho (M3)
Takanosho (M1) beat Hiradoumi (M3)
Ichiyamamoto (M2) beat Fujinokawa (M1)
Kotoshoho (S) beat Wakatakakage (K)
Atamifuji (S) beat Daieisho (M4)
Kirishima (O) beat Wakamotoharu (M5)
Gonoyama (M4) beat Kotozakura (O)
Leader: Kirishima (8-1)
Of note: After his first loss yesterday Kirishima got back to winning today and secured his Ozeki rank with an 8th win, reclaiming the sole lead after Wakatakakage & Tobizaru both lost. As for the other Ozeki, 5 straight losses for Kotozakura have him in the danger zone again at 2-7, meaning he now must win out just to protect bis rank. Oshoumi will possibly be demoted to Juryo after today’s loss and the panic grows for Tamawashi. 0-9 means he is running out of time to keep the top tier Iron Man run going, he’s at risk of demotion to Juryo for the first time in over 13 years. The last time he was demoted to Juryo? May 2013 to J1. He went down for just one tournament.
Kirishima has Shodai tomorrow, with Kirishima having won at least the last 2 between them. Dewanoryu is the Juryo man up tomorrow, but his top tier hopes in July are now gone and he now must win out from 2-7 just to avoid demotion.

Juryo:
Kotokuzan (Ms3) beat Okaryu (J13)
Enho (J14) beat Nishikigi (J11)
Tochitaikai (J14) beat Midorifuji (J10)
Hakuyozan (J13) beat Tohakuryu (J10)
Tamashoho (J12) beat Nishinoryu (J9)
Shirokuma (J8) beat Hitoshi (J12)
Shonannoumi (J8) beat Kazekeno (J11)
Kayo (J9) beat Toshinofuji (J7)
Kyokukaiyu J4) beat Kagayaki (J7)
Hatsuyama (J3) beat Meisei (J6)
Asasuiryu (J4) beat Dewanoryu (J3)
Kazuma (J6) beat Sadanoumi (J2)
Kitanowaka (J5) beat Daiseizan (J1)
Onokatsu (J1) beat Tomokaze (J5)
Leader: Kazekeno (8-1)
Of note: No zensho yusho again. Kazekeno took his first loss today but remains the sole leader, but a crowded second place is now down to just Kazuma and Enho for now, both at 7-2. Enho is faring the best of the debuts & returns this time as Okaryu is on the verge of demotion back to Makushita at 2-7, and Hakuyozan staved off demotion for today with a win but he also is still 2-7. At the top, nobody within reach of the top tier is better than 6-3 and Dewanoryu is now out of it at 2-7.
Himukamaru is the Makushita man up tomorrow as he tries to get back to Juryo. He is now at 3-2 so a win means promotion and a chance at a Juryo return from Ms4, but he’ll need to get to 5-2 to get there although he might be the rare one to have 8 matches as a result. Enho faces Nishinoryu (5-4, Nishinoryu won in May 2025), Kazuma has Takerufuji (6-3, Kazuma won in March), and Kazekeno gets Shirokuma (4-5, but Shirokuma is 3-1 vs. Kazekeno over the last year including winning in the last 2 tournaments).

Lower tier notes: The Makushita is down to just 3 at 5-0, leaving a slight possibility of a 6-1 champion. The Sandanme has 6 at 5-0 including Asahifuji, Mita & Kiryuko, leaving open the chance of another Asahifuji-Kiryuko championship faceoff after their Jonidan playoff in March. The Jonidan also has 6 left at 5-0 while in the Jonokuchi the sole 5-0 leader is Hakugetsuro, looking for a debut championship.

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

Makuuchi (top tier):
Sadanoumi (J2) beat Wakanosho (M16)
Fujiryoga (M17) beat Kotoeiho (M13)
Ryuden (M16) beat Tamawashi (M13)
Tokihayate (M12) beat Oshoumi (M15)
Tobizaru (M15) beat Ura (M11)
Roga (M14) beat Kinbozan (M11)
Mitakeumi (M14) beat Hakunofuji (M10)
Nishikifuji (M9) beat Shishi (M12)
Asanoyama (M10) beat Oshoma (M8)
Asahakuryu (M8) beat Chiyoshoma (M7)
Abi (M9) beat FUjiseiun (M6)
Hiradoumi (M3) beat Churanoumi (M6)
Yoshinofuji (M2) beat Fujinokawa (M1)
Ichiyamamoto (M2) beat Takanosho (M1)
Wakatakakage (K) beat Oho (M3)
Atamifuji (S) beat Shodai (M5)
Kotoshoho (S) beat Wakamotoharu (M5)
Daieisho (M4) beat Kotozakura (O)
Gonoyama (M4) beat Kirishima (O)
Leader: Kirishima, Tobizaru, Wakatakakage (7-1)
Of note: No 15-0 and no rank secured for Kirishima today after Gonoyama pulled off the upset. And it means a 3-way tie for the lead with former champion Wakatakakage and an unlikely flying monkey-a resurgent Tobizaru remains in contention for his first title. On the opposite side, Tamwashi is the first demotion and in embarrassing fashion-he lost by tsukihiza, knee touch down, a non-winning technique. Kotozakura is again out of it early as well as he once again is a poor 2-6 at halfway and in a major slump.
Kirishima will try to bounce back and clinch a winning record tomorrow against Wakamotoharu, who is 2-6. Wakatakakage has Kotoshoho who is 5-3 and Tobizaru gets Kotoeiho who is 6-2. Taklerufuji will be the Juryo man up tomorrow, he is 5-3 at J2 and could send Oshoumi to demotion tomorrow.

Juryo:
Hakuyozan (J13) beat Arashifuji (Ms2)
Tohakuryu (J10) beat Tochitaikai (J14)
Midorifuji (J10) beat Hitoshi (J12)
Enho (J14) beat Kayo (J9)
Shirokuma (J8) beat Nishikigi (J11)
Kagayaki (J7) beat Tamashoho (J12)
Kazekeno (J11) beat Toshinofuji )J7)
Kazuma (J6) beat Okaryu (J13)
Meisei (J6) beat Nishinoryu (J9)
Shonannoumi (J8) beat Kitanowaka (J5)
Tomokaze (J5) beat Dewanoryu (J3)
Takerufuji (J2) beat Hatsuyama (J3)
Onokatsu (J1) beat Asasuiryu (J4)
Kyokukaiyu (J4) beat Daiseizan (J1)
Leader: Kazekeno (8-0)
Of note: Kazekeno is the first in the top 2 tiers to clinch promotion this time It’s not impossible for him to make the top tier if he wins the championship but he’s probably going to need 15-0. He’ll almost certainly surpass his career best rank of J8 in July. And he’s got some breathing room with nobody at 7-1, the rest of the pack is 6-2 and that includes Enho, who snapped a 2-match losing streak with a win today. Hakuyozan spoiled Makushita man Arashifuji’s promotion bid today to stave off demotion for another day and get his first win at the bottom.

Lower tier notes: With Promotion Day in the books, the Makushita has 7 at 4-0 including newcomer Omori, debuting at Ms60, and 2 Tokitsukaze men which means a potential stablemate playoff. If co-leader Tanji wins the championship from Ms6 he’ll probably be promoted to Juryo for the first time. The Sandanme has 10 left at 4-0 including Asahifuji, Mita & Kiryuko. The Jinodan has 12 at 4-0 while the Jonokuchi has 2 at 4-0.

Here are the quick results from today’s Day 7 of the May 2026 Grand Sumo Tournament in Tokyo:
Key: M-Maegashira, K-Komusubi, S-Sekiwake, O-Ozeki, J-Juryo

Makuuchi (top tier):
Roga (M14) beat Fujiryoga (M17)
Ryuden (M16) beat Mitakeumi (M14)
Kotoeiho (M13) beat Wakanosho (M16)
Tobizaru (M15) beat Shishi (M12)
Kinbozan (M11) beat Oshoumi (M15)
Ura (M11) beat Tamawashi (M13)
Tokihayate (M12) beat Asanoyama (M10)
Hakunofuji (M10) beat Asakoryu (M7) by default/withdrawal
Chiyoshoma (M7) beat Nishikifuji (M9)
Oshoma (M8) beat Shodai (M5)
Yoshinofuji (M2) beat Gonoyama (M4)
Fujinokawa (M1) beat Takanosho (M1)
Wakatakakage (K) beat Ichiyamamoto (M2)
Kotoshoho (S) beat Hiradoumi (M3)
Atamifuji (S) beat Wakamotoharu (M5)
Kirishima (O) beat Daieisho (M4)
Oho (M3) beat Kotozakura (O)
Leader: Kirishima (7-0)
WITHDRAWAL: Asakoryu (M7). Right foot. Injury occurred in loss yesterday. Status uncertain. But per stablemaster Takasago via Hochi Sports, tournament likely over. He was 3-3 coming into today. Hakunofuji got the fusen as a result.
Of note: In other injury news, it’s been confirmed that Aonishiki and Takayasu are out for the rest of the tournament, so Aonishiki will be demoted from Ozeki to Sekiwake and finish tied for the second-shortest Ozeki reign ever at just 3 tournaments. He went 12-3 & second straight championship, 7-8, Absent. But he will be back in July and will go for 10+ wins and quick re-promotion. And now we know why Tamawashi is 0-7 in part…right calf injury. He’s all but demoted now and his top tier Iron Man streak will be in danger if he can’t get some wins. At M13 he probably needs at least 4 wins to be safe.
Kirishima goes for 8-0 tomorrow against Gonoyama.

Juryo:
Tamashoho (J12) beat Tochitaikai (J14)
Hitoshi (J12) beat Enho (J14)
Kazekeno (J11) beat Hakuyozan (J13)
Okaryu (J13) beat Tohakuryu (J10)
Nishikigi (J11) beat Kayo (J8)
Midorifuji (J10) beat Shonannoumi (J8)
Nishinoryu (J9) beat Toshinofuji (J7)
Shirokuma (J8) beat Meisei (J6)
Kazuma (J6) beat Kagayaki (J7)
Kitanowaka (J5) beat Dewanoryu (J3)
Tomokaze (J5) beat Takerufuji (J2)
Sadanoumi (J2) beat Hatsuyama (J3)
Daiseizan (J1) beat Asasuiryu (J4)
Onokatsu (J1) beat Kyokukaiyu (J4)
Leader: Kazekeno (7-0)
Of note: After a 5-0 start Enho has now lost 2 straight to fall off the lead pace as Kazekeno remains the only unbeaten. Daiseizan is now the only 6-1 with the rest of the pack at 5-2, whichi ncludes 3 Isegahama men as Toshinofuji also took his second loss today but Midorifuji won, although it was by isahmiashi, a non-winning technique (inadvertent step out).
Kazekeno goes for 8-0 and promotion tomorrow against Toshinofuji, while the top tier withdrawal means Makushita men start coming back up again-tomorrow it will be Arashifuji, who is 3-1 at Ms2 so a win could mean Juryo promotion in July.

Lower tier notes: Before we get to the first half of Promotion Day, YouTube English language news source Chris Sumo provided the searched-for update on Wakanofuji, who was 2-0 and seemingly headed for Juryo promotion before an unexpected withdrawal on Day 5…broken collarbone. Tournament over. Out a while. Ugh, so close and yet so far away…now then, with the first leaders having clinched promotions, the Makushita has 3 so far at 4-0 with 8 more going for it tomorrow. The Sandanme has 6 at 4-0 including Arashifuji now at 18-0 for his career and headed to the Makushita in July, with 7 more including Mita & Kiryuko going for promotion tomorrow. The Jonidan has 6 so far at 4-0 while the Jonokuchi has one at 4-0 with 2 at 3-0.

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.

Here are the quick results from today’s Day 6 of the May 2026 Grand Sumo Tournament in Tokyo:
Key: M-Maegashira, K-Komusubi, S-Sekiwake, O-Ozeki, J-Juryo

Makuuchi (top tier):
Tobizaru (M15) beat Wakanosho (M16)
Mitakeumi (M14) beat Oshoumi (M15)
Ryuden (M16) beat Roga (M14)
Fujiryoga (M17) beat Tamawashi (M13)
Ura (M11) beat Kotoeiho (M13)
Asanoyama (M10) beat Shishi (M12)
Hakunofuji (M10) beat Tokihayate (M12)
Kinbozan (M11) beat Nishikifuji (M9)
Chiyoshoma (M7) beat Abi (M9)
Churanoumi (M6) beat Asahakuryu (M8)
Oshoma (M8) beat Fujiseiun (M6)
Shodai (M5) beat Asakoryu (M7)
Wakamotoharu (M5) beat Ichiyamamoto (M2)
Yoshinofuji (M2) beat Takanosho (M1)
Wakatakakage (K) beat Fujinokawa (M1)
Gonoyama (M4) beat Atamifuji (S)
Kotoshobho (S) beat Daieisho (M4)
Hiradoumi (M3) beat Kotozakura (O)
Kirishima (O) beat Oho (M3)
Leader: Kirishima (6-0)
Of note: The big story was perhaps away from the dohyo as it was confirmed that Aonishiki, who hasn’t appeared yet due to an ankle injury just before the tournament, will not participate this time. As a result, he will be demoted from Ozeki in July and be back to Sekiwake. But he will get the one chance at fast re-promotion, requiring at least 10 wins next time. He is expected to participate in the Paris special event in June. As for today’s action, it’s now Kirishima as the sole leader after Kotoeiho took his first loss, leaving a group of 5 at 5-1. Ryuden got his first win today, leaving us to only worry more about Tamawashi as the Iron Man is the only 0-6.
Tomorrow Kirishima faces Daieisho, who he beat in March in their first meeting in nearly a year. Daieisho won the last prior meeting in May 2025 so it’s 1-1 over the last year.

Juryo:
Hitoshi (J12) beat Okaryu (J13)
Tamashoho (J12) beat Hakuyozan (J13)
Tochitaikai (J14) beat Nishikigi (J11)
Tohakuryu (J10) beat Enho (J14)
Midorifuji (J10) beat Nishinoryu (J9)
Kazekeno (J11) beat Kayo (J8)
Kazuma (J6) beat Shirokuma (J8)
Shonannoumi (J8) beat Meisei (J6!
Tomokaze (J5) beat Kagayaki (J7)
Kitanowaka (J5) beat Toshinofuji (J7)
Asasuiryu (J4) beat Sadanoumi (J2)
Takerufuji (J2) beat Kyokukaiyu (J4)
Onokatsu (J1) beat Hatsuyama (J3)
Dewanoryu (J3) beat Daiseizan (J1)
Leader: Kazekeno (6-0)
Of note: Unfortunately any hopes of 15-0 for Enho’s return ended today with his first loss, but at 5-1 he is still in great shape as several other losses left Kazekeno as the sole leader. Fellow Isegahama man Toshinofuji also took his first loss. So did Daiseizan leaving a 3-way tie for second. Newcomer Okaryu’s struggles continue as he is now 1-5 with 5 straight losses. Likewise Hakuyozan is running out of time to avoid demotion back to Makushita at 0-6, as is Nishikigi to make a miracle rank save at 1-5.

Lower tier notes: Tomorrow is the first half of what I call Promotion Day, when the co-leaders will be 4-0 and clinch winning records & promotions. The Makushita has 14 at 3-0 and going for promotions tomorrow. The Snadanme has 19 at 3-0 including Mita, Kiryuko and Asahifuji. The Jonidan has 24 at 3-0 while the Jonokuchi has 5 at 3-0.

Also, advance tickets for the July 2026 Tournament in Nagoya are now on sale. This will be the second tournament at the new IG Arena (Aichi International Arena), which replaced the now-closed Aichi Prefectural Gym last year and has a capacity of 18,000 for sumo (the old venue only held 7500).

UPDATE: In watching the match replay, it appears Asakoryu may have been injured. Possibly a right lower leg injury. He was very slow to get up and limping as he left the dohyo, needing help to walk to the back

UPDATE 2: Hochi Sports reports Asakoryu has WITHDRAWN. Right foot. Status uncertain. Hakunofuji will get the fusen tomorrow as a result.

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

Makuuchi (top tier):
Fujiryoga (M17) beat Oshoumi (M15)
Tobizaru (M15) beat Ryuden (M16)
Wakanosho (M16) beat Tamawashi (M13)
Kotoeiho (M14) beat Roga (M14)
Mitakeumi (M14) beat Tokihayate (M12)
Shishi (M12) beat Hakunofuji (M10)
Asanoyama (M10) beat Kinbozan (M11)
Abi (M9) beat Nishikifuji (M9)
Ura (M11) beat Asahakuryu (M8)
Oshoma (M8) beat Chiyoshoma (M7)
Asakoryu (M7) beat Churanoumi (M6)
Fujiseiun (M6) beat Wakamotoharu (M5)
Gonoyama (M4) beat Shodai (M5)
Yoshinofuji (M2) beat Daieisho (M4)
Takanosho (M1) beat Wakatakakage (K)
Kotoshoho (S) beat Oho (M3)
Atamifuji (S) beat Fujinokawa (M1)
Kirishima (O) beat Hiradoumi (M3)
Ichiyamamoto (M2) beat Kotozakura (O)
Leader: Kirishima, Kotoeiho (5-0)
Of note: The leader group is down to 2 and Kirishima continues to take advantages of absences & Sanyaku struggles, but Kotoeiho remains a surprise co-leader. 6 remain right behind at 4-1 while at the bottom Ryuden is already past halfway to demotion back to Juryo. Also time to panic about Tamawashi, 0-5 at M13 is starting to raise thoughts of the top tier Iron Man streak being in danger as it approaches 1500. Kirishima faces Oho tomorrow, over the past year the series is 4-2 Kirishima with 4-1 in the last 5, Oho won in January. Kotoeiho has Ura, with Kotoeiho winning their first meeting in January.

Juryo:
Enho (J14) beat Tamashoho (J12)
Tochitaikai (J14) beat Hitoshi (J12)
Nishikigi (J11) beat Hakuyozan (J13)
Midorifuji (J10) beat Okaryu (J13)
Kazekeno (J11) beat Tohakuryu (J10)
Nishinoryu (J9) beat Shirokuma (J8)
Shonannoumi (J8) beat Kayo (J9)
Toshinofuji (J7) beat Kazuma (J6)
Kagayaki (J7) beat Kitanowaka (J5)
Tomokaze (J5) beat Meisei (J6)
Asasuiryu (J4) beat Takerufuji (J2)
Sadanoumi (J2) beat Kyokukaiyu (J4)
Daiseizan (J1) beat Hatsuyama (J3)
Dewanoryu (J3) beat Onokatsu (J1)
Leader: 4 at 5-0
Of note: Enho remains among the group of co-leaders along with fellow Isegahama man Toshinofuji, as the former Hakuho men continue to stand out. Tomorrow Enho will face Tohakuryu who is 3-2. Daiseizan is also in the 5-0 group and now 3 wins away from what should be a proper top tier debut in July. Kazekeno is the other 5-0.

Lower tier notes: As the third round of matches began today, the Makushita has 8 at 3-0 so far, notably missing Wakanofuji who withdrew after a 2-0 start. Ms60 debut Omori is among the 8 co-leaders so far. In the Sandanme, Kiryuko is among the early 3-0 leaders but Asahifuji is not-yet-just because his 3rd match is not until tomorrow. The Jonidan has 11 at 3-0 with more to come tomorrow while the Jonokuchi has 2 at 3-0 with 5 more 2-0s on tap tomorrow.

UPDATE: Ahead of tomorrow’s Day 6 it has been confirmed that Aonishiki will not compete this tournament due to injury. That means, as a result, he will be demoted from Ozeki but will get a chance at quick re-promotion in July if he can win 10+ matches. For now it sounds like he will be IN for Paris in June.

Here are the quick results from today’s Day 4 of the May 2026 Grand Sumo Tournament in Tokyo:
Key: M-Maegashira, K-Komusubi, S-Sekiwake, O-Ozeki, J-Juryo, Ms-Makushita

Makuuchi (top tier):
Daiseizan (J1) beat Ryuden (M16)
Fujiryoga (M17) beat Tobizaru (M15)
Wakanosho (M16) beat Mitakeumi (M14)
Roga (M14) beat Oshoumi (M15)
Tokihayate (M12) beat Tamawashi (M13)
Ura (M11) beat Shishi (M12)
Kotoeiho (M13) beat Kinbozan (M11)
Abi (M9) beat Asanoyama (M10)
Oshoma (M8) beat Nishikifuji (M9)
Hakunofuji (M10) beat Asahakuryu (M8)
Fujiseiun (M6) beat Asakoryu (M7)
Churanoumi (M6) beat Wakamotoharu (M5)
Chiyoshoma (M7) beat Shodai (M5)
Gonoyama (M4) beat Hiradoumi (M3)
Wakatakakage (K) beat Daieisho (M4)
Oho (M3) beat Takayasu (K) by default/withdrawal
Takanosho (M1) beat Atamifuji (S)
Fujinokawa (M1) beat Kotoshoho (S)
Kotozakura (O) beat Yoshinofuji (M2)
Kirishima (O) beat Ichiyamamoto (M2)
Leader: Kirishima, Wakatakakage, Kotoeiho (4-0)
WITHDRAWAL: Takayasu (K). Right thigh (adductor muscle). Status uncertain. According to stablemaster Tagonoura it’s not tournament-ending. However, Hochi Sports reports that, per the submitted medical certificate, out 2 weeks which would mean tournament over. If so that definitely means demotion from Sanyaku. He was 2-1 after yesterday. Oho got the fusen as a result.
Of note: Nikkan Sports reports Hakunofuji received a warning from the judging department after today’s matches. Apparently not doing the proper prize money hand gestures post-match. I’ll watch for this when I am able to watch replays later today. With the Takayasu withdrawal that means no more Juryo men up for now starting tomorrow. (UPDATE: He did the hand gestures, but barely and perhaps incomplete. I believe the warning is justified, he knows better)

Juryo:
Fujitensei (Ms1) beat Tochitaikai (M14)
Enho (J14) beat Okaryu (J13)
Hitoshi (J12) beat Hakuyozan (J13)
Kazekeno (J11) beat Tamashoho (J12)
Midorifuji (J10) beat Nishikigi (J11)
Tohakuryu (J10) beat Shonannoumi (J8)
Kayo (J9) beat Shirokuma (J8)
Nishinoryu (J9) beat Kagayaki (J7)
Toshinofuji (J7) beat Meisei (J6)
Kyokukaiyu (J4) beat Kazuma (J6)
Asasuiryu (J4) beat Kitanowaka (J5)
Tomokaze (J5) beat Hatsuyama (J3)
Sadanoumi (J2) beat Dewanoryu (J3)
Takerufuji (J2) beat Onokatsu (J1)
Leader: 5 at 4-0
Of note: That leader group still includes Enho, now halfway to promotion in his Juryo return. With no more Makushita men coming up for now it’s only Juryo starting tomorrow and next up is Tamashoho who is 3-1. Daiseizan is also in the 4-0 group and halfway to hopefully that long-awaited top tier promotion, and he made a successful top tier appearance today. Last one for now though.

Lower tier notes: This is unfortunate-Wakanofuji, the defending Makushita Champion and 2-0 at Ms3 meaning potentially halfway to Juryo, has WITHDRAWN. Trying to find out why. He can miss a day or two and still make it but still you hate to see this happen.

UPDATE: Quite a story from before today’s matches has emerged…Hochi Sports reports Kotozakura was among a group of 8 rikishi who helped rescue a motorist from a submerged vehicle this morning. The accident occurred when a car went into water near Sadogatake Beya in Chiba Prefecture during morning practice. Kotozakura witnessed the accident and called several of the younger rikishi to assist (he felt the urgency of the situation did not allow time to contact emergency responders). Ultimately 8 of them along with the Ozeki were able to free the car from the water to safety. The driver was not injured. According to the article, this is at least the 5th time in the past 25+ years sumo wrestlers have performed or assisted in lifesaving actions towards regular citizens in Japan.