Tag: ozumo

Here are the quick results from today’s Day 8-the halfway point-of the January 2024 Grand Sumo Tournament in Tokyo:
Key: M-Maegashira, K-Komusubi, S-Sekiwake, O-Ozeki, Y-Yokozuna, J-Juryo, Ms-Makushita

Makuuchi (top tier):
Nishikifuji (J2) beat Bushozan (M16)
Onosho (M14) beat Shimazuumi (M17)
Takarafuji (M16) beat Churanoumi (M13)
Onosato (M15) beat Endo (M13)
Takanosho (M12) beat Tomokaze (M15)
Tsurugisho (M11) beat Myogiryu (M12)
Oho (M11) beat Kotoshoho (M14)
Sadanoumi (M10) beat Ichiyamamoto (M7)
Tamawashi (M10) beat Asanoyama (M7)
Kinbozan (M6) beat Mitakeumi (M9)
Meisei (M9) beat Shonannoumi (M6)
Nishikigi (M9) beat Hiradoumi (M8)
Abi (M2) beat Shodai (M4)
Atamifuji (M1) beat Gonoyama (M3)
Wakamotoharu (M1) beat Ura (K)
Kotonowaka (S) beat Takayasu (K) by default/withdrawal
Daieisho (S) beat Midorifuji (M2)
Hoshoryu (O) beat Hokurofuji (M3)
Tobizaru (M4) beat Kirishima (O)
Terunofuji (Y) beat Ryuden (M5)
Leader: Asanoyama, Kotonowaka, Onosato, Onosho (7-1)
WITHDRAWAL: Takayasu (K). Back. Second time pulling out this tournament. Status uncertain. Also, it looks like Hokutofuji may be out after today as well. Back or knee injury suffered at the end of his loss to Hoshoryu when he was pushed out and landed hard in the floor in a seated position before staying down and needing to be pushed out in a wheelchair. He appeared to be favoring his already heavily taped knee. If he can’t return, Tobizaru would get the free win tomorrow. If this is it for January, Hokutofuji would finish the equivalent of 4-11 as he is currently 4-4.
Of note: No promotions yet. Asanoyama could’ve gotten #8 but he took his first loss, causing a 4-way tie for the lead as Kotonowaka got the fusenand Onosato continues his impressive rookie campaign in the top tier alongside Onosho having a career-best start. We’re also close to demotions as well, notably Ura in his Sanyaku debut-the effort is there as always but the results just haven’t gone his way, as well as Endo & Tomokaze who are also 1-7. One of those two gets their demotion tomorrow because they face each other, with Tomokaze probably returning to Juryo if he loses. The leaderboard will thin a little tomorrow because Asanoyama faces Onosho. Onosato has Meisei while Kotonowaka will try to protect his Sekiwake rank against Daieisho in the Sekiwake Showdown. Elsewhere in Sanyaku, Kirishima faces Shodai, Hoshoryu gets Ryuden and Terunofuji has Nishikigi. Terunofuji remains in contention as well at 6-2 so far.
Yokozuna Watch: Tough loss for Kirishima and that could be the difference, but at 6-2 he remains very much in it.
Ozeki Watch: Kotonowaka is halfway there. Right now he still needs 13 wins but the championship also will do it, and the former remains within reach if he can finish 6-1 or 7-0.

Juryo:
Tsushimanada (Ms2) beat Oshoumi (J13)
Akua (J11) beat Tochimusashi (3-5)
Hidenoumi (J11) beat Chiyosakae (J13)
Hakuyozan (J10) beat Yuma (J13)
Tenshoho (J12) beat Shimanoumi (J8)
Chiyomaru (J12) beat Shiden (J8)
Kagayaki (J7) beat Daishoho (J9)
Takerufuji (J10) beat Shishi (J7)
Shirokuma (J6) beat Asakoryu (J9)
Roga (J3) beat Tokihayate (J6)
Kitanowaka (J3) beat Chiyoshoma (J5)
Tohakuryu (J2) beat Oshoma (J5)
Daiamami (J1) beat Kotoeko (J4)
Tamashoho (J4) beat Mitoryu (J1)
Leader: Takerufuji (8-0)
Of note: Takerufuji is the first promotion in Juryo this time after Tokihayate took his first loss against Roga. Dating back to November he has now won 12 straight and 14 of his last 15 matches. If he can win out the top tier is potentially within reach. Not returning to Makuuchi will be Kotoeko, who is now 1-7 and may be lucky to avoid Makushita. Nishikifuji was in the top tier today and won as his efforts to return to the top tier are going well, he currently is 6-2.

RETIREMENT: Chiyoarashi (Ms16), who called it a career after his loss on Day 7 that secured a demotion and leaves him 0-4 in his finale. He reached a highest career rank of J10 in September 2011, last reaching Juryo in May 2022. His career ends just short of 16 years with a career record of 370-298-71 with 1 Sandanme Championship. He also had one 7-0 finish in Jonidan but lost in a playoff. He only spent about a year total in Juryo so he doesn’t qualify for elder stock/oyakata (you need the equivalent of 5 years-at least 30 tournaments-in the top 2 tiers, they do not have to be consecutive).

Lower tier notes:
Former Sekiwake Wakatakakage, demoted to Makushita after missing most of 2023 due to injury, will be promoted back to Juryo in March as he is 4-0 from Ms1 and is among 7 co-leaders. Hakuoho, also trying to climb back up after injury-related demotion, is currently 3-1 at Ms5 and still with a chance at Juryo. Based on what happened to Wakatakakage last time out, Hakuoho probably needs to finish 6-1 but may have a chance at 5-2 depending on what happens above him. In the Sandanme, 11 are tied at 4-0 including Wakatakamoto, demoted from Makushita after November but returning to the third tier and with a chance to perhaps give the Wakas 2 lower tier championships this time.In the Jonidan, 12 are tied at 4-0 including Ukrainian prospect Aonishiki, who won the Jonokuchi championship in his debut in November. The Jonokuchi has 2 left at 4-0 so it may be between Chiyodaigo, demoted from Makushita after missing 4 straight tournaments (he did return for the final day of November) and Anhibiki in his debut tournament.

UPDATE: Hokutofuji has WITHDRAWN. And, while not officially confirmed yet, Nikkan Sports reports a major pullout if true-Asanoyama. Ankle for the latter. The Nihon Sumo Kyokai’s website does not list Asanoyama as out yet. In Hokutofuji’s case, Tobizaru gets the fusen win on Day 9. If Asanoyama is indeed out, Onosho would remain co-leader and clinch promotion by getting the freebie.

UPDATE 2: Asanoyama has now officially WITHDRAWN about halfway through Day 9. Right ankle inflammation/swelling. Possibly twisted yesterday. Status uncertain. Onosho gets the fusen and promotion and will remain a co-leader or leader.

Here are the quick results from the first week (7 days) of the January 2024 Grand Sumo Tournament in Tokyo (Top Tier only due to time constraints. Juryo results will be posted from Day 8 onwards):
Key: M-Maegashira, K-Komusubi, S-Sekiwake, O-Ozeki, Y-Yokozuna, J-Juryo,

Continue reading “Sumo-January 2024 Grand Sumo Tournament Day 1-7 Results (Top Tier) (Updated)”

It’s Christmas Day in Japan and sumo fans just got their gift-the Japan Sumo Association has announced the Banzuke (Rankings) for the January 2024 Tournament. Here are the top 2 tiers and other notes:

Makuuchi (Top Tier):
Yokozuna-Terunofuji
Ozeki-Kirishima (November Tournament Champion), Hoshoryu, Takakeisho
Sekiwake-Kotonowaka, Daieisho
Komusubi-Takayasu, Ura
Maegashira 1-Wakamotoharu, Atamifuji
Maegashira 2-Midorifuji, Abi
Maegashira 3-Gonoyama, Hokutofuji
Maegashira 4-Tobizaru, Shodai
Maegashira 5-Ryuden, Nishikigi
Maegashira 6-Kinbozan, Shonannoumi
Maegashira 7-Ichiyamamoto, Asanoyama
Maegashira 8-Hokuseiho, Hiradoumi
Maegashira 9-Mitakeumi, Meisei
Maegashira 10-Tamawashi, Sadanoumi
Maegashira 11-Tsurugisho, Oho
Maegashira 12-Takanosho, Myogiryu
Maegashira 13-Churanoumi, Endo
Maegashira 14-Kotoshoho (November Juryo Champion), Onosho
Maegashira 15-Tomokaze, Onosato
Maegashira 16-Takarafuji, Bushozan
Maegashira 17-Shimazuumi, Aoiyama

Juryo:
Juryo 1-Daiamami, Mitoryu
Juryo 2-NIshikifuji, Tohakuryu
Juryo 3-Roga, Kitanowaka
Juryo 4-Tamashoho, Kotoeko
Juryo 5-Chiyoshoma, Oshoma
Juryo 6-Tokihayate, Shirokuma
Juryo 7-Kagayaki, Shishi
Juryo 8-Shimanoumi, Shiden
Juryo 9-Asakoryu, Daishoho
Juryo 10-Takerufuji, Hakuyozan
Juryo 11-Akua, Hidenoumi
Juryo 12-Chiyomaru, Tenshoho
Juryo 13-Yuma, Oshoumi
Juryo 14-Chiyosakae, Tochimusashi

Notes:
As expected, no changes in Sanyaku except Wakamotoharu was demoted to M1 while the new Komusubi this time are Ura for the first time in his career and Takayasu. If Kirishima wins this tournament, he will probably earn promotion to Yokozuna (or will at least be recommended)-he hopes it can happen this time or next time because his stablemaster, the current Michinoku, must retire after the March Tournament (he turns 65 in April, which means he’ll reach the mandatory retirement age in sumo). Terunofuji will be back this tournament after being out the last 3 tournaments according to stablemaster Isegahama, and if he doesn’t return the Yokozuna Deliberation Council will take the first step in a 3-step process that ends with pretty much forcing retirement (Yokozuna can never be demoted but they can be forced to retire for continued poor performance or, in this case, numerous absences). Kotonowaka will be on Ozeki Watch again as he can earn promotion by winning the championship or finishing with at least 13 wins. Daieisho also has a chance at promotion again but he’ll need a championship or to go 14-1 or 15-0. The only real big surprise in the rankings is perhaps Atamifuji making it to M1, I had him a couple ranks lower after another runner-up finish. If he keeps this up we’ll be taking about Ozeki promotion for him by the end of 2024. Also making his top tier debut will be Onosato after losing the Juryo Championship playoff to Kotoshoho, making a huge jump from Juryo 5. He’ll open at M15 against..possibly .Kotoshoho! Normally on the first day wrestlers face the other wrestler who shares their rank but Onosato and Tomokaze at M15 are both from Nishonoseki Beya so that won’t happen. Shimazuumi also sneaks in at M17 which means he’ll also make his top tier debut, possibly against the returning Aoiyama who gets back to the top tier after winning his final November match to finish 8-7 at Juryo 1. Ichiyamamoto was another big winner as 11-4 and a Fighting Spirit Prize took him up to M7 alongside the biggest loser, Asanoyama. His gamble of coming back after missing the first week in November to try and save promotion to Sanyaku backfired and a 4-11 equivalent drops him from M1 to M7.
Nishikifuj, Roga, Kotoeko, Kitanowaka and Tohakuryu all were demoted to Juryo with Kotoeko going down for the first time in 3 years (largely due to injury).
Don’t recognize Shirokuma? I didn’t either. Turns out it’s the former Takahashi with a new Shikona, or name change. He will no longer use his real last name as his ring name.
Takerufuji & Oshoumi are Shin-Juryo this tournament, making their second tier (pro) debuts, while Hakuyozan & Tochimusashi are Sai-Juryo, returning after demotions to Makushita. Tochimusashi will try to have a winning Juryo record for the first time since winning the championship.

In the Makushita, former Sekiwake Wakatakakage just missed promotion to Juryo after a 5-2 effort in his return from injury, and moves up to Ms1 from Ms6. The big question is if Hakuoho will be able to return from injury this time, which is possible-if so, he’ll be at Ms5 but should be back up in no time. Best-case for a top-tier return for the super-rookie seems to be July. September champion Hitoshi was demoted to Ms7 after a disastrous Juryo debut in November, while November Champion Satorufuji got a bigger than expected, and no doubt Isegahama-influenced bump up from Ms42 all the way to Ms3 (normally the Makushita Champion gains 30 spots if they are in the lower half of the 60-rank division).

The Sandanme has the new-usual 90 ranks with 180 wrestlers, with the biggest story being Enho possibly beginning his comeback from a major back injury. He may try to return this tournament and if so he will be at Sd83. He doesn’t plan to retire anytime soon and is no doubt motivated by needing to get back to Juryo one more time to qualify for elder stock upon retirement (you need to have been in Makuuchi and Juryo for at least 5 years-30 tournaments-in your career to qualify to become an Oyakata, and eventually a coach or stablemaster-after retirement. It doesn’t have to be consecutive. Enho has 29 such tournaments, really he missed it by just one win in his last appearance). The Jonidan ranks are a bit thinner this time with just 98 ranks and 196 wrestlers, down from the usual triple digit ranks, while the Jonokuchi will have 17 ranks and 33 wrestlers. In Jonidan, watch November Jonokuchi Champion Aonishiki at Jd10, looking to eventually become the second rikishi from Ukraine to reach the top 2 tiers alongside countryman Shishi (they are not in the same stable).

The January Tournament begins on 1/14 in Tokyo.

UPDATE: Azumaryu, who was demoted from Juryo after November, has now retired after the Banzuke announcement. He was to have been at Makushita 13 in January. His final career record will be 588-522-47 (win-loss-absent), 62-88-15 in the top tier with one Juryo championship and a highest rank of Maegashira 11. In November he was a withdrawal on Day 2 due to injury and didn’t return, finishing the equivalent of 0-15. He had 5 straight demotions and only earned 2 promotions in the last 10 tournaments. Nikkan Sports reports he will have a hair cutting ceremony in September at Ryogoku Kokugikan in Tokyo and it sounds like he will not become an elder/oyakata and may return to his native Mongolia (he spent over 10 years in the top 2 tiers, more than double the time needed to qualify for elder stock).

With the November 2023 Grand Sumo Tournament now in the books, here is the final Hoshitori (Banzuke with records) for the top 2 tiers and some early January ranking notes & thoughts:

Continue reading “Sumo-November 2023 Hoshitori & Notes”

Nikkan Sports reports the Nihon Sumo Kyokai (Japan Sumo Association) Yokozuna Deliberation Committee held a regular poat-tournament meeting today, here are some notes coming out:

Yokozuna Terunofuji is on the clock. According to comments from Chairman Masayuki Yamauchi (Professor Emeritus at the University Of Tokyo), Based on translation, he either must compete in January or the Council will take action. Any such action is non-binding but carries weight, starting with “encouragement” then “recommendation” and finally being all but forced to retire (Yokozuna can never be demoted to lower ranks). Terunofuji missed the last 3 tournaments including November despite participation in the October tour. Before the November Tournament it was reported by YouTuber Chris Sumo, a reliable English language source with inside connections, that per stablemaster Isegahama Terunofuji would compete in January.

Also, the Council reportedly is not happy with Hoshoryu, one of the 3 current Ozeki. In a late tournament match against Gonoyama (Margashira 4), Hoshoryu dragged the pre-match staredown/setup with a frozen stare lasting approximately 90 seconds, so long that NHK World Japan had to edit most of it out of their daily English language highlights program for time. While there is a little precedent given Hoshoryu is the nephew of bad boy Yokozuna Asashoryu, Yamauchi’s comments indicate that clearly hurt Hoshoryu’s chances of making Yokozuna, which may not happen anytime soon based on performance (he has 8 & 10 wins in 2 tournaments as Ozeki so far). Making Yokozuna is not just about winning tournaments, you also are expected to be of high moral character as a public face of sumo and being looked up to by all rikishi. Hoshoryu is known for his “stinky face” glare after some matches especially if he took pushes to the face. All indications ate he’ll be just like Asashoryu if he ever ascends to the highest rank as Chairman Hakkaku hopes for before he is forced to retire in a couple years (mandatory retirement age in sumo is 65) and ideally with healthy active Yokozuna.

While we wait for updated early ranking notes for January, it is being suggested that Ura, who finished 8-7 at M1, will be promoted to Komusubi for the first time in his career

Here are the quick results from today’s Day 15-the Final Day-of the November 2023 Grand Sumo Tournament in Fukuoka:
Key: M-Maegashira, K-Komusubi, S-Sekiwake, O-Ozeki, J-Juryo, Ms-Makushita, Sd-Sandanme, Jd-Jonidan, Jk-Jonokuchi

Makuuchi (Top Tier):
NIshikifuji (M16) beat Kagayaki (J3)
Hiradoumi (M11) beat Kitanowaka (M17)
Ryuden (M10) beat Tsurugisho (M13)
Oho (M12) beat Mitakeumi (M9)
Myogiryu (M9) beat Tomokaze (M14)
Roga (M16) beat Endo (M8)
Ichiyamamoto (M14) beat Kinbozan (M7)
Churanoumi (M15) beat Midorifuji (M5)
Gonoyama (M4) beat Shonannoumi (M6)
Sadanoumi (M11) beat Tobizaru (M3)
Takayasu (M3) beat Tamawashi (M12)
Meisei (M2) beat Tohakuryu (M15)
Shodai (M2) beat Takarafuji (M13)
Ura (M1) beat Hokuseiho (M7)
Nishikigi (M4) beat Hokutofuji (K)
Asanoyama (M1) beat Abi (K)
Wakamotoharu (K) beat Onosho (M5)
Kotonowaka (S) beat Atamifuji (M8). KIRISHIMA YUSHO!!! Settled before the final match. So close and yet so painfully far away for Atamifuji again, who lost his last 2 matches.
Hoshoryu (O) beat Daieisho (S)
Kirishima (O) beat Takakeisho (O)
CHAMPION: Kirishima (13-2). 2nd Emperor’s Cup this year and 4th overall championship. Nikkan Sports reports it also means Kirishima finishes 2023 with the most wins of any top-tier rikishi.

SPECIAL PRIZES:
Outstanding Performance (Maegashira with most wins against Yokozuna/Ozeki): None
Fighting Spirit (10+ wins with best display of fighting spirit): Atamifuji (2nd time, 2nd straight tournament), Kotonowaka, Ichiyamamoto
Technique (most different winning techniques): None

Final standings notes: The Sanyaku shakeup will see Wakamotoharu demoted from Sekiwake and both Komusubi (Abi & Hokutofuji) demoted, with Ura possibly breaking through to Komusubi thanks to an 8th win today. If there is a second Komusubi it could be a Sanyaku return for Takayasu, a former Ozeki. 6 wins probably drops Wakamotoharu to M1, but it could be Komusubi. We’re going to see at least 4 demotions to Juryo-Kitanowaka, Roga, Nishikifuji and Tohakuryu. The biggest tossup is Kotoeko at M10, due to missing the last 5 days (injury) he finishes the equivalent of 2-13. Despite the last 2 losses, Atamifuji will make another big move up the rankings. He could get as high as M1 but I’m going to slot him in at M3 for January with Sanyaku possible in March. Meanwhile, Asanoyama’s Day 8 return gamble to try and salvage Sanyaku ultimately backfired as he’ll suffer his first post-return demotion. A lot of demotions at the top do help him though along with being absent the first week, but I think he’ll still drop down to, at best, M5. More reasonably I’ll take him down to M8. Maybe Sanyaku again by May.
Yokozuna Watch: When one door closes, another door opens. Takakeisho’s maybe last best chance at promotion is gone after a good start when he slumped late to 9-6, but now it’s Kirishima’s chance. A repeat title in January, or a playoff with at least 12 wins, should allow him to take the mantle from the wearing-down Terunofuji and allow the current Yokozuna to retire on his own terms. We can hope Terunofuji does return in January as expected for perhaps a passing of the mantle, as was the case when he was promoted after a Final Day loss to Hakuho when the legend retired after a perfect tournament (Terunofuji was also 14-0 going into that final day). Then attention can turn to Hoshoryu, who managed 10 wins this time and perhaps…
Ozeki Watch: Kotonowaka probably won’t get there right now after finishing with 30 wins over his last 3 tournaments, but he will have a good chance after January as he will need 11 wins again to reach the unofficial benchmark of 33 wins over 3 consecutive tournaments. The son of the current Sadogatake is poised to eclipse his father, the former Kotonowaka, and assume a new name when he does (he will become Kotozakura when/if he is promoted). And by this time next year, we’re going to be talking about Atamifuji here. If he stays healthy he will be Yokozuna in 2-3 years.

Juryo:
Takerufuji (Ms1) beat Hitoshi (J11)
Tenshoho (J10) beat Kitadaichi (Ms3)
Tsushimanada (Ms4) beat Takakento (J9)
Tamashoho (J7) beat Akua (J10)
Chiyosakae (J14) beat Daishoho (J7)
Chiyoshoma (J6) beat Yuma (J13)
Shishi (J5) beat Chiyomaru (J8)
Onosato (J5) beat Mitoryu (J4)
Daiamami (J4) beat Shiden (J12)
Oshoma (J3) beat Hidenoumi (J11)
Shimanoumi (J12) beat Shimazuumi (J2)
Bushozan (J2) beat Tokihayate (J8)
Kotoshoho (J1) beat Asakoryu (J13). PLAYOFF!!!
Aoiyama (J1) beat Takahashi (J9)
PLAYOFF: Kotoshoho (J1) beat Onosato (J5). KOTOSHOHO JURYO YUSHO!
CHAMPION: Kotoshoho (12-3). 3rd career Championship and 3rd Juryo Championship. He will join a handful promoted back to the top tier in January, to
Going up: At least 4 and potentially 5 promotions are on tap: Kotoshoho and Aoiyama will return to the top tier along with Bushozan and one of, if not both, Shimazuumi and Onosato. If only one makes it I think it’ll be Onosato because of the playoff loss, which would leave Shimazuumi at J1 despite 9 wins.
Going down: Azumaryu (withdrawal after 0-2 start, finished 0-15), Hitoshi (September Makushita Champion had a disastrous 2-13 Juryo debut) and Chiyosakae (demoted with 8th loss today) will be demoted to Makushita, and possibly Yuma again (big toss-up after a collapse to 7-8 following losing his last 4, Takakento (3-12 at J9), Tenshoho, Akua (both 5-10 at J10). Hidenoumi is a huge toss-up at 6-9 from J11 but he missed 3 days due to injury. I think he’ll be safe. Also going down is Hakuoho after another missed tournament due to injury, but he’ll almost certainly earn his way back right away when he returns in January. He should still reach Sanyaku by the end of 2024.

Makushita notes: Takerufuji will be Shin-Juryo in January after a 6-1 result at J1, needing just 8 tournaments to reach the second tier and becoming the latest Isegahama super-prospect to break through into salary ranks (he already has 2 lower tier championships). He has gone 43-6 so far in his career. Despite losing his last 3 after a 4-0 start, Hakuyozan will be Sai-Juryo, returning to the second tier in January. That’s probably it for Makushita promotions because of the numbers game, although Kayo will have a chance after going 6-1 at Ms6, and that means the biggest loser would be Wakatakakage-the former Sekiwake went 5-2 from Ms6 in his return from injury. But he probably came up one win short despite winning his last 4 after a 1-2 start.
Expect Champion Satorufuji to jump up from Ms42 to approximately Ms12 while Kitaharima’s title loss will keep him from a Juryo return after he just missed a second straight championship (he won the Sandanme in September), but he’ll be in position for a January promotion with a winning record after a 6-1 effort at Ms11. The veteran is hoping for more than another cup of sake in the top tier before retiring-he’s reached a career high rank of M15 for one tournament.

Jonidan:
PLAYOFF: Dairinzan (Jd61) beat Shiroma (Jd15). DAIRINZAN JONIDAN YUSHO! First career championship.

Tournament Champions:
Makuuchi (Kirishima (2nd Emperor’s Cup, 4th overall)
Juryo: Kotoshoho (3rd Juryo, 3rd overall)
Makushita: (Satorufuji (1st Makushita, 2nd overall)
Sandanme: Daishoryu (1st Sandanme, 1st overall)
Jonidan: Dairinzan (1st Jonidan, 1st overall)
Jonokuchi: Aonishiki (1st Jonokuchi, 1st overall in Debut tournament)

The next tournament is the January 2024 tournament scheduled from 1/14-1/28 at Ryogoku Kokugikan in Tokyo. Advance tickets will go on sale on 12/9. In the next couple days will be the usual final standings post and any major post-tournament breaking news. The Banzuke is scheduled to be announced on 12/25.

Here are the quick results from today’s Day 14 of the November 2023 Grand Sumo Tournament in Fukuoka:
Key: M-Maegashira, K-Komusubi, S-Sekiwake, O-Ozeki, J-Juryo, Ms-Makushita

Makuuchi (Top Tier):
Daiamami (J4) beat Tohakuryu (M15)
Oho (M12) beat Churanoumi (M15)
Sadanoumi (M11) beat Roga (M16)
Nishikifuji (M16) beat Hiradoumi (M11)
Myogiryu (M9) beat Kitanowaka (M17)
Tsurugisho (M13) beat Mitakeumi (M9)
Takarafuji (M13) beat Endo (M8)
Hokuseiho (M7) beat Tomokaze (M14)
Takayasu (M3) beat Kinbozan (M7)
Tamawashi (M12) beat Meisei (M2)
Asanoyama (M1) beat Shodai (M2)
Ura (M1) beat Gonoyama (M4)
Tobizaru (M3) beat Abi (K)
Hokutofuji (K) beat Onosho (M5)
Kotonowaka (S) beat Shonannoumi (M6)
Wakamotoharu (S) beat Nishikigi (M4)
Daieisho (S) beat Takakeisho (O)
Hoshoryu (O) beat Midorifuji (M5)
Kirishima (O) beat Atamifuji (M8)
Leader: Kirishima (12-2)
Of note: It’s not over yet but we’re going to have another Yokozuna Watch in January. Here’s how tomorrow will go: If both Atamifuji & Kirishima win, both lose,, Atamifuji loses (Kotonowaka) or Kirishima wins (Takakeisho), Kisishima is the champion for the second time this year. If Atamifuji wins and Kirishima loses, there will be a playoff rematch and Atamifuji gets a second chance for the second time in a row. Will this be the time after that heartbreaking playoff loss to Takakeisho in September for Atamifuji or will this be the start of Yokozuna for Kirishima? Either way, Kirishima is halfway there because he’ll either win or have a win total equivalent to the championship, although the former is more ideal. At the pace he’s on, Atamifuji isn’t far off. This will be his 3rd straight 11-win effort and should put him on the edge of Sanyaku. I think he’ll be at M1 in January, but if he gets the second chance and wins the championship I’ll move him up to Komusubi. But by this time next year he’s an Ozeki candidate as long as he stays healthy. At the bottom we’re now looking at a minimum of 4 demotions (Kitanowaka, Roga, Nishikifuji, Tohakuryu).

Juryo:
Tochimusashi (Ms3) beat Chiyosakae (J14)
Chiyomaru (J8) beat Daishoho (J7)
Tamashoho (J7) beat Yuma (J13)
Shimanoumi (J12) beat Chiyoshoma (J6)
Onosato (J5) beat Asakoryu (J13)
Shishi (J5) beat Takakento (J9)
Mitoryu (J4) beat Tenshoho (J10)
Kagayaki (J3) beat Akua (J10)
Oshoma (J3) beat Hitoshi (J11)
Bushozan (J2) beat Takahashi (J9)
Shimazuumi (J2) beat Hidenoumi (J11)
Tokihayate (J8) beat Aoiyama (J1)
Kotoshoho (J1) beat Shiden (J12)
Leader: Kotoshoho, Onosato (11-3)
Of note: The co-leaders already met on Day 8 (Kotoshoho won) so they will only meet again if a playoff is needed, and it may well be. Onosato is up first and gets Mitoryu while Kotoshoho faces Asakoryu. If both win or both lose, there will be a playoff. If one loses and the other wins, the winner is the champion. A win probably promotes Onosato to the top tier in January, a championship definitely will, it’s gonna be 50-50 with a loss. Ultimately it may depend on Aoiyama, who must win tomorrow for promotion (Takahashi in the final match). Shimazuumi should be promoted as well with 9 wins, but a 10th win makes it definite. The way top-tier demotions look right now, I think all 3-all 4 if Aoiyama wins-are going up.
As usual on the final day, a handful of Makushita men will be up for Juryo matches, led by Takerufuji who at 5-1 from Ms1 will make his de facto Juryo debut before being promoted in January. Also up will be Kitadaichi, 3-3 at Ms3 and going for promotion, and former Juryo champion Tochimusashi (Kanno), who made dubious history as the first Juryo winner to be demoted to Makushita before reaching the top tier after doing so. Makushita September Champion Hitoshi is going back down after a tough 2-12 so far debut, as is Chiyosakae. Yuma could be a toss-up if he loses tomorrow to finish 7-8. Even though he will be demoted after today, I think Hidenoumi is safe as he has managed 6 wins with missing 2 days due to injury. With 4 wins since returning after starting 0-8 (missing 4 days due to injury), Chiyomaru is safe too. Who won’t be coming back up this time is Wakatakakage-the former Sekiwake had a solid 5-2 effort in his return from injury at Ms6, but that’s not going to be enough. But another promotion effort in January should do it.

Reminder: NHK World Japan will have 90 minutes of LIVE top tier coverage, including the final matches & potential playoff rematch, awards presentation and champion’s interview with English translation, beginning tonight at 11:30 PM PT/2:30 AM ET. Who will second time be the charm for? Don’t miss it!

UPDATE: Once Day 15 got underway, it was announced that, for the second straight tournament, Atamifuji will win the Fighting Spirit Special Prize regardless of the final results. That may be the only Special Prize awarded again but we’ll see.

Here are the quick results from today’s Day 13-Championship Day 1-of the November 2023 Grand Sumo Tournament in Fukuoka:
Key: M-Maegashira, K-Komusubi, S-Sekiwake, O-Ozeki, J-Juryo, Ms-Makushita, Sd-Sandanme, Jd-Jonidan, Jk-Jonokuchi

Makuuchi (Top Tier):
Kitanowaka (M17) beat Oshoma (J3)
Tohakuryu (M15) beat Oho (M12)
Tomokaze (M14) beat Hiradoumi (M11)
Churanoumi (M15) beat Sadanoumi (M11)
Mitakeumi (M9) beat Tamawashi (M12)
Roga (M16) beat Myogiryu (M9)
Endo (M8) beat Nishikifuji (M16)
Midorifuji (M5) beat Ichiyamamoto (M14)
Tsurugisho (M13) beat NIshikigi (M4)
Tobizaru (M3) beat Hokuseiho (M7)
Atamifuji (M8) beat Takayasu (M3)
Takarafuji (M13) beat Meisei (M2)
Kinbozan (M7) beat Shodai (M2)
Ura (M1) beat Onosho (M5)
Gonoyama (M4) beat Hokutofuji (K)
Abi (K) beat Shonannoumi (M6)
Ryuden (M10) beat Kotonowaka (S)
Asanoyama (M1) beat Wakamotoharu (S)
Kirishima (O) beat Daieisho (S)
Takakeisho (O) beat Hoshoryu (O)
Leader: Kirishima, Atamifuji (11-2)
Of note: The championship can’t be officially decided until the final day, but Kirishima-Atamifuji is the last match tomorrow. That means the winner only needs to win on the final day or have the loser lose again for the championship, but there could also very well be a playoff rematch. It will be the first ever meeting between the two. It’s also down to those two as it means anyone at 9-4 now can’t force a playoff. That includes Takakeisho so Yokozuna hopes are officially dead, and Ichiyamamoto who fell to a HENKA! by Midorifuji. But if Kirishima wins the championship, he goes on the radar in January and will have a chance at promotion if he goes back-to-back. Atamifuji will be looking for a second straight championship chance after losing to Takakeisho in a playoff in September. If he stays healthy, he could be in Ozeki contention by this time next year.
Ozeki Watch: Since he can’t win the championship now, Kotonowaka probably can’t be promoted. 30 wins will now be the best he can do. If he gets there, that starts him at 22 in January, meaning 11 again can do it. One more win should clinch a Special Prize though, likely Outstanding Performance as he did go 2-1 against Ozeki.

Juryo:
Chiyosakae (J14) beat Hitoshi (J11)
Tenshoho (J10) beat Hakuyozan (Ms1)
Takahashi (J9) beat Yuma (J13)
Tokihayate (J8) beat Hidenoumi (J11)
Takakenoto (J9) beat Chiyomaru (J8)
Shiden (J12) beat Chiyoshoma (J6)
Asakoryu (J13) beat Mitoryu (J4)
Onosato (J5) beat Daiamami (J4)
Kagayaki (J3) beat Shishi (J5)
Shimazuumi (J2) beat Akua (J10)
Bushozan (J2) beat Tamashoho (J7)
Kotoshoho (J1) beat Daishoho (J7)
Aoiyama (J1) beat Shimanoumi (J12)
Leader: Kotoshoho, Onosato (10-3)
Of note: While 4 at 8-5 still have playoff hopes, reasonably it’s down to 4. And the top 4 all face off tomorrow as both Kotoshoho and Onosato face the two who are one win back. But if Asakoryu and Shiden both win, the 8-5s are back in it with wins and could force up to a 7-WAY PLAYOFF! It can’t be 8-way because two of the 8-5s, Bushozan & Takahashi, face each other tomorrow. Elsewhere, with his win today, Aoiyama now just needs to win 1 of his last 2 matches for promotion back to the top tier. With 8 wins and promotion clinched at J2, Shimazuumi also will have a chance at a top tier debut in January (I think he needs one more win to make it definite). Fellow J2 Bushozan is a toss-up now to return to the top tier as well with promotion secured, again he also probably needs one more win. And despite his loss today, 4 wins at Ms1 means Hakuyozan will be back in Juryo in January. At this point, Onosato is going to have a chance at the top tier regardless of what happens. One more win makes it likely, 2 wins and/or the championship makes it definite.

Makushita:
Satorufuji (Ms42) beat Kitaharima (Ms11). SATORUFUJI MAKUSHITA YUSHO! 2nd career championship (1st Makushita) in 5 career tournaments for the Isegahama prospect who is an impressive 30-5 to date. He’ll probably go up to Ms12 in January. Kitaharima probably gets denied a January Juryo return as a result.

Sandanme:
Daishoryu (Sd62) beat Nishida (Sd37). DAISHORYU SANDANME YUSHO! First career championship. Will almost certainly return to Makushita after being demoted after July (Absent in September).

Jonidan:
Dairinzan (Jd61) beat Kototaiga (Jd40). PLAYOFF!
Shiroma (Jd15) beat Higonoumi (Jd45)
That means Dairinzan vs. Shiroma on Day 15 Sunday for the championship.

Jonokuchi:
Aonishiki (Jk14) beat Hatachijo (Jd96). AONISHIKI JONOKUCHI YUSHO! First championship in his debut tournament for the rikishi from Ukraine (interestingly he is not a stablemate of Shishi, not right now anyway), and it avoids what would have been a 3-way playoff if he lost as both other Jonokuchi wrestlers who were 5-1 won today, both also in Jonidan.

Reminder: NHK World Japan will have 50 minutes of LIVE top tier coverage, including the important Kirishima-Atamifuji match, tomorrow beginning at 12:10 AM PT/3:10 AM ET. The network is available on participating cable/satellite providers and FREE WORLDWIDE on their website and mobile/tablet/smart TV apps with no account/signup needed and no restrictions.

Here are the quick results from today’s Day 12 of the November 2023 Grand Sumo Tournament in Fukuoka::
Key: M-Maegashira, K-Komusubi, S-Sekiwake, O-Ozeki, J-Juryo, Ms-Makushita

Makuuchi (Top Tier):
Tohakuryu (M15) beat Shimazuumi (J2)
Tamawashi (M12) beat Oho (M12)
Tsurugisho (M13) beat Sadanoumi (M11)
Hiradoumi (M11) beat Churanounmi (M15)
Takarafuji (M13) beat Myogiryu (M9)
Endo (M8) beat Kitanowaka (M17)
Hokuseiho (M7) beat Roga (M16)
Kinbozan (M7) beat Mitakeumi (M9)
Shonannoumi (M6) beat Tomokaze (M14)
Onosho (M5) beat Nishikifuji (M16)
Ichiyamamoto (M14) beat Nishikigi (M4)
Takayasu (M3) beat Ryuden (M10)
Gonoyama (M4) beat Tobizaru (M3)
Ura (M1) beat Shodai (M2)
Abi (K) beat Meisei (M2)
Hokutofuji (K) beat Asanoyama (M1)
Daieisho (S) beat Midorifuji (M5)
Kirishima (O) beat Kotonowaka (S)
Takakeisho (O) beat Wakamotoharu (S)
Atamifuji (M8) beat Hoshoryu (O)
Leader: Kirishima, Atamifuji (10-2)
Of note: Although he won’t make Yokozuna now, Takakeisho has at least protected his Ozeki rank as all 3 now have 8+ wins, so all good going into January. But the Sanyaku Shakeup is coming because Wakamotoharu will be demoted from Sekiwake after taking his 8th loss today. This is only his second demotion since reaching the top tier at the start of 2022, which demonstrates how incredibly consistent he has been performance-wise, and snaps a run of 7 straight winning records. He did start 3-2 but has been in a 1-6 slump since, a lot of it’s just bad luck/results and not a lack of effort. Kitanowaka and Roga will both be demoted to Juryo after today as well with 8 & 9 losses, respectively. Kotonowaka & Ichiyamamoto are each one back and still in it, but need a little help. Which could happen tomorrow. Among higher-ranked wrestlers, I wouldn’t call Takarafuji safe is he loses out, but given the supposed Isegahama pull in the rankings, he’ll probably stick around. But he will lose Nishikifuji, who couldn’t stave off demotion again today and took his 8th loss and is going down to Juryo again after 9 straight tournaments in the top tier (he came up after winning the Juryo Championship in May 2022). Unfortunately good happenings outside the dohyo this year, including getting married and having his first children (twins) have not translated to good luck in the dohyo. Shimazuumi came up short in his bid to earn promotion today and will try again tomorrow in Juryo.
Ozeki Watch: While today’s loss means he can’t hit the unofficial mark of 33 wins, Kotonowaka still has a chance at promotion if he wins out, especially if he wins the tournament and finishes with 32 wins. Going 2-1 against the current Ozeki this time should help his cause.
Key matches tomorrow: Atamifuji-Takayasu, Daieisho-Kirishima. Both are tough matches for the co-leaders. Kotonowaka faces Ryuden while Ichiyamamoto has Midorifuji.
Oshoma will be the Juryo Man up tomorrow, he will now be demoted at 4-8 as he remains in a long rut of not being able to break through the upper ranks of Juryo into the top tier (he was J4 for an unprecedented 4 straight tournaments despite one 8-7 and 2 7-8 efforts and was stuck at J3 or J4 this entire year, dating back to his winning the Juryo Championship here last year).

Juryo:
Oshoumi (Ms2) beat Chiyosakae (J14)
Takahashi (J9) beat Shimanoumi (M12)
Chiyomaru (J8) beat Hidenoumi (J11)
Tokihayate (J8) beat Akua (J10)
Asakoryu (J13) beat Chiyoshoma (J6)
Shishi (J5) beat Tenshoho (J10)
Daiamami (J4) beat Yuma (J13)
Mitoryu (J4) beat Shiden (J12)
Hitoshi (J11) beat Kagayaki (J3)
Onosato (J5) beat Oshoma (J3)
Bushozan (J2) beat Takakento (J9)
Daishoho (J7) beat Aoiyama (J1)
Kotoshoho (J1) beat Tamashoho (J7)
Leader: Kotoshoho, Onosato (9-3)
Of note: Hitoshi’s nightmare is over for now has he snapped a 8-match losing streak that will send the September Makushita Champion back down. Takakento is also a demotion candidate now at 2-9, but this win means despite being equal to 3-9 Chiyomaru is probably safe despite injury absences. With his win as the Makushita Man in his likely final match, Oshoumi earned a 4th win and a promotion, possibly to Juryo in January. If he does, that will mean a Juryo debut as his Ms2 ranking right now is a career best. At the top, Onosato now has a chance at promotion tot he top tier depending on how he finishes. If he wins out, championship or not, I believe he gets there, but yes if he is champion.

Lower tier notes: Tomorrow is the traditional Championship Day. The Makushita Championship match will be tomorrow (Kitaharima vs. Satorufuji), along with the Sandanme Championship match (Nishida vs. Daishoryu). The Jonidan Championship may or may not be decided, depending on what happens: First up, if Dairinzan wins his last match tomorrow, a playoff Sunday is guaranteed against the Shiroma-Higonoumi winner after that. But if Dairinzan loses tomorrow, Shiroma-Higonoumi is for the championship (Dairinzan’s match is up first). The Jonokuchi leader, Aonishiki, is in Jonidan tomorrow and will win the Jonokuchi Championship with a win. If Aonishiki loses, he still is champion if both Ginseizan and Kyokushori (5-1) lose. But if either wins and Aonishiki loses, there will be a playoff and both winning would mean a 3-way playoff.

Here are the quick results from today’s Day 11 is the November 2023 Grand Sumo Tournament in Fukuoka:
Key: M-Maegashira, K-Komusubi, S-Sekiwake, O-Ozeki, J-Juryo

Makuuchi (Top Tier):
Noshikifuji (M16) beat Tomokaze (M14)
Taurugisho (M13) beat Takarafuji (M13)
Sadanoumi (M11) beat Kitanowaka (M17)
Mitakeumi (M9) beat Roga (M16)
Atamifuji (M9) beat Churanoumi (M15)
Endo (M8) beat Tohakuryu (M8)
Tamawashi (M12) beat Kinbozan (M7)
Hokuseiho (M7) beat Oho (M12)
Midorifuji (M5) beat Hiradoumi (M11)
Myogiryu (M9) beat Onosho (M5)
Ryuden (M10) beat Nishikigi (M4)
Gonoyama (M4) beat Takanosho (M6) by default/withdrawal
Takayasu (M3) beat Shonannoumi (M6)
Tobizaru (M3) beat Ura (M1)
Hokutofuji (K) beat Meisei (M2)
Abi (K) beat Shodai (M2)
Daieisho (S) beat Ichiyamamoto (M14)
Kotonowaka (S) beat Takakeisho (O)
Hoshoryu (O) beat Asanoyama (M1)
Kirishima (O) beat Wakamoroharu (S)
Leader: Kirishima, Kotonowaka, Atamifuji (9-2)
WITHDRAWAL: Takanosho (M6). Right knee injury suffered yesterday. Status uncertain. He was 5-5 after yesterday so if he can’t return in the next 2 days that will mean a demotion as he is now 5-6. He will stay in the top tier even if he can’t return and finishes the equivalent of 5-10.
Of note: For now 4 co-leaders are down to 3, with 4 one win back. Hiradoumi had a 7-match win streak snapped today, he started 0-3 before nearly rallying today for promotion. Both Kirishima and Hoshoryu have now protected their Ozeki standing as each has 8+ wins. On the flip side, we’re maybe about to lose a Sekiwake as Wakamotoharu is now 4-7. He must win out or he will be demoted. At the bottom, Roga will be demoted back to Juryo after today’s loss while Nishikifuji staved off demotion for another day.
Yokozuna Watch: It’s over for Takakeisho. He can still win the championship but consecutive 11-4 records in doing so will not earn promotion. Kirishima has a chance to be on watch in January if he can win the tournament.
Ozeki Watch: Looking better for Kotonowaka, as long as he reaches 12 wins I think that will be enough even though it’s only 32 wins based on quality. If he wins the championship or wins out to go 13-2
promotion should be a given.
Key Match Tomorrow: Kotonowaka-Kirishima. Even if Atamifuji beats Hoshoryu to stay tied for the lead, the winner here will be the yusho favorite.

Juryo:
Hidenoumi (J11) beat Chiyosakae (J14)
Yuma (J13) beat Tokihayate (J8)
Asakoryu (J13) beat Chiyomaru (J8)
Akua (J10) beat Daishoho (J7)
Shishi (J5) beat Hitoshi (J11)
Mitoryu (J4) beat Shimanoumi (J12)
Daiamami (J4) beat Tenshoho (J10)
Shiden (J12) beat Oshoma (J3)
Kagayaki (J3) beat Takakento (J9)
Shimazuumi (J2) beat Takahashi (J9)
Onosato (J5) beat Bushozan (J2)
Kotoshoho (J1) beat Chiyoshoma (J6)
Aoiyama (J1) beat Tamashoho (J7)
Leader: Kotoshoho, Onosato, Shiden (8-3)
Of note: Kotoshoho’s 8-match winning streak ended today, which took him from 0-2 to a top tier return in January. He gets Tamashoho tomorrow. Onosato has Oshoma (4-7) while Shiden faces Mitoryu (7-4). Shimazuumi (7-4) will be in the top tier tomorrow and will earn promotion with a win. It could also elevate him to the top tier for the first time in his career, although he may need 2 more wins to make it definite.

Lower tier notes:
The Makushita Championship is set for Day 13, it will be Kitaharima vs. Satorufuji. If Kitaharima wins it will be his second straight championship and could return him to Juryo for the first time since September 2020 (he is at Ms11). If Satorufuji wins, the 19-year-old Isegahama prospect will claim his second career championship in his 5th career tournament and will have a 30-5 career record so far, putting Juryo by March in reach (he is at Ms42 so he probably would move up to Ms12).
The Sandanme Championship will be Nishida (Sd37) vs. Daishoryu (Sd62). It would be the first for both. Daishoryu was demoted from Makushita this time due to missing September. The winner should be back in Makushita in January.
The Jonidan may meed a playoff because there are 3 at 6-0. Shiroma and Higonouni ate each going for their second career championship, if Shiroma wins he will go a technical 2 for 2 career as he was absent for his debut in July. Dairinzan will be going for his first championship.
The Jonokuchi Championship is Aonishiki’s to lose. At 6-0, he now only needs to win his last match. Otherwise a playoff may be needed. This is the debut tournament for the new rikishi from Ukraine, looking to follow countryman Shishi up the rankings.