Tag: ozumo

It’s the end of an even-numbered month which means that exciting time again for sumo fans-the Japan Sumo Association has just announced the Banzuke (rankings) for the September 2025 Grand Sumo Tournament. Here are the full standings for the top 2 tiers:
Makuuchi (top tier):
Yokozuna-Onosato, Hoshoryu
Ozeki-Kotozakura
Sekiwake-Wakatakakage, Kirishima
Komusubi-Takayasu, Aonishiki
Maegashira 1-Tamawashi, Abi
Maegashira 2-Hakuoho, Oho
Maegashira 3-Atamifuji, Gonoyama
Maegashira 4-Hiradoumi, Wakamotoharu
Maegashira 5-Kotoshoho (July Champion), Ichiyamamoto
Maegashira 6-Onokatsu, Kusano
Maegashira 7-Takanosho, Oshoma
Maegashira 8-Ura, Kinbozan
Maegashira 9-Midorifuji, Fujinokawa
Maegashira 10-Daieisho, Churanoumi
Maegashira 11-Shodai, Roga
Maegashira 12-Takerufuji, Mitakeumi
Maegashira 13-Meisei, Tokihayate
Maegashira 14-Sadanoumi, Asakoryu
Maegashira 15-Tobizaru, Shonannoumi
Maegashira 16-Tomokaze, Nishikigi
Maegashira 17-Ryuden, Hitoshi
Maegashira 18-Shishi
Notes: No changes at the top except at Komusubi where Aonishiki makes his Sanyaku debut after 3 straight 11-4 efforts and 3 Special Prizes, if he can keep this up he’ll be in Ozeki contention very quickly. Wakatakakage is on Ozeki Watch again as his magic number to get to the unofficial benchmark for promotion contention is 11 as he’s gone 12-3 and 10-5 the last 2 tournaments. Kirishima would need a championship or at least 14 wins to have a chance for Ozeki return. Kotoshoho’s move up was about what I expected after his surprise July championship at M16 as he shoots up to M5, with Kusano also making a big move up to M6 and Fujinokawa going up to M9. At the bottom, Hitoshi makes his top tier debut alongside the returning Ryuden, with Shonannoumi, Tomokaze & Nishikigi all returning to the top tier as well. Shishi clearly has some allies on the ranking committee as despite what should have been another demotion he once again hangs on to his top tier position.
Daieisho, below M4 for the first time since climbing above that rank in his career, is probably out the entire tournament again and will be demoted to Juryo in November.

Juryo:
Juryo:1-Daiseizan, Oshoumi
Juryo 2-Kotoeiho, Chiyoshoma
Juryo 3-Endo, Nishikifuji
Juryo 4-Kagayaki, Mita (July Champion)
Juryo 5-Tochitaikai, Fujiseiun
Juryo 6-Kayo, Tohakuryu
Juryo 7-Tamashoho, Hidenoumi
Juryo 8-Hatsuyama, Kotokuzan
Juryo 9-Shirokuma, Tsurugisho
Juryo 10-Hakuyozan, Miyanokaze
Juryo 11-Kazekeno, Asahakuryu (July Makushita Champion)
Juryo 12-Takarafuji, Asasuiryu
Juryo 13-Kyokukaiyu, Asanoyama
Juryo 14-Shiden, Nishinoryu
Notes: After missing out on what could have been the first of 2 straight championships in May due to a late injury, Mita makes a big move up to J4 after winning July, putting him into top tier contention with Daiseizan & Oshoumi on the verge of moving up at J1.Kotoeiho & Chiyoshoma are demotions from the top tier along with Endo, who was out in July and probably will not compete this time either. Nishikifuji moves up 3 spots and also will have a chance to return to the top tier while the missle ranks are a combination of top tier demotions and those trying to move back up.
At the bottom, after no Shin-Juryo rikishi in July there are 4 debuts in the second tier this time, led by July Makushita Champion Asahakuryu then Asasuiryu, Kyokukaiyu and Nishinoryu along with Asanoyama being Sai-Juryo and returning following his last injury-related demotion. Asasuiryu is also a kaimei rikishi as upon promotion he changed his shikona (ring name) from Ishizaki, which he shared with his real-life brother Asakoryu.

In the Makushita, Daiamami was demoted from Juryo after hanging on despite 2 straight losing records at the bottom ranks while Kitanowaka is at Ms1 as well after potentially missing out on promotion with a 4-3 finish at Ms3. Otsuji is demoted back down to Ms3 and Shimanoumi has indeed run out of luck and paychecks as he is demoted after hanging on in Juryo for 3 straight years. Enho fell down to Ms31 after being forced to withdraw after a 2-1 start so his only chance to return to Juryo by the end of the year now is to win a championship. The Sandanme has the new-normal 80 ranks while the Jonidan has 105 ranks for an initial 210 total wrestlers, and the Jonokuchi starts with 51 wrestlers in 26 ranks and at least 4 debuts.

The September Tournament begins on 9/14 at Ryogoku Kokugikan in Tokyo. All tickets for all days are now sold out.

UPDATE: Daieisho has told the media he hopes to compete this tournament. Endo & Takerufuji are questionable due to injuries.

With the post-tournament rankings meeting concluded, here are the final standings and post-event news from the July 2025 Grand Sumo Tournament:

First, here is the final Hoshitori, or tournament records based on the tournament rankings for the top 2 tiers, records are in win-loss-absent format, for ranking purposes absent is treated as a loss:
Makuuchi (top tier):
Yokozuna-Hoshoryu (1-4-10), Onosato (11-4)
Ozeki-Kotozakura (8-7)
Sekiwake-Daieisho (Absent), Kirishima (8-7), Wakatakakage (10-5)
Komusubi-Oshoma (3-12), Takayasu (10-5)
Maegashira 1-Aonishiki (11-4), Wakamotoharu (6-9)
Maegashira 2-Oho (7-8), Abi (9-6)
Maegashira 3-Onokatsui (6-9), Kinbozan (4-11)
Maegashira 4-Hakuoho (8-7), Tamawashi (11-4)
Maegashira 5-Hiradoumi (8-7), Meisei (3-12)
Maegashira 6-Takerufuji (5-8-2), Gonoyama (9-6)
Maegashira 7-Tobizaru (3-10-2), Endo (Absent)
Maegashira 8-Sadanoumi (4-11), Ichiyamamoto (9-6)
Maegashira 9-Ura (8-6-1), Chiyoshoma (1-14)
Maegashira 10-Atamifuji (11-4), Roga (7-8)
Maegashira 11-Takanosho (9-6), Tokihayate (6-9)
Maegashira 12-Midorifuji (9-6), Asakoryu (6-9)
Maegashira 13-Churanoumi (9-6), Shodai (9-6)
Maegashira 14-Kusano (11-4), Fujinokawa (10-5)
Maegashira 15-Kotoshoho (13-2, Tournament Champion), Hidenoumi (2-11-2)
Maegashira 16-Kayo (4-11), Mitakeumi (10-5)
Maegashira 17-Kotoeiho (6-9). Shishi (7-8)
Notes: Kotoshoho started 3-0 then lost 2 straight to fall to 3-2 but then won his last 10 to take his first Empteror’s Cup. He’ll go up to near the top of the Maegashira rankings in September, with a chance to surpass his career high rank of M3. It certainly didn’t hurt him that Ichiyamamoto, the dominant surprise in the first week-plus with a 9-1 start, then epic collapsed by losing his last 5. Runner-up Aonishiki will make his Sanyaku debut in September, the question is at Sekiwake or Komusubi because Takayasu has a chance at promotion with 10 wins while Daieisho’s latest Ozeki bid ended along with his iron man streak to begin his career due to injury. He’s out for September too so his record for time spent at or above M4 by a non-Yokozuna will also be over. The real Iron Man Tamawashi defied age again to manage 11 wins and being in contention until the final days, which could be rewarded with a Sanyaku return. Kusano’s top tier debut also saw him in title contention until the final day and he’ll make a nice move up the rankings alongside fellow rookie Fujinokawa, who managed 10 wins and a Special Prize. Wakatakakage is now back on Ozeki watch with 22 wins in Sanyaku the last 2 tournaments, so the unofficial magic number for promotion contention is 11. The likely demotions to Juryo are Shishi (toss-up), Hidenoumi, Kayo, Kotieiho and maybe Chiyoshoma & Endo. Tobizaru, Meisei and Sadanoumi are safe but at risk of demotion in September. Daieisho & Endo are almost certainly out for September while for now Takerufuji should be considered questionable, his current injury will keep him out until September 1. Also sounds like Chiyoshoma’s poor performance is in part due to still recovering from recent back surgery.
As for the Yokozuna & Ozeki, Hoshoryu had to withdraw again due to a toe injury, which will keep him out another 2-3 weeks. Onosato started well but struggled down the stretch, finishing 11-4 and thus no 3-peat and all 4 of his losses were kinboshi-conceding, which did not go over well with elders. Kotozakura protected his Ozeki rank again, but that’s 3 straight 8-7 efforts which is disappointing for an Ozeki.

Juryo:
Juryo 1-Nishikigi (8-7), Ryuden (8-7)
Juryo 2-Shonannoumi (10-5), Tomokaze (9-6)
Juryo 3-Oshoumi (8-7), Tamashoho (6-9)
Juryo 4-Tochitaikai (7-8), Shirokuma (5-10)
Juryo 5-Tohakuryu (7-8), Hakuyozan (4-11)
Juryo 6-Hitoshi (10-5), Daiseizan (10-5)
Juryo 7-Kagyaaki (9-6), Takarafuji (4-11)
Juryo 8-Kazekeno (5-10), Fujiseiun (9-6)
Juryo 9-Nishikifuji (10-3-2), Tsurugisho (7-8)
Juryo 10-Mitoryu (0-5-10), Nabatame (Absent)
Juryo 11-Shiden (6-9), Mita (11-4, Tournament Champion)
Juryo 12-Shimanoumi (3-12), Otsuji (4-11)
Juryo 13-Hatsuyama (10-5), Daiamami (6-9)
Juryo 14-Kotokuzan (10-5), Miyanokaze (8-7)
Notes: Mita probably won’t make it to the top tier with the championship, but expect him to be in position for promotion with a winning record in September. Nishikigi, Ryuden and Shonannoumi are headed back up to the top tier while Tomokaze has a chance to join them, Hitoshi & Daiseizan may be in the J1 slots if Mita isn’t (he’s J2 at worst). Had Nishikifuji not had to miss 3 days late for reasons I never found out, he may have won the championship and been returning to the top tier as well. At the bottom, Shimanoumi & Otsuji will be demoted along with Mitoryu & Nabatame, maybe Daiamami too. Miyanokaze secured his second-chance promotion at the end.

The Shin-Juryo and Sai-Juryo rikishi for September have been announced, and a big group makes up for nobody in the former this time…and there’s history because for the first time in over 45 years, 3 come from the same stable. The new debuts are Kyokukaiyu, Ishizaki, Asahakuryu (the Makushita Champion) and Nishinoryu while, as expected, Asanoyama is Sai-Juryo, finally making it back after his latest injury-fueled demotions. Ishizaki, Asahakuryu & Asanoyama are all from Takasago Beya and Ishizaki is already Kaimei as when his promotion was announced he also got a new shikona (ring name) and will be Asasuiryu. He is the real-life younger brother of Asakoryu, who was also Ishizaki before reaching Juryo.
The first batch of retirements were also announced, this time all are Jonidan or Jonokuchi with several rookies calling it quits after just one or two tournaments. There also was one unranked wrestler retiring. For now it sounds like Takarafuji will soldier on despite nearing losing salary as I still expect him to hang on until potentially being able to take over Isegahama Beya in January if Ternofuji/now-Isegahama does indeed leave then to open his own stable. There also will be a stablemaster change soon at Otake Beya as the current Otake must retire soon due to turning 65 (the mandatory retirement age in sumo). There are rumors though whoever takes over could just be keeping the seat warm for Oho when he eventually retires, as the stable originally was founded by Yokozuna Taiho, Oho’s real-life grandfather.

Here are the quick results from today’s Day 15-the Final Day-of the July 2025 Grand Sumo Tournament in Nagoya:
Key: M-Maegashira, K-Komusubi, S-Sekiwake, O-Ozeki, Y-Yokozuna, J0Juryo, Ms-Makushita, Sd-Sandanme, Jd=Jonidan, Jk-Jonokuchi:

Makuuchi (top tier):
Shishi (M17) beat Asakoryu (M12)
Mitakeumi (M16) beat Tokihayate (M11)
Takanosho (M11) beat Shodai (M13)
Atamifuji (M10) beat Churanoumi (M13)
Kotoeiho (M17) beat Chiyoshoma (M9)
Fujinokawa (M14) beat Ichiyamamoto (M8)
Kayo (M16) beat Meisei (M5)
Hiradoumi (M5) beat Roga (M10)
Kinbozan (M3) beat Sadanoumi (M8)
Hidenoumi (M16) beat Onokatsu (M3)
Abi (M2) beat Midorifuji (M12)
Oho (M2) beat Hakuoho (M4)
Gonoyama (M6) beat Wakamotoharu (M1)
Kotoshoho (M15) beat Aonishiki (M1). KOTOSHOHO YUSHO!!! The first career Emperor’s Cup for Kotoshoho!
Takayasu (K) beat Kusano (M14)
Tamawashi (M4) beat Oshoma (K)
Wakatakakage (S) beat Kirishima (S)
Onosato (Y) beat Kotozakura (O)
CHAMPION: Kotoshoho (13-2)

Juryo:
Daiamami (J13) beat Kitanowaka (Ms3)
Satorufuji (Ms4) beat Shimanoumi (J12)
Tsurugisho (J9) beat Kagayaki (J7)
Nishikifuji (J9) beat Daiseizan (J6)
Hatsuyama (J13) beat Hakuyozan (J5)
Tohakuryu (J5) beat Otsuji (J12)
Takarafuji (J7) beat Shirokuma (J4)
Miyanokaze (J14) beat Tohakuryu (J4)
Hitoshi (J6) beat Tamashoho (J3)
Shiden (J11) beat Oshoumi (J3)
Tomokaze (J2) beat Kazekeno (J8)
Shonannnoumi (J2) beat Mita (J11)
Ryuden (J1) beat Kotokuzan (J14). MITA JURYO YUSHO!!! First career championship (had Kotokuzan won there would have been a playoff)
Nishikigi (J1) beat Fujiseiun (J8)
CHAMPION: Mita (11-4)

Jonokuchi:
Playoff (3-way):
Yabugasaki (Jk20) beat Kyoda (Jk3)
Kaki (Jk21) beat Yabugasaki
Kaki beat Kyoda. KAKI JONOKUCHI YUSHO!!! First career championship in debut tournament

TOURNAMENT CHAMPIONS:
Makuuchi-Kotoshoho (1st Emperor’s Cup, 4th overall championship)
Juryo-Mita (1st career championship, 1st Juryo)
Makushita-Asahakuryu (1st career championship, 1st Makushita)
Sandanme-Kobayashi (1st career championship, 1st Sandanme)
Jonidan-Gonowaka (1st career championship, 1st Jonidan)
Jonokuchi-Kaki (1st career championship, 1st Jonokuchi)

SPECIAL PRIZES:
Outstanding Performance (best record at Sekiwake or lower with most wins vs. Yokozuna & Ozeki): Kotoshoho, Tamawashi
Fighting Spirit (winning record with best display of fighting spirit): Fujinokawa, Kotoshoho, Kusano
Technique (winning record with most winning techniques used): Aonishiki, Kusano

The next tournament is 9/14-9/28 at Ryogoku Kokugikan in Tokyo. Tickets go on sale on 8/9. The Banzuke will be announced on 9/1 (8/31 US time). The post-tournament news, promotions, recap and other notable items will be posted later this week after the next rankings meeting is held in the next couple days.

Edit: Earlier versions of this post incorrectly stated Wakatakakage won a Technique Prize. He did not.

Here are the quick results from today’s Day 14-the penultimate day-of the July 2025 Grand Sumo Tournament in Nagoya:
Key: M-Maegashira, K-Komusubi, S-Sekiwake, O-Ozeki, J-Juryo, Ms-Makushita

Makuuchi (top tier):
Kotoeiho (M17) beat Nishikigi (J1)
Kayo (M16) beat Hidenoumni (M15)
Churanoumi (M13) beat Mitakeumi (M16)
Fujinokawa (M14) beat Takanosho (M11)
Shishi (M17) beat Tokihayate (M11)
Shodai (M13) beat Roga (M10)
Midorifuji (M12) beat Ura (M9) by default/withdrawal
Asakoryu (M12) beat Chiyoshoma (M9)
Tamawashi (M4) beat Ichiyamamoto (M5)
Onokatsu (M3) beat Kinbozan (M3)
Oho (M2) beat Gonoyama (M6)
Hakuoho (M4) beat Abi (M2)
Kusano (M14) beat Aonishiki (M1)
Wakamotoharu (M1) beat Meisei (M5)
Sadanoumi (M8) beat Oshoma (K)
Takayasu (K) beat Atamifuji (M10)
Kotoshoho (M15) beat Kirishima (S)
Kotozakura (O) beat Hiradoumi (M5)
Onosato (Y) beat Wakatakakage (S)
Leader: Kotoshoho (12-2)
WITHDRAWAL: Ura (M9). Hip. Tournament over. Will still be promoted because he managed 8 wins.
Of note: There will be a first-time top tier champion, the question is who. If Kotoshoho beats Aonishiki tomorrow, he is the champion. If Aonishiki wins, there will be a playoff rematch, and it would be a 3-way playoff if Kusano then beats Takayasu. Kotoshoho-Aonishiki will happen before Kusano-Takayasu, so Kusano will know his fate right before his match. With no Yokozuna showdown due to Hoshoryu withdrawing, Onosato finishes with the Ozeki showdown against Kotozakura, who protected his rank today with win 8. Elsewhere, this second week continues to be a disaster for Ichiyamamoto, after being a co-leader at 9-1 he now has lost 4 straight and any title chances he had after Day 10.

Juryo:
Ishizaki (Ms2) beat Miyanokaze (J14)
Asanoyama (Ms1) beat Daiamami (J13)
Kuokikaiyu (Ms1) beat Shiden (J11)
Fujiseiun (J8) beat Otsuji (J12)
Hitoshi (J6) beat Shimanoumi (J12)
Mita (J11) beat Daiseizan (J6)
Tsurugisho (J9) beat Hakuyozan (J5)
Hatsuyama (J13) beat Tochitaikai (J4)
Shirokuma (J4) beat Tohakuryu (J5)
Oshoumi (J3) beat Kazekeno (J8)
Tamashoho (J3) beat Takarafuji (J7)
Kotokuzan (J14) beat Shonannoumi (J2)
Kagayaki (J7) beat Tomokaze (J5)
Nishikifuji (J9) beat Ryuden (J1)
Leader: Mita (11-3)
Of note: A playoff, if needed, could be very interesting because it could be a 3-way and if that happens, two of the participants would be from Arashio Beya. A Championship with 12-3 or 11-4 will not be enough to get Mita to the top tier, but if he wins it he’ll have a chance for promotion in November. At the bottom, Ishizaki clinched promotion to Juryo for September in his latest chance today, securing a 6th win to make it official from Ms2 so he’ll join Asanoyama, Kyokokaiyu & Makushita Champion Asahakuryu in moving up. After there were no Juryo debuts for the first time in a while this tournament, now we are promised at least 3 next time. Kitanowaka is one of the two Makushita men coming up tomorrow, he has clinched promotion from Ms3 at 4-2 so if he gets that 5th win he has a chance at a Juryo return. Elsewhere, despite what will only be 4 or 5 wins Takarafuji will get one more chance in Juryo in September but another losing record could mean demotion and the end as I’m thinking he’s still trying to hold on until the new Isegahama-the former Terunofuji-possibly starts his own stable in January then maybe Takarafuji gets the Isegahama elder stock and can take over at that point.
For tomorrow among the contenders, Daiseizen first faces Nishikifuji, then Mita faces Shonannoumi leaving Kotokuzan to know his fate before facing Ryuden. If Mita wins, he is the champion. Same if both Daiseizan and Kotokuzan lose. If Mita loses and one of both Daiseizan and Kotokuzan win, playoff. If Daiseizan wins the championship, he will have a slight chance at promotion to the top tier although usually 11-4 from J6 isn’t enough.

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

UPDATE: Here are the preliminary Special Prize winners ahead of the Final Day:
Outstanding Performance: Tamawashi, the Kotoshoho-Aonishiki winner, Kusano if he wins
Fighting Spirit: Kusano, Kotoshoho, Fujinokawa if he wins
Technique: Aonishiki, Kusano

Here are the quick results from today’s Day 13-Championship Day-of the July 2025 Grand Sumo Tournament in Nagoya:
Key: M-Maegashira, K-Komusubi, S-Sekiwake, O-Ozeki, Y-Yokozuna, J-Juryo, Ms-Makushita, Sd-Sandanme, Jd-Jonidan, Jk-Jonokuchi

Makuuchi (top tier):
Shishi (M17) beat Tamashoho (J3)
Asakoryu (M12) beat Kotoeiho (M17)
Tokihayate (M11) beat Kayo (M16)
Mitakeumi (M16) beat Roga (M10)
Shodai (M13) beat Chiyoshoma (M9)
Sadanoumi (M8) beat Hidenoumi (M15)
Churanoumi (M13) beat Tobizaru (M7) by default/withdrawal
Gonoyama (M6) beat Midorifuji (M12)
Dujinokawa (M14) beat Takerufuji (M7) by default/withdrawal
Hiradoumi (M5) beat Onokatsu (M3)
Abi (M2) beat Takanosho (M11)
Oho (M2) beat Kinbozan (M3)
Wakamotoharu (M1) beat Hakuoho (M4)
Aonishiki (M1) beat Ichiyamamoto (M8)
Tamawashi (M3) beat Takayasu (K)
Oshoma (K) beat Meisei (M5)
Wakatakakage (S) beat Ura (M9)
Kusano (M14) beat Kirishima (S)
Atamifuji (M10) beat Kotozakura (O)
Kotoshoho (M15) beat Onosato (Y). KINBOSHI!!! The first career Gold Star Victory for Kotoshoho!
Leader: Aonishiki, Kotoshoho (11-2)
WITHDRAWALS: Tobizaru (M7), Takerufuji (M6). Tobizaru-right elbow. Tournament over. Out 4 weeks. Takerufuji-right arm. Tournament likely over. Both will be demoted but stay in the top tier. Takerufuji for sure as he’ll finish the equivalent of 5-10, Tobinaru should but he’ll be equal to 3-12. For the former, Churanoumi got the fusen-and promotion-as a result. For the latter, Fujinokawa got the fusen and also promotion in his top tier debut.
Of note: Onosato’s 3-peat championship bid is now all but over as his 4th Kinboshi yielded drops him to 9-4. And the title race seems down to 4 with only Atamifuji & Kusano now one off the pace. A big potential eliminator tomorrow highlights the action as Aonishiki, with promotion to Sanyaku in September now secure, faces Kusano. Kotoshoho has Kirishima, who now can’t be promoted to Ozeki. At least Onosato doesn’t have to worry about Kinboshi tomorrow as his opponent is Wakatakakage. Atamifuji will face Takayasu, who will stay at least at Komusubi again in September but this time he’s earned it with a winning record. Also of note yesterday-Shishi got demotion secured in perhaps the worst way possible…HANSOKU!!! Disqualified for hair/topknot grabbing when he beat Midorifuji, which also clinched promotion for the latter-who, interestingly, is katasukashi-less so far this tournament. There have been 2 DQ’s so far this tournament, earlier there was one in the Sandanme. But since I can’t easily find video of those matches I can’t find out how/why.

Juryo:
Mita (J11) beat Shiden (J11)
Otsuji (J12) beat Kazekeno (J8)
Miyanokaze (J14) beat Takarafuji (J7)
Hakuyozan (J5) beat Shimanou (J12)
Kotokuzan (J14) beat Tohakuryu (J7)
Daiamami (J13) beat Shirokuma (J4)
Daiseizan (J6) beat Tochitaikai (J4)
Hitoshi (J6) beat Oshoumi (J3)
Tomokaze (J2) beat Hatsuyama (J13)
Shonannoumi (J2) beat Tsuurgisho (J9)
Ryuden (J1) beat Fujiseiun (J8)
Kagayaki (J7) beat Nishikigi (J1)
Leader: Daiseizan, Mita (10-3)
RE-ENTRY: Nishikifuji (J9). Will return tomorrow. Missed the last 3 days for unknown reasons, which came at the worst time because when he withdrew he was then 8-2 and tied for the lead. But at least he already clinched promotion.

Makushita:
Asahakuryu (Ms3) beat Yago (Ms40). ASAHAKURYU MAKUSHITA YUSHO!!! 2nd career championship and first Makushita championship. And to make it better, it will earn him promotion to Juryo in September for the first time.

Sandanme:
Kobayashi (Sd42) beat Mineyaiba (Sd15). KOBAYASHI SANDANME YUSHO!!! 1st career championship. He will be promoted to Makushita.

Jonidan:
Gonowaka (Jd98) beat Kaki (Jk21)
Tatsuosho (Jd47) beat Kazuma (Jd5). PLAYOFF!!! That means Gonowaka vs. Tatsuosho on the Final Day for the championship.

Jonokuchi:
Yabukasagi (Jk20) beat Naniwamusashi (Jk16)
Kyoda (Jk3) beat Kakusho (Jk13). And because Kaki lost in the Jonidan…PLAYOFF!!! And a 3-way playoff! Had Kaki won he would have been champion.

Other lower tier notes: Asanoyama will also be promoted back to Juryo as he clinched promotion with now a 4-2 record. Ishizaki, who just missed out on promotion in May, also has a chance as he is 5-1 at Ms2. He probably is going up but a win tomorrow in Juryo against Miyanokaze seals it. Kyokukaiyu also will be promoted to Juryo as he is 4-2 at Ms1. There will be at least 3 Juryo demotions to make room and could still be as many as 6.

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.

UPDATE: While not yet officially announced, Nikkan Sports reports Ura has WITHDRAWN ahead of Day 14. Hip. Midorifuji will get the fusen as a result. If Ura can’t return for the Final Day he will finish the equivalent of 8-7, still good enough for a promotion.

UPDATE 2: Ura withdrawal is now official.

Here are the quick results from today’s Day 8-the Halfway Point-of the July 2025 Grand Sumo Tournament in Nagoya:
Key: M-Maegashira, K-Komusubi, S-Sekiwake, O-Ozeki, Y-Yokozuna, J-Juryo, Ms-Makushita

Makuuchi (top tier):
Nishikigi (J1) beat Shishi (M17)
Kusano (M14) beat Hidenoumi (M15)
Kayo (M16) beat Fujinokawa (M14)
Churanoumi (M13) beat Kotoeiho (M17)
Kotoshoho (M15) beat Shodai (M13)
Takanosho (M11) beat Mitakeumi (M16)
Midorifuji (M12) beat Tokihayate (M11)
Roga (M10) beat Asakoryu (M12)
Ichiyamamoto (M8) beat Atamifuji (M10)
Tobizaru (M7) beat Chiyoshoma (M9)
Ura (M9) beat Takerufuji (M6)
Hiradoumi (M5) beat Gonoyama (M6)
Meisei (M5) beat Sadanoumi (M8)
Tamawashi (M4) beat Abi (M2)
Aonishiki (M1) beat Oho (M2)
Takayasu (K) beat Wakamotoharu (M1)
Kirishima (S) beat Onokatsu (M3)
Wakatakakage (S) beat Kinbozan (M3)
Oshoma (K) beat Kotozakura (O)
Hakuoho (M4) beat Onosato (Y). KINBOSHI!!! The first career Gold Star Victory for Hakuoho!
Leader: Kirishima, Tamawashi, Ichiyamamoto, Kusano (7-1)
Of note: The 6 co-leaders were trimmed down to 4 today after Onosato & Mitakeumi lost. And I thought Kotozakura had a good matchup against Oshoma today…oops. And while no promotions yet the first demotions were clinched today as Hidenoumi returned after being our 3 days and unfortunately had to face Kusano, which didn’t go well, and Chiyoshoma is also now 0-8 after a loss. Today was the second Kinboshi Onosato has given up this tournament as a new Yokozuna, but his pattern so far has been 3 wins, Kinboshi, 3 wins, Kinboshi. So no panic yet as he should win another 3 in a row now and he’s still only one off the lead. Tomorrow he faces Takayasu, who has been serving as sword-bearer for Onosato’s ring-entering ceremonies. For obvious reasons that won’t be the case tomorrow. Ichiyamamoto gets the honor instead.
Can’t declare Ozeki Watch yet and haven’t but if Kirishima keeps this up, he has a chance at re-promotion. He needs to win his last 7 to get to the unofficial “magic number” of 33 wins over the last 3 tournaments in Sanyaku for promotion chances, but if he can get 13 or maybe 12 a championship could do it as well.

Juryo:
Kitanowaka (Ms3) beat Shimanoumi (J12)
Hatsuyama (J13) beat Shiden (J11)
Nishikifuji (J9) beat Miyanokaze (J14)
Tsurugisho (J9) beat Otsuji (J12)
Fujiseiun (J8) beat Daiamami (J13)
Kotokuzan (J14) beat Kagayaki (J7)
Mita (J11) beat Takarafuji (J7)
Kazekeno (J8) beat Hakuyozan (J5)
Oshoumi (J3) beat Shirokuma (J4)
Tochitaikai (J4) beat Tamashoho (J3)
Daiseizan (J6) beat Shonannoumi (J2)
Tomokaze (J2) beat Tohakuryu (M5)
Ryuden (J1) beat Hitoshi (J6)
Leader: Daiseizan, Nishikifuji (7-1)
Of note: No promotions yet although the co-leaders are about there, but the first demotion will be Shirokuma who fell to 0-8. Otsuji seems to be headed back to Makushita as he is now 1-7 in his Juryo return and must win out to maintain his ranking. Same for Shimanoumi whose latest slow start in Juryo may be his last as he is also 1-7. That win over Shimanoumi also clinched promotion for Kitanowaka so any more wins he can get in Makushita will increase his chances of a Juryo return.

Lower tier notes: Unfortunately Enho has WITHDRAWN ahead of Day 9. Left leg. Nikkan Sports reports it was injured in his Day 7 match. Status uncertain but if he misses Days 11-12 or doesn’t return that’s another demotion and means he won’t make it back to Juryo this year.
With Promotion Day now finished, the Makushita has 7 left at 4-0, with two-Asahakuryu & Kamito-with chances for Juryo promotion. Kamito probably needs to win the championship to be promoted while Asahakuryu probably needs at least one more win. The Sandanme has 10 left at 4-0. The Jonidan has 12 tied for the lead at 4-0 while the Jonokuchi has 4 at 4-0.

UPDATE: Nikkan Sports provided an update on Enho-avulsion fracture in left leg. Tournament over. Status uncertain beyond this. Will be demoted in September due to having equal yo a 2-5 record this time.

Here are the quick results from today’s Day 7-Promotion Day-of the July 2025 Grand Sumo Tournament in Nagoya (and apologies for not posting the results the last several days, it’s not possible during the week now due to work schedule conflicts and not having cell phone/internet access at my new job):
Key: M-Maegashira, K-Komusubi, S-Sekiwake, O-Ozeki, Y-Yokozuna, J-Juryo, Ms-Makushita

Makuuchi (top tier):
Fujinokawa (M14) beat Mitakeumi (M16)
Kusano (M14) beat Kotoeiho (M17)
Shodai (M13) beat Shishi (M17)
Midorifuji (M12) beat Kayo (M17)
Kotoshoho (M15) beat Tokihayate (M11)
Roga (M10) beat Churanoumi (M13)
Atamifuji (M10) beat Asakoryu (M12)
Takanosho (M11) beat Chiyoshoma (M9)
Sadanoumi (M8) beat Tobizaru (M7)
Gonoyama (M6) beat Ura (M9)
Ichiyamamoto (M8) beat Takerufuji (M6)
Hiradoumi (M5) beat Meisei (M5)
Onokatsu (M3) beat Oho (M2)
Abi (M2) beat Wakamotoharu (M1)
Aonishiki (M1) beat Oshoma (K)
Tamawashi (M4) beat Wakatakakage (S)
Kirishima (S) beat Takayasu (K)
Kotozakura (O) beat Hakuoho (M4)
Onosato (Y) beat Kinbozan (M3)
Leader: 6 at 6-1
WITHDRAWALS: Day 5-Hoshoryu (Y), Hidenoumi (M16). Hoshoryu-toe. Out 4 weeks. Tournament over. He wanted to push through it but stablemaster Tatsunami talked him out of it. Aggravated the injury in a loss earlier this week to Aonishiki, one of 3 straight Kinboshi-granting losses. That is BAD. That means since promotion he has gone 5 days & withdrawal (5-5-5), 12-3 and runner-up including handing champion Onosato his only loss in May, 5 days & withdrawal (1-4-10). This tournament also includes an absolutely embarrassing blown call by the chief referee when Hoshoryu was decvalred the winner when he had clearly been forced out of the ring first.
Hidenoumi-right calf. Will return tomorrow. Will be the equivalent of 0-7 so he must win out to avoid likely demotion to Juryo.
Also of note: Daieisho is officially out for the entire tournament. His iron man career streak (excluding 2 coronavirus protocol-related absences) ended when he missed the first day.
Of note today-wise: The last unbeaten fell as Mitakeumi’s surprise unbeaten start was ended by Fujinokawa, who since an 0-2 start in his top tier debut now has won 5 straight. Also quite an early match when Kayo got Kayo’d trying to pull a HENKA! on Midorifuji but it was perfectly read and caught and the MUCH SMALLER Midorifuji quickly bulldozed Kayo out to 0-7, one more loss sends him back to Juryo with demotion. That being said, seeing a 400-pound-plus wrestler try to pull that off is still incredible. They are much more agile than you’d think. Watch for a potential Takerufuji withdrawal as he injured his right arm/bicep in a Day 6 win and it clearly is affecting him now. If he can’t finish the tournament, his top tier position is almost certainly safe as he currently is 4-3. The leaderboard includes Onosato among the 6 co-leaders plus rookie Kusano and, proving age does mean nothing, Iron Man Tamawashi. And hopefully Kotozakura is back on track too, after another shaky 1-2 start the lone Ozeki has now won 4 straight and a badly slumping Oshoma tomorrow could make it 5 and keep him one off the pace.

Juryo:
Daiamami (J13) beat Otsuji (J12)
Mita (J11) beat Miyanokaze (J14)
Kotokuzan (J14) beat Tsurugisho (J9)
Nishikifuji (J9) beat Hatsuyama (J13)
Takarafuji (J7) beat Shimanoumi (J12)
Shiden (J11) beat Kaayaki (J7)
Daiseizan (J6) beat Kazekwno (J8)
Hitoshi (J6) beat Fujiseiun (J8)
Oshoumi (J3) beat Hakuyozan (J5)
Tamashoho (J3) beat Tomokaze (J2)
Shonannoumi (J2) beat Tochitaikai (J4)
Tohakuryu (J5) beat Ryuden (J1)
Nishikigi (J1) beat Shirokuma (J4)
Leader: Shonannoumi, Daiseizan, Nishikifuji (6-1)
WITHDRAWAL: Day 5-Mitoryu (J10). Hemorrhoids. Out 1 week. Expected back for the last few days. Will be demoted regardless because he was 0-5 at the time of withdrawal. Also, Nabatame has had ACL surgery per stablemaster Futagoyama. Out 8 months so his 2025 is over. Expected to be demoted to the Sandanme.

Lower tier notes:
Today is the first half of Promotion Day, where those leading the divisions usually finish the days with 4 wins and thus clinch promotions for the next tournament. So far in the Makushita 7 have reached that mark to share the lead, this means co-leader Asahakuryu at Ms3 will have a chance at Juryo promotion in September. He does need one more to make it certain. Asanoyama? 2-2 after a loss today so he must win at least 2 of his last 3 to return to Juryo next time. Enho is also 2-2 and can’t be promoted up next time. In the Sandanme, 3 are currently 4-0 with nearly 20 more trying to earn promotion tomorrow. The Jonidan has 8 at 4-0 with 3 more going for that tomorrow, while the Jonokuchi has one at 4-0 with 4 more trying for promotion tomorrow.

Reminder: NHK World Japan will have 50 minutes of LIVE top tier coverage in English tomorrow beginning at 1:10 AM PT/4:10 AM ET.

Here are the quick results from today’s Day 2 of the July 2025 Grand Sumo Tournament in Nagoya:
Key: M-Maegashira, K-Komusubi, S-Sekiwake, O-Ozeki, Y-Yokozuna, J-Juryo, Ms-Makushita

Makuuchi (top tier):
Kotoeiho (M17) beat Kayo (M16)
Kotoshoho (M15) beat Shishi (M17)
Mitakeumi (M16) beat Hidenoumi (M15)
Kusano (M14) beat Churanoumi (M13)
Shodai (M13) beat Fujinokawa (M14)
Midorifuji (M12) beat Takanosho (M11)
Asakoryu (M11) beat Tokihayate (M12)
Ura (M9) beat Atamifuji (M10)
Roga (M10) beat Chiyoshoma (M9)
Ichiyamamoto (M8) beat Tobizaru (M7)
Gonoyama (M6) beat Sadanoumi (M8)
Takerufuji (M6) beat Hiradoumi (M5)
Tamawashi (M4) beat Meisei (M5)
Hakuoho (M4) beat Oshoma (K)
Takayasu (K) beat Kinbozan (M3)
Kirishima (S) beat Abi (M2)
Wakatakakage (S) beat Onokatsu (M3)
Kotozakura (O) beat Oho (M2)
Wakamotoharu (M1) beat Hoshoryu (Y). KINBOSHI!!! The 2nd career Gold Star Victory for Wakamotoharu!
Onosato (Y) beat Aonishiki (M1)

Juryo:
Kotokuzan (J14) beat Asanoyama (Ms1)
Miyanokaze (J14) beat Daiamami (J13)
Hatsuyama (J13) beat Shimanoumi (J12)
Mita (J11) beat Otsuji (J12)
Shiden (J11) beat Nishikifuji (J9)
Tsurugisho (J9) beat Mitoryu (J10)
Kazekeno (J8) beat Kagayaki (J7)
Fujiseiun (J8) beat Takarafuji (J7)
Hitoshi (J6) beat Tohakuryu (J5)
Daiseizan (J6) beat Hakuyozan (J5)
Oshoumi (J3) beat Tochitaikai (J4)
Tamashoho (J3) beat Shirokuma (J2)
Shonannoumi (J2) beat NIshikigi (J1)
Ryuden (J1) beat Tomokaze (J2)

Here are the quick results from today’s Day 1-Opening Day-of the July 2025 Grand Sumo Tournament in Nagoya, being held for the first time at the brand new IG Arena (Aichi International Arena) which is replacing the now-closed Aichi Prefectural Gym:
Key: M-Maegashira, K-Komusubi, S-Sekiwake, O-Ozeki, Y-Yokozuna, J-Juryo, Ms-Makushita

Makuuchi (top tier):
Shishi (M17) beat Kotoeiho (M17)
Mitakeumi (M16) beat Kayo (M16)
Kotoshoho (M15) beat Hidenoumi (M15)
Kusano (M14) beat Fujinokawa (M14)
Shodai (M13) beat Churanoumi (M13)
Midorifuji (M12) beat Asakoryu (M12)
Takanosho (M11) beat Tokihayate (M11)
Roga (M10) beat Atamifuji (M10)
Ura (M9) beat Chiyoshoma (M9)
Ichiyamamoto (M8) beat Sadanoumi (M8)
Gonoyama (M6) beat Tobizaru (M7)
Takerufuji (M6) beat Meisei (M5)
Tamawashi (M4) beat Hiradoumi (M5)
Kinbozan (M3) beat Hakuoho (M4)
Abi (M2) beat ONokatsu (M3)
Wakatakakage (S) beat Oho (M2)
Kirishima (S) beat Wakamotoharu (M1)
Aonishiki (M1) beat Kotozakura (O)
Onosato (Y) beat Oshoma (K)
Hoshoryu (Y) beat Takayasu (K)
WITHDRAWALS (Pre-Tournament): Daieisho (S), Endo (M7). Daieisho-torn calf. Will miss the entire tournament. This is the first time, excluding 2 coronavirus-related days missed, he’s had to withdraw in his entire career,which spans 13 1/2 years. If those 2 absent days were expunged, his consecutive match streak to begin his career ends at 1071 and his top tier consecutive match streak ends at 803. It’s also expected he will lose his title as, excluding Yokozuna, the longest-tenured wrestler ranked at or above M4 since achieving that rank. He hasn’t been below that rank since January 2019. Also means his latest and maybe final career Ozeki bid is over as he is into his 30s. Endo-knee surgery. Will also miss the entire tournament and possibly is done for the year, but may be back in November. That could see him demoted to Makushita for the first time since May 2013-his second career tournament (he debuted at Ms10). That may also explain the concerns about his conditions post-match in the last 2 tournaments where he has clearly been affected by something.
Of note: The first tournament with 2 Yokozuna since 2021 started as expected, with both Onosato & Hoshoryu winning easily. Tomorrow Onosato must defend against his first kinboshi opportunity as a Yokozuna, and it’s not going to be easy as it’s against Aonishiki, who gets his first career chance at a Gold Star Victory. Hoshoryu is in a likewise situation but his opponent is Wakamotoharu.

Juryo:
Miyanokaze (J14) beat Kyokukaiyu (Ms1)
Kotokuzan (J14) beat Daiamami (J13)
Hatsuyama (J13) beat Otsuji (J12)
Mita (J11) beat Shimanoumi (J12)
Shiden (J11) beat Mitoryu (J10)
Nishikifuji (J9) beat Tsurugisho (J9)
Fujiseiun (J8) beat Kazekeno (J8)
Kagayaki (J7) beat Takaraduji (J7)
Hitoshi (J6) beat Daiseizan (J6)
Tohakuryu (J5) beat Hakuyozan (J5)
Tochitaikai (J4) beat Shirokuma (J4)
Tamashoho (J3) beat Oshoumi (J3)
Tomokaze (J2) beat Shonannoumi (J2)
Ryuden (J1) beat Nishikigi (J1)
WITHDRAWAL (Pre-Tournament): Nabatame (J10). Left knee. Status uncertain, YouTube English news source Chris Sumo says out at least the first 2 days, however in a YouTube video his stablemaster Futagoyama noted he will have surgery. When that does happen he will be out at least 4 tournaments. That would mean 6-9 months. If he doesn’t compete this time he will be demoted from Juryo and the expectation is that absence will see him demoted to the Sandanme.

Lower-tier notes: Congratulations to Jonokuchi wrestler Tosoumi, real name Sosuke Imakawa, who in his career debut became the answer to a future trivia question by becoming the first rikishi to win a match in the new IG Arena during a tournament (Jonokuchi matches are always the first of each day). Elsewhere, Asanoyama won his first Makushita match at Ms1 so he is 3 wins from promotion back to Juryo, but Enho lost his first match which all but ends his Juryo return chances for September as he probably had to go 7-0 and win the championship.

It’s the end of an even month which means that wonderful time for sumo fans is here once again-the Japan Sumo Association has released the official Banzuke (rankings) for the July 2025 Grand Sumo Tournamernt. Here are the full rankings for the top 2 tiers and other notes:

Makuuchi (top tier):
Yokozuna-Hoshoryu, Onosato (May Tournament Champion)
Ozeki-Kotozakura
Sekiwake-Daieisho, Kirishima, Wakatakakage
Komusubi-Oshoma, Takayasu
Maegashira 1-Aonishiki, Wakatakakage
Maegashira 2-Oho, Abi
Maegashira 3-Onokatsu, Kinbozan
Maegashira 4-Hakuoho, Tamawashi
Maegashira 5-Hiradoumi, Meisei
Maegashira 6-Takerufuji, Gonoyama
Maegashira 7-Tobizaru, Endo
Maegashira 8-Sadanoumi, Ichiyamamoto
Maegashira 9-Ura, Chiyoshoma
Maegashira 10-Atamifuji, Roga
Maegashira 11-Takanosho, Tokihayate
Maegashira 12-Midorifuji, Asakoryu
Maegashira 13-Churanoumi, Shodai
Maegashira 14-Kusano (May Juryo Champion), Fujinokawa
Maegashira 15-Kotoshoho, Hidenoumi
Maegashira 16-Kayo, Mitakeumi
Maegashira 17-Kotoeiho, Shishi
Notes: First up, there is a kaimei rikishi in the top tier as Wakaikari, who was to make his top tier debut this tournament, has a new shikona (ring name change) and is now Fujinokawa. That aside, this is the first time in a number of years there are 2 Yokozuna at the top following Onosato’s promotion after the May Tournament, thus only one Ozeki in Kotozakura and now 3 Sekiwake again. May’s mostly-demoted top half means a big top half and Sanyaku shakeup that sees Oshoma up to Komusubi for the first time and Takayasu staying in Sanyaku despite what should have been a 6-9 demotion (but the top 5 Maegashira ranks were all demoted on both sides) as well along with Wakatakakage returning to Sekiwake. Aonishiki is on the verge of joining them as his second straight Fighting Spirit Prize in May helps him leap up to M1. The other demotions helped keep Iron Man Tamawashi’s demotion to just one rank from May as he’ll keep his streak going as it’s now at over 1700 for his career and his current top tier run is at just over 12 years. After winning his second straight Juryo championship, Kusano debuts on the lower end of where I thought he would in the top tier, starting at M14-I had him potentially being as high as M12. Kotoeiho, the real-life brother of Kotoshoho, makes his top tier debut and Shishi just hangs on to his spot while Mitakeumi also returns to the top tier after one tournament. (One more late Tamawashi note-he’ll tie Terao and move up another spot on the consecutive top tier appearance rankings as long as he competes on Day 1 and will move up another spot if he makes it to Day 4)

Juryo:
Juryo 1-Nishikigi, Ryuden
Juryo 2-Shonannoumi, Tomokaze
Juryo 3-Oshoumi, Tamashoho
Juryo 4-Tochitaikai, Shirokuma
Juryo 5-Tohakuryu, Hakuyozan
Juryo 6-Hitoshi, Daiseizan
Juryo 7-Kagayaki, Takarafuji
Juryo 8-Kazekeno, Fujiseiun
Juryo 9-Nishikifuji, Tsurugisho
Juryo 10-Mitoryu, Nabatame
Juryo 11-Shiden, Mita
Juryo 12-Shimanoumi, Otsuji (May Makushita Champion)
Juryo 13-Hatsuyama, Daiamami
Juryo 14-Kotokuzan, Miyanokaze
Notes: The top 2 ranks are all top tier demotions as Nishikigi’s 7-year top tier run ends after another collapse following a strong start and Ryuden is back down after one tournament back up. Shonannoumi has dealt with potential injury issues while Tamashoho couldn’t replicate relative Tamawashi’s top tier success in his first try. Takarafuji keeps plugging along after I thought he might retire but since he didn’t get the Isegahama stablemaster position (it went to Terunofuji who is now Isegahama, the former Isegahama is now Miyagino as he gets another 5 years elder stock as a former Yokozuna to replace the now-departed Hakuho) so I’m thinking he’ll try and hang on until January when ex-Terunofuji may leave to start his own stable. Mita clinched promotion in May before an injury cost him the last couple days and left his status uncertain while Miyanokaze gets a second chance at Juryo despite what should have been demotion.
There were no Shin-Juryo rikishi this time but Otsuji & Kotokuzan are Sai-Juryo, returning after prior demotions with Otsuji coming back after winning the Makushita Championship in May.

Lower tier notes:
Someone is desperate to get Asanoyama back up, they put him all the way up at Makushita 1 which is quite a bit higher than I had him potentially being after 6-1 in May. Enho was demoted to Ms16 after not only his first not 6-1 finish in his comeback from injury, but his first demotion in that time so it seems November is now best-case for a potential Juryo return. Wakanosho was demoted to Ms6 from Juryo after an early May injury but is expected to try and return in July. The Sandanme is again at it’s further slimmed-down 80 rankings, while the Jonidan is at 106 rankings with 212 total wrestlers. Finally, the Jonokuchi is at its biggest in some time that I can remember with 26 rankings and 52 total wrestlers with likely double-digit debutants and veteran Moriurara, now taking the old-timers torch for himself with fellow 47-year-old Satonofuji having retired after May with the record of most closing-day ceremonies performed in history (first for Asahifuji, the former Isegahama, and more recently for Terunofuji among others). Apparently Satonofuji decided to retire alongside the former Isegahama, who had to step down due to reaching the mandatory retirement age in sumo-65, which really isn’t in cases like his. Moriurara, who just turned 48, is entering his 22nd year as a wrestler and will continue serving as a gatekeeper of sorts in Jonokuchi-in fact, since after the July 2023 Tournament when he was last demoted from Jonidan he’s only been above Jonokuchi once. And, as far as records I can find show, never above Jonidan in his career.

The July Tournament starts on 7/13 and runs through 7/27 at the new Aichi International Arena aka IG Arena in Nagoya. All tickets are now sold out. The venue has a reported maximum capacity of 17,000 although I don’t know what the setup for sumo will be.