Tag: ozumo

Here are the quick results from today’s Day 6 of the March 2023 Grand Sumo Tournament in Osaka:
Key: M-Maegashira, K-Komusubi, S-Sekiwake, O-Ozeki, J-Juryo, Ms-Makushita

Makuuchi (Top Tier):
Mitoryu (M17) beat Oho (M15)
Shonannoumi (J3) beat Bushozan (M15)
Daishoho (M13) beat Hokuseiho (M15)
Kotoeko (M13) beat Kinbozan (M14)
Tsurugisho (M16) beat Takarafuji (M12)
Chiyoshoma (M16) beat Azumaryu (M11)
Myogiryu (M10) beat Kagayaki (M12)
Aoiyama (M9) beat Nishikifuji (M10)
Hiradoumi (M9) beat Takanosho (M11)
Hokutofuji (M7) beat Ura (M8)
Takayasu (M7) beat Ichiyamamoto (M8)
Midorifuji (M5) beat Endo (M6)
Meisei (M4) beat Sadanoumi (M6)
Abi (M2) beat Kotoshoho (M5)
Shodai (M1) beat Tamawashi (M1)
Wakamotoharu (K) beat Tobizaru (K)
Daieisho (K) beat Kotonowaka (K)
Hoshoryu (S) beat Onosho (M4)
Wakatakakage (S) beat Ryuden (M2)
Kiribayama (S) beat NIshikigi (M3)
Mitakeumi (M3) beat Takakeisho (O)
Leader: Takayasu, Midorifuji, Daieisho (6-0)
Of note: We can say with 99% certainty it’s over for Takakeisho. He will not be promoted to Yokozuna after this tournament-at this point to have even the slightest chance he must win out. The tweaked knee a couple days ago was the end, it’s affecting him too much. Also of concern is Kirabayama potentially suffering an elbow injury in his win-after taking Nishikigi down with a sotogake (inside leg trip), Nishikigi was holding Kiribayama’s arm going down and twisted his elbow awkwardly as he went down. Not intentional by any means but Kiribayama stayed down on his knees for several moments and was clearly favoring his left elbow. For now he’s likely going to give it a go on Day 7. The only change at the top was Nishikifuji falling from the unbeatens, but tomorrow somebody’s 0 Has Got To Go because Takayasu faces Midorifuji. Daieisho gets Wakamotoharu. Chiyomaru is the Juryo man up tomorrow but he’s 0-6 and badly slumping, which could be good news for opponent Kinbozan. Elsewhere Wakatakakage finally got on the board with his first win and Hoshoryu got a needed victory albeit unpopular because of the HENKA! Kotoshoho & Azumaryu remain a disappointing winless, both 0-6. Azumaryu may have forgotten to show up after his first winning record in the top tier last time out, he could be headed back to Juryo without wins.

Juryo:
Tomokaze (M13) beat Tamashoho (J13)
Kawazoe (Ms3) beat Tochimusashi (J12)
Takakento (J12) beat Shimanoumi (J11)
Kitanowaka (J11) beat Tokushoryu (J14)
Ochiai (J14) beat Churanoumi (J10)
Hakuyozan (J9) beat Tsushimanada (J9)
Atamifuji (J8) beat Kotokuzan (J10)
Akua (J7) beat Shimazuumi (J7)
Hidenoumi (J8) beat Daiamami (J6)
Enho (J5) beat Roga (J5)
Gonoyama (J6) beat Oshoma (J5)
Tochinoshin (J2) beat Chiyonokuni (J4)
Asanoyama (J1) beat Chiyomaru (J4)
Ichinojo (J3) beat Tohakuryu (J1)
Leader: Ichinojo (6-0)
Of note: Looks like it’s Ichinojo’s to lose now. He is in control as the only unbeaten but if he stumbles, 5 including Asanoyama are right there at 5-1, also including Juryo newcomer Ochiai who is having an excellent debut. Kawazoe, the human slinky in Makushita, earned his 4th win today making him the first rikishi in any tier this tournament to clinch a promotion and winning record. He’ll probably get a couple days’ rest now as the rest of Makushita just finished its 3rd round. One more win and he should be Juryo in May, potentially replacing (among others) Tochimusashi, who has gone from Juryo champion last summer to likely demotion at 0-6 now. And Ochiai could put him on the brink at 0-7 tomorrow. Mineyaiba will be the Makushita man up tomorrow from Ms4, he is currently 1-2 and gets Kitanowaka. For those curious about Terutsuyoshi, he is 1-2 at Ms1 and needs to finish 4-1 or 5-0 to return to Juryo.
In the Makushita, 14 go into the halfway days at 3-0 and looking to join Kawazoe as co-leaders and earn promotions at first chance. In the Sandanme, 21 are currently 3-0 and looking to earn promotions, some possibly to Makushita, as well as staying atop the leaderboard. The Jonidan has 25 currently at 3-0 while the Jonokuchi has 3 sharing the lead at 3-0.

For the night owls, a reminder that NHK World Japan will have 50 minutes of LIVE top tier coverage on Day 8 beginning Sunday at 1:10 AM PT/4:10 AM ET. The network is available online and on tablet/smartphone/smart TV apps and is COMPLETELY FREE to watch. No account creation or cable/satellite TV provider is necessary.

UPDATE: Potential nightmare future scenario for the Nihon Sumo Kyokai at the top of the rankings…it is officially over for Takakeisho. He is OUT going into Day 7. Left meniscus (knee). Likely done for the tournament. Said nightmare scenario is because of the continued absence of Terunofuji-if worst-case happens and he is forced to retire, there would be ZERO YOKOZUNA active. And potentially zero Ozeki depending on what happens with Takakeisho. If he can’t return by Day 11 he goes into kadoban status (8+ losses as Ozeki) in May, meaning he must get at least 8 wins or be demoted. Nishikigi gets the free win today as a result.

Here are the quick results from today’s Day 5 of the March 2023 Grand Sumo Tournament in Osaka:
Key: M-Maegashira, K-Komusubi, S-Sekiwake, O-Ozeki, J-Juryo, Ms-Makushita

Makuuchi (Top Tier):
Ichinojo (J3) beat Hokuseiho (M15)
Mitoryu (M17) beat Bushozan (M14)
Konbozan (M14) beat Hokuseiho (M16)
Kotoeko (M13) beat Chiyoshoma (M16)
Oho (M15) beat Daishoho (M13)
Takanosho (M11) beat Takarafuji (M12)
Kagayaki (M12) beat Azumaryu (M11)
Nishikifuji (M10) beat Hiradoumi (M9)
Apiyama (M9) beat Myogiryu (M10)
Takayasu (M7) beat Ura (M8)
Hokutofuji (M7) beat Ichiyamamoto (M8)
Midorifuji (M5) beat Sadanoumi (M6)
Endo (M6) beat Kotoshoho (M5)
Abi (M2) beat Meisei (M4)
Daieisho (K) beat Shodai (M1)
Kotonowaka (K) beat Tobizaru (M1)
Wakamotoharu (K) beat Tamawashi (M1)
Onosho (M4) beat Kiribayama (S)
Nishikigi (M3) beat Hoshoryu (S)
Takakeisho (O) beat Ryuden (M2)
Leader: Daieisho, Midorifuji, Takayasu, Nishikifuji (5-0)
Of note: Ryuden made it very easy for Takakeisho, suspiciously offering no resistance and letting the Ozeki have an easy win and not go too hard on his potentially injured knee. That gets Takakeisho to 3-2 and still in yokozuna contention. Surprises at the top as two Isegahama rikishi join Daieisho and a resurgent Takayasu at 5-0. Takayasu continues to look like his old strong self clming back from injury, if he keeps this up he could finally claim his first Emperor’s Cup after being so close so many times. On the flip side several are in real trouble-among the 0-5 starters are Kotoshoho, Azumaryu and Wakatakakage, who now has a very uphill climb just to stay at Sekiwake a year after winning this tournament. Hoshoryu struggled again today to fall to 2-3, meaning his Ozeki hopes are probably gone if he doesn’t win out. This could open the door to promotion for Kotonowaka to the 3rd highest rank if he continues to build on a solid 4-1 start.
Takakeisho draws Mitakeumi tomorrow, who if he shows up unmotivated could be another important win for Takakeisho. At the top, Daieisho gets the tough draw for 6-0 as he faces Kotonowaka while Midorifuji also has a tough one against 4-1 Endo. Takayasu gets a badly struggling Ichiyamamoto (0-5) while Nishikifuji gets Aoiyama (3-2).
Shonannoumi is the Juryo man up for the day tomorrow and draws Bushozan. The Juryo man is 4-1 and a win could help catapult him into the top tier in May if he keeps winning.

Juryo:
Ochiai (J14) beat Tomokaze (J13)
Takakento (J12) beat Tokihayate (Ms3)
Tokushoryu (J14) beat Tochimusashi (J12)
Tamashoho (J13) beat Shimanoumi (J11)
Kitanowaka (J11) beat Kotokuzan (J10)
Churanoumi (J10) beat Tsushimanada (J9)
Hakuyozan (J9) beat Hidenoumi (J8)
Akua (J7) beat Atamifuji (J8)
Gokoyama (J6) beat Shimazuumi (J7)
Roga (J5) beat Daiamami (J6)
Enho (J5) beat Chiyomaru (J4)
Chiyonokuni (J2) beat Oshoma (J4)
Tohakuryu (J1) beat Shonannoumi (J3)
Asanoyama (J1) beat Tochinoshin (J2)
Leader: Ichinojo (5-0)
Of note: Asanoyama quickly bounced back from a loss to Ichinojo yesterday in easily winning the former Ozeki showdown with Tochinoshin, dropping the Georgian to 1-4 after his first win yesterday. He may not admit it but sadly it’s all over with him-he all but needs to retire after the tournament as his lower body has nothing left after recent injuries. Asanoyama is now halfway to promotion back to Makuuchi and has a very favorable match tomorrow against 0-5 Chiyomaru. Ichinojo was back in the top tier today and won to become the only unbeaten left in Juryo after Shonannoumi lost today and seems well on his way to a top tier return in May. He’ll go for 6-0 against Tohakuryu who is 2-3. Shonannoumi gets the top tier appearance tomorrow and it’s a favorable one on paper against Bushozan, who is 1-4.
Rising star Kawazoe, the human slinky who greatly impressed in his career debut despite a loss to Asanoyama in September and is in only his 4th career tournament, slowly moving up after debuting at Makushita 15, is the Makushita man coming up tomorrow. Because he is 3-0 in Makushita, a win tomorrow against the likely Makushita-bound Tochimusashi (0-5) will clinch a promotion and gives him a chance at a Juryo debut in May, but he probably will need at least 2 more wins to clinch it. 4-3 will likely only get him to Makushita 1.

Here are the quick results from today’s Day 4 of the March 2023 Grand Sumo Tournament in Osaka:
Key: M-Maegashira, K-Konusubi, S-Sekiwake, O-Ozeki, J-Juryo, Ms-Makushita

Makuuchi (Top Tier):
Hokuseiho (M15) beat Mitoryu (M17)
Oho (M13) beat Chiyonokuni (J2)
Chiyoshoma (M16) beat Daishoho (M13)
Kotoeko (M13) beat Tsurugisho (M16)
Kagayaki (M12) beat Bushozan (M14)
Kinbozan (M14) beat Takarafuji (M12)
Takanosho (M11) beat Aoiyama (M9)
Hiradoumi (M9) beat Azumaryu (M11)
Nishikifuji (M10) beat Ichiyamamoto (M9)
Myogiryu (M10) beat Ura (M8)
Takayasu (M7) beat Kotoshoho (M5)
Midorifuji (M5) beat Hokutofuji (M7)
Onosho (M4) beat Sadanoumi (M6)
Endo (M6) beat Meisei (M4)
Daieisho (K) beat Mitakeumi (M3)
Kotonowaka (K) beat Nishikigi (M3)
Ryuden (M2) beat Tobizaru (K)
Kiribayama (S) beat Wakamotoharu (K)
Hoshoryu (S) beat Tamawashi (M1)
Shodai (M1) beat Wakatakakage (S)
Abi (M2) beat Takakeisho (O)
Leader: 5 at 4-0
Of note: Potential disaster today. Takakeisho was sporting a taped knee and in pre-match did not look comfortable and it clearly affected his performance. Now 2-2 and with injury concerns, the yokozuna chances are now in danger of fading away. The last time Takakeisho was in this position he wound up injured and having to withdraw, but managed to avoid demotion by finishing with a winning record while in kadoban status (he has been demoted from Ozeki before, also due to injury). Monitor his Day 5 performance carefully although he has a slightly easier-sounding draw in Ryuden. Also in big trouble is Wakatakakage-forget Ozeki, he’s halfway to demotion from Sekiwake after 7 tournaments because of his 0-4 start.

Juryo:
Ochiai (J14) beat Tokushoryu (J14)
Chiyosakae (Ms2) beat Tamashoho (J13)
Takakento (J12) beat Kitanowaka (J11)
Churanoumi (J10) beat Kotokuzan (J10)
Hakuyozan (J9) beat Shinamoumi (J11)
Hidenoumi (J8) beat Atamifuji (J8)
Tsushimanada (J6) beat Shimazuumi (J7)
Gonoyama (J6) beat Daiamami (J6)
Enho (J5) beat Akua (J7)
Oshoma (J4) beat Chiyomaru (J4)
Shonannoumi (J3) beat Roga (J5)
Ichinojo (J3) beat Asanoyama (J1)
Tochinoshin (J2) beat Tohakuryu (J1)
Leader: Ichinojo, Shonannoumi (4-0)
Of note: Anytime Asanoyama has lost in his comeback it’s been a shocking upset. Facing the biggest man in the top 2 tiers today in Ichinojo, losing to the July champion who is off to a hot start was a milder shock but still a surprise. But no need to panic, he’s still 3-1 and in good shape. Shonannoumi was the only other unbeaten to win today and go to 4-0. Ichinojo will be in the top tier tomorrow while Asanoyama tries to bounce back against fellow former Ozeki Tochinoshin, who got his first win today. Shonannoumi goes for 5-0 against Tohakuryu, who is 1-3.

Here are the quick results from today’s Day 3 of the March 2023 Grand Sumo Tournament in Osaka:
Key: M-Maegashira, K-Komusubi, S-Sekiwake, O-Ozeki, J-Juryo, Ms-Makushita

Makuuchi (Top Tier):
Tsurugisho (M16) beat Mitoryu (M17)
Chiyoshoma (M16) beat Tochinoshin (J32)
Bushozan (M14) beat Oho (M15)
Hokuseiho (M15) beat Kinbozan (M14)
Kotoeko (M13) beat Takarafuji (M12)
Daishoho (M13) beat Kagayaki (M13)
Nishikifuji (M10) beat Takanosho (M11)
Myogiryu (M10) beat Azumaryu (M11)
Ura (M8) beat Hiradoumi (M9)
Aoiyama (M9) beat Ichiyamamoto (M8)
Takayasu (M7) beat Sadanoumi (M6)
Endo (M6) beat Hokutofuji (M7)
Midorifuji (M5) beat Meisei (M4)
Onosho (M4) beat Kotoshoho (M5)
Mitakeumi (M3) beat Wakamotoharu (K)
Tobizaru (K) beat Nishikigi (M3)
Daieisho (K) beat Ryuden (M2)
Hoshoryu (S) beat Kotonowaka (K)
Abi (M2) beat Wakatakakage (S)
Kiribayama (S) beat Tamawashi (M1)
Takakeisho (O) beat Shodai (M1)
Leader: 9 at 3-0
Of note: A faster start than his opponent gave Takakeisho another big win today over a resurgent Shodai, that’s 2 straight wins after an opening day loss. He’ll need another such fast start tomorrow as his opponent is fellow relentless pusher-thruster Abi. Hoshoryu picked up an important first win but the Ozeki quest is already over for Wakatakakage, who is 0-3 and his only chance at promotion now is win the tournament (now highly unlikely). Also a surprising 0-3 is January runner-up Kotoshoho. Tochinoshin came back up as the Juryo man of the day in the top tier and did not look good at all. Given his performance so far and his knee injury history, I believe this tournament will be the end for the former Ozeki. Not retiring would shock me. 9 remain a perfect 3-0 so far and all can remain unbeaten tomorrow.

Juryo:
Fujiseiun (Ms2) beat Tomokaze (J13)
Tamashoho (J13) beat Tokushoryu (J14)
Ochiai (J14) beat Takakento (J12)
Kitanowaka (J11) beat Tochimusashi (J12)
Kotokuzan (J10) beat Shimanoumi (J11)
Hakuyozan (J9) beat Churanoumi (J10)
Hidenoumi (J8) beat Tsushimanada (J9)
Shimazuumi (J7) beat Atamifuji (J8)
Gonoyama (J6) beat Akua (J7)
Enho (J5) beat Daiamami (J6)
Roga (J5) beat Chiyomaru (J4)
Shonannoumi (J3) beat Oshoma (J4)
Ichinojo (J3) beat Chiyonokuni (J2)
Asanoyama (J1) beat Tohakuryu (J1)
Leader: 5 at 3-0
Of note: While Juryo has twice as many matches as the lower tiers, Asanoyama continues to be almost unbeatable since his return from a 1-year suspension. He seems well on the way to another 5-0/9-0 start with 3 wins already, and since his comeback is now a combined 37-3. It almost seems a lock he’ll be back at the top tier in May (he needs at least 5 more wins), but first there’s the matter of winning another tournament…and also co-leader and July top tier champion Ichinojo tomorrow. The winner could very well wind up being Juryo champion although it’s early. Tamashoho is also having a good Juryo debut so far, he’s up there in the 3-0 crowd. On the flip side, another 0-3 start has former Juryo champion Tochimusashi sliding potentially back to Makushita in May, he hasn’t had a winning record since his championship. Maybe he should’ve stayed Kanno instead of changing his name?

Here are the quick results from today’s Day 2 of the March 2023 Grand Sumo Tournament in Osaka:
Key: M-Maegashira, K-Komusubi, S-Sekiwake, O-Ozeki, J-Juryo, Ms-Makushita

Makuuchi (Top Tier):
Chiyoshoma (M16) beat Mitoryu (M17)
Tsurugisho (M16) beat Tohakuryu (J1)
Kinbozan (M14) beat Oho (M15)
Hokuesiho (M15) beat Bushozan (M14)
Kotoeko (M13) beat Kagayaki (M12)
Daishoho (M13) beat Takarafuji (M12)
Takanosho (M11) beat Myogiryu (M10)
Nishikifuji (M10) beat Azumaryu (M11)
Hiradoumi (M9) beat Ichiyamamoto (M8)
Ura (M8) beat Aoiyama (M9)
Takayasu (M7) beat Endo (M6)
Sadanoumi (M6) beat Hokutofuji (M7)
Midorifuji (M5) beat Onosho (M4)
Meisei (M4) beat Kotoshoho (M5)
Wakamotoharu (K) beat Nishikigi (M3)
Tobizaru (K) beat Mitakeumi (M3)
Kotonowaka (K) beat Ryuden (M2)
Daieisho (K) beat Wakatakakage (S)
Shodai (M1) beat Kiribayama (S)
Abi (M2) beat Hoshoryu (S)
Takakeisho (O) beat Tamawashi (M1)
Of note: Takakeisho came back strong after a surprise opening day loss and easily beat back the ironman Tamawashi, but he has to be careful tomorrow as next is Shodai, who looks like the old Ozeki Shodai at an impressive 2-0. It’s not looking good early for Ozeki chances at Sekiwake as both Wakatakakage & Hoshoryu are 0-2. To have any chance at promotion Wakatakakage now must win out and probably win the tournament while Hoshoryu needs to go 11-2.
Former Ozeki Tochinoshin, who decided to give it a go at Juryo following demotion to the second tier this time after withdrawing during January because of injury, gets the top-tier return match tomorrow and will face Chiyoshoma. The Georgian is struggling early at 0-2 and his days as an active rikishi may be numbered, as no doubt his long career and persistent left injury issues are weighing him down.

Juryo:
Tokushoryu (J14) beat Terutsuyoshi (Ms1)
Tamashoho (J13) beat Ochihi (J14)
Takakento (J12) beat Tomokaze (J13)
Kitanowaka (J11) beat Shimanoumi (J11)
Churanoumi (J10) beat Tochimusashi (J12)
Tsushimanada (J9) beat Kotokuzan (J10)
Atamifuji (J8) beat Hakuyozan (J9)
Hidenoumi (J8) beat Akua (J7)
Shimazuumi (J7) beat Daiamami (J6)
Roga (J5) beat Gonoyama (J6)
Oshoma (J4) beat Enho (J5)
Ichinojo (J3) beat Chiyomaru (J4)
Shonannoumi (J3) beat Tochinoshin (J2)
Asanoyama (J1) beat Chiyonokuni (J2)
Of note: 1/4 of the way there…just another day at the office for Asanoyama as the former Ozeki easily won again to go to 2-0, now just 6 wins away from a top tier return in May. Terutsuyoshi was back up in Juryo today but no epic salt throw, in fact a more standard one that was very subdued by his standards. But he’s already 0-2 now in Makushita and thus halfway to demotion. Ichinojo is a quick 2-0 as well in his return to action following suspension in January, leaving Tochinoshin alone at 0-2 among the former top-tier guys at the top of Juryo and potentially as the only one who may not be back in Makuuchi in May. Tomorrow Asanoyama has Tohakuryu while Fujiseiun will be the Makushita man up for the day, he’s 1-0 at Makushita 2 and will face Tomokaze.

Here are the quick results from today’s Day 1-Opening Day-of the March 2023 Grand Sumo Tournament in Osaka:
Key: M-Maegashira, K-Komusubi, S-Sekiwake, O-Ozeki, Y-Yokozuna, J-Juryo, Ms-Makushita

Makuuchi (Top Tier):
Asanoyama (J1) beat Mitoryu (M17)
Tsurugisho (M16) beat Chiyoshoma (M16)
Hkuseiho (M15) beat Oho (M15)
Kinbozan (M14) beat Bushozan (M14)
Daishoho (M13) beat Kotoeko (M13)
Takarafuji (M12) beat Kagayaki (M12)
Takanosho (M11) beat Azumaryu (M11)
Nishikifuji (M10) beat Myogiryu (M10)
Aoiyama (M9) beat Hiradoumi (M9)
Ura (M8) beat Ichiyamamoto (M8)
Takayasu (M7) beat Hokutofuji (M7)
Endo (M6) beat Sadanoumi (M6)
Midorifuji (M5) beat Kotoshoho (M5)
Onosho (M4) beat Meisei (M4)
Kotonowaka (K) beat Mitakeumi (M3)
Wakamotoharu (K) beat Ryuden (M2)
Kiribayama (S) beat Abi (M2)
Shodai (M1) beat Hoshoryu (S)
Tamawashi (M1) beat Wakatakakage (S)
Tobizaru (K) beat Takakeisho (O)
WITHDRAWAL: Terunofuji (Y). Continued recovery from double knee surgery in September. Expected back in May barring any more unforeseen setbacks in recovery. He could have competed this time but it was determined he was not at a level to compete for the championship so he was held out.
Of note: This is the 3rd straight tournament in which Tobizaru beat Takakeisho. But don’t panic yet-Takakeisho still went runner-up, runner-up and playoff loss, Champion each time so the Yokozuna hopes remain alive, and it’s only Day 1. Still 14 days to go. But a tough opening doubleheader sees ironman Tamawashi up next.

Juryo:
Ochiai (J14) beat Tsukahara (Ms1)
Tomokaze (J13) beat Tokushoryu (J14)
Tamashoho (J13) beat Takakento (J12)
Shimanoumi (J11) beat Tochimusashi (J12)
Churanoumi (J10) beat Kitanowaka (J11)
Hakuyozan (J9) beat Kotokuzan (J10)
Atamifuji (J8) beat Tsushimanada (J9)
Shimazuumi (J7) beat Hidenoumi (J8)
Akua (J7) beat Daiamami (J6)
Gonoyama (J6) beat Enho (J5)
Oshoma (J4) beat Roga (J5)
Shonannoumi (J3) beat Chiyomaru (J4)
Ichinojo (J3) beat Tochinoshin (J2)
Tohakuryu (J1) beat Chiyonokuni (J2)
Of note: As seen at the top, Asanoyama made an appearance in the top tier today due to the Terunofuji withdrawal and picked up a fairly easy win, putting the former Ozeki 7 more wins away from promotion back to Makuuchi. July top tier champion Ichinojo came out with the opening win against former Ozeki Tochinoshin in his first match after missing the January tournament due to suspension. Asanoyama will be back in Juryo tomorrow and will face Chiyonokuni, and get ready for perhaps March’s only epic salt throw-Terutsuyoshi is the Makushita man coming up to Juryo tomorrow from Ms1 to face Tokushoryu. Terutsuyoshi lost his Makushita opener today to Fujiseiun, who is at Ms2.

Yesterday was the deadline for sumo wrestlers to commit to the March 2023 Grand Sumo Tournament-today was the day those who weren’t committed already would have to withdraw from the tournament. Only one has, unfortunately it confirmed a YouTube report I saw from a somewhat reliable source (who has connections within the Nihon Sumo Kyokai that it was Yokozuna Terunofuji. Still not quite 100% after double knee surgery-he could have competed but it was decided he was not at a level to compete for and. More impirtantly, win the championship. Almost certainly will be back in May. This perhaps removes a big remaining obstacle to Ozeki Takakeisho earning promotion to Yokozuna. But he almost certainly must win the tournament first and there may be growing pressure on the Yokozuna Deliberation Council to promote another Yokozuna of Terunofuji can’t return in May.

UPDATE: As is custom the Friday before a tournament begins, the first 2 days’ matches for the top tier were announced today, and the withdrawal means former Ozeki Asanoyama, at Juryo 1 this time after winning the January Juryo Championship, will be in the top tier for Day 1. As for Takakeisho, his Yokozuna quest begins with Tobizaru on Day 1 and Tamawashi on Day 2.

UPDATE 2: In a new YouTube video from the source about Terunofuji, they spoke to stablemaster Isegahama who all but confirmed Terunofuji will return in May. Official reasons for out in March are osteoarthritis (knees) & diabetes. He had been looking much better deapite minor setbacks but the lower body and initial charge weren’t there. So barring another setback he will return in Tokyo. Also, new chief judge Sadogatake (replacing Isegahama) commented that if Takakeisho wins the tournament he certainly will be in Yokozuna conversations. That would be 2 straight championships if the Ozeki wins Osaka. (Last year’s Osaka tournament was won by Wakatakakage, who was and still is at Sekiwake as he has repeatedly come just short of the minimum wins needed for Ozeki consideration)

It’s that exciting even-month time once again for sumo fans-the Nihon Sumo Kyokai (Japan Sumo Association) has announced the Banzuke (Rankings) for the March 2023 Grand Sumo Tournament. Here is the list for the top 2 tiers:

Makuuchi (Top Tier):
Yokozuna-Terunofuji
Ozeki-Takakeisho
Sekiwake-Wakatakakage, Hoshoryu, Kiribayama
Komusubi-Wakamotoharu, Kotonowaka, Daieisho, Tobizaru
Maegashira 1-Tamawashi, Shodai
Maegashira 2-Abi, Ryuden
Maegashira 3-Mitakeumi, Nishikigi
Maegashira 4-Onosho, Meisei
Maegashira 5-Kotoshoho, Midorifuji
Maegashira 6-Endo, Sadanoumi
Maegashira 7-Hokutofuji, Takayasu
Maegashira 8-Ichiyamamoto, Ura
Maegashira 9-Aoiyama, Hiradoumi
Maegashira 10-Migoryu, Nishikifuji
Maegashira 11-Azumaryu, Takanosho
Maegashira 12-Kagayaki, Takarafuji
Maegashira 13-Daishoho, Kotoeko
Maegashira 14-Kinbozan, Bushozan
Maegashira 15-Hokuseiho, Oho
Maegashira 16-Chiyoshoma, Tsurugisho
Maehashira 17-Mitoryu

Juryo:
Juryo 1-Asanoyama, Tohakuryu
Juryo 2-Chiyonokuni, Tochinoshin
Juryo 3-Ichinojo, Shonannoumi
Juryo 4-Chiyomaru, Oshoma
Juryo 5-Roga, Enho
Juryo 6-Gonoyama, Daiamami
Juryo 7-Akua, Shimazuumi
Juryo 8-Hidenoumi, Atamifuji
Juryo 9-Tsushimanada, Hakuyozan
Juryo 10-Kotokuzan, Churanoumi
Juryo 11-Shimanoumi, Kitanowaka
Juryo 12-Tochimusashi, Takakento
Juryo 13-Tamashoho, Tomokaze
Juryo 14-Tokushoryu, Ochiai

Initial thoughts: At the top of the Banzuke are the two big things to watch-if Terunofuji can finally return from double knee surgery this time before the Kyokai starts the potential retirement pressures, and is this the time Takakeisho makes Yokozuna? The only Ozeki again, Takakeisho probably needs to win his second straight tournament to get there despite going runner-up/playoff loser/winner in his last three outings. Hoshoryu is still in Ozeki contention and can maybe get promotion if he can manage at least 11 wins while Wakatakakage, at Sekiwake a 7th straight tournament, has to win the tournament to have any chance. Shodai was demoted out of Sanyaku after a losing record post-Ozeki demotion while Takayasu’s plummeting was due to an early withdrawal in January due to injuries. Things get more interesting near the bottom-Kinbozan will make his top tier debut, the first rikishi from Kazakhstan to do so, while Azumaryu moved up to M11 after clinching his first top-tier winning record in January. Notably missing? Tochinoshin, who withdrew in the first week of January due to injury. The question now is will he compete at Juryo 2 or perhaps retire?
Juryo is going to be something else this tournament. The toss-up after going 14-1 on his status this time did not favor Asanoyama as the former Ozeki winds up at Juryo 1, so he’s 8 wins from a top tier return for May. That darned Daishoho probably denied top tier by handing Asanoyama his only loss. I was surprised Ichinojo plummeted to Juryo 3, a harsh penalty for a January suspension following conduct allegations. The July champion has not had a winning record since. At the bottom, Tamashoho and January Makushita champion Ochiai are Shin-Juryo, making their second-tier debuts with Ochiai doing so in record-matching time as this is only his second career tournament. Former top-tier champion Tokushoryu is Sai-Juryo, returning after a one-tournament demotion to Makushita. And there will be no epic salt throws in March anywhere-Terutsuyoshi was demoted to Makushita 1 so the only way he gets to do his pre-match ritual is if there are any top-tier or Juryo withdrawals. Recent Juryo regular Kaisho was also demoted to Makushita.
In the lower ranks, the Sandanme continues to remain at just 90 rankings instead of 100 while Jonidan slims down to 101 for March. The Jonokuchi will have 16 ranks with 31 entered wrestlers.

You can view the entire Banzuke at this link:
https://sumo.or.jp/EnHonbashoBanzuke/index/

Updates on early withdrawals, potential retirements, etc. will follow as the tournament gets closer.

The March Tournament will be held from 3/12-3/26 at Osaka Prefectural Gym in Osaka.

Following up on a sudden retirement from sumo during the November 2022 Grand Sumo Tournament, there are numerous reports on Japanese Twitter that former wrestler Chiyotairyu, who abruptly retired during the tournament, has achieved his stated goal of opening a restaurant in Tokyo. just 2 months after leaving sumo. Nikkan Sports reports the former Komusubi, real name Hidemasa Meigetsuin (guess based on quick translation), opened a French yakiniku (grilled meat) restaurant called “Mitoland” in the Roppongi area of Tokyo on January 16 and invited the media to a special event there today.

The restaurant is currently open by reservation only to Instagram followers through March and will be by registration or referral only for the time being with a full course meal available for 15,000 yen (about $116 US). Ultimately, Chiyotairyu hopes to expand into a chain of restaurants and offer meals for $15–20 and encourage retired rikishi to be part of expansion efforts as a way to support both their post-retirement lives and support sumo as a whole.

Original source (in Japanese. Credit: Nikkan Sports Japan): https://www.nikkansports.com/battle/sumo/news/202302070001088.html

Based on Twitter posts from the Nihon Sumo Kyokai’s (Japan Sumo Association) official Twitter that I translated, and a couple of YouTube videos, we’re getting a few hints at notable rankings items for March:

Ochiai, the Makushita Champion in his Debut, and November Makushita Champion Tamashoho, who finished with a winning record at Makushita 1, will be Shin-Juryo in March and make their second tier debuts. Ochiai, who earned a Makushita 15 debut ranking as the 2022 Corporate Champion, sets the record for fastest promotion to Juryo from his debut, and the fastest possible-one tournament. The previous record was 2 tournaments by top-tier mainstay Endo. (Had he turned pro earlier when he had the chance, he probably would have started at the bottom of the Sandanme, the 4th tier). Uncertain is whether January Juryo Champion Asanoyama, a former Ozeki, will jump back to the top tier after going 14-1 at Juryo 12. Typically the Juryo champion moves up 7-9 spots in the Banzuke but that has been with 11-12 wins. It’s a toss-up but I think it won’t happen. I’m putting him at Juryo 1. And we’re also waiting for any hints as to whether Emperor’s Cup winner Takakeisho is in Yokozuna contention. The Ozeki’s last two tournaments have been winner in Ianuary and equal to a win in November (losing in a playoff). Generally that is enough to meet one criteria for Yokozuna-it’s that or win consecutive championships.

Also updated is the typical post-tournament retired rikishi list. Okinoumi, who retired after Day 6, is the only notable name on the list, and he has become Kimigohama Oyakata and will remain active on the path to becoming a coach/stablemaster and training rikishi. The only Makushita or higher retirement was Hikarifuji, who was at Makushita 21 but was absent. That and the retirement of apparently unranked Hoshinofuji leads me to wonder if they were the wrestlers from Isegahama Beya punished for their role in an apparent bullying scandal that involved potential rankings manipulation and cost stablemaster Isegahama his spot as chief judge in tournaments. One was suspended for the tournament-I’m thinking that’s Hikarifuji-and one who wasn’t ranked was forced to retire. There’s never been any mention or knowledge of Yokozuna Terunofuji possibly being involved, nor any updates on his status for March-Terunofuji pulled out of the September tournament due to injury and had double knee surgery afterwards. The hope was he would have returned in January but may have had a setback in training.

It also sounds like former top tier champion Tokushoryu will be Sai-Juryo, returning to the second tier after a one-tournament demotion to Makushita. A long losing tournament streak was snapped with a 4-3 finish at Makushita 2.

UPDATED: A new YouTube video posted on 1/26 by an unofficial reporter/commentator indicates that Kinbozan will be promoted to the top tier for the March tournament. That probably means he’ll be at the bottom, actual rank may depend on how Sanyaku shakes out as that could add a Maegashira rank to make 17 instead of the usual 16.