Tag: ozumo

Here are the quick results from today’s Day 5 of the January 2025 Grand Sumo Tournament in Tokyo, and one that saw a seismic shift in the sumo landscape:
Key: M-Maegashira, K-Komusubi, S-Sekiwake, O-Ozeki, Y-Yokozuna, J-Juryo

Makuuchi (top tier):
Sadanoumi (J1) beat Tokihayate (M17)
Kitanowaka (M15) beat Tamashoho (M16)
Kagayaki (M16) beat Hakuoho (M15)
Kinbozan (M14) beat Nishikifuji (M17)
NIshikigi (M12) beat Onokatsu (M12)
Takerufuji (M11) beat Kotoshoho (M13)
Shonannoumi (M13) beat Midorifuji (M11)
Tamawashi (M10) beat Meisei (M10)
Oshoma (M9) beat Churanoumi (M9)
Takarafuji (M8) beat Mitakeumi (M7)
Endo (M7) beat Roga (M8)
CHiyoshoma (M5) beat Takayasu (M6)
Ichiyamamoto (M6) beat Hiradoumi (M5)
Tobizaru (M2) beat Ura (M4)
Kirishima (M1) beat Takanosho (M1)
Daieisho (S) beat Wakatakakage (K)
Abi (K) beat Wakamotoharu (S)
Shodai (M4) beat Kotozakura (O)
Oho (M3) beat Onosato (O)
Atamifuji (M2) beat Hoshoryu (O)
Gonoyama (M3) beat Terunofuji (Y) by default/withdrawal
Leader: Oho, Chiyoshoma, Tamawashi, Kinbozan (5-0)
WITHDRAWAL which soon became RETIREMENT: Terunofuji (Y). Unspecified as to why withdrawal but…it’s over. The 73rd Yokozuna has called it a career. A press conference will be held tomorrow (today Japan time) but it appears the major factor was health-chronic lower back & knee pain and diabetes. He will cash in his Yokozuna elder stock, retain his ring name and became an oyakata at Isegahama Beya. The question mark now is whether or not he’ll take over the stable this summer when the current Isegahama must step down due to turning 65 this summer, which is the mandatory retirement age in sumo, and it’s no secret he is undoubtedly the most powerful stablemaster in sumo despite Hakkaku being the director of the Japan Sumo Associasion. Nobody seems to have more influrnce. That means, for the first time in some time, there will be no Yokozuna active in grand sumo. His final match was yesterday’s loss to Tobizaru. For today, Gonoyama got the fusen as a result.
RE-ENTRY: Roga (M8). Returned today. Missed the first 4 days for unknown reasons.
Yokozuna Watch: It’s over for Kotozakura. The January champion has now stunningly lost 4 straight to fall to 1-4, and there is virtually no way a championship with 11-4, even consecutively, will earn him promotion. All hopes for now rest with Hoshoryu, who is 4-1 but took his first loss today. Onosato likely won’t get back into contention this time either at now 2-3.

Juryo:
Kotoeiho (J13) beat Daishoho (J14)
Nabatame (J14) beat Wakaikari (J13)
Kiryuko (J12) beat Daiamami (J11)
Hakuyozan (J10) beat Hatsuyama (J12)
Oshoumi (J9) beat Tohakuryu (J11)
Mitoryu (J8) beat Shimazuumi (J10)
Tomokaze (J6) beat Daiseizan (J9)
Tochitaikai (J6) beat Hidenoumi (J6)
Aonishiki (J5) beat Fujiseiun (J8)
Shirokuma (J4) beat Shimanoumi (J5)
Shishi (J4) beat Asakoryu (J2)
Ryuden (J3) beat Shiden (J2)
Kayo (J1) beat Tsurugisho (J3)
Leader: Hakuyozan (5-0)

Massive breaking news from sumo-after his withdrawal today ahead of Day 5 of the January Grand Sumo Tournament (results later, I could not post Days 3-4 results due to a scheduled medical procedure), the scenario Hakkaku feared most has come true…no active Yokozuna. Terunofuji has RETIRED effective immediately. He was 2-2 this tournament after a loss to Tobizaru yesterday, the third kinboshi (Gold Star Victory, when a Maegashira beats a Yokozuna) for The Flying Monkey. According to reliable YouTube English language source Chris Sumo, he will cash on his Yokozuna elder stock and remain at Isegahama Beya, presumably in line to take over when the current stablemaster must retire this summer due to reaching the mandatory retirement age (65). I think the only way he doesn’t take over is if Miyagino-former Yokozuna Hakuho-gets the spot but that seems extremely unlikely given the current elders’ great dialiking of the greatest Yokozuna ever (akin to why everyone outside of New York baseball hates the Yankees-they always seem to win). Because of the withdrawal today, Gonoyama got the fusen as a result, but no Kinboshi.

More as it becomes available.

UPDATE: It’s now official. Nikkan Sports has also confirmed the report. Reasons cites for withdrawal and now retirement were the usual for him-chronic lower back & knee pain and diabetes. An official retirement press conference will be held in the near future. Terunofuji, real name Seizan Suginomori, retires as The 73rd Yokozuna with a career record of (including tomorrow) 523-275-232 (win-loss-absent), 366-207-198 in the top tier, 10 Emperor’s Cups, 13 total championships and 9 Special Prizes and is considered a Dai-Yokozuna (Great Yokozuna), a distinction given to those who win at least 10 top-tier championships. He first debuted as Wakamisho in the now-closed Magaki Beya run by Wakanohana, then when it closed in the early-mid 2010s he transferred to Isegahama Beya and chamged bus name to Terunofuji. He reached Ozeki before prolonged injury absences saw him demoted all the way to Jonidan before storming back up the ranks and, following a final day loss in Hakuho’s final career match (Hakuho finished 15-0 in his final tournament, Terunofuji was runner-up at 14-1), was promoted to Grand Champion. Ironically, they’ll be likely working with each other now for a while until when/if Hakuho might get his Miyagino Beya back in a year or so.

UPDATE 2: His Yokozuna elder stock is good for 5 years so he must find an open position by this lime in 2030 to remain on the Association as more than a coach as he will be now. That should not be an issue, again the unanswered question is whether or not he’ll become the next Isegahama this summer.

Here are the quick results from today’s Day 1-Opening Day-of the January 2025 Grand Sumo Tournament in Tokyo:
Key: M-Maegashira, K-Komusubi, S-Sekiwake, O-Ozeki, Y-Yokozuna, J-Juryo, Ms-Makushita

Makuuchi (top tier):
Tokihayate (M17) beat Nishikifuji (M17)
Tamashoho (M16) beat Kagayaki (M16)
Hakuoho (M15) beat Kitanowaka (M15)
Kinbozan (M14) beat Kotoshoho (M13)
Onokatsu (M12) beat Shonannoumi (M13)
Takerufuji (M11) beat NIshikigi (M12)
Midorifuji (M11) beat Meisei (M10)
Tamawashi (M10) beat Oshoma (M9)
Churanoumi (M9) beat Takarafuji (M8)
Mitakeumi (M7) beat Endo (M7)
Ichiyamamoto (M6) beat Takayasu (M6)
Chiyoshoma (M5) beat Hiradoumi (M5)
Ura (M4) beat Shodai (M4)
Oho (M3) beat Abi (K)
Daieisho (S) beat Gonoyama (M3)
Wakamotoharu (S) beat Atamifuji (M2)
Tobizaru (M2) beat Onosato (O)
Hoshoryu (O) beat Kirishima (M1)
Kotozakura (O) beat Takanosho (M1)
Wakatakakage (K) beat Terunofuji (Y)
WITHDRAWALS (Pre-Tournament): Roga (M8), Hokutofuji (M14). Unspecified injuries for both. Roga-status uncertain. Hokutofuji-will not compete due to surgery and will probably be demoted to Juryo.
Of note: 2 upsets on day 1 starting with Tobizaru quickly flattening Onosato and Wakatakakage catching Terunofuji with bad footwork for an under shoulder swing down. Reportedly Terunofuji’s goal is 10+ wins, which supposedly will keep the Yokozuna Deliberation Council from recommending retirement actions until July, when Terunofuji will probably retire anyway after the current Isegahama must retire due to turning 65 (mandatory retirement age in sumo), opening up that valuable elder stock and stablemaster position. It’s early and no injury/health concerns here but still it’s not a good start. He has Takanosho tomorrow. Tobizaru has Hoshoryu tomorrow so another upset would put the Flying Monkey halfway to a potential Outstanding Performance Prize if he can finish with a winning record. Kotozakura, the leading Yokozuna contender after his first championship in November, has Abi tomorrow.

Juryo:
Wakanosho (Ms1) beat Daishoho (J14)
Kotoeiho (J13) beat Nabatame (J14)
Wakaikari (J12) beat Hatsuyama (J12)
Tohakuryu (J11) beat Kiryuko (J12)
Hakuyozan (J10) beat Daiamami (J11)
Oshoumi (J9) beat Shimazuumi (J10)
Mitoryu (J8) beat Daiseizan (J9)
Fujirsiun (J8) beat Toachitaikai (J7)
Hidenoumi (J6) beat Tomokaze (J6)
Aonishiki (J5) beat Shimanoumi (J5)
Shishi (J4) beat Shirokuma (J4)
Ryuden (J3) beat Tsurugisho (J3)
Asakoryu (J2) beat Shiden (J2)
Sadanoumi (J1) beat Kayo (J1)
WITHDRAWAL (Pre-Tournament): Bushozan (J7). Unknown. Status uncertain.

Lower tier notes: No match for Enho in the Sandanme today, he’ll begin his 2025 tomorrow.

Christmas has come a couple days early for sumo fans as the Japan Sumo Association has just announced the official Banzuke (rankings) for the January 2025 Grand Sumo Tournament. Here are the rankings for the top 2 tiers and some notes/observations:

MakuuchI (top tier):
Yokozuna-Terunofuji
Ozeki-Kotozakura (November Champion), Hoshoryu, Onosato
Sekiwake-Wakamotoharu, Daisieho
Komusubi-Abi, Wakatakakage
Maegashira 1-Takanosho, Kirishima
Maegashira 2-Tobizaru, Atamifuji
Maegashira 3-Gonoyama, Oho
Maegashira 4-Shodai, Ura
Maegashira 5-Hiradoumi, Chiyoshoma
Maegashira 6-Takayasu, Ichiyamamoto
Maegashira 7-Endo, Mitakeumi
Maegashira 8-Roga, Takarafuji
Maegashira 9-Churanoumi, Oshoma
Maegashira 10-Tamawashi, Meisei
Maegashira 11-Midorifuji, Takerufuji
Maegashira 12-NIshikigi, Onokatsu
Maegashira 13-Shonannoumi, Kotoshoho
Maegashira 14-Hokutofuji, Kinbozan (November Juryo Champion)
Maegashira 15-Hakuoho, Kitanowaka
Maegashira 16-Tamashoho, Kagayaki
Maegashira 17-NIshikifuji, Tokihayate

Juryo:
Juryo 1-Sadanoumi, Kayo
Juryo 2-Shiden, Asakoryu
Juryo 3-Ryuden, Tsurugisho
Juryo 4-Shirokuma, Shishi
Juryo 5-Shimanoumi, Aonishiki
Juryo 6-Hidenoumi, Tomokaze
Juryo 7-Tochitaikai, Bushozan
Juryo 8-Fujiseiun, Mitoryu
Juryo 9-Daiseizan, Oshoumi
Juryo 10-Shimazuumi, Hakuyozan
Juryo 11-Daiamami, Tohakuryu
Juryo 12-Hatsuyama, Kiryuko
Juryo 13-Wakaikari, Kotoeiho
Juryo 14-Nabatame, Daishoho

Notes:
In the top tier, 2 of the 3 Ozeki are on Yokozuna Watch as if either Kotozakura or Hoshoryu can win the championship, ideally with at least 13 wins, or finish with that many wins or more, one or both have a chance to be promoted for March. The Sekiwake this time, Wakamotoharu & Daieisho, both would have to win the championship to have any chance at promotion to Ozeki. Still no word yet on Terunofuji’s status for January, he has been on parts of the December tour as I’ve seen from YouTube videos but the feeling is that if all goes as planned, he’ll compete. Wakatakakage returns to Sanyaku for the first time since being injured in the March 2023 Tournament, coming in on 7 straight winning records and his worst performance since returning to Juryo has been 9-6. Abi returns to Komusubi after 11 wins in September following a 4-tournament winning run being snapped. Kirishima falls out of Sanyaku for the first time since summer 2022, down to M1. blowing another chance at an Ozeki return with a 6-9 November while Takanosho almost makes it back after a bounceback November following a disastrous September just after a July playoff title loss. Up one rank to M10, Tamawashi’s Iron Man Streak should reach 1674 by the end of the tournament as he’s held steady in the middle of the rankings. The bottom is filled out by a number of returns as Kitanowaka, Hakuoho, Tamashoho, Kagayaki and Juryo Champion Kinbozan all are promoted up from Juryo while Nishikifuji & Tokihayate hang on to the last spots after there were 5 demotions to Juryo.
The Juryo demotions were Sadanoumi, Asakoryu, Ryuden, Shishi & Bushozan, the last one of which was injured during November. Shishi could very well be about to be usurped as the Ukraine-born fan favorite by Aonishiki, whose fast rise up the ranks has taken him to J5 after a 10-5 debut, putting the top tier within reach if he can duplicate or improve on that effort. The Shin-Juryo Hatsuyama will make his second tier debut from J12 alongside Sai-Juryo Kiryuko, with Nabatame back up at J14.

Lower tier notes:
Because the rankings were determined before his retirement last week, Onosho is ranked at Makushita 3 but of course won’t compete and this tournament won’t go on his final record. He has left sumo completely because there was no elder stock for him even though he qualified, and will be going to work for a skin care company in a corporate role. Fast-rising Isegahama prospect Kusano has Ms3 all to himself, while Wakanosho & Kazekeno have the Ms1 ranks. Asanoyama is down at Ms41 and is considered questionable for January as he continues recovery from a foot/ankle injury (worst-case seems to be a March return). Below that, another 6-1 effort was not quite enough to get Enho out of the Sandanme, he will be at Sd4 this time and, in a surprise development, the Sandanme has shrunk down to just 80 ranks. A year or so ago it went down from 100 to 90 and now 90 to 80 amidst concerns about the thinning ranks of pro sumo wrestlers. The Jonidan grew slightly and is back up to 100 ranks this time, while the Jonokuchi has 19 ranks with 37 total entrants including what looks like at least 7 debuts. We’ve also learned from YouTube reporter Chris Sumo that come March or May we’ll probably have another new Makushita 60 debut.

The January Tournament runs from 1/12-1/26 at Ryogoku Kokugikan in Tokyo. Tickets have just sold out right before this post went up.

12/26/24 UPDATE: Kyokutaisei, a former top tier wrestler trying to rise back up the ranks, has retired. He fell all the way to Jonokuchi after a major knee injury and got as high as Makushita before falling back to the Sandanme this time (he would have been Sd20). His career best rank was M8, with a final record of 483-434-80 and one Special Price. He spent 38 tournaments in the top 2 tiers which would qualify him for elder stock but it doesn’t appear he can cash it in due to lack of availability.

Ahead of the next Banzuke announcement for January 2025, news has come out since yesterday that former top tier wrestler Onosho has retired effective immediately. He cited multiple injuries and inability to physically continue competing at a high level. Although eligible for elder stock, there apparently is none available and so he will leave sumo and, according to reliable YouTube reporter Chris Sumo, will work for a cosmetics marketing firm. Onosho, real name Fumiya Utetsu, from Aomori Prefecture, retires at 28 after just short of 12 years competing (debuted in January 2013), finishing with a career record of 473-422-59 (win-loss-absent), 297-287-46 in the top tier, 1 Juryo championship, 4 Special Prizes, 2 Kinboshi and a highest rank of Komusubi. He was Juryo 10 for his final tournament in November and finished 2-11-2, being forced to withdraw on Day 13 due to injury, and would have been demoted to Makushita in January. He will be replaced as senior wrestler at Onomatsu Beya by Onokatsu, who was promoted to the top tier in September and was Maegashira 15 in November, but will be promoted after going 9-6.

Here are the quick results from today’s Day 15-the Final Day-of the November 2024 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):
Bushozan (M17) beat Ryuden (M13)
Asakoryu (M17) beat Meisei (M11)
Takerufuji (M15) beat Tamawashi (M10)
Shishi (M16) beat Takarafuji (M10)
Ichiyamamoto (M10) beat Sadanoumi (M12)
Hokutofuji (M12) beat Takayasu (M9)
Midorifuji (M9) beat Onokatsu (M15)
Roga (M8) beat Tokihayate (M15)
Endo (M7) beat Nishikifuji (M14)
Tobizaru (M5) beat Shonannoumi (M13)
Atamifuji (M3) beat Mitakeumi (M7)
Gonoyama (M8) beat Abi (M3)
Chiyoshoma (M14) beat Ura (M2)
Takanosho (M6) beat Wakatakakage (M2)
Hiradoumi (M1) beat Churanoumi (M4)
Oho (M1) beat Nishikigi (M6)
Oshoma (M4) beat Shodai (K)
Wakamotoharu (K) beat Daieisho (S)
Onosato (O) beat Kirishima (S)
Kotozakura (O) beat Hoshoryu (O). KOTOZAKURA YUSHO!!! The first career Emperor’s Cup for Kotozakura!
CHAMPION: Kotozakura (14-1)
Final thoughts: After that long-awaited first championship that he just missed in a July playoff, Kotozakura will now be in Yokozuna contention if he can repeat the feat in January, but so will Hoshoryu after a 13-2 tournament. Of course the unanswered question is if the Final Boss will return for one last stand and perhaps a ceremonial torch-passing if all goes as hoped for-that of course would be Terunofuji, who is expected to compete. As for the new Ozeki, Onosato struggled in the second half but won today to finish his debut at 9-6, still protecting his rank while keeping his career winning streak going, 10 tournaments so far with 10 winning records. Kirishima will be demoted from Sekiwake which should open the door for Wakamotoharu to return to the rank while Daieisho stays Sekiwake. Komusubi will be a tossup with Shodai being demoted which should allow Wakatakakage & Abi to be promoted to be promoted to the rank.

SPECIAL PRIZES:
Outstanding Performance (best record with most wins vs. Yukozuna & Ozeki): Abi
Fighting Spirit (best record with best display of fighting spirit): Takanosho
Technique (best display of technique/most different winning techniques): Wakatakakage

Juryo:
Kamito (Ms3) beat Chiyomaru (J11)
Oshoumi (J14) beat Hidenoumi (J7)
Shiden (J6) beat Tochitaikai (J12)
Fujiseiun (J10) beat Tohakuryu (J6)
Tomokaze (J5) beat Daiseizan (J12)
Shimazuumi (J5) beat Daishoho (J9)
Shimanoumi (J4) beat Hakuyozan (J8)
Tamashoho (J4) beat Nabatame (J14)
Kayo (J3) beat Kotoeiho (J13)
Shirokuma (J3) beat Daiamami (J9)
Hakuoho (J2) beat Wakaikari (J13)
Kagayaki (J2) beat Mitoryu (J7)
Kinbozan (J1) beat Aonishiki (J11). KINBOZAN JURYO YUSHO!!! 1st career Juryo Championship and 3rd overall
Kitanowaka (J1) beat Tsurugisho (J7)
CHAMPION: Kinbozan (12-3)
Of note: Kinbozan’s win prevented what would have been a playoff rematch with Aonishiki after Tsurugisho lost to finish 10-5. Oshoumi also finishes with the equivalent of that record and it can be argued the only reason he perhaps didn’t win the championship, or at least force a playoff, was due to missing 3 days with a left shoulder injury.

Jonidan:
Playoff: NIshikikuni (Jd9) beat Nakashima (Jd57). NISHIKIKUNI JONIDAN YUSHO!!! First career championship. Side note: September Jonokuchi champion Goseizan may have won the championship or had a chance if he hadn’t missed the first 2 days of the tournament and thus started the equivalent of 0-2, once he entered he went 5-0.

TOURNAMENT CHAMPIONS:
Makuuchi: Kotozakura (O). 1st career Emperor’s Cup, 3rd overall championship
Juryo: Kinbozan (J1). 1st career Juryo, 3rd overall championship
Makushita: Osanai (Ms48). 1st career Makushita, 2nd overall championship
Sandanme: Fujitoshi (Sd18). 1st career Sandanme and 1st overall championship
Jonidan: Nishikikuni (Jd9). 1st career Jonidan and 1st overall championship
Jonokuchi: Gonoumi (Jk12). 1st career Jonokuchi and 1st overall championship

The next tournament is the January 2025 Tournament scheduled from 1/12-1/26 at Ryogoku Kokugikan in Tokyo. Tickets go on sale 12/7. The Banzuke will be announced on 12/23. A final wrap-up post with thoughts, rankings notes and breaking news will come next weekend.

Here are the quick results from today’s Day 14-the penultimate day-of the November 2024 Grand Sumo Tournament in Fukuoka:
Key: M-Maegashira, K-Komusubi, S-Sekiwake, O-Ozeki, J-Juryo, Ms-Makushita

Makuuchi (top tier):
Kinbozan (J1) beat Tokihayate (M15)
Hokutofuji (M12) beat Asakoryu (M17)
Bushozan (M17) beat Tamawashi (M11)
Meisei (M11) beat Shonannoumi (M13)
Takerufuji (M10) beat Ichiyamamoto (M16)
Chiyoshoma (M14) beat Takarafuji (M10)
Shishi (M16) beat Midorifuji (M9)
Onokatsu (M15) beat Takayasu (M9)
Nishikifuji (M14) beat Roga (M8)
Ryuden (M13) beat Endo (M7)
Nishikigi (M6) beat Sadanoumi (M12)
Tobizaru (M5) beat Mitakeumi (M7)
Abi (M3) beat Atamifuji (M3)
Wakatakakage (M2) beat Ura (M2)
Oho (M1) beat Kotoshoho (M5) by default/withdrawal
Hiradoumi (M1) beat Oshoma (M4)
Wakamotoharu (K) beat Gonoyama (M8)
Churanoumi (M4) beat Shodai (K)
Daieisho (S) beat Takanosho (M4)
Kotozakura (O) beat Onosato (O)
Hoshoryu (O) beat Kirishima (S)
Leader: Kotozakura, Hoshoryu (13-1)
WITHDRAWAL: Kotoshoho (M5). Left foot/toe. Out about 2 months. That would mean questionable for January, which after a 3-12 tournament this time would see him demoted to Juryo if he can’t compete. Oho got the fusen as a result.
Of note: It’s winner-take all tomorrow in the final match as one of the two Ozeki will win the championship. It would be the first long-awaited title for Kotozakura or the second for Hoshoryu and it will mean Yokozuna Watch in January as 14 will be the champion’s win total. Hoshoryu sent a clear message by effortlessly lifting Kirishima out of the ring to win easily, and also perhaps lifting Wakamotoharu back up to Sekiwake as he’s promoted and Kirishima will be demoted. Kotozakura beat Onosato as the new Ozeki continues to struggle late at now 8-6, but his rank is already safe. Elsewhere, an odd occurrence as Shodai lost by a rare non-winning technique, koshikudake or inadvertent collapse. It appears his right foot slipped although it looked like it suddenly gave way, thankfully it does not appear to be an injury. Also, surprised there wasn’t a review of Takerufuji-Ichiyamamoto, it looked too close to call at the end and a replay may have overturned the result. Isegahama bias?

Juryo:
Hatsuyama (Ms1) beat Nabatame (J14)
Kiryuko (Ms2) beat Kotoeiho (J13)
Daiseizan (J12) beat Fujiseiun (J10)
Hakuyozan (J8) beat Chiyomaru (J11)
Tohakuryu (J6) beat Daishoho (J9)
Shimazuumi (J5) beat Wakaikari (J13)
Tochitaikai (J12) beat Tomokaze (J5)
Tamashoho (J4) beat Oshoumi (J14)
Aonishiki (J11) beat Shimanoumi (J4)
Shiden (J6) beat Shirokuma (J3)
Kayo (J3) beat Daiamami (J9)
Kagayaki (J2) beat Tsurugisho (J7)
Hakuoho (J2) beat Mitoryu (J7)
Hidenoumi (J7) beat Kitanowaka (J1)
Leader: Kinbozan (11-3)
Of note: Now Oshoumi is officially out of it. He returned from injury in time to mathematically still have a chance to win the championship despite missing 3 days, but today’s loss ended those chances. Kinbozan just has to win tomorrow (Aonishiki) to win the championship, but if Aonishiki wins there will be a playoff rematch, and it could be a 3-way playoff if Tsurugisho wins (Kitanowaka). Hakuoho probably clinched promotion back to the top tier today with his 9th win, but a 10th tomorrow makes it definite, while Kagayaki has a chance too but probably needs a 9th win tomorrow. The Makushita men up today should be promoted to Juryo in January as both will finish 5-2, Hatsuyama definitely is coming up for his Juryo debut while Kiryuko should be back after making his Juryo debut in September. I don’t see any other Makushita promotions happening as all the other top 5 ranks are either being demoted or only went 4-3, which likely won’t do it but there could be 2 more Juryo demotions tomorrow along with Chiyomaru if both Nabatame & Wakaikari lose as they are 7-7 at J14 & J13, respectively. Onosho will also be demoted too.

Reminder: NHK World Japan will have 90 minutes of LIVE top tier coverage tomorrow in English FOR FREE, including the Ozeki Championship Showdown, awards ceremony and champion’s interview, beginning TONIGHT at 11:30 PM PT/2:30 AM ET.

UPDATE: The Special Prizes have been announced ahead of the Final Day:
Outstanding Performance: Abi
Fighting Spirit: Takanosho (if he wins his final match)
Technique: Wakatakakage

Here are the quick results from today’s Day 13-Championship Day-of the November 2024 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 (J1) beat Shishi (M16)
Sadanoumi (M12) beat Bushozan (M17)
Nishikifuji (M14) beat Meisei (M11)
Tamawashi (M11) beat Asakoryu (M17)
Tokihayate (M15) beat Ichiyamamoto (M10)
Chiyoshoma (M14) beat Takayasu (M9)
Midorifuji (M9) beat Hokutofuji (M12)
Roga (M8) beat Ryuden (M13)
Mitakeumi (M7) beat Shonannoumi (M13)
Takarafuji (M10) beat Endo (M7)
Abi (M3) beat Takerufuji (M16)
Ura (M2) beat Nishikigi (M6)
Wakatakakage (M2) beat Onokatsu (M15)
Hiradoumi (M1) beat Kotoshoho (M5)
Atamifuji (M3) beat Oho (M1)
Tobizaru (M5) beat Shodai (K)
Wakamotoharu (K) beat Churanoumi (M4)
Daieisho (S) beat Oshoma (M4)
Gonoyama (M8) beat Kirishima (S)
Hoshoryu (O) beat Onosato (O)
Kotozakura (O) beat Takanosho (M6)
Leader: Kotozakura, Hoshoryu (12-1)
Of note: It is on! The Ozeki Showdown will be on the Final Day and it’s for the championship! Either Kotozakura will finally claim his first Emperor’s Cup or Hoshoryu will claim his second. The winner could get into Yokozuna contention chances if they can repeat in January with at least this many wins or more because 13 or 14 will be what wins the championship. But first there’s tomorrow which will determine if it’s winner-take-all or if there could be a playoff. Takanosho, Gonoyama & Abi are mathematically still in it at 10-3 but because of the pending Ozeki meeting have no chance and Onosato’s playoff-only hopes were dashed when he lost to Hoshoryu. But Onosato could make it much tougher for Kotozakura by beating him tomorrow while Hoshoryu has Kirishima, who must win to stay at Sekiwake in January. Fans didn’t like Abi staying in it because he pulled the HENKA! (sidestep at the initial charge) to beat Takerufuji, who won’t win the championship again this time but has clinched promotion and will stay in the top tier. Elsewhere, Kitanowaka clinched promotion back to the top tier with his win today, although he has yet to manage a winning record while up here, while Shishi & Asakoryu will be demoted back to Juryo. The latter goes with another Tamawashi milestone-with promotion clinched today, the Iron Man now becomes just the 4th rikishi since the start of the Showa era-which dates back to at least the 1930s-to finish a top tier tournament with a winning record at age 40 or older. Elsewhere I can see Ryuden possibly being demoted to Juryo, especially if he loses out to finish 3-12, with Bushozan going out too that could free up another spot for a Juryo man. Finally, it looks like Wakatakakage will get back to Sanyaku as his comeback from injury is just about complete, I expect him to be at Komusubi in January, just one below Sekiwake where he was at when he got injured and that would mean both the Wakas are in Sanyaku together again as Wakamotoharu clinched a possible promotion to Sekiwake, but that will depend on what happens with Kirishima & Daieisho.

Juryo:
Aonishiki (J11) beat Daiamami (J9)
Mitoryu (J8) beat Onosho (J10) by defaulr/withdrawal)
Hidenoumi (J7) beat Nabatame (J14)
Chiyomaru (J11) beat Bushozan (J6)
Tomokaze (J5) beat Fujiseiun (J10)
Kotoeiho (J13) beat Shimazuumi (J5)
Wakaikari (J13) beat Shimanoumi (J4)
Tochitaikai (J12) beat Tamashoho (J4)
Daiseizan (J12) beat Kayo (J3)
Shirokuma (J3) beat Daishoho (J9)
Hakuoho (J2) beat Tsurugisho (J7)
Shigen (J6) beat Kagayaki (J2)
Kinbozan (J1) beat Hakuyozan (J8)
Leader: Kinbozan, Tsurugisho (10-3)
WITHDRAWAL: Onosho (J10). Right knee & right ankle among other things. Tournament over. Out at least 3 weeks. Will be demoted to Makushita for the first time since May 2016. That time he went 7-0 and was promoted back to Juryo from Ms3. Mitoryu got the fusen as a result.
RE-ENTRY: Oshoumi (J14). Will return tomorrow. Missed 3 days due to a left shoulder injury. Will be the equivalent of 9-4 and already has clinched promotion. He was expected to be out a week. And, miraculously, despite the absences he still is mathematically in the championship race, when he got injured he was still co-leader at 9-1.
Of note: Things got very interesting today with Tsurugisho losing and Kinbozan winning. Not only are they tied now, but with Oshoumi able to return tomorrow he’s going to be just one win behind despite the equivalent of 3 straight losses and thus he’s still in contention! We’ll have to wait a little longer to set up the final day scenarios because Kinbozan will be in the top tier tomorrow but a playoff will be a possibility because Kinbozan-Tsurugisho already happened (Tsurugisho won). At the bottom, even though he’ll be demoted to Makushita at least Chiyomaru won’t go winless, he avoided potential 0-15 with his first win today.

Makushita:
Osanai (Ms48) beat Hokutomaru (Ms31). OSANAI MAKUSHITA YUSHO!!! 2nd career championship and first Makushita. He’ll be promoted to around Ms20 in January.

Sandanme:
Fujitoshi (Sd18) beat Enho (Sd56). FUJITOSHI SANDANME YUSHO!!! 1st career championship. He’ll be promoted back to Makushita. Enho finishes 6-1 for the 3rd straight tournament in his comeback and will also be promoted and will have a chance to reach Makushita as well.

Jonidan:
Nakashima (Jd37) beat Seiyu (Jd39)
Nishikikuni (Jd9) beat Shimanishiki (Jd40). PLAYOFF!!! The earlier result guaranteed a playoff would be needed to decide the champion. That will happen on the Final Day.

Jonokuchi:
Gonoumi (Jk12) beat Kirinohana (Jd82). GONOUMI JONOKUCHI YUSHO!!! 1st career championship. Had he lost there would have been a 3-way playoff.

Reminder: NHK World Japan will have 50 minutes of live top tier coverage in English tomorrow FOR FREE beginning at 12:10 AM PT/3:10 AM ET.

UPDATE: Kotoshoho has WITHDRAWN ahead of Day 14. Left foot. Tournament probably over with one day left afterwards. Will finish the equivalent of 3-12 if he can’t return. Oho will get the fusen as a result..

Here are the quick results from today’s Day 12 of the November 2024 Grand Sumo Tournament in Fukuoka:
Key: M-Maegashira, K-Komusubi, S-Sekiwake, O-Ozeki, J-Juryo

Makuuchi (top tier):
Shimanoumi (J4) beat Asakoryu (M17)
Ryuden (M13) beat Nishikifuji (M14)
Hokutofuji (M12) beat Bushozan (M17)
Tokihayate (M15) beat Sadanoumi (M12)
Tamawashi (M11) beat Shishi (M16)
Chiyoshoma (M9) beat Midorifuji (M14)
Roga (M6) beat Onokatsu (M15)
Gonoyama (M8) beat Takarafuji (M10)
Shonannoumi (M13) beat Endo (M7)
Meisei (M11) beat Mitakeumi (M7)
NIshikigi (M6) beat Ichiyamamoto (M10)
Takayasu (M9) beat Kotoshoho (M5)
Abi (M3) beat Wakatakakage (M2)
Ura (M2) beat Oshoma (M4)
Oho (M1) beat Churanoumi (M4)
Atamifuji (M3) beat Hiradoumi (M1)
Wakamotoharu (K) beat Tobizaru (M5)
Kirihsima (S) beat Takanosho (M6)
Kotozakura (O) beat Daieisho (S)
Onosato (O) beat Takerufuji (M16)
Leader: Kotozakura, Hoshoryu (11-1)
Of note: It was revealed on the NHK World Japan highlights program that the Bushozan withdrawal was due to illness-hand, foot & mouth disease. He missed 5 days before returning today. He almost certainly was going to be demoted back to Juryo anyway because he was the equivalent of 1-10 coming in and is now essentially 1-11. Also going down will likely be Shishi who is now at 6-9 and Asakoryu must win out to stay up as well. Interesting potential January for the former-with Aonishiki moving up to Juryo could we see the first all-Ukraine showdown in the ring? As for Tamawashi, the Iron Man is now (I believe) up to #6 all time for total career matches with 1856, with 1360 in the top tier. And ouch, just ouch for Hiradoumi. The effort has very much been there but the results have not, a disastrous 1-11 is going to send the September Sanyaku debutant plummeting down the rankings.
The Ozeki showdown between Kotozakura & Hoshoryu won’t come until the weekend, to keep it for potentially the championship they need to keep winning. Hoshoryu has Onosato tomorrow, who can still force a playoff but at least now has 8 wins and protected his rank, while Kotozakura has Takanosho who after losing a spirited if not intense battle with Kirishima today (Kirishima gave him the Hoshoryu Death Stare afterwards) can get right back in it. If either Ozeki win Onosato is out of the title race.

Juryo:
Aonishiki (J11) beat Wakaikari (J13)
Kotoeiho (J13) beat Onosho (J10)
Fujiseiun (J10) beat Nabatame (J14)
Daiamami (J9) beat Chiyomaru (J11)
Daiseizan (J12) beat Daishoho (J9)
Tochitaikai (J12) beat Shimazuumi (J5)
Tamashoho (J4) beat Hakuyozan (J7)
Kayo (J3) beat Tsurugisho (J7)
Kagayaki (J2) beat Tohakuryu (J6)
Hakuoho (J2) beat Tomokaze (J5)
Kitanowaka (J1) beat Shiden (J6)
Kinbozan (J1) beat Mitoryu (J8)
Leader: Tsurugisho (10-2)
Of note: It’s still hard to not feel bad for Oshoumi having to withdraw, today’s result means despite the absent he still is just one off the lead with Tsurugisho losing, which keeps Kinbozan in the title race. Oshoumi is expected to miss a week with a left shoulder injury, but at least he already clinched promotion and will stay in Juryo in January. But I think we’re now seeing the end of Onosho, who may be demoted out of Juryo at 2-10, and the other question is can Chiyomaru avoid the apocalyptic 0-15? He’s 3 away. Elsewhere, Kitanowaka & Hakuoho can each earn promotion back to the top tier now with one more win (Kitanowaka for sure, Hakuoho may need 2 more) while Tsurugisho will still have a chance if he can win our or at least get to 12 wins.

Tomorrow is Championship Day in the lower tiers although the Jonidan may need a playoff. It’s not a given though. Here’s how it looks: Nakashima, one of 3 at 6-0, is up first. If he wins, there will be a playoff. If he loses, the winner of Shimanishiki-Nishikikuni after that will be the champion. In a playoff the winner of the latter would face Nakashima and that match would be on the Final Day. The sole Jonokuchi leader, Gonoumi, is also in Jonidan tomorrow as are those who still have a chance. If he wins OR both Raiho & Minorufuji lose before his match, he is the Jonokuchi champion. If all lose, Gonoumi is still champion. If one or both Raiho & Minorufuji win AND Gonoumi loses, there will be a playoff and it could be a 3-way playoff. The real attraction tomorrow will be Enho going for the Sandanme Championship, a perfect 7-0 and almost definite promotion back to Makushita in January, although I think 6-1 for a 3rd straight tournament in his comeback will still be enough.

UPDATE: It may be over for Onosho, he has WITHDRAWN ahead of Day 13, all but sealing demotion to Makushita. Mitoryu gets the fusen as a result. Onosho last was demoted this low in May 2016…when he went 7-0 and quickly re-promoted but lost a playoff for the Makushita championship.

Here are the quick results from today’s Day 11 of the November 2024 Grand Sumo Tournament in Fukuoka:
Key: M-Maegashira, K-Komusubi, S-Sekiwake, O-Ozeki, J-Joryo

Makuuchi (top tier):
Nishikifuji (M14) beat Shishi (M17)
Chiyoshoma (M14) beat Tokihayate (M15)
Asakoryu (M16) beat Ryuden (M13)
Ichiyamamoto (M10) beat Shonannoumi (M13)
Takayasu (M9) beat Sadanoumi (M12)
Gonoyama (M8) beat Takerufuji (M16)
Hokutofuji (M12) beat Roga (M8)
Tamawashi (M11) beat Mitakeumi (M7)
Endo (M7) beat Meisei (M11)
Kotoshoho (M5) beat Midorifuji (M9)
Churanoumi (M4) beat Nishikigi (M6)
Onokatsu (M15) beat Abi (M3)
Wakatakakage (M2) beat Takarafuji (M10)
Ura (M2) beat Hiradoumi (M1)
Oshoma (M4) beat Oho (M1)
Atamifuji (M3) beat Shodai (K)
Kirishima (S) beat Tobizaru (M5)
Kotozakura (O) beat Wakamotoharu (K)
Takanosho (M6) beat Onosato (O)
Hoshoryu (O) beat Daieisho (S)
Leader: Kotozakura, Hoshoryu, Takanosho (10-1)
RE-ENTRY: Bushozan (M17). Will return tomorrow. Missed the last 5 days due to injury. Will be the equivalent of 1-10 and still should be demoted to Juryo.
Of note: Best of 3? Ura & Hiradoumi had not one, not two, but THREE matches today! Hiradoumi initially was declared the winner on a close call, but after a Momo-ii there was a rematch. Close call again favoring Hiradoumi but another Momo-ii…ANOTHER rematch! Third time was the charm for Ura with a decisive win. So Hiradoumi won 2 but Ura gets the win that counts most. Elsewhere, there were hopes that new Ozeki Onosato would be the first newly promoted Ozeki to win the championship since Hakuho in 2006. That almost certainly will not happen as he is now 7-4 and 3 back, while the leading trio has pulled 2 in front. The Ozeki showdown between Kotozakura & Hoshoryu may wait until the last day and could wind up being for the championship, tomorrow Hoshoryu has Shodai while Kotozakura faces Daieisho. Takanosho gets Kirishima. Onosato has the final match of the day against Takerufuji, who is now 2 back at 8-3.

Juryo:
Aonishiki (J11) beat Chiyomaru (J11)
Tochitaikai (J12) beat Onosho (J10)
Kotoeiho (J13) beat Daishoho (J9)
Nabatame (J14) beat Daiamami (J9)
Wakaikari (J13) beat Hakuyozan (J8)
Daiseizan (J12) beat Mitoryu (J8)
Shiden (J6) beat Oshoumi (J14) by default/withdrawal
Fujiseiun (J10) beat Tamashoho (J4)
Kayo (J3) beat Shimazuumi (J5)
Shirouma (J3) beat Shimanoumi (J4)
Hakuoho (J2) beat Hidehoumi (J7)
Kagayaki (J2) beat Tomokaze (J5)
Tsurugisho (J7) beat Kinbozan (J1)
Kitanowaka (J1) beat Tohakuryu (J9) by disqualification/judges reversal…HANSOKU! Tohakuryu won iniitially but it was ruled he grabbed Kitanowaka’s eyelashes and thus he was DQ’d. Usually DQ’s happen for grabbing hair/topknots but any type of hair grabbing is illegal.
Leader: Tsurugisho (10-1)
WITHDRAWAL: Oshoumi. Left shoulder (labrum). Out 1 week. Sadly, tournament likely over, which is beyond horrible timing as he took his first loss yesterday and was still co-leader coming in to today, but his title hopes have been dashed and if he can’t return he will finish the equivalent of 9-6. But he did manage enough wins to secure promotion beforehand. Shiden got the fusen as a result.
Of note: While the Oshoumi injury takes him out of it and has all but handed the championship to Tsurugisho, it’s not over yet despite the 2 win margin he now has after beating Kinbozan. Tsurugisho has now won 7 straight since his only loss and, if he holds on, would win his 3rd Juryo championship and will have a chance at promotion back to the top tier. He has Kayo tomorrow while Kinbozan faces Mitoryu in a must-win.

Lower tier notes:
The Makushita Championship is set for Friday, it will be Hokutomaru vs. Osanai. The Sandanme Championship is also set and Enho will go for 7-0 and almost certain promotion to Makushita against Fujitoshi. The Jonidan may need a playoff to settle things as 3 go into the final days at 6-0 while in the Jonokuchi Gonoumi only needs to win his last match to finish 7-0 and clinch the championship after winning his match today, which was in the Jonidan. If he loses his last match, a playoff could happen.

Obituary: Kasuaki Takizawa, a sumo commentator for NHK who was the 52nd Yokozuna Kitanofuji, has died. He was 82. The cause of death appears to be an unspecified illness for which he was hospitalized after the September tournament according to Nikkan Sports. He was promoted to Grand Champion in the 1970s and won 10 Emperor’s Cups, was director of the referees association for 8 years and also trained wrestlers for several years including two Yokozuna, one of which is the current Hakkau (Chairman of the Japan Sumo Association). He even was a singer whose debut sold 500,000 copies in Japan. Services are planned for December in Tokyo.