Tag: ozumo

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

Makuuchi (top tier):
Toshinofuji (M16) beat Mitakeumi (J4)
Tokhayate (M15) beat Tobizaru (M14)
Asakoryu (M13) beat Chiyoshoma (M14)
Shonannoumi (M17) beat Asahakuryu (M12)
Abi (M13) beat Wakamotoharu (M11)
Shodai (M11) beat Asasuiryu (M15)
Kinbozan (M10) beat Fujiseiun (M7)
Oho (M10) beat NIshikifuji (M7)
Asanoyama (M6) beat Shishi (M9)
Ura (M9) beat Ichiyamamoto (M6)
Hiradoumi (M8) beat Roga (M5)
Takerufuji (M8) beat Oshoma (M5)
Fujiryoga (M4) beat Gonoyama (M3)
Yoshinofuji (M1) beat Kotoshoho (M1)
Atamifuji (S) beat Kotoeiho (M1)
Fujinokawa (S) beat Takayasu (M2)
Churanoumi (M3) beat Kirishima (O)
Aonishiki (O) beat Daieisho (K)
Hakunofuji (K) beat Kotozakura (O)
Onosato (Y) beat Takanosho (M4)
Leader: Onosato (7-1)
Of note: Ura definitely put on the match of the day as he worked his acrobatic magic once again, seemingly about to be pushed out by Ichiyamamoto but somehow staying in and pulling off a slick arm bar throw to pull victory away from defeat. That’s one reason why he’s such a fan favorite win or lose. At the top, it may be all but over now. Yes there are still 7 days left but Onosato is being the old Onosato so far and is now the sole leader after Kotozakura lost to Hakunofuji. The Yokozuna is now halfway to a potential 6th Emperor’s Cup. Elsewhere, Kirishima’s latest Yokozuna bid may have suffered a fatal blow today as 5-3 now means his only real hope is probably to win out AND the championship. Yoshinofuji seems to have shaken off his 0-5 start as he now has 3 straight wins, and those who were potentially in danger of demotion won again except for Ichiyamamoto, who is the only one at risk tomorrow. Tomorrow Onosato faces Fujiryoga for the first time while the massive 6-2 pack will thin out in part because of Fujinokawa-Kotozakura. Sadanoumi will be the Juryo man up tomorrow, and this is the closest he’s going to get to a return for now because he is 2-6 at J5.

Juryo:
Nishikigi (J14) beat Fujisodai (Ms5)
Tamashoho (J12) beat Meisei (J13)
Kagayaki (J11) beat Tokifudo (J13)
Enho (J9) beat Tanji (J10)
Tohakuryu (J9) beat Tochitaikai (J13)
Ryuden (J8) beat Kayo (J12)
Hitoshi (J11) beat Hatsuyama (J8)
Nabatame (J10) beat Midorifuji (J7)
Tomokaze (J7) beat Kitanowaka (J6)
Onokatsu (J3) beat Shirokuma (J6)
Tamawwashi (J3) beat Daiseizan (J2)
Kazuma (J2) beat Sadanoumi (J5)
Arashifuji (J5) beat Dewanoryu (J1)
Kazekeno (J4) beat Kyokukaiyu (J1)
Leader: Kagayaki (8-0)
Of note: The first promotion of the top 2 tiers goes to the only 8-0 left, following Ryuden Kayo’ing one perfect start and Kitanowaka getting tripped up by Tomokaze, leaving just Kagayaki at the top for now. But he has to avoid being Kayo’d tomorrow. He’s snapped a streak of 4 straight demotions and, if he were to win out, can get back to having a winning record for his career. And while he has a long way to go to catch Tamawashi, Kagayaki does have an impressive Iron Man streak going which is now at 1240 matches without ever missing a day. As for Tamawashi, the lead Iron Man got another win today to improve to 4-4, now with 3 straight wins and still a chance at a top tier return in November. It gets much tougher tomorrow with Kitanowaka. Enho also got to 4-4 with a win today, meaning he is all but safe in Juryo again even if demoted. Nobody can be demoted tomorrow as those at the bottom are 2-6, but it means Kyokukaiyu is all but going to miss out on top tier promotion again Okaryu is the Makushita man up tomorrow, trying to get back up to Juryo from Ms5 but it’s now a longshot as he is 2-2.

Lower tier notes: With Promotion Day now in the books, the Makushita has 6 left at 4-0, a small enough number to still give Asahifuji a championship chance at 6-1 as those 6 will get narrowed down to 3 tomorrow. He can clinch promotion to Juryo tomorrow by beating Ikarigata, also 3-1. In the Sandanme, 10 have clinched promotions and are atop the leaderboard at 4-0. The Jonidan currently has 12 at 4-0 while the Jonokuchi is down to 2 at 4-0, with Eisei looking for promotion tomorrow at 3-1 while a loss today leaves Moriurara at 1-3, seemingly destined to extend The Streak to 43.

UPDATE: The Shindeshi/new debutant ceremony was also held today on its traditional day. 4 new wrestlers will officially debut in November including top Musashigawa prospect Sunada, a Japanese-American from Hawaii, who it appears will have the shikona (ring name) Sunamusashi.

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

Makuuchi (top tier):
Shonannoumi (M17) beat Kazekeno (J4)
Asasuiryu (M15) beat Tokihayate (M15)
Chiyoshoma (M14) beat Tobizaru (M14)
Asakoryu (M13) beat Wakamotoharu (M11)
Kinbozan (M10) beat Abi (M13)
Oho (M10) beat Toshinofuji (M16)
Asahakuryu (M12) beat Shishi (M9)
Shodai (M11) beat Ura (M9)
Ichiyamamoto (M5) beat Nishikifuji (M7)
Fujiseiun (M7) beat Asanoyama (M6)
Oshoma (M5) beat Hiradoumi (M8)
Roga (M5) beat Takerufuji (M6)
Takayasu (M2) beat Takanosho (M4)
Yoshinofuji (M2) beat Kotoeiho (M1)
Kotoshoho (M1) beat Hakunofuji (K)
Fujinokawa (S) beat Daieisho (K)
Aonishiki (O) beat Atamifuji (S)
Kotozakura (O) beat Fujiryoga (M4)
Kirishima (O) beat Gonoyama (M3)
Onosato (Y) beat Churanoumi (M3)
Leader: Onosato, Kotozakura (6-1)
Of note: Did my pointing it out make a difference? Yesterday I noted the 3 who were 0-6 and a couple potentially in danger of demotion to Juryo. Today they all got their first win. At the top, the leaderboard briefly thinned out considerably as the 7-way tie for the lead is now just Onosato & Kotozakura. Aonishiki bounced back with a big win against Atamifuji, which hurts the Sekiwake’s Ozeki promotion hopes but he’s still alive, however he probably now needs to go 7-1 or 8-0 or win the championship. Kirishima is still in Yokozuna contention at 5-2 but probably needs to win out, and keep in mind the elders are pretty adamant about him needing another championship to be considered for promotion. Tomorrow will see Mitakeumi return as the Juryo man for the day, he is currently 3-4 at J4.

Juryo:
Meisei (J13) beat Tokifudo (J13)
Kayo (J12) beat NIshikigi (J14)
Hitoshi (J11) beat Ikarigata (Ms4)
Kagayaki (J11) beat Tochitaikai (J14)
Tamashoho (J12) beat Enho (J9)
Ryuden (J8) beat Tanji (J10)
Tomokaze (J7) beat Nabatame (J10)
Tohakuryu (J9) beat Midorifuji (J7)
Hatsuyama (J8) beat Shirokuma (J6)
Kitanowaka (J6) beat ONokatsu (J3)
Tamawashi (J3) beat Arashifuji (J5)
Daiseizan (J2) beat Kazuma (J2)
Mitakeumi (J4) beat Kyokukaiyu (J1)
Dewanoryu (J1) beat Sadanoumi (J5)
Leader: Kayo, Kagayaki, Kitanowaka (7-0)
Of note: No changes at the top as opponents keep getting Kayo’d, Kagayaki is somehow turning back time and Kitanowaka is keeping potential top tier return hopes alive. Daiseizan is keeping pace at 6-1 and is on track for a potential top tier return in November with 2 (ideally at least 3) more wins, while it looks like Kazuma won’t be back as he is now 1-6. Tamawashi added another win today after moving into 8th all-time yesterday, moving the Iron Man to 3-4. Fujisodai is the Makushita man up tomorrow, he is 1-3 at Ms4 so he needs a win to avoid demotion. Ikarigata missed out on promotion today but at 3-1 his Juryo hopes are still alive.

Lower tier notes: Today is the first half of what I call Promotion Day in the lower tiers, where the leaders will be 4-0 and clinch promotions for next time. In the Makushita, just 2 are 4-0 so far with 8 more up tomorrow, while Asahifuji is 3-1 and technically not out of championship contention. He’ll sit out tomorrow and be back on Day 9 or 10. In the Sandanme, 5 clinched promotions today at 4-0 with 10 more up tomorrow. In the Jonidan, 4 are at 4-0 with 16 more to try tomorrow, while in the Jonokuchi there is one at 4-0 with 2 more to try tomorrow. Also in Jonokuchi, Eisei picked up his 3rd win today to improve to 3-1 by beating Fukufukumaru while Moriurara tries for his 2nd win tomorrow.

Reminder: NHK World Japan will have 50 minutes of LIVE top tier coverage FOR FREE tomorrow beginning at 1:10 AM PT/4:10 AM ET. It will also be available on demand for a limited time on the network’s English-language website and also may be available on YouTube for a limited time as well.

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

Makuuchi (top tier):
Tokihayate (J15) beat Shonannoumi (M17)
Tobizaru (M14) beat Onokatsu (J3)
Toshinofuji (M16) beat Chiyoshoma (M14)
Abi (M13) beat Asasuiryu (M15)
Wakamotoharu (M11) beat Oho (M10)
Kinbozan (M10) beat Asakoryu (M13)
Ura (M9) beat Asahakuryu (M12)
Shishi (M9) beat Shodai (M11)
Asanoyama (M6) beat Hiradoumi (M8)
Takerufuji (M6) beat Ichiyamamoto (M6)
Nishikifuji (M7) beat Roga (M5)
Fujiseiun (M7) beat Oshoma (M5)
Churanoumi (M3) beat Fujiryoga (M4)
Kotoeiho (M1) beat Takayasu (M2)
Daieisho (K) beat Hakunofuji (K)
Atamifuji (S) beat Kotoshoho (M1)
Kotozakura (O) beat Takanosho (M4)
Yoshinofuji (M2) beat Kirishima (O)
Fujinokawa (S) beat Aonishiki (O)
Onosato (Y) beat Gonoyama (M3)
Leader: 7 at 5-1
Of note: The leaderboard notably includes only one Ozeki now-Kotozakura is keeping pace at 5-1 but Kirishima was upset by Yoshinofuji, who got his first win today, and Aonishiki has fallen to 3-3, admittedly he may not be 100% still but after a good start this is a little concerning. Onosato also remains in the lead pack at 5-1, a good sign for the beleagured Yokozuna, while many fans are surely happy to see Ura in contention again. Atamifuji is now almost halfway to potential Ozeki promotion in the 5-1 group. At the bottom, it looks like Shonannoumi’s top tier return will be brief as he is now 0-6 and it’s time to wonder if Shodai is headed for the same fate as he is also 0-6.
Onosato faces Churanoumi tomorrow, who is also 5-1, Kotozakura has Fujiryoga, Atamifuji gets Aonishiki with the rest of the co-leaders farther down. Kazekeno will be the Juryo man up tomorrow, he is currently 4-2 at J4.

Juryo:
Tamashoho (J12) beat Ryuho (Ms4)
Kagayaki (J11) beat Nishikigi (J14)
Hitoshi (J11) beat Tochitaikai (J14)
Nabatame (J10) beat Tokifudo (J13)
Tanji (J10) beat Meisei (J13)
Kayo (J12) beat Tohakuryu (J9)
Midorifuji (J7) beat Hatsuyama (J8)
Enho (J9) beat Tomokaze (J7)
Kitanowaka ((J6) beat Shirokuma (J6)
Arashifuji (J5) beat Ryuden (J8)
Mitakeumi (J4) beat Kazekeno (J4)
Sadanoumi (J5) beat Daiseizan (J2)
Tamawashi (J3) beat Dewanoryu (J1)
Kyokukaiyu (J1) beat Kazuma (J2)
Leader: Kitanowaka, Kagayaki, Kayo (6-0)
Of note: As expected, Nabatame returned today after being out yesterday due to mumps (or, more technically, an inner ear issue) and won to even his record at 3-3. His stablemaster Futagoyama indicated this was only a one-day thing so Nabatame should be fine going forward. Enho also won today to stop his losing streak and get back to even at 3-3. And that’s finally #908 for Tamawashi today, moving the Iron Man into #8 on the all-time career wins list. It’s a Special K leaderboard now with Kitanowaka, Kagayaki and Kayo all 6-0, at J6 Kitanowaka could have a chance at a top tier return if he wins the championship. That would be nice for Hakkaku as the Chairman hasn’t had a top tier wrestler since Hokutofuji retired (he’s now Oyama oyakata). Ikarigata is the Makushita man up tomorrow. He is at Ms4 and 3-0 so a win would mean promotion and a chance to reach Juryo in November if he can get a couple more wins. He will face Hitosbi.

Lower tier notes: Asahifuji returned to Makushita today and won to improve to 2-1, but with 13 in Makushita left at 3-0 it’s now very unlikely he extends his career-opening championship streak to 5, but not impossible. The Sandanme has 20 at 3-0 including Kiryuko, who saw his recent comeback halted last time by demotion due to an injury withdrawal. The Jonidan has 24 at 3-0 while the Jonokuchi has 4 at 3-0. Tomorrow is the first half of what I call Promotion Day, when the leaders will improve to 4-0 and clinch winning records and thus promotions for the next tournament.

Also, if they are not already available, advance tickets (or what’s left of them) for the November Tournament at Fukuoka International Center in Fukuoka go on sale today.

UPDATE: Major news from Nikkan Sports after today’s matches-Nishikifuji will have heart surgery after the tournament. He is currently being treated for atrial fibrillation (Afib) and is expected to be hospitalized for 4 days. He stated it started earlier this year around the time stablemate Midorifuji was diagnosed with heart failure. Nishikifuji also revealed he has chronic neck disease too, but since he is not single he intends to continue his career. Had he been single he would have retired already. When/if that day does come, he does qualify for elder stock so he may be able to stay on as a coach.

UPDATE 2: Took less than 3 hours and all remaining November tickets are now already sold out.

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

Makuuchi (top tier):
Toshinofuji (M16) beat Shonannoumi (M17)
Chiyoshoma (M14) beat Tamawashi (J3)
Tobizaru (M14) beat Asasuiryu (M15)
Tokihayate (M15) beat Asakoryu (M13)
Abi (M13) beat Shodai (M11)
Asahakuryu (M12) beat Kinbozan (M10)
Shishi (M9) beat Oho (M10)
Ura (M9) beat Wakamotoharu (M11)
Hiradoumi (M8) beat Ichiyamamoto (M6)
Asanoyama (M6) beat Takerufuji (M8)
Oshoma (M5) beat Nishikifuji (M7)
Roga (M5) beat Fujiseiun (M7)
Fujiryoga (M4) beat Kotoeiho (M1)
Kotoshoho (M1) beat Takayasu (M2)
Fujinokawa (S) beat Hakunofuji (K)
Atamifuji (S) beat Daieisho (K)
Kirishima (O) beat Takanosho (M4)
Gonoyama (M3) beat Aonishiki (O)
Churanoumi (M3) beat Kotozakura (O)
Onosato (Y) beat Yoshinofuji (M2)
Leader: 9 at 4-1
Of note: Not the top tier return the Iron Man hoped for as Tamawashi was beaten by Chiyoshoma, keeping him one win from moving into sole possession of 8th on the all-time wins list and dropping him to 1-4. Elsewhere, it was finally O Yes for Onosato as he managed to beat Yoshinofuji for the first time and, with Kotozakura losing (and thus no 15-0 champion), join a 9-way tie at 4-1 for the lead. Aonishiki now has a rare losing streak and is 3-2 but not time to panic yet. Onokatsu will be the Juryo man up tomorrow as he looks to return to the top tier in November and is currently 3-2.

Juryo:
Nishikigi (J14) beat Tochitaikai (J14)
Kayo (J12) beat Tochikodai (Ms3)
Tokifudo (J13) beat Tamashoho (J12)
Kagayaki (J11) beat Meisei (J13)
Tanji (J10) beat Nabatame (J10) by default/withdrawal
Hitoshi (J11) beat Tohakuryu (J9)
Ryuden (J8) beat Enho (J9)
Hatsuyama (J8) beat Tokihayate (J7)
Kitanowaka (J6) beat Midorifuji (J7)
Shirokuma (J6) beat Arashifuji (J5)
Kazekeno (J4) beat Sadanoumi (J5)
Daiseizan (J2) beat Mitakeumi (J4)
Onokatsu (J3) beat Kyokukaiyu (J1)
Dewanoryu (J1) beat Kazuma (J2)
Leader: 4 at 5-0
WITHDRAWAL: Nabatame (J10). Mumps. Will return tomorrow. Nothing to worry about. He will be 2-3 with today’s absence. Tanji got the fusen as a result.
Of note: If Nishikigi gets spared demotion for a 4th straight time after this tournament if he finishes 7-8 or 6-9, today may be why. Same for a Tochitaikai demotion, but that’s all 10 days out. Enho took another loss today to fall to 2-3 while among the co-leaders is Daiseizan, not past halfway to a potential top tier return, and a surprise start by Kagayaki who is also 5-0. Ryuho will be the Makushita man up tomorrow, he is currently 2-1 at Ms4.

Lower tier notes: Asahifuji came back from only his second career loss and a 2-day break today with a win to improve to 2-1, leaving him 2 wins from promotion in Makushita. His next match should come on Day 7 or 8. Currently there are 5 at 3-0. Down in the Jonokuchi, Eisei picked up his second career win at the expense of Moriurara, now 1-2 and halfway to a 43rd straight demotion/losing record.

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

Makuuchi (top tier):
Asasuiryu (M15) beat Kazuma (J2)
Tobizaru (M14) beat Shonannoumi (M17)
Toshinofuji (M16) beat Asakoryu (M13)
Abi (M13) beat Tokihayate (M15)
Chiyoshoma (M14) beat Asahakuryu (M12)
Kikbozan (M10) beat Shodai (M12)
Wakamotoharu (M11) beat Shishi (M9)
Takerufuji (M8) beat Oho (M10)
Hiradoumi (M8) beat Fujiseiun (M7)
Ura (M9) beat Nishikifuji (M7)
Roga (M5) beat Ichiyamamoto (M6)
Asanoyama (M6) beat Oshoma (M5)
Churanoumi (M3) beat Takanosho (M4)
Daieisho (K) beat Yoshinofuji (M2)
Atamifuji (S) beat Fujiryoga (M4)
Kotoshoho (M1) beat Fujinokawa (S)
Hakunofuji (K) beat Aonishiki (O)
Kotozakura (O) beat Gonoyama (M3)
Kirishima (O) beat Kotoeiho (M1)
Takayasu (M2) beat Onosato (Y). KINBOSHI!!! The 7th career Gold Star Victory for Takayasu!
Leader: Kotozakura (4-0)
Of note: Since his promotion to Ozeki, Day 4 has been the Oh No for Onosato. His Day 4 record in that time? 2-9. That dates back to November 2024. And 0 for 2026 although he did miss one tournament. Yes it’s a kinboshi given up, yes Hakkaku will be en fuego, but no don’t panic yet as he’s still 3-1. Everyone else is too except Kotozakura, now the only unbeaten left. And reports of Atamifuji being hurt may have been greatly exaggerated as he came back today and won. Aonishiki took his first loss as Hakunofuji got his first Sanyaku victory while Kirishima bounced back from his first loss as both Ozeki are in the large 3-1 group with Atamifuji, who now needa at least 9 more wins for a chance at Ozeki promotion. Tomorrow could bring more trouble for Onosato in the form of Yoshinofuji, who is 0-4 so far but 4-0 this past year against the Yokozuna (one win was a fusen though).

Juryo:
Meisei (J13) beat Daikisho (Ms2)
Tokifudo (J14) beat Nishikigi (J14)
Kayo (J12) beat Tochitaikai (J14)
Tamashoho (J12) beat Nabatame (J10)
Hitoshi (J11) beat Enho (J9)
Tanji (J10) beat Tohakuryu (J9)
Kagayaki (J11) beat Hatsuyama (J8)
Kitanowaka (J6) beat Ryuden (J8)
Midorifuji (J7) beat Sadanoumi (J5)
Tomokaze (J7) beat Arashifuji (J5)
Mitakeumi (J4) beat Shirokuma (J6)
Daiseizan (J2) beat Kazekeno (J4)
Dewanoryu (J1) beat Onokatsu (J3)
Tamawashi (J3) beat Kyokukaiyu (J1)
Leader: 4 at 4-0
Of note: Tamawashi finally got in the win column today after starting 0-3, still with plenty of time to rack up wins and have a chance at a top tier return, and Mitakeumi also got his first win so one more should at least be enough to keep him in Juryo in a worst-case scenario. Enho lost and is alternating wins & losses at 2-2. Tochikodai will be the Makushita man up tomorrow, he is 0-2 at Ms3.

Lower tier notes: No match today for Asahifuji as expected since he already has 2 matches. He’ll be back tomorrow. In the Jonokuchi, Eisei picked up his first career win today to improve to 1-1 ahead of a fun on paper match tomorrow against Moriurara while the pre-sumo matches for debuting newcomers (they don’t count towards records or rankings win or lose although it counts as a tournament participated in) saw an impressive debut for Sunada, a highly-regarded Musashigawa Beya prospect from Hawaii (he actually is Japanese-American) who has both pro football and amateur wrestling experience. This makes it likely he will debut in Jonokuchi in November, less than 6 months after coming to Japan.

UPDATE: Nabatame has WITHDRAWN from Juryo ahead of Day 5. More to come per Nikkan Sports.

UPDATE 2: More on Nabatame-mumps (ear infection). Expected to be out only one day and return on Day 6. Tanji will get the fusen tomorrow as a result.

Here are the quick results from today’s Day 3 of the September 2026 Grand Sumo Tournament in Tokyo:
Key: M-Maegashira, K-Komusubi, S-Sekiwake, O-Ozeki, Y-Yokozuna, J-Juryo, Ms-Makushita

Makuuchi (top tier):
Daiseizan (J2) beat Tokihayate (M16)
Toshinofuji (M16) beat Asasuiryu (M15)
Chiyoshoma (M14) beat Shonannoumi (M17)
Abi (M13) beat Tobizaru (M14)
Asakoryu (M13) beat Shodai (M11)
Wakamotoharu (M12) beat Asahakuryu (M11)
Shishi (M9) beat Kinbozan (M10)
Ura (M9) beat Oho (M10)
Nishikifuji (M7) beat Hiradoumi (M8)
Fujiseiun (M7) beat Takerufuji (M6)
Oshoma (M5) beat Ichiyamamoto (M6)
Roga (M5) beat Asanoyama (M6)
Churanoumi (M2) beat Yoshinofuji (M3)
Fujiryoga (M4) beat Hakunofuji (K)
Fujinokawa (S) beat Gonoyama (M3)
Takanosho (M4) beat Atamifuji (S)
Kotozakura (O) beat Daieisho (K)
Takayasu (M2) beat Kirishima (O)
Aonishiki (O) beat Kotoshoho (M1)
Onosato (Y) beat Kotoeiho (M1)
Of note: There may be injury concerns for Atamifuji now. Nikkan Sports hinted at a potential shoulder or collarbone injury based on comments after his loss, in which he fell out of the dobyo and landed on chief judge Kokonoe at ringside. I watched the match and Atamifuji looked okay afterwards though. Potential over-exaggeration but we’ll see. That’s Atamifuji’s first loss in his first Ozeki bid but he now has lost 3 straight to Takanosho. Elsewhere, Takayasu handed Kirishima a shrprise early loss while both other Ozeki and Onosato are off to 3-0 starts, along with 3 others. As the Juryo Man today Daiseizan got a win to improve to 3-0, nearly halfway back to a potential top tier return. Kazuma, who like Daiseizan was demoted after his top tier debut in July, will be up tomorrow, he is currently 1-2.

Juryo:
Tokifudo (J13) beat Himukamaru (Ms2)
Tochitaikai (J14) beat Meisei (J13)
Nishikigi (J14) beat Tamashoho (J12)
Kayo (J12) beat Hitoshi (J11)
Kagayaki (J11) beat Tohakuryu (J9)
Enho (J9) beat Nabatame (J10)
Tanji (J10) beat Hatsuyama (J8)
Midorifuji (J7( beat Tomokaze (J7)
Ryuden (J8) beat Shirokuma (J6)
Arashifuji (J5) beat Sadanoumi (J5)
Kitanowaka (J6) beat Mitakeumi (J4)
Onokatsu (J3) beat Tamawashi (J3)
Kazekeno (J4) beat Kazuma (J2)
Kyokukaiyu (J1) beat Dewanoryu (J1)
Of note: This is the third 0-3 or worse start in the last 4 for Tamawashi so I can’t help but worry a little. He went 2-13 & 5-10 the last 2 times, that more recent one fighting injured. May be just performance and luck but still. Enho bounced back from his first loss with a second win today to go to 2-1 ahead of facing Hitoshi tomorrow. Himukamaru was the Makushita Man back up today and fell to 0-2 with his loss, still a chance at re-promotion but not a good start. Tomorrow will see Daikisho come up, he is 2-0 at a career-high Ms3 rank and a win over Meisei would give him a great shot at a Juryo debut in November with just one more win needed for promotion.

Lower tier notes: As expected, no match for Asahifuji today and it looks like no match tomorrow. Down in the Jonokuchi, Moriurara had his first real match after getting a free win on Day 1, and was slapped down by one of the better named wrestlers in the lower tiers, Fukufukumaru (say that 5 times fast!). England’s Eisei will have his second match tomorrow as he looks for his first win.

Here are the quick results from today’s Day 2 of the September 2026 Grand Sumo Tournament in Tokyo:
Key: M-Maegashira, K-Komusubi, S-Sekiwake, O-Ozeki, Y-Yokozuna, J-Juryo, Ms-Makushita

Makuuchi (top tier):
Toshinofuji (M16) beat Kyokukaiyu (J1)
Asasuiryu (M15) beat Shonannoumi (M17)
Tokihayate (M15) beat Chiyoshoma (M14)
Asakoryu (M13) beat Abi (M13)
Asahakuryu (M12) beat Tobizaru (M14)
Oho (M10) beat Shodai (M12)
Kinbozan (M10) beat Wakamotoharu (M11)
Takerufuji (M8) beat Shishi (M9)
Hiradoumi (M8) beat Ura (M9)
Asanoyama (M6) beat Nishikifuji (M7)
Fujiseiun (M7) beat Ichiyamamoto (M6)
Takanosho (M4) beat Fujiryoga (M5)
Roga (M5) beat Fujiryoga (M4)
Gonoyama (M3) beat Daieisho (K)
Atamifuji (S) beat Churanoumi (M3)
Kotoeiho (M1) beat Fujinokawa (S)
Kirishima (O) beat Hakunofuji (K)
Aonishiki (O) beat Takayasu (M2)
Kotozakura (O) beat Yoshinofuji (M2)
Onosato (Y) beat Kotoshoho (M1)
Of note: It looks like everyone expected to start strong has, with Onosato and all 3 Ozeki quickly 2-0 along with Atamifuji. Not to mention all those Asas as all 4 Takasago men are also 2-0. This is the first time in 3 tournaments Onosato hasn’t stumbled to an 0-2 start as well. That’s a good sign because when he starts 2-0 or better he’s failed to get 10+ wins only once (9-6). And no kinboshi conceded yet but he gets Kotoshoho’s younger half tomorrow (Kotoeiho) while Kotoshoho continues his Ozeki slate against Aonishiki.

Juryo:
Tochitaikai (J14) beat Asahifuji (Ms1)
Meisei (J13) beat Nishikigi (J14)
Kayo (J12) beat Tokifudo (J13)
Kagayaki (J11) beat Tamashoho (J12)
Tanji (J10) beat Hitoshi (J1))
Tohakuryu (J9) beat Enho (J9)
Nabatame (J10) beat Hatsuyama (J8)
Midorifuji (J7) beat Ryuden (J6)
Shirokuma (J6) beat Tomokaze (J7)
Kitanowaka (J6) beat Sadanoumi (J5)
Arashifuji (J5) beat Mitakeumi (J4)
Kazekeno (J4) beat Tamawashi (J3)
Onokatsu (J3) beat Kazuma (J2)
Daiseizan (J2) beat Dewanoryu (J1)
Of note: The big story here was the surprise de facto Juryo debut of Asahifuji as the Makushita man up for the day…and taking only his second career loss. So that means if he wins his 5th championship in 5 tournaments it’ll be the second in a row where it wasn’t 7-0. Newcomer Tanji got his first win today after losing his debut yesterday while Nabatame moves to 2-0 in his return, but Enho took a loss today to fall to 1-1. Another tough start for Tamawashi has the Iron Man 0-2 but not out of it by any means. Himukamaru will be the Makushita man up tomorrow. No match for Asahifuji so he may not compete again until Day 5 or 6.

Here are the quick LIVE results from today’s Day 1-Opening Day-of the September 2026 Grand Sumo Tournament in Tokyo:
Key: M-Maegashira, K-Komusubi, S-Sekiwake, O-Ozeki, Y-Yokozuna, J-Juryo, Ms-Makushita

MIDNIGHT PT UPDATER: Live top tier results updates begin now.

Makuuchi (top tier):
Dewanoryu (J1) beat Shonannoumi (M17)
Tokihayate (M15) beat Toshinofuji (M16)
Asasuiryu (M15) beat Chiyoshoma (M14)
Asakoryu (M13) beat Tobizaru (M14)
Asahakuryu (M12) beat Abi (M13)
Wakamotoharu (M11) beat Shodai (M11)
Kinbozan (M10) beat Oho (M10)
Ura (M9) beat Shodai (M9)
Takerufuji (M8) beat Hiradoumi (M8)
Fujiseiun (M7) beat Nishikifuji (M7)
Asanoyama (M6) beat Ichiyamamoto (M6)
Oshoma (M5) beat Roga (M5)
Takanosho (M4) beat Fujiryoga (M4)
Churanoumi (M3) beat Hakunofuji (K)
Fujinokawa (S) beat Yoshinofuji (M2)
Atamifuji (S) beat Gonoyama (M3)
Aonishiki (O) beat Kotoeiho (M1)
Kotozakura (O) beat Takayasu (M2)
Kirishima (O) beat Kotoshoho (M1)
Onosato (Y) beat Daieisho (K)
WITHDRAWALS (Pre-Tournament): Hoshoryu (Y), Wakatakakage (M12), Wakanosho (M16). Hoshoryu-knee (ACL). Will not compete this tournament after being considered a game-time decision. Wakatakakage-left thigh. Will not compete this tournament, as expected as he is expected out until 2027 while his recovery from thigh compartment syndrome continues. Will be demoted to Juryo in November. Wakanosho-thigh (bone contusion). Status uncertain but out at least the first 2 days. Because he stayed in the top tier the feeling is 0-15 or sitting out would not get him demoted to Makushita.

Juryo:
Nishinoryu (Ms1) beat Nishikigi (J14)
Tokifudo (J13) beat Tochitaikai (J14)
Kayo (J12) beat Meisei (J13)
Hitoshi (J11) beat Tamashoho (J12)
Kagayaki (J11) beat Tanji (J10)
Nabatame (J10) beat Tohakuryu (J9)
Enho (J9) beat Hatsuyama (J8)
Ryuden (J8) beat Tomokaze (J7)
Shirokuma (J6) beat Midorifuji (J7)
Kitanowaka (J6) beat Arashifuji (J5)
Sadanoumi (J5) beat Mitakeumi (J4)
Kazekeno (J4) beat Onokatsu (J3)
Kazuma (J2) beat Tamawashi (J3)
Daiseizan (J2) beat Kyokukaiyu (J1)

Lower tier notes: There have been some notable Makushita withdrawals before the tournament, most notably Oshoumi at Ms2 after demotion from the top tier & Juryo. This may not have been unexpected. Asahifuji, looking to reach Juryo after his first career loss in July cost him promotion despite a 4th championship in 4 tournaments, starts that bid today.
Asahifuji won said match above, beating former Juryo man Himukamaru.

In the Jonokuchi, the career of English wrestler Eisei begins with a loss to fellow rookie Joshoyu. And Moriurara begins with a win…but…it was a fusen. Still a win though.

Reminder: NHK World Japan will have 50 minutes of LIVE top tier coverage FOR FREE beginning at 1:10 AM PT/4:10 AM ET and on demand soon after, as well as multiple times daily and on demand via their “Grand Sumo Highlights” program. All matches can be watched live on ABEMA in Japan (or outside Japan if you use a good VPN and can configure it to make your location there). NHK World Premium will have all top tier matches in Japanese & English.

UPDATE: After Day 1 the medical information for the top tier withdrawals was released publicly. Wakanosho will not compete based on that information. Out about 4 more weeks. Hoshoryu is expected out for about 3 more weeks.

Nikkan Sports reports one of the burning injury questions for this weekend’s September Tournament has just been answered…Yokozuna Hoshoryu is now OUT. Knee surgery. Has resumed practice but not enough to compete. Will not participate in the tournament and will try to come back in November.

More as it becomes available.

UPDATE: Other pre-tournament outs are, as expected, Wakatakakage (right thigh, will not compete and is expected out until January) and, not entirely expected, Wakanosho. Right thigh (bone contusion). Status uncertain for the latter but now out at least the first 2 days.

Another even month ends and brings that which we eagerly await-the Japan Sumo Association has announced the updated Banzuke (rankings) for the September 2026 Grand Sumo Tournament. Here are the full rankings for the top 2 tiers and other noteworthy items:

Makuuchi (top tier):
Yokozuna-Onosato, Hoshoryu
Ozeki-Kirishima, Kotozkura, Aonishiki (July Tournament Champion)
Sekiwake-Atamifuji, Fujinokawa
Komusubi-Hakunofuji, Daieisho
Maegashira 1-Kotoshoho, Kotoeiho
Maegashira 2-Takayasu, Yoshinofuji
Maegashira 3-Gonoyama, Churanoumi
Maegashira 4-Takanosho, Fujiryoga
Maegashira 5-Roga, Oshoma
Maegashira 6-Asanoyama, Ichiyamamoto
Maegashira 7-Fujiseiun, Nishikifuji
Maegashira 8-Takerufuji, Hiradoumi
Maegashira 9-Ura, Shishi
Maegashira 10-Oho, Kinbozan
Maegashira 11-Wakamotoharu, Shodai
Maegashira 12-Wakatakakage, Asahakuryu
Maegashira 13-Asakoryu, Abi
Maegashira 14-Tobizaru, Chiyoshoma
Maegashira 15-Asasuiryu, Tokihayate
Maegashira 16-Wakanosho, Toshinofuji
Maegashira 17-Shonannoumi (July Juryo Champion)
Notes: First, at the top…Hoshoryu is considered status uncertain for the tournament due to knee surgery (ACL/MCL) and his stablemaster Tatsunami is already dropping the dreaded “r” word if he can’t return soon and quickly win his first championship as a Yokozuna. IF the tournament began tomorrow I’d say he probably would be out. Onosato is currently considered in for September. Kirishima remains on Yokozuna Watch although it seems the elders want him to win a championship again before being promoted, while Aonishiki resumes his Yokozuna quest having been re-promoted quickly to Ozeki following demotion after May. Kotozakura is back to a full Ozeki after a winning record last time. Atamifuji stays Sekiwake and is on Ozeki Watch for the first time (he would need a championship or at least 12 wins again for promotion consideration) but a mild surprise is seeing Fujinokawa making his debut at the rank. He also becomes the first Sekiwake from Kyoto in, unbelievably, 198 YEARS!?! Hakunofuji will also debut in Sanyaku alongside the returning Daieisho, snapping his year-to-date M4 streak. Kotoshoho’s demotion from Sekiwake only sees him fall to M1 alongside brother Kotoeiho while Takayasu is lower than I thought he would be at M2 alongside fellow demotion Yoshinofuji. Farther down, Wakatakakage took the expected huge fall after missing May due to serious injury (right thigh compartment syndrome), thankfully he is recovering well but he will not compete this time as expected and is doubtful to questionable for November (almost certainly out), so he’ll be demoted to Juryo. January seems more likely for a return. Oho also took a big fall but it was revealed post-tournament he was also injured throughout July, which affected his performance. Asasuiryu will make his top tier debut just below brother Asakoryu and also debuting is Toshinofuji, the last true Hakuho prospect pre-Isegahama takeover, while I’m happy to see Wakanosho hang on to a top tier spot after a brutal injury knocked him out after a fantastic 5-0 start. His status is also uncertain. With one Sanyaku spot left vacant, that also allowed Shonannoumi to sneak back into the top tier after his July Juryo triumph.

Juryo:
Juryo 1-Dewanoryu, Kyokukaiyu
Juryo 2-Daiseizan, Kazuma
Juryo 3-Tamawashi, Onokatsu
Juryo 4-Kazekeno, Mitakeumi
Juryo 5-Sadanoumi, Arashifuji
Juryo 6-Kitanowaka, Shirokuma
Juryo 7-Midorifuji, Tomokaze
Juryo 8-Ryuden, Hatsuyama
Juryo 9-Enho, Tohakuryu
Juryo 10-Nabatame, Tanji
Juryo 11-Kagayaki, Hitoshi
Juryo 12-Tamashoho, Kayo
Juryo 13-Meisei, Tokifudo
Juryo 14-Tochitaikai, Nishikigi
Notes: And the answer to who would be demoted is…neither?!? Despite 7-8 records at J14, Tochitaikai AND Nishikigi were both kept at the rank AGAIN! That’s now 3 straight barely hanging-ons for NIshikigi, who surely has some mystery clout with the elders to do so. It looks like a last-day July loss, or those last 2, cost Dewanoryu a top tier debut as he slots in alongside Kyokukaiyu, who gets another chance at J1 despite a losing record. Daiseizan & Kazuma were demoted from the top tier after tough debuts but at J2 they both can get back quickly. Iron Man Tamawashi moves up to the high end of my predicted range at J3, putting the top tier back within reach if he can get at least 9 wins. A bit of a surprise-or not-is struggling Mitakeumi is back down at J4. Arashifuji moves up big after almost winning the championship in his Juryo debut in July, jumping from J13 up to J5. Enho also moves up a couple more spots to J9, but Tanji at J10 for his debut is a huge surprise given he went 4-3 at Ms1 to get here while fellow debutant Tokifudo is down at J13 with the same. Nabatame returns to Juryo alongside Tanji at J10 following his playoff loss to Asahifuji despite handing the Isegahama super-prospect his first career loss.

Lower tier notes: As expected once we got confirmation he would not be promoted to Juryo despite another championship, Asahifuji is indeed at Makushita 1 alongside Nishinoryu, who was demoted from Juryo. It was basically confirmed that despite beating Nabatame in a playoff to win the championship, Asahifuji losing in regulation to Nabatame for his first career loss was the difference. Oshoumi was demoted after basically going 0-15 due in part to injury and falls to Ms2, I don’t think he’ll be back this time. Notables with promotion chances this time include Himukamaru moving back up to Ms2, Okaryu up a spot to Ms5 and, after just missing out on a Juryo return, Mudoho at Ms6. Mita made another big move up after a second straight 6-1 effort post-injury and moves up to Ms15, giving him an outside chance at a Juryo return in November should he go 7-0 and win the championship. Tochimusashi is perhaps the biggest mover up as his Sandanme playoff loss rocketed him from Sd29 all the way to Ms17. The Sandanme has the now-usual 80 ranks with 160 wrestlers. The Jonidan is at 100 ranks with 200 wrestlers while the Jonokuchi has 22 ranks with 43 wrestlers. There are a couple notable names among new debuts this time, namely Eisei at Jk18. He is, if I remember correctly, only the second-ever rikishi from England/UK to compete in Japanese pro sumo. He just turned 17 in June and will be one to watch from Minato Beya. The internet’s favorite lovable loser, Moriurara, is at Jk14 looking to avoid stretching his record losing tournament streak to 42. If you are able to see the mae-zumo preliminary matches, Musashigawa Beya has an intriguing prospect from the USA (but he is half-Japanese) that could debut this time ahead of a potential November debut. Check him out on the stable’s latest YouTube video.

Also there were 3 kaimei rikishi who all are in Jonidan & Jonokuchi, the only notable one-at least YouTube sumo-watchers like myself is Miyatani from Musashigawa Beya-his new shikona (ring name) will be Bishomaru. But there is one interesting note about the other Jonidan name changer, who went from Minutodake to Banju-he now is only the second Isegahama man besides Enho who, that I know of, is not a Fuji (and Enho won’t be a Fuji at any time). Yet. Banju is among the eldest rikishi at 39 with 24 1/2 years active, a Jonidan mainstay who has a high rank of Sd55. The other name change was for Yamaguchi, a rookie making his official debut this time-since he’s a Kokonoe man he has to get a Chiyo name and will thus be Chiyoshinkai.

The September Tournament is 9/13-9/27 at Ryogoku Kokugikan in Tokyo. All tickets are sold out for all days. You can watch all tournament matches on ABEMA (if you can somehow access it outside Japan, not impossible but it’s tricky) or all top tier matches live on NHK World Premium, taped (same day) online via Jme (new subscribers can get a 5 day free trial) or taped and on demand on NHK World Japan (which is COMPLETELY FREE to access online and on mobile/tablet, no cable/satellite provider or account creation is required). NHK World Japan will also have 50 minutes of LIVE top tier coverage on Days 1, 8 & 14 and 90 minutes on Day 15.

UPDATE: Based on a translation of comments he made to Nikkan Sports, Hoshoryu will be the sumo equivalent of a game-time decision for the tournament. Simply put, last-minute decision for Day 1. Onosato is IN.