Tag: ozumo

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

Makuuchi (top tier):
Fujiryoga (M17) beat Wakanosho (M16)
Oshoumi (M15) beat Ryuden (M16)
Tobizaru (M15) beat Mitakeumi (M14)
Roga (M14) beat Tamawashi (M13)
Kotoeiho (M13) beat Shishi (M12)
Kinbozan (M11) beat Tokihayate (M12)
Hakunofuji (M10) beat Asanoyama (M10)
Nishikifuji (M9) beat Ura (M11)
Asahakuryu (M8) beat Oshoma (M8)
Asakoryu (M7) beat Abi (M9)
Churanoumi (M6) beat Chiyoshoma (M7)
Shodai (M5) beat Fujiseiun (M6)
Daieisho (M4) beat Wakamotoharu (M5)
Oho (M3) beat Gonoyama (M4)
Takayasu (K) beat Ichiyamamoto (M2)
Hiradoumi (M3) beat Atamifuji (S)
Takanosho (M1) beat Kotoshoho (S)
Wakatakakage (K) beat Kotozakura (O)
Kirishima (O) beat Yoshinofuji (M2)
Fujinokawa (M1) beat Hoshoryu (Y) by default/withdrawal
WITHDRAWAL: Hoshoryu (Y). Right thigh/hamstring. Occurred yesterday during loss to Takayasu. Tournament over. Out about 2 weeks. Fujinokawa got the fusen as a result.
Of note: Poor Hakkaku, just can’t catch a break with his Yokozuna. This is also the first time since 2021 that a tournament that began with two Yokozuna will see neither finish. Hoshoryu sounds like a game-time decision for the upcoming France special event in June per stablemaster Tatsunami. There is still a long way to go but the door just got blown wide open for Kirishima in his quest for a second straight title, moreso with Kotozakura and both Sekiwake now 0-2. Should Kirishima triumph again, it has been said that his chances of Yokozuna promotion for July are virtually zero, much like after Aonishiki’s double earlier this year. And Kirishima is also reportedly fighting injured too, but it’s said to be just a mild ear injury only affecting his hearing a little. Starting tomorrow we’ll also have a Juryo man up each day until there is another withdrawal. First up will be just-demoted Onokatsu who is J1.

Juryo:
Tochitaikai (J14) beat Okaryu (J13)
Enho (J14) beat Hakuyozan (J13)
Kazekeno (J11) beat Hitoshi (J12)
Tamashoho (J12) beat Nishikigi (J11)
Nishinoryu (J9) beat Tohakuryu (J10)
Midorifuji (J10) beat Kayo (J9)
Kagayaki (J7) beat Shirokuma (J8)
Toshinofuji (J7) beat Shonannoumi (J8)
Kazuma (J6) beat Tomokaze (J5)
Meisei (J6) beat Kitanowaka (J5)
Kyokukaiyu (J4) beat Dewanoryu (J3)
Hatsuyama (J3) beat Asasuiryu (J4)
Onokatsu (J1) beat Sadanoumi (J2)
Daiseizan (J1) beat Takerufuji (J2)
Of note: The good start for Enho’s Juryo return continues as he is off to a quick 2-0 start, with a Makushita man now coming up daily that means tomorrow he’ll face Takakento, one that Enho edged out for the last Juryo spot this tournament. Takakento is Ms1 this time. As noted above, Onokatsu goes back to the top tier for tomorrow due to the Hoshoryu withdrawal.

UPDATE: Hoshoryu injury update-mils muscle tear in the back of his right thigh. IN for France in June. Per Tatsunami he is also probable for retirement events at the end of the month (one of which is for Oyama fka Hokutofuji).

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

Makuuchi (top tier):
Fujiryoga (M17) beat Ryuden (M16)
Wakanosho (M16) beat Oshoumi (M`15)
Tobizaru (M15) beat Roga (M14)
Mitakeumi (M14) beat Tamawashi (M13)
Kotoeiho (M13) beat Tokihayate (M12)
Kinbozan (M11) beat Shishi (M12)
Ura (M11) beat Hakunofuji (M10)
Asanoyama (M10) beat Nishikifuji (M9)
Abi (M9) beat Asahakuryu (M8)
Asakoryu (M7) beat Oshoma (M8)
Fujiseiun (M6) beat Chiyoshoma (M7)
Churanoumi (M6) beat Shodai (M5)
Gonoyama (M4) beat Wakamotoharu (M5)
Daieisho (M4) beat Oho (M3)
Wakatakakage (K) beat Hiradoumi (M3)
Yoshinofuji (M2) beat Kotoshoho (S)
Ichiyamamoto (M2) beat Atamifuji (S)
Kirishima (O) beat Takanosho (M1)
Fujinokawa (M1) beat Kotozakura (O)
Takayasu (K) beat Hoshoryu (Y)
WITHDRAWALS (Pre-Tournament), Aonishiki (O), Onosato (Y). Aonishiki-left ankle. Status uncertain. Potentially out 3 weeks according to Hochi Sports. But if he can’t return before halfway or get 8+ wins he will be demoted to Sekiwake. Per stablemaster Ajigawa the earliest possible return is Tuesday for Day 3. Onosato-left shoulder. Will not participate this tournament. This would be the first time he misses an entire tournament. Still no surgery per stablemaster Nishonoseki. According to NHK World Japan’s English language highlights program, rotator cuff. Out at least another month.
Of note: Not a good start for Sanyaku except for Kirishima, going for 2 straight championships, and Takayasu. Everyone else lost, notably Hoshoryu to Takayasu. Both new Sekiwake also started with losses too. Only Day 1 but for Hoshoryu, considering no Aonishiki perhaps and no Onosato, panic already. And…oh no, Hoshoryu may be hurt too. Favoring his right leg/thighas he went down awkwardly in the loss. Updates to hopefully follow later today.

Juryo:
Enho (J14) beat Tochitaikai (J14)
Okaryu (J13) beat Hakuyozan (J13)
Tamashoho (J12) beat Hitoshi (J12)
Kazekeno (J11) beat Nishikigi (J11)
Tohakuryu (M10) beat Midorifuji (J10)
Nishinoryu (J9) beat Kayo (J9)
Shirokuma (J8) beat Shonannoumi (J8)
Toshinofuji (J7) beat Kagayaki (J7)
Kazuma (J6) beat Meisei (J6)
Kitanowaka (J5) beat Tomokaze (J5)
Kyokukaiyu (J4) beat Asasuiryu (J4)
Hatsuyama (J3) beat Dewanoryu (J3)
Takerufuji (J2) beat Sadanoumi (J2)
Daiseizan (J1) beat Onokatsu (J1)
Of note: Enho’s return to the top 2 tiers after 3 years was triumphant as he won his return match against fellow Juryo return Tochitaikai. He also set a new record for a former top tier wrestler falling all the way down the rankings then returning to Juryo-the first man to be demoted down to Jonokuchi and make his way back up. For those thinking “What about Terunofuji?”, he fell from Ozeki to Jonidan before climbing back up to Yokozuna but Enho broke his prior record. For those curious or unfamiliar, Enho’s highest career rank is M4 and he has spent 9 tournaments in the top tier. Tomorrow he’ll face Hakuyozan. Newcomer Okaryu was victorious in his Juryo debut today as well. And despite a loss today it’s good to see Midorifuji back in action after sitting out March due to heart failure, his condition reportedly is much better with medications and diet changes (namely not drinking as much).

Lower tier notes: The unbeaten career start for Isegahama super-prospect Asahifuji continues as he won his first Sandanme match, with promotion to Makushita likely if he finishes with a winning record. Also setting a record this tournament was the man he beat for the Jonidan championship in a March playoff-Kiryuko. The former Juryo man, demoted to Jonokuchi after an extended injury absence, made-in terms of total rankings improved-the biggest jump ever up the charts this time as he went from Jonidan 100 (the bottom) to Sandanme 77. His first match this time is tomorrow.

UPDATE: Hoshoryu has WITHDRAWN. Fujinokawa will get the fusen tomorrow as a result.

UPDATE 2: More on Hoshoryu…if I read a Hochi Sports article translation correct, tournament over. Questionable for the Paris, France event in June.

UPDATE 3: New Hoshoryu update via Hochi Sports…right hamstring. Out about 2 weeks.

As is tradition before each Grand Sumo Tournament, a ring-purifying ceremony will be held 24 hours before the matches begin. This is open to the public to attend at the venue (since this is May it will be at Ryogoku Kokugikan in Tokyo) for free but it is also streamed FOR FREE on YouTube. You can watch the livestream below beginning at 6 PM PT/9 PM ET (it typically runs about 25 minutes), replays will also be available a few minutes after it ends:

If the above embedded video does not work, click the link below:

https://www.youtube.com/live/J7hzYNTlmnE?si=07cxq2Y-XrzMHPdG

(Video courtesy of the Japan Sumo Association official YouTube channel)

Not good news ahead of the May Grand Sumo Tournament-Nikkan Sports reports Ozeki Aonishiki, who is in danger of demotion after his first losing tournament following 2 straight championships and being in Yokozuna contention, was injured in practice today (yesterday Japan time). Left ankle. It happened during practice at Arashio Beya in Tokyo, which the Ajigawa Beya-based Aonishiki was visiting, and possibly happened during a practice bout with Wakamotoharu. Stablemaster Ajigawa said he will make a decision on Aonishiki’s tournament participation in the next day or two (the deadline for pre-tournament withdrawals is Friday) but if Aonishiki can’t compete or can’t win at least 8 matches he will be demoted to Sekiwake in July.

More as it becomes available.

UPDATE: Aonishiki is OUT. At least for the first day, maybe two days. But right now it does not look like he will miss the entire tournament, meaning he must return and get 8+ wins to avoid demotion. Also, Yokozuna Onosato is also OUT. Left shoulder. Sounds like he will not compete at all.

The wait was a little longer this time but it’s finally over-the Japan Sumo Association has just announced the updated Banzuke (rankings) for the May 2026 Grand Sumo Tournament in Tokyo. Here are the full rankings for the top 2 tiers and other items of note:

Makuuchi (top tier):
Yokozuna-Hoshoryu, Onosato
Ozeki-Kirishima (March Tournament Champion), Kotozakura, Aonishiki
Sekiwake-Atamisuji, Kotoshoho
Komusubi-Wakatakakage, Takayasu
Maegashira 1-Fujinokawa, Takanosho
Maegashira 2-Yoshinofuji, Ichiyamamoto
Maegashira 3-Hiradoumi, Oho
Maegashira 4-Daieisho, Gonoyama
Maegashira 5-Wakamotoharu, Shodai
Maegashira 6-Churanoumi, Fujiseiun
Maegashira 7-Chiyoshoma, Asakoryu
Maegashira 8-Oshoma, Asahakuryu
Maegashira 9-Abi, Nishikifuji
Maegashira 10-Asanoyama, Hakunofuji
Maegashira 11-Ura, Kinbozan
Maegashira 12-Shishi, Tokihayate
Maegashira 13-Kotoeiho, Tamawashi
Maegashira 14-Mitakeumi, Roga
Maegashira 15-Tobizaru, Oshoumi
Maegashira 16-Wakanosho, Ryuden
Maegashira 17-Fujiryoga
Notes: With his March championship Kirishima was re-promoted to Ozeki making 3 at the second-highest rank for now, but Aonishiki is now in kadoban status after his first career losing record, meaning he must win 8+ matches or he will be demoted to Sekiwake. And it was revealed after the tournament Aonishiki actually was injured in March. Foot/toe. That cost him a chance at a 3rd straight championship and potential promotion to Yokozuna now and he must start over. Onosato is expected back for the tournament after having to withdraw in March for not only his first such absence (not counting the final day of January) but also his first career losing record, and equal to 0-15 at that. Sekiwake…wow. Atamifuji was expected to make his debut at that rank and will but…Kotoshoho?!? Did not see that coming! Takayasu was demoted only to Komusubi while Wakatakakage was promoted back up there to replace brother Wakamotoharu. Fujinokawa is now just short of Sanyaku with Yoshinofuji only going down one spot from March. At the bottom, Ryuden returns from Juryo after another tournament down while Wakanosho makes his top tier debut alongside him with Fujiryoga holding on to his top tier spot for a second chance despite a 7-8 debut. And he’ll also likely have a topknot for the first time too.
Finally, Tamawashi’s Iron Man records will keep going but he’s in the most danger of his top tier appearance streak ending than he has been in some time as he’s fallen to M13. This will be top tier appearance #100.

Juryo:
Juryo 1-Onokatsu, Daiseizan
Juryo 2-Sadanoumi, Takerufuji
Juryo 3-Dewanoryu (March Juryo Champion), Hatsuyama
Juryo 4-Kyokukaiyu, Asasuiryu
Juryo 5-Tomokaze, Kitanowaka
Juryo 6-Kazuma, Meisei
Juryo 7-Kagayaki, Toshinofuji
Juryo 8-Shonannoumi, Shirokuma
Juryo 9-Nishinoryu, Kayo
Juryo 10-Tohakuryu, Midorifuji
Juryo 11-Kazekeno, Nishikigi
Juryo 12-Hitoshi, Tamashoho
Juryo 13-Okaryu, Hakuyozan
Juryo 14-Tochitaikai, Enho
Note: The big stories are at the bottom of the ranks, specifically the return of Enho to Juryo after being demoted all the way down the rankings due to injury. This will mark his 30th career tournament in the top 2 tiers and that means he now will qualify for elder stock upon retirement, which he doesn’t plan on anytime soon. He barely made it at J14 but he made it nonetheless. Midorifuji took a big fall from the top tier after missing March due to heart failure, his status is uncertain but hopefully he will be good to go (the initial report in March was he would be out 1 month for treatment). Kazuma made a big move up in a much better second outing after a shaky debut while Takerufuji moves to the fringe of a top tier return. Sadanoumi’s near-miss dropped him only one spot to J2 so he’ll have another chance to get back along with Onokatsu who is down to J1. Okaryu is the only Shin-Juryo rikishi as the top prospect stablemate of Hoshoryu will make his second tier debut, giving Tatsunami Beya 3 rikishi in the top 2 tiers along with Hoshoryu and Meisei. Hakuyozan & Tochitaikai are the Sai-Juryo rikishi this tournament.

Lower tier notes: In the Makushita, March Champion Wakanofuji moved up to Ms3 for his third tournament so he is in position to get Kasugano Beya back into the top two tiers after missing out for the first time in a long time, while Ms1 will be Juryo demotion Fujitensei and Takakento, who may have missed out on a Juryo return with a final day March loss. Because of the timing of his retirement, Tsurugisho is ranked at Ms11 but obviously will not compete. The Sandanme remains at the “new normal” 80 ranks and 160 total wrestlers. The Jonidan slims down slightly to 102 ranks and 204 wrestlers while the Jonokuchi has 23 ranks & 45 wrestlers, with 18 scheduled debuts including top prospect Fuma Kawazoe, who will debut as his real last name of Kawazoe for Ajigawa Beya.

There are also 2 kaimei rikishi in the Makushita as the former Yoshii & Fukai have new shikona (ring names)-Yoshii is now Tokifudo and Fukai is now Asanoryu (following the general Takasago Beya practice of everyone being an Asa first).

The May Tournament is 5/10-5/24 at Ryogoku Kokugikan in Tokyo. All tickets are already sold out.

UPDATE: Nikkan Sports reports Midorifuji will be IN for the tournament. This comes from the wrestler himself, who added his heart failure was caused by excessive drinking & high blood pressure and is doing well with nedocations and diet. It also has been reported that, if he were forced to retire because of this, he does qualify for elder stock so hopefully a spot would be available for him.

As expected, the Japan Sumo Association handed down punishment to stablemaster Isrgahama fka Terunofuji today and as expected, it wasn’t severe.

The punishment: 2 Rank Elder Stock Demotion to the lowest rank and a 10% pay cut for 3 months. It could have been as bad as kicked out of sumo.

There is some precedent here as a similar incident caused then-stablemaster Nakagawa to lose bis stable 6 years ago, but it seems that since it was essentially just one punch and from a seated position, Isegahama got off easy It also seemed to be seen as corrective action towards Hakunofuji and there seems to be no indications of regular violence in the stable. The stable will also be placed on the equivalent of probation.

As for Hakunofuji, he is given a severe reprimand but no formal disciplinary action.

Both appeared before the Japanese media today and apologized for the incident.

But yeah, sumo again protecting its own elders above all else plus it’s that powerful Isrgahama clout.

An update to the March Grand Sumo Tournament wrap-up from a couple weeks ago: The widely expected happened today as Tsurugisho, who vowed to retire when he was next demoted from Juryo and thus losing his salary, did officially retire. He was at Juryo 12 in March but would be demoted to Makushita due to an 0-15 effort. This cane after he got married in January. Tsurugisho, real name Kentaro Abiko from Oitekaze Beya, finishes with a career record of 485-484-23 (win-loss-absent), 125-153-22 in the top tier, 5 championships (2 Juryo, 1 Makushita, 1 Jonidan, 1 Jonokuchi), 1 Special Prize (Fighting Spirit) and a career high rank of Maegashira 6. He qualifies for elder stock but Nikkan Sports reports he will leave sumo. A retirement presser and event will be held in June.

Now that the March Grand Sumo Tournament is over and most of the post-tournament meetings have been held, here are the final standings for the top 2 tiers and early news updates:

First up, after his 3rd Emperor’s Cup victory it’s now official-Kirishima has been re-promoted to Ozeki. He was last promoted to the rank in July 2023, but went into kadoban status immediately due to missing 3 days with injury and finishing 6-7-2, but protected his rank with a 9-6 second effort then won bis second championship in November 2023 to get into Yokozuna contention. But he then went 11-4 to miss out, then 5-10 and 1-6-8 and was demoted after May 2024. He’ll be back after 2 years and never fell below Maegashira 2.

Next, here is the final Hoshitori (Tournament Records) based on the Banzuke for the top 2 tiers (records are in win-loss-absent format, for ranking purposes absent is treated as a loss):
Makiuchi (top tier):
Yokozuna-Hoshoryu (11-4), Onosato (0-4-11)
Ozeki-Aonishiki (7-8), Kotozakura (10-5)
Sekiwake-Kirishima (12-3, Champion), Takayasu (7-8)
Komusubi-Wakamotoharu (3-12), Atamifuji (9-6)
Maegashira 1-Wakatakakage (8-6-1), Yoshinofuji (7-8)
Maegashira 2-Fujinokawa (8-7), Churanoumi (4-11)
Maegashira 3-Hiradoumi (7-8), Oho (7-8)
Maegashira 4-Daieisho (7-8), Takanosho (9-6)
Maegashira 5-Abi (4-6-5), Kotoshoho (11-4)
Maegashira 6-Ichiyamamoto (9-6), Onokatsu (1-6-8)
Maegashira 7-Oshoma (6-9), Hakunofuji (5-6-4)
Maegashira 8-Ura (5-10), Shodai (8-7)
Maegashira 9-Tokihayate (5-10), Tamawashi (5-10)
Maegashira 10-Gonoyama (10-5), Roga (5-10)
Maegashira 11-Shishi (6-9), Oshoumi (5-10)
Maegashira 12-Asakoryu (9-6), Asanoyama (8-7)
Maegashira 13-Tobizaru (6-9, Fujiseiun (10-5)
Maegashira 14-Chiyoshoma (10-5), Nishikifuji (9-6)
Maegashira 15-Midorifuji (Absent), Mitakeumi (8-7)
Maegashira 16-Asahakuryu (10-5), Kinbozan (9-6)
Maegashira 17-Fujiryoga (7-8), Kotoeiho (9-6)
Notes: The biggest surprise comes at the top when, after 2 straight championships and expectations of being considered as a new Yokozuna mow, Aonishiki instead is in kadoban status after the first losing tournament of bis career. He now must win at least 8 matches in May or he will be demoted to Sekiwake. I think it was equally bad luck and being figured out at last, no injury concerns. This was also the first time Kotozakura reached 10 wins since he won his first championship back in 2024 after going 14-1, although he was his usual streaky self-started 3-0, then fell to 0-3, 4-4 at halfway but then went 6-1 in the second week. Onosato pulled out early due to a shoulder injury also resulting in his perfect career mark of no losing tournaments ending. Hopefully he will be good for May as the initial report was out 3 weeks. With Kirishima promoted and Takayasu likely demoted, Atamifuji should be promoted to Sekiwake for the first time, Wakatakakage had a chance before being injured on Day 13 when he clinched promotion and right now should be both Komusubi and a toss-up for May as his elbow injury reportedly has him out 6 weeks. Takayasu will probably stay Sanyaku while his Final Day win should get Fujinokawa up to M1, another career best. Another championship-contending performance has me thinking Kotoshoho also gets back up to M1 with Ichiyamamoto & Takanosho right behind. The demotions start with Midorifuji, but that’s secondary to his health concerns as he sat out due to heart failure. Treatment was to keep him out a month so let’s hope for the best with him because that’s scary considering he’s only 29. Fujiryoga probably will go down too after a good debut effort but with a chance to quickly return. Onokatsu is a toss-up with two withdrawals due to injuries but I think the one win he got will be enough to save his top tier position.

Juryo:
Juryo 1-Ryuden (9-6), Sadanoumi (7-8)
Juryo 2-Asasuiryu (6-9), Tomokaze (6-9)
Juryo 3-Daiseizan (8-7), Wakanosho (11-4)
Juryo 4-Nishinoryu (6-9), Takerufuji (8-7)
Juryo 5-Kagayaki (7-8), Shirokuma (7-8)
Juryo 6-Hitoshi (5-10), Kayo (7-8)
Juryo 7-Meisei (8-7), Kyokukaiyu (9-6)
Juryo 8-Shonannoumi (8-7), Kitanowaka (9-6)
Juryo 9-Tamashoho (6-9), Hatsuyama (10-5)
Juryo 10-Dewanoryu (11-4, Champion), Tohakuryu (8-7)
Juryo 11-Kazuma (10-5), Toshinofuji (10-5)
Juryo 12-Nishikigi (8-7), Tsurugisho (0-15)
Juryo 13-Shinazuumi (2-9-4), Fujitensei (5-10)
Juryo 14-Kazekeno (9-6), Kotokuzan (4-11)
Notes: Ryuden is headed back up to the top tier again and I expect Wakanosho to join him for his top tier debut in May. Despite a championship 11 wins won’t get Dewanoryu up but he’ll set up for a good chance in May. Kazuma & Toshinofuji should be within reach of the top tier too. Demotions will include Shimazuumi, Fujitensei, Kotokuzan and the likely-retiring Taurugisho, who potentially crashes out of sumo with a disastrous 0-15 finale. Nishikigi saved his spot-and maybe career-with a late winning streak and promotion on the final day.

This will be updated when the Shin-Juryo and Sai-Juryo rikishi are announced.

Also two official retirements: Hidenoumi (Ms3) and Chiyomaru (Sd1) as noted before. Chiyomaru will become Wakaimonogashira and work in a youth/lower tier development role with the Association. Hidenoumi appears to be leaving even though he qualifies for elder stock.

Further updates to come. Pushing this out early due to the confirmation of Kirishima promotion.

UPDATE: The Shin-Juryo & Sai-Juryo rikishi are as follows: As expected, the one Shin-Juryo rikishi is Okaryu, who will make 3 Tatsunami wrestlers in the top 2 tiers when he makes his Juryo debut in May. The Sai-Juryo rikishi this time are Tochitaikai, Hakuyozan and…exhale now…Enho!!! This means that, after potentially falling just one win short of it before he was injured and plunging down the ranks to Jonidan, Enho will now qualify for elder stock when he retires as this will be his 30th tournament in the top 2 tiers. He also reportedly become the first ever former top tier wrestler to be demoted all the way to Jonokuchi then climb back up to Juryo. (Terunofuji was only demoted to Jonidan before his rise to Yokozuna)

Also, the official retirement total is now at 11 per Nikkan Sports.

UPDATE 2: The 11 retirements include pre-tournament retirements of Daishoho & Shiden, the Day 13 retirement of Chiyosakae, Chiyomary & Hidenoumi and now 6 more-one Makushita, one Sandanme, 2 Jonidan and 2 unranked wrestlers. But, at least not yet, no Tsurugisho. Maybe trying to get a couple more months’ pay before he loses it after the next Banzuke announcement in late April.

Also today was a second press conference which was at Tatsunami Beya for the promotion of Okaryu to Juryo for the first time. This was along with one at Otowayama Beya for Kirishima’s re-promotion to Ozeki, the first one since the former Yokozuna Kakuryu opened his stable after Michinoku Beya had to shut down due to nobody able to take over when the last stablemaster had to step down due to turning 65, the mandatory retirement age in sumo. Various Japanese news channels covered the Kirishima one and video can be found FOR FREE on YouTube.

UPDATE 3: Nikkan Sports reports the Isegahama punishment will be decided on and announced on 4/9.

Here are the quick results from today’s Day 15-the Final Day-of the March 2026 Grand Sumo Tournament in Osaka:
Key: M-Maegashira, K-Komusubi, S-Sekiwake, O-Ozeki, Y-Yokozuna, J-Juryo, Ms-Makushita, Sd-Sandanme, Jd-Jonidan, Jk-Jonokuchi

Makuuchi (top tier):
Ohsoumi (M11) beat Tobizaru (M13)
Fujiseiun (M13) beat Shishi (M11)
Kinbozan (M16) bat Roga (M10)
Tamawashi (M9) beat Kotoeiho (M17)
Fujiryoga (M17) beat Tokihayate (M9)
Chiyoshoma 9M14) beat Ura (M8)
Hakunofuji (M7) beat Asahakuryu (M16)
Ichiyamamoto (M6) beat Mitakeumi (M16)
Kotoshoho (M5) beat Asakoryu (M12)
Nishikifuji (M14) beat Abi (M5)
Gonoyama )M10) beat Takanosho (M4)
Shodai (M8) beat Daieisho (M4)
Hiradoumi (M3) beat Churanoumi (M2)
Fujinokawa (M2) beat Oho (M3)
Yoshinofuji (M1) beat Asanoyama (M12)
Oshoma (M7) beat Wakamotoharu (K)
Takayasu (S) beat Atamifuji (K)
Kotozakura (O) beat Kirishima (S)
Hoshoryu (Y) beat Aonishiki (O). Whoa…this was to have been perhaps 3 straight titles and Yokozuna coronation…but it all went wrong and now, Aonishiki kadoban…
CHAMPION: Kirishima (12-3)

Initial thoughts: The Osaka Tournament is called “The Stormy Spring Basho” by many in the Japanese media and it once again lived up to that moniker. Look at the top to start-it seems like Aonishiki finally got figured out. His first career losing record comes at the worst possible time, crushing his Yokozuna hopes after Onosato went out early due to injury and Hoshoryu fell out of contention late, although he finally did beat Aonishiki but no playoff for a 4rd straight time and he keeps trying for his first title as a Grand Champion. Aonishiki must get 8+ wins in May or he will be demoted. Kirishima has a chance for Ozeki re-promotion now but not sure if 12-3 will do it. If not, he will need 10 wins in May. We will probably know either way by Wednesday or Thursday. And no other Ozeki contender because, unfortunately, Takayasu was recent Takayasu. 5-0 start, 6-1 after the first week and finishes 7-8, meaning likely demotion. Atamifuji could be a new Sekiwake in May and with Wakamotoharu being demoted, Wakatakakage could move back up as despite withdrawing yesterday he had clinched promotion from M1. At the bottom, it looks like Fujiryoga may be going down to Juryo but only to J1 while Midorifuji will also be demoted for the first time in 5 years due to missing the tournament (heart failure). That’s probably it as both Hakunofuji & Abi returned to get enough wins to save their spots despite injury concerns, and Abi’s back will probably be okay given how he was able to HENKA!! on Asanoyama yesterday, which was a common theme of the day (the crowd hates them. It’s considered cheap)
But now that it’s all over, the other big story moves to the front again this week-the potential fate of Iesgahama Beya and its stablemaster more specifically. The former Terunofuji stayed away this tournament as he awaits potential discipline for an apparent act of violence against Hakunofuji outside the stable, and the question is whether he gets a slap on the wrist or does karma come for the stable and worst-case happen? That would be he gets kicked out of the Japan Sumo Association, which perhaps would be some vindication for the former Hakuho, who ultimately got pushed out by the old Isegahama (now Miyagino). If worst-case happens, I read in the Japanese media that Tateyama would be most likely to take over as he seems to be the next coach in the succession plan, although there is a chance of it being the former Takarafuji, who is now a coach there too.

During the Champion’s interview it was revealed that Kirishima will be considered for Ozeki re-promotion. Either way we should know by Thursday.

SPECIAL PRIZES:
Outstanding Performance (Sekiwake or lower best record with most wins vs. Yokozuna & Ozeki)-Kirishima
Fighting Spirit (best display of fighting spirit)-Kotoshoho, Fujiseiun (Atamifuji would have gotten this too if he won)
Technique (best display of technique)-Fujinokawa

Juryo:
Tochimaru (Ms6) beat Tsurugisho (J12)
Toshinofuji (J11) beat Kyokukaiyu (J7)
Nishikigi (J12) beat Kayo (J6)
Hitoshi (J6) beat Fujitensei (J13)
Shirokuma (J5) beat Kotokuzan (J14)
Kagayaki (J5) beat Tohakuryu (J10)
Takerufuji (J4) beat Dewanoryu (J10)
Nishinoryu (J4) beat Kazekeno (J14)
Hatsuyama (J6) beat Wakanosho (J3). PLAYOFF!!!
Daiseizan (J3) beat Meisei (J7)
Tamashoho (J9) beat Tomokaze (J2) by DQ/judges’ reversal…HANSOKU!!! Tomokaze pulled the hair/topknot which is illegal
Asasuiryu (J2) beat Kitanowaka (J8)
Sadanoumi (J1) beat Shonannoumi (J8)
Ryuden (J1) beat Kazuma (J11). That means it’s Dewanoryu & Wakanosho in the playoff.
Playoff: Dewanoryu beat Wakanosho. DEWANORYU JURYO YUSHO!!! 1st Juryo championship and 2nd career.
CHAMPION: Dewanoryu (11-4)
Of note: Wakanosho is presumably still headed to the top tier despite just missing a second straight championship but I doubt Dewanoryu is despite the title. 11-4 from J10 won’t be enough plus Ryuden is also going back up or should be so maybe no space. Nishikigi managed to save his spot with promotion today after finishing with 5 straight wins and…I guess we now wait for Tsurugisho to call it a career. He vowed to retire when he was next demoted from Juryo, and he’s crashing out with an 0-15 finale. But he does qualify for elder stock so we’ll see what happens.

Sandanme:
Playoff: Nabatame (Sd3) beat Hogasho (Sd21). NABATAME SANDANME YUSHO!!! First career championship. Will be promoted back to Makushita.

Jonidan:
Playoff: Asahifuji (Jd8) beat Kiryuko (Jd100). ASAHIFUJI JONIDAN YUSHO!!! Second championship and second straight for the new Isegahama super-rookie. Will be promoted to the Sandanme.

Jonokuchi:
Playoff (3-way):
Aron (Jk12) beat Kojikara (Jk12)
Aron beat Shosei (Jk18). ARON JONOKUCHI YUSHO!!! First career championship.

TOURNAMENT CHAMPIONS:
Makuuchi-Kirishima (S). 3rd Emperor’s Cup, 5th career
Juryo-Dewanoryu (J10). 1st Juryo, 2nd career
Makushita-Wakanofuji (Ms28). 1st career
Sandanme-Nabatame (Sd3). 1st career
Jonidan-Asahifuji (Jd8). 1st Jonidan, 2nd career
Jonokuchi-Aron (Jk12). 1st career

As for Enho…we’ll know if he earned Juryo promotion Tuesday or Wednesday after the next rankings meeting is held because they announce Juryo promotions & re-promotions afterwards. It’s a toss-up based on numbers but I lean towards it happening. That means he would become eligible for elder stock after retiring. It looks like 4 could be going up from Makushita and 4 are going fown from Juryo. Worst-case is Wakanofuji steals the spot because of the championship from Ms28, which could happen.

The next tournament is 5/10-5/24 at Ryogoku Kokugikan in Tokyo. Tickets go on sale on 4/4. The Banzuke will be announced on 4/27. Final updates/post-tournament news to come later this week.

UPDATE: Hidenoumi, who was Ms3 and demoted after a 3-4 effort, has RETIRED. More to cone.

UPDATE 2: Chiyomaru, also a former top tier wrestler, has RETIRED.

Chiyomaru was at Sd1 this tournament and would have been promoted back to Makushita in May with a 4-3 record Chiyomaru, real name Kazuki Kinoahita, from Kokonoe Beya, finishes with a career record of 614-631-44 (win-loss-absent), 201-262-2 in the top tier and 1 Juryo Championship. He qualifies for elser stock and Nikkan Sports reports he will remain with the Association in a management role and also working with younger wrestlers in the lower tiers.

Hidenoumi, real name Takuya Iwasaki, from Kise Beya, was 3-4 at Ms3 and would have been demoted. He finishes with a career record of 541-539-22, 70-108-17 in the top tier and 3 championships (1 Juryo, 1 Jonidan, 1 Jonokuchi). He qualifies for elder stock but it’s not known if any is available or what bis future holds.

In other early post-tournament news from Nikkan Sports, it looks like a decision on the potential Isegahama (Terunofuji) punishment will be delayed until April. It sounds like a disposition plan is not expected to be finalized before the next board meeting on Thursday.

Also held were elections to determine the board members for the next 2 years. As expected, Hakkaku was re-elected chairman for what likely will be his final term before he must retire (65 is the mandatory retirement age in sumo), and there will be 13 directors with not all positions filled. They will be Dewanoumi, Fujishima, Onoe, Sadogatake, Takadagawa, Kataonami, Isenoumi, Oitekaze and Asakayama. 3 external directors were appointed-Juichi Yamaguchi, President & CEO of Yomiuri Shimbun Group; Toshio Takano, former Chief Prosecutor, Nagano High Public Prosecutor’s Office; Yoshihiko Shimizu, former Director of the Japan Broadcasting Corporation, which is better known to most of us as NHK.

UPDATE 3: YouTube reliable source Chris Sumo reports Kirishima will be re-promoted to Ozeki on Wednesday.

Here are the quick results from today’s Day 14-the penultimate day-of the March 2026 Grand Sumo Tournament in Osaka:
Key: M-Maegashira, K-Komusubi, S-Sekiwake, O-Ozeki, Y-Yokozuna, J-Juryo, Ms-Makushita

Makuuchi (top tier):
Asakoryu (M12) beat Kinbozan (M16)
Kotoeiho (M17) beat Shishi (M11)
Ohsoumi (M11) beat Daiseizan (J3)
Asahakuryu (M16) beat Gonoyama (M10)
Roga (M10) beat Fuyjiryoga (M17)
Chiyoshoma (M14) beat Tokihayate (M10)
Tobiuzaru (M13) beat Tamawashi (M9)
Mitakeumi (M15) beat Ura (M8)
Nishikifuji (M14) beat Shodai (M8)
Oshoma (M7) beat Fujiseiun (M13)
Abi (M5) beat Asanoyama (M12)
Fujinokawa (M2) beat Hiradoumi (M3)
Hakunofuji (M7) beat Churanoumi (M2)
Daieisho (M4) beat Wakatakakage (M1) by default/withdrawal
Oho (M3) beat Yoshinofuji (M1)
Wakamotoharu (K) beat Takanosho (M4)
Atamifuji (KJ beat Kotoshoho (M5)
Ichiyamamoto (M6) beat Takayasu (S)
Aonishiki (O) beat Kirishima (S)
Kotozakura (O) beat Hoshoryu (Y). KIRISHIMA YUSHO!!! The 3rd career Emperor’s Cup for Kirishima!
CHAMPION: Kirishima (12-2)
WITHDRAWAL: Wakatakakage (M1). Right elbow. Out 6 weeks. It happened during his win yesterday which clinched promotion as he did get to 8 wins. Hopefully he will be ready for May but that could be cutting it close. Daieisho got the fusen as a result.
Of note: It’s all over. Not how Kirishima wanted to win it I’m sure but Hoshoryu’s loss sealed the deal. Now the question is will this earn Kirishima promotion back to Ozeki? If not, the magic number in May will be 9 or 10 wins.

Juryo:
Fujitensei (J13) beat Hidenoumi (Ms3)
Nishikigi (J12) beat Enho (Ms4(
Meisei (J7) beat Tohakuryu (J10)
Kazekeno (J14) beat Hitoshi (J6)
Hatsuyama (J9) beat Kayo (J6)
Kagayaki (J5) beat Kotokuzan (J14)
Shirokuma (J5) beat Tsurugisho (J12)
Kitanowaka (J8) beat Nishinoryu (J4)
Kazuma (J11) beat Takerufuji (J4)
Wakanosho (J3) beat Toshinofuji (J11)
Kyokukaiyu (J7) beat Asasuiryu (J2)
Tomokaze (J2) beat Shonannoumi (J8)
Ryuden (J1) beat Dewanoryu (J10)
Sadanoumi (J1) beat Tamashoho (J9)
Leader: Wakanosho, Dewanoryu (11-3)
Of note: Focusing on the bottom first, NIshikigi beating Enho likely saved his Juryo spot. I can’t see him going down at 7-8. Kazekeno was already promoted before this win. Fujitensei is probably being demoted even if he can get to 6-9 now. As for Tsurugisho, now the question is can he get one win before likely retiring, or will he crash out with an 0-15 finale? Now for the top…the championship goes to the Final Day. Dewanoryu is up first and faces Takerufuji. If Dewanoryu wins, he is the champion if Wakanosho then loses to Hatsuyama. If if’s the other way around (Dewanoryu loses and Wakanosho wins), Wakanosho is the champion. If both win, there will be a playoff. Their meeting earlier this tournament was won by Dewanoryu. But if both lose AND Kazuma wins (Ryuden), there will be a 3-way playoff. Kazuma lost to both for the record. Regardless of the outcome, Wakanosho is almost certainly headed to the top tier and it looks like Ryuden is going back up as he clinched promotion today. If Dewanoryu wins the championshp at 12-3, there’s a slim chance he’ll also be promoted to the top tier.

Lower tier notes: Enho’s loss takes Juryo promotion chances down from very likely to toss-up but still leaning likely as he will finish 5-2. It looks like 4 are going down from Juryo and 3 are definitely going up. What may give him the edge is Takakento was 4-3 at Ms3. Tochitaikai, Okaryu and perhaps Hakuyozan are all going up. Best-case is Enho sneaks in at J14. Worst-case is Ms1. But I think both Takakento and Hidenoumi losing today clinched Juryo promotion for Enho. The wild card will be Wakanofuji winning the Makushita championship from Ms28. At that rank there is a very slim chance of promotion straight to Juryo.

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

If the Special Prize winners are announced enough ahead of time, this post will be updated with those.

UPDATE: Special Prize winners:
Outstanding Performance-Kirishima
Fighting Spirit IF THEY WIN-Atamifuji, Kotoshoho, Fujiseiun
Technique-Fujinokawa IF HE WINS