Tag: ozumo

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

Makuuchi (top tier):
Ryuden (M17) beat Tomokaze (M16)
Nishikigi (M16) beat Sadanoumi (M14)
Asamoryu (M14) beat Tochitaikai (J5)
Shishi (M18) beat Meisei (M13)
Hitoshi (M17) beat Tokihayate (M13)
Shonannoumi (M15) beat Mitakeumi (M12)
Tobizaru (M15) beat Roga (M11)
Shodai (M11) beat Ura (M8)
Takanosho (M7) beat Churanoumi (M10)
Oshoma (M7) beat Daieisho (M10)
Onokatsu (M6) beat Midorifuji (M9)
Kusano (M6) beat Fujinokawa (M9)
Kinbozan (M8) beat Ichiyamamoto (M5)
Hakuoho (M2) beat Kotoshoho (M5)
Oho (M2) beat Abi (M1)
Aonishiki (K) beat Tamawashi (M1)
Wakatakakage (S) beat Atamifuji (M3)
Wakamotoharu (M4) beat Kirishima (S)
Takayasu (K) beat Kotozakura (O)
Onosato (Y) beat Hiradoumi (M4)
Hoshoryu (Y) beat Gonoyama (M3)
Leader: Hoshoryu (8-0)
Of note: Gonoyama gave Hoshoryu an early scare but the Yokozuna calmly came back to send his opponent to demotion and be the first to go 8-0 and maintain the lead over 3 at 7-1 including Onosato, with Takanosho & Shodai also at 7-1. Abi was also demoted today after dropping to 0-8. Despite injury rumors Takayasu impressively disposed of Kotozakura with a pulling under arm throw to drop the Ozeki to 5-3. Kirishima has possibly fallen out of contention with no 4 straight losses. Kotoshoho is struggling at 2-6 in his post-championship effort but gets a big bounce back opportunity tomorrow when he goes for a Kinboshi against Hoshoryu while Onosato gets Wakamotoharu. Also continued props to Hitoshi who, after an 0-4 start to his top tier debut, has now pulled to even at 4-4 with 4 straight wins.
Ozeki Watch: A tough one for Wakatakakage against big Atamifuji but an important win as he is now 5-3 at the halfway point, likely needing 6 more wins for promotion contention but maybe 5 could do it. A great win today because his father, a former sumo wrestler himself, was in the crowd.

Juryo:
Takarafuji (J12) beat Nishinoryu (J14)
Hakuyozan (J10) beat Kyokukaiyu (J13)
Shirokuma 9J9) beat Asanoyama (J13)
Shiden (J14) beat Tsurugisho (J9)
Hatsuyama (J8) beat Asasuiryu (J12)
Kotokuzan (J8) beat Asahakuryu (J11)
Kazekeno (J11) beat Tamashoho (J7)
Hidenoumi ((J7) beat Miyanokaze (J10)
NIshikifuji (J3) beat Kayo (J6)
Kotoeiho (J2) beat Kagayaki (J4)
Chiyoshoma (J2) beat Tohakuryu (J6)
Fujiseiun (J5) beat Daiseizan (J1)
Oshoumi (J1) beat Mita (J4)
Leader: Mita, Kotokuzan (7-1)
Of note: No promotion for Mita today as his first loss drops him into a tie with Kotokuzan for the lead and keeps several who lost today, including Asanoyama, in it at 6-2. Also no demotions yet but Tsurugisho & Miyanokaze are in danger at 1-7 after losses today. Fujiseiun, in the group at 6-2, will be in the top tier tomorrow.

Lower tier notes: With Promotion Day now in the books, the Makushita has 8 remaining at 4-0, which pretty much sets up a bracket-style elimination format to the championship. Former top tier wrestlers Shimazuumi & Bushozan are among the leaders and, at Ms20, Shimazuumi may have a chance at promotion back to Juryo if he can win the championship. In the Sandanme, 9 are 4-0 which raises the potential of a playoff being needed on the final day. The Jonidan has 13 at 4-0 while the Jonokuchi has 3 at 4-0.

Additionally, today was the traditional introduction of new wrestlers who will debut in the next tournament. Just 1 today, he will have the ring name Fukoki from Oshiogawa Beya and begin his pro career in the November Tournament.

Here are the quick results from today’s Day 7-the first half of Promotion Day-of the September 2025 Grand Sumo Tournament in Tokyo:
Key: M-Maegashira, K-Komusubi, S-Sekiwake, O-Ozeki, Y-Yokozuna, J-Juryo

Makuuchi (top tier):
Shishi (M18) beat Nishikigi (M16)
Shonannoumi (M15) beat Tomokaze (M16)
Tobizaru (M15) beat Kagayaki (J4)
Hitoshi (M17) beat Asakoryu (M14)
Ryuden (M17) beat Sadanoumi (M14)
Tokihayate (M13) beat Churanoumi (M10)
Daieisho (M10) beat Meisei (M13)
Fujinokawa (M9) beat Roga (M11)
Shodai (M11) beat Midorifuji (M9)
Kinbozan (M8) beat Mitakeumi (M12)
Onokatsu (M6) beat Oshoma (M7)
Ura (M8) beat Ichiyamamoto (M5)
Kusano (M6 beat Kotoshoho (M5)
Takanosho (M7) beat Wakamotoharu (M4)
Atamifuji (M3) beat Tamawashi (M1)
Takayasu (K) beat Abi (M1)
Hakuoho (M2) beat Kirishima (S)
Aonishiki (K) beat Wakatakakage (S)
Oho (M2) beat Kotozakura (O)
Hoshoryu (Y) beat Hiradoumi (M4)
Onosato (Y) beat Gonoyama (M3)
Leader: Hoshoryu (7-0)
Of note: Solid wins again for both Yokozuna, Hiradoumi kept hoping for a Mono-ii as he thought his loss to Hoahoryu was much closer at the edge than it really was. TV replays clearly showed Hoshoryu stayed in longer on the throw/push down attempt so it would have made no difference. This is now Hoshoryu’s best-ever start to a tournament in the top tier and he keeps his lead over 4 at 6-1. Onosato remained one off the pace entering the second half and they’re still on track for a potential winner-take-all Yokozuna Showdown on the final day. They each have one or two more Kinboshi chance days left before they shirt into Sanyaku ahead of standings driving remainign matches, tomorrow Hiradoumi tries again for a Gold Star Victory against Onosato while Gonoyama looks to avoid demotion against Hoshoryu. Gonoyama had success against both in the past but hasn’t beaten either in over a year now (July 2024). And his only win to date against a Yokozuna at all didn’t really count because it was a fusen.
At the bottom, Nishikigi looks headed to demotion back to Juryo as he is 0-7 amidst injury issues, while Hitoshi has now seemingly found his footing in the top tier with 3 straight wins after an 0-4 start.
Elsewhere, despite a big win over Kirishima there are worries about Hakuoho and if he suffered an arm/elbow injury today, he clearly was favoring his right arm afterwards.
Ozeki Watch: Aonishiki is a tough out for anyone and was today for Wakatakakage. He’s now 4-3 and can probably only afford one more loss and still have a chance at promotion.

Juryo:
Asahakuryu (J11) beat Nishinoryu (J14)
Kazekeno (J11) beat Asasuiryu (J13)
Shiden (J14) beat Miyanokaze (J10)
Asanoyama (J13) beat Hakuyozan (J10)
Kyokukaiyu (J13) beat Kotokuzan (J14)
Takarafuji (J12) beat Hatsuyama (J8)
Tsurugisho (J9) beat Hidenoumi (J7)
Tamashoho (J7) beat Shirokuma (J9)
Nishikifuji (J3) beat Tohakuryu (J6)
Chiyoshoma (J2) beat Kayo (J6)
Fujiseiun (J5) beat Kotoeiho (J2)
Tochitaikai (J5) beat Oshoumi (J1)
Mita (J4) beat Daiseizan (J1)
Leader: Mita (7-0)
Of note: Mita continues his potential march to the top tier, while it depends partly on what happens in the higher ranks I think 3 more wins will do it. Kotokuzan took his first loss today to fall into a tie with a Takasago pair-Asahakuryu and Asanoyama-at 6-1. The other newcomers are hanging in there with Asasuiryu now at 4-3 and Kyokukaiyu at 3-4.

Lower tier notes: In the lower tiers today is the first half of what I call Promotion Day, when the leaders after today will be 4-0 and thus clinch winning records and promotions in the next tournament. The Maushita has 4 at 4-0 so far and, among them at Ms1, Kitanowaka has clinched promotion and will return to Juryo in November. Enho lost to internet favorite Sazanami (a former Makushita Champion who has gained popularity for appearances on the “Sumo Prime Time” YouTube channel alongside coach Kabutoyama and NHK World Japan personality Hiroshi “Hiro” Morita, who hosts the channel) and is now 2-2. In the Sandanme, 5 have clinched promotion so far. The Jonidan has 11 with promotions so far and in the Jonokuchi Daishisho is the first and only 4-0 so far with 3 at 3-0.

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

In other news, it was announced earlier today on social media that the current Oyama, the former Hokutofuji before he retired earlier this year, will have his retirement & haircutting ceremony next year on 5/30. Also, Mitoryu held a press conference today after retiring yesterday. He will be leaving sumo (eligible for elder stock but likely no spots available) and will have a haircutting & retirement ceremony in February. He will stay in Japan and seek employment outside of sumo.

UPDATE: Despite a confirmed arm injury, Hakuoho is IN for tomorrow’s Day 8 per stablemaster Isegahama (the former Terunofuji).

Here are the quick results from today’s Day 6 of the September 2025 Grand Sumo Tournament in Tokyo:

Makuuchi (top tier):
Shishi (M18) beat Ryuden (M17)
Mita (J4) beat Shonannoumi (M15)
Hitoshi (M16) beat Sadanoumi (M14)
Asakoryu (M14) beat Nishikigi (M16)
Tomokaze (M16) beat Meisei (M13)
Tobizaru (M15) beat Tokihayate (M13)
Mitakeumi (M12) beat Daieisho (M15)
Churanoumi (M10) beat Midorifuji (M9)
Shodai (M11) beat Fujinokawa (M9)
Roga (M11) beat Kinbozan (M8)
Ura (M8) beat Onokatsu (M6)
Takanosho (M7) beat Kotoshoho (M5)
Oshoma (M7) beat Ichiyamamoto (M5)
Wakamotoharu (M4) beat Kusano (M6)
Hakuoho (M2) beat Abi (M1)
Aonishiki (K) beat Takayasu (K)
Wakatakakage (S) beat Gonoyama (M3)
Tamawashi (M1) beat Kirishima (S)
Kotozakura (O) beat Hiradoumi (M4)
Onosato (Y) beat Atamifuji (M3)
Hoshoryu (Y) beat Oho (M2)
Leader: Hoshoryu (6-0)
Of note: Still so far so good for the Yokozuna with Hoshoryu at 6-0 and Onosato at 5-1 and Kotozakura also a strong 5-1, beyond that the upper ranks are headed for a shakeup. Aonishiki is coming back after a sow start and is 4-2 but almost everyone else is struggling Kirishima has now lost 2 straight and may be falling out of contention and, even worse, we may have to worry about Takayasu and the back again. It seems to be affecting him the last couple days and may explain his 0-6 start. At the bottom, Mita was the Juryo man up today and could be back up in November as he is now 6-0 and almost halfway to a second straight Juryo championship.
Tomorrow Hoshoryu has a tougher Kinboshi chance in Hiradoumi (4-2) while Onosato has Gonoyama, a potential trap despite the latter being 0-6.
Ozeki Watch-Wakatakakage now has 3 straight wins to improve to 4-2, meaning the unofficial magic number is now 7.

Juryo:
Asanoyama (J13) beat Takarafuji (J12)
Shiden (J14) beat Kazekeno (J11)
Nishinoryu (J14) beat Haluyozan (J10)
Miyabokaze (J10) beat Kyokukaiyu (J13)
Asahakuryu (J11) beat Shirokuma (J9)
Asasuiryu (J12) beat Tsurugisho (J9)
Hatsuyama (J8) beat Kayo (J6)
Kotokuzan (J8) beat Tohakuryu (J6)
Tochitaikai (J5) beat Hidenoumi (J7)
Fujiseiun (J5) beat Tamashoho (J7)
Kotoeiho (J2) beat Chiyoshoma (J2)
Nishikifuji (J3) beat Daiseizan (J1)
Oshoumi (J1) beat Kagayaki (J4)
Leader: Mita, Kotokuzan (6-0)

Lower tier notes: A very bizarre situation in Malushita today as Chiyotora got a fusen over Tanji but not because of injury or suspension, the usual absent reasons. Nikkan Sports reports he overslept and missed his match. That’s a first for me. He and stablemaster Arashio (who happened to be on commentary for NHK at the time) both apologized to stablemaster Takadagawa, the head of the referees department. Tanji is now 1-2 after this loss.

RETIREMENT: Mitoryu (Ms7). Called it a career today and will hold a press conference tomorrow. He was absent this tournament due to injury. Originally from Mongolia, he retires with a career record of 332-332-42 (win-loss-absent), 27-44-4 in the top tier, 2 Juryo Championships and a career high rank of M13. His career spanned just over 8 years (debuted in May 2017). While he qualified for elder stock it’s not known if he had any. (UPDATE: He will not remain with the Japan Sumo Association or become a coach but will stay in Japan and seek non-sumo employment. A retirement ceremony is planned for early next year, possibly February)

Here ate the quick results from today’s Day 5 of the September 2025 Grand Sumo Tournament in Tokyo:
Key: M-Maegashira, K-Kokusubi, S-Sekiwake, O-Ozeki, Y-Yokozuna, J-Juryo

Makuuchi (top tier):
Hitoshi (M17) beat Nishikigi (M16)
Tomokaze (M16) beat Nishikifuji (J3)
Shishi (M18) beat Tobizaru (M15)
Ryuden (M17) beat Asakoryu (M14)
Shonannoumi (M15) beat Sadanoumi (M14)
Mitakeumi (M12) beat Meisei (M13)
Roga (M11) beat Tokihayate (M13)
Churanoumi (M10) beat Daieisho (M10)
Fujinokawa (M9) beat Midorifuji (M9)
Shodai (M11) beat Kinbozan (M8)
Takanosho (M7) beat Oshoma (M7)
Ura (M8) beat Kusano (M6)
Ichiyamamoto (M5) beat Kotoshoho (M5)
Wakamotoharu (M4) beat Onokatsu (M6)
Hiradoumi (M4) beat Hakuoho (M2)
Tamawashi (M1) beat Takayasu (K)
Aonishiki (K) beat Kirishima (S)
Wakatakakage (S) beat Abi (M1)
Kotozakura (O) beat Gonoyama (M3)
Hoshoryu (Y) beat Atamifuji (M3)
Onosato (Y) beat Oho (M2)
Leader: Hoshoryu (5-0)
Of note: No Kinboshi handed out today as both Yokozuna won meaning Hoshoryu is now the only unbeaten left at this point with Onosato in a large group at 4-1, which also includes Kotozakura hopefully back in form. And at the bottom, congrats to Hitoshi for, amidst rumors he is being hindered by a knee/foot injury, getting his first career top tier win. Another role reversal for the Yokozuna tomorrow as Onosato faces Atamifuji and Hoshoryu gets Oho.
Ozeki Watch: Wakatakakage is now 3-2 after today’s win so the unofficial magic number is now 8. A badly struggling Gonoyama, who is 0-5, is tomorrow’s opponent.

Juryo:
Asanoyama (J13) beat Shiden (J14)
Asasuiryu (J12) beat Kyokukaiyu (J13)
Takarafuji (J12) beat Asahakuryu (J13)
Kazekeno (J11) beat Nishinoryu (J14)
Hakuyozan (J10) beat Tsurugisho (J9)
Shirokuma (J9) beat Miyanokaze (J10)
Harsuyama (J8) beat Hidenoumi (J7)
Kotokuzan (J8) beat Tamashoho (J7)
Fujiseiun (J5) beat Kayo (J6)
Tochitaikai (J5) beat Tohakuryu (J6)
Mita (J4) beat Kotoeiho (J2)
Oshoumi (J1) beat Chiyoshoma (J2)
Daiseizan (J1) beat Kagayaki (J4)
Leader: Mita, Kotokuzan (5-0)
Of note: Asanoyama is now 4-1 at this point, so even with a 14-1 finish he probably won’t get back to the top tier in November but can set himself up for a good chance at a January return. If he wins the championship with that record maybe he will get promoted. Stablemate Asahakuryu took his first loss today to fall one off the pace at a still-solid 4-1 so far in his Juryo debut.

Lower tier notes: Enho lost his match today to fall to 2-1 and out of Makishita title contention, meaning no chance of promotion back to Juryo in November. He can still get up in January if he can finish 6-1 or 5-2 and move up the rankings enough. Among the Makushita co-leaders at 3-0 is Kitanowaka at Ms1, meaning one more win this tournament will see him promoted back to Juryo for the first time since March, although he was absent then due an injury that forced a January withdrawal and demotion from the top tier in his 4th attempt.

Here are the quick results from today’s Day 4 of the September 2025 Grand Sumo Tournament in Tokyo:
Key: M-Maegashira, K-Komusubi, S-Sekiwake, O-Ozeki, Y-Yokozuna, J-Juryo

Makuuchi (top tier):
Tomokaze (M16) beat Hitoshi (M17)
Chiyoshoma (J2) beat Nishikigi (M16)
Tobizaru (M15) beat Ryuden (M17)
Shonannoumi (M15) beat Shishi (M18)
Meisei (M13) beat Asakoryu (M14)
Sadanoumi (M14) beat Tokihayate (M13)
Shodai (M11) beat Roga (M11)
Churanoumi (M10) beat Mitakeumi (M12)
Midorifuji (M9) beat Daieisho (M10)
Fujinokawa (M9) beat Kinbozan (M8)
Takanosho (M7) beat Ura (M8)
Kusano (M6) beat Oshoma (M7)
Onokatsu (M6) beat Kotoshoho (M5)
Wakamotoharu (M4) beat Ichiyamamoto (M5)
Hiradoumi (M4) beat Atamifuji (M3)
Oho (M2) beat Aonishiki (K)
Wakatakakage (S) beat Takayasu (K)
Kirishima (S) beat Gonoyama (M3)
Kotozakura (O) beat Tamawashi (M1)
Hakuoho (M2) beat Onosato (Y). KINBOSHI!!! The 2nd career Gold Star Victory for Hakuoho!
Hoshoryu (Y) beat Abi (M1)
Leader: Hoshoryu, Kirishima (4-0)
Of note: Hakuoho may be the “O no” for Onosato…both his Kinboshi have come from Onosato, first in July and now today. It could get worse-tomorrow is Oho who has taken 2 Kinboshi from Onosato in the laat 3 tournaments (Onosato does have one win in that stretch). No worries for Hoshoryu so far as he’s off to a 4-0 start along with Kirishima, who could get some Ozeki re-promotion thoughts if he can win his second championship. Hoshoryu has Atamifuji tomorrow, who did beat the Yokozuna in January before promotion but it 1-3 so far.
Ozeki Watch: Wakatakakage is now 2-2 having alternated wins & losses so far and the unofficial magic number is now 9.

Juryo:
Shiden (J14) beat Kyokukaiyu (J13)
Nishinoryu (J14) beat Asasuiryu (J12)
Kazekeno (J11) beat Takarafuji (J12)
Asahakuryu (J11) beat Hakuyozan (J10)
Asanoyama (J13) beat Miyanokaze (J10)
Hatauyama (J8) beat Taurugisho (J9)
Kotokuzan (J8) beat Shirokuma (J9)
Hidenoumi (J7) beat Kayo (J6)
Tamashoho (J7) beat Tohakuryu (J6)
Kagayaki (J4) beat Fujiseiun (J5)
Mita (J4) beat Tochitaikai (J5)
Daiseizan (J1) beat Kotoeiho (J2)
Nishikifuji (J3) beat Oshoumi (J1)
Leaser: Mita, Asahakuryu, Kotokuzan (4-0)

Here are the quick results from today’s Day 3 of the September 2025 Grand Sumo Tournament in Tokyo:
Key: M-Maegashira, K-Komusubi, S-Sekiwake. O-Ozeki, Y-Yokozuna, J-Juryo

Makuuchi (top tier):
Shishi (M18) beat Hitoshi (M17)
Ryuden (M17) beat Kotoeiho (J2)
Shonannoumi (M15) beat Nishikigi (M16)
Tomokaze (M16) beat Tobizaru (M15)
Tokihayate (M13) beat Asakoryu (M14)
Sadanoumi (M14) beat Meisei (M13)
Mitakeumi (M12) beat Shodai (M11)
Churanoumi (M10) beat Roga (M11)
Kinbozan (M8) beat Daieisho (M10)
Ura (M8) beat Fujinokawa (M9)
Oshoma (M7) beat Midorifuji (M9)
Kusano (M6) beat Onokatsu (M6)
Takanosho (M7) beat Ichiyamamoto (M5)
Hiradoumi (M4) beat Wakamotoharu (M4)
Kotoshoho (M5) beat Gonoyama (M3)
Oho (M2) beat Takayasu (M3)
Kirishima (S) beat Atamifuji (M3)
Tamawashi (M1) beat Wakatakakage (S)
Aonishiki (K) beat Kotozakura (O)
Hoshoryu (Y) beat Hakuoho (M2)
Onosato (Y) beat Abi (M1)
Of note: There are now 5 leading at 3-0 which include both Yokozuna off to perfect starts with no kinboshi conceded yet. Kirishima, Ura & Ryuden are also in that group. Also huge props to Mitakeumi, fighting with the heaviest heart, getting that first win today to honor his mother who suddenly died last week. Hopefully several more to follow. Tomorrow it’s role reversals for the Yokozuna as Onosato faces Hakuoho and Hoshoryu gets Abi. Elsewhere, today marked career win 873 for Tamawashi, moving the Iron Man past Taiho into 9th all-time.
Ozeki Watch: Now it’s worry time for Wakatakakage, he can still get to 11 but now at 1-2 he can only afford 2 more losses.

Juryo:
Kyokukaiyu (J13) beat Nishinoryu (J14)
Takarafuji (J12) beat Shiden (J14)
Asanoyama (J13) beat Kazekeno (J11)
Asasuiryu (J12) beat Miyanokaze (J10)
Asahakuryu (J10) beat Tsurugisho (J9)
Shirokuma (J9) beat Hakuyozan (J10)
Kotokuzan (J8) beat Hidenoumi (J7)
Tamahsoho (J7) beat Hatsuyama (J8)
Fujiseiun (J5) beat Tohakuryu (J6)
Kayo (J6) beat Tochitaikai (J5)
Mita (J4) beat Nishikifuji (J3)
Kagayaki (J4) beat Chiyoshoma (J2)
Oshoumi (J1) beat Daiseizan (J1)
Of note: 4 are tied for the lead at 3-0 including Mita going for consecutive championships. Asanoyama is at 2-1.

Lower tier note: Enho won his second match in Makushita today to go to 2-0. No match tomorrow.

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

Makuuchi (typ tier):
Oshoumi (J1) beat Hitoshi (M17)
Shishi (M18) beat Tomokaze (M16)
Ryuden (M17) beat Nishikigi (M16)
Tobizaru (M15) beat Sadanoumi (M14)
Asakoryu (M14) beat Shonannoumi (M15)
Tokihayate (M13) beat Mitakeumi (M12)
Roga (M11) beat Meisei (M13)
Shodai (M11) beat Daieisho (M10)
Churanoumi (M10) beat Fujinokawa (M9)
Ura (M8) beat Midorifuji (M9)
Oshoma (M7) beat Kinbozan (M8)
Onokatsu (M6) beat Takanosho (M7)
Ichiyamamoto (M5) beat Kusano (M6)
Kotoshoho (M5) beat Hiradoumi (M4)
Wakamotoharu (M4) beat Gonoyama (M3)
Aonishiki (K) beat Atamifuji (M3)
Wakatakakage (S) beat Oho (M2)
Kirishima (S) beat Abi (M1)
Kotozakura (O) beat Hakuoho (M2)
Onosato (Y) beat Tamawashi (M1)
Hoshoryu (Y) beat Takayasu (K)
Ozeki Watch: Wakatakakage now needs 10 more wins to get to the unofficial magic number of 33 for promotion contention. He faces Tamawashi tomorrow.

Juryo:
Nishinoryu (J14) beat Asanoyama (J13)
Kyokukaiyu (J13) beat Takarafuji (J12)
Shiden (J14) beat Asasuiryu (J12)
Kazekeno (J11) beat Hakuyozan (J10)
Asahakuryu (J11) beat Miyanokaze (J10)
Hatsuyama (J8) beat Shirokuma (J9)
Kotokuzan (J8) beat Tsurugisho (J9)
Kayo (J6) beat Tamashoho (J7)
Tohakuryu (J6) beat Hidenoumi (J7)
Kagayaki (J4) beat Tochitaikai (J5)
Mita (J4) beat Fujiseiun (J5)
Nishikifuji (J3) beat Kotoeiho (J2)
Chiyoshoma (J2) beat Daiseizan (J1)

Lower tier note: Forgot to mention yesterday that Enho won his Day 1 Makushita match for a 1-0 start and thus no match today. He is at Ms31 this tournament, right in the middle of the division. His next match is tomorrow.

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

Makuuchi (top tier):
Daiseizan (J1) beat Shishi (M18)
Ryuden (M17) beat Hitoshi (M17)
Tomokaze (M16) beat Nishikigi (M16)
Tobizaru (M15) beat Shonannoumi (M15)
Sadanoumi (M14) beat Asakoryu (M14)
Meisei (M13) beat Tokihayate (M13)
Roga (M11) beat Mitakeumi (M12)
Shodai (M11) beat Churanoumi (M10)
Daieisho (M10) beat Fujinokawa (M9)
Midorifuji (M9) beat Kinbozan (M8)
Ura (M8) beat Oshoma (M7)
Takanosho (M7) beat Kusano (M6)
Onokatsy (M6) beat Ichiyamamoto (M5)
Wakamotoharu (M4) beat Kotoshoho (M5)
Hiradoumi (M4) beat Gonoyama (M3)
Atamifuji (M3) beat Takayasu (K)
Kirishima (S) beat Oho (M2)
Hakuoho (M2) beat Wakatakakage (S)
Kotozakura (O) beat Abi (M1)
Hoshoryu (Y) beat Tamawashi (M1)
Onosato (Y) beat Aonishiki (K)
WITHDRAWAL (Pre-Tournament): Takerufuji (M12). Right elbow surgery. Not expected to compete this tournament. Will be demoted to Juryo as a result if that’s the case. Status uncertain for November. That would mean that, for the first time in over 140 years, there will be no rikishi from Aomori Prefecture ranked in the top tier.
Of note: Mitakeumi is in with a very heavy heart as his mother suddenly died Friday at 55. After returning home to Nagano for mourning his stablemaster said Mitakeumi would stay in the tournament.
Ozeki Watch: No contest for Wakatakakage as Hakuoho just blew him away, but too early to panic as he still has a chance needing 11+ wins.

Juryo:
Nishinoryu (J14) beat Shidan (J14)
Asanoyama (J13) beat Kyokukaiyu (J13)
Asasuiryu (J12) beat Takarafuji (J12)
Asahakuryu (J11) beat Kazekeno (J11)
Hakuyozan (J10) beat Miyanokaze (J10)
Shirokuma (J9) beat Tsurugisho (J9)
Kotokuzan (J8) beat Hatsuyama (J8)
Hidenoumi (J7) beat Tamashoho (J7)
Tohakuryu (J6) beat Kayo (J6)
Fujiseiun (J5) beat Tochitaikai (J5)
Mita (J4) beat Kagayaki (J4)
Nishikifuji (J3) beat Chiyoshoma (J2)
Oshoumi (J1) beat Kotoeiho (J2)
WITHDRAWAL (Pre-Tournament): Endo (J3). Knee. Likely will not compete this tournament, which was expected. There is also a rumor from reliable English language YouTuber Chris Sumo that he is about to retire instead with a slim chance of demotion to Makushita.

In other news, it was recently announced on social media that the former Takakeisho will have his retirement & haircutting ceremony on 10/4 at Ryogoku Kokugikan. It was during this tournament one year ago that he retired due to injury following his demotion from Ozeki to Sekiwake, cashing in his elder stock to become Minatogawa Oyakata. He is now a coach at his former Tokiwayama Beya and could be in line to take over next year as the current stablemaster must retire before the March 2026 Tournament (reaching mandatory retirement age which is 65). This is one of two major upcoming retirement ceremonies along with the former Yokozuna Terunofuji-now Isegahama-who will have his haircutting ceremony in January.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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