Tag: ozumo

Joining in progress now that I am back from Japan, here are the quick results from today’s Day 5 of the May 2025 Grand Smo Tournament in Tokyo and some notes so far:
Key: M-Maegashira, K-Komusubi, S-Sekiwake, O-Ozeki, Y-Yokozuna, J-Juryo, Ms-Makushita

Makuuchi (Top tier):
Nishikigi (M16) beat Tochitaikai (M18)
Kayo (M16) beat Takarafuji (J3)
Asakoryu (M17) beat Shonannoumi (M15)
Roga (M14) beat Tamashoho (M17)
Ryuden (M15) beat Tokihayate (M13)
Sadanoumi (M13) beat Atamifuji (M12)
Takanosho (M12) beat Endo (M11)
Meisei (M10) beat Shishi (M11)
Aonishiki (M9) beat Midorifuji (M9)
Kinbozan (M8) beat Shodai (M10)
Hakuoho (M7) beat Churanoumi (M7)
Onokatsu (M8) beat Tobizaru (M6)
Ura (M5) beat Chiyoshoma (M5)
Ichiyamamoto (M4) beat Oshoma (M6)
Abi (M2) beat Takerufuji (M4)
Wakamotoharu (M1) beat Takayasu (K)
Wakatakakage (K) beat Kirishima (S)
Daieisho (S) beat Oho (M1)
Kotozakura (O) beat Hiradoumi (M3)
Onosato (O) beat Tamawashi (M3)
Hoshoryu (Y) beat Gonoyama (M2)
Leader: 4 at 5-0
WITHDRAWAL (Pre-Tournament): Kotoshoho (M14). Right thigh muscle. Will return tomorrow (Day 6). Injury happened before the tournament but he was expected to enter at some point as it was considered minor. He will start in a 0-5 hole.
Of note: RARE KIMARITE ALERT!!! Aonishiki beat Midorifuji with what looked like the touch of death to the knee, actually a technique called uchimuso or inner thigh propping twist down. It looked like Aonishiki barely touched Midorifuji’s knee with his hand and that caused Midorifuji to go down. It’s the second straight day we’ve been treated to a rare technique as we yesterday had a win by amiuchi, the fisherman’s throw.
Yokozuna Watch: Onosato is 1/3 of the way there at 5-0 and among the 4 co-leaders. Of course the 2 straight championships doesn’t guarantee promotion as other factors are considered but it’s looking good.
Ozeki Watch: Daieisho is also among the 4 at 5-0 so he is doing what he needs to, probably needing at least 8 more for a chance at promotion.

Juryo:
Mudoho (J14) beat Daiamami (J13)
Mitoryu (J12) beat Mita (J14)
Kazekeno (J11) beat Miyanokaze (J13)
Tohakuryu (J10) beat Nabatame (J12)
Tsurugisho (J9) beat Hatsuyama (J10)
Oshoumi (J9) beat Shimanoumi (J8)
Hitoshi (J6) beat Shiden (J8)
Wakaikari (J7) beat Kotoeiho (J7)
Daiseizan (J6) beat Nishikifuji (J5)
Tomokaze (J7) beat Kagayaki (J4)
Hidenoumi (J2) beat Shirokuma (J3)
Kusano (J1) beat Hakuyozan (J4)
Fujiseiun (J2) beat Mitakeumi (J1)
Leader: 5 at 4-1
WITHDRAWAL: Wakanosho (J11) on Day 3. Unknown. Status uncertain.

RETIREMENT: Hokutofuji (Ms3). The Japan Sumo Association announced he retired today. He has not competed this tournament due to injury. He does have elder stock and will cash it in to become Oyama oyakata. Hokutofuji, real name Daiki Nakamura (the same real name as Onosato), will finish with a career record of 424-368-40 (win-loss-absent) including 3 absent this tournament, 360-338-37 in the top tier, 3 championships (1 Juryo, 1 Sandanme, 1 Jonidan), 3 Special Prizes and 7 Kinboshi in just over 10 years with a highest rank of Komusubi.

It’s that time of the even month once again-the Japan Sumo Association has just announced the official Banzuke (rankings) for the May 2025 Grand Sumo Tournament. Here are the rankings for the top 2 tiers and other notes:

Makuuchi (top tier):
Yokozuna-Hoshoryu
Ozeki-Onosato (March Tournament Champion), Kotozakura
Sekiwake-Daieisho, Kirishima
Komusubi-Takayasu, Wakatakakage
Maegashira 1-Wakamotoharu, Oho
Maegashira 2-Abi, Gonoyama
Maegashira 3-Tamawashi-Hiradoumi
Maegashira 4-Takerufuji, Ichiyamamoto
Maegashira 5-Ura, Chiyoshoma
Maegashira 6-Oshoma, Tobizaru
Maegashira 7-Hakuoho, Churanoumi
Maegashira 8-Onokatsu, Kinbozan
Maegashira 9-Aonishiki, Midorifuji
Maegashira 10-Meisei, Shodai
Maegashira 11-Endo, Shishi
Maegashira 12-Atamifuji, Takanosho
Maegashira 13-Tokihayate, Sadanoumi
Maegashira 14-Kotoshoho, Roga
Maegashira 15-Ryuden, Shonannoumi
Maegashira 16-Kayo, Nishikigi
Maegashira 17-Tamashoho, Asakoryu
Maegashira 18-Tochitaikai
Notes: No changes at the top as expected, with Onosato going for Yokozuna promotion and Kotozakura back to being a full Ozeki, but a slight surprise at Sekiwake as Kirishima returns to the rank over March runner-up Takayasu, who lost in a playoff with a better record. The former Ozeki is back in Sanyaku though at Komusubi along with Wakatakakage, while despite a winning record Wakamotoharu misses out on Sanyaku and stays at Maegashira 1 alongside Oho, demoted from Sekiwake in his first attempt in Sanyaku. Daieisho is on Ozeki Watch again in May as he tries once more for promotion, probably needing a minimum of 13 wins for a chance at promotion or winning his second championship. Abi was demoted from Sanyaku to M2 while Iron Man Tamawashi climbs back up to M3 with Takerufuji right behind at M4. A Fighting Spirit Prize helped catapult Aonishiki up to M9 for his second top tier effort, while at the bottom Kayo & Tochitaikai make their top tier debuts this tournament alongside the returning Roga. Asakoryu & Nishikigi just managed to hang on to their spots leading to a very notable demotion…

Juryo:
Juryo 1-Mitakeumi, Kusano (March Juryo Champion)
Juryo 2-Hidenoumi, Fujiseiun
Juryo 3-Takarafuji, Shirokuma
Juryo 4-Hakuyozan, Kagayaki
Juryo 5-Nishikifuji, Wakaikari
Juryo 6-Hitoshi, Daiseizan
Juryo 7-Tomokaze, Kotoeiho
Juryo 8-Shimanoumi, Shiden
Juryo 9-Oshoumi, Tsurugisho
Juryo 10-Tohakuryu, Hatsuyama
Juryo 11-Kazekeno, Wakanosho
Juryo 12-Mitoryu, Nabatame
Juryo 13-Miyanokaze, Daiamami
Juryo 14-Mita, Mudoho
Notes: Said top tier demotion was Mitakeumi, completing a slow fall from Ozeki in 2022 to Juryo, down for the first time in nearly 10 years. And it looks like that one loss in his March championship effort made the difference between making the top tier and not making it for Kusano, he’s at J1 after a 14-1 debut effort at J14. Takarafuji also is demoted back to Juryo along with Shirokuma again, the former coming amidst rumors he may retire anytime now as he does have elder stock and can cash it in when he does, which suggests he and not former Yokozuna Terunofuji may take over Isegahama Beya after this tournament when the current stablemaster must retire in June. Nishikifuji joins his stablemate in being demoted to Juryo again, this time in large part due to injury. Hitoshi made a nice move up in his second Juryo effort and cracks the top half of the rankings. Newcomers Miyanokaze (former Miyagi), Mita & Mudoho round out the bottom of the rankings along with Mitoryu & Daiamami hanging on to their spots.

Lower tier notes: Kitanowaka was demoted from Juryo after missing March due to injury, he is Makushita 1 along with Akua. Hokutofuji was also demoted to Makushita for the first time in 9 years, raising questions about whether the Hakkaku prized pupil will continue his career or not. Enho made the expected big jump up the Makushita rankings although not quite what I expected, going from Ms30 in March to Ms10 this time, lowering the odds of a Juryo return in July, while after winning the Sandanme in his latest injury comeback Asanoyama shot up like a rocket to Ms14. After winning the Makushita championship in March, Oshoryu moved up from Ms28 to Ms2, on the doorstop of Juryo for the first time. The Sandanme once again is slimmer with only 80 ranks, down from the recent 90 after it was cut from 100. The Jonidan holds relatively steady with 106 rankings while the Jonokuchi sees an influx of debuting talent and expands considerably to 25 ranks with 50 total wrestlers.

Unfortunately there was also a death to report recently-Wakatozakura, a wrestler from Shikihide Beya, died earlier this month after complications from a medical condition at just 33. He had been competing for 17 years with a career record of 305-430-7 (win-loss-absent), almost exclusively in the Jonidan which he never promoted above. A number of wrestlers including Hoshoryu attended the services for Wakatozakura, whose real name was Tsuyoshi Sawada. He would have been ranked at Jonidan 72 in May after going 3-4 in March in his final tournament.

The May Tournament is 5/11-5/25 at Ryogoku Kokugikan in Tokyo. Advance tickets are already sold out. I will not be able to post daily results for at least the first 5-6 days of the tournament due to a trip to Japan starting this week (unfortunately not for the tournament).

With the traditional post-tournament rankings meeting now in the books. here are the final standings & early ranking notes from the March 2025 Grand Sumo Tournament:

Continue reading “Sumo-March 2025 Grand Sumo Tournament Final Standings & Post-Tournament News”

Here are the quick results from today’s Day 15-the Final Day-of the March 2025 Grand Sumo Tournament in Osaka:
Key: M-Maegashira, K-Komusubi, S-Sekiwake, O-Ozeki, J-Juryo, Ms-Makushita, Sd-Sandanme, Jd-Jonidan, Jk-Jonokuchi

Makuuchi (top tier):
Onokatsu (M12) beat Shirokuma (M17)
Midorifuji (M11) beat Mitakeumi (M17)
Kotoshoho (M16) beat Endo (M9)
Hakuoho (M9) beat Asakoryu (M16)
Ryuden (M14) beat Oshoma (M8)
Sadanoumi (M15) beat Atamifuji (M8)
Tamawashi (M7) beat Shishi (M13)
Shodai (M7) beat Nishikigi (M10)
Kinbozan (M5) beat Shonannoumi (M10)
Ichiyamamoto (M4) beat Takarafuji (M12)
Ura (M5) beat Tobizaru (M3)
Meisei (M11) beat Chiyoshoma (M2)
Gonoyama (M2) beat Takanosho (M3)
Wakamotoharu (M1) beat Takerufuji (M6)
Wakatakakage (M1) beat Hiradoumi (M6)
Takayasu (M4) beat Abi (K)
Kirishima (K) beat Tokihayate (M18)
Aonishiki (M15) beat Oho (S)
Churanoumi (M14) beat Daieisho (S)
Onosato (O) beat Kotozakura (O). PLAYOFF!!!
Playoff: Onosato beat Takayasu. ONOSATO YUSHO!!! The 3rd career Emperor’s Cup for Onosato!
CHAMPION: Onosato (12-3)
Of note: He did his part first despite a HENKA! by Abi, but…once again, SO CLOSE! And yet so painfully far away…NINTH runner-up finish in the top tier for Takayasu and still no championship for the former Ozeki. Happy for Onosato because now he’s on Yokozuna Watch in May but again gutted for Takayasu. But he made it through all 15 days healthy and when he’s in that state, he does very well at 35 and he’ll be back. He could be back in Sanyaku but it depends on space because while Abi & Oho will be demoted (the latter possibly to M1) Kirishima and both the Wakas clinched promotion so Kirishima will at least stay Komusubi while Wakamotoharu & Wakatakakage should move up again and Daieisho will stay Sekiwake. I think Takayasu gets back to Komusubi. As for Onosato, if he can repeat or improve on this in May we could be looking at two Yokozuna active for the first time in quite some time. With regards to Daieisho, his loss means his unofficial magic number for Ozeki Watch in May is 13, which would get him to the supposed win threshold for consideration for promotion. But his chances are better if he can win the championship. Another big question mark is are we maybe seeing the end of Mitakeumi? He could complete a dramatic fall from Ozeki to Juryo as he is in danger of demotion below the top tier for the first time in nearly 10 years-the last time he was below the top tier was September 2015. No double-digit finishes since Ozeki promotion either.
Elsewhere, it was a very happy birthday for Aonishiki, as the birthday boy finished his top tier rookie effort with a showcase win to end with 11, a runner-up finish AND his first Special Prize. Churanoumi also became the first rikishi from Okinawa to win a Special Prize as he earned FIghting Spirit with his win.

SPECIAL PRIZES:
Outstanding Performance (best record with most wins vs. Yokozuna & Ozeki): None. Largely because both Abi & Ichiyamamoto didn’t meet criteria
Fighting Spirit (most wins and best display of fighting spirit): Aonishiki, Churanoumi. Tokihayate would have won this with a victory
Technique (best display of technique): Takayasu

Juryo:
Mita (Ms4) beat Otsuji (J14)
Tsurugisho (J11) beat Tohakuryu (J9)
Daiamami (Ms2) beat Hokutofuji (J8) by default/withdrawal
Kazekeno (J13) beat Kotoeiho (J7)
Mitoryu (J6) beat Hatsuyama (J13)
Kusano (J14) beat Fujiseiun (J5)
Tomokaze (J7) beat Nabatame (J5)
Hidenoumi (J6) beat Oshoumi (J4)
Shiden (J4) beat Hitoshi (J12)
Tochitaikai (J3) beat Shimanoumi (J10)
Roga (J3) beat Wakaikari (J9)
Daiseizen (J10) beat Kayo (J2)
Wakanosho (J11) beat Kagayaki (J1)
Hakuyozan (J8) beat Tamashoho (J1)
CHAMPION: Kusano (14-1)
WITHDRAWAL: Hokutofuji (J8). Knee. Injured during Day 14 match. Rumors are he will be demoted to Makushita after a 3-12 finish for the first time in about a decade so this could be career-threatening. Daiamami got the fusen as a result, plus a potential promotion back to Juryo.
Of note: After his absolute domination and winning by 3 wins over the field, the only question now for Kusano is whether or not he makes the top tier in May. Based on numbers, it’s a definite toss-up. At least 3 from the top tier will or may be demoted and Roga will be promoted back up (11-4 at J3), Tamashoho is going up (8-7 at J1), Kayo is a maybe (9-6 at J2). So at best he does, at worst he’s J1. Here’s how close it would have been without Kusano-Roga’s 11-4 would have won it and only one other wrestler-Hidenoumi-even managed 10 wins. Elsewhere, the only sure thing is Otsuji and Kiryuko (mid-tournament withdrawal, finished essentially 2-13 at J12) will be demoted while Hokutofuji is a possibility-that would be the first time in 9 years should it happen.
Miyagi will be promoted to Juryo from Makushita while Mita has a chance as does champion Oshoryu (but it’s a big jump from Ms28 so it will come down to a spot being available as Daiamami has a return chance along with Mudoho, although both were only 4-3. Akua also has a chance after 6-1 at Ms6).

TOURNAMENT CHAMPIONS:
Makuuchi: Onosato (O). 3rd career top tier championship
Juryo: Kusano (J14). 1st career championship
Makushita: Oshoryu (Ms28). 4th career championship, 1st Makushita
Sandanme: Asanoyama (Sd21). 5th career championship, 2nd Sandanme
Jonidan: Daikisho (Jd4). 2nd career championship, 1st Jonidan, 2nd consecutive
Jonokuchi: Chiyotenfu (Jk7). 1st career championship

The next tournament is 5/11-5/25 at Ryogoku Kokugikan in Tokyo. The Banzuke will be announced on 4/28. We’ll get early ranking news/hints and more later this week.

Here are the quick results from today’s Day 14-the penultimate day-of the March 2025 Grand Sumo Tournament in Osaka:
Key: M-Maegashira, K-Komusubi, S-Sekiwake, O-Ozeki, J-Juryo, Ms-Makushita

Makuuchi (top tier):
Onokatsu (M12) beat Ryuden (M14)
Midorifuji (M11) beat Sadanoumi (M15)
Meisei (M11) beat Mitakeumi (M17)
Nishikigi (M10) beat Shirokuma (M17)
Shonannoumi (M10) beat Asakoryu (M16)
Shishi (M13) beat Endo (M9)
Shodai (M7) beat Kotoshoho (M16)
Tokihayate (M18) beat TamawashI (M7)
Aonishiki (M15) beat Takerufuji (M6)
Churanoumi (M14) beat Takayasu (M4)
Hakuoho (M9) beat Tobizaru (M3)
Gonoyama (M2) beat Takarafuji (M12)
Chiyoshoma (M2) beat Takanosho (M3)
Oshoma (M8) beat Wakatakakage (M1)
Wakamotoharu (M1) beat Atamifuji (M8)
Kirishima (K) beat Kinbozan (M5)
Ura (M5) beat Abi (K)
Oho (S) beat Ichiyamamoto (M4)
Onosato (O) beat Daieisho (S)
Hiradoumi (M6) beat Kotozakura (O)
Leader: Takayasu, Onosato (11-3)
Of note: Oh no…that was my first reaction when Takayasu lost. The match just went too long and he couldn’t finish. Not again…he could have clinched the championship if all went well but now he must beat the always-tricky Abi tomorrow AND Onosato must lose in the Ozeki Showdown against Kotozakura to be champion. If both win, there will be a playoff. If Onosato wins and Takayasu loses, Onosato wins his third championship. But if both lose, there not only will be a playoff, it could be up to a 5-way playoff because that means Aonishiki, Churanoumi and Tokihayate all can get in with wins….and none face each other. Also, if Onosato wins then no matter what happens he’ll likely be on Yokozuna watch and have a chance at pomotion after May if he can win the championship. As for who the 10-4 trio face, Tokihayate is first and has Kirishima, who needs a win to stay in Sanyaku (7-7). Aonishiki has Oho, who is in a likewise situation despite demotion from Sekiwake coming (6-8). Churanoumi faces Daieisho (9-5), looking to make his chances for Ozeki promotion after May slightly better. Right now, the unofficial magic number for Daieisho in May will be 13-a win lowers it to 12, but he also can get there with a championship.

Juryo:
Kazekeno (J13) beat Ishizaki (Ms1)
Miyagi (Ms1) beat Hokutofuji (J11)
Hatsuyama (J13) beat Tomokaze (J7)
Otsuji (J14) beat Kotoeiho (J7)
Kusano (J14) beat Hidenoumi (J6)
Nabatame (J5) beat Mitoryu (J6)
Fujiseiun (J5) beat Shimanoumi (J10)
Daiseizan (J10) beat Shiden (J4)
Oshoumi (J4) beat Tohakuryu (J9)
Roga (J3) beat Hitoshi (J12)
Tochitaikai (J3) beat Wakanosho (J11)
Kayo (J2) beat Hakuyozan (J8)
Wakaikari (J9) beat Tamashoho (J1)
Tsurugisho (J11) beat Kagayaki (J1)
Leader: Kusano (13-1)
Of note: I think Kusano will be promoted to the top tier if he wins tomorrow to finish his championship-winning effort at 14-1. Right now it’s a toss-up but he will have a chance with 13-2 even if he loses. Not helping is Roga likely taking away a spot as he’s almost certainly headed back to the top tier with 10 wins now and Kayo will have a chance with 9 so far. Kusano will go for 14-1 against Fujiseiun, who is 9-5. Elsewhere, I also believe that despite missing several days with injuries, both Oshoumi & Nabatame saved their Juryo spots with wins today. Miyagi clinched promotion to Juryo in May today but Ishizaki, the younger brother of Asakoryu (formerly Ishizaki), missed out and gets demoted instead. A mixed bag for the promotion chances for Makushita Champion Oshoryu, who sees one potential opening taken away. It sounds like it may come down to what Daiamami and Mita do tomorrow in Juryo (both are 3-3) and Akua in Makushita tomorrow (5-1 at Ms6). At worst he’s going to be looking at perhaps Ms3.

Lower tier notes: Lost in the shuffle yesterday was news that Enho won his final Makushita match so that’s a 5th straight 6-1 result in his comeback effort. It won’t get him back to Juryo in May but it puts a July return within reach. We’ll see how things shake out tomorrow but if I had to guess where he’ll be next time, I’ll put him somewhere between Ms7 & Ms11.

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

UPDATE: In Juryo Hokutofuji has WITHDRAWN ahead of the final day. Right knee. This is leading to expectations of demotion to Makushita after finishing 3-12. Daiamami gets the fusen as a result.

Here are the quick results from today’s Day 13-Championship Day in the lower tiers-of the March 2025 Grand Sumo Tournament in Osaka:
Key: M-Maegashira, K-Komusubi, S-Sekiwake, O-Ozeki, J-Juryo, Ms-Makushita, Sd-Sandanme, Jd-Jonidan, Jk-Jonokuchi

Makuuchi (top tier):
Kotoshoho (M16) beat Takarafuji (M12)
Tokihayate (M18) beat Meisei (M11)
Midorifuji (M11) beat Asakoryu (M16)
Shonannoumi (M10) beat Shirokuma (M17)
Mitakeumi (M17) beat Nishikigi (M10)
Sadanoumi (M15) beat Endo (M9)
Hakuoho (M9) beat Shishi (M13)
Oshoma (M8) beat Onokatsu (M12)
Ryuden (M14) beat Atamifuji (M8)
Churanoumi (M14) beat Tamawashi (M7)
Tobizaru (M3) beat Shodai (M7)
Hiradoumi (M6) beat Chiyoshoma (M2)
Gonoyama (M2) beat Kinbozan (M5)
Takayasu (M4) beat Wakamotoharu (M1)
Wakatakakage (M1) beat Ura (M5)
Abi (K) beat Takanosho (M3)
Kirishima (K) beat Ichiyamamoto (M4)
Daieisho (S) beat Aonishiki (M15)
Kotozakura (O) beat Takerufuji (M6)
Oho (S) beat Onosato (O)
Leader: Takayasu (12-2)
Of note: It’s time to hold our collective breath again…can Takayasu FINALLY seal the deal this time? If he can beat Churanoumi tomorrow and Onosato loses to Daieisho, at long last Takayasu will be champion. But if not there could either be a playoff on the final day or Onosato can steal his 3rd championship away and make it NINE runner-ups for Takayasu. Elsewhere, an important win for Kotozakura as with 8 he is now out of kadoban status and will again be a full Ozeki in May, so the last 2 days are a chance to build momentum and maybe get back to 10 wins. Those currently at 9-4 still have a chance to force a playoff if both Takayasu & Onosato lose tomorrow, but their ranks will thin considerably tomorrow as most will face off. Takayasu regardless stands a good chance to return to Sanyaku in May, but that depends on what happens above him (we know Oho will be demoted from Sekiwake, Daieisho will stay there and Wakatakakage should be promoted to at least Komusubi so it likely depends on what happens with Wakamotoharu & Abi as well as Kirishima, the latter two will be demoted from Komusubi with another loss). Elsewhere, Shirokuma is likely being demoted back to Juryo with 8 losses now unless he wins his last two. Daieisho has set himself up for another run at Ozeki promotion in May, if he can get to 11 wins again by winning his last two (including Onosato tomorrow) the unofficial win threshold requirement will be within reasonable reach. Right now he would need 12+ wins or a championship. If he wins his last two it could go down to 11.

Juryo:
Hakuyozan (J8) beat Kazekeno (J13)
Tomokaze (J11) beat Otsuji (J14)
Hidenoumi (J6) beat Wakaikari (J9)
Tohakuryu (J9) beat Mitoryu (J6)
Fujiseiun (J5) beat Hatsuyama (J13)
Hitoshi (J12) beat Nabatame (J5)
Wakanosho (J11) beat Oshoumi (J4)
Tsurugisho (J11) beat Shiden (J4)
Tochitaikai (J3) beat Daiseizan (J10)
Roga (J3) beat Shimanoumi (J10)
Kayo (J2) beat Kusano (J14)
Kagayaki (J1) beat Hokutofuji (J8)
Kotoeiho (J7) beat Tamashoho (J1)
Leader: Kusano (12-1)
Of note: The only question left after clinching the championship yesterday was if Kusano could go 15-0. No zensho yusho. Those hopes got literally Kayo’d today, along with perhaps Kusano’s best hopes of making his top tier debut in May. It could still happen with a 14-1 finish though plus that “famous’ Isegahama clout. Additionally there’s the fact that, at most, only 3 other wrestlers can even manage 11 wins this time but what does work against Kusano is that Tamashoho will be promoted to the top tier as he’s 8-5 at J1, so one potential spot is gone there. Kayo will have a chance at promotion as will Roga, but for now the slight edged may go to Roga at 9-4 from J3 while Kayo is 8-5 from J2 but that spoiler win today did clinch promotion so at worst he’ll be J1. Otherwise the big question is who may be demoted to Makushita-Otsuji will after today, slight chance Nabatame still gets demoted due to injury, I can’t call Hokutofuji safe yet (he’s 3-10), Mitoryu might survive with similar because he’s J6 where Hokutofuji is J8, Hatsuyama needs one more win to be safe at J13 (he’s 7-6 so that win would mean promotion).

Makushita:
Oshoryu (Ms28) beat Kawazoe (Ms39). OSHORYU MAKUSHITA YUSHO!!! 4th career championship and first Makushita championship. He will have a very slim chance of being promoted to Juryo for the first time in his career but it will depend on what happens above him. With regards to that, both Ms1 wrestlers are 3-3 so they’re promoted if they win their last match but demoted if they don’t, at Ms2 Daiamami is also 3-3 while Tochimaru will be demoted after a 2-5 finish and 5 straight losses. At Ms3 Mudoho is 4-2 and promoted while Shimazuumi was absent (injury) and at Ms4 Mita is also promoted at 4-2 while Nishinoryu will be demoted at 2-5. The only other lower ranked wrestler with a real chance to take a spot away is Akua, who is 5-1 at Ms5. So I think worst-case for Oshoryu is perhaps Ms3.

Sandanme:
Daishoryu (Sd6) beat Asagyokusei (Sd33)
Asanoyama (Sd21) beat Chiyooga (Sd1). ASANOYAMA SANDANME YUSHO!!! 5th career championship and second Sandanme championship. He will be promoted back to Makushita in May. Also averted what would have been an 8-way playoff had he lost.

Jonidan:
Souga (Jd59) beat Hienriki (Jd67)
Daikisho (Jd4) beat Okinohama (Jd32). DAIKISHO JONIDAN YUSHO!! 2nd career championship, first Jonidan championship and second championship in a row. He hasn’t lost since his return in January from missing 4+ tournaments due to injury and being demoted from Makushita. Will be promoted to Sandanme in May. Hienriki losing meant this match was for the championship and prevented what otherwise would have been a playoff because he was also 6-0 coming in.

Jonokuchi:
Chiyotenfu (Jk7) beat Asasakurai (Jd98). CHIYOTENFU JONOKUCHI YUSHO!!! First career championship for the 9 year veteran.

Reminder: NHK World Japan will have 50 minutes of LIVE top tier coverage on Day 14 tomorrow at 1:10 AM PT/4:10 AM ET. It may start too late to include Takayasu potentially winning the championship but they would definitely show it on tape delay and also on the daily highlights program later that day (which shows every top tier match in its entirety).

Here are the quick results from today’s Day 12 of the March 2025 Grand Sumo Tournament in Osaka:
Key/ M-Maegashira, K-Komusubi, S-Sekiwake, O-Ozeki, J-Juryo

Makuuchi (top tier):
Kotoshoho (M16) beat Ryuden (M14)
Mitakeumi (M17) beat Takarafuji (M12)
Onokatsu (M12) beat Sadanoumi (M15)
Aonishiki (M15) beat Meisei (M11)
Tokohayate (M18) beat Shonannoumi (M10)
Endo (M9) beat Asakoryu (M16)
Oshoma (M8) beat Midorifuji (M11)
Shirokuma (M17) beat Shodai (M7)
Hiradoumi (M6) beat Hakuoho (M9)
Ura (M5) beat Atamifuji (M8)
Nishikigi (M10) beat Kinbozan (M5)
Tobizaru (M3) beat Ichiyamamoto (M4)
Chiyoshoma (M2) beat Gonoyama (M2)
Wakatakakage (M1) beat Takanosho (M3)
Shishi (M13) beat Wakamotoharu (M1)
Tamawashi (M7) beat Kirishima (K)
Abi (K) beat Churanoumi (M14)
Takayasu (M4) beat Oho (S)
Onosato (O) beat Takerufuji (M6)
Kotozakura (O) beat Daieisho (S)
Leader: Onosato, Takayasu (10-2)
Of note: Remember that since Onosato already beat Takayasu the only way they will face each other again this tournament is a playoff, and that could happen if they both keep winning. On paper Takayasu should have the easier path but Onosato may have a more favorable match tomorrow against the now-demoted Oho, whose first effort at Sekiwake will end after this tournament. Takayasu has Wakamotoharu tomorrow, who is going for promotion and another Sanyaku return. Aonishiki joins Takerufuji & Tamawashi one back at 9-3. Takerufuji has a big one tomorrow against Kotozakura-the Ozeki mow needs just one more win to protect his rank and avoid demotion.

Juryo:
Hatduyama (J13) beat Daiseizan (J10)
Kazekeno (J13) beat Shimanoumi (J10)
Wakaikari (J9) beat Hitoshi (J12)
Wakanosho (J11) beat Tohakuryu (J9)
Otsuji (J14) beat Hokutofuji (J8)
Tsurugisho (J11) beat Mitoryu (J6)
Hakuyozan (J8) beat Hidenoumi (J6)
Shiden (J4) beat Fujiseiun (J5)
Kusano (J14) beat Roga (J3). KUSANO JURYO YUSHO!!! 1st career championship
Tochitaikai (J3) beat Kotoeiho (J7)
Kayo (J2) beat Oshoumi (J4)
Tamashoho (J1) beat Nabatame (J5)
Tomokaze (J7) beat Kagayaki (J1)
Leader and CHAMPION: Kusano (12-0)
Of note: W-O-W. This is almost Prime Hakuho levels of dominance. Now Kusano can focus on trying to go 15-0 and a possible promotion all the way to the top tier in May. And the fact that every other result that needed to happen to make it possible happened! This also ties the record for fastest championship clinching in Juryo AND the 12 straight wins is a new Juryo record. The prior win streak record was held by The 33rd Yokozuna Musashiyama. Otherwise it’s all about promotions & demotions now. Kusano goes for 13-0 tomorrow against Kayo, who needs one more win for promotion. Tomokaze will be headed to the top tier in May as he clinched promotion today with his 8th win at J1.

Lower tier notes: Enho bounced back from his first Makushita loss with a win today, putting him at 5-1 so he will go for yet another 6-1 finish in his last match. That won’t get him to Juryo in May but should set him up for a much better chance at promotion for July. His last match of the tournament is scheduled for tomorrow. In the Sandanme, co-leaders Asanoyama & Asagyokusei have their last matches tomorrow, but not against each other due to being stablemates. If both win, they will face each other in a playoff on the final day. If one wins but one loses, the winner is the champion. If both lose, there will be a MASSIVE playoff-on paper based on tomorrow it could be at least a TEN-WAY playoff!

Here are the quick results from today’s Day 11 of the March 2025 Grand Sumo Tournament in Osaka:
Key: M-Maegashira, K-Komusubi, S-Sekiwake, O-Ozeki, J-Juryo

Makuuchi (top tier):
Shirokuma (M17) beat Asakoryu (M16)
Tokihayate (M18) beat Ryuden (M14)
Onokatsu (M12) beat Mitakeumi (M17)
Kotoshoho (M16) beat Meisei (M11)
Shonannoumi (M15) beat Sadanoumi (M10)
Aonishiki (M15) beat Hakuoho (M9)
Oshoma (M8) beat Takarafuji (M12)
Atamifuji (M8) beat Shishi (M13)
Tamawashi (M7) beat Midorifuji (M11)
Endo (M9) beat Shodai (M7)
Takerufuji (M6) beat Churanoumi (M14)
Hiradoumi (M6) beat Nishikigi (M11)
Chiyoshoma (M2) beat Kinbozan (M5)
Wakamotoharu (M1) beat Takanosho (M3)
Gonoyama (M2) beat Abi (K)
Kirishima (K) beat Takayasu (M4)
Daieisho (S) beat Ichiyamamoto (M4)
Kotozakura (O) beat Oho (S)
Onosato (O) beat Ura (M5)
Leader: Onosato, Takayasu, Takerufuji (9-2)
Of note: Days like today may be the only reason Takayasu will never be a Yokozuna-a tough loss today cost him the lead and puts him in jeopardy of being runner-up and just losing the championship…for the NONTH time on his top tier career. He very well could’ve had 8 CHAMPIONSHIPS ALREADY! His kryptonite-Kirishima-may have just denied him a 9th. That’s now 5 straight times Kirishima has beaten Takayasu. Onosato is also setting up for potentially another Yokozuna bid in May-if he can win out and finish 13-2 or maybe 12-3 the watch is on. Takerufuji won this tournament last year in bis top tier debut and a strong finish could propel him into Sanyaku in May. But one of these two may not happen because Onosato & Takerufuji face off tomorrow. Takayasu has Oho, who is 4-7 and one loss from demotion from Sekiwake in his first effort there. And 3 are still in it at 8-3 including Tanawashi as the Iron Man pursues a 3rd Emperor’s Cup and first at 40. I think we also have to wonder if we’re seeing the potential end of Mitakeumi-he is now one loss from completing a stunning fall from Ozeki in 2022 to Juryo for the first time since 2015. To just stay in the top tier he’a got to win out mow. Elsewhere there are continued health/injury concerns about Endo-it was thought maybe he suffered a potential concussion earlier in the tournament and today he seemed to take an awkward step after winning and possibly suffered a knee injury.

Juryo:
Kusano (J14) beat Tsurugisho (J11)
Daiseizan (J10) beat Kazekeno (J13)
Tohakuryu (J9) beat Otsuji (J14)
Shimanoumi (J10) beat Wakaikari (J9)
Hitoshi (J12) beat Hakuyozan (J8)
Hatsuyama (J13) beat Hokutofuji (J8)
Wakanosho (J11) beat Mitoryu (J6)
Tomokaze (J7) beat Shiden (J2)
Fujiseiun (J5) beat Tochitaikai (J3)
Roga (H3) beat Kotoeiho (J7)
Kayo (J2) beat Nabatame (J5)
Hidenoumi (J6) beat Kagayaki (J1)
Tamashoho (J1) beat Oshoumi (J4)
Leader: Kusano (11-0)
Of note: It could all be over tomorrow. If Hitoshi, Shimanoumi & Hidenoumi all lose and Kusano beats Roga, Kusano is the champion and the question becomes can he go 15-0 and if that happens jump to the top tier? If anyone else wins and Kusano wins, they can only force a playoff. Roga is out with a loss but at least has clinched promotion and will have a chance to return to the top tier in May. Elsewhere, Otsuji will be the first demotion back to Makushita as he now has 8 losses at J14. Likewise, no top tier return for Kagayaki as he clinched demotion today with 8 losses

Lower tier notes: The Makushita Championship is set for Friday, it will be Oshoryu vs. Kawazoe. If Oshoryu wins, he will have an outside chance at Juryo promotion as he is at Ms29. Kawazoe is Ms39, likely too low for a Juryo return. No match for Enho today, he will go for 5-1 tomorrow. In the Sandanme, it will be more complicated-the final 2 are Asanoyama and Asagyokusei, but they’re stablemates (Takasago Beya). That means they’ll face other opponents and if one wins and the other loses, the winner is the champion. If both win, they will face each other in a rare playoff between stablemates. If both lose, there also will be a playoff in some form. The Jonidan has 3 at 6-0 so whether they will need a playoff depends on the scheduled matches. The Jonokuchi has one left at 6-0 so if he wins his last match he is the champion. If he loses, a playoff may happen.

Here are the quick results from today’s Day 10 of the March 2025 Grand Sumo Tournament in Osaka:
Key: M-Maegashira, K-Komusubi, S-Sekiwake, O-Ozeki, Y-Yokozuna, J-Juryo

Makuuchi (top tier):
Tokihayate (M18) beat Fujiseiun (J5)
Aonishiki (M15) beat Kotoshoho (M16)
Sadanoumi (M15) beat Ryuden (M14)
Shishi (M14) beat Mitakeumi (M17)
Asakoryu (M16) beat Takarafuji (M12)
Meisei (M11) beat Shirokuma (M17)
Churanoumi (M14) beat Hakuoho (M9)
Onokatsu (M12) beat Atamifuji (M8)
Shodai (M7) beat Midorifuji (M11)
Tamawashi (M7) beat Nishikigi (M10)
Oshoma (M8) beat Hiradoumi (M6)
Takerufuji (M8) beat Shonannoumi (M10)
Kinbozan (M5) beat Endo (M9)
Tobizaru (M3) beat Chiyoshoma (M2)
Wakatakakage (M1) beat Gonoyama (M2)
Takanosho (M3) beat Kirishima (K)
Wakamotoharu (M1) beat Abi (K)
Daieisho (S) beat Oho (S)
Takayasu (M4) beat Onosato (O)
Ichiyamamoto (M5) beat Kotozakura (O)
Ura (M5) beat Hoshoryu (Y) by default/withdrawal
Leader: Takayasu (9-1)
WITHDRAWAL: Hoshoryu (Y). Cervical spine and right elbow. Out 2 weeks. Tournament over. Will finish the equivalent of 5-10 in his Yokozuna debut as he was 5-4 after losing yesterday. It’s the first time in 39 years a new Yokozuna has pulled out in his debut tournament…ironically, the last time it was also from his Tatsunami Beya. Hoshoryu vowed pre-tournament he had no intent of withdrawing even if injured. It might have just been good PR according to Tatsunami. Ura got the fusen as a result.
Of note: Apparently someone(s) didn’t like Shishi’s recent antics when setting in for the start of matches and he reportedly was warned to tone it down. This clearly was mot Akiseyama “hulking up” before his matches. I guess showing off during salt tossing and pre-match rituals is as far as it can go (bot the same without guys like Terutsuyoshi who is retired now and Akua who attempted to take up the “epic salt thrower” mantle after ditching his “epic salt fist pose” for the cameras before that but can’t do it while he’s in Makushita-you don’t get all that fancy pre-match ritual stuff until you reach Juryo). Elsewhere, we’re back to hoping this is not yet again “so close, and yet so far away” for Takayasu. He has been here several times before and failed to win the championship due to either bad luck or injury issues but when he is healthy like this, he can still be a contender even at 35. Let’s hope for the best. Churanoumi & Takerufuji clinched promotions today and are still one back at 8-2 along with Onosato, still in position to set himself up for a Yokozuna bid in May. Tomorrow Takayasu has Kirishima, who may be affected by neck issues again so this could be a favorable matchup, while Onosato gets Ura. Churanoumi & Takerufuji face each other.

Juryo:
Hatauyama (J13) beat Tsurugisho (J11)
Daiseizan (J10) beat Otsuji (J14)
Kusano (J14) beat Shimanoumi (J10)
Wakaikari (J9) beat Kazekeno (J13)
Tohakuryu (J9) beat Hitoshi (J12)
Hakuyozan (J8) beat Wakanosho (J11)
Hokutofuji (J8) beat Shiden (J2)
Roga (J3) beat Mitoryu (J6)
Hidenoumi (J6) beat Tochitaikai (J3)
Kayo (J2) beat Kotoeiho (J7)
Tomokaze (J7) beat Tamashoho (J1)
Nabatame (J5) beat Kagayaki (J1)
Leader: Kusano (10-0)
RE-ENTRY: Oshoumi (J4). Will return tomorrow. Missed 5 days due to a foot injury. Will be the equivalent of 3-7 and can still salvage promotion by winning out. Otherwise will be demoted, but his position in Juryo is probably safe even if he loses out.
Of note: Kusano can all but clinch the championship tomorrow, if he wins and certain others lose then worst-case will be a playoff. He’s also the only one to clinch promotion so far and the only ones demoted thus far are Nabatame (due to missing 5 days, and this win will be big in his efforts to avoid demotion to Makushita) and Shiden. It’s only noncompetitive because of Kusano running away with it, otherwise this would be very wide open. Kusano has Tsurugisho (4-6) tomorrow and none of the other 7-3 wrestlers face off so we’ll see what happens.

Here are the quick results from today’s Day 9 of the March 2025 Grand Sumo Tournament in Osaka:
Key: M-Maegashira, K-Komusubi, S-Sekiwake, O-Ozeki, Y-Yokozuna, J-Juryo

Makuuchi (top tier):
Aonishiki (M15) beat Nabatame (J5)
Tokiohayate (M18) beat Chiuranoumi (M10)
Ryuden (M14) beat Mitakeumi (M17)
Shishi (M13) beat Asakoryu (M16)
Kotoshoho (M16) beat Onokatsu (M12)
Sadanoumi (M15) beat Takarafuji (M12)
Midorifuji (M11) beat Shirokuma (M17)
Oshoma (M8) beat Shonannoumi (M10)
Atamifuji (M8) beat Meisei (M11)
Endo (M9) beat Tamawashi (M7)
Hakuoho (M9) beat Shodai (M7)
Takerufuji (M6) beat Nishikigi (M8)
Hiradoumi (M6) beat Takanosho (M3)
Tobizaru (M3) beat Wakamotoharu (M1)
Wakatakakage (M1) beat Chiyoshoma (M2)
Gonoyama (M2) beat Kirishima (K)
Oho (S) beat Kinbozan (M5)
Daieisho (S) beat Ura (M5)
Takayasu (M4) beat Kotozakura (O)
Onosato (O) beat Abi (K)
Ichiyamamoto (M4) beat Hoshoryu (Y). KINBOSHI!!! The first career Gold Star Victory for Ichiyamamoto!
Leader: Onosato, Takayasu (8-1)
Of note: What’s going on with Hoshoryu? 2 straight losses and God Star Victories and 3 this tournament…he’s 5-4 overall, it may be two things in particular: Yokozuna debut and also he reportedly has been dealing with cellulitis in his right elbow. Elsewhere, Takayasu clinched the first promotion of the tournament with 8 wins and Onosato protected his rank as they share the lead, with Churanoumi falling one back at 7-2. At the bottom., Shonannoumi & Nishikigi are the first demotions, with the latter possibly dealing with an injury. Onosato & Takayasu won’t be co-leaders after today because they face each other tomorrow. Hoshoryu may not be through handing Kinboxhi out because tomorrow he gets Ura going for #3, but what may help the Yokozuna is Ura is on a 5-match losing streak after today.

Juryo:
Hitoshi (J12) beat Otsuji (J14)
Hatsuyama (J13) beat Wakanosho (J11)
Wakaikari (J9) beat Tsurugisho (J11)
Kusano (J14) beat Hakuyozan (J9)
Kazekeno (J13) beat Hokutofuji (J8)
Kotoeiho (J7) beat Shinanoumi (J10)
Daiseizan (J10) beat Tomokaze (J7)
Tohakuryu (J9) beat Tochitaikai (J3)
Shiden (J4) beat Roga (J3)
Kayo (J2) beat Mitoryu (J6)
Kagayaki (J1) beat Fujiseiun (J5)
Tamashoho (J1) beat Hidenoumi (J6)
Leader: Kusano (9-0)
Of note: There’s still 6 days left but it’s turning into super-rookie Kusano’s to lose as he is now 2 ahead of the field. Shimanoumi took his second loss today and is now tied with Hitoshi for 2nd. Also now we may start hearing questions about the future of Hokutofuji as the veteran is looking at another demotion now at 2-7. At J8 he’s not safe in Juryo yet, I think he needs one more win and maybe two to avoid potential demotion to Makushita for the first time in 9 years. Kusano faces Shimanoumi tomorrow and could have a seemingly insurmountable 3 win lead with 5 days to go if he wins and Hitoshi loses (Tohakuryu, who is 4-5). Also, Nabatame was in the top tier today after returning following 5 days out with a left knee injury, the loss today guarantees demotion but if he can get a couple more wins he’ll probably avoid going down to Makushita.

Lower tier notes: Unfortunately no Makushita championship for Enho and thus no Juryo return in May as he took his first loss of the tournament today to fellow unbeaten Oshoryu, so Enho will now look for a 5th straight 6-1 finish and hopefully set up for another shot at a Juryo return for July. Asanoyama did win his Sandanme match as he is among 4 currently 5-0, and there’s the possibility of a playoff against stablemate Asagyokusei if both win their last 2 matches. The Makushita also has 4 tied at 5-0. The Jonidan currently has 6 at 5-0 while the Jonokuchi has just one at 5-0 right now.

UPDATE: Hoshoryu has WITHDRAWN. Cervical spine strain and right elbow. Out 2 weeks. Tournament over. Will finish the equivalent of 5-10. Ura will get the fusen tomorrow but no Kinboshi.