Tag: sumo

Here are the quick results from today’s Day 12 of the January 2026 Grand Sumo Tournament in Tokyo:
Key: M-Maegashira, K-Komusubi, S-Sekiwake, O-Ozeki, Y-Yokozuna, J-Juryo, Ms-Makushita

Makuuchi (top tier):
Tobizaru (M13) beat Mitakeumi (M14)
Chiyoshoma (M11) beat Tomokaze (M13)
Asakoryu (M15) beat Tokihayate (M10)
Kotoshoho (M10) beat Asahakuryu (M17)
Roga (M9) beat Hatsuyama (M17)
Shodai (M8) beat Midorifuji (M12)
Ryuden (M15) beat Kinbozan (M8)
Asanoyama (M16) beat Fujjnokawa (M7)
Onokatsu (M6) beat Nishikifuji (M11) by default/withdrawal
Gonoyama (M9) beat Tamawashi (M5)
Oshoumi (M16) beat Churanouni (M5)
Daieisho (M4) beat Oshoma (M6)
Ura (M2) beat Hakunofuji (M3)
Takanosho (M3) beat Ichiyamamoto (M1)
Wakatakakage (M2) beat Yoshinofuji (M1)
Shishi (M14) beat Oho (K)
Hiradoumi (M6) beat Wakamotoharu (K)
Kotozakura (O) beat Abi (M12)
Aonishiki (O) beat Atamifuji (M4)
Kirishima (S) beat Hoshoryu (Y)
Onosato (Y) beat Takayasu (S)
Leader: Aonishiki (10-2)
WITHDRAWAL: Nishikifuji (M11). Herniated discs and right elbow. Tournament over. Out at least 2 weeks. Will finish the equivalent of 6-9 (he was 6-5 going into today after 2 straight losses) and be demoted but his top tier spot is safe. Onokatsu got the fusen as a result.
Of note: No perfect attendance this time. Nishikifuji is the first top tier withdrawal of the tournament but despite his demotion Aomori’s streak of unbroken top tier representation going back to the 1800s will continue as Nishikifuji will stay in the top tier while Takerufuji is still in Juryo.
Of note: it looks like two straight tournaments without a Yokozuna champion, and now it’s perhaps Aonishiki’s to lose. If he can win out and claim the title at 13-2, I think we might hear some Yokozuna rumblings as it would be consecutive championships. But first he must get by the current Yokozuna beginning tomorrow with Hoshoryu, and here’s a maybe-shocker: Including the November playoff they have met 4 times to date…Aonishiki has won them all. Against Onosato? 0-3. Both Yokozuna are 8-4 and will be out of it with another loss, with Onosato facing Kotozakura tomorrow after the Ozeki got his 8th win to protect his rank again. 5 are still in it at 9-3 including Asanoyama, looking for his second top tier title.

Juryo:
Himukamaru (Ms2) beat Hakuyozan (J14!
Kyokukaiyu (J12) beat Kazekeno (J10)
Kazuma (J14) beat Kitanowaka (J8)
Hidenouni (J13) beat Kotokuzan (J6)
Nishinoryu (J6) beat Dewanoryu (J13)
Nishikigi (J12) beat Tamashoho (J5)
Tsurugisho (J11) beat Sadanoumi (J4)
Tohakuryu (J10) beat Shonannoumi (J4)
Fujiryoga (J3) beat Kayo (J9)
Takerufuji (J5) beat Shirokuma (J3)
Daiseizan (J2) beat Hitoshi (J9)
Wakanosho (J11) beat Kagayaki (J2)
Asasuiryu (J7) beat Kotoeiho (J1)
Fujiseiun (J1) beat Meisei (J6)
Leader: Fujiseiun, Wakanosho (9-3)
Of note: It’s now pretty much definite that Fujiseiun will be promoted to the top tier in March with likely at least 2 demotions. Kagayaki has all but lost his chance now at 5-7, Kotoeiho still needs a win at 7-5 while Daiseizan needs to win out at 6-6. Fujiryoga & Sadanoumi both will be promoted but need to win out to have any chance. At the bottom, Himukamaru clinched promotion today so he has a chance at a quick Juryo return, but it will depend on the numbers game. Both Ms1 ranks will be demoted (Tocjimusashi is 2-4, Mita is absent) and fellow Ms2 Toshinofuji (fka Seihakuho) is also promoted at 4-2, Shimazuuni is 5-1 at Ms5…ultimately it may depend on Enho. If he wins the championship tomorrow he could be promoted from Ms11 and take a spot away. It’s too early to speculate about the bottom of Juryo with several at 5-7, 6-6 or 7-5 but Kazekeno is 3-9 and could be demoted if he loses out and Wakanosho is a co-leader and promoted. Tocjitaikai is also a toss-up as he seems to be done and would be equal to 3-12 at J7 if he is As for Kazuma, he is now 7-5 and one win from promotion and staying in Juryo as his strong comeback from an 0-3 start continues.

Lower tier notes: No match for Enho today as expected or any of the lower division co-leaders ahead of Championship Day tomorrow. All the lower tier champions may be crowned tomorrow but Jonidan may need a playoff and Jonokuchi may need a playoff between Isegahama stablemates.

Here are the quick results from today’s Day 11 of the January 2026 Grand Sumo Tournament in Tokyo:
Key: M-Maegashira, K-Komusubi, S-Sekiwake, O-Ozeki, Y-Yokozuna, J-Juryo, Ms-Makushita

Makuuchi (top tier):
Tobizaru (M13) beat Hatsuyama (M17)
Abi (M12) beat Shishi (M14)
Midorifuji (M12) beat Ryuden (M15)
Oshoumi (M16) beat Nishikifuji (M11)
Asakoryu (M15) beat Chiyoshoma (M11)
Tokihayate (M10) beat Asahakuryu (M17)
Mitakeuni (M14) beat Gonoyama (M9)
Shodai (M8) beat Tomokaze (M13)
Roga (M9) beat Oshoma (M7)
Asanoyama (M16) beat Hiradoumi (M6)
Churanouni (M5) beat Kotoshoho (M10)
Kinbozan (M8) beat Tamawashi (M5)
Atamifuji (M2) beat Fujinokawa (M7)
Onokatsu (M6) beat Daieisho (M4)
Ichiyamamoto (M1) beat Wakatakakage (M2)
Walamotoharu (K) beat Ura (M2)
Yoshinofuji (M1) beat Oho (K)
Aonishiki (O) beat Hakunofuji (M3)
Takanosho (M3) beat Kotozakura (O)
Pnosato (Y) beat Kirishima (S)
Hoshoryu (Y) beat Takayasu (S)
Leader: Abi, Atamifuji, Aonishiki (9-2)
Of note: Onosato stopped his career-worst 3-match losing streak today to remain in contention at 7-4 while Hosboryu is one back at 8-3, but Takanosho surprised Kotozakura to drop the Ozeki to 7-4 and deny his protecting his rank today. 3 remain co-leaders with Atamifuji being the only one to not have won an Emperor’s Cup already (Abi did a few years ago and Aonishiki is going for two straight). If Atamifuji is going to win his first, he has to pass his biggest test tomorrow-Aonishiki. Abi faces Kotozakura. After Onosato beat him today, Hosboryu will try to pretty much eliminate Kirishima from contention while Onosato faces Takayasu with a winning record on the line for both.
And if you had the first katasukashi this tournament for Midorifuji coming today, you win! He beat Ryuden with his signature technique. And while Hatsuyama will be demoted back to Juryo, Oshoumi clinched his first top tier promotion today in his second try. Finally, what may be the last chance to climb back up the ladder for Asanoyama will continue as his latest top tier return will end with promotion as he joined the 8-3 crowd today.

Juryo:
Kazuma (J14) beat Tochimusashi (Ms1)
Tohakuryu (J10) beat Kyokukaiyu (J2)
Kayo (J9) beat Tsurugisho (J11)
Hitoshi (J9) beat Dewanoryu (J13)
Hidenouni (J13) beat Kitanowaka (J8)
Hakuyozan (J14) beat Kotokuzan (J6)
Shonannoumi (J4) beat Nishikigi (J12)
Walanosho (J11) beat Sadanoumi (J4)
Shirokuma (J3) beat Kazekeno (J10)
Fujiryoga (J3) beat Tamashoho (J5)
Kagayaki (J2) beat Meisei (J8)
Takerufuji (J5) beat Daiseizan (J2)
Fujiseiun (J1) beat Asasuiryu (J7)
Kotoeiho (J1) beat Nishinoryu (J6)
Leader: Fujiseiun, Sadanoumi, Walanosho (8-3)
Of note: After somehow being denied promotion to the top tier despite 8 wins at J1, Fujiseiun will get a second chance after clinching promotion today. With Hatsuyama being demoted that should open the spot for Fujiseiun. At the bottom, it’s been noted that with Tocjimusashi now being demoted and Tochitaikai demoted too and pribably done for the tournament, March could mark the first time in 60 years Kasugano Beya has no rikishi in the top 2 tiers. It’s been a long, slow fall since former Ozeki Tochinoshin retired and even before that. Himikamaru is the Makushita man up tomorrow, he is 3-3 at Ms2 so a win gives him a slim chance of following Kise stablemate Kazuma into Juryo in Matrch. As for Kazuma, beating Tochimusashi saw him improve to 6-5, an impressive turnaround from a surprise 0-3 start.

Lower tier notes: There’s real hope for Enho’s long-awaited Juryo promotion…he beat Tochimaru today and now will face Nobehara Friday for the Makushita Championship. If Engo wins, there is a chance he will be promoted back to Juryo from Ms11. Why is this such a big deal, you ask? Before demotion to the lower ranks due to injuries, Enho was probably one win short of what would have been 30 tournaments in the top 2 tiers-that means eligibility for elder stock and perhaps hope of someday restarting Miyagino Beya, which was forced to close when the former Hakuho was forced out of sumo and everything transferred to Isegahama Beya (the Miyagino elder stock is now held by the former Isegahama despite having to retire last year, at least for another 4 years or so). Enho has 29 such tournaments. If he loses Friday he’ll have to try again in March but probably from a top 5 Makushita ranking. The Sandanme final is also set and will be Hananofuji vs. Tatsubayana. The Jonidan has 3 at 6-0 so a playoff remains possible. The Jonokuchi has the two Isegahama men at 6-0 so they will not face each other yet-if both win their last match, there will be a playoff between them. If one wins and the other loses, the winner is the champion. If both lose, there will be a multi-man playoff. This does mean Isegahama has a chance to claim 4 of the 6 championships this time-all but Juryo & Jonidan. Not a bad way to send the former Terunofuji into retirement-his retirement ceremony & haircutting event will be held on 1/31.

In other news, it was also announced that Oyakata Kitajin-the former Endo-will have his retirement event & haircutting ceremony on 1/30/2027 at the Kokugikan. The former Hokutofuji (now Oyama) & Takarafuji (now Kiriyama) will have their retirement events in the coming months.

UPDATE: Nishikifuji has WITHDRAWN ahead of day 12. First out of the top tier this tournament. Herniated disc(s) and right elbow. Tournament over. Out at least 2 weeks. Will finish the equivalent of 6-9 but at M11 his top tier spot is safe so the unbroken Aomori representation run int he top tier will continue even with Takerufuji stuck in Juryo. Onokatsu will get the fusen as a result.

Here are the quick results from today’s Day 10 of the January 2026 Grand Sumo Tournament in Tokyo:
Key: M-Maegashira, K-Komusubi, S-Sekiwake, O-Ozeki, Y-Yokozuna, J-Juryo

Makuuchi (top tier):
Tobizaru (M13) beat Ryuden (M15)
Tomokaze (M13) beat Mitakeuni (M14)
Midorifuji (M12) beat Hatsuyama (M17)
Abi (M12) beat Oshoumi (M16)
Chiyoshoma (M11) beat Asahakuryu (M17)
Asakoryu (M15) beat Nishikifuji (M11)
Asanoyama (M16) beat Kinbozan (M8)
Oshoma (M7) beat Kotoshoho (M10)
Shishi (M14) beat Fujinokawa (M7)
Hiradouni (M6) beat Tokihayate (M10)
Onokatsu (M6) beat Roga (M9)
Tamawashi (M5) beat Shodai (M8)
Gonoyama (M9) beat Churanouni (M5)
Daieisho (M4) beat Ura (M2)
Wakatakakage (M2) beat Hakunofuji (M3)
Wakamotoharu (K) beat Ichiyamamoto (M1)
Takahasu (S) beat Yoshinofuji (M1)
Kotozakura (O) beat Kirishima (S)
Aonishiki (O) beat Takanosho (M3)
Hoshoryu (Y) beat Oho (K)
Atamifuji (M2) beat Onisato (Y). KINBOSHI!!! The second career-and consecutive-Gold Star Victory for Atamifuji!
Leader: Shishi, Abi, Atamifuji, Kirishima, Aonishiki (8-2)
Of note: This is bad uncharted territory for Onosato, the first 3-match or greater losing streak of his career. He is now 6-4 and fading fast. Clearly something with the left shoulder amidst ongoing withdrawal rumors. And that’s also two straight Kinboshi for Atamifuji, who also clinched promotion and may finally break through to Sanyaku in March. And hopefully he gets to keep today’s prize money, he may have “ceremonially” given it to stablemaster Isegahama (Terunofuji) after his first one yesterday. Hoshoryu bounced back today from his two straight losses and is still in it at 7-3, while Aonishiki secured a winning record in his Ozeki debut. Abi & Shishi also clinch promotions while staying in the lead after Kirishima took an uncommon loss to Kotozakura-he les their series 14-6 coming in. If Onosato can go tomorrow his opponent is Kirishima, Hoshoryu has Takayasu.

Juryo:
Nishikigi (J12) beat Kazuma (J14)
Hakuyozan (J14) beat Kazekeno (J10)
Wakanosho (J11) beat Tohakuryu (J10)
Kyokukaiyu (J12) beat Kayo (J9)
Dewanoryu (J13) beat Kitanowaka (J8)
Asasuiryu (J7) beat Hidenouni (J13)
Sadanoumi (J4) beat Hitoshi (J9)
Shonannoumi (J4) beat Tsurugisho (J11)
Meisei (J8) beat Fujiryoga (J3)
Shirokuma (J3) beat Tamashoho (J5)
Daiseizan (J2) beat Tochitaikai (J7) by default/withdrawal
Kagayaki (J2) beat Takerufuji (J5)
Kotoeiho (J1) beat Hakuyozan (J6)
Nishinoryu (J6) beat Fujiseiun (J1)
Leader: Sadanoumi (8-2)
WITHDRAWAL: Tochitaikai (J7). Right knee. Tournament possibly over. Will be a toss-up on demotion to Makushita with the equivalent of a 3-12 record but will be demoted regardless as he is now 3-7 so that 8th loss will come tomorrow. Daiseizan got the fusen as a result. Sadanoumi is now the sole leader and has clinched promotion but needs at least 2 more wins for a realistic chance at a tip tier return. Because of Tochitaikai’s withdrawal, Tochimusashi will be the first Makushita man up to Juryo tomorrow and will face Kazuma. Tochimusashi is 2-3 and must win out for a Juryo return from Ms1.

Lower tier notes: As expected, no match for Enho today as the Makushita final 4 get a day off before their next match. Tomorrow he will face Tochimaru with the winner going for the championship on Friday so if Enho wins both, he still has a chance at a Juryo return in March. That of course means Fukai-Nobehara is the other match to decide who will be the other half of the championship. With their 5th day finished, the Jonidan now has 6 left at 5-0 so a playoff will be very possible.

Here are the quick results from today’s Day 9 of the January 2026 Grand Sumo Tournament in Tokyo:
Key: M-Maegashira, K-Komusubi, S-Sekiwake, O-Ozeki, Y-Yokozuna, J-Juryo

Makuuchi (top tier):
Oshoumi (M16) beat Asakoryu (M15)
Shishi (M14) beat Ryuden (M15)
Hatsuyama (M17) beat Tomokaze (M13)
Asanoyama (M16) beat Tobizaru (M13)
Nishikifuji (M11) beat Asahakuryu (M17)
Mitakeumi (M14) beat Chiyoshoma (M11)
Kotoshoho (M10) beat Abi (M12)
Tokihayate (M10) beat Midorifuji (M12)
Fujinokawa (M7) beat Roga (M9)
Gonoyama (M9) beat Onokatsu (M6)
Hiradoumi (M6) beat Kinbozan (M8)
Churanoumi (M5) beat Shodai (M8)
Tamawashi (M5) beat Oshoma (M7)
Daieisho (M4) beat Hakunofuji (M3)
Yoshinofuji (M1) beat Takanosho (M3)
Oho (K) beat Ichiyamamoto (M1)
Kirishima (S) beat Ura (M2)
Aonishiki (O) beat Wakatakakage (M2)
Kotozakura (O) beat Takayasu (S)
Wakamotoharu (K) beat Onosato (Y). KINBOSHI!!! The 3rd career Gold Star Victory for Wakamotoharu!
Atamifuji (M4) beat Hoshoryu (Y). KINBOSHI!!! The first career Gold Star Victory for Atamifuji!
Leader: Kirishima (8-1)
Of note: Hakkaku must be en fuego. That’s two straight days of two Kinboshi conceded by both Yokozuna. Hard to believe this is the first for Atamifuji but there are two simple reasons for that-inconsistency at the top rankings when he’s there and being an Isegahama man, which until a year ago meant no Kinboshi chances due to not being able to face then-sole-Yokozuna Terunofuji in a tournament unless it was in a playoff. Both Yokozuna are now 6-3 after consecutive losses while only Kirishima has clinched promotion, or in his case maintaining Sekiwake. 5 are at 7-2 including Aonishiki, who is one win away from a winning record in his Ozeki debut. And while it may be too little too late to save his spot, congrats to Hatsuyama on FINALLY getting his first top tier win after losing his first 8. Atamifuji gets another kinboshi chance tomorrow against Onosato while Hoshoryu is done with those, at least for one day, as his opponent tomorrow is Oho. Aonishiki should be able to clinch his winning record against 1-8 Takanosho, while Kirishima tries to maintain the sole leader spot against Kotozakura.
If you’re wondering if Kirishima can be promoted back to Ozeki with a championship here, almost certainly no. He was demoted to M2 last time after 4 straight Sanyaku tournaments so he’d probably need another championship next time.

Juryo:
Dewanoryu (J13) beat Kyokukaiyu (J12)
Hakuyozan (J14) beat Nishikigi (J12)
Tsurugisho (J11) beat Tohakuryu (J10)
Kazekeno (J10) beat Hidenoumi (J13)
Kazuma (J14) beat Kayo (J9)
Hitoshi (J9) beat Wakanosho (J11)
Meisei (J8) beat Shonannoumi (J4)
Sadanoumi (J4) beat Kitanowaka (J8)
Asasuiryu (J7) beat Shirokuma (J3)
Fujiryoga (J3) beat Tochitaikai (J7)
Nishinoryu (J6) beat Kagayaki (J2)
Tamashoho (J5) beat Daiseizan (J2)
Fujiseiun (J1) beat Kotokuzan (J6)
Takerufuji (J6) beat Kotoeiho (J1)
Leader: Fujiseiun, Sadanoumi (7-2)
Of note: It’s very wide open as only 2 wrestlers-Shonannoumi & Kotokuzan-are worse than 3-6, both are 2-7. 5 are at 6-3 and, much like Takasago last time, there is a chance of a stable sending 2 up to the top tier or having a playoff for the championship with Fujiseiun at 7-2 and stablemate Fujiryoga at 6-3. And Kazuma is not out of it yet-his 0-3 opening struggle seems to be behind him as he now has a winning record so far, up to 5-4 after today’s win.

Lower tier notes: Enho is part of the final 4 in Makushita, winning his match today to go to 5-0 and remain one of the 4 unbeaten wrestlers left. If he can finish 7-0 with the championship a promotion back to Juryo is possible. No match tomorrow as he prepares for an eliminator that could be againstfellow former Juryo man Tochimaru, who fell all the way down to Jonidan after injuries but has fought his way back up to have a chance at re-promotion (and is popular among fans for perhaps being the fastest pusher-thruster in sumo, his pushes are like rapid fire). The other possibilities are Fukai or Nobehara. The Sandanme is also down to their final 4 at 5-0. The Jonidan currently has 5 at 5-0 with 2 at 4-0 so a playoff will be a real possibility. The Jonokuchi has two at 5-0 but both are Isegahama men including super-prospect Asahifuji, so they won’t face off unless it’s a playoff for the championship.

UPDATE: Hochi Sports reports that dubious distinction of two Yokozuna losing consecutive matches hasn’t happened in 28 years. And unfortunately another streak ends tomorrow-perfect participation in the top 2 tiers. Tochitaikai has WITHDRAWN from Juryo. Right knee. Might be done. He is 3-6 after today so the question is whether 3-12 at J7 is enough to avoid demotion to Makushita.

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

The top tier matches can be watched on ABEMA (in Japan, which broadcasts all matches live) or NHK in Japan (broadcasts usually start with Makushita matches) or worldwide on NHK World Premium on participating cable/satellite providers or in the US & Canada on Jme. NHK World Japan will also have 50 minutes of coverage FOR FREE beginning at 12:10 AM PT/3:10 AM ET.

Updates below will begin when the Juryo matches start.

10 PM PT UPDATE: Live updates begin now.

11 PM PT UPDATE: Top tier live updates begin now.

The NHK World Premium broadcast begins here. Opens with a taped video touring Nakamura Beya.

Makuuchi (top tier):
Shishi (M14) beat Asahakuryu (M17)
Asakoryu (M15) beat Mitakeumi (M14)
Tobizaru (M13) beat Oshoumi (M16)
Ryuden (M15) beat Tomokaze (M13)
Chiyoshoma (M11) beat Hatsuyama (M17)
Nishikifuji (M11) beat Asanoyama (M16)
Abi (M12) beat Tokihayate (M10)
Midorifuji (M12) beat Roga (M9)
Shodai (M8) beat Kotoshoho (M10)
Hiradoumi (M6) beat Gonoyama (M9)
Kinbozan (M8) beat Onokatsu (M6)
The usual midway intermission pauses everything due to expecting the Emperor & family to make their way to their seats anytime now.
Fujinokawa (M7) beat Tamawashi (M5)
The NHK World Japan live broadcast begins here.
Atamifuji (M4) beat Oshoma (M7)
Churanoumi (M5) beat Takanosho (M3)
Wakatakakage (M2) beat Ura (M2)
Wakamotoharu (K) beat Yoshinofuji (M1)
Takayasu (S) beat Ichiyamamoto (M1)
Oho (K) beat Kotozakura (O)
Kirishima (S) beat Aonishiki (O)
Daieisho (M4) beat Hoshoryu (Y). KINBOSHI!!! The 5th career Gold Star Victory for Daieisho!
Hakunofuji (M3) beat Onosato (Y). KINBOSHI!!! The 4th career Gold Star Victory for Hakunofuji!
Leader: Abi, Kirishima (7-1)
Of note: It’s one and done in the top tier for now for Hatsuyama, he is now 0-8 and officially is the first demotion of the tournament in the top 2 tiers. Unless he wins his last 7, he’ll be back in Juryo in March. Kinbozan also gave us our first HENKA!!! of the tournament. Not illegal at all but generally fans and almost everyone else hate it. And that’s the 3rd Kinboshi in the last 4 tournaments Hakunofuji has taken against Onosato and the 4th straight tournament he’s beaten a Yokozuna. After today it’s just Kirishima & Abi in the lead at 7-1 but 8 are still in it at 6-2.
One more Kinboxhi chance tomorrow as Hoshoryu faces Atamifuji, but Onosato gets a break as he’ll start his Sanyaku slate with Wakamotoharu.
After Midorifuji-Roga the broadcast showed earlier footage of the Emperor & Empress along with Princess Aiko entering the Kokugikan, accompanied by Hakkaku (the current chairman of the Japam Sumo Association) with all the stablemasters present. The loudest cheers seemed to be for the very popular Princess Aiko. Hakkaku stayed with them. After they entered, the matches resumed.

Juryo:
Wakanosho (J11) beat Hakuyozan (J14)
Tsurugisho (J11) beat Kyokukaiyu (J12)
Dewanoryu (J13) beat Tohakuryu (J10)
Kazuma (J14) beat Hitoshi (J9)
Hidenoumi (J13) beat Kayo (J9)
NIshikigi (J12) beat Kitanowaka (J8)
Sadanoumi (J4) beat Meisei (J8)
Shonannoumi (J4) beat Kazekeno (J10)
Asasuiryu (J7) beat Fujiryoga (J3)
Tochitaikai (J7) beat Shirokuma (J3)
Daiseizan (J2) beat Nishinoryu (J6)
Kagayaki (J2) beat Kotokuzan (J6)
Kotoeiho (J1) beat Tamashoho (J5)
Takerufuji (J5) beat Fujiseiun (J2)
Leader: Fujiseiun, Kayo, Sadanoumi, Wakanosho (6-2)

Lower tier notes: Enho won his 4th Makushita match today so that’s another promotion and he will remain among the group of co-leaders at 4-0. That group will have a total of 7 after today. Enho goes for 5-0 tomorrow. There are 2 potential playoff scenarios involving stablemates right now as two of the leaders are Isegahama men and 2 others are Kasugano men. The Sandanme has 10 at 4-0. The Jonidan has 11 at 4-0 and the Jonokuchi has 3 at 4-0.

Today was also Shindeshi Day, where the new wrestlers debuting next tournament are introduced. There are 7 this time, most notably Bukchuulun (sp?), the latest top Mongolian super-prospect right behind now-Asahifuji, who is debuting this time out of Isegahama Beya and has clinched promotion already in Jonokuchi. Asahifuji sound familiar? If so, that was the shikona of the former Isegahama who had to retire last summer and hand the stable over to Terunofuji, although Isegahama got the 5 years provisional elder stock and is now Miyagino, taking it from the former Hakuho.

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

Makuuchi (top tier):
Ryuden (M15) beat Hatsuyama (M17)
Oshoumi (M16) beat Tomokaze (M13)
Asakoryu (M15) beat Tobizaru (M13)
Asanoyama (M16) beat Abi (M12)
Asahakuryu (M17) beat Midorifuji (M12)
Shishi (M14) beat Chiyoshoma (M11)
Tokihayate (M10) beat Mitakeumi (M14)
Nishikifuji (M11) beat Roga (M9)
Kotoshoho (M10) beat Kinbozan (M8)
Gonoyama (M9) beat Oshoma (M7)
Hiradoumi (M6) beat Shodai (M8)
Churanoumi (M5) beat Fujinokawa (M7)
Atamifuji (M4) beat Onokatsu (M6)
Takanosho (M3) beat Tamawashi (M5)
Ura (M2) beat Ichiyamamoto (M1)
Takayasu (S) beat Oho (K)
Kirishima (S) beat Yoshinofuji (M1)
Aonishiki (O) beat Wakamotoharu (K)
Kotozakura (O) beat Wakatakakage (M2)
Onosato (Y) beat Daieisho (M4)
Hoshoryu (Y) beat Hakunofuji (M3)
Leader: 6 at 6-1
Of note: No zensho yusho hopes anymore, and Abi’s first loss opened the floodgates again from one leader to 6 co-leaders including both Yokozuna and Aonishiki. Kirishima is also in that group while Oshoumi is an unlikely co-leader there too. We may see our first demotion tomorrow as Hatsuyama’s top tier debut could be one-and-done as he is the only 0-7 after Ura finally got his first win today against also-now-1-6 Ichiyamamoto. Sanyaku swept again today except for Wakamotoharu & Oho who both lose (Wakamotoharu is now also 1-6). There have been injury concerns about both Onosato (left shoulder) and Hoshoryu (knee) but both are holding up well so far. When the Emperor and Empress attend tomorrow the featured match looks to be Kirishima vs. Aonishiki. Daieisho & Hakunofuji get their second Yokozuna matches tomorrow.
Despite another loss Chiyoshoma was moving a little better today, especially afterwards, so hopefully any injury concerns are very minor.

Juryo:
Tsurugisho (J11) beat Dewanoryu (J13)
Tohakuryu (J10) beat Nishikigi (J11)
Kazuma (J14) beat Kazekeno (J10)
Kayo (J9) beat Hakuyozan (J14)
Hitoshi (J9) beat Hidenoumi (J13)
Kyokukaiyu (J12) beat Kitanowaka (J8)
Wakanosho (J11) beat Meisei (J8)
Nishinoryu (J6) beat Tochitaikai (J7)
Asasuiryu (J7) beat Kotokuzan (J6)
Fujiryoga (J3) beat Takerufuji (J5)
Shirokuma (J3) beat Kagayaki (J2)
Sadanoumi (J4) beat Daiseizan (J2)
Fujiseun (J1) beat Tamashoho (J5)
Kotoeiho (J1) beat Shonannoumi (J4)
Leader: Fujiseiun, Kayo (6-1)
Of note: Fujiseiun seems well on his way to hopefully earning top tier promotion next time after just missing out this tournament despite a winning record, while Kayo is an unlikely co-leader. The new Juryo wrestlers got a lot of TV attention & interviews this week and they’re now heading in opposite drections-Dewanoryu is struggling after a strong start and fell to 4-3 today with 3 straight losses, while after exceeding his career loss total in the first few days Kazuma has hopefully found his comfort zone, having bounced back to 3-4 after an 0-3 start and has a winning streak in Juryo for the first time.

Lower tier notes: Promotion Day began in the lower tiers today. In the Makushita, 4 have clinched their promotions so far at 4-0 with Toshinofuji-the firmer Seihakuho and one of the last prized Hakuho prospects before the Isegahame purge-poised to reach Juryo in March from Ms2 if he can get one more win. No match for Enho today, he goes for 4-0 and promotion tomorrow. In the Sandanme, 6 are already at 4-0 including former Juryo man Nabatame as he tries to come back from injuries which caused him to miss the last 3 tournaments-perhaps he’ll be able to inspire injured stablemate Mita, who now looks to be out until probably July which would mean he would return at either Sandanme or Jonidan (he is at Ms1 this time). In the Jonidan, 6 are at 4-0 with promotions so far while the Jonokuchi has 5 at 3-0 with one at 2-0 and his third match tomorrow.
And finally…perhaps sumo’s most lovable loser, Moriurara (a longtime Jonokuchi wrestler at Otake Beya who now is getting new fame thanks to the stable’s new YouTube channel), has clinched his 38th straight demotion/losing record. That’s over 6 years since his last promotion. His last winning record was in July 2019 and he hasn’t been promoted to Jonidan since May 2024 (sometimes a Jonokuchi wrestler can get promoted to Jonidan with a losing record). And for those wondering, no he would not be the oldest active rikishi if there was no Tamawashi. He is about 35 days younger than Sadanoumi, also 38.

Reminder: NHK World Japan will have 50 minutes of LIVE top tier coverage FOR FREE tomorrow beginning at 12:10 AM PT/3:10 AM ET. I will try to do live results tonight alongside planned live results from another event. The NHK World Premium start time is subject to change due to live sports coverage (another of several year-opening running races that is basically a relay-race version of the marathon) which is scheduled to wrap up just after 10 PM PT/1 AM ET but that could change unexpectedly.

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

Makuuchi (top tier):
Shishi (M16) beat Hatsuyama (M17)
Oshoumi (M16) beat Mitakeumi (M14)
Asahakuryu (M17) beat Tobizaru (M13)
Tomokaze (M13) beat Asanoyama (M16)
Abi (M12) beat Asanoyama (M15)
Ryuden (M15) beat Nishikifuji (M11)
Kotoshoho (M12) beat Midorifuji (M12)
Roga (M9) beat Chiyoshoma (M11)
Kinbozan (M8) beat Tokihayate (M10)
Fujinokawa (M7) beat Gonoyama (M9)
Onokatsu (M6) beat Shodai (M8)
Churanouni (M5) beat Oshoma (M7)
Atamifuji (M4) beat Hiradoumi (M6)
Hakunofuji (M3) beat Tamawashi (M5!
Yoshinofuji (M1) beat Ura (M2)
Wakamotoharu (K) beat Obo (K)
Kirishima (S) beat Ichiyamamoto (M1)
Kotozakura (O) beat Daieisho (M4)
Aonishiki (O) beat Takayasu (S)
Hoshoryu (Y) beat Takanosho (M3)
Onosato (Y) beat Wakatakakage (M2)
Leader: Abi (6-0)
Of note: There was some concern about if Chiyoshoma would be able to compete today as he was moving very slowly after his loss yesterday, a possible foot or hip injury being suggested by NHK English commentary. But he cane back at least for today. Otherwise mostly as expected today, all of Sanyaku won except Takayasu (facing Aonishiki) and Oho (facing Wakamotoharu) while Oshoma took his first loss leaving Abi as the last unbeaten left.

Juryo:
Nishikigi (J12) beat Hidenoumi (J13)
Kazuma (J14) beat Wakanosho (J11)
Kazekeno (J10) beat Tsurugisho (J11)
Hakuyozan (J14) beat Tohakuryu (J10)
Hitoshi (J9) beat Kyokukaiyu (J12)
Kayo (J9) beat Dewanoryu (J10)
Meisei (J8) beat Kotokuzan (J6)
Kitanowaka (J8) beat Nishinoryu (J6)
Tamashoho (J5) beat Tochitaikai (J7)
Asasuiryu (J7) beat Takerufuji (J5)
Daiseizan (J2) beat Shirokuma (J3)
Fujiryoga (J3) beat Kagayaki (J2)
Kotoeiho (J1) beat Sadanoumi (J4)
Shonannoumi (J4) beat Fujiseiun (J1)
Leader: Fujiseiun, Kayo (5-1)

Lower tier notes: 5 matches involving 3 wrestlers from Nishonoseki Beya and 2 from Shikihide Beya, all apparently in the lower tiers, were delayed because of a major power outage that affected train service throughout Tokyo and surrounding areas. Those matches were held when they arrived as the Japan Sumo Association was aware of the disruptions so the matches were delayed and not fusen for the involved wrestlers. (It should be noted Nishonoseki is one of a small handful of stables not located within Ryogoku or other parts of Tokyo, Onosato & his stablemates are based in Ibaraki Prefecture, as is Shikihide. Sadogatake is another long-distance one, I believe they are based in Chiba Prefecture) Elsewhere, tomorrow is the first half of Promotion Day, where the leaders will reach 4-0 and clinch promotions for the next tournament. Enho is among 15, and one of 3 Isrgahama men, in that group at 3-0 in Makushita-he will go for his promotion Sunday with no scheduled match tomorrow. The Sandanme has 19 at 3-0. The Jonidan has 23 at 3-0 while the Jonokuvhi has 5 at 3-0 but also one at 2-0 who oddly has had only 2 matches so far.

RETIREMENT: Daiamami (Ms17). The Japan Sumo Association announced his retirement today. He did not compete this tournament in Makushita (pre-tournament withdrawal). Daiamami, real name Genki Sakamoto, from Oitekaze Beya, finishes his career exactly 10 years after it began with a record of 392-418-8 (win-loss-absent), 73-103-4 in the top tier and one Juryo Championship with a career high rank of M11. He qualifies for elder stock but it’s not yet known if any is available.

Also of note: The current Emperor is expected to be in attendance Sunday for Day 8 and enhanced security measures, namely baggage inspections for attending fans, have been announced. (Emperor is mainly a ceremonial position in Japan with little to no actual power/authority. The Prime Minister is basically the President/lead ruler. Many think the current PM, Sanae Takaichi, won’t be in the Kokugikan at all including the Final Day for award presentations just because she is a woman. Traditionally women are forbidden from stepping foot on the dohyo and sumo seems reluctant to change despite a growing number of women participating-or wanting to-in the sport)

UPDATE: According to reliable English language YouTube news source Chris Sumo, no elder stock for Daiamami and he will leave the Sumo Association.

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

Makuuchi (top tier):
Asanoyama (M16) beat Ryuden (M15)
Mitakeumi (M14) beat Hatsuyama (M17)
Oshoumi (M16) beat Shishi (M14)
Tomokaze (M13) beat Asahakuryu (M17)
Midorifuji (M12) beat Asakoryu (M15)
Nishikifuji (M11) beat Tobizaru (M13)
Abi (M12) beat Chiyoshoma (M11)
Tokihayate (M10) beat Roga (M9)
Kotoshoho (M10) beat Gonoyama (M9)
Fujinokawa (M7) beat Shodai (M8)
Oshoma (M7) beat Kinbozan (M8)
Hiradoumi (M6) beat Churanouni (M5)
Onokatsu (M6) beat Tamawashi (M5)
Atamifuji (M4) beat Ura (M2)
Yoshinofuji (M1) beat Ichiyamamoto (M1)
Takayasu (S) beat Wakamotoharu (K)
Oho (K) beat Kirishima (S)
Aonishiki (O) beat Daieisho (M4)
Hakunofuji (M3) beat Kotozakura (O)
Onosato (Y) beat Takanosho (M3)
Hosboryu (Y) beat Wakatakakage (M2)
Leader: Abi, Oshoma (5-0)
Of note: Things settled down a little today as no Kinbochi conceded by the Yokozuna and Aoniahiki also bounced back with a win, but Kotozakura took a second straight loss and Kirishima fell from the unbeaten ranks, leaving two at 5-0. Both Oshoma & Abi are wildly inconsistent at times but Abi has won a championship before so he knows what it takes. A key early match tomorrow is Takayasu-Aonishiki with both at 4-1. Both Yokozuna are also in the 4-1 group

Juryo:
Kyokukaiyu (J12) beat Hidenoumi (J13)
Nishikigi (J12) beat Dewanoryu (J13)
Tsurugisho (J11) beat Hakuyozan (J14)
Tohakuryu ((J10) beat Kazuma (J14)
Wakanosho (J11) beat Kazekeno (J10)
Kayo (J9) beat Kitanowaka (J8)
Hitoshi (J9) beat Meisei (J8)
Asasuiryu (J7) beat Nishinoryu (J6)
Kotokuzan (J6) beat Tochitaikai (J7)
Takerufuji (J5) beat Shonannouni (J4)
Kagayaki (J2) beat Tamashoho (J5)
Fujiryoga (J3) beat Daiseizan (J2)
Fujiseiun (J1) beat Sadanoumi (J4)
Kotoeiho (J1) beat Shirokuma (J3)
Leader: Fujiseiun (5-0)

Lower tier notes: No match for Enho today after consecutive days of Makushita matches. He’ll go for 3-0 tomorrow.

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

Makuuchi (top tier):
Oshoumi (M16) beat Ryuden (M15)
Asakoryu (M15) beat Hatsuyama (M17)
Asanoyama (M16) beat Shishi (M14)
Mitakeumi (M14) beat Asahakuryu (M17)
Midorifuji (M12) beat Tobizaru (M13)
Abi (M12) beat Tomokaze (M13)
Tokihayate (M10) beat Chiyoshoma (M11)
Kotoshoho (M10) beat Nishikifuji (M11)
Shodai (M8) beat Gonoyama (M9)
Roga (M9) beat Kinbozan (M8)
Oshoma (M7) beat Hiradoumi (M6)
Fujinokawa (M7) beat Onokatsu (M6)
Tamawashi (M5) beat Daieisho (M4)
Atamifuji (M4) beat Churanouni (M5)
Wakatakakage (M2) beat Takanosho (M3)
Kirishima (S) beat Wakanotoharu (K)
Oho (K) beat Aonishiki (O)
Hosboryu (Y) beat Ura (M2)
Yoshinofuji (M1) beat Onosato (Y). KINBOSHI!!! The third career Gold Star Victory-and second straight-for Yoshinofuji!
Leader: Kirishina, Oshoma, Abi (4-0)
Of note: Stop the presses! What is going on today? Consecutive Kinboshi for Yoshinofuji?!? Most of Sanuaku lost today including 3 of the 4 Yokozuna and Ozeki! That includes Aonishiki taking his first loss. But Onosato losing today isn’t a big surprise now…in his first 5 tournaments since reaching Juryo he always won on this day although one was a fusen. Since then? 3-7. And since promotion to Ozeki? 2-6, including 3 straight Day 4 losses at one point. He may be getting 0-4 Takamosho at a good time tomorrow. Hoshoryu managed to keep Ura winless to stay in the group at 3-1 that now includes all Sanyaku except Kirishima (4-0) and Oho (1-3) plus Wakamotoharu (0-4).

Juryo:
Kyokukaiyu (J12) beat Hakiyozan (J14)
Kazuma (J14) beat Tsurugisho (J11)
Dewanoryu (J13) beat Kazekeno (J10)
Hidenouni (J13) beat Tohakuryu (J10)
Hitoshi (J9) beat Nishikigi (J13)
Kayo (J9) beat Wakanosho (J11)
Kitanowaka (J8) beat Kotokuzan (J6)
Nishinoryu (J6) beat Meisei (J8)
Tamashoho (J5) beat Asasuiryu (J7)
Tochitaikai (J7) beat Takerufuji (J5)
Daiseizan (J2) beat Shonannouni (J4)
Sadanoumi (J4) beat Kagayaki (J2)
Fujiryoga (J3) beat Kotoeiho (J1)
Fujiseiun (J1) beat Shirokuma (J3)
Leader: Dewanoryh, Sadanoumi, Fujiseiun (4-0)
Of note: Kazuma finally got his first win in Juryo today to stop a losing streak that saw him lose more matxhes this tournament so far-3-than in his entire career so far-2-excluding 4+ tournaments (30 days) missed due to injuries. The big story so far is Dewanoryu, who made it to Juryo this time after 6+ years of trying…and he’s made the most of it so far, off to a 4-0 start and being one of the co-leaders.

Lower tier notes: No match for Enho today after 2 straight days of Makushita matches. No match on the schedule tomorrow so it looks like he will next compete Friday on Day 6.

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

Makiuchi (top tier):
Oshoumi (M16) beat Hatsuyama (M17)
Asahakuryu (M17) beat Ryuden (M15)
Asanoyama (M16) beat Mitakeumi (M14)
Asakoryu (M15) beat Tomokaze (M13)
Shishi (M14) beat Tobizaru (M13)
Abi (M12) beat Nishikifuji (M11)
Chiyoshoma (M11) beat Midorifuji (M12)
Kotoshoho (M10) beat Roga (M9)
Gonoyama (M9) beat Tokihayate (M10)
Fujinokawa (M7) beat Kinbozan (M8)
Oshoma (M7) beat Shodai (M8)
Onokatsu (M6) beat Churanoumi (M5)
Hiradoumi (M6) beat Tamawashi (M5)
Atamifuji (M4) beat Takanosho (M3)
Wakatakakage (M2) beat Oho (S)
Takayasu (S) beat Daieisho (M4)
Kirishima (S) beat Hakunofuji (M3)
Aonishiki (O) beat Ichiyamamoto (M1)
Kotozakura (O) beat Wakamotoharu (K)
Onosato (Y) beat Ura (M2)
Yoshinofuji (M1) beat Hosboryu (Y). KINBOSHI!!! The second career Gold Star Victory for Yoshinofuji!
Of note: Kinboshi have actually been a bit of a curse lately for Isegahama men as Yosjinofuji & Hakunofuji have both struggled in tournaments after getting them. Will that be the case again? Also, after reported judging issues today, one thing from yesterday to mention-I have to go back and rewatch everything to remember which match but on a Mono-ii yesterday they completely blew one call, upholding the referee’s decision when it should have been overturned (you can watch this match replay on demand on NHK World Japan or their YouTube channel for a limited time) On another side note, near the halfway point of today’s NHK World Premium broadcast they cut away several minutes for a Sanae Takaichi (Japanese Prime Minister) live speech with her South Korean counterpart so I’ll have to watch the highlights/digest programs to see what I missed.

Juryo:
Dewanoryu (J13) beat Hakuyozan (J14)
Kyokukaiyu (J12) beat Kazuma (J14)
Tsurugisho (J11) beat Hidenoumi (J13)
Wakanosho (J11) beat Nishikigi (J12)
Tohakuryu (J10) beat Kayo (J9)
Kazekeno (J10) beat Hitoshi (J9)
Kitanowaka (J8) beat Asasuiryu (J7)
Meisei (J8) beat Tochitaikai (J7)
Takerufuji (J5) beat Nishinoryu (J6)
Kotokuzan (J6) beat Tamashoho (J5)
Shirokuma (J3) beat Shonannoumi (J4)
Sadanoumi (J4) beat Fujiryoga (J3)
Fujiseiun (J1) beat Kagayaki (J2)
Kotoeiho (J1) beat Daiseizan (J2)

Lower tier notes: Enho won his second match in 2 days to get off to another quick 2-0 start in Makushifa. At Ms11 he’d need to go 7-0 for any chance at Juryo promotion in March. No match tomorrow.