Tag: sumo

Christmas has come a couple days early for sumo fans as the Japan Sumo Association has just announced the official Banzuke (rankings) for the January 2025 Grand Sumo Tournament. Here are the rankings for the top 2 tiers and some notes/observations:

MakuuchI (top tier):
Yokozuna-Terunofuji
Ozeki-Kotozakura (November Champion), Hoshoryu, Onosato
Sekiwake-Wakamotoharu, Daisieho
Komusubi-Abi, Wakatakakage
Maegashira 1-Takanosho, Kirishima
Maegashira 2-Tobizaru, Atamifuji
Maegashira 3-Gonoyama, Oho
Maegashira 4-Shodai, Ura
Maegashira 5-Hiradoumi, Chiyoshoma
Maegashira 6-Takayasu, Ichiyamamoto
Maegashira 7-Endo, Mitakeumi
Maegashira 8-Roga, Takarafuji
Maegashira 9-Churanoumi, Oshoma
Maegashira 10-Tamawashi, Meisei
Maegashira 11-Midorifuji, Takerufuji
Maegashira 12-NIshikigi, Onokatsu
Maegashira 13-Shonannoumi, Kotoshoho
Maegashira 14-Hokutofuji, Kinbozan (November Juryo Champion)
Maegashira 15-Hakuoho, Kitanowaka
Maegashira 16-Tamashoho, Kagayaki
Maegashira 17-NIshikifuji, Tokihayate

Juryo:
Juryo 1-Sadanoumi, Kayo
Juryo 2-Shiden, Asakoryu
Juryo 3-Ryuden, Tsurugisho
Juryo 4-Shirokuma, Shishi
Juryo 5-Shimanoumi, Aonishiki
Juryo 6-Hidenoumi, Tomokaze
Juryo 7-Tochitaikai, Bushozan
Juryo 8-Fujiseiun, Mitoryu
Juryo 9-Daiseizan, Oshoumi
Juryo 10-Shimazuumi, Hakuyozan
Juryo 11-Daiamami, Tohakuryu
Juryo 12-Hatsuyama, Kiryuko
Juryo 13-Wakaikari, Kotoeiho
Juryo 14-Nabatame, Daishoho

Notes:
In the top tier, 2 of the 3 Ozeki are on Yokozuna Watch as if either Kotozakura or Hoshoryu can win the championship, ideally with at least 13 wins, or finish with that many wins or more, one or both have a chance to be promoted for March. The Sekiwake this time, Wakamotoharu & Daieisho, both would have to win the championship to have any chance at promotion to Ozeki. Still no word yet on Terunofuji’s status for January, he has been on parts of the December tour as I’ve seen from YouTube videos but the feeling is that if all goes as planned, he’ll compete. Wakatakakage returns to Sanyaku for the first time since being injured in the March 2023 Tournament, coming in on 7 straight winning records and his worst performance since returning to Juryo has been 9-6. Abi returns to Komusubi after 11 wins in September following a 4-tournament winning run being snapped. Kirishima falls out of Sanyaku for the first time since summer 2022, down to M1. blowing another chance at an Ozeki return with a 6-9 November while Takanosho almost makes it back after a bounceback November following a disastrous September just after a July playoff title loss. Up one rank to M10, Tamawashi’s Iron Man Streak should reach 1674 by the end of the tournament as he’s held steady in the middle of the rankings. The bottom is filled out by a number of returns as Kitanowaka, Hakuoho, Tamashoho, Kagayaki and Juryo Champion Kinbozan all are promoted up from Juryo while Nishikifuji & Tokihayate hang on to the last spots after there were 5 demotions to Juryo.
The Juryo demotions were Sadanoumi, Asakoryu, Ryuden, Shishi & Bushozan, the last one of which was injured during November. Shishi could very well be about to be usurped as the Ukraine-born fan favorite by Aonishiki, whose fast rise up the ranks has taken him to J5 after a 10-5 debut, putting the top tier within reach if he can duplicate or improve on that effort. The Shin-Juryo Hatsuyama will make his second tier debut from J12 alongside Sai-Juryo Kiryuko, with Nabatame back up at J14.

Lower tier notes:
Because the rankings were determined before his retirement last week, Onosho is ranked at Makushita 3 but of course won’t compete and this tournament won’t go on his final record. He has left sumo completely because there was no elder stock for him even though he qualified, and will be going to work for a skin care company in a corporate role. Fast-rising Isegahama prospect Kusano has Ms3 all to himself, while Wakanosho & Kazekeno have the Ms1 ranks. Asanoyama is down at Ms41 and is considered questionable for January as he continues recovery from a foot/ankle injury (worst-case seems to be a March return). Below that, another 6-1 effort was not quite enough to get Enho out of the Sandanme, he will be at Sd4 this time and, in a surprise development, the Sandanme has shrunk down to just 80 ranks. A year or so ago it went down from 100 to 90 and now 90 to 80 amidst concerns about the thinning ranks of pro sumo wrestlers. The Jonidan grew slightly and is back up to 100 ranks this time, while the Jonokuchi has 19 ranks with 37 total entrants including what looks like at least 7 debuts. We’ve also learned from YouTube reporter Chris Sumo that come March or May we’ll probably have another new Makushita 60 debut.

The January Tournament runs from 1/12-1/26 at Ryogoku Kokugikan in Tokyo. Tickets have just sold out right before this post went up.

Ahead of the next Banzuke announcement for January 2025, news has come out since yesterday that former top tier wrestler Onosho has retired effective immediately. He cited multiple injuries and inability to physically continue competing at a high level. Although eligible for elder stock, there apparently is none available and so he will leave sumo and, according to reliable YouTube reporter Chris Sumo, will work for a cosmetics marketing firm. Onosho, real name Fumiya Utetsu, from Aomori Prefecture, retires at 28 after just short of 12 years competing (debuted in January 2013), finishing with a career record of 473-422-59 (win-loss-absent), 297-287-46 in the top tier, 1 Juryo championship, 4 Special Prizes, 2 Kinboshi and a highest rank of Komusubi. He was Juryo 10 for his final tournament in November and finished 2-11-2, being forced to withdraw on Day 13 due to injury, and would have been demoted to Makushita in January. He will be replaced as senior wrestler at Onomatsu Beya by Onokatsu, who was promoted to the top tier in September and was Maegashira 15 in November, but will be promoted after going 9-6.

Here are the quick results from today’s Day 15-the Final Day-of the November 2024 Grand Sumo Tournament in Fukuoka:
Key: M-Maegashira, K-Komusubi, S-Sekiwake, O-Ozeki, J-Juryo, Ms-Makushita, Sd-Sandanme, Jd-Jonidan, Jk-Jonokuchi

Makuuchi (top tier):
Bushozan (M17) beat Ryuden (M13)
Asakoryu (M17) beat Meisei (M11)
Takerufuji (M15) beat Tamawashi (M10)
Shishi (M16) beat Takarafuji (M10)
Ichiyamamoto (M10) beat Sadanoumi (M12)
Hokutofuji (M12) beat Takayasu (M9)
Midorifuji (M9) beat Onokatsu (M15)
Roga (M8) beat Tokihayate (M15)
Endo (M7) beat Nishikifuji (M14)
Tobizaru (M5) beat Shonannoumi (M13)
Atamifuji (M3) beat Mitakeumi (M7)
Gonoyama (M8) beat Abi (M3)
Chiyoshoma (M14) beat Ura (M2)
Takanosho (M6) beat Wakatakakage (M2)
Hiradoumi (M1) beat Churanoumi (M4)
Oho (M1) beat Nishikigi (M6)
Oshoma (M4) beat Shodai (K)
Wakamotoharu (K) beat Daieisho (S)
Onosato (O) beat Kirishima (S)
Kotozakura (O) beat Hoshoryu (O). KOTOZAKURA YUSHO!!! The first career Emperor’s Cup for Kotozakura!
CHAMPION: Kotozakura (14-1)
Final thoughts: After that long-awaited first championship that he just missed in a July playoff, Kotozakura will now be in Yokozuna contention if he can repeat the feat in January, but so will Hoshoryu after a 13-2 tournament. Of course the unanswered question is if the Final Boss will return for one last stand and perhaps a ceremonial torch-passing if all goes as hoped for-that of course would be Terunofuji, who is expected to compete. As for the new Ozeki, Onosato struggled in the second half but won today to finish his debut at 9-6, still protecting his rank while keeping his career winning streak going, 10 tournaments so far with 10 winning records. Kirishima will be demoted from Sekiwake which should open the door for Wakamotoharu to return to the rank while Daieisho stays Sekiwake. Komusubi will be a tossup with Shodai being demoted which should allow Wakatakakage & Abi to be promoted to be promoted to the rank.

SPECIAL PRIZES:
Outstanding Performance (best record with most wins vs. Yukozuna & Ozeki): Abi
Fighting Spirit (best record with best display of fighting spirit): Takanosho
Technique (best display of technique/most different winning techniques): Wakatakakage

Juryo:
Kamito (Ms3) beat Chiyomaru (J11)
Oshoumi (J14) beat Hidenoumi (J7)
Shiden (J6) beat Tochitaikai (J12)
Fujiseiun (J10) beat Tohakuryu (J6)
Tomokaze (J5) beat Daiseizan (J12)
Shimazuumi (J5) beat Daishoho (J9)
Shimanoumi (J4) beat Hakuyozan (J8)
Tamashoho (J4) beat Nabatame (J14)
Kayo (J3) beat Kotoeiho (J13)
Shirokuma (J3) beat Daiamami (J9)
Hakuoho (J2) beat Wakaikari (J13)
Kagayaki (J2) beat Mitoryu (J7)
Kinbozan (J1) beat Aonishiki (J11). KINBOZAN JURYO YUSHO!!! 1st career Juryo Championship and 3rd overall
Kitanowaka (J1) beat Tsurugisho (J7)
CHAMPION: Kinbozan (12-3)
Of note: Kinbozan’s win prevented what would have been a playoff rematch with Aonishiki after Tsurugisho lost to finish 10-5. Oshoumi also finishes with the equivalent of that record and it can be argued the only reason he perhaps didn’t win the championship, or at least force a playoff, was due to missing 3 days with a left shoulder injury.

Jonidan:
Playoff: NIshikikuni (Jd9) beat Nakashima (Jd57). NISHIKIKUNI JONIDAN YUSHO!!! First career championship. Side note: September Jonokuchi champion Goseizan may have won the championship or had a chance if he hadn’t missed the first 2 days of the tournament and thus started the equivalent of 0-2, once he entered he went 5-0.

TOURNAMENT CHAMPIONS:
Makuuchi: Kotozakura (O). 1st career Emperor’s Cup, 3rd overall championship
Juryo: Kinbozan (J1). 1st career Juryo, 3rd overall championship
Makushita: Osanai (Ms48). 1st career Makushita, 2nd overall championship
Sandanme: Fujitoshi (Sd18). 1st career Sandanme and 1st overall championship
Jonidan: Nishikikuni (Jd9). 1st career Jonidan and 1st overall championship
Jonokuchi: Gonoumi (Jk12). 1st career Jonokuchi and 1st overall championship

The next tournament is the January 2025 Tournament scheduled from 1/12-1/26 at Ryogoku Kokugikan in Tokyo. Tickets go on sale 12/7. The Banzuke will be announced on 12/23. A final wrap-up post with thoughts, rankings notes and breaking news will come next weekend.

Here are the quick results from today’s Day 14-the penultimate day-of the November 2024 Grand Sumo Tournament in Fukuoka:
Key: M-Maegashira, K-Komusubi, S-Sekiwake, O-Ozeki, J-Juryo, Ms-Makushita

Makuuchi (top tier):
Kinbozan (J1) beat Tokihayate (M15)
Hokutofuji (M12) beat Asakoryu (M17)
Bushozan (M17) beat Tamawashi (M11)
Meisei (M11) beat Shonannoumi (M13)
Takerufuji (M10) beat Ichiyamamoto (M16)
Chiyoshoma (M14) beat Takarafuji (M10)
Shishi (M16) beat Midorifuji (M9)
Onokatsu (M15) beat Takayasu (M9)
Nishikifuji (M14) beat Roga (M8)
Ryuden (M13) beat Endo (M7)
Nishikigi (M6) beat Sadanoumi (M12)
Tobizaru (M5) beat Mitakeumi (M7)
Abi (M3) beat Atamifuji (M3)
Wakatakakage (M2) beat Ura (M2)
Oho (M1) beat Kotoshoho (M5) by default/withdrawal
Hiradoumi (M1) beat Oshoma (M4)
Wakamotoharu (K) beat Gonoyama (M8)
Churanoumi (M4) beat Shodai (K)
Daieisho (S) beat Takanosho (M4)
Kotozakura (O) beat Onosato (O)
Hoshoryu (O) beat Kirishima (S)
Leader: Kotozakura, Hoshoryu (13-1)
WITHDRAWAL: Kotoshoho (M5). Left foot/toe. Out about 2 months. That would mean questionable for January, which after a 3-12 tournament this time would see him demoted to Juryo if he can’t compete. Oho got the fusen as a result.
Of note: It’s winner-take all tomorrow in the final match as one of the two Ozeki will win the championship. It would be the first long-awaited title for Kotozakura or the second for Hoshoryu and it will mean Yokozuna Watch in January as 14 will be the champion’s win total. Hoshoryu sent a clear message by effortlessly lifting Kirishima out of the ring to win easily, and also perhaps lifting Wakamotoharu back up to Sekiwake as he’s promoted and Kirishima will be demoted. Kotozakura beat Onosato as the new Ozeki continues to struggle late at now 8-6, but his rank is already safe. Elsewhere, an odd occurrence as Shodai lost by a rare non-winning technique, koshikudake or inadvertent collapse. It appears his right foot slipped although it looked like it suddenly gave way, thankfully it does not appear to be an injury. Also, surprised there wasn’t a review of Takerufuji-Ichiyamamoto, it looked too close to call at the end and a replay may have overturned the result. Isegahama bias?

Juryo:
Hatsuyama (Ms1) beat Nabatame (J14)
Kiryuko (Ms2) beat Kotoeiho (J13)
Daiseizan (J12) beat Fujiseiun (J10)
Hakuyozan (J8) beat Chiyomaru (J11)
Tohakuryu (J6) beat Daishoho (J9)
Shimazuumi (J5) beat Wakaikari (J13)
Tochitaikai (J12) beat Tomokaze (J5)
Tamashoho (J4) beat Oshoumi (J14)
Aonishiki (J11) beat Shimanoumi (J4)
Shiden (J6) beat Shirokuma (J3)
Kayo (J3) beat Daiamami (J9)
Kagayaki (J2) beat Tsurugisho (J7)
Hakuoho (J2) beat Mitoryu (J7)
Hidenoumi (J7) beat Kitanowaka (J1)
Leader: Kinbozan (11-3)
Of note: Now Oshoumi is officially out of it. He returned from injury in time to mathematically still have a chance to win the championship despite missing 3 days, but today’s loss ended those chances. Kinbozan just has to win tomorrow (Aonishiki) to win the championship, but if Aonishiki wins there will be a playoff rematch, and it could be a 3-way playoff if Tsurugisho wins (Kitanowaka). Hakuoho probably clinched promotion back to the top tier today with his 9th win, but a 10th tomorrow makes it definite, while Kagayaki has a chance too but probably needs a 9th win tomorrow. The Makushita men up today should be promoted to Juryo in January as both will finish 5-2, Hatsuyama definitely is coming up for his Juryo debut while Kiryuko should be back after making his Juryo debut in September. I don’t see any other Makushita promotions happening as all the other top 5 ranks are either being demoted or only went 4-3, which likely won’t do it but there could be 2 more Juryo demotions tomorrow along with Chiyomaru if both Nabatame & Wakaikari lose as they are 7-7 at J14 & J13, respectively. Onosho will also be demoted too.

Reminder: NHK World Japan will have 90 minutes of LIVE top tier coverage tomorrow in English FOR FREE, including the Ozeki Championship Showdown, awards ceremony and champion’s interview, beginning TONIGHT at 11:30 PM PT/2:30 AM ET.

UPDATE: The Special Prizes have been announced ahead of the Final Day:
Outstanding Performance: Abi
Fighting Spirit: Takanosho (if he wins his final match)
Technique: Wakatakakage

Here are the quick results from today’s Day 13-Championship Day-of the November 2024 Grand Sumo Tournament in Fukuoka:
Key: M-Maegashira, K-Komusubi, S-Sekiwake, O-Ozeki, J-Juryo, Ms-Makushita, Sd-Sandanme, Jd-Jonidan, Jk-Jonokuchi

Makuuchi (top tier):
Kitanowaka (J1) beat Shishi (M16)
Sadanoumi (M12) beat Bushozan (M17)
Nishikifuji (M14) beat Meisei (M11)
Tamawashi (M11) beat Asakoryu (M17)
Tokihayate (M15) beat Ichiyamamoto (M10)
Chiyoshoma (M14) beat Takayasu (M9)
Midorifuji (M9) beat Hokutofuji (M12)
Roga (M8) beat Ryuden (M13)
Mitakeumi (M7) beat Shonannoumi (M13)
Takarafuji (M10) beat Endo (M7)
Abi (M3) beat Takerufuji (M16)
Ura (M2) beat Nishikigi (M6)
Wakatakakage (M2) beat Onokatsu (M15)
Hiradoumi (M1) beat Kotoshoho (M5)
Atamifuji (M3) beat Oho (M1)
Tobizaru (M5) beat Shodai (K)
Wakamotoharu (K) beat Churanoumi (M4)
Daieisho (S) beat Oshoma (M4)
Gonoyama (M8) beat Kirishima (S)
Hoshoryu (O) beat Onosato (O)
Kotozakura (O) beat Takanosho (M6)
Leader: Kotozakura, Hoshoryu (12-1)
Of note: It is on! The Ozeki Showdown will be on the Final Day and it’s for the championship! Either Kotozakura will finally claim his first Emperor’s Cup or Hoshoryu will claim his second. The winner could get into Yokozuna contention chances if they can repeat in January with at least this many wins or more because 13 or 14 will be what wins the championship. But first there’s tomorrow which will determine if it’s winner-take-all or if there could be a playoff. Takanosho, Gonoyama & Abi are mathematically still in it at 10-3 but because of the pending Ozeki meeting have no chance and Onosato’s playoff-only hopes were dashed when he lost to Hoshoryu. But Onosato could make it much tougher for Kotozakura by beating him tomorrow while Hoshoryu has Kirishima, who must win to stay at Sekiwake in January. Fans didn’t like Abi staying in it because he pulled the HENKA! (sidestep at the initial charge) to beat Takerufuji, who won’t win the championship again this time but has clinched promotion and will stay in the top tier. Elsewhere, Kitanowaka clinched promotion back to the top tier with his win today, although he has yet to manage a winning record while up here, while Shishi & Asakoryu will be demoted back to Juryo. The latter goes with another Tamawashi milestone-with promotion clinched today, the Iron Man now becomes just the 4th rikishi since the start of the Showa era-which dates back to at least the 1930s-to finish a top tier tournament with a winning record at age 40 or older. Elsewhere I can see Ryuden possibly being demoted to Juryo, especially if he loses out to finish 3-12, with Bushozan going out too that could free up another spot for a Juryo man. Finally, it looks like Wakatakakage will get back to Sanyaku as his comeback from injury is just about complete, I expect him to be at Komusubi in January, just one below Sekiwake where he was at when he got injured and that would mean both the Wakas are in Sanyaku together again as Wakamotoharu clinched a possible promotion to Sekiwake, but that will depend on what happens with Kirishima & Daieisho.

Juryo:
Aonishiki (J11) beat Daiamami (J9)
Mitoryu (J8) beat Onosho (J10) by defaulr/withdrawal)
Hidenoumi (J7) beat Nabatame (J14)
Chiyomaru (J11) beat Bushozan (J6)
Tomokaze (J5) beat Fujiseiun (J10)
Kotoeiho (J13) beat Shimazuumi (J5)
Wakaikari (J13) beat Shimanoumi (J4)
Tochitaikai (J12) beat Tamashoho (J4)
Daiseizan (J12) beat Kayo (J3)
Shirokuma (J3) beat Daishoho (J9)
Hakuoho (J2) beat Tsurugisho (J7)
Shigen (J6) beat Kagayaki (J2)
Kinbozan (J1) beat Hakuyozan (J8)
Leader: Kinbozan, Tsurugisho (10-3)
WITHDRAWAL: Onosho (J10). Right knee & right ankle among other things. Tournament over. Out at least 3 weeks. Will be demoted to Makushita for the first time since May 2016. That time he went 7-0 and was promoted back to Juryo from Ms3. Mitoryu got the fusen as a result.
RE-ENTRY: Oshoumi (J14). Will return tomorrow. Missed 3 days due to a left shoulder injury. Will be the equivalent of 9-4 and already has clinched promotion. He was expected to be out a week. And, miraculously, despite the absences he still is mathematically in the championship race, when he got injured he was still co-leader at 9-1.
Of note: Things got very interesting today with Tsurugisho losing and Kinbozan winning. Not only are they tied now, but with Oshoumi able to return tomorrow he’s going to be just one win behind despite the equivalent of 3 straight losses and thus he’s still in contention! We’ll have to wait a little longer to set up the final day scenarios because Kinbozan will be in the top tier tomorrow but a playoff will be a possibility because Kinbozan-Tsurugisho already happened (Tsurugisho won). At the bottom, even though he’ll be demoted to Makushita at least Chiyomaru won’t go winless, he avoided potential 0-15 with his first win today.

Makushita:
Osanai (Ms48) beat Hokutomaru (Ms31). OSANAI MAKUSHITA YUSHO!!! 2nd career championship and first Makushita. He’ll be promoted to around Ms20 in January.

Sandanme:
Fujitoshi (Sd18) beat Enho (Sd56). FUJITOSHI SANDANME YUSHO!!! 1st career championship. He’ll be promoted back to Makushita. Enho finishes 6-1 for the 3rd straight tournament in his comeback and will also be promoted and will have a chance to reach Makushita as well.

Jonidan:
Nakashima (Jd37) beat Seiyu (Jd39)
Nishikikuni (Jd9) beat Shimanishiki (Jd40). PLAYOFF!!! The earlier result guaranteed a playoff would be needed to decide the champion. That will happen on the Final Day.

Jonokuchi:
Gonoumi (Jk12) beat Kirinohana (Jd82). GONOUMI JONOKUCHI YUSHO!!! 1st career championship. Had he lost there would have been a 3-way playoff.

Reminder: NHK World Japan will have 50 minutes of live top tier coverage in English tomorrow FOR FREE beginning at 12:10 AM PT/3:10 AM ET.

UPDATE: Kotoshoho has WITHDRAWN ahead of Day 14. Left foot. Tournament probably over with one day left afterwards. Will finish the equivalent of 3-12 if he can’t return. Oho will get the fusen as a result..

Here are the quick results from today’s Day 12 of the November 2024 Grand Sumo Tournament in Fukuoka:
Key: M-Maegashira, K-Komusubi, S-Sekiwake, O-Ozeki, J-Juryo

Makuuchi (top tier):
Shimanoumi (J4) beat Asakoryu (M17)
Ryuden (M13) beat Nishikifuji (M14)
Hokutofuji (M12) beat Bushozan (M17)
Tokihayate (M15) beat Sadanoumi (M12)
Tamawashi (M11) beat Shishi (M16)
Chiyoshoma (M9) beat Midorifuji (M14)
Roga (M6) beat Onokatsu (M15)
Gonoyama (M8) beat Takarafuji (M10)
Shonannoumi (M13) beat Endo (M7)
Meisei (M11) beat Mitakeumi (M7)
NIshikigi (M6) beat Ichiyamamoto (M10)
Takayasu (M9) beat Kotoshoho (M5)
Abi (M3) beat Wakatakakage (M2)
Ura (M2) beat Oshoma (M4)
Oho (M1) beat Churanoumi (M4)
Atamifuji (M3) beat Hiradoumi (M1)
Wakamotoharu (K) beat Tobizaru (M5)
Kirihsima (S) beat Takanosho (M6)
Kotozakura (O) beat Daieisho (S)
Onosato (O) beat Takerufuji (M16)
Leader: Kotozakura, Hoshoryu (11-1)
Of note: It was revealed on the NHK World Japan highlights program that the Bushozan withdrawal was due to illness-hand, foot & mouth disease. He missed 5 days before returning today. He almost certainly was going to be demoted back to Juryo anyway because he was the equivalent of 1-10 coming in and is now essentially 1-11. Also going down will likely be Shishi who is now at 6-9 and Asakoryu must win out to stay up as well. Interesting potential January for the former-with Aonishiki moving up to Juryo could we see the first all-Ukraine showdown in the ring? As for Tamawashi, the Iron Man is now (I believe) up to #6 all time for total career matches with 1856, with 1360 in the top tier. And ouch, just ouch for Hiradoumi. The effort has very much been there but the results have not, a disastrous 1-11 is going to send the September Sanyaku debutant plummeting down the rankings.
The Ozeki showdown between Kotozakura & Hoshoryu won’t come until the weekend, to keep it for potentially the championship they need to keep winning. Hoshoryu has Onosato tomorrow, who can still force a playoff but at least now has 8 wins and protected his rank, while Kotozakura has Takanosho who after losing a spirited if not intense battle with Kirishima today (Kirishima gave him the Hoshoryu Death Stare afterwards) can get right back in it. If either Ozeki win Onosato is out of the title race.

Juryo:
Aonishiki (J11) beat Wakaikari (J13)
Kotoeiho (J13) beat Onosho (J10)
Fujiseiun (J10) beat Nabatame (J14)
Daiamami (J9) beat Chiyomaru (J11)
Daiseizan (J12) beat Daishoho (J9)
Tochitaikai (J12) beat Shimazuumi (J5)
Tamashoho (J4) beat Hakuyozan (J7)
Kayo (J3) beat Tsurugisho (J7)
Kagayaki (J2) beat Tohakuryu (J6)
Hakuoho (J2) beat Tomokaze (J5)
Kitanowaka (J1) beat Shiden (J6)
Kinbozan (J1) beat Mitoryu (J8)
Leader: Tsurugisho (10-2)
Of note: It’s still hard to not feel bad for Oshoumi having to withdraw, today’s result means despite the absent he still is just one off the lead with Tsurugisho losing, which keeps Kinbozan in the title race. Oshoumi is expected to miss a week with a left shoulder injury, but at least he already clinched promotion and will stay in Juryo in January. But I think we’re now seeing the end of Onosho, who may be demoted out of Juryo at 2-10, and the other question is can Chiyomaru avoid the apocalyptic 0-15? He’s 3 away. Elsewhere, Kitanowaka & Hakuoho can each earn promotion back to the top tier now with one more win (Kitanowaka for sure, Hakuoho may need 2 more) while Tsurugisho will still have a chance if he can win our or at least get to 12 wins.

Tomorrow is Championship Day in the lower tiers although the Jonidan may need a playoff. It’s not a given though. Here’s how it looks: Nakashima, one of 3 at 6-0, is up first. If he wins, there will be a playoff. If he loses, the winner of Shimanishiki-Nishikikuni after that will be the champion. In a playoff the winner of the latter would face Nakashima and that match would be on the Final Day. The sole Jonokuchi leader, Gonoumi, is also in Jonidan tomorrow as are those who still have a chance. If he wins OR both Raiho & Minorufuji lose before his match, he is the Jonokuchi champion. If all lose, Gonoumi is still champion. If one or both Raiho & Minorufuji win AND Gonoumi loses, there will be a playoff and it could be a 3-way playoff. The real attraction tomorrow will be Enho going for the Sandanme Championship, a perfect 7-0 and almost definite promotion back to Makushita in January, although I think 6-1 for a 3rd straight tournament in his comeback will still be enough.

UPDATE: It may be over for Onosho, he has WITHDRAWN ahead of Day 13, all but sealing demotion to Makushita. Mitoryu gets the fusen as a result. Onosho last was demoted this low in May 2016…when he went 7-0 and quickly re-promoted but lost a playoff for the Makushita championship.

Here are the quick results from today’s Day 11 of the November 2024 Grand Sumo Tournament in Fukuoka:
Key: M-Maegashira, K-Komusubi, S-Sekiwake, O-Ozeki, J-Joryo

Makuuchi (top tier):
Nishikifuji (M14) beat Shishi (M17)
Chiyoshoma (M14) beat Tokihayate (M15)
Asakoryu (M16) beat Ryuden (M13)
Ichiyamamoto (M10) beat Shonannoumi (M13)
Takayasu (M9) beat Sadanoumi (M12)
Gonoyama (M8) beat Takerufuji (M16)
Hokutofuji (M12) beat Roga (M8)
Tamawashi (M11) beat Mitakeumi (M7)
Endo (M7) beat Meisei (M11)
Kotoshoho (M5) beat Midorifuji (M9)
Churanoumi (M4) beat Nishikigi (M6)
Onokatsu (M15) beat Abi (M3)
Wakatakakage (M2) beat Takarafuji (M10)
Ura (M2) beat Hiradoumi (M1)
Oshoma (M4) beat Oho (M1)
Atamifuji (M3) beat Shodai (K)
Kirishima (S) beat Tobizaru (M5)
Kotozakura (O) beat Wakamotoharu (K)
Takanosho (M6) beat Onosato (O)
Hoshoryu (O) beat Daieisho (S)
Leader: Kotozakura, Hoshoryu, Takanosho (10-1)
RE-ENTRY: Bushozan (M17). Will return tomorrow. Missed the last 5 days due to injury. Will be the equivalent of 1-10 and still should be demoted to Juryo.
Of note: Best of 3? Ura & Hiradoumi had not one, not two, but THREE matches today! Hiradoumi initially was declared the winner on a close call, but after a Momo-ii there was a rematch. Close call again favoring Hiradoumi but another Momo-ii…ANOTHER rematch! Third time was the charm for Ura with a decisive win. So Hiradoumi won 2 but Ura gets the win that counts most. Elsewhere, there were hopes that new Ozeki Onosato would be the first newly promoted Ozeki to win the championship since Hakuho in 2006. That almost certainly will not happen as he is now 7-4 and 3 back, while the leading trio has pulled 2 in front. The Ozeki showdown between Kotozakura & Hoshoryu may wait until the last day and could wind up being for the championship, tomorrow Hoshoryu has Shodai while Kotozakura faces Daieisho. Takanosho gets Kirishima. Onosato has the final match of the day against Takerufuji, who is now 2 back at 8-3.

Juryo:
Aonishiki (J11) beat Chiyomaru (J11)
Tochitaikai (J12) beat Onosho (J10)
Kotoeiho (J13) beat Daishoho (J9)
Nabatame (J14) beat Daiamami (J9)
Wakaikari (J13) beat Hakuyozan (J8)
Daiseizan (J12) beat Mitoryu (J8)
Shiden (J6) beat Oshoumi (J14) by default/withdrawal
Fujiseiun (J10) beat Tamashoho (J4)
Kayo (J3) beat Shimazuumi (J5)
Shirouma (J3) beat Shimanoumi (J4)
Hakuoho (J2) beat Hidehoumi (J7)
Kagayaki (J2) beat Tomokaze (J5)
Tsurugisho (J7) beat Kinbozan (J1)
Kitanowaka (J1) beat Tohakuryu (J9) by disqualification/judges reversal…HANSOKU! Tohakuryu won iniitially but it was ruled he grabbed Kitanowaka’s eyelashes and thus he was DQ’d. Usually DQ’s happen for grabbing hair/topknots but any type of hair grabbing is illegal.
Leader: Tsurugisho (10-1)
WITHDRAWAL: Oshoumi. Left shoulder (labrum). Out 1 week. Sadly, tournament likely over, which is beyond horrible timing as he took his first loss yesterday and was still co-leader coming in to today, but his title hopes have been dashed and if he can’t return he will finish the equivalent of 9-6. But he did manage enough wins to secure promotion beforehand. Shiden got the fusen as a result.
Of note: While the Oshoumi injury takes him out of it and has all but handed the championship to Tsurugisho, it’s not over yet despite the 2 win margin he now has after beating Kinbozan. Tsurugisho has now won 7 straight since his only loss and, if he holds on, would win his 3rd Juryo championship and will have a chance at promotion back to the top tier. He has Kayo tomorrow while Kinbozan faces Mitoryu in a must-win.

Lower tier notes:
The Makushita Championship is set for Friday, it will be Hokutomaru vs. Osanai. The Sandanme Championship is also set and Enho will go for 7-0 and almost certain promotion to Makushita against Fujitoshi. The Jonidan may need a playoff to settle things as 3 go into the final days at 6-0 while in the Jonokuchi Gonoumi only needs to win his last match to finish 7-0 and clinch the championship after winning his match today, which was in the Jonidan. If he loses his last match, a playoff could happen.

Obituary: Kasuaki Takizawa, a sumo commentator for NHK who was the 52nd Yokozuna Kitanofuji, has died. He was 82. The cause of death appears to be an unspecified illness for which he was hospitalized after the September tournament according to Nikkan Sports. He was promoted to Grand Champion in the 1970s and won 10 Emperor’s Cups, was director of the referees association for 8 years and also trained wrestlers for several years including two Yokozuna, one of which is the current Hakkau (Chairman of the Japan Sumo Association). He even was a singer whose debut sold 500,000 copies in Japan. Services are planned for December in Tokyo.

Here are the quick results from today’s Day 10 of the November 2024 Grand Sumo Tournament in Fukuoka:
Key: M-Maegashira, K-Komusubi, S-Sekiwake, O-Ozeki, J-Juryo

Makuuchi (top tier):
Shonannoumi (M13) beat Shishi (M16)
Chiyoshoma (M14) beat Hokutofuji (M13)
Asakoryu (M16) beat Sadanoumi (M12)
Takerufuji (M16) beat Meisei (M11)
Midorifuji (M9) beat Tokihayate (M15)
Takayasu (M9) beat Nishikifuji (M14)
Ichiyamamoto (M10) beat Roga (M8)
Gonoyama (M6) beat Ryuden (M13)
Tamawashi (M11) beat Endo (M5)
Mitakeumi (M7) beat Takarafuji (M16)
Takanosho (M6) beat Onokatsu (M15)
Nishikigi (M6) beat Atamifuji (M3)
Wakatakakage (M2) beat Oho (M1)
Abi (M3) beat Hiradoumi (M1)
Wakamotoharu (K) beat Oshoma (M4)
Shodai (K) beat Ura (M2)
Kirishima (S) beat Churanoumi (M4)
Daieisho (S) beat Onosato (O)
Hoshoryu (O) beat Kotoshoho (M5)
Kotozakura (O) beat Tobizaru (M5)
Leader: Kotozakura, Hoshoryu, Takanosho (9-1)
Of note: No changes at the top but Onosato’s loss now puts him 2 back and means any chances of Yokozuna consideration after this tournament, which would have required a championship among other things, are pretty much gone. There are now just 2 at 8-2 including Takerufuji, who has clinched promotion in his second top-tier tournament and remains in contention for hsi second Emperor’s Cup. Onosato’s best chance at a title, or getting back in contention, may come tomorrow when he gets Takanosho. Hoshoryu has Daieisho while Kotozakura draws Wakamotoharu. But we also haven’t gotten to the Ozeki showdowns yet this time, which may very well determine the champion. At the bottom of the rankings, it could be a quick one-and-done for Shishi as following a 2-0 start he has since gone 1-7 and is on the verge of demotion. He must best Nishikfuji tomorrow or he’s all but headed back to Juryo.

Juryo:
Nabatame (J14) beat Chiyomaru (J10)
Daiseizan (J12) beat Onosho (J10)
Daiamami (J9) beat Kotoeiho (J13)
Wakaikari (J13) beat Daishoho (J9)
Mitoryu (J6) beat Tochitaikai (J12)
Fujiseiun (J10) beat Hakuyozan (J8)
Tsurugisho (J7) beat Oshoumi (J14)
Tamashoho (J7) beat Aonishiki (J11)
Shirokuma (J3) beat Shimazuumi (J5)
Shimanoumi (J4) beat Kayo (J3)
Hidenoumi (J7) beat Kagayaki (J2)
Shiden (J6) beat Hakuoho (J2)
Kitanowaka (J1) beat Tomokaze (J5)
Kinbozan (J1) beat Tohakuryu (J6)
Leader: Oshoumi, Tsurugisho (9-1)
Of note: That first loss to Tsurugisho was indescribably costly for Oshoumi because he has now WITHDRAWN. His left shoulder was taped up today but otherwise why isn’t yet clear. That means his championship chase is over if he misses more than tomorrow although we’ll have to see what happens with Tsurugisho. Shiden will get the fusen as a result. But with 9 wins Oshoumi has at least clinched promotion so he will remain in Juryo this time without controversy. Kinbozan finally got his 8th win today and that means he’ll be promoted back tot he top tier in January. Chiyomaru is headed for demotion now at 0-10 and, in future retirement questions-to-be, Onosho is also demoted now. Back at the top, Tsurugisho has Kinbozan tomorrow so there could be co-leaders again.

Here are the quick results from today’s Day 9 of the November 2024 Grand Sumo Tournament in Fukuoka:
Key: M-Maegashira, K-Komusubi, S-Sekiwake, O-Ozeki, J-Juryo

Makuuchi (top tier):
Chiyoshoma (M14) beat Asakoryu (M17)
Tokihayata (M15) beat Ryuden (M13)
Takerufuji (M16) beat Sadanoumi (M12)
Shonannoumi (M13) beat Hokutofuji (M12)
Meisei (M11) beat Shishi (M16)
Nishikifuji (M14) beat Tamawashi (M11)
Takarafuji (M15) beat Onokatsu (M10)
Ichiyamamoto (M10) beat Mitakeumi (M7)
Takayasu (M9) beat Endo (M7)
Midorifuji (M9) beat Nishikigi (M6)
Takanosho (M6) beat Roga (M8)
Gonoyama (M8) beat Kotoshoho (M5)
Tobizaru (M5) beat Ura (M2)
Oho (M1) beat Hiradoumi (M1)
Wakatakakage (M2) beat Shodai (K)
Abi (M3) beat Daieisho (S)
Kirishima (S) beat Atamifuji (M3)
Hoshoryu (O) beat Churanoumi (M4)
Kotozakura (O) beat Oshoma (M4)
Hoshoryu (O) beat Wakamotoharu (K)
Leader: Takanosho, Kotozakura, Hoshoryu (8-1)
Of note: The leader group dropped from 4 to 3 for now with Onokatsu losing today, but with Takanosho on tap tomorrow he can get right back in it, as can any of the 5 who are currently at 7-2. The win today means Takanosho is the first in the top tier to clinch promotion this time while Kotozakura & Hoshoryu protect their Ozeki rank very early on so no last-day worries this time. Onosato remains in the group one back and can secure his rank in his Ozeki debut tomorrow against Daieisho. At the bottom, Hiradoumi is the first demotion as his disastrous November sees him fall to 1-8. There could be as many as 4 more demotions tomorrow…and why hasn’t Mitakeumi withdrawn? As for the other Ozekit omorrow, Kotozakura has Tobizaru while Hoshoryu has Kotoshoho, the latter trying to avoid demotion.

Juryo:
Wakaikari (J13) beat Kotoeiho (J13)
Oshoumi (J14) beat Fujiseiun (J10)
Daishoho (J9) beat Nabatame (J14)
Daiamami (J9) beat Tochitaikai (J12)
Hakuyozan (J8) beat Daiseizan (J12)
Tsurugisho (J7) beat Aonishiki (J11)
Hidenoumi (J7) beat Chiyomaru (J11)
Shiden (J6) beat Onosho (J10)
Shimanoumi (J4) beat Mitoryu (J8)
Tohakuryu (J6) beat Shirokuma (J3)
Hakuoho (J2) beat Shimazuumi (J5)
Kagayaki (J2) beat Kayo (J3)
Tomokaze (J5) beat Kinbozan (J1)
Tamashoho (J4) beat Kitanowaka (J1)
Leader: Oshoumi (9-0)
Of note: Still all Oshoumi but the first critical bout is tomorrow as he faces Tsurugisho, who clinched promotion today and is right behind at 8-1. Kinbozan’s promotion back to the top tier won’t happen today as he took his second loss to fall 2 back. If he can’t win tomorrow the championship race may be all but down to Oshoumi & Tsurugisho.

Lower tier notes:
The Makushita is now down to 3 at 5-0, and based on their rankings Kazekeno will have a chance to return to Juryo from Ms6 depending on what happens now, one more win may clinch it but 7-0 definitely will. No Wakatakamoto though as he lost to drop out of it. In the Sandanme, Enho won and remains among 6 co-leaders at 5-0, any more wins will improve his chances of promotion to Makushita in January (one more may clinch it). No match for him tomorrow. The Jonidan has 5 remaining at 5-0 while in the Jonokuchi the sole leader is Gonoumi at 5-0 after winning the battle of the 2 remaining unbeatens. He isn’t a rookie but has missed the majority of this year due to injuries and had more absent days than wins in his career coming into the tournament (30 absent against 27 wins & 13 losses).

Here are the quick results from today’s Day 8-the Halfway Point-of the November 2024 Grand Sumo Tournament in Fukuoka:
Key: M-Maegashira, K-Komusubi, S-Sekiwake, O-Ozeki, J-Juryo, Ms-Makushita

Makuuchi (top tier):
Onokatsu (M15) beat Asakoryu (M17)
Takerufuji (M16) beat Ryuden (M13)
Hokutofuji (M12) beat Nishikifuji (M16)
Shishi (M16) beat Sadanoumi (M12)
Tokihayate (M15) beat Tamawashi (M11)
Meisei (M11) beat Chiyoshoma (M14)
Takarafuji (M10) beat Shonannoumi (M13)
Endo (M7) beat Ichiyamamoto (M10)
Takayasu (M9) beat Mitakeumi (M7)
Takanosho (M6) beat Midorifuji (M9)
Nishikigi (M6) beat Gonoyama (M8)
Roga (M8) beat Kotoshoho (M5)
Abi (M3) beat Ura (M2)
Wakatakakage (M2) beat Hiradoumi (M1)
Wakamotoharu (K) beat Atamifuji (M3)
Shodai (K) beat Oho (M1)
Daieisho (S) beat Kirishima (S)
Kotozakura (O) beat Churanoumi (M4)
Onosato (O) beat Tobizaru (M5)
Hoshoryu (O) beat Oshoma (M4)
Leader: 4 at 7-1
Of note: Not much changed at the top except the 8-way tie for second is now down to 4 after today. That also means for the first time in some time all the Ozeki are in title contention, as both Kotozakura & Hoshoryu are 7-1 and Onosato is 6-2. The surprise is the other 2 co-leaders, Onokatsu and Takanosho. The former barely held on to his top tier spot this time while the latter was runner-up in July then had a disastrous September but now is back in July form. Still in the 6-2 group is March champion Takerufuji who continues to look strong. On the flip side, it looks like Hiradoumi may be the first demotion this time as he is a disastrous 1-7. And maybe because he was still in second today Mitakeumi kept going but it was another basically walkover loss to drop him to 5-3. He really needs to withdraw as that Day 6 hard landing after the win ended it for him.

Juryo:
Ohsoumi (J14) beat Daiseizan (J12)
Aonishiki (J11) beat Kotoeiho (J13)
Kotokuzan (Ms4) beat Chiyomaru (J11)
Nabatame (J14) beat Onosho (J10)
Wakaikari (J13) beat Daiamami (J9)
Hakuyozan (J8) beat Tochitaikai (J12)
Tsurugisho (J7) beat Fujiseiun (J10)
Daishoho (J9) beat Shiden (J6)
Mitoryu (J8) beat Tomokaze (J5)
Hidenoumi (J7) beat Kayo (J3)
Kagayaki (J2) beat Shirokuma (J2)
Hakuoho (J2) beat Shimanoumi (J2)
Kitanowaka (J1) beat Shimazuumi (J4)
Kinbozan (J1) beat Tamashoho (J4)
Leader: Oshoumi (8-0)
RE-ENTRY: Tohakuryu (J6). Will return tomorrow. Missed 3 days for unknown reasons. Will be the equivalent of 2-6 so still a chance to salvage promotion. That means no more Makushita men up starting tomorrow until there’s either another withdrawal or the final day.
Of note: Second chance justification. After barely hanging on to his Juryo spot this time after he should have been demoted after September, that’s a promotion for Oshoumi as he stays the only unbeaten. Kinbozan is also now a win from returning to the top tier next year as he is at 7-1, with Tsurugisho also at 7-1. On the flip side, Chiyomaru is the first official demotion this time as the first to fall to 0-8. And it’s also time to begin wondering if this could be the end for Onosho, the former top-tier mainstay is now 2-6 and, if this keeps up, will be in danger of demotion to Makushita from J10. He probably needs 4 more wins, maybe 3, to be safe.

Lower tier notes:
With Promotion Day now in the books, the field will start getting further narrowed down over the next 4 days to set up the championships. In the Makushita, 7 remain at 4-0 including Wakatakamoto, the third and oldest of the Wakas (older brother to both Wakamotoharu & Wakatakakage). He’s the only one never to get above Makushita, and he wouldn’t this time even at 7-0 due to being Ms43, but it could bring hope for next year. In the Sandanme, after his win yesterday Enho is among 11 at 4-0 and will face fellow unbeaten Kyokumizuno tomorrow. One more win may be enough to get Enho promoted to Makushita in January but I think he needs 2 more to be sure. In the Jonidan, 10 are 4-0 going into the second half while in the Jonokuchi there were 2 unbeaten but as of this post their Day 9 is done and Gonoumi beat Tamaki in the unbeaten matchup so for now Gonoumi is the sole leader at what will now be 5-0. Gonoumi got as high as Makushita earlier in his career before early withdrawals and missing 3 straight tournaments got him demoted to Jonokuchi, but he returned in September for his final match and won so he now has 6 straight wins overall and is 2 wins from his first championship.