Tag: sumo

It’s the end of an even month which means that wonderful time for sumo fans is here once again-the Japan Sumo Association has released the official Banzuke (rankings) for the July 2025 Grand Sumo Tournamernt. Here are the full rankings for the top 2 tiers and other notes:

Makuuchi (top tier):
Yokozuna-Hoshoryu, Onosato (May Tournament Champion)
Ozeki-Kotozakura
Sekiwake-Daieisho, Kirishima, Wakatakakage
Komusubi-Oshoma, Takayasu
Maegashira 1-Aonishiki, Wakatakakage
Maegashira 2-Oho, Abi
Maegashira 3-Onokatsu, Kinbozan
Maegashira 4-Hakuoho, Tamawashi
Maegashira 5-Hiradoumi, Meisei
Maegashira 6-Takerufuji, Gonoyama
Maegashira 7-Tobizaru, Endo
Maegashira 8-Sadanoumi, Ichiyamamoto
Maegashira 9-Ura, Chiyoshoma
Maegashira 10-Atamifuji, Roga
Maegashira 11-Takanosho, Tokihayate
Maegashira 12-Midorifuji, Asakoryu
Maegashira 13-Churanoumi, Shodai
Maegashira 14-Kusano (May Juryo Champion), Fujinokawa
Maegashira 15-Kotoshoho, Hidenoumi
Maegashira 16-Kayo, Mitakeumi
Maegashira 17-Kotoeiho, Shishi
Notes: First up, there is a kaimei rikishi in the top tier as Wakaikari, who was to make his top tier debut this tournament, has a new shikona (ring name change) and is now Fujinokawa. That aside, this is the first time in a number of years there are 2 Yokozuna at the top following Onosato’s promotion after the May Tournament, thus only one Ozeki in Kotozakura and now 3 Sekiwake again. May’s mostly-demoted top half means a big top half and Sanyaku shakeup that sees Oshoma up to Komusubi for the first time and Takayasu staying in Sanyaku despite what should have been a 6-9 demotion (but the top 5 Maegashira ranks were all demoted on both sides) as well along with Wakatakakage returning to Sekiwake. Aonishiki is on the verge of joining them as his second straight Fighting Spirit Prize in May helps him leap up to M1. The other demotions helped keep Iron Man Tamawashi’s demotion to just one rank from May as he’ll keep his streak going as it’s now at over 1700 for his career and his current top tier run is at just over 12 years. After winning his second straight Juryo championship, Kusano debuts on the lower end of where I thought he would in the top tier, starting at M14-I had him potentially being as high as M12. Kotoeiho, the real-life brother of Kotoshoho, makes his top tier debut and Shishi just hangs on to his spot while Mitakeumi also returns to the top tier after one tournament. (One more late Tamawashi note-he’ll tie Terao and move up another spot on the consecutive top tier appearance rankings as long as he competes on Day 1 and will move up another spot if he makes it to Day 4)

Juryo:
Juryo 1-Nishikigi, Ryuden
Juryo 2-Shonannoumi, Tomokaze
Juryo 3-Oshoumi, Tamashoho
Juryo 4-Tochitaikai, Shirokuma
Juryo 5-Tohakuryu, Hakuyozan
Juryo 6-Hitoshi, Daiseizan
Juryo 7-Kagayaki, Takarafuji
Juryo 8-Kazekeno, Fujiseiun
Juryo 9-Nishikifuji, Tsurugisho
Juryo 10-Mitoryu, Nabatame
Juryo 11-Shiden, Mita
Juryo 12-Shimanoumi, Otsuji (May Makushita Champion)
Juryo 13-Hatsuyama, Daiamami
Juryo 14-Kotokuzan, Miyanokaze
Notes: The top 2 ranks are all top tier demotions as Nishikigi’s 7-year top tier run ends after another collapse following a strong start and Ryuden is back down after one tournament back up. Shonannoumi has dealt with potential injury issues while Tamashoho couldn’t replicate relative Tamawashi’s top tier success in his first try. Takarafuji keeps plugging along after I thought he might retire but since he didn’t get the Isegahama stablemaster position (it went to Terunofuji who is now Isegahama, the former Isegahama is now Miyagino as he gets another 5 years elder stock as a former Yokozuna to replace the now-departed Hakuho) so I’m thinking he’ll try and hang on until January when ex-Terunofuji may leave to start his own stable. Mita clinched promotion in May before an injury cost him the last couple days and left his status uncertain while Miyanokaze gets a second chance at Juryo despite what should have been demotion.
There were no Shin-Juryo rikishi this time but Otsuji & Kotokuzan are Sai-Juryo, returning after prior demotions with Otsuji coming back after winning the Makushita Championship in May.

Lower tier notes:
Someone is desperate to get Asanoyama back up, they put him all the way up at Makushita 1 which is quite a bit higher than I had him potentially being after 6-1 in May. Enho was demoted to Ms16 after not only his first not 6-1 finish in his comeback from injury, but his first demotion in that time so it seems November is now best-case for a potential Juryo return. Wakanosho was demoted to Ms6 from Juryo after an early May injury but is expected to try and return in July. The Sandanme is again at it’s further slimmed-down 80 rankings, while the Jonidan is at 106 rankings with 212 total wrestlers. Finally, the Jonokuchi is at its biggest in some time that I can remember with 26 rankings and 52 total wrestlers with likely double-digit debutants and veteran Moriurara, now taking the old-timers torch for himself with fellow 47-year-old Satonofuji having retired after May with the record of most closing-day ceremonies performed in history (first for Asahifuji, the former Isegahama, and more recently for Terunofuji among others). Apparently Satonofuji decided to retire alongside the former Isegahama, who had to step down due to reaching the mandatory retirement age in sumo-65, which really isn’t in cases like his. Moriurara, who just turned 48, is entering his 22nd year as a wrestler and will continue serving as a gatekeeper of sorts in Jonokuchi-in fact, since after the July 2023 Tournament when he was last demoted from Jonidan he’s only been above Jonokuchi once. And, as far as records I can find show, never above Jonidan in his career.

The July Tournament starts on 7/13 and runs through 7/27 at the new Aichi International Arena aka IG Arena in Nagoya. All tickets are now sold out. The venue has a reported maximum capacity of 17,000 although I don’t know what the setup for sumo will be.

Updating the stories from last week about the status of Miyagino fka ex-Yokozuna Hakuho, his retirement request was accepted today by the Japan Sumo Association and will be official next Monday, June 9 when he reportedly returns from a trip back to his native Mongolia. Also today, the transfer of Isegahama Beya to ex-Yokozuna Terunofuji was made official and Isegahama was appointed as a special counselor to the stable despite having to retire, but as a former Yokozuna he also is given 5 years of elder stock and that reportedly means he’ll become, of all people, Miyagino. The stable is expected to reopen but not until the end of the year as reports from Nikkan Sports and YouTuber Chris Sumo indicates some within the Isegahama conglomerate, including stablemaster Asakayama who is also a Director in the Association, pushed for it to happen sooner AND for Hakuho to remain onboard, but the major dissenting voice was Hakkaku, the current Chairman of the Association, who reportedly didn’t get along well with Hakuho. Plus Hakuho reportedly didn’t want to be a junior on paper to his felloe Mongolian Yokozuna. There also was talk of moving the Miyagino wrestlers to Asakayama Beya. For now they remain Isegahama men. Chris Sumo also notes Hakuho does have his share of powerful allies inside and outside of sumo so this could set off a civil war of sorts. I liken what could happen to “Star Wars”, with the Association as the Empire and Hakuho as the Rebellion.

They didn’t take much if any action last week because it was a period of celebration for the promotion of Onosato to Yokozuna, the first Japanese born Grand Champion in roughly 8 years. The last one? Kisenosato, now Onosato’s stablemaster Nishonoseki.

Okay, that’s just my punny thinking but in a new YouTube update from reliable English-language sumo reporter Chris Sumo, that’s what has happened-the current stablemaster Miyagino aka ex-Yokozuna Hakuho, the greatest ever and then some, is done. He submitted his retirement papers today to the Japan Sumo Association, but they will not be accepted yet because this is a week of celebration in Japan because of the promotion of Onosato to Yokozuna. Chris Sumo reports a board meeting will happen Monday where the fate of Miyagino Beya may be settled along with Isegahama Beya possibly being handed over to fellow ex-Yokozuna Terunofuji who just retired in January (the current Isegahama must retire before the July tournament because he turns 65 before then, which is the mandatory retirement age in sumo). And Hakuho submits his retirement papers again. Cue the various sports comparisons…and me walking back my thoughts on Takarafuji perhaps retiring because it seems he’s not getting Isegahama after all. At least not until maybe next year.

More as it becomes available.

UPDATE: In an update posted after today’s Onosato Yokozuna debut ring-entering ceremony at Meiji Shrine in Tokyo (moved indoors and closed to the public due to rain but some fans did show up and watch from outside), it was reported Isegahama will submit Hakuho’s retirement papers on his behalf Monday and Hakuho reportedly said he would “never answer to/work under Terunofuji”. Considering it was Hakuho who introduced the man to sumo and recommended him to his stable before the future Yokozuna would move to Isegahama…clearly no love lost between the iconic Mongolians. And the rain today is thought to be a symbol of this split…when it rains it pours as they always say. This is far from over.

UPDATE 2: It’s now official. Accepted on 6/2 Japan time by the Japan Sumo Association. He possibly has already returned to his native Mongolia.

With the May Grand Sumo Tournament and post-event rankings meetings and more now in the books, here is the final recap and post-tournament news:

Continue reading “Sumo-May 2025 Grand Sumo Tournament Final Standings & Post-Event News (Updated x2)”

The worst-kept secret in sumo is now official-Onosato has been promoted and is now The 75th Yokozuna in history! It was a foregone conclusion after winning the May Tournament this past weekend for his second straight championship with records of 12-3 in March and 14-1 in May. Onosato, real name Daiki Nakamura, 24 (he turns 25 on June 7), went from debut at Makushita 10 to Grand Champion in a record-fast 13 tournaments, winning 4 Emperor’s Cups so far and 8 Special Prizes in just 9 top tier tournaments, and a career record of 135-44, 101-34 in the top tier, and has yet to have a losing tournament.

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

Makuuchi )top tier):
Roga (M14) beat Kotoshoho (M14)
Atamifuji (M12) beat Nishikigi (M16)
Toachitaikai (M18) beat Shishi (M11)
Endo (M11) beat Asakoryu (M17)
Shodai (M10) beat Shonannoumi (M15)
Midorifuji (M9) beat Tamashoho (M17)
Aonishiki (M9) beat Sadanoumi (M13)
Kinbozan (M8) beat Kayo (M16)
Onokatsu (M8) beat Meisei (M10)
Churanoumi (M7) beat Ryuden (M15)
Tokihayate (M13) beat Hakuoho (M7)
Ura (M5) beat Takanosho (M12)
Tamawashi (M3) beat Hiradoumi (M3)
Takerufuji (M4) beat Gonoyama (M2)
Oshoma (M6) beat Abi (M2)
Oho (M1) beat Chiyoshoma (M5)
Wakamotoharu (M1) beat Ichiyamamoto (M4)
Wakatakakage (K) beat Tobizaru (M6)
Takayasu (K) beat Kirishima (S)
Daieisho (S) beat Kotozakura (O)
Hoshoryu (Y) beat Onosato (O)
CHAMPION: Onosato (14-1)
Of note: No zensho yusho. That was the only question of the day-could Onosato beat Hoshoryu and finish 15-0? Hoshoryu said no and beat Onosato for the 3rd straight time. So Onosato finishes 14-1 with his 4th Emperor’s Cup, 2nd straight and expected promotion to Yokozuna in a few days. Now the real question I’m asking: Can he be the next Hakuho, if not greater? Hakuho won a record 45 championships in his career. Onosato already has 4 in only 9 top tier tournaments and 13 career. Let’s say he stays healthy for the next 15 years…he would be 40 by then (Hakuho retired at roughly 38) but that would put him on a pace for 40-44 titles total. He could have a chance. Elsewhere, despite protecting his rank as the likely only Ozeki Kotozakura lost his last 3 to finish a disappointing 8-7. Kirishima will go in July with a chance at an Ozeki return but he’s almost certainly going to need a championship as otherwise his unofficial magic number for promotion contention will be 14, and Wakatakakage will also be in promotion contention as he should return to Sekiwake but would also need a championship for promotion hopes. Daieisho remains in Ozeki contention but again will need a championship or, like Kirishima, at least 14 wins. At the bottom, demotions to Juryo will include Tamashoho, Tochitaikai, maybe Nishikigi and maybe Shonannoumi & Ryuden among others. Despite missing the first 5 days I think a 6-4 finish will be enough to keep Kotoshoho in the top tier despite 3 straight losses at the end.

SPECIAL PRIZES:
Outstanding performance (winning record with most wins vs. Yokozuna & Ozeki): None (the likely winner, Oho, was not eligible due to demotion)
Fighting Spirit (most wins with best display of fighting spirit among lower ranks): Sadanoumi, Aonishiki (2nd straight time) (Asakoryu would’ve have won it had he won his last match)
Technique (most wins with best display of technique): Kirishima, Wakatakakage (6th time)

Juryo:
Kotokuzan (Ms4) beat Miyanokaze (J13)
Hatsuyama (J10) beat Ishizaki (Ms4)
Nabatame (J12) beat Daiseizan (J6)
Hitoshi (J6) beat Mitoryu (J12)
Wakaikari (J5) beat Daiamami (J13)
Nishikifuji (J5) beat Mudoho (J14)
Kagayaki (J4) beat Shimanoumi (J5)
Kazekeno (J11) beat Hakuyozan (J4)
Kotoeiho (J7) beat Shirokuma (J3)
Takarafuji (J3) beat Shiden (J9)
Tomokaze (J7) beat Fujiseiun (J2)
Kusano (J1) beat Tsurugisho (J9). KUSANO JURYO YUSHO!!! 2nd straight championship
Oshoumi (J9) beat Mitakeumi (J1)
CHAMPION: Kusano (13-2)
Of note: With 2 straight Juryo titles Kusano is now emphatically headed to the top tier, the question is how high will his starting rank be. With 13 wins I’m guessing he’ll slot in at M12. Despite today’s loss Mitakeumi will return to the top tier as well with 8 wins, and Wakaikari has a chance at promotion after a 12-3 runner-up effort. Elsewhere, if this is the end of the road for Takarafuji amidst rumors he may retire and cash in his elder stock to potentially take over Isegahama Beya, he finishes with a win but would stay in Juryo should he continue and try to extend his career streak of 1368 matches without missing a day. At the bottom, Miyanokaze will be demoted to Makushita after his debut tournament as will Mudoho (a brother of Oho), while Daiamami is a toss-up.

Jonidan:
Playoff: Mineyaiba (Jd61) beat Tenrosei (Jd21). MINEYAIBA JONIDAN YUSHO!!!1st career championship. An emotional and very rare circumstances playoff because both are from the same stable (Shikorouama Beya).

Lower tier notes: Otsuji is the only guaranteed Makushita promotion as the champion from Ms3 and will return to Juryo in July. Kotokuzan, who went 5-2 at Ms4, will have a chance at a Juryo return for the first time since March 2023 (he’s been as high as M16). Enho will be demoted after a 3-4 finish, done in by 4 straight losses after a 2-1 start, so a potential Juryo return now probably won’t happen until at least November if it does. Asanoyama went 6-1 at Ms14 so a September promotion is possible.

TOURNAMENT CHAMPIONS:
Makuuchi-Onosato (4th Emperor’s Cup, 4th career)
Juryo Kusano (2nd career, 2nd Juryo)
Makushita-Otsuji (1st career)
Sandanme-Hatooka (4th career, 1st Sandanme)
Jonidan-Mineyaiba (1st career)
Jonokuchi-Kazuma (1st career)

The next tournament is 7/13-7/27 at the hew IG Arena in Nagoya, which has been built as a replacement for the Aichi Prefectural Gym (aka Dolphins Arena). Advance tickets are now on sale. The Banzuke will be announced on June 30. As for Onosato being promoted to Yokozuna? It could happen as soon as Wednesday (Tuesday night US time).

UPDATE: A late result of note from Makushita today…Chiyotora beat Yuma by foul/judges’ reversal…HANSOKU!!! Although Yuma initially won he grabbed the opponent’s hair/topknot in the process, which is illegal in sumo. Thus Yuma was DQ’d and the results overturned.

Also, earlier tonight (Monday morning Japan time) a post-tournament press conference with Onosato was held at Nishinoseki Stable. Some Japanese news channels broadcast this live including NTV/Nippon Television Network, which also streamed it live FOR FREE on YouTube as part of their 24/7 live news streaming. You can watch it on demand below in Japanese:

UPDATE 2: While it is non-binding, the Yokozuna Deliberation Council approved the promotion at their meeting today. In a record 6 minutes.

UPDATE 3: Some poorly-timed unfortunate news: Nikkan Sports reports an unnamed referee is under investigation for embezzlement for stealing-and reportedly gambling away-tens of millions of yen set aside in a reserve fund of the Wrestlers’ Association that is used for supporting children affected by the devastating 2011 earthquake in Japan. How much exactly is now known but tens of millions of yen, if true, would be hundreds of thousands-or maybe millions-in US dollars. Punishment is expected in June and could be quite severe (expulsion from the association alone would probably be best case).

UPDATE 4: Per NHK’s weekday “7 News” Japanese-language news broadcast, Onosato will be promoted Wednesday (Tuesday night US time) barring the absolute unexpected. He will become The 75th Yokozuna in history.

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

Makuuchi (top tier):
Roga (M14) beat Nishikigi (M16)
Sadanoumi (M13) beat Kotoshoho (M14)
Tokihayate (M13) beat Endo (M11)
Shishi (M11) beat Tamashoho (M17)
Meisei (M10) beat Kayo (M16)
Shodai (M10) beat Tochitaikai (M18)
Aonishiki (M9) beat Atamifuji (M12)
Midorifuji (M9) beat Ryuden (M15)
Asakoryu (M17) beat Onokatsu (M8)
Kinbozan (M8) beat Takanosho (M12)
Ura (M5) beat Tamawashi (M3)
Tobizaru (M6) beat Abi (M2)
Ichiyamamoto (M4) beat Gonoyama (M2)
Oshoma (M6) beat Wakamotoharu (M1)
Oho (M1) beat Takerufuji (M4)
Takayasu (K) beat Chiyoshoma (M5)
Wakatakakage (K) beat Hiradoumi (M3)
Kirishima (S) beat Hakuoho (M7)
Onosato (O) beat Daieisho (S)
Hoshoryu (Y) beat Kotozakura (O)
Leader: Onosato (14-0)
Of note: It’s on! The final obstacle to 15-0 for Onosato will be the biggest-Hoshoryu. The Yokozuna is perhaps the last step on the road to promotion for the Yokozuna-to-be. Over the past year (5 tournaments) the series is 3-2 Hoshoryu and he’s won the last 2. Onosato won the 2 before that but one was a fusen (default/withdrawal) so it’s really 3-1 Hoshoryu.
Elsewhere, it was another day with a rare non-winning technique ending as Takayasu beat Chiyoshoma by fumidashi, rear step out, as Chiyoshoma inadvertently stepped outside the ring without being pushed or forced out.

Juryo:
Daiamami (J13) beat Shimanoumi (J8)
Hitoshi (J6) beat Mudoho (J14)
Daiseizan (J6) beat Tsurugisho (J9)
Oshoumi (J9) beat NIshikifuji (J5)
Wakaikari (J5) beat Miyanokaze (J13)
Mitoryu (J12) beat Hakuyozan (J4)
Nabatame (J12) beat Kagayaki (J4)
Kazekeno (J11) beat Takarafuji (J3)
Hatsuyama (J10) beat Shirokuma (J3)
Kotoeiho (J7) beat Hidenoumi (J2)
Shiden (J8) beat Fujiseiun (J2)
Mitakeumi (J1) beat Tomokaze (J7)
Kusano (J1) beat Tohakuryu (J10)
Leader: Kusano (12-2)
Of note: Since both Kusano & Wakaikari won today, the final day scenarios are simple: If Kusano wins or Wakaikari loses, or if both win or both lose, Kusano is the champion again. If Kusano loses and Wakaikari wins, there will be a playoff rematch between them (Kusano beat Wakaikari earlier this tournament). If Wakaikari wins his match tomorrow he’ll have a chance at promotion to the top tier even without winning the championship, if he does force a playoff and win the championship promotion is probably certain. Wakaikari first faces Daiamami then Kusano face Tsurugisho, both are 7-7 and will need a win for promotion (Daiamami could be demoted to Makushita with a loss).

RETIREMENT: Satonofuji (Jd100). Retired after his final match today. While he never got close to the top 2 tiers in a nearly 30-year career (his highest rank was Ms55 and he was primarily a resident of the Jonidan), he holds the perhaps-untouchable record of most career closing/bow-twirling ceremonies performed at 636 according to Nikkan Sports. He did it for 5 Yokozuna at Ajigawa Beya which then became Isegahama Beya, most recently for now-retired Terunofuji. It seems the impending retirement of the current Isegahama (reaches the mandatory retirement age of 65 just before the July Tournament) was the main factor in his retirement decision. He will leave sumo and work in the food & beverage industry in Tokyo. Satonofuji, real name Hisashi Matsuoka, finishes his career with a record of 570-627-21 (win-loss-absent) in 175 tournaments as an in-ring and behind-the-scenes tentpole of Isegahama Beya, with a 2-5 record in this tournament.

UPDATE: The only active wrestler older than Satonofuji-but not by much-has also called it quits. Sawaisamu, also 48, retired after his Final Day match. Having been active for roughly 33 years, he retires with a record of 406-860-24 and never got higher than the Jonidan. He was Jonokuchi 24 this time, at the very bottom of the rankings, and finished 1-6. In fact, his last winning effort was in July 2017.He does hood the record for most tournaments competed in with 135. He will work as a cook at a nursing home in Chiba Prefecture.

UPDATE 2: Here are who will be the Special Prize winners:
Outstanding Performance: Nobody (the only one who could have won it this time-Oho-does not qualify because he will be demoted due to losing record. The only other one who could have won it-Kirishima-can’t because he’s Sekiwake)
Fighting Spirit: Sadanoumi, Aonishiki (if he wins his last match which is vs. Sadanoumi), Asakoryu (if he wins his last match, which is vs. Endo)
Technique: Kirishima, Wakatakakage

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

Makuuchi (top tier):
Shonannoumi (M15) beat Kotoshoho (M14)
Takanosho (M12) beat Ryuden (M15)
Kayo (M16) beat Atamifuji (M12)
Endo (M11) beat Tochitaikai (M18)
Shodai (M10) beat Tamashoho (M17)
Meisei (M10) beat Roga (M14)
Midorifuji (M9) beat Nishikigi (M16)
Sadanoumi (M13) beat Kinbozan (M8)
Onokatsu (M8) beat Tokihayate (M13)
Shishi (M7) beat Churanoumi (M11)
Aonishiki (M9) beat Hakuoho (M7)
Tamawashi (M3) beat Chiyoshoma (M5)
Gonoyama (M2) beat Tobizaru (M6)
Hiradoumi (M3) beat Abi (M2)
Oho (M1) beat Ura (M5)
Takerufuji (M4) beat Wakamotoharu (M1)
Wakatakakage (K) beat Asakoryu (M17)
Takayasu (K) beat Ichiyamamoto (M4)
Kirishima (S) beat Oshoma (M6)
Onosato (O) beat Kotozakura (O). ONOSATO YUSHO!!! The 4th career Emperor’s Cup for Onosato!
Hoshoryu (Y) beat Daieisho (S)
CHAMPION: Onosato (13-0)
Yokozuna Watch: It’s not yet official but…it’s official-by this time next week, ONOSATO YOKOZUNA!!! This is his second straight championship. Now we just wait for the Yokozuna Deliberation Council to meet and make the recommendation, which is non-binding, then the official announcement. That will probably come Wednesday at the earliest.
Ozeki Watch: It’s probably over for Daieisho. He can still get to 31 but odds are now against him.
Of note: Now the only question is can Onosato go 15-0? Remember the last time he clinched the championship before the Final Day he did so on Day 14 but lost on the final day. And this time that Final Day will mean Hoshoryu who will be fighting for Pride and to potentially finish 12-3. But first, Onosato must beat Daieisho tomorrow.

Juryo:
Miyanokaze (J13) beat Kitanowaka (Ms1)
Kazekeno (J11) beat Nabatame (J12)
Shiden (J8) beat Mudoho (J14)
Tomokaze (J7) beat Mita (J14) by default/withdrawal
Wakaikari (J5) beat Tohakuryu (J10)
Nishikifuji (J5) beat Daiamami (J13)
Mitoryu (J12) beat Kagayaki (J8)
Hakuyozan (J4) beat Hatsuyama (J9)
Shirokuma (J3) beat Tsurugisho (J9)
Hitoshi (J6) beat Takarafuji (J3)
Shimanoumi (J8) beat Fujiseiun (J2)
Hidenomi (J2) beat Daiseizan (J6)
Kusano (J1) beat Oshoumi (J5)
Kotoeiho (J7) beat Mitakeumi (J1)
Leader: Kusano (11-2)
WITHDRAWAL: Mita (J14). Metacarpal bone. Tournament over. At least he clinched promotion yesterday so he’ll remain in Juryo in July after finishing his debut the equivalent of 8-7.
Of note: Kusano has done his part but still needs help to clinch his second straight championship tomorrow. He must beat Tohakuryu and Wakaikari must lose to Miyanokaze. Otherwise it goes to the Final Day. Today’s result means Kitanowaka will not return to Juryo in July.

Makushita:
Otsuji (Ms3) beat Fukuzaki (Ms39). OTSUJI MAKUSHITA YUSHO!!! First career championship. He will be promoted back to Juryo in July.

Sandanme:
Hatooka (Sd16) beat Kotoharugo (Sd45). HATOOKA SANDANME YUSHO!!! 4th career championship and 2nd Sandanme championship. He will be promoted back to Makushita in July.

Jonidan:
Tenrosei (Jd61) beat Takano (Jd44).
Mineyaiba (Jd21) beat Kobayashi (Jd24). PLAYOFF!!! And…the ultimate rarity…PLAYOFF BETWEEN STABLEMATES!!! Both Tenrosei & Mineyaiba are from Shikoroyama Beya and this is the only situation in which stablemates can face each other in a tournament-a playoff for the championship. That will happen on the Final Day. Tenrosei is Hoshoryu’s cousin, so no pressure, right?

Jonokuchi:
Kazuma (Jk7) beat Masarufuji (Jd98). KAZUMA JONOKUCHI YUSHO!!! 1st career championship in his second career tournament, he had to withdraw 5 matches into his debut despite being 4-1 and missed the next 4 tournaments.

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.

Here are the quick results from today’s Day 12 of the May 2025 Grand Sumo Tournament in Tokyo:

Makuuchi (top tier):
Kotoshoho (M14) beat Tamashoho (M17)
Nishikigi (M16) beat Tokihayate (M13)
Asakoryu (M17) beat Atamifuji (M12)
Kayo (M16) beat Takanosho (M12)
Endo (M11) beat Shonannoumi (M15)
Ryuden (M15) beat Shishi (M10)
Sadanoumi (M13) beat Meisei (M10)
Midorifuji (M9) beat Tochitaikai (M18)
Onokatsu (M8) beat Roga (M14)
Churanoumi (M7) beat Shodai (M10)
Kinbozan (M8) beat Tobizaru (M6)
Tamawashi (M3) beat Abi (M2)
Chiyoshoma (M5) beat Gonoyama (M2)
Wakamotoharu (M1) beat Ura (M5)
Hiradoumi (M3) beat Oho (M1)
Takayasu (K) beat Takerufuji (M4)
Wakatakakage (K) beat Oshoma (M6)
Daieisho (S) beat Aonishiki (M9)
Onosato (O) beat Hakuoho (M7)
Kotozakura (O) beat Ichiyamamoto (M4)
Kirishima (S) beat Hoshoryu (Y)
Leader: Onosato (12-0)
Yokozuna Watch: It’s all but official now. With Hoshoryu losing and Onosato winning, Onosato now just needs to win just one of his last 3 matches for his second straight championship so it could end tomorrow. Worst-case now is a playoff so the basic performance criteria has been met. Ideally he’ll get that one win or more to make a stronger case but at this point I think he’s clinched promotion. If Onosato beats Kotozakura tomorrow, he is the champion.
Ozeki Watch: Onosato being promoted may hand Daieisho’s already-slim promotion chances another lifeline because that would leave only one Ozeki (Kotozakura protected his rank today with his 8th win), so if he can win his last 3 to get to 12-3 there is a chance, and he’s among 5 with still the faintest chance of forcing a playoff with Onosato. That being said, Daieisho must beat Hoshoryu tomorrow.
Of note: Tamashoho will probably be demoted to Juryo in July unless he can win out to finish 7-8, and we can wonder what could have been for Kotoshoho had he not been injured before the tournament began-he missed the first 5 days but is 6-1 since entering on Day 6. Nishikigi also stopped a losing streak that saw him fall to 5-6 after a 5-0 start. Shonannoumi is now becoming a demotion candidate too as 3-9 Shishi is not safe either at M11 if he winds up 2-13. from M15 could mean going down to Juryo. I can see Asakoryu being a Special Prize candidate now if he gets one more win (Fighting Spirit) and Sadanoumi may have clinched the the Technique Prize with those 2 wins by the fisherman’s throw. It’s also nice to see Kayo doing much better, after a bad 0-4 start to his top tier debut he has gone 6-2 since and won 4 straight to start that run. Finally, the Iron Man streak for Tamawashi reached 1700 today (career matches) and with a win although it won’t spare him from demotion.

Juryo:
Daiamami (J13) beat Dewanoryu (Ms2)
Mitoryu (J13) beat Miyanokaze (J13)
Mita (J14) beat Kazekeno (J11)
Nabatame (J12) beat Hatsuyama (J10)
Tsurugisho (J9) beat Mudoho (J14)
Tohakuryu (J10) beat Nishikifuji (J5)
Wakaikari (J5) beat Oshoumi (J9)
Hakuyozan (J4) beat Shiden (J8)
Shimanoumi (J8) beat Takarafuji (J3)
Kagayaki (J4) beat Shirokuma (J3)
Hidenoumi (J2) beat Tomokaze (J7)
Fujiseiun (J2) beat Hitoshi (J6)
Mitakeumi (J1) beat Daiseizan (J6)
Kusano (J1) beat Kotoeiho (J7)
Leader: Kusano (10-2)
Of note: Because there are 2 left at 9-3 and they face each other tomorrow (Wakaikari & Tohakuryu), Kusano can’t clinch the championship until at least Day 14 now. Kusano already faced (and beat) Wakaikari so the likely last obstacle to a second straight Juryo title is Tohakuryu but that depends on tomorrow. Mitakeumi is now just one win from a top tier return in July while Takarafuji won’t be back, today’s loss means demotion again and more questions on if he’s going to retire and perhaps become the next Isegahama instead (he does have elder stock and it may be the Isegahama stock for taking over Isegahama Beya instead of it possibly going to now-retired Yokozuna Terunofuji, who is reportedly starting his own stable in 2026; there is less than zero chance of it going to Miyagino-the former Hakuho-more likely he gets his stable back eventually and they can break away from Isegahama). At the bottom, Mita has clinched promotion in his Juryo debut and will move up in July while Mudoho and Miyanokaze both must win out to avoid demotion back to Makushita. Wakanosho will be demoted as well due to early withdrawal. Those bottom spots will also depend on Malushita promotions, the only sure thing right now is Otsuji will return to Juryo in July (6-0 at Ms3, going for championship tomorrow), Kitanowaka gets back with a win in his last match but otherwise it also depends on Ishizaki & Kotokuzan who are both 4-2 at Ms4. They will both be promoted but a 5th win can maybe get them to Juryo. And while it won’t get him back to Juryo Asanoyama can finish 6-1 and set himself up for a September return (he is at Ms14).

UPDATE: Mita has WITHDRAWN from Juryo ahead of Day 13. Broken metacarpal bone. Tournament over. Fortunately he had just clinched promotion today but this will cost him his slim chances he still had of taking the championship from Kusano.

Here are the quick results from today’s Day 11 of the May 2025 Grand Sumo Tournament in Tokyo:
Key: M-Maegashira, K-Komusubi, S-Sekiwake, O-Ozeki, Y-Yokozuna, J-Juryo, Ms-Makushita

Makiuchi (top tier):
Asakoryu (M17) beat Roga (M14)
Kotoshoho (M15) beat Ryuden (M15)
Kayo (M16) beat Sadanoumi (M13)
Takanosho (M12) beat Tochitaikai (M18)
Endo (M11) beat Tamashoho (M17)
Midorifuji (M9) beat Shonannoumi (M15)
Kinbozan (M8) beat Atamifuji (M12)
Onokatsu (M8) beat Nishikigi (M16)
Tokihayate (M13) beat Churanoumi (M7)
Tobizaru (M6) beat Shishi (M11)
Oshoma (M6) beat Meisei (M10)
Chiyoshoma (M5) beat Shodai (M10)
Abi (M2) beat Gonoyama (M2)
Oho (M1) beat Tamawashi (M3)
Wakamotoharu (M1) beat Hiradoumi (M3)
Ura (M5) beat Takayasu (K)
Kirishima (S) beat Ichiyamamoto (M4)
Daieisho (S) beat Takerufuji (M4)
Kotozakura (O) beat Aonishiki (M9)
Onosato (O) beat Wakatakakage (K)
Hoshoryu (Y) beat Hakuoho (M7)
Leader: Onosato (11-0)
Yokozuna Watch: At this point it’s safe to say the magic number for Onosato is 2. 13 wins would secure no worse than a runner-up finish and wins equivalent to the championship as that’s the most Hoshoryu can finish with (the Yokozuna is now alone in 2nd at 9-2 with 7 straight wins) so that would mean no worse than a playoff and, win or lose, that should mean promotion. Onosato faces Hakuoho tomorrow (who lost to Hoshoryu today). Hoshoryu has Kirishima (8-3).
Ozeki Watch: Daieisho has again protected his Sekiwake rank as he now is at 8 wins. Mathematically he is not out of championship contention yet so he still has a chance at promotion.
Of note: Tochitaikai will be demoted to make room for Kusano in July as 8 losses will end his top tier run for now while Asakoryu has clinched his first top-tier promotion in his 3rd try. Also RARE KIMARITE ALERT!!! Ura Ura! He did it AGAIN to Takayasu, beating him for the second time this year with a rare tsutaezori, under arm forward body drop. Don’t try to put Ura in a headlock because this is what happens! Also note that Hoshoryu beating Hakuoho was due to koshikudake, inadvertent collapse-considered a non-winning technique-as Hakuoho’s knee buckled and touched down on its own without any effort from Hoshoryu. Just one of those unfortunate “it happens” things and not an injury.

Juryo:
Kitanowaka (Ms1) beat Mita (J14)
Mitoryu (J12) beat Nabatame (J12)
Tohakuryu (J10) beat Kazekeno (J11)
Oshoumi (J9) beat Mudoho (J14)
Daiamami (J13) beat Shiden (J8)
Kotoeiho (J7) beat Miyanokaze (J13)
Hatsuyama (J10) beat Nishikifuji (J5)
Tsurugisho (J9) beat Hakuyozan (J4)
Shirokuma (J3) beat Shimanoumi (J8)
Kagayaki (J4) beat Takarafuji (J3)
Daiseizan (J6) beat Fujiseiun (J2)
Wakaikari (J5) beat Hidenoumi (J2)
Tomokaze (J7) beat Kusano (J1)
Mitakeumi (J1) beat Hitoshi (J6)
Leader: Kusano (9-2)
Of note: No consecutive 14-1s for Kusano as his 9-match winning streak ended today. Good news for the 5 others who won and clinched promotions because their 8-4 records now have them only one win behind. Elsewhere, Nishikifuji will continue his recent fall as demotion was clinched putting him farther away from the top tier, and while not demoted yet Takarafuji all but won’t return to the top tier in July as the best he can do is 8-7, which at J3 is a toss-up for moving up. With his win today to get to 3-3, Kitanowaka will return to Juryo in July if he wins his final Makushita match, but fellow Ms1 Akua (who Hoshoryu has chosen for closing ceremony duty this tournament as it normally is a Malushita man from the current Yokozuna’s stable-Tatsunami in this case) will not as he took demotion today.

Lower tier notes: The Makushita Championship is set for Friday and will be Otsuji vs. Fukuzaki. This guarantees Otsuji will return to Juryo in July from Ms3. Fukuzaki is at Ms39 so no promotion to Juryo even if he wins. Enho is 2-3 and needs to win both his remaining matches or he will be deleted. Asanoyama is 4-1 and has clinched promotion so he will have a chance at a Juryo return in September. The Sandanme Championship match will be Hatooka vs. Kotohaguro. The Jonidan has 3 left at 6-0 and may need a playoff, and 2 of the 3 are Shikoroyama Beya wrestlers so that will impact final matches (Tenrosei-Hoshoryu’s younger cousin-and Mineyaiba, they will not face each other unless it’s in a playoff). In the Jonokuchi, Kazuma is the only 6-0 and should only need to win his final match for the championship, but that will depend in part on tomorrow’s results.