Tag: sumo

With the May 2026 Tournament now in the books as well as the early post-event council & rankings meetings, here are the final standings from the May 2026 Grand Sumo Tournament and early post-events news:

First, here is the final Hoshitori (Tournament Records based on the Banzuke) for the top 2 tiers (all records are in win-loss-absent format, for rankings purposes absent is treated as a loss):
Makuuchi (top tier):
Yokozuna-Hoshoryu (0-2-13), Onosato (Absent)
Ozeki-Kirishima (12-3), Kotozakura (3-9-3), Aonishiki (Absent)
Sekiwake-Atamifuji (8-7), Kotoshoho (8-7)
Komusubi-Wakatakakage (12-3, Tournament Champion). Takayasu (2-2-11)
Maegashira 1-Fujinokawa (7-8), Takanosho (7-8)
Maegashira 2-Yoshinofuji (11-4), Ichiyamamoto (6-9)
Maegashira 3-Hiradoumi (7-8), Oho (9-6)
Maegashira 4-Daieisho (7-8), Gonoyama (8-7)
Maegashira 5-Wakamotoharu (5-10), Shodai (6-9)
Maegashira 6-Churanoumi (9-6), Fujiseiun (7-8)
Maegashira 7-Chiyoshoma (5-10), Asakoryu (3-4-8)
Maegashira 8-Oshoma (8-7), Asahakuryu (5-10)
Maegashira 9-Abi (5-10), Nishikifuji (5-10)
Maegashira 10-Asanoyama (7-5-3), Hakunofuji (11-4)
Maegashira 11-Ura (10-5), Kinbozan (6-9)
Maegashira 12-Shishi (6-9), Tokihayate (4-11)
Maegashira 13-Kotoeiho (10-5), Tamawashi (2-13)
Maegashira 14-Mitakeumi (8-7), Roga (9-6)
Maegashira 15-Tobizaru (9-6), Oshoumi (4-11)
Maegashira 16-Wakanosho (9-6), Ryuden (5-10)
Maegashira 17-Fujiryoga (10-5)

Despite losing in a playoff for the championship, it appears Kirishima is officially on Yokozuna Watch in July. If he can win the championship, ideally with 12+ wins, or manage at least 12 and get to another playoff, he will have a chance at promotion. Both Yokozuna are expected back from July and perhaps have been given a little “encouragement” by the Yokozuna Deliberation Council, the first step that things must improve if they are to remain active. There were a lot of concerns raised about injuries as, on the final day, Halkaku’s pre-matches greeting, which should have all Sanyaku wrestlers & Yokozuna, went from 8-9 down to just 4 (one Ozeki, both Sekiwake, one Komusibi). So he was en fuego get again. Both were absent from most of the tournament-Hoshoryu pulled out after Day 2, Onosato sat it out entirely. Aonishiki will be demoted from Ozeki due to being absent but can be promoted quickly back with 10+ wins in July. He is expected to compete and hopefully be at full strength after toe & ankle injuries. Wakatakakage should be promoted back to Sekiwake after winning his second top tier championship. Atamifuji & Kotoshoho will remain at Sekiwake while Takayasu will be demoted from Komusubi. Yoshinofuji may be headed for a Sanyaku debut at Komusubi while Oho has a chance to join him. Gonoyama may have to settle for M1 after clinching promotion on Day 10 was followed by 5 straight losses to finish 8-7.
Towards the bottom, it seems like Tamawashi is resigned to demotion to Juryo, ending his current top tier Iron Man streak at over 13 years. He struggled with a calf injury this time. But he also has less than no intent of retiring so the overall appearance streak will keep going. There are some who have fears about Aomori Prefecture’s 140+ year streak of top tier representation being in danger again because of Nishikifuji’s demotion but those fears are overblown-I don’t think 5-10 at M9 will send him to Juryo and fellow Aomori native Takerufuji is headed back up after 11-4 at J2 so the streak is safe. Oshoumi & Ryuden should be going down to Juryo along with Tamawashi while Tokihayate may be a toss-up for demotion. Kotoeiho & Fujiryoga should make big moves up after being in title contention until the end (although Kotoeiho may have lost a championship with 3 straight losses to end the tournament).

Juryo:
Juryo 1-Onokatsu (9-6), Daiseizan (9-6)
Juryo 2-Sadanoumi (7-8), Takerufuji (11-4)
Juryo 3-Dewanoryu (7-8), Hatsuyama (5-10)
Juryo 4-Kyokukaiyu (9-6), Asasuiryu (10-5)
Juryo 5-Tomokaze (8-7), Kitanowaka (8-7)
Juryo 6-Kazuma (12-3, Tournament Champion), Meisei (7-8)
Juryo 7-Kagayaki (5-10), Toshinofuji (9-6)
Juryo 8-Shonannoumi (9-6), Shirokuma (7-8)
Juryo 9-Nishinoryu (7-8), Kayo (5-10)
Juryo 10-Tohakuryu (6-9), Midorifuji (9-6)
Juryo 11-Kazekeno (10-5), Nishikigi (5-10)
Juryo 12-Hitoshi (8-7), Tamashoho (8-7)
Juryo 13-Okaryu (3-13), Hakuyozan (6-9)
Juryo 14-Toxhitaikai (7-8), Enho (8-7)
Obviously it starts with Enho, who managed promotion in his Juryo return after years trying to make his way back up for a chance to be eligible for elder stock upon retirement. But that 8-7 nearly didn’t happen as he started 7-2 before struggling the second week. But he stays up while Okaryu, Hakuyozan and maybe Tochitaikai & Nishikigi will be going done to Makushita. Okaryu had a tough Juryo debut after winning his first match, struggling to a 3-12 effort so it may not be a quick return. Also noce to see Midorifuji do well after missing March due to heart failure, which was very scary but hopefully he will be good going forward. He does qualify for elder stock if he can’t continue due to the condition. The top ranks should clear out as both J1s should be promoted to the top tier-Daiseizan finally for the first time-and Takerufuji will return too, but Sadanoumi will not. Dewanoryu blew his post-championship promotion chances with a 2-7 start (0-4 the first 4 days) and a too-late rally attempt to get to 7-8. The big question mark for promotion is Kazuma and whether or not 12-3 and a championship at J6-which he won maybe as much as Kazekeno lost, the latter blew an 8-0 then 10-1 start by losing his last 4-will be enough for top tier promotion. It could be between him and Asasuiryu who went 10-5 at J4 and looks to join brother Asakoryu and make 4 Takasago men in the top tier. I do think Kazuma makes it at M16 or M17 but Asasuiryu may have to settle for J1.

The Shin-Juryo rikishi for July was announced and it’s just one going up: Arashifuji will be in Juryo for the first time. That will make a still-sumo-leading 9 Isegahama Beya wrestlers in the top 2 tiers. There will be no Sai-Juryo rikishi. That means those who came close to promotion from Makushita miss out, most notably Tanji who lost in the 7-way championship playoff at 6-1 from Ms6.

In the lower tiers, the big question may be how far up Asahifuji will start in Makushita after 3 straight titles and a 21-0 start to his career. He was Sd7 this time. Mita should be back up to Makushita after going 6-1 while Kiryuko could make the bottom Makushita ranks after another 7-0 and another playoff loss to Asahifuji at Sd77.

As far as retirements go, there are 2 notable ones not counting the pre-tournament Tsurugisho retirement…it’s been confirmed that the 3:10 to Yuma has made it’s final departure as Yuma has officially retired. He was mainly in Makushita & Sandanme the last couple years but did reach Juryo a couple times (his highest rank was J13). He was Ms13 this tournament and would have been promoted if he kept going after a 4-3 effort in which he won his last 3 matches. Yuma, real name Yuma Nakao, finishes with a career record of 256-208-50 and one Sandanme championship. Another notable retirement means the Arashio Wakas in sumo drop from 3 to 2-Wakatakamoto, the eldest of the Onami brothers but lowest ranked, is calling it a career. The older brother of Wakamotoharu & Wakatakakage never made it above Makushita and did not compete this tournament at Ms52. Wakatakamoto, real name Wataru Onami, finishes his career with a record of 345-289-45 in 16+ years and a career high rank of Ms7. He will, however, remain in the Japan Sumo Association as he was hired for a “young leader” position. There were 21 total retirements announced, with one other Makushita as Fujinoyama retired after going 3-4 at Ms54. A stablemate of Fujiseiun & Fujiryoga, he went 157-144 in just over 6 years with a highest rank of Ms11. 3 Sandanme retirements, 8 Jonidan retirements and 3 Jonokuchi retirements join them (including to my dismay Teruyutaka, who was just getting started and being featured on the Tatsunami Beya YouTube channel now, but only had one official match-a win-and otherwise sat out his only 2 tournaments) along with 2 unranked wrestler retirements.

Next up on the calendar are 2 retirement ceremonies this weekend for a pair of respected veterans as Oyama & Furiyama-the former Hokutofuji & Takarafuji, respectively-will have their hair cutting ceremonies. Then after a couple weeks it’s off to Paris, France for a special 2 day event. You will probably be able to find video clips on YouTube shortly afterwards. For Takarafuji, it’ll be worth watxhing to see if the former Terunofuji-the current Isegahama-makes an appearance after having been out of the spotlight since before March due to an incident involving Hakunofuji.

The July Tournament is 7/12-7/26 at IG Arena in Nagoya. All tickets are now sold out. The Banzuke will be announced on 6/29 (6/28 US time).

An interesting follow-up note on Wakatakamoto-apparently he also has some pro wrestling connections as current All-Japan Pro Wrestling stars Jun & Rei Saito, who also were sumo wrestlers before getting into pro wrestling a couple years ago, went to sumo school with Wakatakamoto. They both posted this and congratulatory messages on social media

Here are the LIVE results from today’s Day 15-the Final Day-of the May 2026 Grand Sumo Tournament in Tokyo:
Key: M-Maegashira, K-Komusubi, S-Sekiwake, O-Ozeki, J-Juryo, Ms-Makushits, Sd-Sandanme, Jd-Jonidan, Jk-Jonokuchi

Juryo:
Arashifuji (Ms2) beat Okaryu (J13)
Kayo (J9) beat Tamashoho (J12)
Tohakuryu (J10) beat Toshinofuji (J7)
Midorifuji (J10) beat Kagayaki (J7)
Kazuma (J6) beat Nishinoryu (J9). KAZUMA JURYO YUSHO!!! 4th career championship, 1st Juryo
Kitanowaka (J5) beat Tochitaikai (J14)
Tomokaze (J5) beat Shirokuma (J8)
Asasuiryu (J4) beat Hitoshi (J12)
Kyokukaiyu (J4) beat Enho (J14)
Hakuyozan (J13) beat Hatsuyama (J3)
Takerufuji (J2) beat Meisei (J7)
Sadanoumi (J2) beat Nishikigi (J11)
Daiseizan (J1) beat Kazekeno (J11)
Onokatsu (J1) beat Shonannoumi (J8)
CHAMPION: Kazuma (12-3)
Of note: Kazekeno completed another collapse by by losing his last 4 after starting 10-1. This follows Match when he won 7 straight after losing his opener to go to 7-1 but then slumped to 9-6. Thank goodness Enho got win 8 already because he struggled to 8-7 in the second week. Amidst rumblings that the Aomori streak of top tier representation was in jeopardy because of Nishikifuji being potentially demoted, it’s safe now because at 11-4 Takerufuji is going back up tot he top tier. Daiseizan should be going up to, and with the championship and 12-3 at J6 Kazuma will have a chance too. Onokatsu should be returning too after 9-6 at J1.

Sandanme:
Playoff: Asahifuji (Sd6) beat Kiryuko (Sd77). ASAHIFUJI SANDANME YUSHO!!! 3rd career championship, 1st Sandanme in just 3 tournaments. 21-0 not counting playoffs. Second straight playoff win over Kiryuko
CHAMPION: Asahifuji (7-0)

Makushita:
Playoff:
Ikarigata (Ms20) beat Omori (Ms60)
Mudoho (Ms15) beat Toshunryu (Ms44)
Akua (Ms22) beat Tanji (Ms6)
Ikarigata beat Mudoho
Tsushimanada drew the long straw.
Akua beat Tsushimanada (Ms34). Final is Ikarigata vs. Akua
Final: Ikarigata beat Akua. IKARIGATA MAKUSHITA YUSHO!!! 1st career championship. But the crowd hated it because of a HENKA!!!
CHAMPION: Ikarigata (6-1)

Lower tier awards ceremony then a break before top tier begins.

Top tier ring entering ceremonies.

Makuuchi (top tier):
Dewanoryu (J3) beat Oshoumi (M15)
Shishi (M12) beat Ryuden (M16)
Kinbozan (M11) beat Tobizaru (M16)
Nishikifuji (M9) beat Tokihayate (M12)
Wakanosho (M16) beat Asahakuryu (M8)
Hakunofuji (M10) beat Fujiseiun (M6)
Roga (M14) beat Gonoyama (M4)
Daieisho (M4) beat Mitakeumi (M14)
Oho (M3) beat Abi (M9)
Hiradoumi (M3) beat Tamawashi (M13)
Ichiyamamoto (M2) beat Shodai (M5)
Yoshinofuji (M2) beat Kotoeiho (M13)
Takanosho (M1) beat Chiyoshoma (M7)
Fujinokawa (M1) beat Wakamotoharu (M5)
Wakatakakage (K) beat Fujiryoga (M17)
Kotoshoho (S) beat Churanoumi (M6)
Atamifuji (S) beat Oshoma (M8)
Kirishima (O) beat Ura (M11). PLAYOFF!!! This means a Kirishima-Wakatakakage rematch for the championship.
Playoff: Wakatakakage beat Kirishima. WAKATAKAKAGE YUSHO!!! The second career Emperor’s Cup for Wakatakakage!
CHAMPION: Wakatakakage (12-3)

TOURNAMENT CHAMPIONS:
Makuuchi: Wakatakakage (K) 2nd Emperor’s Cup, 6th career championship
Juryo: Kazuma (J6) 4th career, 1st Juryo
Makushita: Ikarigata (Ms20) 1st career
Sandanme: Asahifuji (Sd6) 3rd career, 1st Sandanme
Jonidan: Shosei (Jd37) 1st career
Jonokuchi: Hakugetsuro (Jk15) 1st career

SPECIAL PRIZES:
Outstanding Performance (winning record and most wins vs. Yokozuna & Ozeki): None
Fighting Spirit (most wins and best display of fighting spirit): Hakunofuji, Yoshinofuji (Kotoeiho, Ura & Fujiryoga would have gotten this if they won)
Technique (winning record best display of technique or most winning techniques): Wakatakakage (7th time)

The next tournament is July 12-26 in Nagoya. The Banzuke will be announced on June 29. Before that is a special tournament in June in Paris, France similar to the London, England event last year.

UPDATE: While it’s not official yet and won’t be for at least a couple days, Japan news website Daily Sports reports Tamawashi will be demoted to Juryo. His current top tier appearance streak will end at 1152 or 13 years. Their article includes comments from Tamawashi saying he’ll be demoted too. Bur what doesn’t seem to be ending is his career, translation of his comments also indicates he “doesn’t seem to have the will to retire”.

Here are the quick results from today’s Day 14-the penultimate day-of the May 2026 Grand Sumo Tournament in Tokyo:
Key: M-Maegashira, K-Komusubi, S-Sekiwake, O-Ozeki, J-Juryo, Ms-Makushita

Makuuchi (top tier):
Daiseizan (J1) beat Tokihayate (M12)
Wakanosho (M16) beat Kinbozan (M11)
Shishi (M12) beat Abi 9M9)
Nishikifuji (M9) beat Tamawashi (M13)
Oshoma (M8) beat Roga (M14)
Asahakuryu (M8) beat Ryuden (M16)
Mitakeumi (M14) beat Chiyoshoma (M7)
Wakamotoharu (M5) beat Oshoumi (M15)
Churanoumi (M6) beat Gonoyama (M4)
Fujiseiun (M6) beat Hiradoumi (M3)
Oho (M3) beat Tobizaru (M15)
Fujiryoga (M17) beat Yoshinofuji (M2)
Daieisho (M4) beat Ichiyamamoto (M2)
Ura (M11) beat FUjinokawa (M1)
Takanosho (M1) beat Shodai (M5)
Wakatakakage (K) beat Kotoeiho (M13)
Atamifuji (S) beat Kotoshoho (S)
Hakunofuji (M10) beat Kirishima (O)
Leader; Kirishima, Wakatakakage (11-3)
Of note: It was Kirishima’s to lose, and he may have lost it today. It could mean chaos tomorrow with 2 at 11-3 but 5 at 10-4. First, the simple scenarios: If either Kirishima or Wakatakakage win and the other loses, the winner is the champion. If both win, there will be a playoff between them. They already met on Day 11 and Wakatakakage won. But if both lose, there will also be a playoff and it could be a 6-WAY playoff! It can’t be 7-way because Yoshinofuji-Kotoeiho is one of tomorrow’s matches and both are 10-4. The others with a chance to force a playoff if both leaders lose? With their opponents tomorrow-Hakunofuji (Fujiseiun), the Yoshinofuji-Kotoeiho winner, Fujiryoga (Wakatakakage), Ura (Kirishima). Based on the match order, once we get to Wakatakakage-Fujiryoga we can start looking at who might be in a playoff if there is one. Kirishima-Ura is the final match.

Juryo:
Hakuyozan (J13) beat Fujitensei (Ms1)
Nishinoryu (J9) beat Okaryu (J13)
Hitoshi (J12) beat Kayo (J9)
Shonannoumi (J8) beat Tamashoho (J12)
Shirokuma (J8) beat Enho (J14)
Meisei (J6) beat Tohakuryu (J10)
Tomokaze (J5) beat Tochitaikai (J14)
Kitanowaka (J5) beat Kyokukaiyu (J4)
Kazuma (J6) beat Asasuiryu (J4)
Dewanoryu (J3) beat Nishikigi (J11)
Hatsuyama (J3) beat Midorifuji (J10)
Sadanoumi (J2) beat Kagayaki (J7)
Takerufuji (J2) beat Kazekeno (J11)
Toshinofuji (J7) beat Onokatsu (J1)
Leader: Kazuma (11-3)
Of note: After holding it almost the entire tournament, Kazekeno lost the lead and maybe the championship today. Here are the title scenarios tomorrow: If Kazuma wins (Nishinoryu), he is the champion. If Kazuma loses, he is sill champion if both Takerufuji AND Kazekeno lose. But if Kazuma loses and one of them win, there will be a playoff-and if both Takerufuji & Kazekeno win there would be a 3-way playoff. Kazekeno faces Daiseizan and Takerufuji has Meisei.
Today’s results mean it’s pretty much definite Takerufuji will return to the top tier and, with promotion clinched today, Daiseizan may finally make it up too. Onokatsu also clinched promotion yesterday. And thank goodness Enho clinched promotion yesterday because a loss has made this a 1-4 stretch since going 7-2. He’ll try to finish 9-6 tomorrow against Kyokukaiyu. Today’s results likely mean Hakuyozan will be demoted back to Makushita and Tochitaikai must win tomorrow to stay in Juryo at 7-7. Arashifuji is the only Makushita man up tomorrow, and with promotion clinched via 4-2 at Ms2 a win tomorrow could get him to Juryo in July. He’ll go for it against Okaryu.

Reminder: NHK World Japan will have 90 minutes of LIVE top tier coverage FOR FREE tomorrow, including the final matches, playoff if necessary, awards ceremony & champion’s interview, beginning at 12:30 AM PT/3:30 AM ET. For those able to watch live either on ABEMA or NHK World Premium, the Makushita & Sandanme playoffs will happen after the Juryo matches and before the top tier matches begin.

Here are the quick results from today’s Day 13-Championship Day-of the May 2026 Grand Sumo Tournament in Tokyo:
Key: M-Maegashira, K-Komusubi, S-Sekiwake, O-Ozeki, J-Juryo, Ms-Makushita, Sd-Sandanme, Jd-Jonidan, Jk-Jonokuchi

Makuuchi (top tier):
Asasuiryu (J4) beat Ryuden (M16)
Oshoumi (M15) beat Tamawashi (M13)
Roga (M14) beat Tokihayate (M12)
Wakanosho (M16) beat Nishikifuji (M9)
Abi (M9) beat Mitakeumi (M14)
Shishi (M12) beat Asahakuryu (J8)
Fujiryoga (M17) beat Churanoumi (M6)
Wakamotoharu (M5) beat Kinbozan (M11)
Hakunofuji (M10) beat Gonoyama (M4)
Hiradoumi (M3) beat Daisieho (M4)
Oho (M3) beat Ichiyamamoto (M2)
Yoshinofuji (M2) beat Ura (M11)
Oshoma (M8) beat Takanosho (M1)
Fujinokawa (M1) beat Fujiseiun (M6)
Wakatakakage (K) beat Tobizaru (M15)
Kotoshoho (S) beat Shodai (M5)
Atamifuji (S) beat Chiyoshoma (M7)
Kirishima (O) beat Kotoeiho (M13)
Leader: Kirishima (11-2)
Of note: It’s now Kirishima’s to lose. But he can’t win the championship tomorrow because there are 3 at 10-3 and two of them, Kotoeiho & Wakatakakage, face off so the winner there can still force a playoff. Yoshinofuji is the other one still in it at 10-3, he has Fujiryoga. Kirishima faces Hakunofuji.
Elsewhere, I’m really starting to think Tamawashi is going to get demoted to Juryo. He is now 2-11 at M13 and I believe his only hope of staying in the top tier is to win his last 2. It may also depend on promotions/demotions, right now the only potential sure thing demotion is Ryuden, and he can still get to 7-8 which may keep him up because losing an Ozeki in July (Aonishiki) could open up one more Maegashira spot. But there also could be 4 Sekiwake with Aonishiki ther ebecause Kotoshoho clinched a winning record today and Wakatakakage could be promoted back to the rank, so it depends on Atamifuji at 7-6. At worst he’ll be demoted to Komusubi.
Finally, it should be noted that despite both being Fujis, Fujinokawa and Fujiseiun are not stablemates. Fujinokawa is an Isenoumi Beya man while Fujiseiun is a Fujishima Beya man. (Also worth noting that despite being a Fuji at the end of his ring name, Hokutofuji was never an Isegahama man. He is/was a Hakkaku man)

Juryo:
Daikisho (Ms5) beat Hakuyozan (J13)
Nishikigi (J11) beat Nishinoryu (J9)
Shirokuma (J8) beat Tochitaikai (J14)
Shonannoumi (J8) beat Hitoshi (J12)
Kagayaki (J7) beat Okaryu (J13)
Enho (J14) beat Meisei (J8)
Kazuma (J6) beat Kazekeno (J11)
Kyokukaiyu (J4) beat Tomokaze (J5)
Kitanowaka (J5) beat Hatsuyama (J3)
Dewanoryu (J3) beat Tohakuryu (J10)
Takerufuji (J2) beat Tamashoho (J12)
Kayo (J9) beat Sadanoumi (J2)
Toshinofuji (J5) beat Daiseizan (J1)
Onokatsu (J1) beat Midorifuji (J10)
Leader: Kazekeno, Kazuma (10-3)
Of note: It took 4 agonizing tries but Enho has finally clinched promotion and will stay in Juryo in July. He’s still a few tournaments from a potential top tier return but it’s a start. At the top, Kazekeno has blown his lead and Kazuma got back even at the top today. This also puts Takerufuji back in it at 9-4, which probably is enough to get him back to the top tier in July. At the bottom, Okaryu unfortunately will be demoted back to Makushita and it looks like Hakuyozan is going back down too. Tomorrow Kazekeno faces Takerufuji while Kazuma has Asasuiryu, also back in it at 9-4 following a top tier win today.

Makushita:
Mudoho (Ms15) beat Akua (Ms22). PLAYOFF!!! That means there will be a SEVEN-WAY PLAYOFF!!! Mudoho, Akua, Omori, Toshunryu, Ikarigata, Tsushimanada and Tanji are all in it at 6-1, meaning no 7-0 champion. We’ll see how that will play out but my thinking is they draw straws, long one gets to sit out the first round, the other 6 face off to narrow it down to 4, then 2, then champion. If Tanji is champion he could be promoted to Juryo from Ms6.

Sandanme:
Kiryuko (Sd77) beat Tenshoyama (Sd55)
Asahifuji (Sd6) beat Mita (Sd21). PLAYOFF!!! It was already guaranteed due to 4 left tied for the lead coming in but the question was who would be in it. This means it will be Kiryuko vs. Asahifuji again for the championship. Of course Asahifuji won their Jonidan playoff in March.

Jonidan:
Shosei (Jd37) beat Maniwayama (Jd61). SHOSEI JONIDAN YUSHO!!! First career championship in second career tournament.

Jonokuchi:
Hakugetsuro (Jk15) beat Hienriki (Jk4). HAKUGETSURO JONOKUCHI YUSHO!!! First career championship in debut tournament.

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

UPDATE: Nikkan Sports reports the first official retirement of the tournament came today-Asaobara, at Sd45, retired after his match today. He finished 3-4 after winning bis last 2 matches. His highest rank was Sd23 and he had a career record of 122-129-1 (win-loss-absent). He leaves at age 21 and will return home to decide on bis future plans.

There are also reports that Yuma, at Ms13, will also retire. He clinched promotion in his potential final match today. His highest rank was J13 (3 Juryo tournaments but was demoted after each one) and he had a career record of 256-208-50 with 1 Sandanme championship. He actually was on a run of 3 straight promotions including this time. But it seems the 3:10 to Yuma is no more.

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

Makuuchi (top tier):
Kyokukaiyu (J4) beat Tamawashi (M13)
Mitakeumi (M14) beat Shishi (M12)
Ryuden (M16) beat Tokihayate (M12)
Ura (M11) beat Fujiryoga (M17)
Kotoeiho (M13) beat Asanoyama (M10) by default/withdrawal
Roga (M14) beat Nishikifuji (M9)
Oshoma (M8) beat Wakanosho (M16)
Asahakuryu (M8) beat Oshoumi (M15)
Chiyoshoma (M7) beat Kinbozan (M11)
Shodai (M5) beat Abi (M9)
Oho (M3) beat Hakunofuji (M10)
Yoshinofuji (M2) beat Tobizaru (M15)
Hiradoumi (M3) beat Ichiyamamoto (M2)
Fujinokawa (M1) beat Daieisho (M4)
Takanosho (M1) beat Wakamotoharu (M5)
Wakatakakage (K) beat Gonoyama (M4)
Atamifuji (S) beat Fujiseiun (M6)
Churanoumi (M6) beat Kotozakura (O) by default/withdrawal
Kirishima (O) beat Kotoshoho (S)
Leader: Kotoeiho, Kirishima (10-2)
WITHDRAWALS: Asanoyama (M10), Kotozakura (O). Asanoyama-toe. Status uncertain. He expects to return before the tournament is over. He was 7-4 before today and needs one win to secure promotion. If he can’t return that means demotion, but not falling down much at the equivalent of 7-8. Kotozakura-lower back. Tournament likely over. Already has a losing record and will be at risk of demotion after July. He is expected to return for the retirement events later this month and be in for Paris in June. Kotoeiho & Churanoumi, respectively, got the fusen as a result.
Of note: With Kotoeiho getting the free win today, he remains tied for the lead with Kirishima ahead of their big faceoff tomorrow. It will be their first-ever meeting. The winner has a chance to clinch the championship Saturday but it’s not guaranteed because there will be 3 still in it at 10-3 including the loser tomorrow.
And no moving further up the total win charts this time for Tamawashi due to a loss today. I believe he still needs to go 2-1 the rest of the way to avoid demotion to Juryo.

Juryo:
Tokifudo (Ms5) beat Nishikigi (J11)
Tamashoho (J12) beat Tohakuryu (J10)
Hitoshi (J12) beat Nishinoryu (J9)
Kayo (J9) beat Okaryu (J13)
Shirokuma (J8) beat Hakuyozan (J13)
Toshinofuji (J7) beat Tochitaikai (J14)
Midorifuji (J10) beat Tomokaze (J6)
Asasuiryu (J4) beat Kazekeno (J11)
Shimanoumi (J8) beat Dewanoryu (J3)
Hatsuyama (J3) beat Enho (J14)
Sadanoumi (J2) beat Kitanowaka (J5)
Takerufuji (J2) beat Kagayaki (J7)
Meisei (J6) beat Onokatsu (J1)
Kazuma (J6) beat Daiseizan (J1)
Leader: Kazekeno (10-2)
Of note: Kazekeno could have all but clinched the championship today going in but that won’t happen now. But he gets a second chance tomorrow when he faces Kazuma. If Kazekeno wins, worst-case is Kazuma can still force a playoff rematch. If Kazuma wins, they’re even and it goes to the Final Day. Elsewhere, now the worrying about Enho begins as that’s 3 straight losses to miss out on clinching promotion at 7-5. Takerufuji clinched promotion today and now has a chance to return to the top tier in July. He likely needs one more win to make it certain.

Lower tier notes: Here are the more detailed Championship Day scenarios for tomorrow now that we know the schedules: In the Makushita Akua faces Mudoho and Akua will be the champion if he wins. If Akua loses there will be a SEVEN-WAY playoff! And a 6-1 champion. In the Sandanme there will be a playoff but the participants depend on tomorrow’s “final 4” results-first Tenshoyama will face Kiryuko followed by Asahifuji taking on Mita. Winners go to the playoff. That means a potential Asahifuji-Kiryuko playoff rematch from the Jonidan in March. The Jonidan Championship will be Maniwayama vs. Shosei. In the Jonokuchi, Hakugetsuro will be the champion if he beats Hienriki. If he loses, there will be a 3-way or 4-way playoff depending on other match result and also a 6-1 champion.

UPDATE: Right after I posted this I found an update on Asanoyama. Lisfranc aka left ankle sprain. Tournament over. Out about 4 weeks. That would mean questionable at best for Paris. He will finish the equivalent of 7-9 and be demoted.

UPDATE 2: Kotozakura update via Hochi Sports-lumbar spine strain. Out about 10 days.

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

Makuuchi (top tier):
Mitakeumi (M14) beat Hatsuyama (J3)
Oshouni (M15) beat Shishi (M12)
Tamawashi (M13) beat Kinbozan (M11)
Ura (M11) beat Wakanosho (M16)
Hakunofuji (M10) beat Fujiryoga (M17)
Tobizaru (M15) beat Asanoyama (M10)
Ryuden (M16) beat Nishikifuji (M9)
Roga (M14) beat Abi (M9)
Tokihayate (M12) beat Asahakuryu (M8)
Kotoeiho (M13) beat Oshoma (M8)
Ichiyamamoto (M2) beat Gonoyama (M4)
Yoshinofuji (M2) beat Hiradoumi (M3)
Daieisho (M1) beat Takanosho (M1)
Oho (M3) beat Fujinokawa (M1)
Kotoshoho (S) beat Fujiseiun (M6)
Churanoumi (M6) beat Atamifuji (S)
Kirishima (O) beat Wakatakakage (K)
Shodai (M5) beat Kotozakura (O). That means, for the second time as Ozeki and first since January 2025, Kotozakura kadoban…
Leader: Kirishima, Kotoeiho, Tobizaru (9-2)
Of note: For now the 6-way leaderboard is down to 3. Fujiryoga & Gonoyama both lost while Wakatakakage was beaten by Kirishima but at 8-3 are not out of it. The trailing pack was joined by Hakunofuji who beat Fujiryoga to clinch promotion. Several demotions were also handed out but the most notable was Kotozakura, who now must win at least 8 matches in July or be demoted, which potentially could mean no Ozeki in September depending on how Kirishima & Aonishiki fare next time (Kirishima could be going for Yokozuna promotion, Aonishiki will be Sekiwake and must win 10 matches to be re-promoted).
And hope remains alive-Tamawashi has a winning streak going! He will still be demoted but now has improved to 2-9, and if the Iron Man can win out to get to 6-9 he can still move a couple spots higher on the all-time top tier win rankings. (He could get into a tie for 6th if he wins his last 4. With today’s win he is now tied for 7th all time at 714. To have any chance at the record-holder, Hakuho, he’d have to win out for the next 20+ years) I still believe he needs at least 2 more wins to remain in the top tier.
Kirishima’s opponent tomorrow is Kotoshoho who is 7-4, meaning he needs a win to stay Sekiwake in July. Kotoshoho won their last meeting in July last year.

Juryo:
Hitoshi (J12) beat Gojinyu (Ms4)
Kazekeno (J11) beat Enho (J14)
Midorifuji (J10) beat Tamashoho (J12)
Nishikigi (J11) beat Tohakuryu (J10)
Hakuyozan (J13) beat Kayo (J9)
Tochitaikai (J14) beat Nishinoryu (J9)
Okaryu (J13) beat Shirokuma (J8)
Asasuiryu (J4) beat Shonannoumi (J8)
Toshinofuji (J7) beat Kyokukaiyu (J4)
Dewanoryu (J3) beat Kagayaki (J7)
Takerufuji (J2) beat Kitanowaka (J5)
Tomokaze (J5) beat Sadanoumi (J2)
Meisei (J6) beat Daiseizan (J1)
Onokatsu (J1) beat Kazuma (J6)
Leader: Kazekeno (10-1)
Of note: Unfortunately Kazekeno keeping the lead came at the expense of Enho, denied promotion once again and all but out of the championship race now (still in it but is 3 behind with 4 left). It’s now Kazekeno’s to lose as the only one even within 2 wins now is Kazuma (the only 8-3 right now). Kazekeno can all but clinch tomorrow by beating Asasuiryu. If that happens and Daiseizan beats Kazuma, worst-case for Kazekeno would be a playoff as he would be 3 wins ahead with only 3 matches left.

Lower tier notes: Today begins setting up Friday’s Championship Day matches in the lower tiers. The Makushita championship is Akua’s to lose as he is the only 6-0. He will be the champion if he wins his last match. Otherwise there likely will be a playoff and a rare 6-1 champion. He will have a slim chance of a Juryo return if he goes 7-0 as he is Ms22. The Sandanme likely will have a playoff with 4 at 6-0 including Asahifuji-who was in Makushita today and won, plus Mita & Kiryuko. Tenshoyama, in just his third career tournament, is the other and could play spoiler. The Jonidan championship match will be Shosei vs. Maniwayama while in the Jonokuchi Hakugetsuro is the sole 6-0 and will be champion by winning his final match.

UPDATE: Nikkan Sports provided an update on Yumenofuji, the Makushita wrestler who was taken out on a stretcher with an AED attached to his body and hospitalized following his loss yesterday, where he fell off the dohyo and was injured. Concussion. Although not listed as a withdrawal yet, tournament over. Out at least 1 week. The loss meant the first demotion of his career as he was 1-4 after the loss. He intends to return to training and competing once recovered & cleared.

UPDATE 2: Asanoyama has WITHDRAWN ahead of Day 12. Toe. Expected to return before the tournament ends. He needs one win for promotion. Kotoeiho will get the fusen as a result and maintain at least a tie for the lead at 10-2

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

Makuuchi (top tier):
Dewanoryu (J3) beat Roga (M14)
Kotoeiho (M13) beat Ryuden (M16)
Wakanosho (M16) beat Shishi (M12)
Fujiryoga (M17) beat Tokohayate (M12)
Mitakeumi (M14) beat Kinbozan (M11)
Tobizaru (M15) beat Abi (M9)
Oshoumi (M15) beat Nishikifuji (M9)
Ura (M11) beat Oshoma (M8)
Tamawashi (M13) beat Asahakuryu (M8)
Hakunofuji (M10) beat Chiyoshoma (M7)
Asanoyama (M10) beat Fujiseiun (M6)
Daieisho (M4) beat Churanoumi (M6)
Yoshinofuji (M2) beat Ichiyamamoto (M2)
Fujinokawa (M1) beat Hiradoumi (M3)
Oho (M3) beat Takanosho (M1)
Wakatakakage (K) beat Atamifuji (S)
Gonoyama (M4) beat Kotoshoho (S)
Kotozakura (O) beat Wakamotoharu (M5)
Shodai (M5) beat Kirishima (O)
Leader: 6 at 8-2
Of note: Shodai showed up today and chaos ensued. Instead of Kirishima maintaining the sole lead it’s now a 6-way tie. Kirishima was banged up after yesterday (busted open and possibly dazed after bis win) but seems to be fine. And there is hope again-Tamawashi finally got a win! I still think he needs 3 more to stay in the top tier.
Kirishima faces Wakatakakage in a battle of co-leaders tomorrow. Kirishima has won their meeting in each of the last 4 tournaments.

Juryo:
Tamashoho (J12) beat Himukamaru (Ms4)
Nishikigi (J11) beat Okaryu (J13)
Hitoshi (J12) beat Tohakuryu (J10)
Hakuyozan (J13) beat Midorifuji (J10)
Nishinoryu (J9) beat Enho (J14)
Tochitaikai (J14) beat Kayo (J9)
Kazekeno (J11) beat Shirokuma (J8)
Shonannoumi (J8) beat Kyokukaiyu (J4)
Asasuiryu (J4) beat Toshinofuji (J7)
Kagayaki (J7) beat Hatsuyama (J3)
Meisei (J6) beat Sadanoumi (J2)
Kazuma (J6) beat Takerufuji (J2)
Kitanowaka (J5) beat Onokatsu (J1)
Daiseizan (J1) beat Tomokaze (J5)
Leader: Kazekeno (9-1)
Of note: Kazekeno remains the sole leader and one ahead of Kazuma, who clinched promotion today at 8-2. Enho took his 3rd loss to be denied promotion but he’s got a big chance tomorrow as he faces Kazekeno, needing a win to stay in championship contention. Much to my dismay, Okaryu likely will be demoted to Makushita after falling to 2-8 today as his debut effort fell apart after a first day win.
Gojijyu will be the Makushita man up tomorrow, he is 3-2 at Ms4 and will try to clinch promotion after Himukamaru was denied today. Hatsuyama is the Juryo man in the top tier tomorrow and will try to avoid demotion against Mitakeumi.

UPDATE: There was a very scary scene after a lower tier match today. Yahoo News Japan, via Nikkan Sports, reports it happened in Makushita…after the Kiyota-Yumenofuji match, won by Kiyota, Yumenofuji fell off the dohyo and hit the back of his head, and had to be taken out on a stretcher with an AED attached to his upper body. He was hospitalized immediately. According to Tateyama, a coach at Isegahama Beya where Yumenofuji is based, Yumenofuji was able to move his hands and was speaking with stablemaster Isegahama (fka Terunofuji). More when/if it becomes available.

Also, the lovable loser keeps it going-with a loss today that’s 40 consecutive demotions/losing records for Moriurara, currently in the Jonokuchi.

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

Makuuchi (top tier):
Takerufuji (J2) beat Oshoumi (M15)
Wakanosho (M15) beat Roga (M14)
Fujiryoga (M17) beat Mitakeumi (M14)
Kotoeiho (M13) beat Tobizaru (M15)
Shishi (M12) beat Tamawashi (M13)
Kinbozan (M11) beat Ryuden (M16!
Ura (M11) beat Tokihayate (M12)
Hakunofuji (M10) beat Abi (M9)
Asanoyama (M10) beat Chiyoshoma (M7)
Nishikifuji (M9) beat Fujiseiun (M6)
Churanoumi (M6) beat Oshoma (M8)
Shodai (M5) beat Asahakuryu (M8)
Yoshinofuji (M2) beat Oho (M3)
Takanosho (M1) beat Hiradoumi (M3)
Ichiyamamoto (M2) beat Fujinokawa (M1)
Kotoshoho (S) beat Wakatakakage (K)
Atamifuji (S) beat Daieisho (M4)
Kirishima (O) beat Wakamotoharu (M5)
Gonoyama (M4) beat Kotozakura (O)
Leader: Kirishima (8-1)
Of note: After his first loss yesterday Kirishima got back to winning today and secured his Ozeki rank with an 8th win, reclaiming the sole lead after Wakatakakage & Tobizaru both lost. As for the other Ozeki, 5 straight losses for Kotozakura have him in the danger zone again at 2-7, meaning he now must win out just to protect bis rank. Oshoumi will possibly be demoted to Juryo after today’s loss and the panic grows for Tamawashi. 0-9 means he is running out of time to keep the top tier Iron Man run going, he’s at risk of demotion to Juryo for the first time in over 13 years. The last time he was demoted to Juryo? May 2013 to J1. He went down for just one tournament.
Kirishima has Shodai tomorrow, with Kirishima having won at least the last 2 between them. Dewanoryu is the Juryo man up tomorrow, but his top tier hopes in July are now gone and he now must win out from 2-7 just to avoid demotion.

Juryo:
Kotokuzan (Ms3) beat Okaryu (J13)
Enho (J14) beat Nishikigi (J11)
Tochitaikai (J14) beat Midorifuji (J10)
Hakuyozan (J13) beat Tohakuryu (J10)
Tamashoho (J12) beat Nishinoryu (J9)
Shirokuma (J8) beat Hitoshi (J12)
Shonannoumi (J8) beat Kazekeno (J11)
Kayo (J9) beat Toshinofuji (J7)
Kyokukaiyu J4) beat Kagayaki (J7)
Hatsuyama (J3) beat Meisei (J6)
Asasuiryu (J4) beat Dewanoryu (J3)
Kazuma (J6) beat Sadanoumi (J2)
Kitanowaka (J5) beat Daiseizan (J1)
Onokatsu (J1) beat Tomokaze (J5)
Leader: Kazekeno (8-1)
Of note: No zensho yusho again. Kazekeno took his first loss today but remains the sole leader, but a crowded second place is now down to just Kazuma and Enho for now, both at 7-2. Enho is faring the best of the debuts & returns this time as Okaryu is on the verge of demotion back to Makushita at 2-7, and Hakuyozan staved off demotion for today with a win but he also is still 2-7. At the top, nobody within reach of the top tier is better than 6-3 and Dewanoryu is now out of it at 2-7.
Himukamaru is the Makushita man up tomorrow as he tries to get back to Juryo. He is now at 3-2 so a win means promotion and a chance at a Juryo return from Ms4, but he’ll need to get to 5-2 to get there although he might be the rare one to have 8 matches as a result. Enho faces Nishinoryu (5-4, Nishinoryu won in May 2025), Kazuma has Takerufuji (6-3, Kazuma won in March), and Kazekeno gets Shirokuma (4-5, but Shirokuma is 3-1 vs. Kazekeno over the last year including winning in the last 2 tournaments).

Lower tier notes: The Makushita is down to just 3 at 5-0, leaving a slight possibility of a 6-1 champion. The Sandanme has 6 at 5-0 including Asahifuji, Mita & Kiryuko, leaving open the chance of another Asahifuji-Kiryuko championship faceoff after their Jonidan playoff in March. The Jonidan also has 6 left at 5-0 while in the Jonokuchi the sole 5-0 leader is Hakugetsuro, looking for a debut championship.

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

Makuuchi (top tier):
Sadanoumi (J2) beat Wakanosho (M16)
Fujiryoga (M17) beat Kotoeiho (M13)
Ryuden (M16) beat Tamawashi (M13)
Tokihayate (M12) beat Oshoumi (M15)
Tobizaru (M15) beat Ura (M11)
Roga (M14) beat Kinbozan (M11)
Mitakeumi (M14) beat Hakunofuji (M10)
Nishikifuji (M9) beat Shishi (M12)
Asanoyama (M10) beat Oshoma (M8)
Asahakuryu (M8) beat Chiyoshoma (M7)
Abi (M9) beat FUjiseiun (M6)
Hiradoumi (M3) beat Churanoumi (M6)
Yoshinofuji (M2) beat Fujinokawa (M1)
Ichiyamamoto (M2) beat Takanosho (M1)
Wakatakakage (K) beat Oho (M3)
Atamifuji (S) beat Shodai (M5)
Kotoshoho (S) beat Wakamotoharu (M5)
Daieisho (M4) beat Kotozakura (O)
Gonoyama (M4) beat Kirishima (O)
Leader: Kirishima, Tobizaru, Wakatakakage (7-1)
Of note: No 15-0 and no rank secured for Kirishima today after Gonoyama pulled off the upset. And it means a 3-way tie for the lead with former champion Wakatakakage and an unlikely flying monkey-a resurgent Tobizaru remains in contention for his first title. On the opposite side, Tamwashi is the first demotion and in embarrassing fashion-he lost by tsukihiza, knee touch down, a non-winning technique. Kotozakura is again out of it early as well as he once again is a poor 2-6 at halfway and in a major slump.
Kirishima will try to bounce back and clinch a winning record tomorrow against Wakamotoharu, who is 2-6. Wakatakakage has Kotoshoho who is 5-3 and Tobizaru gets Kotoeiho who is 6-2. Taklerufuji will be the Juryo man up tomorrow, he is 5-3 at J2 and could send Oshoumi to demotion tomorrow.

Juryo:
Hakuyozan (J13) beat Arashifuji (Ms2)
Tohakuryu (J10) beat Tochitaikai (J14)
Midorifuji (J10) beat Hitoshi (J12)
Enho (J14) beat Kayo (J9)
Shirokuma (J8) beat Nishikigi (J11)
Kagayaki (J7) beat Tamashoho (J12)
Kazekeno (J11) beat Toshinofuji )J7)
Kazuma (J6) beat Okaryu (J13)
Meisei (J6) beat Nishinoryu (J9)
Shonannoumi (J8) beat Kitanowaka (J5)
Tomokaze (J5) beat Dewanoryu (J3)
Takerufuji (J2) beat Hatsuyama (J3)
Onokatsu (J1) beat Asasuiryu (J4)
Kyokukaiyu (J4) beat Daiseizan (J1)
Leader: Kazekeno (8-0)
Of note: Kazekeno is the first in the top 2 tiers to clinch promotion this time It’s not impossible for him to make the top tier if he wins the championship but he’s probably going to need 15-0. He’ll almost certainly surpass his career best rank of J8 in July. And he’s got some breathing room with nobody at 7-1, the rest of the pack is 6-2 and that includes Enho, who snapped a 2-match losing streak with a win today. Hakuyozan spoiled Makushita man Arashifuji’s promotion bid today to stave off demotion for another day and get his first win at the bottom.

Lower tier notes: With Promotion Day in the books, the Makushita has 7 at 4-0 including newcomer Omori, debuting at Ms60, and 2 Tokitsukaze men which means a potential stablemate playoff. If co-leader Tanji wins the championship from Ms6 he’ll probably be promoted to Juryo for the first time. The Sandanme has 10 left at 4-0 including Asahifuji, Mita & Kiryuko. The Jinodan has 12 at 4-0 while the Jonokuchi has 2 at 4-0.

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

Makuuchi (top tier):
Roga (M14) beat Fujiryoga (M17)
Ryuden (M16) beat Mitakeumi (M14)
Kotoeiho (M13) beat Wakanosho (M16)
Tobizaru (M15) beat Shishi (M12)
Kinbozan (M11) beat Oshoumi (M15)
Ura (M11) beat Tamawashi (M13)
Tokihayate (M12) beat Asanoyama (M10)
Hakunofuji (M10) beat Asakoryu (M7) by default/withdrawal
Chiyoshoma (M7) beat Nishikifuji (M9)
Oshoma (M8) beat Shodai (M5)
Yoshinofuji (M2) beat Gonoyama (M4)
Fujinokawa (M1) beat Takanosho (M1)
Wakatakakage (K) beat Ichiyamamoto (M2)
Kotoshoho (S) beat Hiradoumi (M3)
Atamifuji (S) beat Wakamotoharu (M5)
Kirishima (O) beat Daieisho (M4)
Oho (M3) beat Kotozakura (O)
Leader: Kirishima (7-0)
WITHDRAWAL: Asakoryu (M7). Right foot. Injury occurred in loss yesterday. Status uncertain. But per stablemaster Takasago via Hochi Sports, tournament likely over. He was 3-3 coming into today. Hakunofuji got the fusen as a result.
Of note: In other injury news, it’s been confirmed that Aonishiki and Takayasu are out for the rest of the tournament, so Aonishiki will be demoted from Ozeki to Sekiwake and finish tied for the second-shortest Ozeki reign ever at just 3 tournaments. He went 12-3 & second straight championship, 7-8, Absent. But he will be back in July and will go for 10+ wins and quick re-promotion. And now we know why Tamawashi is 0-7 in part…right calf injury. He’s all but demoted now and his top tier Iron Man streak will be in danger if he can’t get some wins. At M13 he probably needs at least 4 wins to be safe.
Kirishima goes for 8-0 tomorrow against Gonoyama.

Juryo:
Tamashoho (J12) beat Tochitaikai (J14)
Hitoshi (J12) beat Enho (J14)
Kazekeno (J11) beat Hakuyozan (J13)
Okaryu (J13) beat Tohakuryu (J10)
Nishikigi (J11) beat Kayo (J8)
Midorifuji (J10) beat Shonannoumi (J8)
Nishinoryu (J9) beat Toshinofuji (J7)
Shirokuma (J8) beat Meisei (J6)
Kazuma (J6) beat Kagayaki (J7)
Kitanowaka (J5) beat Dewanoryu (J3)
Tomokaze (J5) beat Takerufuji (J2)
Sadanoumi (J2) beat Hatsuyama (J3)
Daiseizan (J1) beat Asasuiryu (J4)
Onokatsu (J1) beat Kyokukaiyu (J4)
Leader: Kazekeno (7-0)
Of note: After a 5-0 start Enho has now lost 2 straight to fall off the lead pace as Kazekeno remains the only unbeaten. Daiseizan is now the only 6-1 with the rest of the pack at 5-2, whichi ncludes 3 Isegahama men as Toshinofuji also took his second loss today but Midorifuji won, although it was by isahmiashi, a non-winning technique (inadvertent step out).
Kazekeno goes for 8-0 and promotion tomorrow against Toshinofuji, while the top tier withdrawal means Makushita men start coming back up again-tomorrow it will be Arashifuji, who is 3-1 at Ms2 so a win could mean Juryo promotion in July.

Lower tier notes: Before we get to the first half of Promotion Day, YouTube English language news source Chris Sumo provided the searched-for update on Wakanofuji, who was 2-0 and seemingly headed for Juryo promotion before an unexpected withdrawal on Day 5…broken collarbone. Tournament over. Out a while. Ugh, so close and yet so far away…now then, with the first leaders having clinched promotions, the Makushita has 3 so far at 4-0 with 8 more going for it tomorrow. The Sandanme has 6 at 4-0 including Arashifuji now at 18-0 for his career and headed to the Makushita in July, with 7 more including Mita & Kiryuko going for promotion tomorrow. The Jonidan has 6 so far at 4-0 while the Jonokuchi has one at 4-0 with 2 at 3-0.

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