Tag: sumo

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.

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

Makuuchi (top tier):
Tobizaru (M15) beat Wakanosho (M16)
Mitakeumi (M14) beat Oshoumi (M15)
Ryuden (M16) beat Roga (M14)
Fujiryoga (M17) beat Tamawashi (M13)
Ura (M11) beat Kotoeiho (M13)
Asanoyama (M10) beat Shishi (M12)
Hakunofuji (M10) beat Tokihayate (M12)
Kinbozan (M11) beat Nishikifuji (M9)
Chiyoshoma (M7) beat Abi (M9)
Churanoumi (M6) beat Asahakuryu (M8)
Oshoma (M8) beat Fujiseiun (M6)
Shodai (M5) beat Asakoryu (M7)
Wakamotoharu (M5) beat Ichiyamamoto (M2)
Yoshinofuji (M2) beat Takanosho (M1)
Wakatakakage (K) beat Fujinokawa (M1)
Gonoyama (M4) beat Atamifuji (S)
Kotoshobho (S) beat Daieisho (M4)
Hiradoumi (M3) beat Kotozakura (O)
Kirishima (O) beat Oho (M3)
Leader: Kirishima (6-0)
Of note: The big story was perhaps away from the dohyo as it was confirmed that Aonishiki, who hasn’t appeared yet due to an ankle injury just before the tournament, will not participate this time. As a result, he will be demoted from Ozeki in July and be back to Sekiwake. But he will get the one chance at fast re-promotion, requiring at least 10 wins next time. He is expected to participate in the Paris special event in June. As for today’s action, it’s now Kirishima as the sole leader after Kotoeiho took his first loss, leaving a group of 5 at 5-1. Ryuden got his first win today, leaving us to only worry more about Tamawashi as the Iron Man is the only 0-6.
Tomorrow Kirishima faces Daieisho, who he beat in March in their first meeting in nearly a year. Daieisho won the last prior meeting in May 2025 so it’s 1-1 over the last year.

Juryo:
Hitoshi (J12) beat Okaryu (J13)
Tamashoho (J12) beat Hakuyozan (J13)
Tochitaikai (J14) beat Nishikigi (J11)
Tohakuryu (J10) beat Enho (J14)
Midorifuji (J10) beat Nishinoryu (J9)
Kazekeno (J11) beat Kayo (J8)
Kazuma (J6) beat Shirokuma (J8)
Shonannoumi (J8) beat Meisei (J6!
Tomokaze (J5) beat Kagayaki (J7)
Kitanowaka (J5) beat Toshinofuji (J7)
Asasuiryu (J4) beat Sadanoumi (J2)
Takerufuji (J2) beat Kyokukaiyu (J4)
Onokatsu (J1) beat Hatsuyama (J3)
Dewanoryu (J3) beat Daiseizan (J1)
Leader: Kazekeno (6-0)
Of note: Unfortunately any hopes of 15-0 for Enho’s return ended today with his first loss, but at 5-1 he is still in great shape as several other losses left Kazekeno as the sole leader. Fellow Isegahama man Toshinofuji also took his first loss. So did Daiseizan leaving a 3-way tie for second. Newcomer Okaryu’s struggles continue as he is now 1-5 with 5 straight losses. Likewise Hakuyozan is running out of time to avoid demotion back to Makushita at 0-6, as is Nishikigi to make a miracle rank save at 1-5.

Lower tier notes: Tomorrow is the first half of what I call Promotion Day, when the co-leaders will be 4-0 and clinch winning records & promotions. The Makushita has 14 at 3-0 and going for promotions tomorrow. The Snadanme has 19 at 3-0 including Mita, Kiryuko and Asahifuji. The Jonidan has 24 at 3-0 while the Jonokuchi has 5 at 3-0.

Also, advance tickets for the July 2026 Tournament in Nagoya are now on sale. This will be the second tournament at the new IG Arena (Aichi International Arena), which replaced the now-closed Aichi Prefectural Gym last year and has a capacity of 18,000 for sumo (the old venue only held 7500).

UPDATE: In watching the match replay, it appears Asakoryu may have been injured. Possibly a right lower leg injury. He was very slow to get up and limping as he left the dohyo, needing help to walk to the back

UPDATE 2: Hochi Sports reports Asakoryu has WITHDRAWN. Right foot. Status uncertain. Hakunofuji will get the fusen tomorrow as a result.

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

Makuuchi (top tier):
Fujiryoga (M17) beat Oshoumi (M15)
Tobizaru (M15) beat Ryuden (M16)
Wakanosho (M16) beat Tamawashi (M13)
Kotoeiho (M14) beat Roga (M14)
Mitakeumi (M14) beat Tokihayate (M12)
Shishi (M12) beat Hakunofuji (M10)
Asanoyama (M10) beat Kinbozan (M11)
Abi (M9) beat Nishikifuji (M9)
Ura (M11) beat Asahakuryu (M8)
Oshoma (M8) beat Chiyoshoma (M7)
Asakoryu (M7) beat Churanoumi (M6)
Fujiseiun (M6) beat Wakamotoharu (M5)
Gonoyama (M4) beat Shodai (M5)
Yoshinofuji (M2) beat Daieisho (M4)
Takanosho (M1) beat Wakatakakage (K)
Kotoshoho (S) beat Oho (M3)
Atamifuji (S) beat Fujinokawa (M1)
Kirishima (O) beat Hiradoumi (M3)
Ichiyamamoto (M2) beat Kotozakura (O)
Leader: Kirishima, Kotoeiho (5-0)
Of note: The leader group is down to 2 and Kirishima continues to take advantages of absences & Sanyaku struggles, but Kotoeiho remains a surprise co-leader. 6 remain right behind at 4-1 while at the bottom Ryuden is already past halfway to demotion back to Juryo. Also time to panic about Tamawashi, 0-5 at M13 is starting to raise thoughts of the top tier Iron Man streak being in danger as it approaches 1500. Kirishima faces Oho tomorrow, over the past year the series is 4-2 Kirishima with 4-1 in the last 5, Oho won in January. Kotoeiho has Ura, with Kotoeiho winning their first meeting in January.

Juryo:
Enho (J14) beat Tamashoho (J12)
Tochitaikai (J14) beat Hitoshi (J12)
Nishikigi (J11) beat Hakuyozan (J13)
Midorifuji (J10) beat Okaryu (J13)
Kazekeno (J11) beat Tohakuryu (J10)
Nishinoryu (J9) beat Shirokuma (J8)
Shonannoumi (J8) beat Kayo (J9)
Toshinofuji (J7) beat Kazuma (J6)
Kagayaki (J7) beat Kitanowaka (J5)
Tomokaze (J5) beat Meisei (J6)
Asasuiryu (J4) beat Takerufuji (J2)
Sadanoumi (J2) beat Kyokukaiyu (J4)
Daiseizan (J1) beat Hatsuyama (J3)
Dewanoryu (J3) beat Onokatsu (J1)
Leader: 4 at 5-0
Of note: Enho remains among the group of co-leaders along with fellow Isegahama man Toshinofuji, as the former Hakuho men continue to stand out. Tomorrow Enho will face Tohakuryu who is 3-2. Daiseizan is also in the 5-0 group and now 3 wins away from what should be a proper top tier debut in July. Kazekeno is the other 5-0.

Lower tier notes: As the third round of matches began today, the Makushita has 8 at 3-0 so far, notably missing Wakanofuji who withdrew after a 2-0 start. Ms60 debut Omori is among the 8 co-leaders so far. In the Sandanme, Kiryuko is among the early 3-0 leaders but Asahifuji is not-yet-just because his 3rd match is not until tomorrow. The Jonidan has 11 at 3-0 with more to come tomorrow while the Jonokuchi has 2 at 3-0 with 5 more 2-0s on tap tomorrow.

UPDATE: Ahead of tomorrow’s Day 6 it has been confirmed that Aonishiki will not compete this tournament due to injury. That means, as a result, he will be demoted from Ozeki but will get a chance at quick re-promotion in July if he can win 10+ matches. For now it sounds like he will be IN for Paris in June.

Here are the quick results from today’s Day 4 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 Ryuden (M16)
Fujiryoga (M17) beat Tobizaru (M15)
Wakanosho (M16) beat Mitakeumi (M14)
Roga (M14) beat Oshoumi (M15)
Tokihayate (M12) beat Tamawashi (M13)
Ura (M11) beat Shishi (M12)
Kotoeiho (M13) beat Kinbozan (M11)
Abi (M9) beat Asanoyama (M10)
Oshoma (M8) beat Nishikifuji (M9)
Hakunofuji (M10) beat Asahakuryu (M8)
Fujiseiun (M6) beat Asakoryu (M7)
Churanoumi (M6) beat Wakamotoharu (M5)
Chiyoshoma (M7) beat Shodai (M5)
Gonoyama (M4) beat Hiradoumi (M3)
Wakatakakage (K) beat Daieisho (M4)
Oho (M3) beat Takayasu (K) by default/withdrawal
Takanosho (M1) beat Atamifuji (S)
Fujinokawa (M1) beat Kotoshoho (S)
Kotozakura (O) beat Yoshinofuji (M2)
Kirishima (O) beat Ichiyamamoto (M2)
Leader: Kirishima, Wakatakakage, Kotoeiho (4-0)
WITHDRAWAL: Takayasu (K). Right thigh (adductor muscle). Status uncertain. According to stablemaster Tagonoura it’s not tournament-ending. However, Hochi Sports reports that, per the submitted medical certificate, out 2 weeks which would mean tournament over. If so that definitely means demotion from Sanyaku. He was 2-1 after yesterday. Oho got the fusen as a result.
Of note: Nikkan Sports reports Hakunofuji received a warning from the judging department after today’s matches. Apparently not doing the proper prize money hand gestures post-match. I’ll watch for this when I am able to watch replays later today. With the Takayasu withdrawal that means no more Juryo men up for now starting tomorrow. (UPDATE: He did the hand gestures, but barely and perhaps incomplete. I believe the warning is justified, he knows better)

Juryo:
Fujitensei (Ms1) beat Tochitaikai (M14)
Enho (J14) beat Okaryu (J13)
Hitoshi (J12) beat Hakuyozan (J13)
Kazekeno (J11) beat Tamashoho (J12)
Midorifuji (J10) beat Nishikigi (J11)
Tohakuryu (J10) beat Shonannoumi (J8)
Kayo (J9) beat Shirokuma (J8)
Nishinoryu (J9) beat Kagayaki (J7)
Toshinofuji (J7) beat Meisei (J6)
Kyokukaiyu (J4) beat Kazuma (J6)
Asasuiryu (J4) beat Kitanowaka (J5)
Tomokaze (J5) beat Hatsuyama (J3)
Sadanoumi (J2) beat Dewanoryu (J3)
Takerufuji (J2) beat Onokatsu (J1)
Leader: 5 at 4-0
Of note: That leader group still includes Enho, now halfway to promotion in his Juryo return. With no more Makushita men coming up for now it’s only Juryo starting tomorrow and next up is Tamashoho who is 3-1. Daiseizan is also in the 4-0 group and halfway to hopefully that long-awaited top tier promotion, and he made a successful top tier appearance today. Last one for now though.

Lower tier notes: This is unfortunate-Wakanofuji, the defending Makushita Champion and 2-0 at Ms3 meaning potentially halfway to Juryo, has WITHDRAWN. Trying to find out why. He can miss a day or two and still make it but still you hate to see this happen.

UPDATE: Quite a story from before today’s matches has emerged…Hochi Sports reports Kotozakura was among a group of 8 rikishi who helped rescue a motorist from a submerged vehicle this morning. The accident occurred when a car went into water near Sadogatake Beya in Chiba Prefecture during morning practice. Kotozakura witnessed the accident and called several of the younger rikishi to assist (he felt the urgency of the situation did not allow time to contact emergency responders). Ultimately 8 of them along with the Ozeki were able to free the car from the water to safety. The driver was not injured. According to the article, this is at least the 5th time in the past 25+ years sumo wrestlers have performed or assisted in lifesaving actions towards regular citizens in Japan.

Here are the quick results from today’s Day 3 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):
Onokatsu (J1) beat Fujiryoga (M17)
Wakanosho (M16) beat Ryuden (M16)
Tobizaru (M15) beat Oshoumi (M15)
Roga (M14) beat Mitakeumi (M14)
Kotoeiho (M13) beat Tamawashi (M13)
Shishi (M12) beat Tokihayate (M12)
Hakunofuji (M10) beat Kinbozan (M11)
Asanoyama (M10) beat Ura (M11)
Asahakuryu (M8) beat Nishikifuji (M9)
Oshoma (M8) beat Abi (M9)
Chiyoshoma (M6) beat Asakoryu (M7)
Fujiseiun (M6) beat Churanoumi (M6)
Wakamotoharu (M5) beat Shodai (M5)
Gonoyama (M4) beat Daieisho (M4)
Hiradoumi (M3) beat Takayasu (K)
Wakatakakage (K) beat Yoshinofuji (M2)
Kotoshoho (K) beat Ichiyamamoto (M2)
Atamifuji (S) beat Oho (M3)
Kirishima (O) beat Fujinokawa (M1)
Kotozakura (O) beat Takanosho (M1)
Of note: A much better day for Sanyaku today as all the losers of the first 2 days got their first wins including both Sekiwake & Kotozakura while Kirishima is off to a 3-0 start. Wakatakakage joins then at 3-0 while Kotoeiho is also in that early leader group. And it’s time to start worrying about Tamawashi’s top tier Iron Man streak-there’s still plenty of time to right the ship but 0-3 at M13 is early trouble for keeping it going into July.
Tomorrow also means, with a return still uncertain, Aonishiki is now halfway to demotion from Ozeki. He will get one chance at quick re-promotion in July if demoted to Sekiwake, he would need at least 10 wins. Keep in mind he is/was expected to be out 3 weeks due to an ankle injury suffered last week so there is a chance he does not compete at all and takes the demotion.
Daiseizan will be the Juryo man up tomorrow, he is 3-0 at J1 in his latest attempt to finally make it up and will face Ryuden who is 0-3.

Juryo:
Enho (J14) beat Takakento (Ms1)
Tochitaikai (J14) beat Hakuyozan (J13)
Tamashoho (J12) beat Okaryu (J13)
Hitoshi (J12) beat Nishikigi (J11)
Kazekeno (J11) beat Midorifuji (J10)
Tohakuryu (J10) beat Kayo (J9)
Shonannoumi (J8) beat Nishinoryu (J9)
Toshinofuji (J7) beat Shirokuma (J8)
Meisei (J6) beat Kagayaki (J7)
Kazuma (J6) beat Kitanowaka (J5)
Asasuiryu (J4) beat Tomokaze (J5)
Kyokukaiyu (J4) beat Hatsuyama (J3)
Takerufuji (J2) beat Dewanoryu (J3)
Daiseizan (J1) beat Sadanoumi (J3)
Of note: That’s 3-0 for Enho after today’s win as he maintains an early share of the lead, he’ll face newcomer Okaryu tomorrow. 7 are currently 3-0 while 6 are 0-3, with Hakuyozan & Nishikigi putting themselves in early demotion danger while Sadanoumi may be seeing a top tier return chance slip away again and Dewanoryu also struggling early.
Fujitensei will be the Makushita man up tomorrow, he is currently 1-1 at Ms1 and will face Tochitaikai.

Lower tier notes: Some former Juryo men are off to good starts in their latest efforts to return-Kiryuko is 2-0 in Sandamne as is Mita, who returned this tournament after an injury last year caused his demotion from upper Juryo and straight down through Makushita. Mita is at Sd21 so promotion should get him back up to Makushita for July if that happens. Meanwhile, Isegahama super-prospect Asahifuji also improved to 2-0 and is now 16-0 to start his career.

UPDATE: According to Hochi Sports, Takayasu has WITHDRAWN. Right leg/foot injury suffered in today’s match (possibly adductor muscle). Status uncertain but hopes to return this tournament. Oho will get the fusen tomorrow as a result.

Here are the quick results from today’s Day 2 of the May 2026 Grand Sumo Tournament in Tokyo:
Key: M-Maegashira, K-Komusubi, S-Sekiwake, O-Ozeki, Y-Yokozuna, J-Juryo

Makuuchi (top tier):
Fujiryoga (M17) beat Wakanosho (M16)
Oshoumi (M15) beat Ryuden (M16)
Tobizaru (M15) beat Mitakeumi (M14)
Roga (M14) beat Tamawashi (M13)
Kotoeiho (M13) beat Shishi (M12)
Kinbozan (M11) beat Tokihayate (M12)
Hakunofuji (M10) beat Asanoyama (M10)
Nishikifuji (M9) beat Ura (M11)
Asahakuryu (M8) beat Oshoma (M8)
Asakoryu (M7) beat Abi (M9)
Churanoumi (M6) beat Chiyoshoma (M7)
Shodai (M5) beat Fujiseiun (M6)
Daieisho (M4) beat Wakamotoharu (M5)
Oho (M3) beat Gonoyama (M4)
Takayasu (K) beat Ichiyamamoto (M2)
Hiradoumi (M3) beat Atamifuji (S)
Takanosho (M1) beat Kotoshoho (S)
Wakatakakage (K) beat Kotozakura (O)
Kirishima (O) beat Yoshinofuji (M2)
Fujinokawa (M1) beat Hoshoryu (Y) by default/withdrawal
WITHDRAWAL: Hoshoryu (Y). Right thigh/hamstring. Occurred yesterday during loss to Takayasu. Tournament over. Out about 2 weeks. Fujinokawa got the fusen as a result.
Of note: Poor Hakkaku, just can’t catch a break with his Yokozuna. This is also the first time since 2021 that a tournament that began with two Yokozuna will see neither finish. Hoshoryu sounds like a game-time decision for the upcoming France special event in June per stablemaster Tatsunami. There is still a long way to go but the door just got blown wide open for Kirishima in his quest for a second straight title, moreso with Kotozakura and both Sekiwake now 0-2. Should Kirishima triumph again, it has been said that his chances of Yokozuna promotion for July are virtually zero, much like after Aonishiki’s double earlier this year. And Kirishima is also reportedly fighting injured too, but it’s said to be just a mild ear injury only affecting his hearing a little. Starting tomorrow we’ll also have a Juryo man up each day until there is another withdrawal. First up will be just-demoted Onokatsu who is J1.

Juryo:
Tochitaikai (J14) beat Okaryu (J13)
Enho (J14) beat Hakuyozan (J13)
Kazekeno (J11) beat Hitoshi (J12)
Tamashoho (J12) beat Nishikigi (J11)
Nishinoryu (J9) beat Tohakuryu (J10)
Midorifuji (J10) beat Kayo (J9)
Kagayaki (J7) beat Shirokuma (J8)
Toshinofuji (J7) beat Shonannoumi (J8)
Kazuma (J6) beat Tomokaze (J5)
Meisei (J6) beat Kitanowaka (J5)
Kyokukaiyu (J4) beat Dewanoryu (J3)
Hatsuyama (J3) beat Asasuiryu (J4)
Onokatsu (J1) beat Sadanoumi (J2)
Daiseizan (J1) beat Takerufuji (J2)
Of note: The good start for Enho’s Juryo return continues as he is off to a quick 2-0 start, with a Makushita man now coming up daily that means tomorrow he’ll face Takakento, one that Enho edged out for the last Juryo spot this tournament. Takakento is Ms1 this time. As noted above, Onokatsu goes back to the top tier for tomorrow due to the Hoshoryu withdrawal.

UPDATE: Hoshoryu injury update-mils muscle tear in the back of his right thigh. IN for France in June. Per Tatsunami he is also probable for retirement events at the end of the month (one of which is for Oyama fka Hokutofuji).

Here are the quick results from today’s Day 1-Opening Day-of the May 2026 Grand Sumo Tournament in Tokyo:
Key: M-Maegashira, K-Komusubi, S-Sekiwake, O-Ozeki, Y-Yokozuna, J-Juryo

Makuuchi (top tier):
Fujiryoga (M17) beat Ryuden (M16)
Wakanosho (M16) beat Oshoumi (M`15)
Tobizaru (M15) beat Roga (M14)
Mitakeumi (M14) beat Tamawashi (M13)
Kotoeiho (M13) beat Tokihayate (M12)
Kinbozan (M11) beat Shishi (M12)
Ura (M11) beat Hakunofuji (M10)
Asanoyama (M10) beat Nishikifuji (M9)
Abi (M9) beat Asahakuryu (M8)
Asakoryu (M7) beat Oshoma (M8)
Fujiseiun (M6) beat Chiyoshoma (M7)
Churanoumi (M6) beat Shodai (M5)
Gonoyama (M4) beat Wakamotoharu (M5)
Daieisho (M4) beat Oho (M3)
Wakatakakage (K) beat Hiradoumi (M3)
Yoshinofuji (M2) beat Kotoshoho (S)
Ichiyamamoto (M2) beat Atamifuji (S)
Kirishima (O) beat Takanosho (M1)
Fujinokawa (M1) beat Kotozakura (O)
Takayasu (K) beat Hoshoryu (Y)
WITHDRAWALS (Pre-Tournament), Aonishiki (O), Onosato (Y). Aonishiki-left ankle. Status uncertain. Potentially out 3 weeks according to Hochi Sports. But if he can’t return before halfway or get 8+ wins he will be demoted to Sekiwake. Per stablemaster Ajigawa the earliest possible return is Tuesday for Day 3. Onosato-left shoulder. Will not participate this tournament. This would be the first time he misses an entire tournament. Still no surgery per stablemaster Nishonoseki. According to NHK World Japan’s English language highlights program, rotator cuff. Out at least another month.
Of note: Not a good start for Sanyaku except for Kirishima, going for 2 straight championships, and Takayasu. Everyone else lost, notably Hoshoryu to Takayasu. Both new Sekiwake also started with losses too. Only Day 1 but for Hoshoryu, considering no Aonishiki perhaps and no Onosato, panic already. And…oh no, Hoshoryu may be hurt too. Favoring his right leg/thighas he went down awkwardly in the loss. Updates to hopefully follow later today.

Juryo:
Enho (J14) beat Tochitaikai (J14)
Okaryu (J13) beat Hakuyozan (J13)
Tamashoho (J12) beat Hitoshi (J12)
Kazekeno (J11) beat Nishikigi (J11)
Tohakuryu (M10) beat Midorifuji (J10)
Nishinoryu (J9) beat Kayo (J9)
Shirokuma (J8) beat Shonannoumi (J8)
Toshinofuji (J7) beat Kagayaki (J7)
Kazuma (J6) beat Meisei (J6)
Kitanowaka (J5) beat Tomokaze (J5)
Kyokukaiyu (J4) beat Asasuiryu (J4)
Hatsuyama (J3) beat Dewanoryu (J3)
Takerufuji (J2) beat Sadanoumi (J2)
Daiseizan (J1) beat Onokatsu (J1)
Of note: Enho’s return to the top 2 tiers after 3 years was triumphant as he won his return match against fellow Juryo return Tochitaikai. He also set a new record for a former top tier wrestler falling all the way down the rankings then returning to Juryo-the first man to be demoted down to Jonokuchi and make his way back up. For those thinking “What about Terunofuji?”, he fell from Ozeki to Jonidan before climbing back up to Yokozuna but Enho broke his prior record. For those curious or unfamiliar, Enho’s highest career rank is M4 and he has spent 9 tournaments in the top tier. Tomorrow he’ll face Hakuyozan. Newcomer Okaryu was victorious in his Juryo debut today as well. And despite a loss today it’s good to see Midorifuji back in action after sitting out March due to heart failure, his condition reportedly is much better with medications and diet changes (namely not drinking as much).

Lower tier notes: The unbeaten career start for Isegahama super-prospect Asahifuji continues as he won his first Sandanme match, with promotion to Makushita likely if he finishes with a winning record. Also setting a record this tournament was the man he beat for the Jonidan championship in a March playoff-Kiryuko. The former Juryo man, demoted to Jonokuchi after an extended injury absence, made-in terms of total rankings improved-the biggest jump ever up the charts this time as he went from Jonidan 100 (the bottom) to Sandanme 77. His first match this time is tomorrow.

UPDATE: Hoshoryu has WITHDRAWN. Fujinokawa will get the fusen tomorrow as a result.

UPDATE 2: More on Hoshoryu…if I read a Hochi Sports article translation correct, tournament over. Questionable for the Paris, France event in June.

UPDATE 3: New Hoshoryu update via Hochi Sports…right hamstring. Out about 2 weeks.

As is tradition before each Grand Sumo Tournament, a ring-purifying ceremony will be held 24 hours before the matches begin. This is open to the public to attend at the venue (since this is May it will be at Ryogoku Kokugikan in Tokyo) for free but it is also streamed FOR FREE on YouTube. You can watch the livestream below beginning at 6 PM PT/9 PM ET (it typically runs about 25 minutes), replays will also be available a few minutes after it ends:

If the above embedded video does not work, click the link below:

https://www.youtube.com/live/J7hzYNTlmnE?si=07cxq2Y-XrzMHPdG

(Video courtesy of the Japan Sumo Association official YouTube channel)