Tag: sumo

Here are the quick results from today’s Day 6 of the July 2023 Grand Sumo Tournament in Nagoya:
Key: M-Maegashira, K-Komusubi, S-Sekiwake. O-Ozeki, J-Juryo, Ms-Makushita

Makuuchi (Top Tier):
Endo (M16) beat Mitoryu (J2)
Takarafuji (M15) beat Aoiyama (M17)
Daishoho (M14) beat Bushozan (M16)
Hakuoho (M17) beat Gonoyama (M13)
Ryuden (M15) beat Kotoshoho (M13)
Chiyoshoma (M12) beat Shonannoumi (M14)
Takanosho (M9) beat Tsurugisho (M11)
Hokutofuji (M9) beat Kotoeko (M11)
Kinbozan (M10) beat Sadanoumi (M8)
Myogiryu (M10) beat Nishikifuji (M8)
Tanawashi (M7) beat Hiradoumi (M5)
Onosho (M5) beat Takayasu (M7)
Asanoyama (M4) beat Oho (M6)
Ura (M4) beat Hokuseiho (M6)
Tobizaru (M1) beat Mitakeumi (M2)
Nishikigi (M1) beat Abi (K)
Kotonowaka (K) beat Daieisho (S)
Hoshoryu (S) beat Midorifuji (M3)
Wakamotohru (S) beat Meisei (M3)
Kirishima (O) beat Shodai (M2)
Leader: Nishikigi (6-0)
Of note: That’s a zensho yusbo streak for Nishikigi, who has now won an astonishing 15 straight matches dating back to his 0-6 start in May. He is now the lone unbeaten left after Gonoyama & Takayasu lost today-Gonoyama also took his first career loss against Hakuoho/Ochiai in a rematch of their Juryo Championship playoff in May. Kirishima looked a little affected by his rib/back issue today although he easily dispatched Shodai for his second win and is 2-1 since missing the first 3 days. Mitakeumi’s loss was in particular disappointing for fans as a large contingent of children from his former elementary school in Nagano were on the crowd to cheer him on. On TV it was a very nice sight and the children loudly cheered for him throughout the match. Mitakeumi fell to 0-6 and faces Kirishima tomorrow. Nishikigi will go for 7-0 and 16 in a row against Kotonowaka
Ozeki Watch: Hoshoryu now is in the lead among the 3 Sekiwake at 5-1 with the magic number for him and Daieisho at 7 while Wakamotoharu is at 8, the latter two are both 4-2 after Wakamotoharu won but Daieisho lost. The tougher run of matches for all continues tomorrow with Wakamotoharu facing Abi, Daieisho facing the always-tricky Ura and Hoshoryu getting Asanoyama. That indicates the traditional Sekiwake Showdowns should come in the second weeks and could decide potential promotions.

Juryo:
Shiden (J13) beat Kiryuko (Ms2)
Tsushimanada (J11) beat Chiyonoumi (J14)
Chiyosakae (J10) beat Shishi (J12)
Shimanoumi (J10) beat Yuma (J14)
Daiamami (J9) beat Hidenoumi (J12)
Tomokaze (J9) beat Kiho (J13)
Chiyomaru (J14) beat Churanoumi (J7)
Azumaryu (J6) beat Akua (J8)
Tanashoho (J5) beat Hakuyozan (J7)
Kitanowaka (J5) beat Takakento (J8)
Tohakuryu (J4) beat Roga (J2)
Kagayaki (J1) beat Oshoma (J4)
Atamufuji (J1) beat Shimazuumi (J3)
Leader: 6 at 5-1
WITHDRAWAL: Ichiyamamoto (J3), who pulled out yesterday on Day 5. Knee. Out 2 weeks. Probably done for the tournament and would finish the equivalent of 0-15. Potential demotion to Makushita coming but based on Enho being demoted for 0-15 at J4 to Ms1 after May it’s a toss-up (Enho is out of this tournament too).

UPDATE: According to the Nihon Sumo Kyokai Official English App, Ichiyamamoto will return on Day 8. However, because he will be the equivalent of 0-7 he will need to win

Here are the quick results from today’s Day 4 of the July 2023 Grand Sumo Tournament in Nagoya:
Key: M-Maegashira, K-Komusubi, S-Sekiwake, O-Ozeki, Y-Yokozuna, J-Juryo, Ms-Makushita

Makuuchi (Top Tier):
Aoiyama (M17) beat Endo (M16)
Hakuoho (M17) beat Bushozan (M16)
Takarafuji (M15) beat Daishoho (M14)
Gonoyama (M13) beat Ryuden (M15)
Shonannoumi (M14) beat Kotoshoho (M13)
Kotoeko (M11) beat Chiyoshoma (M12)
Tsurugisho (M11) beat Kinbozan (M10)
Hokutofuji (M9) beat Myogiryu (M10)
Takaysu (M7) beat Takanosho (M9)
Tamawashi (M7) beat Nishikifuji (M8)
Oho (M6) beat Sadanoumi (M8)
Hokuseiho (M6) beat Hiradoumi (M5)
Asanoyama (M4) beat Onosho (M5)
Ura (M4) beat Meisei (M3)
Abi (K) beat Tobizaru (M1)
Wakamotoharu (S) beat Midorifuji (M3)
Nishikigi (M1) beat Daieisho (S)
Hoshoryu (S) beat Mitakeumi (M2)
Kirishima (O) beat Kotonowaka (K)
Shodai (M2) beat Terunofuji (Y) by default/withdrawal
Leader: Gonoyama, Takayasu, Nishikigi (4-0)
WITHDRAWAL: Terunofuji (Y). Lower back (hernia/lumbar disc). Out 4 weeks. Done for the tournament. Because the win today was by withdrawal and thus thr match didn’t actually happen, no Kinboshi for Shodai.

Of note: No apparent injury issues for Kirishima in his Ozeki debut today in a fairly quick win against Kotoshoho. He still has plenty of time to get to 8 wins to avoid kadoban status in September and can still manage 12 if he wins out. He’s now the highest-ranked wrestler left after Terunofuji pulled out, he is expected to miss a month but should be on the August tour circuit and back for September in Tokyo.
Ozeki Watch: 2 out of 3 Sekiwake won today but Daieisho lost so all are at 3-1. Daieisho’s magic number for potential promotion remains 8 while Hoshoryu & Wakamotoharu drop their numbers down to 9. It gets tougher tomorrow-Hoshoryu has Abi, Wakamotoharu draws Nishikigi (who now has won 13 straight matches) and Daieisho draws Meisei. Kirishima goes for win #2 against Tobizaru.
Roga, the rikishi from Russia, will make his top tier debut tomorrow as the Juryo man of the day and faces Bushozan. Roga is currently 1-3 at J2.
On a fun historical side note, Nikkan Sports reports Tamawashi competed in his 886th straight match today without being absent due to injury or suspension (he only missed a couple days last year due to coronavirus protocols and apparently those don’t count), now ranking him 9th all time. The all-time record is 1231, meaning Tamawashi would have to compete every day for 6 more years to get there. The current active Iron Man leader is Takarafuji, whose streak is now at 934, meaning he could get the mark in November 2026 if he keeps going.

Juryo:
Tochimusashi (Ms2) beat Yuma (J14)
Kiho (J13) beat Chiyonoumi (J14)
Shishi (J13) beat Shiden (J13)
Hidenoumi (J12) beat Tsushimanada (J11)
Daiamami (J9) beat Chiyomaru (J11)
Tomokaze (J9) beat Shimanoumi (J10)
Akua (J8) beat Chiyosakae (J10)
Hakuyozan (J7) beat Takakento (J8)
Tamashoho (J5) beat Azumaryu (J6)
Kitanowaka (J6) beat Churanoumi (J7)
Oshoma (J4) beat Tohakuryu (J4)
Roga (J2) beat Shimazuumi (J3)
Kagayaki (J1) beat Ichiyamamoto (J3)
Mitoryu (J2) beat Atamifuji (J1)
Leader: Tomokaze (4-0)

UPDATE: Ichiyamamoto has WITHDRAWN from Juryo ahead of Day 5. Left knee issue per Nikkan Sports. Out about 2 weeks so he is probably done for the tournament with the equivalent of 0-15. He was at Juryo 3, based on what happened to Enho that might see him get demoted to Makushita, best case may be Juryo 14 in September (the bottom). Potential freebie for Atamifuji.

Here are the quick results from today’s Day 3 of the July 2023 Grand Sumo Tournament in Nagoya:
Key: M-Maegashira, K-Komusubi, S-Sekiwake, Y-Yokozuna, J-Juryo

Makuuchi (Top Tier):
Atamifuji (J1) beat Aoiyama (M17)
Takarafuji (M15) beat Hakuoho (M17)
Bushozan (M16) beat Ryuden (M15)
Endo (M16) beat Shonannoumi (M14)
Gonoyama (M13) beat Daishoho (M14)
Choyoshoma (M12) beat Kotoshoho (M13)
Myogiryu (M10) beat Taurugisho (M11)
Kinbozan (M10) beat Kotoeko (M11)
Nishikifuji (M8) beat Hokutofuji (M9)
Sadanoumi (M8) beat Takanosho (M9)
Tamawashi (M7) beat Oho (M6)
Takayasu (M7) beat Hokuseiho (M6)
Ura (M4) beat Onosho (M5)
Asanoyama (M4) beat Hiradoumi (M5)
Abi (K) beat Meisei (M3)
Kotonowaka (K) beat Mitakeumi (M2)
Daieisho (S) beat Midorifuji (M3)
Nishikigi (M1) beat Hoshoryu (S)
Shodai (M2) beat Wakamotoharu (S)
Tobizaru (M1) beat Terunofuji (Y). KINBOSHI!!! The second career Gold Star Victory for Tobizaru!
Leader: 6 at 3-0
RE-ENTRY: Kirishima (O). Will return tomorrow after withdrawing last-minute on Day 1 (back/rib injury). Was expected to be out 3 weeks but will give it a go. If he competes every day from here on, he will need to go 8-4 to avoid kadoban status in September. He will have an 0-1-2 record and will face Kotonowaka tomorrow.
Of note: Somehow the final match was mot briefly stopped as Terunofuji all but pulled off Tobizaru’s mawashi during the match, but The Flying Monkey did this think and avoided the yokozuna’s signature double armbar grip and wore Terunofuji down enough to force him out. That’s 2 straight losses for Terunofuji, who will try to right the ship-and avoid handing out a 3rd straight Kinboshi and send seat cushions flying in the crowd (they really went all out today after being subdued yesterday)-tomorrow against Shodai (who has 1 career Kinboshi). Elsewhere it was growing pains day for the rookies as 2 of the 3 newcomers took their first loss-only Gonoyama won.
Ozeki Watch-2 of the 3 Sekiwake also took their first loss but Daieisho went to 3-0 so his magic number is now 8. Hoshoryu & Wakamotoharu remain at 10. Daieisho is also among 6 who are tied for the lead at 3-0. But Daieisho gets the tough draw tomorrow in Nishikigi, who has won 12 straight since starting May 0-6. Wakamotoharu gets Midorifuji, who is always tricky despite being 0-3, while Hoshoryu gets Mitakeumi who is also 0-3.

Juryo:
Shiden (J13) beat Chiyonoumi (J14)
Kiho (J13) beat Yuma (J14)
Chiyomaru (J11) beat Hidenoumi (J12)
Shishi (J12) beat Shimanoumi (J10)
Chiyosakae (J10) beat Tsushimanada (J11)
Tomokaze (J9) beat Akua (J8)
Daiamami (J9) beat Takakento (J8)
Churanoumi (J7) beat Azumaryu (J6)
Kitanowaka (J6) beat Hakuyozan (J7)
Oshoma (J4) beat Tamashoho (J5)
Tohakuryu (J4) beat Ichiyamamoto (J3)
Shimazuumi (J3) beat Mitoryu (J2)
Kagayaki (J1) beat Roga (J2)
Leader: 4 at 3-0

UPDATE: Terunofuji has WITHDRAWN from Day 4. Hernia (lumbar disc). Out 1 month. So done for July but should be back in September.

Here are the quick results from today’s Day 2 of the July 2023 Grand Sumo Tournament in Nagoya:
Key: M-Maegashira, K-Komusubi, S-Sekiwake, Y-Yokozuna, J-Juryo

Makuuchi (Top Tier):
Hakuoho (M17) beat Kagayaki (J1)
Aoiyama (M17) beat Bushozan (M16)
Endo (M16) beat Ryuden (M15)
Shonannoumi (M14) beat Takarafuji (M15)
Kotoshoho (M13) beat Daishoho (M14)
Gonoyama (M13) beat Chiyoshoma (M12)
Kotoeko (M11) beat Tsurugisho (M11)
Kinbozan (M10) beat Myogiryu (M10)
Hokutofuji (M9) beat Takanosho (M9)
Nishikifuji (M8) beat Sadanoumi (M8)
Takayasu (M7) beat Tanawashi (M7)
Oho (M6) beat Hokuseiho (M6)
Onosho (M5) beat Hiradoumi (M5)
Asanoyama (M4) beat Ura (M4)
Meisei (M3) beat Kotonowaka (K)
Abi (K) beat Midorifuji (M3)
Hoshoryu (S) beat Shodai (M2)
Wakamotoharu (S) beat Tobizaru (M1)
Daieisho (S) beat Mitakeumi (M2)
Nishikigi (M1) beat Terunofuji (Y). KINBOSHI!!! The second career Gold Star Victory for Nishikigi!

Of note: In May it was week 2 before Terunofuji took his first and ultimately only loss on the way to the championship. This time Day 2 saw his first loss as Nishikigi took him down with a beautiful sukuinage (beltless arm throw). Now we’ll see how he fares the rest of the way-after beating the yokozuna in May Meisei lost all his remaining matches. If Nishikigi does manage to finish with 8 wins this gives him a chance for the Outstanding Performance Prize of there is one (iffy just because there are no Ozeki now). All 3 newcomers won again to go to 2-0 as well. Atamifuji will be the Juryo man up tomorrow, at J1 he can return to the top tier if he finishes with a winning record.

Ozeki Watch: All 3 Sekiwake won again to go to 2-0 ao the magic numbers for promotion consideration are now 10 for Hoshoryu & Wakamotoharu and 9 for Daieisho. Tomorrow Daieisho is up first and faces Midorifuji, Hoshoryu gets Nishikigi and Wakamotoharu faces Shodai. Another potential kinboshi chance tomorrow as well as Terunofuji faces Tobizaru who is at M1.

Juryo:
Yuma (J14) beat Chiyonoumi (J14)
Kiho (J13) beat Shiden (J13)
Hidenoumi (J12) beat Shishi (J12)
Chiyomaru (J11) beat Tsushimanada (J11)
Chiyosakae (J10) beat Shimanoumi (J10)
Tomokaze (J9) beat Daiamami (J9)
Takakento (J8) beat Akua (J8)
Churanoumi (J7) beat Hakuyozan (J7)
Kitanowaka (J5) beat Azumaryu (J6)
Tanashoho (J5) beat Tohakuryu (M4)
Shimazuumi (J3) beat Oshoma (J4)
Mitoryu (J2) beat Ichiyamamoto (J3)
Atamifuji (J1) beat Roga (J2)

UPDATE: While not definitely happening, Nikkan Sports reports there is a chance Ozeki Kirishima could return on Day 4 or 5. At this point if he does enter the tournament the goal would simply be to avoid kadoban status, meaning at least 8 wins.

UPDATE 2: Kirishima will return on Day 4. Assuming he stays in the rest of the way, he’ll need to go 8-4 or better to avoid kadoban status as he will be the equivalent of 0-3.

Here are the quick results from today’s Day 1-Opening Day-of the July 2023 Grand Sumo Tournament in Nagoya:
Key: M-Maegashira, K-Komusubi, S-Sekiwake, O-Ozeki, Y-Yokozuna, J-Juryo, Ms-Makushita

Makuuchi (Top Tier):
Hakuoho (M17) beat Aoiyama (M17)
Endo (M16) beat Bushozan (M16)
Takarafuji (M15) beat Ryuden (M15)
Shonannnoumi (M14) beat Daishoho (M14)
Gonoyama (M13) beat Kotoshoho (M13)
Chiyoshoma (M12) beat Tsurugisho (M11)
Kotoeko (M11) beat Myogiryu (M10)
Hokutofuji (M9) beat Kinbozan (M10)
Nishikifuji (M8) beat Takanosho (M9)
Tamawashi (M7) beat Sadanoumi (M8)
Takayasu (M7) beat Oho (M6)
Hokuseiho (M6) beat Onosho (M5)
Hiradoumi (M5) beat Ura (M4)
Meisei (M3) beat Asanoyama (M4)
Kotonowaka (K) beat Midorifuji (M3)
Wakamotoharu (S) beat Mitakeumi (M2)
Daieisho (S) beat Shodai (M2)
Hoshoryu (S) beat Tobizaru (M1)
Nishikigi (M1) beat Kirishima (O) by default/withdrawal
Terunofuji (Y) beat Abi (K)
WITHDRAWAL: Kirishima (O), Takakeisho (O) (Pre-Tournament Withdrawal), Wakatakakage (M12) (Pre-Tournament Withdrawal). Kirishima was a last-minute withdrawal today. Right rib contusion per Nikkan Sports. Status uncertain, potentially could be out 3 weeks which would mean the entire tournament and kadoban status in September. Takakeisho-knees. Out 3 weeks and the entire tournament and will again be kadoban in September. Wakatakakage-post-knee surgery recovery. Out the entire tournament.
Of note: Kirishima’s issues apparently just cropped up in the last day or two, a lot of back/side pain. He might try to return later in the tournament but that is uncertain. It was a clean sweep for the newcomers and Sekiwake as all won their matches so Ozeki watch begins with all 3 Sekiwake one win closer to potential promotion (the magic number is now 10 for Daieisho, 11 for Hoshoryu & Wakamotoharu). Kagayaki will be back up tomorrow as the Juryo man of the day at J1 and will face Hakuoho. We’ll also see our first kinboshi cnance of the tournament as Terunofuji faces Nishikigi tomorrow, the latter getting the free win due to Kirishima’s withdrawal.

Juryo:
Tokihayate (Ms1) beat Chiyonoumi (J14)
Yuma (J14) beat Shiden (J13)
Hidenoumi (J12) beat Kiho (J13)
Shishi (J12) beat Tsushimanada (J11)
Chiyomaru (J11) beat Shimanoumi (J10)
Tomokaze (J9) beat Chiyosakae (J10)
Daiamami (J9) beat Akua (J8)
Churanoumi (J7) beat Takakento (J8)
Azumaryu (J6) beat Hakuyozan (J7)
Tamashoho (J4) beat Kitanowaka (J5)
SHimazuumi (J3) beat Tohakuryu (J4)
Oshoma (J4) beat Ichiyamamoto (J3)
Mitoryu (J2) beat Roga (J2)
Kagayaki (J1) beat Atamifuji (J1)
WITHDRAWAL: Fujiseiun (J6). Unknown. Status uncertain.

A stunning last-second Opening Day development in the July Grand Sumo Tournament-new Ozeki Kirishima has WITHDRAWN from the tournament. Right rib contusion. Out indefinitely but possibly 3 weeks, which if true means he will miss the entire tournament and go right into kadoban status in September before he even has a match at the second highest ranking. Disastrous for the Japan Sumo Association as both Ozeki are now out. There is a chance Kirishima may return but it’s wait and see. As a result, Nishikigi will get a free win today.

With the July Grand Sumo Tournament starting tomorrow, the first 2 days’ matches for the top 2 tiers have been announced, as well as the early injury withdrawals. There was a major one in the top tier-Ozeki Takakeisho is OUT. Meniscus/knees. Out 3 weeks. That means he’ll be back in kadoban status in September where he’ll need 8+ wins again to avoid demotion. As expected, Wakatakakage is also out due to injury (still out anywhere from 2-8 more months) so he’ll be demoted from Maegashira 12 out of the top tier. Fujiseiun, at Juryo 6, has also withdrawn (unknown). If he misses the whole tournament odds are he’ll be demoted back to Makushita.

The first day matchups are as traditional, generally against the current or next rank up, so Hakuoho (former Ochiai) makes his top tier against Aoiyama, fighting to stay in the top tier at Margashira 17, while May Juryo Champion Gonoyama devuts against Kotoshoho. At Maegashira 4 Asonoyama will first face Maegashira 3 Meisei. New Ozeki Kirishima (former Kiribayama) starts with Nishikigi (Maegashira 1) while Yokozuna Terunofuji first gets Abi, who is back at Komusubi.

With Fujiseiun out of Juryo at the start, Tokihayate moves up as the Makushita man on Day 1, he will face Chiyonoumi. At Makushita 1 Tokihayate can get back to Juryo with 4+ wins, he was demoted after a 6-9 Juryo debut effort in May.

UPDATE: The rest of the pre-tournament withdrawals from the lower tiers have been announced. Notable Makushita withdrawals include Enho & Chiyonokuni, both demoted from Juryo and not coming back up in September.

It’s that exciting time again for sumo fans-we’re now 2 weeks away from the next tournament which means it’s time for the July 2023 Banzuke Announcement. Here are the new rankings for the top 2 tiers (Note-(*) indicates name change since May Tournament):
Makuuchi (Top Tier):
Yokozuna-Terunofuji (May Tournament Champion)
Ozeki-Kirishima (*), Takakeisho
Sekiwake-Hoshoryu, Daieisho, Wakamotoharu
Komusubi-Kotonowaka, Abi
Maegashira 1-Nishikigi, Tobizaru
Maegashira 2-Shodai, Mitakeumi
Maegashira 3-Midorifuji, Meisei
Maegashira 4-Asanoyama, Ura
Maegashira 5-Hidenoumi, Onosho
Maegashira 6-Hokuseiho, Oho
Maegashira 7-Takayasu, Tamawashi
Maegashira 8-Sadanoumi, Nishikifuji
Maegashira 9-Takanosho, Hokutofuji
Maegashira 10-Kinbozan, Myogiryu
Maegashira 11-Kotoeko, Tsurugisho
Maegashira 12-Chiyoshoma, Wakatakakage
Maegashira 13-Gonoyama (May Juryo Champion), Kotoshoho
Maegashira 14-Daishoho, Shonannoumi
Maegashira 15-Ryuden, Takarafuji
Maegashira 16-Endo, Bushozan
Maegashira 17-Aoiyama, Hakuoho (*)

Juryo:
Juryo 1-Kagayaki, Atamifuji
Juryo 2-Roga, Mitoryu
Juryo 3-Ichiyamamoto, Shimazuumi
Juryo 4-Oshoma, Tohakuryu
Juryo 5-Tamashoho, Kitanowaka
Juryo 6-Fujiseiun, Azumaryu
Juryo 7-Hakuyozan, Churanoumi
Juryo 8-Takakento, Akua
Juryo 9-Daiamami, Tomokaze
Juryo 10-Chiyosakae, Shimanoumi
Juryo 11-Chiyomaru, Tsushimanada
Juryo 12-Shishi, Hidenoumi
Juryo 13-Kiho (*), Shiden
Juryo 14-Yuma, Chiyonoumi

Early notes:
First, there are quite a few new shikona (ring names) after some name changes since May-starting at the top with Kirishima, the former Kiribayama and new Ozeki. At the bottom of the top tier, Hakuoho is the former Ochiai, the super-prospect of former yokozuna Hakuho (now Miyagino) who has reached the top tier in just his 4th career tournament. In Juryo, Kiho is the former Kawazoe, the popular human slinky also from Miyagino Beya.
Now to ranking notes-Asanoyama’s stated goal is to get back to Sanyaku and in particular Sekiwake by the end of the year. He could get there after this tournament as he made a huge move up to M4. The only change in Sanyaku was Abi returning at Komusubi following Wakatakakage being demoted from Komusubi after missing the May tournament due to injury. He will miss July as well and fall out of the top tier after being at M12 this time. Takakeisho is out of kadoban status thanks to 8 wins in May and is a full-fledged Ozeki again, important given we’re not sure what shape his knees are in after injuries cost him a chance at yokozuna promotion in March. Gonoyama, the May Juryo champion, and Hakuoho (Ochiai) reach the top tier after both went 14-1 in May and there remain high expectations for the latter, who many think is a future yokozuna. In the meantime, we’ll soon see if he’s managed to grow enough hair to have a topknot! Endo took a huge fall almost to Juryo due to withdrawing in May and finishing the equivalent of 0-15. And following a slump after the retirement of stablemate Tochinoshin, Apiyama barely hung on to his top tier spot, down to M17 at the very bottom.

Ozeki Watch: Each of the 3 Sekiwake mathematically has a chance to reach the secondary criteria for consideration of promotion to Ozeki, which is at least 33 wins over 3 consecutive tournaments, all with winning records (the primary criteria is win 2 straight tournaments, both criteria must be achieved at Komusubi or Sekiwake). Daieisho has the best chance to make it as he needs a minimum of 11 wins to reach the required 33 wins over the last 3 tournaments, while Hoshoryu and Wakamotoharu both need at least 12 wins. It should be noted that of the 3, only Daieisho has a top tier championship. He almost won #2 in March, losing in a playoff to Kiribayama/Kirishima. If any win the tournament that may do it as well as, among recent Ozeki, Kirishima and Mitakeumi were both promoted after championships.

Terunofuji won the May Tournament and will be going for his 9th Emperor’s Cup. He stated his goal for the year (and before perhaps considering retirement) was to get to 10 championships and he’s got 3 more chances. He went 14-1 in May in his return from a nearly year-long injury absence, losing only to Meisei.

Demoted to Juryo were Ichiyamamoto and Kagayaki while, despite going 13-2, Atamifuji just missed a top-tier return and will be at J1. He was at J8 in May and was simply a numbers game victim with Gonoyama & Ochiai both going 14-1. Shishi, Yuma and Kiho (former Kawazoe) are Shin-Juryo this tournament, Shishi being the first rikishi from Ukraine to reach the top 2 tiers and perhaps setting up a slightly awkward late-tournament match against Roga, at J2 who is from Russia. Shishi has gained a lot of fan support the last couple years because of the Ukraine-Russia war. Shiden is Sai-Juryo this tournament, his prior Juryo debut attempt didn’t happen due to withdrawal/absence and he went back to Makushita but he’s back for a second Juryo chance. Chiyonoumi is also returning to the second tier. Notably missing from Juryo is fan favorite Enho, who withdrew during the May tournament (injured) and finished the equivalent of 0-15. If he can go in July he’ll be at Makushita 1. May Makushita Champion Kiryuko moved up to Makushita 2, on the verge of reaching Juryo. May Sandanme Champion (and now YouTube celebrity thanks to SUMO PRIME TIME) Sazanami moved up to Makushita 27.
The Sandanme has the new-normal 90 rankings The Jonidan has 107 rankings with 214 participants, and notably near the bottom is Satonofuji, the day-ending bow-twirling performer from Terunofuji’s Isegahama Beya. A demotion this time would probably send him down to Jonokuchi. Finally, the Jonokuchi has 22 rankings with 43 total participants, which actually will be 42 because although he retired on June 1, Ishiura-who is now Magaki Oyakata (the name formerly taken by Hakuho when he retired before he took over Miyagino Beya) was ranked at Jonokuchi 15 for July. He was forced to retire after being out about a year now due to injuries. Should he not have retired and sat out July he almost certainly would have fallen off the rankings completely.

The July Tournament begins on 7/9 at Aichi Prefectural Gym in Nagoya.

Breaking sumo news via the Nihon Sumo Kyokai Japanese Twitter account…it’s official: Kiribayama has been promoted to Ozeki! Widely expected anytime now, the promotion to the second-highest rank comes after the Sekiwake managed 34 wins over the last 3 tournaments and also his first top tier championship in March. The vote was unanimous for promotion according to Nikkan Sports. Kiribayama also may have undergone a shikona, or name change after the announcement. It appears his new name will be Kirishima. He is the 6th Mongolian wrestler in the last 15 years to reach Ozeki and history is in his favor…they all eventually were promoted to Yokozuna, the highest rank, most recently Terunofuji. To be eligible for promotion to Grand Champion, Kirishima now must win consecutive tournaments or finish 2 straight tournaments with wins equal to victory.

In other news, the Shin-Juryo & Sai-Juryo rikishi were announced. Promoted to Makushita are Yuma, Shishi-the first rikishi from Ukraine to reach the second tier, and Kawazoe, who also has undergone a shikona and will now be known as Kiho. The returning Juryo riksihi are Shiden (who was absent for what would have been his Juryo debut in 2022) and Chiyonoumi.

While we wait to find out where he will be ranked, May Juryo runner-up Ochiai has also undergone a shikona, changing his name to Hakuoho, It’s a combination of part of his hometown and paying homage to his stablemaster, the former Yokozuna Hakuho (now Miyagino). He went 14-1 this tournament at Juryo 8 and lost the championship to Gonoyama in a playoff.

6/1 UPDATE: Reliable YouTube insider source “Chris Sumo” reports former top tier wrestler Ishiura has retired due to injury (which I have confirmed via the Association’s English website) and will become Oyakata Magaki. Ishiura last competed in the March 2022 Tournament before being sidelined bu what is believed to be a back injury. The former Magaki has left the Japan Sumo Association earlier than expected, his name was briefly taken by former Yokozuna Hakuko upon retirement last year and he is now Miyagino following taking over the Miyagino Beya where Ishiura will remain and train/mentor subordinates & fellow rikishi. Ishiura reached a highest rank of Maegashira 5 and finishes his career with a record of 350-321-108 (win-loss-absent), 161-186-43 in the top tier, 2 championships (1 Jonidan, 1 Jonokuchi) and 1 Special Prize (Fighting Spirit).

With the May 2023 Grand Sumo Tournament now in the books, below is the final Hoshitori, the standings listed in order of the Banzuke (rankings, records are displayed as win-loss-absent) then some final thoughts…and first things first, no Kiribayama promotion to Ozeki announcement yet:

Makuuchi (top tier):
Yokozuna-Terunofuji (14-1, Champion)
Ozeki-Takakeisho (8-7)
Sekiwake-Kiribayama (11-4, Technique Prize), Hoshoryu (11-4), Daieisho (10-5), Wakamotoharu (10-5, Technique Prize)
Komusubi-Kotonowaka (8-7), Shodai (6-9), Wakatakakage (Absent/0-0-15)
Maegashira 1-Abi (8-7), Midorifuji (6-9)
Maegashira 2-Takayasu (3-3-9), Endo (0-7-8)
Maegashira 3-Tobizaru (8-7), Nishikifuji (3-12)
Maegashira 4-Ura (7-8), Nishikigi (9-6)
Maegashira 5-Kinbozan (4-11), Kotoshoho (2-10-3)
Maegashira 6-Meisei (8-7), Mitakeumi (9-6)
Maegashira 7-Hokutofuji (6-9), Tamawashi (7-8)
Maegashira 8-Tasanoumi (7-8), Takanosho (7-8)
Maegashra 9-Onosho (8-7), Hiradoumi (9-6)
Maegashira 10-Ryuden (5-10), Takarafuji (5-10)
Maegashira 11-Hokuseiho (8-7), Daishoho (6-9)
Maegashira 12-Aoiyama (5-10), Kotoeko (8-7)
Maegashira 13-Chiyoshoma (8-7), Ichinojo (Retired)
Maegashira 14-Asanotyama (12-3), Myogiryu (9-6)
Maegashira 15-Ichiyamamoto (4-11), Tsurugisho (9-6)
Maegashira 16-Mitoryu (5-10), Oho (11-4)
Maegashira 17-Kagayaki (7-8)

Juryo:
Juryo 1-Gonoyama (14-1, Champion), Shonannoumi (11-4)
Juryo 2-Azumaryu (2-13), Tohakuryu (4-11)
Juryo 3-Bushozan (10-5), Enho (0-10-5)
Juryo 4-Oshoma (7-8), Roga (9-6)
Juryo 5-Tochinoshin (0-6, Retired), Akua (5-10)
Juryo 6-Hakuyozan (6-8-1), Shimazuumi (8-7)
Juryo 7-Takakento (6-9), Churanoumi (7-8)
Juryo 8-Atamifuji (13-2), Ochiai (14-1)
Juryo 9-Daiamami (7-8), Chiyonokuni (0-10-5)
Juryo 10-Chiyomaru (6-9), Kitanowaka I8-7)
Juryo 11-Hidenoumi (6-9), Tamashoho (9-6)
Juryo 12-Tomokaze (8-7), Chiyosakae (8-7)
Juryo 13-Fujiseiun (9-6), Shimanoumi (8-7)
Juryo 14-Tokihayate (6-9), Tsushimanada (8-7)

Final thoughts: Although it didn’t earn him a Special Prize, big shoutout to Nishikigi for his finish. He started 1-6 and seemed headed for demotion, but then he won his last 8 matches and earned a promotion. Meisei was lucky to win Outstanding Performance as he was 8-1 after beating Terunofuji, then finished 0-6. Takakeisho managed to get out of kadoban status and will remain Ozeki, but opted to stay in for the final 2 days and lost his last two, the finale being a painful-looking spill in his loss to Terunofuji. In Sanyaku, Abi should be promoted back to Komusubi while Shodai will be demoted as will Wakatakakage due to being absent. At the bottom, based on finishes I see Asanoyama potentially jumping up to M5 for July, while Kinbozan’s sophmore slump will see him fall from M5, I could see him going back down to as low as M14 but more reasonably to M11. I forgot about Ichinojo’s retirement when guessing on if Ochiai will be promoted to the top tier, that means at least 4 top tier spots should be opening so Gonoyama and Shonannoumi take 2 with their promotions, that could also open the door for an Atamifuji potential return after he went 13-2 at J8. Or more likely Bushozan, who went 10-5 at J3, at worst he’ll go to J1. Chiyonokuni will be demoted to Makushita but likely will be absent in July.
As far as Ozeki Watch for July assuming Kiribayama is promoted, the magic number for the other Sekiwake to be promotion eligible is as follows (33 wins over the last 3 tournaments at Komusubi or Sekiwake or win 2 straight tournaments, the latter is not a requirement):
Hoshoryu-12 (had 21 wins between March & May)
Daieisho-11 (had 22 wins between March & May). He may have missed potential promotion this time by just one win
Wakamotoharu-12 (had 21 wins between March & May)
If Kotonowaka is promoted to Sekiwake after his 3rd straight winning record at Komusubi, his only hope for potential Ozeki promotion is a championship. He would otherwise need 16 wins to be eligible as his March/May total was only 17 wins. And if Kiribayama somehow does not reach Ozeki this time, his July magic number would be 9.
In the Makushita, look for Kawazoe and possibly Shishi to be shin-Juryo in July, and Shiden should be sai-Juryo. March champion Ryuo will take a big fall after going 1-7 at Ms3. A fun side note from the Sandanme-champion Sazanami has gained a lot of fans through his appearance on the “Sumo Prime Time” YouTube program as the assistant trainer in exercise-themed episodes with host Hiro Morita, and that was noted on the last episode so congrats again to to-be-Makushita man Sazanami.

The Banzuke for July will be announced on June 26.

UPDATE: The earliest potential Kiribayama promotion announcement could be Wednesday. That’s when the ranking committee will next meet to determine the July tournament rankings