Tag: sumo

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 Fujiseiun, at Juryo 6, has also withdrawn (unknown).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

Here are the quick results from today’s Day 15-the Final Day-of the May 2023 Grand Sumo Tournament in Tokyo:
Key: M-Maegashira, K-Komusubi, S-Sekiwake, O-Ozeki, Y-Yokozuna, J-Juryo, Ms-Makushita

Makuuchi (top tier):
Mitoryu (M16) beat Tohakuryu (J2)
Asanoyama (M14) beat Tsurugisho (M15)
Kagayaki (M17) beat Hokuseiho (M17)
Takarafuji (M10) beat Ichiyamamoto (M15)
Kotoeko (M12) beat Ryuden (M10)
Hiradoumi (M9) beat Chiyoshoma (M13)
Takanosho (M8) beat Myogiryu (M14)
Aoiyama (M12) beat Hokutofuji (M7)
Daishoho (M11) beat Kinbozan (M5)
NIshikigi (M4) beat Onosho (M9)
Sadanoumi (M8) beat Nishikifuji (M3)
Tobizaru (M3) beat Tamawashi (M8)
Takayasu (M2) beat Kotoshoho (M5)
Oho (M16) beat Midorifuji (M1)
Abi (M1) beat Ura (M4)
Mitakeumi (M6) beat Shodai (K)
Kotonowaka (K) beat Meisei (M6)
Daieisho (S) beat Wakamotoharu (S)
Hoshoryu (S) beat Kiribayama (S)
Terunofuji (Y) beat Takakeisho (O)
CHAMPION: Terunofuji (14-1). 8th Emperor’s Cup and 11th overall championship. Clinched title yesterday.

SPECIAL PRIZES:
Outstanding Performance (winning record with most wins vs. Yokozuna/Ozeki): Meisei (only one to beat Terunofuji, however he barely got it as after beating Terunofuji to go to 8-1 he then lost his last 6)
Fighting Spirit (lower ranked wrestler with best record who best displayed fighting spirit): None
Technique (winning record with most different winning techniques used): Kiribayama (second straight), Wakamotoharu

Juryo:
Tsushimanada (J14) beat Yuma (Ms5)
Shishi (Ms2) beat Tokihayate (J14)
Daiamami (J9) beat Ryuo (Ms3)
Atamifuji (J8) beat Chiyosakae (J12)
Tomokaze (J12) beat Churanoumi (J7)
Hidenoumi (J11) beat Shimazuumi (J6)
Fujiseiun (J13) beat Akua (J5)
Roga (J4) beat Shimanoumi (J13)
Ochiai (J8) beat Oshoma (J4). Atamifuji is OUT of contention…
Bushozan (J3) beat Takakento (J7)
Chiyomaru (J10) beat Azumaryu (J2)
Shonannoumi (J11) beat Tamashoho (J10)
Gonoyama (J1) beat Kitanowaka (J10). PLAYOFF!
Playoff: Gonoyama beat Ochiai. GONOYAMA JURYO YUSHO! The second career championship for Gonoyama, he previously won Makushita as Nishikawa, his real last name.
CHAMPION: Gonoyama (14-1)
Now the question is will 14-1 also get Ochiai to the top tier from J8? Ichiyamamoto (4-11 at M15) should be going down as should be Kagayaki (despite rallying to finish 7-8) and Mitoryu )5-10 at J-16), Gonoyama is going up from J1 as is Shonannoumi (11-4 at J1). Toss-up but leaning/hoping yes. This would mean the biggest loser in the numbers game is Atamifuji, who went 13-2 at J8. He might have to try again from J1 in July to return to the top tier.

Other Champions:
Makushita: Kiryuko (Ms26). 1st career championship
Sandanme: Sazanami (Sd42). 1st career championship
Jonidan: Satorufuji (Jd60). 1st career championship (that’s 2 for Isegahama Beya this tournament). Won playoff
Jonokuchi: Haruyama (Kj22). 1str career championship. Debut tournament

Next up is the July Tournament from 7/9-7/23 at Aichi Prefectural Gym in Nagoya. Tickets are now on sale. Final recap and standings post coming tomorrow, then until July…sayonara!

Here are the quick results from today’s Day 14-the penultimate day-of the May 2023 Grand Sumo Tournament in Tokyo:
Key: M-Maegashira, K-Komusubi, S-Sekiwake, O-Ozeki, Y-Yokozuna, J-Juryo

Makuuchi (top tier):
Kagayaki (M17) beat Oshoma (J4)
Oho (M16) beat Hokuseiho (M11)
Chiyoshoma (M13) beat Ryuden (M10)
Onosho (M9) beat Daishoho (M11)
Hiradoumi (M9) beat Kotoeko (M12)
Sadanoumi (M8) beat Aoiyama (M12)
Takanosho (M8) beat Ichiyamamoto (M15)
Hokutofuji (M7) beat Mitoryu (M16)
Myogiryu (M14) beat Tamawashi (M7)
Kotoshoho (M5) beat Takarafuji (M10)
Tobizaru (M3) beat Mitakeumi (M6)
Takayasu (M2) beat Nishikifuji (M3)
Nishikigi (M4) beat Abi (M1)
Midorifuji (M1) beat Kinbozan (M5)
Kotonowaka (K) beat Ura (M4)
Asanoyama (M14) beat Shodai (K)
Daieisho (S) beat Meisei (M6)
Hoshoryu (S) beat Tsurugisho (M15)
Wakamotoharu (S) beat Takakeisho (O)
Terunofuji (Y) beat Kiribayama (S). TERUNOFUJI YUSHO! The Yokozuna wins the Emperor’s Cup for the 8th time.
Leader: Terunofuji (13-1). Nobody can catch him.
Now the final day is all about promotions, demotions and potential Special Prizes, to be followed by the award ceremony and champion’s interview. And in the following days hopefully news that Kiribayama will be promoted to Ozeki as he’s still at 34 wins (could be 35 with a win tomorrow) and a championship over the last 3 tournaments, so he seems to meet the criteria for promotion.

Juryo:
Kitanowaka (J10) beat Daiamami (J9)
Atamifuji (J8) beat Shimanoumi (J13)
Tsushimanada (J14) beat Churanoumi (J7(
Fujiseiun (J13) beat Hakuyozan (J6)
Shimazuumi (J6) beat Chiyomaru (J10)
Akua (J5) beat Tokihayate (J14)
Ochiai (J8) beat Roga (J4)
Bushozan (J3) beat Hidenoumi (J11)
Tomokaze (J12) beat Azumaryu (J2)
Takakento (J7) beat Tohakuryu (J2)
Gonoyama (J1) beat Tamashoho (J11)
Shonannoumi (J1) beat Chiyosakae (J12)
Leader: Gonoyama, Ochiai (13-1)
Of note: This is gonna be a fun final day. First things first-Atamifuji still has a chance. If he beats Chiyosakae, he remains in it and can force a playoff. If Atamifuji loses, he is out. Then it’s Ochiai up, who faces Oshoma. If Ochiai wins, Atamifuji is out and Ochiai is the champion if Gonoyama loses to Kitanowaka. Similarly if Gonoyama wins and Ochiai loses, Atamifuji is out and Gonoyama is the champion. If both Ochiai and Gonoyama win or both lose, we have a playoff rematch. If both lose and Atamifuji wins, 3-WAY PLAYOFF! (In that case they have a draw to determine who fights first and who then fights the winner. I believe it’s first to win 2 matches is the champion). Then we can talk about if Ochiai will make the top tier in July-the odds are slightly better today but he may still need that 14th win.

Also tomorrow will be the playoff for the Jonidan championship.

Reminder: NHK World Japan will have 90 minutes of FREE LIVE top tier coverage, including the final matches, award ceremony and champion’s interview with Terunofuji, tomorrow beginning at 12:30 AM PT/3:30 AM ET. And for those planning summer trips to Japan, tickets for the July tournament in Nagoya are now on sale!

UPDATE: For Juryo tomorrow, Hokuseiho has WITHDRAWN. Unknown. Will have no effect on the standings or championship as he was already demoted.

Here are the Special Prize winners so far:
Outstanding Performance (most wins vs. Yokozuna & Ozeki): Meisei (only one to beat Terunofuji so far)
Fighting Spirit: TBA
Technique (most different winning techniques used): Kiribayama (second straight), Wakamotoharu

Here are the quick results from today’s Day 13-Championship Day 1-of the May 2023 Grand Sumo Tournament in Tokyo:
Key: M-Maegashira, K-Komusubi, S-Sekiwake, O-Ozeki, Y-Yokozuna, J-Juryo, Ms-Makushita, Sd-Sandanme, Jd-Jonidan, Jk-Jonokuchi

Makuuchi (top tier):
Oho (M16) beat Aoiyama (M12)
Myogiryu (M14) beat Takarafuji (M10)
Ryuden (M10) beat Ichiyamamoto (M15)
Onosho (M9) beat Kagayaki (M17)
Takanosho (M8) beat Myogiryu (M16)
Chiyoshoma (M13) beat Sadanoumi (M8)
Ura (M4) beat Daishoho (M11)
Tobizaru (M3) beat Kotoeko (M12)
Tamawashi (M7) beat Takayasu (M2)
Midorifuji (M1) beat Hokutofuji (M7)
Abi (M1) beat Nishikifuji (M3)
Nishikigi (M4) beat Shodai (K)
Kotonowaka (K) beat Kinbozan (M5)
Wakamotoharu (S) beat Tsurugisho (M15)
Mitakeumi (M6) beat Daieisho (S)
Hoshoryu (S) beat Hiradoumi (M9)
Kiribayama (S) beat Hokuseiho (M11)
Takakeisho (O) beat Meisei (M6)
Terunofuji (Y) beat Asanoyama (M14)
Leader: Terunofuji (12-1)
Of note: It all comes down to Terunofuji-Kiribayama tomorrow. If Terunofuji beats Kiribayama, he is the champion. If Kiribayama wins, it goes down to the Final Day and could set up a playoff rematch. Asanoyama can stay in it as well with a Kiribayama win assuming he also beats Shodai. But including today, Asanoyama is now 0-6 all time against Terunofuji so history does not favor him. For tomorrow, history favors Terunofuji as he is 3-0 against Kiribayama.
Kiribayama was almost gifted a win against Hokuseiho when during a close stalemate Hokuseiho lost focus and reached to adjust the sagari on his mawashi. When his hand moved, Kiribayama took advantage of that loss of focus with a sotogake (outside leg trip) for victory.
Ozeki Watch: Meisei didn’t withdraw but Takakeisho’s win means 8 and a winning record, so he is out of kadoban status and will remain Ozeki in July. Expect a withdrawal at this point to begin rest and treatment for knee injuries. Too early to think about July but worst case if Takakeisho has to sit out is back to kadoban in September. Kiribayama getting win 11 today should guarantee Ozeki promotion at this point if he doesn’t win the championship as that’s now 34 wins in the last 3 tournaments. If Takakeisho does withdraw, Wakamotoharu gets the free win tomorrow.
Also, according to the Absent Rikishi Info, Kotoshoho will return tomorrow after withdrawing on Day 10. He will face Takarafuji and will look to pick up another win or two to soften the blow of another demotion as he is currently the equivalent of 1-12. He’ll likely stay in the top tier but his drop from M5 right now would be probably to M14 or M15. A huge fall since nearly winning the January championship. Finally, a big shoutout to Nishikigi, a week ago he was 1-6 and seemingly headed for demotion. But he has now won 6 straight and can get promotion with one more win, with the first try tomorrow against Abi.
We’re also going to see Kagayaki & Mitoryu demoted to Juryo at this point. That’s probably going to be it for demotions with Gonoyama promoted from Juryo for sure (Wakatakakage will miss July with injuries but his next demotion is from Komusubi so he’ll stay top tier).
We’ll find out more late tomorrow but if he can get one more win, I can see Tsurugisho being on position for a Special Prize, namely the Fighting Spirit Prize as he could have 10 or 11 wins at Ms15. I wouldn’t rule out Ura for the Technique Prize, but he first needs one more win as a winning record is required for a Special Prize.

Reminder: NHK World Japan will have 50 minutes of LIVE top tier coverage, including Terunofuji-Kiribayama, tomorrow beginning at 1:10 AM PT/4:10 AM ET. You can watch FOR FREE online or on their smart TV/mobile app.

Juryo:
Kawazoe (Ms1) beat Tomokaze (J12)
Chiyomaru (J10) beat Tokihayate (J14)
Tsushimanada (J14) beat Daiamami (J9)
Chiyosakae (J12) beat Takakento (J7)
Atamifuji (J8) beat Hakuyozan (J6)
Churanoumi (J7) beat Akua (J5)
Roga (J4) beat Fujiseiun (J13)
Shimanoumi (J13) beat Oshoma (J4)
Tamashoho (J11) beat Bushozan (J3)
Hidenoumi (J11) beat Tohakuryu (J2)
Kitanowaka (J11) beat Azumaryu (J2)
Ochiai (J8) beat Shonannoumi (J1)
Gonoyama (J1) beat Shimazuumi (J6)
Leader: Gonoyama, Ochiai (12-1)
Of note: Still seems like we’re headed for a playoff rematch as Gonoyama and Ochiai remain tied and only Atamifuji has a chance to join or pass them. Atamifuji is up first and gets Shimanoumi, who today clinched his first promotion in over a year. Ochiai draws Roga and Gonoyama has Tamashoho, both now promoted as well. The other real question pending his last 2 matches is will Ochiai reach the top tier in July? He could still finish 14-1 at J8, and if Asanoyama could go 14-1 at a lower rank and get to J1 (albeit with a championship) it’s possible. The argument against it probably will be numbers-the top tier is capped at 42 wrestlers total, 2 will be demoted but 2 Juryos will be promoted so far (Gonoyama & Shonannoumi). Ultimately I think Ochiai’s fate will be in the hands of Ichiyamamoto, who is 4-9 at M15. Ochiai really needs Ichiyamamto to lose one or ideally both his remaining matches and Ochiai win his last two, excluding a potential playoff. The good for tomorrow is Ichiyamamoto is 0-2 career against his foe, Takanosho.
As far as leaders go, Ochiai-Roga & Gonoyama-Tamashoho are first time meetings. Atamifuji-Shimanoumi is 1-1 but Shimanoumi’s win was a freebie due to an Atamifuji withdrawal.

Lower tiers:
Kiryuko (Ms26) beat Daishomaru (Ms42). KIRYUKO MAKUSHITA YUSHO! That’s the first career championship for Kiryuko in his 12th career tournament and he finishes a perfect 7-0. Based on March, when the champion was at about the same rank, his rank means he’ll probably be in Makushita again in July but at a personal best ranking. I’ll slot him in at Ms3, right on the verge of Juryo. (Normally the Makushita champion moves up 30 spots in the rankings)
Sazanami (Sd42) beat Yutakasho (Sd30). SAZANAMI SANDANME YUSHO! That’s the first career championship for Sazanami in his 49th career tournament and he’ll be a Makushita man again in July, with a chance to improve on his career best rank of Ms48.
Satorufuji (Jd60) beat Mogamizakura (Jd40)
Oshoryu (Jd7) beat Hidano (Jd43). PLAYOFF! That means the last 2 7-0 Jonidan wrestlers will have a playoff on Day 14 or Day 15 for the championship.
Haruyama (Jk22) beat Reonmaru (Jk8). HARUYAMA JONOKUCHI YUSHO! He takes the title in his Debut tournament and will be promoted to Jonidan.

UPDATE: One Juryo update for the final day: Hakuyozan (J6) has WITHDRAWN. No freebies. He took his 8th loss today meaning demotion. Looks like this means Yuma gets another Juryo appearance as the 3rd Makushita man up on the final day along with Shishi (5-1 at Ms2) and Ryuo, the March Makishita champion who is 1-6 and could be demoted back to his prior rank. A win pretty much guarantees Shishi is Juryo in July. Yuma will have a chance with a win and a 6-1 finish at Ms5, but a very slim chance.

Here are the quick results from today’s Day 12 of the May 2023 Grand Sumo Tournament in Tokyo:
Key: M-Maegashira, K-Komusubi, S-Sekiwake, O-Ozeki, Y-Yokozuna, J-Juryo, Ms-Makushita

Makuuchi (top tier):
Ichiyamamoto (M15) beat Chiyoshoma (M13)
Myogiryu (M14) beat Daishoho (M11)
Takarafuji (M10) beat Myogiryu (M16)
Oho (M16) beat Onosho (M9)
Tsurugisho (M15) beat Hiradoumi (M9)
Kotoeko (M12) beat Sadanoumi (M8)
Hokutofuji (M7) beat Ryuden (M10)
Tamawashi (M7) beat Aoiyama (M12)
Mitakeumi (M6) beat Kagayaki (M17)
Ura (M4) beat Tobizaru (M3)
Nishikifuji (M3) beat Takanosho (M8)
Abi (M1) beat Meisei (M6)
Midorifuji (M1) beat Takayasu (M2)
Nishikigi (M4) beat Kotonowaka (K)
Shodai (K) beat Kinbozan (M5)
Daieisho (S) beat Asanoyama (M14)
Hoshoryu (S) beat Hokuseiho (M11)
Korobayama (S) beat Takakeisho (O)
Terunofuji (Y) beat Wakamotoharu (S)
Leader: Terunofuji (11-1)
Of note: ULTRA RARE PULL! As he has been known to do on occasion, Ura dazzled the crowd with an incredibly rare winning technique today-zubineri (head pivot throw). It must be seen to be believed, but it hasn’t been used to win in a match in over 25 years! Par for the course between the fan favorite and The Flying Monkey. Elsewhere, Asanoyama took his second loss as he allowed Daieisho to get his signature pusher/thruster offense going and then it was over quickly. That gave Terunofuji the sole lead but he seemed to land rough on his knees as both he and Wakamotoharu landed awkwardly at the end of their match. Monitor this going forward given his history of knee issues.
Ozeki Watch: Promotion? It seems to now be all but official for Kiribayama as he beat Takakeisho for what is now 33 wins over the last 3 tournaments at Sanyaku. That is a minimum criteria for Ozeki promotion consideration (the other is win 2 consecutive tournaments at Komusubi and/or Sekiwake, which Kiribayama can still do this time). Any more wins should be insurance and he’s still in championship contention. Takakeisho again missed an 8th win chance as a result and remains kadoban, but he may have caught the break he needed…his Day 13 opponent is Meisei, who has now lost 3 straight since beating Terunofuji. And there is concern about Meisei possibly suffering a knee injury in his loss today, leading to thoughts Takakeisho could get a freebie tomorrow with a potential Meisei withdrawal. If that happens, Takakeisho is safe at Ozeki and could withdraw himself to get treatment/rest for his knees and likely means 2 Ozeki again in July (again dependent on Kiribayama promotion, which seems a formality now).
While their Ozeki hopes for July are now gone, all the other Sekiwake have protected their rank with 8 wins so far and any further wins can help their post-July promotion chances, especially if they can get to 11 wins. Hoshoryu may be dealing with a thigh injury so that 8th win today was a big one. Elsewhere, a sophomore slump continues for Kinbozan as he will be demoted after his 8th loss today, but he’ll hopefully bounce back on July. One potential Sanyaku change is on the verge of happening too as Kotonowaka will be demoted from Komusubi if he loses again after his 7th loss today.
Key match tomorrow: Terunofuji-Asanoyama. The yusho race could be all but over if Terunofuji wins, but it also depends on Kiribayama who faces Hokuseiho. And if it happens, Takakeisho-Meisei.

Juryo:
Fujiseiun (J13) beat Shiden (Ms1)
Tsushimanada (J14) beat Tonokaze (J12)
Daiamami (J9) beat Tokihayate (J14)
Ochiai (J8) beat Tamashoho (J11)
Shimanoumi (J13) beat Takakento (J7)
Akua (J5) beat Hidenoumi (J11)
Oshoma (J4) beat Chiyosakae (J12)
Kitanowaka (J10) beat Roga (J4)
Bushozan (J3) beat Churanoumi (J7)
Shimazuumi (J6) beat Azumaryu (J2)
Chiyomaru (J10) beat Tohakuryu (J2)
Gonoyama (J1) beat Hakuyozan (J6)
Atamifuji (J8) beat Shonannoumi (J1)
Leader: Gonoyama, Ochiai (11-1)
Of note: Rematch anyone? If Gonoyama & Ochiai keep winning, they’re on track for a playoff rematch for the championship even after Gonoyama won their match yesterday. And if Ochiai does win out, he’ll be in top tier contention. The only thing in the way of the playoff, besides themselves, is Atamifuji at 10-2.
Key matches tomorrow: Ochiai-Shonannoumi, Gonoyama-Shimazuumi, Atamifuji-Hakuyozan. Shonannoumi is 9-3 and, like Gonoyama, is headed to the top tier in July. Shimazuumi is 7-5 and going for promotion. In the latter, history favors Gonoyama as he leads the series vs. Shimazuumi 3-0. Ochiai-Shonannoumi is a first-time meeting. Hakuyozan is 6-6 and Atamifuji won their only prior meeting in March.

UPDATE: As of the start of Day 13 matches Meisei remains in the tournament. No withdrawal yet.

Here are the quick results from today’s Day 11 of the May 2023 Grand Sumo Tournament in Tokyo:
Key: M-Maegashira, K-Komusubi, S-Sekiwake, O-Ozeki, Y-Yokozuna, J-Juryo, Ms-Makushita

Makuuchi (top tier):
Daishoho (M11) beat Mitoryu (M16)
Kagayaki (M17) beat Takarafuji (M10)
Ryuden (M10) beat Aoiyama (M12)
Onosho (M9) beat Myogiryu (M14)
Takanosho (M8) beat Chiyoshoma (M13)
Oho (M16) beat Sadanoumi (M8)
Tamawashi (M7) beat Ichiyamamoto (M15)
Tsurugisho (M15) beat Mitakeumi (M6)
Asanoyama (M14) beat Neisei (M6)
Kotoeko (M13) beat Kinbozan (M5)
Nishikigi (M4) beat Hokutofuji (M7)
Ura (M4) beat Nishikifuji (M3)
Takayasu (M3) beat Abi (M1)
Shodai (K) beat Tobizaru (M3)
Kiribayama (S) beat Hiradoumi (M9)
Wakamotoharu (S) beat Hokuseiho (M11)
Takakeisho (O) beat Daieisho (S)
Terunofuji (Y) beat Hoshoryu (S)
Leader: Terunofuji, Asanoyama (10-1)
Of note: Takayasu was a surprise return today as a thigh injury suffered in morning practice before Day 1 began was expected to keep him out 3 weeks. He looked limited on his mobility but still quickly dispatched Abi. Any wins will reduce the drop he’ll take in July as he’s already got a demotion for missing 8+ days.
Ozeki Watch: It’s all but official for Kiribayama. Of course it’s up to the Japan Sumo Association to decide, but to meet the minimum 33 wins over 3 consecutive tournaments in Sanyaku eligibility criteria Kiribayama now needs just one more win the rest of the way. That or win the championship again. The other Sekiwake have pretty much been mathematically eliminated from consideration this time unless 11-4 winds up winning the championship (or 12-3 if Wakamotoharu wins out). Only Wakamotoharu seems to have any championship chance now.
Key matches tomorrow: Terunofuji-Wakamotoharu, Asanoyama-Daieisho, Kiribayama-Talakeisho. A lot on the line in that last one because Takakeisho needs one more win to get out of kadoban status and remain Ozeki. If he gets it before the final day, anticipate an immediate withdrawal to get his knees some rest and treatment.

Juryo:
Yuma (Ms5) beat Shimanoumi (J13)
Tonokaze (J12) beat Tokihayate (J14)
Hidenoumi (J11) beat Fujiseiun (J13)
Kitanowaka (J10) beat Tsushimanada (J14)
Chiyosakae (J12) beat Shimazuumi (J8)
Tamashoho (J11) beat Hakuyozan (J6)
Akua (J5) beat Chiyomaru (J10)
Atamifuji (J8) beat Oshoma (J4)
Roga (J4) beat Bushozan (J3)
Tohakuryu (J2) beat Daiamami (J9)
Takakento (J7) beat Azumaryu (J2)
Shonannoumi (J1) beat Churanoumi (J7
Gonoyama (J1) beat Ochiai (J8)
Leader: Gonoyama, Ochiai (10-1)
Of note: If Ochiai doesn’t reach the top tier in July, today may be why. For comparison, Asanoyama was at this spot in January, finished 14-1 and won the championship at J12 and was promoted to J1. Ochiai may be in a better place to make the leap at J8 but we’ll have to see what happens over the last 4 days.
Shiden, who has earned promotion back to Juryo in July with a 4-2 record at Makishita 1, gets the Makushita man spot tomorrow although if he loses, he could be in an odd spot as he should have one more Makushita match and could wind up 4-4.
Key matches tomorrow: Ochiai-Tamashoho, Gonoyama-Hakuyozan, Atamifuji-Shonannoumi. If both leaders lose, the Atamifuji-Shonannoumi winner will be in a 3-way tie for the lead.

Lower tier notes:
As is typically the case after Day 12, the Makushita Championship is now set for what should be Day 13: Daishomaru vs. Kiryuko. Daishomaru beat Okinohama and Kiryuko beat Shishi to set it up. Neither will be promoted to Juryo as Daishomart is at Ms42 and Kiryuko is at Ms26. But who will be promoted is Kawazoe, who got his 4th win today at Ms1 so he will be Shin-Juryo in July while despite a loss today Shiden will be Sai-Juryo, getting a second chance after being forced to moss his forst Juryo tournament.
In the Sandanme, the championship match will be Yutakasho vs. Sazanami as the last 2 at 6-0. In the Jonidan, 3 are still at 6-0 so a playoff may be needed. In the Jonokuchi, Reonmaru is the sole leader at 6-0 but 5-0 Haruyama has his 6th match tomorrow, so if Haruyama wins theu probably would face off on Day 14 as usually the lower tier wrestlers won’t conpete 3 days on a row.

Here are the quick results from today’s Day 10 of the May 2023 Grand Sumo Tournament in Tokyo:
Key: M-Maegashira, K-Komusubi, S-Sekiwake, O-Ozeki, Y-Yokozuna, J-Juryo, Ms-Makushita

Makuuchi (top tier):
Kagayaki (M17) beat Myogiryu (M14)
Aoiyama (M12) beat Mitoryu (M16)
Kotoeko (M12) beat Ichiyamamoto (M15)
Oho (M16) beat Ryuden (M10)
Chiyoshoma (M13) beat Onosho (M9)
Asanoyama (M14) beat Hiradoumi (M9)
Tsurugisho (M10) beat Sadanoumi (M8)
Daishoho (M11) beat Takanosho (M8)
Tamawashi (M7) beat Takarafuji (M10)
Hokuseiho (M11) beat Meisei (M6)
Ura (M4) beat Hokutofuji (M7)
Nishigiki (M4) beat Mitakeumi (M6)
Tobizaru (M3) beat Midorifuji (M1)
Abi (M1) beat Shodai (K)
Kirobayama (S) beat Wakamotoharu (S)
Daieisho (S) beat Kotoshoho (M5) by default/withdrawal
Hoshoryu (S) beat Nishikifuji (M3)
Kinbozan (M5) beat Takakeisho (O)
Terunofuji (Y) beat Kotonowaka (K)
Leader: Terunofuji, Asanoyama (9-1)
WITHDRAWAL: Kotoshoho (M5). Left knee. Return uncertain. Regardless this officially means another demotion for the January runner-up.
Also, Takayasu (M2), a last-minute Day 1 withdrawal due to a thigh injury, will return tomorrow. He is currently the equivalent of 0-10 and will be demoted, but any wins now mean gaining back rankings spots he would have otherwise lost. If he finishes with 5 straight wins I could see his drop only being to M7 instead of perhaps M11 or M12. He faces Abi tomorrow.
Of note: Almost 2 straight losses for Terunofuji as Kotonowaka had him on the edge of the dohyo early before the yokozuna managed a better position and came back for the victory. In an exciting earlier match, Hokuseiho managed a couple of miracle escapes in a similar position against Meisei, using his height brilliantly to rally and win. Definitely not a post-Kinboshi letdown for Meisei, the effort was certainly there and he just got unlucky. No such issues for Asanoyama as he won easily to stay a co-leader. Takakeisho took a tough loss today against Kinbozan and now needs 2 more wins to get out of kadoban status instead of being on the verge of safety. In his first try against an Ozeki, Kinbozan gets a huge bounceback win after losing to Terunofuji. Hopefully the rikishi from Kazakhstan can use this momentum to get back to a winning record.
Ozeki Watch: The presumptive magic number is now 2 for Kiribayama. He’s clinched his winning record and protected his Sekiwake rank with 8 wins so now the goal is finish better than 2-3 to hopefully earn promotion. Wakamotoharu probably lost any chances at Ozeki this time unless he wins the championship, which he still has a chance at. Daieisho got a freebie today to stay in range at 7-3, with Hoshoryu at the same record.
Key matches tomorrow: Asanoyama-Meisei, Terunofuji-Hoshoryu, Kiribayama-Hiradoumi, Hokuseiho-Wakamotoharu. Hokuseiho clinched promotion today and is also one off the lead

Juryo:
Tokihayate (J14) beat Hayatefuji (Ms3)
Tsushimanada (J14) beat Hidenoumi (J11)
Fujiseiun (J13) beat Chiyomaru (J10)
Kitanowaka (J10) beat Chiyosakae (J12)
Daiamami (J9) beat Shimanoumi (J13)
Tomokaze (J12) beat Chiyonokuni (J9) by default/withdrawal
Hakuyozan (J6) beat Oshoma (J4)
Tamashoho (J11) beat Roga (J4)
Ochiai (J8) beat Bushozan (J3)
Akua (J5) beat Enho (J3) by default/withdrawal
Churanoumi (J7) beat Azumaryu (J2)
Shimazuumi (J6) beat Tohakuryu (J2)
Atamifuji (J6) beat Gonoyama (J1)
Shonannoumi (J1) beat Takakento (J7)
Leader: Ochiai (10-0)
WITHDRAWAL: Enho (J3), Chiyonokuni (J9). Enho-herniated cervical disk. Out at least 3 months. Chiyonokuni-knees (both MCLs and osteoarthritis). Out indefinitely but, based on recent history and using Terunofuji as a comparison, possibly done for the year (Terunofuji missed 8 months with similar). Both details per Nikkan Sports. If Enho can return in September on this timeline, he’ll be a Makushita man.
Of note: Welcome to the show, Shonannoumi! With win #8 at J1 today, he has clinched promotion to the top tier and will make his debut there in July. In the meantime, what would have been an all-unbeaten showdown tomorrow or later was denied when Gonoyama was beaten by Atamifuji, leaving Ochiai as the lone unbeaten left. Also, Azumaryu will not bounce back to the top tier again this time as an 8th loss today means another demotion for the inconsistent Mongolian.
Key match tomorrow: Gonoyama-Ochiai. A day short of the unbeaten showdown after what happened today. This could all but clinch the championship for Ochiai-a win puts him 2 clear of the field with 4 days left although recent history in that situation has not been good to leaders. Atamifuji and Shonannoumi are still in it at 8-2. Also stopping in Juryo tomorrow is the 3:10 To Yuma as Yuma is the Makushita man up tomorrow. At Ms5 this time, he has already clinched promotion at 4-1 and has an outside chance to reach Juryo if he can finish 6-1. He gets Shimanoumi, who at 6-4 has a chance to end his long demotion streak.