Tag: sumo

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

Makuuchi (top tier):
Mitakeumi (M15) beat Daiseizan (J3)
Kotoeiho (M17) beat Nishikifuji (M14)
Fujiryoga (M17) beat Tobizaru (M13)
Fujiseiun (M13) beat Asahakuryu (M16)
Chiyoshoma (M14) beat Shishi (M11)
Gonoyama (M10) beat Kinbozan (M16)
Tokihayate (M9) beat Asanoyama 9M12)
Asakoryu (M12) beat Tamawashi (M9)
Ura (M8) beat Roga (M10)
Ohsoumi (M11) beat Shodai (M8)
Oshoma (M7) beat Ichiyamamoto (M6)
Kotoshoho (M5) beat Hakunofuji (M7)
Oho (M3) beat Onokatsu (M6)
Yoshinofuji (M1) beat Fujinokawa (M2)
Wakamotoharu (K) beat Churanoumi (M2)
Atamifuji (K) beat Wakatakakage (M1)
Kirishima (S) beat Takayasu (S)
Takanosho (M4) beat Aonishiki (O)
Hiradoumi (M3) beat Kotozakura (O)
Daieisho (M4) beat Hoshoryu (Y). KINBOSHI!!! The 6th career Gold Star Victory for Daieisho!
Leader: Gonoyama, Kotoshoho, Takanosho, Kirishima (7-1)
RE-ENTRY: Abi (M5). Will return tomorrow. Missed the last 6 days due to a back injury. Was expected to be out a week so the return is right on schedule. Will be demoted but one or two wins will at least ensure he stays in the top tier and avoids 0-15.
Of note: That’s also the second straight Kinboxhi for Daieisho, who has always been a tough out for Hoshoryu. But at 6-2 the Yokozuna is still very much in it. Kirishima was the other big winner of the day, dropping Takayasu in the Sekiwake Showdown and from the lead group, otherwise it’s all Maegashira with Gonoyama a surprise contender, Takanosho hanging in there and Kotoshoho in contention for a second title. Takanosho has Hoshoryu tomorrow, while Takanosho has 3 Kinboshi they’ve lately been against Onosato as he has lost at least his last 4 against Hoshoryu. At the bottom, Wakamotoharu is going down fighting again-last time he went from 0-6 to 8-7 and saving his rank. Today he came in 0-7 and now…1-7. Can he do it again?
Yokozuna Watch: Now it’s over and Aonishiki will have his worst top-tier performance to date in his career, he had never been worse than 11-4. He’s been figured out, it seems. He’s got Takayasu tomorrow.

Juryo:
Kazekeno (J14) beat NIshikigi (J12)
Takakento (Ms3) beat Tsurugisho (J12)
Kazuma (J11) beat Kotokuzan (J14)
Toshinofuji (J11) beat Shimazuumi (J13)
Dewanoryu (J10) beat Fujitensei (J13)
Shonannoumi (J8) beat Tamashoho (J9)
Kitanowaka (J8) beat Tohakuryu (J10)
Kyokukaiyu (J7) beat Hatsuyama (J9)
Meisei (J7) beat Nishinoryu (J4)
Kayo (J5) beat Wakanosho (J3)
Asasuiryu (J2) beat Hitoshi (J6)
Shirokuma (J5) beat Tomokaze (J2)
Takerufuji (J4) beat Ryuden (J1)
Sadanoumi (J1) beat Kagayaki (J5)
Leader: Wakanosho, Kazuma, Kazekeno (7-1)
Of note: No more unbeatens and no promotions today so Wakanosho’s potential top tier ascent has to wait at least another day. The first demotion came today though, and it seems like the end is here for Tsurugisho became he’s going down and likely going to follow through with his vow to retire if he does drop down. His only hope now is to win out.

Lower tier notes: No match for Enho today as Promotion Day wrapped up today and the championship eliminators begin tomorrow. Enho will go for promotion tomorrow against Nobehara, who is also 3-1. There are 7 left at 4-0 with a Tatsunami playoff possible as Okaryu & former top tier & Juryo man Akua are among that group, along with another Isegahama man looking to reach Juryo in Arashifuji (fka Matsui) from Ms7). The Sandanme has 11 at 4-0. The Jonidan has 12 at 4-0 led by Sandanme-bound Isegamana super-prospect Asahifuji. The Jonokuchi has 2 left at 4-0.

Here are the quick results from today’s Day 7 of the March 2026 Grand Sumo Tournament in Osaka:
Key: M-Maegashira, K-Komusubi, S-Sekiwake, O-Ozeki, Y-Yokozuna, J-Juryo, Ms-Makushita

Makuuchi (top tier):
Asahakuryu (M15) beat Tomokaze (J2)
Fujiryoga (M17) beat Mitakeumi (M13)
Chiyoshoma (M14) beat Kinbozan (M16)
Kotoeiho (M17) beat Fujiseiun (M13)
Tobizaru (M13) beat Nishikifuji (M14)
Roga (M10) beat Asanoyama (M12)
Tamawashi (M9) beat Oshoumi (M11)
Tokihayate (M9) beat Asakoryu (M12)
Shishi (M11) beat Shodai (M8)
Gonoyama (M10) beat Ura (M8)
Hakunofuji (M7) beat Onokatsu (M6)
Kotoshoho (M5) beat Oshoma (M7)
Takanosho (M4) beat Ichiyamamoto (M6)
Churanoumi (M2) beat Wakatakakage (M1)
Yoshinofuji (M1) beat Wakamotoharu (K)
Takayasu (S) beat Daieisho (M4)
Kirishima (S) beat Hiradoumi (M3)
Kotozakura (O) beat Fujinokawa (M2)
Atamifuji (K) beat Aonishiki (O)
Hoshoryu (Y) beat Oho (M3)
Leader: 6 at 6-1
Of note: 2 of the injury absences who just returned faced of today, and based on performances either may not make it through the tournament. Hakunofuji looked much better while Onokatsu was walking gingerly afterwards. Hakunofuji was supposed to be out 3 weeks with his injury but came back after 6 days. I think this win will keep him from demotion to Juryo in worst-case. Let’s see now if Wakamotoharu can pull the miracle to save his Sanyaku rank and get to 8-7, would be more impressive now that he’s 0-7. At the top, Hoshoryu leads a pack of 6 that includes both Sekiwake and former champion Kotoshoho, but the ranks will thin tomorrow because the Sekiwake Showdown between Kirishima & Takayasu is on tap and both are 6-1. Takanosho, who again is in contention at 6-1, will face Aonishiki while Hoshoryu gets Daieisho. Kotoshoho is scheduled to face Hakunofuji.
Yokozuna Watch: It’s over. Unless it’s somehow enough for the championship, 11-4 will not get Aonishiki promoted. Ironically, it was perhaps ended by the man who he beat in January for the championship-Atamifuji. And in fact, Aonishiki must win out to keep his streak of 11+ wins in every top tier tournament so far intact.

UPDATE: RE-ENTRY: Abi (M5). Will return Monday on Day 9. Wiulll have missed a total of 6 days due to a back injury that was expected to keep him out a week. Will be the equivalent of 0-8 and already demoted so this may be just to try and get a win or two to ensure he stays in the top tier, but I would expect him to be safe even at 0-15.

Juryo:
Kazekeno (J14) beat Kotokuzan (J14)
Okaryu (Ms2) beat Shimazuumi (J13)
Kazuma (J11) beat Tsurugisho (J12)
Tohakuryu (J10) beat Fujitensei (J13)
Dewanoryu (J10) beat NIshikigi (J12)
Shonannoumi (J6) beat Toshinofuji (J11)
Kyokukaiyu (J7) beat Tamashoho (J9)
Hatsuyama (J9) beat Meisei (J7)
Kayo (J6) beat Kitanowaka (J6)
Nishinoryu (J4) beat Hitoshi (J6)
Daiseizan (J3) beat Shirokuma (J6)
Asasuiryu (J2) beat Kagayaki (J5)
Sadanoumi (J1) beat Takerufuji (J4)
Wakanosho (J3) beat Ryuden (J1)
Leader: Wakanosho (7-0)
Of note: In addition to consecutive championships, Wakanosho appears to be well on his way to the top tier in March. The only ones one behind now are Kazekeno who seems to be on the way to holding on to his Juryo spot, and Kazuma who seems more comfortable in his second Juryo outing and is off to a strong 6-1 start. Wakanosho gets Kayo tomorrow who is 4-3.Kazekeno & Kazuma face 2-5 Nishikigi & Kotokuzan, respectively. As for the retirement watch, tomorrow may be the start of the farewell for Tsurugisho-a loss to Makushita man Takakento means demotion from J12.

Lower tier notes: Today is what I call the start of Promotion Day in the lower tiers, when the leaders go to 4-0 and thus clinch winning records & thus promotions for the next tournament. In the Makushita, 5 are at 4-0 so far and, with Okaryu at Ms2 among them, means he has a good chance at promotion to Juryo for the first time. 5 more at 3-0 go for promotion tomorrow. Enho bounced back from his first loss-which came to Okaryu-with a win today to improve to 3-1, still with a chance for Juryo promotion. The Sandanme has 6 at 6-0 with 9 more going for promotion tomorrow. The Jonidan has 9 at 4-0 so far including former Juryo man Kiryuko, almost demoted to Jonokuchi after missing a year due to injury but now has a chance to be promoted back to the Sandanme. No Jonokuchi wrestler had their 5th match today so they have 3 at 3-0 right now.

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

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

Makuuchi (top tier):
Chiyoshoma (M14) beat Asahakuryu (M16)
Nishikifuji (M14) beat Fujiryoga (M17)
Kinbozan (M16) beat Tobizaru (M13)
Fujiseiun (M13) beat Mitakeumi (M15)
Kotoeiho (M17) beat Asakoryu (M12)
Asanoyama (M12) beat Shishi (M11)
Oshoumi (M11) beat Tokihayate (M9)
Gonoyama (M10) beat Tamawashi (M9)
Shodai (M8) beat Roga (M10)
Ichiyamamoto (M6) beat Ura (M8)
Onokatsu (M6) beat Oshoma (M7) by DQ/judges’ reversal…HANSOKU!!! Oshoma won by grabbing & pulling Onokatsu’s topknot/hair which is illegal so the result was overturned
Kotoshoho (M5) beat Takanosho (M4)
Daieisho (M4) beat Churanoumi (M2)
Fujinokawa (M2) beat Wakamotoharu (K)
Kirishima (S) beat Yoshinofuji (M1)
Wakatakakage (M1) beat Takayasu (S)
Oho (M3) beat Aonishiki (O)
Atamifuji (K) beat Kotozakura (O)
Hoshoryu (Y) beat Hiradoumi (M3)
Leader: 6 at 5-1
RE-ENTRY: Hakunofuji (M7). Will return tomorrow. Was expected to be out the rest of the tournament after withdrawing on Day 2 due to a Lisfranc/toe injury, which is related to prior toe injuries recently. Will be the equivalent of 0-6 so he still has a chance at promotion but this may be to try and get a couple wins to prevent potential demotion to Juryo.
Of note: No unbeatens left as the remaining ones lost today, so now there’s a logjam at the top that does include Hoshoryu, and with Aonishiki 2 wins back plus no Onosato he has a real chance for that first post-promotion championship. Onokatsu won in his return after being absent 4 days so, not counting Hakunofuji and the absent Midorifuji, the only winless left otherwise is Wakamotoharu who now is 0-6 and has to go 8-1 to save his rank again after going from 0-5 to 8-7 in January. Hoshoryu has Oho tomorrow, who has beaten the Yokozuna a couple times although his last win was a fusen.
Yokozuna Watch-It’s all but over for Aonishiki this time as he fell to 3-3. Now he has to win out and at least force yet another playoff for any chance at promotion.

Juryo:
Kotokuzan (J14) beat Nishikigi (J12)
Kazekeno (J14) beat Kazuma (J11)
Toshinofuji (J11) beat Fujitensei (J13)
Dewanoryu (J10) beat Shimazuumi (J13)
Tohakuryu (J10) beat Tsurugisho (J12)
Hatsuyama (M9) beat Shonannoumi (M8)
Meisei (J7) beat Tamashoho (J9)
Hitoshi (J6) beat Kayo (J6)
Kitanowaka (J8) beat Kagayaki (J5)
Shirokuma (J5) beat Kyokukaiyu (J7)
Daiseizan (J3) beat Takerufuji (J4)
Tomokaze (J2) beat Asasuiryu (J2)
Ryuden (J1) beat Nishinoryu (J4)
Wakanosho (J3) beat Sadanoumi (J1)
Leader: Wakanosho (6-0)
Of note: Kazuma taking his first loss after a strong start to his second Juryo effort leaves Wakanosho the sole unbeaten, almost halfway to a repeat championship and a likely promotion to the top tier. Kitanowaka & Kazekeno are also in the 5-1 group. And remember Tsurugisho saying post-marriage he’ll retire when he’s demoted out of Juryo? Sounds like this is it as he’s 0-6 and seemingly on his farewell tour now. At least as a wrestler, he does qualify for elder stock when he retires.

Lower tier notes: A very odd and rare occurrence in the Jonokuchi today, a scheduled match ended in a double fusen because both wrestlers could not participate. Both withdrew due to various medical reasons last-minute. So what happens when a situation like this arises? It counts as a loss for both. Nikkan Sports reports this is only the second time in recent memory this has happened, the first being during the pandemic. Elsewhere, tomorrow starts Promotion Day in the lower tiers and with Makushita men going back up to Juryo starting tomorrow, Okaryu goes up from Ms2 for perhaps a preview of May as the Tatsunami man will clinch promotion with a win that would take him to 4-0. Enho is in the last match of the day against Himukamaru, also 2-1 and looking for a Juryo return from Ms1.

Here are the quick results from today’s Day 5 of the March 2026 Grand Sumo Tournament in Osaka:
Key: M-Maegashira, K-Komusubi, S-Seliwake, O-Ozeki, Y-Yokozuna, J-Juryo

Makuuchi (top tier):
Kotoeiho (M17) beat Mitakeumi (M15)
Fujiryoga (M17) beat Chiyoshoma (M14)
Kinbozan (M16) beat Fujiseiun (M13)
Asahakuryu (M16) beat Tobizaru (M13)
Asanoyama (M12) beat Nishikifuji (M14)
Asakoryu (M12) beat Roga (M10)
Gonoyama (M10) beat Oshoumi (M11)
Shishi (M11) beat Tokihayate (M9)
Tamawashi (M9) beat Ura (M8)
Shodai (M8) beat Oshoma (M7)
Takanosho (M4) beat Onokatsu (M6)
Daieisho (M4) beat Kotoshoho (M5)
Ichiyamamoto (M6) beat Oho (M3)
Hiradoumi (M1) beat Atamifuji (K)
Takayasu (S) beat Yoshinofuji (M1)
Kirishima (S) beat Wakamotoharu (K)
Wakatakakage (M1) beat Kotozakura (O)
Aonishiki (O) beat Fujinokawa (M2)
Hoshoryu (Y) beat Churanoumi (M2)
Leader: Takayasu, Takanosbo (5-0)
Of note: The leaderboard shrank from 4 to 2 at the top today, and for the first time since July 2023 Takayasu is 5-0 and teasing both another chance at that elisive first Emperor’s Cup. However…the last time he was 5-0? Demotion as he finished 7-8. As for Takanosho, he could give the former Takakeisho a championship in his first tournament as stablemaster Minatogawa. Hoshoryu is right there at 4-1 along with 7 others.
Yokozuna Watch: Aonishiki was back in the win column today and is now 3-2, still with a chance. He has Oho tomorrow who can’t be overlooked despite a 1-4 start.

Juryo:
Kotokuzan (J14) beat Tsurugisho (J12)
Nishikigi (J12) beat Fujitensei (J13)
Kazekeno (J14) beat Toshinofuji (J11)
Dewanoryu (J10) beat Tohakuryy (J10)
Hatsuyama (J9) beat Shimazuumi (J13)
Kazuma (J11) beat Tamashoho (J9)
Kitanowaka (J8) beat Kyokukaiyu (J7)
Shonannoumi (J8) beat Hitoshi (J6)
Meisei (J7) beat Shirokuma (J5)
Kayo (J6) beat Kagayaki (J5)
Wakanosho (J3) beat Takerufuji (J4)
Asasuiryu (J2) beat Nishinoryu (J4)
Daiseizan (J3) beat Sadanoumi (J1)
Ryuden (J1) beat Tomokaze (J2)
Leader: Wakanosho, Kazuma (5-0)

Lower tier notes: Enho lost to fellow Makushita promotion candidate Okaryu (Ms2) today to fall to 2-1, but still has a chance at promotion to Juryo if he finishes 6-1, maybe 5-2 but it depends on what else happens. No match tomorrow.

Here are the quick results from today’s Day 4 of the March 2026 Grand Sumo Tournament in Osaka:
Key: M-Maegashira, K-Komusubi, S-Sekiwake, O-Ozeki, Y-Yokozuna, J-Juryo

As today-March 11-is the 15th Anniversary of the Great Japan Earthquake of 2011 that decimated eastern parts of the country, especially Fukushima prefecture, each department held a moment of silence today in remembrance of the victims. The quake struck at 2:46 PM, which was 1:46 AM ET/10:46 PM PT. In sumo in recent years, the prefecture has been buoyed by the Onami brothers-Wakamotoharu & Wakatakakage-who have been mainstays in the top tier and Wakatakakage has also won the Emperor’s Cup once. Their older brother, Wakatakamoto, currently is in Makushita.

Makuuchi (top tier):
Asahakuryu (M16) beat Fujiryoga (M17)
Kotoeiho (M17) beat Kinbozan (M16)
Nishikifuji (M14) beat Mitakeumi (M15)
Fujiseiun (M13) beat Tobizaru (M13)
Asanoyama (M12) beat Chiyoshoma (M14)
Asakoryu (M12) beat Oshoumi (M11)
Tokihayate (M9) beat Roga (M10)
Shishi (M11) beat Tamawashi (M9)
Shodai (M8) beat Gonoyama (M10)
Daieisho (M4) beat Ura (M8)
Takanosho (M4) beat Oshoma (M7)
Hiradoumi (M3) beat Ichiyamamoto (M6)
Kotoshoho (M5) beat Oho (M3)
Atamifuji (K) beat Wakamotoharu (K)
Kirishima (S) beat Wakatakakage (M1)
Churanoumi (M2) beat Aonishiki (O)
Takayasu (S) beat Kotozakura (O)
Yoshinofuji (M1) beat Onosato (Y) by default/withdrawal
Fujinokawa (M2) beat Hoshoryu (Y). KINBOSHI!!! The second career-and second straight-Gold Star Victory for Fujinokawa!
Leader: Takayasu, Takanosho, Kotoshoho (4-0)
WITHDRAWAL: Onosato (Y). Dislocated shoulder. Seems to be his previously injured left shoulder per Nikkan Sports, who got comments from his stablemaster Nishonoseki on the matter. Tournament likely over. Expected to be out 3 weeks. Surgery is possible but seems unlikely and Onosato is expected back for the Spring provincial tour in April. Yoshinofuji got the fusen as a result, but not another kinboshi. This also means, if he misses 4 more days, Onosato’s run of no losing tournaments in his entire career to date is over.
RE-ENTRY: Onokatsu (M6). Will return tomorrow. He was out the last 4 days with a left ankle sprain, which was expected to keep him out 2 weeks. Will be the equivalent of 0-4 and probably needs a win to ensure he is safe from demotion to Juryo in worst-case.
Of note: Tamawashi’s latest Iron Man feat is in the books as he is now the all-time leader in top tier matches with 1471. Unfortunately the bad luck continues as he is 0-4 and is going to need some wins to keep those runs going. At M9 he probably needs just 2 wins to be safe from demotion to Juryo. Also, for a second straight day a match ended with a non-winning technique as Takanosho beat Oshoma by tsukihiza, knee touch down. Right after the match began Oshoma bent his right knee down too far and it inadverttently touched the ground. Not injured, just accidental. Elsewhere, Fujinokawa became the latest to scalp both Yokozuna in a tournament and he reportedly gave his prize money today to oyakata Kabutoyama (formerly Oikari), who is his father. He already has more kinboshi than the old man did in his career.
Yokozuna Watch: Aonishiki’s hopes aren’t gone but now it’s the danger zone at 2-2. Still early and plenty of time but he can only afford maybe one more loss.

Juryo:
Kazekeno (J14) beat Shimazuumi (J13)
Fujisentsei (J13) beat Kotokuzan (J14)
Nishikigi (J12) beat Tsurugisho (J12)
Dewanoryu (J10) beat Toshinofuji (J11)
Tohakuryu (J10) beat Tamashoho (J9)
Kazuma (J11) beat Hatsuyama (J9)
Kiwanowaka (J8) beat Shonannoumi (J8)
Kyokukaiyu (J7) beat Hitoshi (J6)
Meisei (J7) beat Kagayaki (J5)
Kayo (J6) beat Shirokuma (J5)
Nishinoryu (J4) beat Takerufuji (J4)
Wakanosho (J3) beat Asasuiryu (J2)
Daiseizan (J3) beat Ryuden (J1)
Sadanoumi (J1) beat Tomokaze (J2)
Leader: Wakanosho, Kyokukaiyu, Kazume, Fujitensei (4-0)

Lower tier notes: Enho beat Shimanoumi today for his second win and a 2-0 start, halfway to promotion in Makushita. Tomorrow he faces Okaryu, who is also 2-0 at Ms2 and looking for promotion to Juryo. Tough one for me because as a Tatsunami man prominently featured on their YouTube channel Okaryu has become one of my favorites along with Enho.

Here are the quick results from today’s Day 3 of the March 2026 Grand Sumo Tournament in Osaka:
Key: M-Maegashira, K-Komusubi, S-Sekiwake, O-Ozeki, Y-Yokozuna, J-Juryo, Ms-Makushita

Makuuchi (top tier):
Fujiryoga (M17) beat Kotoeiho (M17)
Kinbozan (M16) beat Asasuiryu (J2)
Asahakuryu (M16) beat Nishikifuji (M14)
Chiyoshoma (M14) beat Mitakeumi (M15)
Tobizaeu (M15) beat Asanoyama (M12)
Fujiseiun (M13) beat Asakoryu (M12)
Roga (M10) beat Oshoumi (M11)
Gonoyama (M10) beat Shishi (M11)
Shodai (M8) beat Tamawashi (M9)
Ura (M8) beat Tokihayate (M9)
Kotoshobo (M5) beat Ichitamamoto (M6)
Oshoma (M7) beat Abi (M5) by default/withdrawal
Oho (M3) beat Daieisho (M4)
Takanosbo (M4) beat Hiradoumi (M3)
Takayasu (S) beat Wakamotoharu (K)
Kirishima (S) beat Atamifuji (K)
Kotozakura (O) beat Churanoumi (M2)
Aonishiki (O) beat Wakatakakage (M1)
Fujinokawa (M2) beat Onosato (Y). KINBOSHI!!! The first career Gold Star Victory for Fujinokawa!
Hoshoryu (Y) beat Yoshinofuji (M1)
WITHDRAWAL: Abi (M5). Back (simple explanation). Out about a week. That means there is a chance he could return this tournament but it would be to soften the blow of demotion and try to avoid the equivalent of 0-15. His top tier position is probably safe if he can’t return but at worst it’s a toss-up. A return with one win should be enough Oshoma got the fusen as a result.
Of note: Oh-no-sato! What is going on with Onosato? This is the first time the Yokozuna has begun a tournament 0-3 in his career and he is almost halfway to what would be the first losing record in his career. As a Yokozuna he can’t be demoted but from what I’ve seen he has been exposed technique-wise and doesn’t appear injured unless Nishonoseki is not telling us something. Tomorrow could be big trouble for Onosato…Yoshinofuji, who has taken two Kinboshi from the Yokozuna in their two medtings the last 2 tournamrnts. It does help Hoshoryu who is off to a 3-0 start as he tries for his first championship as a Yokozuna. But he must face a now-very-motivated Fujinokawa tomorrow. There is also an important co-leader clash between Takayasu & Kotozakura who are both 3-0.
Also of note-Tobizaru won by a non-winning technique-isamiashi, frontal step out. Asanoyama was about to push Tobizaru out but as The Flying Monkey went down & out at the edge of the dohyo, Asanoyama inadvertently stepped out first with his right foot before Tobizaru’s body touched the ground, a result upheld after a judges conference. So while Tobizaru won, Asanoyama caused himself to lose, albeit unintentionally.
Yokozuna Watch: Aonishiki bounced back from his first loss today with a win to improve to 2-1. Too early to speculate but every win helps. While best-case is winning a 3rd straight championship for promotion, yet another playoff appearance would also be enough or a runner-up with at least 12 wins. He faces Churanoumi tomorrow.

And Finally…Tamawashi’s next Iron Man record cones tomorrow when he will claim the all-time record for top tier appearances at 1471. Hopefully it gives him some better luck as he’s 0-3 so far.

Juryo:
Fujitensei (J13) beat Hakuyozan (Ms2)
Kazekeno (J14) beat Tsurugisho (J12)
Toshinofuji (J11) beat Kotokuzan (J14)
Kazuma (J11) beat Shimazuumi (J13)
Togakuryu (J10) beat Nishikigi (J12)
Hatsuyama (J9) beat Tamashoho (J9)
Kitanowaka (J8) beat Tohakuryu (J10)
Kyokukaiyu (J7) beat Meisei (J7)
Shonannouni (J8) beat Kayo (J6)
Kagayaki (J5) beat Shirokuma (J5)
Takerufuji (J4) beat Hitoshi (J6)
Wakanosho (J3) beat Daiseizan (J3)
Tomokaze (J2) beat Nishinoryu (J4)
Ryuden (J1) beat Sadanoumi (J1)

Lower tier notes: No match for Enho in Makushita today, his second match is scheduled for tomorrow against fellow ex-salaried wrestler Shimanoumi.

UPDATE: Onosato has WITHDRAWN. No word as to why or status going forward. If he misses 5 or more days it will be his first career losing record. Yoshinofuji will get the fusen as a result, but not another Kinboshi. Nikkan Sports reports Onosato said he physcially was “okay” after today’s loss which suggests he’ll be back in a couple days.

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

Makuuchi (top tier):
Fujiryoga (M17) beat Sadanoumi (J1)
Asahakuryu (M16) beat Kotoeiho (M17)
Mitakeumi (M15) beat Kinbozan (M16)
Chiyoshoma (M14) beat Tobizaru (M13)
Nishikifuji (M14) beat Fujiseiun (M13)
Asakoryu (M12) beat Shishi (M11)
Asanoyama (M12) beat Oshoumi (M11)
Gonoyama (M10) beat Tokihayate (M9)
Roga (M10) beat Tamawashi (M9)
Ura (M8) beat Oshoma (M7)
Shodai (M8) beat Hakunofuji (M7) by default/withdrawal
Ichiyamamoto (M6) beat Abi (M5)
Kotoshoho (M5) beat Onokatsu (M6) by default/withdrawal
Hiradoumi (M3) beat Daieisho (M4)
Takanosho (M4) beat Oho (M3)
Churanoumi (M2) beat Kirishima (S)
Takayasu (S) beat Fujinokawa (M2)
Yoshinofuji (M1) beat Aonishiki (O)
Kotozakura (O) beat Wakamotoharu (K)
Hosboryu (Y) beat Wakatakakage (M1)
Atamifuji (K) beat Onosato (Y)
WITHDRAWALS: Onokatsu (M6), Hakuoho (M7). Onokatsu-left knee. Status uncertain. Occurred during his match yesterday, he was notably limping for a moment afterwards (at the end he went down backwards in a squat and a little awkward, maybe a hyperextension). No word on his condition. Hakuoho-Lisfranc (toe). Aggravation of January’s injury. Tournament over. Out about 3 weeks. This means there is a slight chance of demotion to Juryo because he will be the equivalent of 0-15. Kotoshoho & Shodai both got the fusen as a result.
Of note: O(h)no(sato)…only Day 2 but this is not good. Only the second time he has started 0-2, the first time was at Seliwake in July 2024 when he finished 9-6 and won a Special Prize. Yesterday his pulling/push down technique was his undoing. I haven’t seen today’s match yet. No second Kinboshi for Wakatakakage as Hoshoryu beat him today for a 2-0 start.
Yokozuna Watch-let’s panic/not panic about Aonishiki losing today. The last two tournaments were exceptions to him losing on one or both the first 2 days but yes it’s concerning since this is his first chance at promotion. But not all-or-nothing yet.

Juryo:
Kazekeno (J14) beat Tochitaikai (Ms1)
Shimazuumi (J13) beat Kotokuzan (J14)
Fujitensei (J13) beat Tsurugisho (J12)
Kazuma (J11) beat Nishikigi (J12)
Toshinofuji (J11) beat Tohakuryu (J10)
Dewanoryu (J10) beat Tamashoho (J9)
Kitanowaka (J8) beat Hatsuyama (J9)
Shonannouni (J8) beat Meisei (J7)
Kyokukaiyu (J7) beat Kayo (J6)
Hitoshi (J6) beat Kagayaki (J5$
Takerufuji (J4) beat Shirokuma (J5)
Nishinoryu (J4) beat Daiseizan (J3)
Wakanosho (J3) beat Tonokaze (J2)
Asasuiryu (J2) beat Ryuden (J1)

Lower tier notes: No match for Enho today as expected following his opening day win. His second match will likely be Wednesday on Day 4 as I do not see him on tomorrow’s schedule.

UPDATE: Abi has WITHDRAWN. Third lumbar transverse protrusion fracture per a loose translation of the report from Nikkan Sports. In other words, back. Out about a week. That means a return is possible but at 0-2 it virtually guarantees demotion. Oshoma will get the fusen tomorrow as a result.

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

9:35 PM PT UPDATE: Juryo updates below begin now.

11 PM PT UPDATE: Live top tier updates and the NHK World Premium broadcast begin now.

Makuuchi (top tier):
Kotoeiho (M17) beat Ryuden (J1)
Kinbozan (M16) beat Fujiryoga (M17)
Mitakeumi (M15) beat Asahakuryu (M16)
Nishikifuji (M14) beat Chiyoshoma (M14)
Fujiseiun (M13) beat Asanoyama (M12)
Asakoryu (M12) beat Tobizaru (M13)
Shishi (M11) beat Oshoumi (M11)
Gonoyama (M10) beat Roga (M10)
Tokihayate (M9) beat Tamawashi (M9)
Ura (M8) beat Shodai (M8)
Oshoma (M7) beat Hakunofuji (M7)
Ichiyamamoto (M6) beat Onokatsu (M6)
Kotoshoho (M5) beat Abi (M5)
The NHK World Japan live broadcast begins here.
Takanosho (M4) beat Daieisho (M4)
Hiradoumi (M3) beat Oho (M3)
Takayasu (S) beat Churanoumi (M2)
Kirishima (S) beat Fujinokawa (M2)
Kotozakura (O) beat Yoshinofuji (M1)
Aonishiki (O) beat Wakamotoharu (K)
Wakatakakage (M1) beat Onosato (Y). KINBOSHI!!! The first career Gold Star Victory for Wakatakakage!
Hoshoryu (Y) beat Atamifuji (K)
WITHDRAWAL (Pre-Tournament): Midorifuji (M15). Heart failure. Scary…status uncertain. Nikkan Sports reports he has been treated for about a month. I have seen unverified claims on Facebook that he won’t compete. If he can’t participate he will be demoted to Juryo for the first time in about 5 years. He would need to return and probably get at least 5 wins to stay in the top tier.
UPDATE: Will not compete this tournament. Out about a month per a new Nikkan Sports article with comments from Isegahama coach Tateyama. He is back in Tokyo and will be hospitalized soon for further examination.

Of note: With regards to Isegahama fka Terunofuji, he will not be at the tournament and punishment for a recent incident of violence against Hakunofuji will be announced after the tournament. There are reports in the sumo media that it involved Hakunofuji drinking at a bar and perhaps making inappropriate gestures towards or contact with a female patron and that led Isegahama to intervene and attack his charge. Hochi Sports reports the investigation is ongoing and that is why Isegahama will not be at the tournament (according to fellow stablemaster Sadogatake, who is in charge of PR/media relations) although the absence/confined to stable is not disciplinary. But I could see such announcements being further delayed if Aonishiki gets promoted to Yokozuna so as not to distract from that.

Juryo:
Himukamaru (Ms1) beat Kotokuzan (J14)
Fujitensei (J13) beat Kazekeno (J14)
Shimazuumi (J13) beat Tsurugisho (J12)
Toshinofuji (J11) beat Nishikigi (J12)
Kazuma (J11) beat Tohakuryu (J10)
Hatsuyama (J9) beat Dwanoryu (J10)
Tamashoho (J9) beat Kitanowaka (J8)
Kyokukaiyu (J7) beat Shonannoumi (J8)
Kayo (J6) beat Meisei (J7)
Shirokuma (J5) beat Hitoshi (J6)
Kagayaki (J5) beat Takerufuji (J4)
Wakanosho (J3) beat Nishinoryu (J4)
Daiseizan (J3) beat Tomokaze (J2)
Sadanoumi (J1) beat Asasuiryu (J2)

Lower tier notes: Enho opened with a win against just-demoted Hidenoumi to get off to a 1-0 start as he tries to get promoted back to Juryo. Despite just being demoted after one tournament, Himukamaru is back in Juryo today for his first match, he is at Ms1.

RETIREMENT: Shiden (Ms21). Officially retired Friday before what would have been the start of his 12th year in sumo. Shiden, real name Takumi Shiba from Kise Beya, finishes with a career record of 319-273-26 (win-loss-absent), 2 championships (1 Makushita, 1 Jonidan) and a career high rank of Juryo 2. He went 1-6 in his final tournament in January. He does not qualify for elder stock due to having only 16 tournaments at Juryo (but he was absent in what would have been his Juryo debut) so he will be leaving the sumo world.

How to watch: If you can get ABEMA outside Japan, that service streams ALL matches LIVE for free. Otherwise, you can watch all top tier matches LIVE on NHK World Premium in Japanese & English, available on participating cable/satellite providers and Jme. NHK World Japan will also have 50 minutes of LIVE top tier coverage in English beginning at 12:10 AM PT/4:10 AM ET. All top tier and Juryo matches can also be watched on demand on the official Grand Sumo mobile app immediately after they happen. The app is available for iOS & Android for free but for unlimited viewing (and without ads) you meed to subscribe to it’s Tanimachi (Premium) subscription, currently available in the US for $4.99/month. It also gives you unlimited on demand viewing of over 12 years’ worth of matches.

UPDATE 2: Hochi Sports reports Onokatsu has WITHDRAWN ahead of Day 2. Left knee. Kotoshoho will get the fusen as a result.

This is bad for sumo and really bad if true-Nikkan Sports reports there is another investigation of violence among wrestlers within a sumo stable…and if this one is true, open the floodgates because it involves…Isegahama Beya. The current stablemaster, fka Yokozuna Terunofuji, is being investigated for violent acts against one of his wrestlers-Hakunofuji, who will be ranked Maegashira 7 in the March Tournament. The report indicates there may be witnesses as fellow Isegahama wrestler Nishikifuji was also interviewed about this.

This could be an uncomfortable full-circle moment for the sumo powers-this kind of incident ultimately led to the former Yokozuna Hakuho being forced out of the Japan Sumo Association and Miyagino Beya being taken over by Isegahama-and the former Isegahama, just forced to retire last year (reaching age 65, the mandatory retirement age in sumo), currently has that elder stock for up to 5 years as a former Yokozuna although, if Enho can get promoted back to Juryo again, he will be eligible for elder stock which is hope. Nonetheless, with more details and potential punishment to be announced in the near future, what goes around may have just come around. Best-case punishment? Equal to a slap on the wrist. Worst-case? If recent history is an indication, he could be kicked out of the Association and his career & stablemaster time would be over. There was such a situation more recently with Kise Beya but that was wrestler-on-wrestler violence/bullying, however Kise was punished stiffly with the equivalent of demotion in the stablemaster hierarchy and perhaps hopes of running for an executive position soon being dashed.

Nikkan Sports also reports Hakunofuji is currently not with the rest of the stable for pre-Tournament training camp in Osaka and Terunofuji was absent from a press conference the other day with Atamifuji after the January playoff loser was promoted to Komusubi, becoming the first rikishi from Shizuoka Prefecture to reach Sanyaku since 1930. And in worst-case it could take down the most powerful & influential stable in sumo (and the biggest too).

More as it becomes available.

After being delayed a day because today (yesterday Japan time) was a holiday, the Japan Sumo Association has now announced the updated Banzuke (rankings) for the March 2026 Grand Sumo Tournament. Here are the full rankings for the top 2 tiers and other notes:

Makuuchi (top tier):
Yokozuna-Hoshoryu, Onosato
Ozeki-Aonishiki (January Champion), Kotozakura
Sekiwake-Kirishima, Takayasu
Komusubi-Wakamotoharu, Atamifuji
Maegashira 1-Wakatakakage, Yoshinofuji
Maegashira 2-Fujinokawa, Churanoumi
Maegashira 3-Hiradoumi, Oho
Maegashira 4-Daieisho, Takanosho
Maegashira 5-Abi, Kotoshoho
Maegashira 6-Ichiyamamoto, Onokatsu
Maegashira 7-Oshoma, Hakunofuji
Maegashira 8-Ura, Shodai
Maegashira 9-Tokihayate, Tamawashi
Maegashira 10-Gonoyama, Roga
Maegashira 11-Shishi, Oshoumi
Maegashira 12-Asakoryu, Asanoyama
Maegashira 13-Tobizaru, Fujiseiun
Maegashira 14-Chiyoshoma, Nishikifuji
Maegashira 15-Midorifuji, Mitakeumi
Maegashira 16-Asahakuryu, Kinbozan
Maegashira 17-Fujiryoga, Kotoeiho
Notes: The big story is Aonishiki being on Yokozuna watch as he goes for 3 straight championships and potential promotion. Next up is Atamifuji, whose playoff loss in January finally gets him into Sanyaku as he is Komusubi for the first time alongside Wakamotoharu, who protected his rank on the final day of January after an 0-5 start. No change at Sekiwake-Kirishima has a chance at promotion back to Ozeki if he wins the championship. Yoshinofuji was perhaps only denied Komusubi by Wakamotoharu’s promotion-saving win and Atamifuji’s playoff loss. Fujinokawa & Abi are notable big movers up while Tamawashi will keep his Iron Man streak going from the middle of the chart. There were rumblings about Aomori’s top tier representation streak being in danger of ending due to Nishikifuji’s demotion because of late withdrawal but it’s safe for now as he only fell to M14. But he needs to compete and do decent or hope Takerufuji can get back up from Juryo this time, which is possible. Fujiseiun was also rightfully promoted up from Juryo for the first time, and they made up for January’s snub by taking him up to M13 and also coming up is Fujiryoga at M17 for his rookie effort.

Juryo:
Juryo 1-Ryuden, Sadanoumi
Juryo 2-Asasuiryu, Tomokaze
Juryo 3-Daiseizan, Wakanosho (January Champion)
Juryo 4-Nishinoryu, Takerufuji
Juryo 5-Kagayaki, Shirokuma
Juryo 6-Hitoshi, Kayo
Juryo 7-Meisei, Kyokukaiyu
Juryo 8-Shonannoumi, Kitanowaka
Juryo 9-Tamashoho, Hatsuyama
Juryo 10-Dewanoryu, Tohakuryu
Juryo 11-Kazuma, Toshinofuji
Juryo 12-Nishikigi, Tsurugisho
Juryo 13-Shimazuumi, Fujitensei
Juryo 14-Kazekeno, Kotokuzan
Notes: Ryuden was once again demoted from the top tier while Sadanoumi came closer to going back up than I expected as they are the J1s this time. January Champion Wakanosho went from J11 to J3 this time. At the bottom, Toshinofuji (fka Seihakuho) & Fujitensei are the Shin-Juryo rikishi while Fujitensei is also kaimei, as his promotion comes with a new shikona (ring name) for the former Fukuzaki, while Shimazuumi is Sai-Juryo returning from the lower tiers. A slight surprise that Nishikigi gets one more chance to stay Juryo while Tsurugisho staves off demotion-induced retirement for another tournament.

Lower tier notes: In the Makushita Enho is within promotion range, climbing up to Ms4. That means he needs 5+ wins for a chance at that long-hoped-for Juryo return. Himukamaru is at Ms1 after demotion to Juryo but with a chance to return quickly, alongside Tochitaikai. Hakuyozan was demoted from Juryo to Ms2 alongside Okaryu, who climbs to a career-best with Juryo in reach. January champion Nobehara is up to Ms6 with a chance at promotion too. The Sandanme has the “new normal” 80 ranks & 160 total wrestlers. The Jonidan slims down just a little to 100 ranks & 200 wrestlers, with both Isrgahama January Jonokuchi unbeatens, champion Asahifuji (their next super-prospect) & runner-up Aoifuji, slotting in high at Jd8, while the Jonokuchi has 21 ranks with 42 wrestlers and what looks like 7 debuts, and the net’s favorite “lovable loser” Moriurara at Jk14 (also getting more popularity thanks to Otake Beya starting a YouTube channel a few months ago).

The March Tournament runs from 3/8-3/22 at Osaka Prefectural Gym in Osaka. All tickets are already sold out. Remember the time change forward in the US starts on 3/8 so everything is an hour later than usual for TV/streaming.