Tag: sumo

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

The top tier matches can be watched on ABEMA (in Japan, which broadcasts all matches live) or NHK in Japan (broadcasts usually start with Makushita matches) or worldwide on NHK World Premium on participating cable/satellite providers or in the US & Canada on Jme. NHK World Japan will also have 50 minutes of coverage FOR FREE beginning at 12:10 AM PT/3:10 AM ET.

Updates below will begin when the Juryo matches start.

10 PM PT UPDATE: Live updates begin now.

11 PM PT UPDATE: Top tier live updates begin now.

The NHK World Premium broadcast begins here. Opens with a taped video touring Nakamura Beya.

Makuuchi (top tier):
Shishi (M14) beat Asahakuryu (M17)
Asakoryu (M15) beat Mitakeumi (M14)
Tobizaru (M13) beat Oshoumi (M16)
Ryuden (M15) beat Tomokaze (M13)
Chiyoshoma (M11) beat Hatsuyama (M17)
Nishikifuji (M11) beat Asanoyama (M16)
Abi (M12) beat Tokihayate (M10)
Midorifuji (M12) beat Roga (M9)
Shodai (M8) beat Kotoshoho (M10)
Hiradoumi (M6) beat Gonoyama (M9)
Kinbozan (M8) beat Onokatsu (M6)
The usual midway intermission pauses everything due to expecting the Emperor & family to make their way to their seats anytime now.
Fujinokawa (M7) beat Tamawashi (M5)
The NHK World Japan live broadcast begins here.
Atamifuji (M4) beat Oshoma (M7)
Churanoumi (M5) beat Takanosho (M3)
Wakatakakage (M2) beat Ura (M2)
Wakamotoharu (K) beat Yoshinofuji (M1)
Takayasu (S) beat Ichiyamamoto (M1)
Oho (K) beat Kotozakura (O)
Kirishima (S) beat Aonishiki (O)
Daieisho (M4) beat Hoshoryu (Y). KINBOSHI!!! The 5th career Gold Star Victory for Daieisho!
Hakunofuji (M3) beat Onosato (Y). KINBOSHI!!! The 4th career Gold Star Victory for Hakunofuji!
Leader: Abi, Kirishima (7-1)
Of note: It’s one and done in the top tier for now for Hatsuyama, he is now 0-8 and officially is the first demotion of the tournament in the top 2 tiers. Unless he wins his last 7, he’ll be back in Juryo in March. Kinbozan also gave us our first HENKA!!! of the tournament. Not illegal at all but generally fans and almost everyone else hate it. And that’s the 3rd Kinboshi in the last 4 tournaments Hakunofuji has taken against Onosato and the 4th straight tournament he’s beaten a Yokozuna. After today it’s just Kirishima & Abi in the lead at 7-1 but 8 are still in it at 6-2.
One more Kinboxhi chance tomorrow as Hoshoryu faces Atamifuji, but Onosato gets a break as he’ll start his Sanyaku slate with Wakamotoharu.
After Midorifuji-Roga the broadcast showed earlier footage of the Emperor & Empress along with Princess Aiko entering the Kokugikan, accompanied by Hakkaku (the current chairman of the Japam Sumo Association) with all the stablemasters present. The loudest cheers seemed to be for the very popular Princess Aiko. Hakkaku stayed with them. After they entered, the matches resumed.

Juryo:
Wakanosho (J11) beat Hakuyozan (J14)
Tsurugisho (J11) beat Kyokukaiyu (J12)
Dewanoryu (J13) beat Tohakuryu (J10)
Kazuma (J14) beat Hitoshi (J9)
Hidenoumi (J13) beat Kayo (J9)
NIshikigi (J12) beat Kitanowaka (J8)
Sadanoumi (J4) beat Meisei (J8)
Shonannoumi (J4) beat Kazekeno (J10)
Asasuiryu (J7) beat Fujiryoga (J3)
Tochitaikai (J7) beat Shirokuma (J3)
Daiseizan (J2) beat Nishinoryu (J6)
Kagayaki (J2) beat Kotokuzan (J6)
Kotoeiho (J1) beat Tamashoho (J5)
Takerufuji (J5) beat Fujiseiun (J2)
Leader: Fujiseiun, Kayo, Sadanoumi, Wakanosho (6-2)

Lower tier notes: Enho won his 4th Makushita match today so that’s another promotion and he will remain among the group of co-leaders at 4-0. That group will have a total of 7 after today. Enho goes for 5-0 tomorrow. There are 2 potential playoff scenarios involving stablemates right now as two of the leaders are Isegahama men and 2 others are Kasugano men. The Sandanme has 10 at 4-0. The Jonidan has 11 at 4-0 and the Jonokuchi has 3 at 4-0.

Today was also Shindeshi Day, where the new wrestlers debuting next tournament are introduced. There are 7 this time, most notably Bukchuulun (sp?), the latest top Mongolian super-prospect right behind now-Asahifuji, who is debuting this time out of Isegahama Beya and has clinched promotion already in Jonokuchi. Asahifuji sound familiar? If so, that was the shikona of the former Isegahama who had to retire last summer and hand the stable over to Terunofuji, although Isegahama got the 5 years provisional elder stock and is now Miyagino, taking it from the former Hakuho.

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

Makuuchi (top tier):
Ryuden (M15) beat Hatsuyama (M17)
Oshoumi (M16) beat Tomokaze (M13)
Asakoryu (M15) beat Tobizaru (M13)
Asanoyama (M16) beat Abi (M12)
Asahakuryu (M17) beat Midorifuji (M12)
Shishi (M14) beat Chiyoshoma (M11)
Tokihayate (M10) beat Mitakeumi (M14)
Nishikifuji (M11) beat Roga (M9)
Kotoshoho (M10) beat Kinbozan (M8)
Gonoyama (M9) beat Oshoma (M7)
Hiradoumi (M6) beat Shodai (M8)
Churanoumi (M5) beat Fujinokawa (M7)
Atamifuji (M4) beat Onokatsu (M6)
Takanosho (M3) beat Tamawashi (M5)
Ura (M2) beat Ichiyamamoto (M1)
Takayasu (S) beat Oho (K)
Kirishima (S) beat Yoshinofuji (M1)
Aonishiki (O) beat Wakamotoharu (K)
Kotozakura (O) beat Wakatakakage (M2)
Onosato (Y) beat Daieisho (M4)
Hoshoryu (Y) beat Hakunofuji (M3)
Leader: 6 at 6-1
Of note: No zensho yusho hopes anymore, and Abi’s first loss opened the floodgates again from one leader to 6 co-leaders including both Yokozuna and Aonishiki. Kirishima is also in that group while Oshoumi is an unlikely co-leader there too. We may see our first demotion tomorrow as Hatsuyama’s top tier debut could be one-and-done as he is the only 0-7 after Ura finally got his first win today against also-now-1-6 Ichiyamamoto. Sanyaku swept again today except for Wakamotoharu & Oho who both lose (Wakamotoharu is now also 1-6). There have been injury concerns about both Onosato (left shoulder) and Hoshoryu (knee) but both are holding up well so far. When the Emperor and Empress attend tomorrow the featured match looks to be Kirishima vs. Aonishiki. Daieisho & Hakunofuji get their second Yokozuna matches tomorrow.
Despite another loss Chiyoshoma was moving a little better today, especially afterwards, so hopefully any injury concerns are very minor.

Juryo:
Tsurugisho (J11) beat Dewanoryu (J13)
Tohakuryu (J10) beat Nishikigi (J11)
Kazuma (J14) beat Kazekeno (J10)
Kayo (J9) beat Hakuyozan (J14)
Hitoshi (J9) beat Hidenoumi (J13)
Kyokukaiyu (J12) beat Kitanowaka (J8)
Wakanosho (J11) beat Meisei (J8)
Nishinoryu (J6) beat Tochitaikai (J7)
Asasuiryu (J7) beat Kotokuzan (J6)
Fujiryoga (J3) beat Takerufuji (J5)
Shirokuma (J3) beat Kagayaki (J2)
Sadanoumi (J4) beat Daiseizan (J2)
Fujiseun (J1) beat Tamashoho (J5)
Kotoeiho (J1) beat Shonannoumi (J4)
Leader: Fujiseiun, Kayo (6-1)
Of note: Fujiseiun seems well on his way to hopefully earning top tier promotion next time after just missing out this tournament despite a winning record, while Kayo is an unlikely co-leader. The new Juryo wrestlers got a lot of TV attention & interviews this week and they’re now heading in opposite drections-Dewanoryu is struggling after a strong start and fell to 4-3 today with 3 straight losses, while after exceeding his career loss total in the first few days Kazuma has hopefully found his comfort zone, having bounced back to 3-4 after an 0-3 start and has a winning streak in Juryo for the first time.

Lower tier notes: Promotion Day began in the lower tiers today. In the Makushita, 4 have clinched their promotions so far at 4-0 with Toshinofuji-the firmer Seihakuho and one of the last prized Hakuho prospects before the Isegahame purge-poised to reach Juryo in March from Ms2 if he can get one more win. No match for Enho today, he goes for 4-0 and promotion tomorrow. In the Sandanme, 6 are already at 4-0 including former Juryo man Nabatame as he tries to come back from injuries which caused him to miss the last 3 tournaments-perhaps he’ll be able to inspire injured stablemate Mita, who now looks to be out until probably July which would mean he would return at either Sandanme or Jonidan (he is at Ms1 this time). In the Jonidan, 6 are at 4-0 with promotions so far while the Jonokuchi has 5 at 3-0 with one at 2-0 and his third match tomorrow.
And finally…perhaps sumo’s most lovable loser, Moriurara (a longtime Jonokuchi wrestler at Otake Beya who now is getting new fame thanks to the stable’s new YouTube channel), has clinched his 38th straight demotion/losing record. That’s over 6 years since his last promotion. His last winning record was in July 2019 and he hasn’t been promoted to Jonidan since May 2024 (sometimes a Jonokuchi wrestler can get promoted to Jonidan with a losing record). And for those wondering, no he would not be the oldest active rikishi if there was no Tamawashi. He is about 35 days younger than Sadanoumi, also 38.

Reminder: NHK World Japan will have 50 minutes of LIVE top tier coverage FOR FREE tomorrow beginning at 12:10 AM PT/3:10 AM ET. I will try to do live results tonight alongside planned live results from another event. The NHK World Premium start time is subject to change due to live sports coverage (another of several year-opening running races that is basically a relay-race version of the marathon) which is scheduled to wrap up just after 10 PM PT/1 AM ET but that could change unexpectedly.

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

Makuuchi (top tier):
Shishi (M16) beat Hatsuyama (M17)
Oshoumi (M16) beat Mitakeumi (M14)
Asahakuryu (M17) beat Tobizaru (M13)
Tomokaze (M13) beat Asanoyama (M16)
Abi (M12) beat Asanoyama (M15)
Ryuden (M15) beat Nishikifuji (M11)
Kotoshoho (M12) beat Midorifuji (M12)
Roga (M9) beat Chiyoshoma (M11)
Kinbozan (M8) beat Tokihayate (M10)
Fujinokawa (M7) beat Gonoyama (M9)
Onokatsu (M6) beat Shodai (M8)
Churanouni (M5) beat Oshoma (M7)
Atamifuji (M4) beat Hiradoumi (M6)
Hakunofuji (M3) beat Tamawashi (M5!
Yoshinofuji (M1) beat Ura (M2)
Wakamotoharu (K) beat Obo (K)
Kirishima (S) beat Ichiyamamoto (M1)
Kotozakura (O) beat Daieisho (M4)
Aonishiki (O) beat Takayasu (S)
Hoshoryu (Y) beat Takanosho (M3)
Onosato (Y) beat Wakatakakage (M2)
Leader: Abi (6-0)
Of note: There was some concern about if Chiyoshoma would be able to compete today as he was moving very slowly after his loss yesterday, a possible foot or hip injury being suggested by NHK English commentary. But he cane back at least for today. Otherwise mostly as expected today, all of Sanyaku won except Takayasu (facing Aonishiki) and Oho (facing Wakamotoharu) while Oshoma took his first loss leaving Abi as the last unbeaten left.

Juryo:
Nishikigi (J12) beat Hidenoumi (J13)
Kazuma (J14) beat Wakanosho (J11)
Kazekeno (J10) beat Tsurugisho (J11)
Hakuyozan (J14) beat Tohakuryu (J10)
Hitoshi (J9) beat Kyokukaiyu (J12)
Kayo (J9) beat Dewanoryu (J10)
Meisei (J8) beat Kotokuzan (J6)
Kitanowaka (J8) beat Nishinoryu (J6)
Tamashoho (J5) beat Tochitaikai (J7)
Asasuiryu (J7) beat Takerufuji (J5)
Daiseizan (J2) beat Shirokuma (J3)
Fujiryoga (J3) beat Kagayaki (J2)
Kotoeiho (J1) beat Sadanoumi (J4)
Shonannoumi (J4) beat Fujiseiun (J1)
Leader: Fujiseiun, Kayo (5-1)

Lower tier notes: 5 matches involving 3 wrestlers from Nishonoseki Beya and 2 from Shikihide Beya, all apparently in the lower tiers, were delayed because of a major power outage that affected train service throughout Tokyo and surrounding areas. Those matches were held when they arrived as the Japan Sumo Association was aware of the disruptions so the matches were delayed and not fusen for the involved wrestlers. (It should be noted Nishonoseki is one of a small handful of stables not located within Ryogoku or other parts of Tokyo, Onosato & his stablemates are based in Ibaraki Prefecture, as is Shikihide. Sadogatake is another long-distance one, I believe they are based in Chiba Prefecture) Elsewhere, tomorrow is the first half of Promotion Day, where the leaders will reach 4-0 and clinch promotions for the next tournament. Enho is among 15, and one of 3 Isrgahama men, in that group at 3-0 in Makushita-he will go for his promotion Sunday with no scheduled match tomorrow. The Sandanme has 19 at 3-0. The Jonidan has 23 at 3-0 while the Jonokuvhi has 5 at 3-0 but also one at 2-0 who oddly has had only 2 matches so far.

RETIREMENT: Daiamami (Ms17). The Japan Sumo Association announced his retirement today. He did not compete this tournament in Makushita (pre-tournament withdrawal). Daiamami, real name Genki Sakamoto, from Oitekaze Beya, finishes his career exactly 10 years after it began with a record of 392-418-8 (win-loss-absent), 73-103-4 in the top tier and one Juryo Championship with a career high rank of M11. He qualifies for elder stock but it’s not yet known if any is available.

Also of note: The current Emperor is expected to be in attendance Sunday for Day 8 and enhanced security measures, namely baggage inspections for attending fans, have been announced. (Emperor is mainly a ceremonial position in Japan with little to no actual power/authority. The Prime Minister is basically the President/lead ruler. Many think the current PM, Sanae Takaichi, won’t be in the Kokugikan at all including the Final Day for award presentations just because she is a woman. Traditionally women are forbidden from stepping foot on the dohyo and sumo seems reluctant to change despite a growing number of women participating-or wanting to-in the sport)

UPDATE: According to reliable English language YouTube news source Chris Sumo, no elder stock for Daiamami and he will leave the Sumo Association.

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

Makuuchi (top tier):
Asanoyama (M16) beat Ryuden (M15)
Mitakeumi (M14) beat Hatsuyama (M17)
Oshoumi (M16) beat Shishi (M14)
Tomokaze (M13) beat Asahakuryu (M17)
Midorifuji (M12) beat Asakoryu (M15)
Nishikifuji (M11) beat Tobizaru (M13)
Abi (M12) beat Chiyoshoma (M11)
Tokihayate (M10) beat Roga (M9)
Kotoshoho (M10) beat Gonoyama (M9)
Fujinokawa (M7) beat Shodai (M8)
Oshoma (M7) beat Kinbozan (M8)
Hiradoumi (M6) beat Churanouni (M5)
Onokatsu (M6) beat Tamawashi (M5)
Atamifuji (M4) beat Ura (M2)
Yoshinofuji (M1) beat Ichiyamamoto (M1)
Takayasu (S) beat Wakamotoharu (K)
Oho (K) beat Kirishima (S)
Aonishiki (O) beat Daieisho (M4)
Hakunofuji (M3) beat Kotozakura (O)
Onosato (Y) beat Takanosho (M3)
Hosboryu (Y) beat Wakatakakage (M2)
Leader: Abi, Oshoma (5-0)
Of note: Things settled down a little today as no Kinbochi conceded by the Yokozuna and Aoniahiki also bounced back with a win, but Kotozakura took a second straight loss and Kirishima fell from the unbeaten ranks, leaving two at 5-0. Both Oshoma & Abi are wildly inconsistent at times but Abi has won a championship before so he knows what it takes. A key early match tomorrow is Takayasu-Aonishiki with both at 4-1. Both Yokozuna are also in the 4-1 group

Juryo:
Kyokukaiyu (J12) beat Hidenoumi (J13)
Nishikigi (J12) beat Dewanoryu (J13)
Tsurugisho (J11) beat Hakuyozan (J14)
Tohakuryu ((J10) beat Kazuma (J14)
Wakanosho (J11) beat Kazekeno (J10)
Kayo (J9) beat Kitanowaka (J8)
Hitoshi (J9) beat Meisei (J8)
Asasuiryu (J7) beat Nishinoryu (J6)
Kotokuzan (J6) beat Tochitaikai (J7)
Takerufuji (J5) beat Shonannouni (J4)
Kagayaki (J2) beat Tamashoho (J5)
Fujiryoga (J3) beat Daiseizan (J2)
Fujiseiun (J1) beat Sadanoumi (J4)
Kotoeiho (J1) beat Shirokuma (J3)
Leader: Fujiseiun (5-0)

Lower tier notes: No match for Enho today after consecutive days of Makushita matches. He’ll go for 3-0 tomorrow.

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

Makuuchi (top tier):
Oshoumi (M16) beat Ryuden (M15)
Asakoryu (M15) beat Hatsuyama (M17)
Asanoyama (M16) beat Shishi (M14)
Mitakeumi (M14) beat Asahakuryu (M17)
Midorifuji (M12) beat Tobizaru (M13)
Abi (M12) beat Tomokaze (M13)
Tokihayate (M10) beat Chiyoshoma (M11)
Kotoshoho (M10) beat Nishikifuji (M11)
Shodai (M8) beat Gonoyama (M9)
Roga (M9) beat Kinbozan (M8)
Oshoma (M7) beat Hiradoumi (M6)
Fujinokawa (M7) beat Onokatsu (M6)
Tamawashi (M5) beat Daieisho (M4)
Atamifuji (M4) beat Churanouni (M5)
Wakatakakage (M2) beat Takanosho (M3)
Kirishima (S) beat Wakanotoharu (K)
Oho (K) beat Aonishiki (O)
Hosboryu (Y) beat Ura (M2)
Yoshinofuji (M1) beat Onosato (Y). KINBOSHI!!! The third career Gold Star Victory-and second straight-for Yoshinofuji!
Leader: Kirishina, Oshoma, Abi (4-0)
Of note: Stop the presses! What is going on today? Consecutive Kinboshi for Yoshinofuji?!? Most of Sanuaku lost today including 3 of the 4 Yokozuna and Ozeki! That includes Aonishiki taking his first loss. But Onosato losing today isn’t a big surprise now…in his first 5 tournaments since reaching Juryo he always won on this day although one was a fusen. Since then? 3-7. And since promotion to Ozeki? 2-6, including 3 straight Day 4 losses at one point. He may be getting 0-4 Takamosho at a good time tomorrow. Hoshoryu managed to keep Ura winless to stay in the group at 3-1 that now includes all Sanyaku except Kirishima (4-0) and Oho (1-3) plus Wakamotoharu (0-4).

Juryo:
Kyokukaiyu (J12) beat Hakiyozan (J14)
Kazuma (J14) beat Tsurugisho (J11)
Dewanoryu (J13) beat Kazekeno (J10)
Hidenouni (J13) beat Tohakuryu (J10)
Hitoshi (J9) beat Nishikigi (J13)
Kayo (J9) beat Wakanosho (J11)
Kitanowaka (J8) beat Kotokuzan (J6)
Nishinoryu (J6) beat Meisei (J8)
Tamashoho (J5) beat Asasuiryu (J7)
Tochitaikai (J7) beat Takerufuji (J5)
Daiseizan (J2) beat Shonannouni (J4)
Sadanoumi (J4) beat Kagayaki (J2)
Fujiryoga (J3) beat Kotoeiho (J1)
Fujiseiun (J1) beat Shirokuma (J3)
Leader: Dewanoryh, Sadanoumi, Fujiseiun (4-0)
Of note: Kazuma finally got his first win in Juryo today to stop a losing streak that saw him lose more matxhes this tournament so far-3-than in his entire career so far-2-excluding 4+ tournaments (30 days) missed due to injuries. The big story so far is Dewanoryu, who made it to Juryo this time after 6+ years of trying…and he’s made the most of it so far, off to a 4-0 start and being one of the co-leaders.

Lower tier notes: No match for Enho today after 2 straight days of Makushita matches. No match on the schedule tomorrow so it looks like he will next compete Friday on Day 6.

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

Makiuchi (top tier):
Oshoumi (M16) beat Hatsuyama (M17)
Asahakuryu (M17) beat Ryuden (M15)
Asanoyama (M16) beat Mitakeumi (M14)
Asakoryu (M15) beat Tomokaze (M13)
Shishi (M14) beat Tobizaru (M13)
Abi (M12) beat Nishikifuji (M11)
Chiyoshoma (M11) beat Midorifuji (M12)
Kotoshoho (M10) beat Roga (M9)
Gonoyama (M9) beat Tokihayate (M10)
Fujinokawa (M7) beat Kinbozan (M8)
Oshoma (M7) beat Shodai (M8)
Onokatsu (M6) beat Churanoumi (M5)
Hiradoumi (M6) beat Tamawashi (M5)
Atamifuji (M4) beat Takanosho (M3)
Wakatakakage (M2) beat Oho (S)
Takayasu (S) beat Daieisho (M4)
Kirishima (S) beat Hakunofuji (M3)
Aonishiki (O) beat Ichiyamamoto (M1)
Kotozakura (O) beat Wakamotoharu (K)
Onosato (Y) beat Ura (M2)
Yoshinofuji (M1) beat Hosboryu (Y). KINBOSHI!!! The second career Gold Star Victory for Yoshinofuji!
Of note: Kinboshi have actually been a bit of a curse lately for Isegahama men as Yosjinofuji & Hakunofuji have both struggled in tournaments after getting them. Will that be the case again? Also, after reported judging issues today, one thing from yesterday to mention-I have to go back and rewatch everything to remember which match but on a Mono-ii yesterday they completely blew one call, upholding the referee’s decision when it should have been overturned (you can watch this match replay on demand on NHK World Japan or their YouTube channel for a limited time) On another side note, near the halfway point of today’s NHK World Premium broadcast they cut away several minutes for a Sanae Takaichi (Japanese Prime Minister) live speech with her South Korean counterpart so I’ll have to watch the highlights/digest programs to see what I missed.

Juryo:
Dewanoryu (J13) beat Hakuyozan (J14)
Kyokukaiyu (J12) beat Kazuma (J14)
Tsurugisho (J11) beat Hidenoumi (J13)
Wakanosho (J11) beat Nishikigi (J12)
Tohakuryu (J10) beat Kayo (J9)
Kazekeno (J10) beat Hitoshi (J9)
Kitanowaka (J8) beat Asasuiryu (J7)
Meisei (J8) beat Tochitaikai (J7)
Takerufuji (J5) beat Nishinoryu (J6)
Kotokuzan (J6) beat Tamashoho (J5)
Shirokuma (J3) beat Shonannoumi (J4)
Sadanoumi (J4) beat Fujiryoga (J3)
Fujiseiun (J1) beat Kagayaki (J2)
Kotoeiho (J1) beat Daiseizan (J2)

Lower tier notes: Enho won his second match in 2 days to get off to another quick 2-0 start in Makushifa. At Ms11 he’d need to go 7-0 for any chance at Juryo promotion in March. No match tomorrow.

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

Makuuchi (top tier):
Asanoyama (M16) beat Hatsuyama (M17)
Asahakuryu (M17) beat Oshoumi (M16)
Shishi (M14) beat Asakoryu (M15)
Mitakeumi (M14) beat Ryuden (M15)
Tomokaze (M13) beat Midorifuji (M12)
Abi (M12) beat Tobizaru (M13)
Nishikifuji (M11) beat Tokihayate (M10)
Chiyoshoma (M11) beat Kotoshoho (M10)
Shodai (M8) beat Roga (M9)
Kinbozan (M8) beat Gonoyama (M9)
Fujinokawa (M7) beat Hiradoumi (M6)
Oshoma (M7) beat Onokatsu (M6)
Churanoumi (M5) beat Daieisho (M4)
Tamawashi (M5) beat Atamifuji (M4)
Hakunofuji (M3) beat Wakamotoharu (K)
Kirishima (S) beat Takanosho (M3)
Wakatakakage (M2) beat Takayasu (S
Kotozakura (O) beat Ura (M2)
Aonishiki (O) beat Toshinofuji (M1)
Hoshoryu (Y) beat Ichiyamamoto (M1)
Onosato (Y) beat Oho (K)

Juryo:
Hidenoumi (J13) beat Hakuyozan (J14)
Dewanoryu (J13) beat Kazuma (J14)
Wakanosho (J11) beat Kyokukaiyu (J12)
Nishikihi (J12) beat Tsurugisho (J11)
Hitoshi (J9) beat Tohakuryu (J10)
Kayo (J9) beat Kazekeno (J10)
Kitanowaka (J8) beat Tochitaikai (J7)
Meisei (J8) beat Asasuiryu (J7)
Nishinoryu (J6) beat Tamashoho (J5)
Takerufuji (J5) beat Kotokuzan (J6)
Fujiryoga (J3) beat Shonannoumi (J4)
Sadanoumi (J4) beat SHirokuma (J3)
Kagayaki (J2) beat Kotoeiho (J1)
Fujiseiun (J1) beat Daiseizan (J2)
Of note: With an 0-2 start, Kazuma now has both his most losses in a tournament so far in his career and has matched his entire career loss total coming in (2, excluding 30 Absent, which are treated like losses for ranking purposes). Still too early to call his rapid rise a fluke?

Lower tier notes: Enho won his first match of the new year today, although with perhaps some of that Isegahama influence after all as he won with katasukashi, under shoulder swing down, the signature technique of stablemate Midorifuji. His second match will come tomorrow (early for lower tiers given an even day start) against Otsuji then he will sit out Wednesday.

Note regarding results: For this tournament weekday results will usually be posted between 5-7 PM PT due to work conflicts. Weekend results generally will be posted between 8-11 AM PT. On Days 8 & 15 I may try to do LIVE results from 10 PM PT-1 AM PT.

Here are the quick LIVE results from today’s Day 1-Opening Day-of the January 2026 Grand Sumo Tournament in Tokyo for the top 2 tiers:
Key: M-Maegashira, K-Komusubi, S-Sekiwake, O-Ozeki, Y-Yokozuna, J-Juryo

Makuuchi (top tier):
Asahakuryu (M17) beat Hatsuyama (M17)
Oshoumi (M16) beat Asanoyama (M16)
Ryuden (M15) beat Asakoryu (M15) by disqualification/judges reversal…HANSOKU!!! Grabbing/pulling hair/topknot by Asakoryu which was clearly caught on replay so although he won it’s overturned. Grabbing or pulling the opponent’s hair or topknot is illegal in sumo
Shishi (M14) beat Mitakeumi (M14)
Tobizaru (M13) beat Tomokaze (M13)
Abi (M12) beat Midorifuji (M12)
Nishikifuji (M11) beat Chiyoshoma (M11)
Tokihayate (M10) beat Kotoshoho (M10)
Roga (M9) beat Gonoyama (M9)
Shodai (M8) beat Kinbozan (M8)
Oshoma (M7) beat Fujinokawa (M7)
Hiradoumi (M6) beat Onokatsu (M6)
Churanoumi (M5) beat Tamawashi (M5)
Daieisho (M4) beat Atamifuji (M4)
Hakunofuji* (M3) beat Oho (K)
Takayasu (S) beat Takanosho (M3)
Kirishima (S) beat Wakatakakage (M2)
Aonishiki (O) beat Ura (M2)
Kotozakura (O) beat Yoshinofuji (M1)
Onosato (Y) beat Ichiyamamoto (M1)
Hoshoryu (Y) beat Wakamotoharu (K)
*-fka Hakuoho before the final Hakuho purge by Isegahama/Terunofuji. All the former Miyagino men had to change to the Fuji-ending names except Enho.

Juryo:
Hakuyozan (J14) beat Kazuma (J14)
Dewanoryu (J13) beat Hidenoumi (J13)
Kyokukaiyu (J12) beat Nishikigi (J12)
Wakanosho (J11) beat Tsurugisho (J11)
Tohakuryu (J10) beat Kazekeno (J10)
Kayo (J9) beat Hitoshi (J9)
Meisei (J8) beat Kitanowaka (J8)
Tochitaikai (J7) beat Asasuiryu (J7)
Nishinoryu (J6) beat Kotokuzan (J6)
Tamashoho (J5) beat Takerufuji (J5)
Sadanoumi (J4) beat Shonannoumi (J4)
Shirokuma (J3) beat Fujiryoga (J3)
Daiseizan (J2) beat Kagayaki (J2)
Fujisieun (J1) beat Kotoeiho (J1)
Of note: That’s just the 3rd career loss for Kazuma today in his Juryo debut, he has 31 wins to date but also 30 absent. Having reportedly just submitted marriage papers today, there are rumors that Tsurugisho will retire if he gets demoted below Juryo, so no pressure.

Lower tier notes: No match today for Enho in Makushita, now the last post-Hakuho hope that wasn’t forced to become a Fuji by Isegahama/Terunofuji. His first match will be tomorrow. As expected, Mita is out this tournament at Ms1 so no promotion chances. Might be back in March.

Side note: For the first time in several years, at least as long as I’ve been regularly watching sumo (early 2020 on), there are no pre-tournament withdrawals in the top 2 tiers. There were injury concerns about Onosato and (last-minute) Hoshoryu but both Yokozuna are in (and although he didn’t use his questionable shoulder, Onosato looked very much like Onosato). It also means a rare instance of the “normal” Day 1 match structure-all wrestlers at or below M4 face the other wrestler at that rank, while M3 & above face Sanyaku or Yokozuna. All Juryo wrestlers will face the other wrestler at their same rank.

How to watch:
All matches across all tiers are streamed live for free on ABEMA, but if you’re not in Japan it’s difficult to get due to geoblocking. It can be done though (need a good VPN). Starts around 5 PM PT/8 PM ET.

NHK in Japan live broadcasts usually begin in the Makushita matches and go all the way through.

NHK World Premium broadcasts all top tier matches in Japanese and English as a simulcast of the NHK version. Available on participating cable/satellite providers and on Jme, a streaming service from NHK which is available in the US and Canada. Jme has monthly & annual subscription plans available, and for new subscribers there is a 5-day free trial. Jme also has a dedicated sumo channel that broadcasts that entire day’s NHK World Premium broadcast in its entirety 4 times daily during the tournament starting at 11 AM PT/2 PM ET (this includes a 30-minute highlight program after the 2 hour replay). Note the Premium/Jme broadcast is subject to one or two brief interruptions during the broadcast for quick news updates.

NHK World Japan will have 50 minutes of live top tier coverage FOR FREE today beginning at 12:10 AM PT/3:10 AM ET and after the matches will replay their “Grand Sumo Highlights” program 4 times daily with all top tier matches in their entirety. NHK World Japan is available with Jme and select cable/satellite providers but is also available FOR FREE online and as a mobile/tablet/smart TV app, which also allows you to watch the Highlights program on demand the day after each day’s matches (later that day US time). After today, further live broadcasts will be on Day 8 (50 minutes), Day 14 (50 minutes) and the Final Day (90 minutes).

The official Japan Sumo Association mobile/tablet app allows you to view real-time results for all matches and watch on demand replays of the top 2 tiers plus select Makushita matches moments after a match finishes. The app is available on Apple & Android devices for free, but for unlimited on demand viewing (and ad-free usage) you need a Premium subscription. In the US this is available in the app for $4.99/month and also provides other benefits such as being able to vote for the wrestler of the day in real-time. You can also watch nearly 15 years of past tournament matches on demand.

UPDATE: Something funny I missed watching live that I caught watching a replay earlier today…after the Ryuden-Asakoryu Mono-ii when the decision was being explained to the crowd, the chief judge making the announcement accidentally called Asakoryu “Asashoryu” at first, which he caught after this got a good laugh from the fans in attendance.

In news widely reported by various sources including Nikkan Sports, Hochi Sports and in English by YouTube channel Chris Sumo, the Japan Sumo Association has handed down various punishments to Kise Beya over disciplinary issues, or apparent lack thereof, stemming from incidents of violence between two unnamed wrestlers over apparent theft.

First, the current Kise stablemaster has been DEMOTED to the lowest level of elders/stablemasters, essentially a 2 step demotion that pretty muich ends any hopes he had of an executive position in upcoming elections. Second, one of the two so-far unnamed wrestlers, who retaliated against the second unnamed wrestler who stole money from his wallet, was given a 2 TOURNAMENT SUSPENSION for retaliatory violence (punching the other repeatedly in the head) but has instead opted to retire. The Association tends to reveal retired wrestlers later on their website and mobile app, if they do we may find out who it is/was but all we know now is it was a lower tier wrestler and not Makuuchi or Juryo (meaning not one of their well-known top guys like Ura or Kinbozan). The thief & violence victim gets NO PUNISHMENT. Chris Sumo suggested perhaps he could have gotten, at worst, a 5 match suspension which for a lower tier wrestler would have meant most of the January Tournament.

In response, Kise Beya has posted a short video on their YouTube channel, the description of which translates loosely as an apology and vow to do better as well as asking for fans to be respectful in the comments on YouTube & Instagram (an presumably LINE, the Japanese messaging service that almost everyone in Japan uses). Unfortunately this is apparently not uncommon despite all we see on YouTube (especially as more stables join, Otake & Misashigawa Beya are among those who recently started channels and Tatsunami Beya recently received a Silver Play Button for over 100K subscribers) so we’ll see what happens going forward. We’ll also see if they do reveal who retired as a result.

It’s earlier than usual but sumo fans just got an early Christmas present-the Japan Sumo Association has just announced the updated Banzuke (rankings) for the January 2026 Grand Sumo Tournament. Below are the full rankings for the top 2 tiers then some related notes:

Makuuchi (top tier):
Yokozuna-Onosato, Hoshoryu
Ozeki-Aonishiki (November Champion), Kotozakura
Sekiwake-Kirishima, Takayasu
Komusubi-Oho, Wakamotoharu
Maegashira 1-Ichiyamamoto, Yoshinofuji
Maegashira 2-Ura, Wakatakakage
Maegashira 3-Takanosho, Hakunofuji
Maegashira 4-Daieisho, Atsmifuji
Maegashira 5-Tamawashi, Churanoumi
Maegashira 6-Hiradoumi, Onokatsu
Maegashira 7-Oshoma, Fujinokawa
Maegashira 8-Shodai, Kinbozan
Maegashira 9-Gonoyama, Roga
Maegashira 10-Tokihayate, Kotoshoho
Maegashira 11-Chiyoshoma, Nishikifuji
Maegashira 12-Midorifuji, Abi
Maegashira 13-Tobizaru, Tomokaze
Maegashira 14-Shishi, Mitakeumi
Maegashira 15-Ryuden, Asakoryu
Maegashira 16-Asanoyama, Oshoumi
Maegashira 17-Asahakuryu, Hatsuyama
Notes: First up, another one you don’t recognize? Yep, now that he’s a full-fledged Isegahama wrestler and no more Miyagino/Hakuho, Hakuoho is now also a kaimei rikishi, with a new shikona (ring name) and is under full Isegahama credo as Hakunofuji. Sounds like he also is the first to have a Terunofuji-influenced ring name on top of the Fuji requirement (Terunofuji is now the current Isegahama). That aside…the big story is Aonishiki being promoted to Ozeki and making his first effort at the second-highest ranking, beginning his quest towards a vow to reach Yokozuna this year. He comes in on the heels of his first Emperor’s Cup and will look to win more tournaments and more matches. There may be some health concerns about Onosato due to a shoulder injury that caused him to withdraw for the first time on the final day of November, but all indications are he should be good to go. Hoshoyu won this tournament last year to clinch promotion to Yokozuna and is coming off another playoff loss. At the bottom, Asanoyama makes his long-awaited return to the top tier right between Takasago stablemates Asakoryu-hanging on to his spot despite another struggle in November-and Asahakuryu who makes his top tier debut after only 2 Juryo tournaments including a championship. Hatsuyama will also make his top tier debut at the bottom of the rankings while the Aonishiki promotion takes away the Maegashira 18 ranking for now.

UPDATE (12/24/2025): Nikkan Sports reports Onosato is expected to participate in the tournament.

Juryo:
Juryo 1-Kotoeiho, Fujiseiun
Juryo 2-Daiseizan, Kagayaki
Juryo 3-Fujiryoga (November Champion), Shirokuma
Juryo 4-Sadanoumi, Shonannoumi
Juryo 5-Tamashoho, Takerufuji
Juryo 6-Kotokuzan, Nishinoryu
Juryo 7-Tochitaikai, Asasuiryu
Juryo 8-Meisei, Kitanowaka
Juryo 9-Hitoshi, Kayo
Juryo 10-Kazekeno, Tohakuryu
Juryo 11-Wakanosho, Tsurugisho
Juryo 12-Nishikigi, Kyokukaiyu
Juryo 13-Hidenoumi, Dewanoryu
Juryo 14-Hakuyozan, Kazuma (November Makushita Champion)
Notes: Not quite enough for Fujiryoga to get to the top tier after a championship in his Juryo debut as he’s near the top of loaded rankings. Somewhat surprised Fujiseiun didn’t get promoted to the top tier despite 8-7 at J1 last time, he’ll have to try again this time. Kotoeiho also lost out on the numbers game too and only went up one spot to J1 despite 9-6. Meisei didn’t fall as far as I feared he would, only to the middle of Juryo and hopefully will be ready for a full comeback as he was a late entry in November after back surgery. The Shin-Juryo wrestlers fill out the bottom 3 rankings with Kazuma debuting after a championship at Ms15.

Lower tier notes: As probably expected, Mita was demoted from Juryo after having to withdraw early due to injury and is now at Makushita 1, but he is not expected to compete this time. Former Juryo champion Tochimusashi is the other Ms1. Himukamaru was demoted back to Makushita after his Juryo debut, but not too bad as he only fell to Ms2 so he can get back quickly. At the other slot, the Miyagino purge by Isegahama continues as Seihakuho is also kaimei, now going forward he will be Toshinofuji. Shiden was also demoted from Juryo and is at Ms3. Basically anyone that was a Miyagino man in Isegahama now, except for Enho, is also kaimei and is now a Fuji. Enho took a smaller than hoped for jump up, moving up to Ms11 which means he probably will need to go 7-0 and win the championship for a Juryo return in March. Debuting at Ms21 in the third tier is Kaki, who will be going for a 4th straight championship to open his career, and in all 4 of the lower tiers. That feat could mean a Juryo debut in March. The Sandanme is at the usual “new normal” of 80 ranks and 160 total wrestlers. The Jonidan slims down a little to 101 ranks and 202 total wrestlers while the Jonokuchi has 21 ranks and 42 total wrestlers.

The January Tournament runs from 1/11-1/25 at Ryogoku Kokugikan in Tokyo. All tickets are already sold out.

From the pre-tournament Banzuke Topics, here are some more notes about Aonishiki’s promotion:
Excluding Makushita debuts like Onosato, he is the fastest ever to go from pro debut to Ozeki, needing just 14 tournaments and blowing away the prior record. The previous record? 19 tournaments for Kotooshu (now the stablemaster Naruto). And he did it in leas than half the time it took Hakuho! (31 tournaments which is 10th)
He is tied with Azumafuji & Onosato for fastest from top tier debut to Ozeki since after World War 2, needing just 5 tournaments.
At 21 years 8 months, he is the 4th youngest new Ozeki since 1958. He beat out now-5th place Asashoryu by a few days (21 years 9 months). The youngest ever new Ozeki is Takanohana who was 20 years 5 months. Aonishiki is behind Hakuho in 3rd who was 21.