Tag: sumo

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Makuuchi (top tier):
Daiseizan (J1) beat Ryuden (M16)
Fujiryoga (M17) beat Tobizaru (M15)
Wakanosho (M16) beat Mitakeumi (M14)
Roga (M14) beat Oshoumi (M15)
Tokihayate (M12) beat Tamawashi (M13)
Ura (M11) beat Shishi (M12)
Kotoeiho (M13) beat Kinbozan (M11)
Abi (M9) beat Asanoyama (M10)
Oshoma (M8) beat Nishikifuji (M9)
Hakunofuji (M10) beat Asahakuryu (M8)
Fujiseiun (M6) beat Asakoryu (M7)
Churanoumi (M6) beat Wakamotoharu (M5)
Chiyoshoma (M7) beat Shodai (M5)
Gonoyama (M4) beat Hiradoumi (M3)
Wakatakakage (K) beat Daieisho (M4)
Oho (M3) beat Takayasu (K) by default/withdrawal
Takanosho (M1) beat Atamifuji (S)
Fujinokawa (M1) beat Kotoshoho (S)
Kotozakura (O) beat Yoshinofuji (M2)
Kirishima (O) beat Ichiyamamoto (M2)
Leader: Kirishima, Wakatakakage, Kotoeiho (4-0)
WITHDRAWAL: Takayasu (K). Right thigh (adductor muscle). Status uncertain. According to stablemaster Tagonoura it’s not tournament-ending. However, Hochi Sports reports that, per the submitted medical certificate, out 2 weeks which would mean tournament over. If so that definitely means demotion from Sanyaku. He was 2-1 after yesterday. Oho got the fusen as a result.
Of note: Nikkan Sports reports Hakunofuji received a warning from the judging department after today’s matches. Apparently not doing the proper prize money hand gestures post-match. I’ll watch for this when I am able to watch replays later today. With the Takayasu withdrawal that means no more Juryo men up for now starting tomorrow. (UPDATE: He did the hand gestures, but barely and perhaps incomplete. I believe the warning is justified, he knows better)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Not good news ahead of the May Grand Sumo Tournament-Nikkan Sports reports Ozeki Aonishiki, who is in danger of demotion after his first losing tournament following 2 straight championships and being in Yokozuna contention, was injured in practice today (yesterday Japan time). Left ankle. It happened during practice at Arashio Beya in Tokyo, which the Ajigawa Beya-based Aonishiki was visiting, and possibly happened during a practice bout with Wakamotoharu. Stablemaster Ajigawa said he will make a decision on Aonishiki’s tournament participation in the next day or two (the deadline for pre-tournament withdrawals is Friday) but if Aonishiki can’t compete or can’t win at least 8 matches he will be demoted to Sekiwake in July.

More as it becomes available.

UPDATE: Aonishiki is OUT. At least for the first day, maybe two days. But right now it does not look like he will miss the entire tournament, meaning he must return and get 8+ wins to avoid demotion. Also, Yokozuna Onosato is also OUT. Left shoulder. Sounds like he will not compete at all.

The wait was a little longer this time but it’s finally over-the Japan Sumo Association has just announced the updated Banzuke (rankings) for the May 2026 Grand Sumo Tournament in Tokyo. Here are the full rankings for the top 2 tiers and other items of note:

Makuuchi (top tier):
Yokozuna-Hoshoryu, Onosato
Ozeki-Kirishima (March Tournament Champion), Kotozakura, Aonishiki
Sekiwake-Atamisuji, Kotoshoho
Komusubi-Wakatakakage, Takayasu
Maegashira 1-Fujinokawa, Takanosho
Maegashira 2-Yoshinofuji, Ichiyamamoto
Maegashira 3-Hiradoumi, Oho
Maegashira 4-Daieisho, Gonoyama
Maegashira 5-Wakamotoharu, Shodai
Maegashira 6-Churanoumi, Fujiseiun
Maegashira 7-Chiyoshoma, Asakoryu
Maegashira 8-Oshoma, Asahakuryu
Maegashira 9-Abi, Nishikifuji
Maegashira 10-Asanoyama, Hakunofuji
Maegashira 11-Ura, Kinbozan
Maegashira 12-Shishi, Tokihayate
Maegashira 13-Kotoeiho, Tamawashi
Maegashira 14-Mitakeumi, Roga
Maegashira 15-Tobizaru, Oshoumi
Maegashira 16-Wakanosho, Ryuden
Maegashira 17-Fujiryoga
Notes: With his March championship Kirishima was re-promoted to Ozeki making 3 at the second-highest rank for now, but Aonishiki is now in kadoban status after his first career losing record, meaning he must win 8+ matches or he will be demoted to Sekiwake. And it was revealed after the tournament Aonishiki actually was injured in March. Foot/toe. That cost him a chance at a 3rd straight championship and potential promotion to Yokozuna now and he must start over. Onosato is expected back for the tournament after having to withdraw in March for not only his first such absence (not counting the final day of January) but also his first career losing record, and equal to 0-15 at that. Sekiwake…wow. Atamifuji was expected to make his debut at that rank and will but…Kotoshoho?!? Did not see that coming! Takayasu was demoted only to Komusubi while Wakatakakage was promoted back up there to replace brother Wakamotoharu. Fujinokawa is now just short of Sanyaku with Yoshinofuji only going down one spot from March. At the bottom, Ryuden returns from Juryo after another tournament down while Wakanosho makes his top tier debut alongside him with Fujiryoga holding on to his top tier spot for a second chance despite a 7-8 debut. And he’ll also likely have a topknot for the first time too.
Finally, Tamawashi’s Iron Man records will keep going but he’s in the most danger of his top tier appearance streak ending than he has been in some time as he’s fallen to M13. This will be top tier appearance #100.

Juryo:
Juryo 1-Onokatsu, Daiseizan
Juryo 2-Sadanoumi, Takerufuji
Juryo 3-Dewanoryu (March Juryo Champion), Hatsuyama
Juryo 4-Kyokukaiyu, Asasuiryu
Juryo 5-Tomokaze, Kitanowaka
Juryo 6-Kazuma, Meisei
Juryo 7-Kagayaki, Toshinofuji
Juryo 8-Shonannoumi, Shirokuma
Juryo 9-Nishinoryu, Kayo
Juryo 10-Tohakuryu, Midorifuji
Juryo 11-Kazekeno, Nishikigi
Juryo 12-Hitoshi, Tamashoho
Juryo 13-Okaryu, Hakuyozan
Juryo 14-Tochitaikai, Enho
Note: The big stories are at the bottom of the ranks, specifically the return of Enho to Juryo after being demoted all the way down the rankings due to injury. This will mark his 30th career tournament in the top 2 tiers and that means he now will qualify for elder stock upon retirement, which he doesn’t plan on anytime soon. He barely made it at J14 but he made it nonetheless. Midorifuji took a big fall from the top tier after missing March due to heart failure, his status is uncertain but hopefully he will be good to go (the initial report in March was he would be out 1 month for treatment). Kazuma made a big move up in a much better second outing after a shaky debut while Takerufuji moves to the fringe of a top tier return. Sadanoumi’s near-miss dropped him only one spot to J2 so he’ll have another chance to get back along with Onokatsu who is down to J1. Okaryu is the only Shin-Juryo rikishi as the top prospect stablemate of Hoshoryu will make his second tier debut, giving Tatsunami Beya 3 rikishi in the top 2 tiers along with Hoshoryu and Meisei. Hakuyozan & Tochitaikai are the Sai-Juryo rikishi this tournament.

Lower tier notes: In the Makushita, March Champion Wakanofuji moved up to Ms3 for his third tournament so he is in position to get Kasugano Beya back into the top two tiers after missing out for the first time in a long time, while Ms1 will be Juryo demotion Fujitensei and Takakento, who may have missed out on a Juryo return with a final day March loss. Because of the timing of his retirement, Tsurugisho is ranked at Ms11 but obviously will not compete. The Sandanme remains at the “new normal” 80 ranks and 160 total wrestlers. The Jonidan slims down slightly to 102 ranks and 204 wrestlers while the Jonokuchi has 23 ranks & 45 wrestlers, with 18 scheduled debuts including top prospect Fuma Kawazoe, who will debut as his real last name of Kawazoe for Ajigawa Beya.

There are also 2 kaimei rikishi in the Makushita as the former Yoshii & Fukai have new shikona (ring names)-Yoshii is now Tokifudo and Fukai is now Asanoryu (following the general Takasago Beya practice of everyone being an Asa first).

The May Tournament is 5/10-5/24 at Ryogoku Kokugikan in Tokyo. All tickets are already sold out.

UPDATE: Nikkan Sports reports Midorifuji will be IN for the tournament. This comes from the wrestler himself, who added his heart failure was caused by excessive drinking & high blood pressure and is doing well with nedocations and diet. It also has been reported that, if he were forced to retire because of this, he does qualify for elder stock so hopefully a spot would be available for him.

As expected, the Japan Sumo Association handed down punishment to stablemaster Isrgahama fka Terunofuji today and as expected, it wasn’t severe.

The punishment: 2 Rank Elder Stock Demotion to the lowest rank and a 10% pay cut for 3 months. It could have been as bad as kicked out of sumo.

There is some precedent here as a similar incident caused then-stablemaster Nakagawa to lose bis stable 6 years ago, but it seems that since it was essentially just one punch and from a seated position, Isegahama got off easy It also seemed to be seen as corrective action towards Hakunofuji and there seems to be no indications of regular violence in the stable. The stable will also be placed on the equivalent of probation.

As for Hakunofuji, he is given a severe reprimand but no formal disciplinary action.

Both appeared before the Japanese media today and apologized for the incident.

But yeah, sumo again protecting its own elders above all else plus it’s that powerful Isrgahama clout.