Tag: sumo

With the September 2025 Grand Sumo Tournament now in the books and the post-tournament rankings meeting held, here are the final records from the event and some early news/notes:

Continue reading “Sumo-September 2025 Tournament Final Records & Post-Tournament News”

Here are the quick results from today’s Day 15-the Final Day-of the September 2025 Grand Sumo Tournament in Tokyo:
Key: M-Maegashira, K-Komusubi, S-Sekiwake, Y-Yokozuna, J-Juryo, Ms-Makushita, Sd-Sandanme, Jd-Jonidan, Jk-Jonokuchi

Makuuchi (top tier):
Tobizaru (M15) beat Asakoryu (M14)
Hitoshi (M17) beat Meisei (M13)
Mitakuemi (M12) beat Nishikigi (M16)
Roga (M11) beat Ryuden (M17)
Shodai (M11) beat Shishi (M18)
Churanoumi (M10) beat Tomokaze (M16)
Tokihayate (M13) beat Fujinokawa (M9)
Midorifuji (M9) beat Sadanoumi (M14)
Kusano (M5) beat Shonannoumi (M15)
Hiradoumi (M4) beat Kinbozan (M8)
Daieisho (M10) beat Gonoyama (M3)
Atamifuji (M3) beat Ichiyamamoto (M5)
Oho (M2) beat Oshoma (M7)
Hakuoho (M2) beat Ura (M8)
Onokatsu (M6) beat Abi (M1)
Tamawashi (M1) beat Kotoshoho (M5)
Wakamotoharu (M4) beat Aonishiki (K)
Takayasu (K) beat Kirishima (S)
Takanosho (M7) beat Wakatakakage (S)
Hoshoryu (Y) beat Onosato (Y). PLAYOFF!!!
Playoff: Onosato beat Hoshoryu. ONOSATO YUSHO!!! The 5th career Emperor’s Cup for Onosato!
CHAMPION: Onosato (13-2)
Of note: But it was close and a Mono-ii (judges conference) followed which upheld the referee’s call of Onosato winning as they both went out of the ring at the same time. That helped Onosato snap, including the regulation match, a 4-match losing streak to Hoshoryu, who comes up just painfully short of his 3rd Emperor’s Cup, but after withdrawals in 2 or 3 as a Yokozuna due to injury he showed that, when healthy, he’s going to win more. Or at least have more showdowns with Onosato like this for championships.

SPECIAL PRIZES:
Outstanding Performance (winning record with most wins vs. Yokozuna & Ozeki): Hakuoho. Aonishiki would have also earned this had he won
Fighting Spirit (winning record with best display of fighting spirit): Takanosho
Technique (winning record with best display of winning technique): Aonishiki. 3rd straight tournament he has won it.

Juryo:
Goshima (Ms5) beat Kyokukaiyu (J13)
Wakanosho (Ms3) beat Takarafuji (J12)
Kamito (Ms4) beat Miyanokaze (J10)
Hidenoumi (J7) beat Shirokuma (J9)
Hakuyozan (J10) beat Tohakuryu (J6)
Kayo (J5) beat Nishinoryu (J14)
Fujiseiun (J5) beat Kazekeno (J11)
Tochitaikai (J5) beat Tsuurgisho (J9)
Asanoyama (J13) beat Mita (J4)
Kagayaki (J4) beat Shiden (J14)
Asahakuryu (J11) beat Nishikifuji (J3). ASAHAKURYU JURYO YUSHO!!! 3rd career championship, 2nd straight, 1st Juryo in his debut tournament.
Chiyoshoma (J2) beat Kotokuzan (J8)
Kotoeiho (J2) beat Asasuiryu (J12)
Hatsuyama (J8) beat Oshomi (J1)
Daiseizan (J1) beat Tamashoho (J7)
CHAMPION: Asahakuryu (13-2)
Of note: Asanoyama did his part but when Asahakuryu won that ended any playoff hopes. And it would have been a 3-way with Nishikifuji trying to spoil an all-Takasago playoff. Now the question is will either be in the top tier in November? Asahakuryu is a very big maybe and it’s going to be a toss-up. Asanoyama almost certainly will not. At worst, I see them both being J1. I think Mita is now going to miss out on the top tier, after an 8-1 start he collapsed in the second week and finished 1-5, he’ll still be promoted but I think he’ll stay in Juryo. Despite the loss today Oshoumi is also going up to the top tier as he finished 9-6 and Chiyoshoma will have a chance with also 9-6 at J2. At the bottom, Shiden & Kyokukaiyu are probably being demoted and…I think it’s the end for Takarafuji. 5-10 at J12 almost certainly means he’ll lose the numbrs game and his salary despite the Isegahama clout. The last time he was below Juryo? Not counting before promotion, never. And he was promoted up in July 2010 so that means his run could end at over 15 years. I do think he’ll still try and hang on for one more tournament and then try to cash in his elder stock to possibly take over the stable if the current Isegahama-the former Yokozuna Terunofuji-follows through on reports he’ll leave in January to open his own stable.

Jonidan:
Playoff: Kaki (Jd44) beat Teraosho (Jd99). KAKI JONIDAN YUSHO!!! 2nd career championship, 1st Jonidan in second career tournament.

TOURNAMENT CHAMPIONS:
Makuuchi-Onosato (5th Emperor’s Cup)
Juryo-Asahakuryu (2nd career, 1st Juryo)
Makushita-Shimazuumi (1st career, 1st Makushita)
Sandanme-Kazuma (2nd career, 1st Sandanme)
Jonidan-Kaki (3nd career, 1st Jonidan)
Jonokuchi-Tatsubayama (1st career)

The next tournament is November 9-23 at Fukuoka International Center in Fukuoka. All tickets are already sold out. The tournament wrap-up post with final standings, post-event news and more will follow later this week after the post-tournament rankings meetings are held, which I believe are scheduled for Tuesday.

Here are the quick results from today’s Day 14-the penultimate day-of the September 2025 Grand Sumo Tournament in Tokyo:
Key: M-Maegashira, K-Komusubi, S-Sekiwake, O-Ozeki, Y-Yokozuna, J-Juryo, Ms-Makushita

Makuuchi (top tier):
Shonannoumi (M15) beat Hitoshi (M17)
Nishikifuji (J3) beat Asakoryu (M14)
Tobizaru (M15) beat Mitakeumi (M12)
Nishikigi (M16) beat Roga (M11)
Shishi (M18) beat Daieisho (M10)
Sadanoumi (M14) beat Churanoumi (M10)
Tomokaze (M16) beat Midorifuji (M9)
Ura (M8) beat Ryuden (M17)
Kinbozan (M8) beat Tokihayate (M13)
Oshoma (M7) beat Shodai (M11)
Meisei (M13) beat Atamifuji (M3)
Fujinokawa (M9) beat Gonoyama (M3)
Wakamotoharu (M4) beat Hakuoho (M2)
Oho (M2) beat Kusano (M6)
Onokatsu (M6) beat Tamawashi (M1)
Ichiyamamoto (M5) beat Abi (M1)
Takayasu (K) beat Kotoshoho (M5)
Aonishiki (K) beat Hiradoumi (M4)
Takanosho (M7) beat Kirishima (S)
Onosato (Y) beat Kotozakura (O) by default/withdrawal
Hoshoryu (Y) beat Wakatakakage (S)
Leader: Onosato (13-1)
WITHDRAWAL: Kotozakura (O). Right knee injury suffered yesterday. Tournament over. Will finish with 9 wins and maintain his Ozeki rank.
Of note: The unexpected Kotozakura withdrawal almost handed the championship to Onosato. But Hoshoryu did exactly what I figured he would do in his match…HENKA!!! It worked, so the first new-era Yokozuna Showdown tomorrow is for the championship. If Onosato wins, he is the champion for the 5th time in the top tier. If Hoshoryu wins, there will be an immediate playoff rematch which would give Hoshoryu a chance for his 3rd Emperor’s Cup. Not sure how the Kotozakura injury happened but it’s another disappointing finish as he had a chance for 11 wins and to beat both Yokozuna, but having beaten one is still important and hopefully will give him momentum towards another promotion push in 2026. 9 wins is still an improvement over the 8 he had in each of the last 3. Elsewhere, Aonishiki hit his magic number today-4 top tier tournament, and in all 4 he’s managed 11 wins. The latest Sanyaku shakeup should see him promoted to Sekiwake in November because both Kirishima & Wakatakakage will be demoted. At the bottom, Nishikifuji almost certainly clinched promotion back to the top tier with now 11 wins in Juryo and one match left.

Juryo:
Shiden (J14) beat Otsuji (Ms3)
Nagamura (Ms2) beat Miyanokaze (J10)
Shirokuma (J9) beat Asasuiryu (J12)
Nishinoryu (J14) beat Tamashoho (J7)
Hakuyozan (J10) beat Hidenoumi (J7)
Kayo (J6) beat Takarafuji (J12)
Kuokukaiyu (J13) beat Tochitaikai (J5)
Asanoyama (J13) beat Fujiseiun (J5)
Asahakuryu (J11) beat Kagayaki (J4)
Mita (J4) beat Kazekeno (J11)
Kotoeiho (J2) beat Kotokuzan (J8)
Hatsuyama (J8) beat Chiyoshoma (J2)
Daiseizan (J1) beat Tohakuryu (J6)
Tsurugisho (J9) beat Oshoumi (J1)
Leader: Asahakuryu (12-2)
Of note: A Takasago Asa is likely going to be the champion, but unsettled is which one. If Asahakuryu wins tomorrow, he is the champion. But if he loses to Nishikifuji there will be a playoff, and if Asanoyama beats Mita it will be a 3-way playoff with 2 Takasago men and they would possibly have to face each other at least once. At the bottom, Nagamura has probably clinched promotion to make his Juryo debut in November as today’s win leaves him 5-2 at Ms2.

Lower tier notes: Enho will have his final Makushita match tomorrow and will be going for 5-2 and a bigger promotion than a 4-3 would result in. Also tomorrow will be the Jonidan playoff for that championship.

Reminder: NHK World Japan will have 90 minutes of LIVE top tier coverage FOR FREE tomorrow, including the Yokozuna Showdown, playoff rematch if necessary, awards ceremony and champion’s interview, beginning at 12:30 AM PT/3:30 AM ET.

UPDATE: Here are the Special Prize winners as announced during early Day 15 action:
Outstanding Performance: IF THEY WIN-Aonishiki, Hakuoho
Fighting Spirit: Takanosho
Technique: Aonishiki

Here are the quick results from today’s Day 13-Championship Day-of the September 2025 Grand Sumo Tournament in Tokyo:
Key: M-Maegashira, K-Komusubi, S-Sekiwake, O-Ozeki, Y-Yokozuna, J-Juryo, Ms-Makushita, Sd-Sandanme, Jd-Jonidan, Jk-Jonokuchi

Makuuchi (top tier):
Chiyoshoma (J2) beat Shonannoumi (M15)
Tomokaze (M16) beat Sadanoumi (M14)
Shishi (M18) beat Churanoumi (M14)
Asakoryu (M14) beat Daieisho (M10)
Hitoshi (M17) beat Fujinokawa (M9)
Midorifuji (M9) beat Nishikigi (M16)
Kinbozan (M8) beat Tobizaru (M15)
Ura (M8) beat Tokihayate (M13)
Mitakeumi (M12) beat Oshoma (M7)
Kusano (M6) beat Roga (M11)
Meisei (M13) beat Ichiyamamoto (M5)
Atamifuji (M3) beat Gonoyama (M3)
Oho (M2) beat Ryuden (M17)
Hakuoho (M3) beat Onokatsu (M6)
Abi (M1) beat Kotoshoho (M5)
Hiradoumi (M4) beat Tamawashi (M1)
Aonishiki (K) beat Takanosho (M7)
Takayasu (K) beat Wakamotoharu (M4)
Kirishima (S) beat Shodai (M11)
Kotozakura (O) beat Hosboryu (Y)
Onosato (Y) beat Wakatakakage (S)
Leader: Onosato (12-1)
of note: This changes everything. Hoshoryu has now lost 2 straight matches, a perfect 15-0 chance, the lead, and tomorrow the championship if he loses and Onosato wins. Hoshoryu needs Kotozakura to play spoiler again by beating Onosato and he needs to beat Wakatakakage. If both Yokozuna win, their Final Day showdown means Hoshoryu would force a playoff rematch if he wins, Onosato would be champion if he wins. But an Onosato loss tomorrow also means Takanosho & Aonishiki can still force playoffs too.

Juryo:
Kyokukaiyo (J13) beat Takakento (Ms2)
Takarafuji (J13) beat Kitanowaka (Ms1)
Nishinoryu (J14) beat Tsurugisho (J9)
Hatsuyama (J8) beat Shiden (J14)
Hidenoumi (J8) beat Asasuiryu (J12)
Kayo (J6) beat Hakuyozan (J10)
Fujiseiun (J5) beat Kotokuzan (J8)
Tochitaikai (J7) beat Tamashoho (J5)
Shirokuma (J9) beat Mita (J4)
Kagayaki (J4) beat Tohakuryu (J6)
Nishikifuji (J3) beat Asanoyama (J13)
Kotoeiho (J2) beat Miyanokaze (J10)
Asahakuryu (J12) beat Oshoumi (J1)
Kazekeno (J11) beat Daiseizan (J1)
Leader: Asahakuryu (11-2)
Of note: Aside from Mita now out of championship contention, and perhaps top tier promotion, by falling to 8-5, the title race remains unsettled as both Asanoyama and Nishikifuji remain one back at 10-3. The latter has probably clinched promotion back to the top tier although Chiyoshoma may be a factor as his top tier win today also clinched promotion for him at J2.
Asahakuryu can win the championship tomorrow if he beats Kagayaki, Fujiseiun beats Asanoyama and Nishikifuji-who will be in the top tier-loses to Asakoryu. Interesting to see if the top tier Takasago man will be able to help his stablemate clinch…and there still could be a playoff between the Asas.

Makushita:
Shimazuumi (Ms20) beat Daiyusho (Ms50). SHIMAZUUMI MAKUSHITA YUSHO!!! First career championship. Will have a chance at promotion back to Juryo but it will depend on other promotions/demotions.

Other Makushita note: Enho did not have his last match today. Looks like it will be on the Final Day. He has clinched promotion at 4-2 but a 5th win would mean a bigger move up the rankings.

Sandanme:
Kazuma (Sd26) beat Seiyu (Sd54). KAZUMA SANDANME YUSHO!!! 2nd career championship and 1st Sandanme. And the only reason he’s not in Makushita or higher given hos 24-2 career record is, after withdrawing post-promotion in his July 2024 debut, he missed the next 4 tournaments. He is 20-1 since returning.

Jonidan:
Teraosho (Jd99) beat Buomaru (Jd73)
Kaki (Jd44) beat Okada (Jd22). PLAYOFF!!! It will be Teraosho vs. Kaki for the championship on the Final Day. A playoff was guaranteed due to 4 unbeatens remaining entering today, and they were paired against each other.

Jonokuchi:
Tatsubayama (Jk24) beat Chiyokozan (Jk15). TATSUBAYAMA JONOKUCHI YUSHO!!! First career championship in debut tournament.

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

Here are the quick results from today’s Day 12 of the September 2025 Grand Sumo Tournament in Tokyo:
Key: M-Maegashira, K-Komusubi, S-Sekiwake, O-Ozeki, Y-Yokozuna, J-Juryo

Makuuchi (top tier):
Kotoeiho (J2) beat Tomokaze (M16)
Yokihayate (M13) beat Nishikigi (M16)
Shishi (M18) beat Mitakeumi (M12)
Ryuden (M17) beat Shodai (M11)
Roga (M11) beat Hitoshi (M17)
Midorifuji (M9) beat Asakoryu (M14)
Fujinokawa (M9) beat Shonannoumi (M15)
Ura (M8) beat Tobizaru (M15)
Sadanoumi (M14) beat Kinbozan (M8)
Oshoma (M7) beat Meisei (M13)
Churanoumi (M10) beat Kusano (M6)
Daieisho (M10) beat Ichiyamamoto (M5)
Atamifuji (M3) beat Kotoshoho (M5)
Wakamotoharu (M4) beat Oho (M2)
Tamawashi (M1) beat Hakuoho (M2)
Gonoyama (M3) beat Abi (M1)
Takaysu (K) beat Hiradoumi (M4)
Wakatakakage (S) beat Onokatsu (M6)
Takanosho (M7) beat Kotozakura (O)
Onosato (Y) beat Kirishima (S)
Aonishiki (K) beat Hosboryu (Y)
Leader: Hoshoryu, Onosato (11-1)
Of note: No potential zensho yusho. Aonishiki spoiled Hoshoryu’s 15-0 bid and handed the Yokozuna the first loss, meaning both Yokozuna are now co-leaders. But there’s still Takanosho lurking in the spoiler role at 10-2 after all but yaking Kotozakura out of contention, leaving the Ozeki at 8-4. Elsewhere, nobody will go winless as Gonoyama finally managed to get a win by beating Abi.
Tomorrow Hosboryu faces Kotozakura yhen Onosato has Wakatakakage. Takanosho gets the trouble spot tomorrow as his opponent is Aonishiki.

Juryo:
Miyanokaze (J10) beat Kazekeno (J11)
Asanoyama (J13) beat Tsurugisho (J9)
Kyokukaiyu (J13) beat Hatsuyama (J8)
Kotokuzan (J8) beat Nishinoryu (J14)
Shiden (J14) beat Tamashoho (J7)
Asahakauryu (J11) beat Hidrnoumi (J7)
Kayo (J6) beat Shirokuma (J9)
Kagayaki (J4) beat Takarafuji (M12)
Asasuiryu (J13) beat Mita (J4)
Tochitaikai (J5) beat Nishikifuji (J3)
Chiyoshoma (J2) beat Fujiseiun (J5)
Daiseizan (J1) beat Hakuyozan (J10)
Oshoumi (J1) beat Tohakuryu (J6)
Leader: Asanoyama, Asahakuryu (10-2)
Of note: And suddenly it’s a Takasago championship to lose as Mita has slumped to 8-4 and Asanoyama & Asahakuryu have taken control of the race, which could set up a playoff between them. Would the rookie or the popular veteran win? Elsewhere, the Takarafuji talk about his future can now commence again as he will be demoted, although at least 2 wins in his last 3 (or winning out) should keep the veteran in Juryo.
The Asas can all but seal the deal tomorrow when Asanoyama faces Noshikifuji and Asahakuryu faces Oshoumi. If they both win, they would be 11-2 and 2 wins ahead with 2 to go. At the bottom, the Makushita men will be up for the first time this tournament as Kitanowaka-who will be promoted back to Juryo in November-and Takakento-already promoted but a win would give him a better chance at a Juryo return from Ms2 with a 5-2 record-face Juryo opponents and ironically Kitanowaka could be the one ending Takarafuji’s career with a win.

Here are the quick results from today’s Day 11 of the September 2025 Grand Sumo Tournament in Tokyo:
Key: M-Maegashira, K-Komusubi, S-Sekiwake, O-Ozeki, Y-Yokozuna, J-Juryo

Makuuchi (top tier):
Hitoshi (M17) beat Daiseizan (J1)
Shoshi (M18) beat Sadanoumi (M14)
Shonannoumi (M15) beat Meisei (M13)
Mitakeumi (M12) beat Asakoryu (M14)
Churanoumi (M10) beat Tobizaru (M15)
Tokihayate (M13) beat Midorifuji (M9)
Kinbozan (M8) beat Nishikigi (M16)
Tomokaze (M16) beat Ura (M8)
Oshoma (M7) beat Roga (M11)
Takanosho (M7) beat Ryuden (M17)
Daieisho (M10) beat Onokatsu (M6)
Fujinokawa (M9) beat Ichiyamamoto (M5)
Kusano (M6) beat Hiradoumi (M4)
Oho (M2) beat Hakuoho (M2)
Abi (M1) beat Atamifuji (M3)
Tamawashi (M1) beat Gonoyama (M3)
Shodai (M11) beat Aonishiki (K)
Kotoshoho (M5) beat Wakatakakage (S)
Kotozakura (O) beat Wakamotoharu (M4)
Hoshoryu (Y) beat Kirishima (S)
Onosato (Y) beat Takayasu (K)
Leader: Hoshoryu (11-0)
Of note: 3 more to go until the potential first Yokozuna Showdown that could be for the championship. Onosato is still doing his part, now alone at 10-1. Kotozakura also clinched his 4th straight winning record, but all ended with 8-7 records so let’s hope for more with the Ozeki at 8-3, still with slim title hopes. Shodai remains a contender at 9-2 along with Takanosho. The Ozeki Watch is now officially over for Wakatakakage as he is 5-6 and can only get to 9-6.

Juryo:
Kazekeno (J11) beat Kyokukaiyu (J13)
Hakuyozan (J10) beat Takarafuji (J12)
Tsurugisho (J9) beat Miyanokaze (J10)
Shirokuma (J9) beat Shiden (J14)
Hatsuyama (J8) beat Nishinoryu (J14)
Asanoyama (J13) beat Hidenoumi (J7)
Tohakuryu (J6) beat Asasuiryu (J13)
Asahakuryu (J11) beat Mita (J4)
Kagayaki (J4) beat Kayo (J6)
Nishikofuji (J3) beat Kotokuzan (J8)
Chiyoshima (J2) beat Tamashoho (J7)
Tochitaikai (J5) beat Kotoeiho (J2)
Fujiseiun (J5) beat Oshoumi (J1)
Leader: Nishikifuji, Asahakuryu, Asanoyama (9-2)
Of note: Today is the first day Mita has not been the leader or co-leader as he’s dropped to 8-3, now it’s Nishikifuji with a decent chance to return to the top tier and a pair of Takasago men at the top. One more win should be enough for Nishikifuji to get that promotion. At the bottom, Kyokukaiyu is the first newcomer at risk of demotion back to Makushita, his best hope to stay in Juryo is win out and get to 7-8. We also have to wonder about Takarafuji’s future again, 4-7 at J12 means he must win out just to avoid demotion.

Lower tier notes: The Makushita Championship is set for Day 13 and will be Shimazuumi vs. Daiyusho. If Shimazuumi wins he will have a chance to return to the top tier from Ms20. Enho snapped his recent demotion streak with a win today, a 4-2 record means he will be promoted for the first time in 3 tournaments and move up the rankings in November, still Makushita but with at least hope for a January Juryo return (probably will require a championship). The Sandanme Championship is also set and will be Kazuma vs. Seiyu. The Jonidan may nerd a playoff with 4 still tied at 6-0, while in the Jonokuchi Tatsubayama is the sole leader at 6-0 and only needs to win his last match to be champion.

Here are the quick results from today’s Day 10 of the September 2025 Grand Sumo Tournament in Tokyo:
Key: M-Maegashira, K-Komusubi, S-Sekiwake, O-Ozeki, Y-Yokozuna, J-Juryo

Makiuchi (top tier):
Oshoumi (J1) beat Shishi (M18)
Tobizaru (M15) beat Nishikigi (M16)
Asakoryu (M14) beat Tomokaze (M16)
Ryuden (M17) beat Meisei (M13)
Tokihayate (M13) beat Shonannoumi (M15)
Mitakeumi (M12) beat Hitoshi (M17)
Sadanoumi (M14) beat Fujinokawa (M9)
Ura (M8) beat Roga (M11)
Takanosho (M7) beat Shodai (M11)
Oshoma (M7) beat Churanoumi (M10)
Kinbozan (M8) beat Onokatsu (M6)
Daieisho (M10) beat Kusano (M6)
Midorifuji (M9) beat Ichiyamamoto (M5$
Oho (M2) beat Atamifuji (M3)
Abi (M1) beat Tamawashi (M1)
Takaysu (K) beat Gonoyama (M3)
Aonishiki (K) beat Hakuoho (M2)
Hiradoumi (M4) beat Wakatakakage (S)
Kotozakura (O) beat Kirishima (S)
Onosato (Y) beat Kotoshoho (M5)
Hoshoryu (Y) beat Wakamotoharu (M4)
Leader: Hoshoryu (10-0)
Of note: It hasn’t been easy at times but both Yokozuna continue to do their parts with Hoshoryu at 10-0 and Onosato at 9-1. No more Kinboshi for now as it’s on to Sanyaku opponents for both starting tomorrow, with Hoshoryu facing Kirishima and Onosato drawing Takaysu. Takanosho, Ryuden & Aonishiki clinched promotions (not guaranteed for Aonishiki to make Sekiwake due to Sanyaku limited to 8 total including the Yokozuna) to join Shodai in the group at 8-2 and still with a chance at the championship. At the bottom, Oshoumi was the Juryo Man of the day and he will be back soon as his win today clinched promotion to the top tier in November. Nishikigi will be demoted to Juryo to make room among perhaps others.
Ozeki Watch: It’s probably over this time for Wakatakakage. 5-5 means he can’t get to 11 wins and the 33 total. While that number over 3 straight tournaments is not mandatory for promotion (it’s happened with as few as 29) he now is all but out of championship contention and if he can’t get to 10-5, it’s safe to say no chance. Any very slim hopes of promotion back to Ozeki for Kirishima are now gone as well. They both would need both Yokozuna to lose out just to force playoffs and that’s not going to happen.

Juryo:
Asahakuryu (J11) beat Shiden (J14)
Asasuiryu (J13) beat Hakuyozan (J10)
Miyanokaze (J10) beat Takarafuji (J12)
Nishinoryu (J14) beat Shirokuma (J9)
Taurugisho (J9) beat Kyokukaiyu (J13)
Asanoyama (J13) beat Hatsuyama (J8)
Kazekeno (J11) beat Kotokuzan (J8)
Kagayaki (J4) beat Hidenoumi (J7)
Tohakuryu (J6) beat Mita (J4)
Nishikifuji (J3) beat Fujiseiun (J5)
Kotoeiho (J2) beat Tamashoho (J3)
Chiyoshoma (J2) beat Tochitaikai (J5)
Daiseizan (J1) beat Kayo (J6)
Leader: 5 at 8-2
Of note: It’s suddenly wide open after Mita lost again today. Oshoumi won in the top tier to also clinch promotion up there and Nishikifuji is now in position for a chance at promotion back up too (he needs at least another win though) while at the bottom 2 of the 3 Takasago men who moved up to Juryo-the debuting Asahakuryu and the returning Asanoyama-are the other co-leaders (the third Takasago newcomer, Asasuiryu, is hanging in there at 6-4). Asahakuryu is going for his second straight championship after winning Makushita in July. Daiseizan is the Juryo Man in the top tier tomorrow, he is 4-6 and needs to win 4 of his last 5 to make it up to the top tier in November.

Here are the quick results from today’s Day 9 of the September 2025 Grand Sumo Tournament in Tokyo:
Key: M-Maegashira, K-Komusubi, S-Sekiwake, O-Ozeki, Y-Yokozuna, J-Juryo

Makuuchi (top tier):
Asakoryu (M14) beat Shishi (M18)
Fujiseiun (J5) beat Sadanoumi (M14)
Ryuden (M17) beat Tokihayte (M13)
Meisei (M13) beat Nishikigi (M16)
Tomokaze (M16) beat Mitakeumi (M12)
Roga (M11) beat Shonannoumi (M15)
Shodai (M11) beat Tobizaru (M15)
Churanoumi (M10) beat Hitoshi (M17)
Daieisho (M10) beat Ura (M8)
Oshoma (M7) beat Fujinokawa (M9)
Midorifuji (M9) beat Takanosho (M7)
Kusano (M6) beat Kinbozan (M8)
Hiradoumi (M4) beat Onokatsu (M6)
Ichiyamamoto (M5) beat Gonoyama (M9)
Oho (M3) beat Tamawashi (M1)
Aonishiki (K) beat Abi (M1)
Hakuoho (M2) beat Takayasu (K)
Kirishima (S) beat Wakatakakge (S)
Kotozakura (O) beat Atamifuji (M3)
Hoshoryu (Y) beat Kotoshoho (M5)
Onosato (Y) beat Wakamotoharu (M4)
Leader: Hoshoryu (9-0)
Of note: Both Yokozuna now have clinched winning records and that keeps Onosato’s perfect streak of no career losing records going. One more Kinboshi chance tomorrow as Kotoshoho faces Onosato and Wakamotoharu faces Hoshoryu, after that I expect both to face Sanyaku the rest of the way except for maybe Shodai. Elsewhere, Shodai also clinched promotion and remains a surprise second place as he seems back in his old Ozeki form this tournament. Kotozakura bounced back from a tough loss today to improve to 6-3 while Aonishiki remains in contention at 7-2. At the bottom, Nishikigi is all but heading back to Juryo at 1-8 unless he wins out.
Ozeki Watch: The margin of error is gone for Wakatakakage. At 5-4 after losing to Kirishima in the Sekiwake Showdown (Kirishima snapped a 4-loss skid), he probably has to win out now, meaning 7-0.

Juryo:
Nishinoryu (J14) beat Miyanokaze (J10)
Haluyozan (J10) beat Shiden (J14)
Taurugisho (J9) beat Kazekeno (J11)
Shirokuma (J9) beat Kyokukaiyu (J13)
Asasuiryu (J12) beat Kotokuzan (J8)
Asahakuryu (J11) beat Hatsuyama (J8)
Hidenoumi (J7) beat Takarafuji (J12)
Asanoyama (J14) beat Tamashoho (J7)
Nishikifuji (J3) beat Kagayaki (J4)
Mita (J4) beat Chiyoshoma (J2)
Kotoeiho (J2) beat Tohakuryu (J6)
Oshoumi (J1) beat Kayo (J6)
Toxhitaikai (J1) beat Daiseizan (J5)
Leader: Mita (8-1)
Of note: As the first to clinch promotion this tournament Mita can now go for a second straight championship and potentially promotion to the top tier, I believe at least 2 more wins will be enough. Elsewhere, Oshoumi is now one win from promotion to the top tier at 7-2, and Nishikifuji is in contention for a top tier return with the same record. Fujiseiun, who is also 7-2, faces Nishikifuji tomorrow in a pitential eliminator while Mita faces Tohakuryu who is 2-7. Miyanokaze is the first demotion at 1-8 while Asahakuryu also remains in contention in his Juryo debut, he is also in the 7-2 group.

Lower tier notes: As expected, the Makushita narrowed the leaders down to 4 at 5-0, setting up the likely Day 11 matches to get to the Championship match on Day 13. Kitanowaka & Shimazuumi both are 5-0 along with Daiyusho and Aratakayama. Enho won his 5th match today to improve to 3-2, needing one more win for promotion. In the Sandanme, 5 are at 5-0 meaning there is a chance of a playoff. In the Jonidan, 6 remain at 5-0 making for higher playoff chances and in the Jonokuchi 2 remain at 5-0, leaving the possibility of either a playoff or a 6-1 champion.

Here are the quick results from today’s Day 8-the Halfway Point-of the September 2025 Grand Sumo Tournament in Tokyo:
Key: M-Maegashira, K-Komusubi, S-Sekiwake, O-Ozeki, Y-Yokozuna, J-Juryo

Makuuchi (top tier):
Ryuden (M17) beat Tomokaze (M16)
Nishikigi (M16) beat Sadanoumi (M14)
Asamoryu (M14) beat Tochitaikai (J5)
Shishi (M18) beat Meisei (M13)
Hitoshi (M17) beat Tokihayate (M13)
Shonannoumi (M15) beat Mitakeumi (M12)
Tobizaru (M15) beat Roga (M11)
Shodai (M11) beat Ura (M8)
Takanosho (M7) beat Churanoumi (M10)
Oshoma (M7) beat Daieisho (M10)
Onokatsu (M6) beat Midorifuji (M9)
Kusano (M6) beat Fujinokawa (M9)
Kinbozan (M8) beat Ichiyamamoto (M5)
Hakuoho (M2) beat Kotoshoho (M5)
Oho (M2) beat Abi (M1)
Aonishiki (K) beat Tamawashi (M1)
Wakatakakage (S) beat Atamifuji (M3)
Wakamotoharu (M4) beat Kirishima (S)
Takayasu (K) beat Kotozakura (O)
Onosato (Y) beat Hiradoumi (M4)
Hoshoryu (Y) beat Gonoyama (M3)
Leader: Hoshoryu (8-0)
Of note: Gonoyama gave Hoshoryu an early scare but the Yokozuna calmly came back to send his opponent to demotion and be the first to go 8-0 and maintain the lead over 3 at 7-1 including Onosato, with Takanosho & Shodai also at 7-1. Abi was also demoted today after dropping to 0-8. Despite injury rumors Takayasu impressively disposed of Kotozakura with a pulling under arm throw to drop the Ozeki to 5-3. Kirishima has possibly fallen out of contention with no 4 straight losses. Kotoshoho is struggling at 2-6 in his post-championship effort but gets a big bounce back opportunity tomorrow when he goes for a Kinboshi against Hoshoryu while Onosato gets Wakamotoharu. Also continued props to Hitoshi who, after an 0-4 start to his top tier debut, has now pulled to even at 4-4 with 4 straight wins.
Ozeki Watch: A tough one for Wakatakakage against big Atamifuji but an important win as he is now 5-3 at the halfway point, likely needing 6 more wins for promotion contention but maybe 5 could do it. A great win today because his father, a former sumo wrestler himself, was in the crowd.

Juryo:
Takarafuji (J12) beat Nishinoryu (J14)
Hakuyozan (J10) beat Kyokukaiyu (J13)
Shirokuma 9J9) beat Asanoyama (J13)
Shiden (J14) beat Tsurugisho (J9)
Hatsuyama (J8) beat Asasuiryu (J12)
Kotokuzan (J8) beat Asahakuryu (J11)
Kazekeno (J11) beat Tamashoho (J7)
Hidenoumi ((J7) beat Miyanokaze (J10)
NIshikifuji (J3) beat Kayo (J6)
Kotoeiho (J2) beat Kagayaki (J4)
Chiyoshoma (J2) beat Tohakuryu (J6)
Fujiseiun (J5) beat Daiseizan (J1)
Oshoumi (J1) beat Mita (J4)
Leader: Mita, Kotokuzan (7-1)
Of note: No promotion for Mita today as his first loss drops him into a tie with Kotokuzan for the lead and keeps several who lost today, including Asanoyama, in it at 6-2. Also no demotions yet but Tsurugisho & Miyanokaze are in danger at 1-7 after losses today. Fujiseiun, in the group at 6-2, will be in the top tier tomorrow.

Lower tier notes: With Promotion Day now in the books, the Makushita has 8 remaining at 4-0, which pretty much sets up a bracket-style elimination format to the championship. Former top tier wrestlers Shimazuumi & Bushozan are among the leaders and, at Ms20, Shimazuumi may have a chance at promotion back to Juryo if he can win the championship. In the Sandanme, 9 are 4-0 which raises the potential of a playoff being needed on the final day. The Jonidan has 13 at 4-0 while the Jonokuchi has 3 at 4-0.

Additionally, today was the traditional introduction of new wrestlers who will debut in the next tournament. Just 1 today, he will have the ring name Fukoki from Oshiogawa Beya and begin his pro career in the November Tournament.

Here are the quick results from today’s Day 7-the first half of Promotion Day-of the September 2025 Grand Sumo Tournament in Tokyo:
Key: M-Maegashira, K-Komusubi, S-Sekiwake, O-Ozeki, Y-Yokozuna, J-Juryo

Makuuchi (top tier):
Shishi (M18) beat Nishikigi (M16)
Shonannoumi (M15) beat Tomokaze (M16)
Tobizaru (M15) beat Kagayaki (J4)
Hitoshi (M17) beat Asakoryu (M14)
Ryuden (M17) beat Sadanoumi (M14)
Tokihayate (M13) beat Churanoumi (M10)
Daieisho (M10) beat Meisei (M13)
Fujinokawa (M9) beat Roga (M11)
Shodai (M11) beat Midorifuji (M9)
Kinbozan (M8) beat Mitakeumi (M12)
Onokatsu (M6) beat Oshoma (M7)
Ura (M8) beat Ichiyamamoto (M5)
Kusano (M6 beat Kotoshoho (M5)
Takanosho (M7) beat Wakamotoharu (M4)
Atamifuji (M3) beat Tamawashi (M1)
Takayasu (K) beat Abi (M1)
Hakuoho (M2) beat Kirishima (S)
Aonishiki (K) beat Wakatakakage (S)
Oho (M2) beat Kotozakura (O)
Hoshoryu (Y) beat Hiradoumi (M4)
Onosato (Y) beat Gonoyama (M3)
Leader: Hoshoryu (7-0)
Of note: Solid wins again for both Yokozuna, Hiradoumi kept hoping for a Mono-ii as he thought his loss to Hoahoryu was much closer at the edge than it really was. TV replays clearly showed Hoshoryu stayed in longer on the throw/push down attempt so it would have made no difference. This is now Hoshoryu’s best-ever start to a tournament in the top tier and he keeps his lead over 4 at 6-1. Onosato remained one off the pace entering the second half and they’re still on track for a potential winner-take-all Yokozuna Showdown on the final day. They each have one or two more Kinboshi chance days left before they shirt into Sanyaku ahead of standings driving remainign matches, tomorrow Hiradoumi tries again for a Gold Star Victory against Onosato while Gonoyama looks to avoid demotion against Hoshoryu. Gonoyama had success against both in the past but hasn’t beaten either in over a year now (July 2024). And his only win to date against a Yokozuna at all didn’t really count because it was a fusen.
At the bottom, Nishikigi looks headed to demotion back to Juryo as he is 0-7 amidst injury issues, while Hitoshi has now seemingly found his footing in the top tier with 3 straight wins after an 0-4 start.
Elsewhere, despite a big win over Kirishima there are worries about Hakuoho and if he suffered an arm/elbow injury today, he clearly was favoring his right arm afterwards.
Ozeki Watch: Aonishiki is a tough out for anyone and was today for Wakatakakage. He’s now 4-3 and can probably only afford one more loss and still have a chance at promotion.

Juryo:
Asahakuryu (J11) beat Nishinoryu (J14)
Kazekeno (J11) beat Asasuiryu (J13)
Shiden (J14) beat Miyanokaze (J10)
Asanoyama (J13) beat Hakuyozan (J10)
Kyokukaiyu (J13) beat Kotokuzan (J14)
Takarafuji (J12) beat Hatsuyama (J8)
Tsurugisho (J9) beat Hidenoumi (J7)
Tamashoho (J7) beat Shirokuma (J9)
Nishikifuji (J3) beat Tohakuryu (J6)
Chiyoshoma (J2) beat Kayo (J6)
Fujiseiun (J5) beat Kotoeiho (J2)
Tochitaikai (J5) beat Oshoumi (J1)
Mita (J4) beat Daiseizan (J1)
Leader: Mita (7-0)
Of note: Mita continues his potential march to the top tier, while it depends partly on what happens in the higher ranks I think 3 more wins will do it. Kotokuzan took his first loss today to fall into a tie with a Takasago pair-Asahakuryu and Asanoyama-at 6-1. The other newcomers are hanging in there with Asasuiryu now at 4-3 and Kyokukaiyu at 3-4.

Lower tier notes: In the lower tiers today is the first half of what I call Promotion Day, when the leaders after today will be 4-0 and thus clinch winning records and promotions in the next tournament. The Maushita has 4 at 4-0 so far and, among them at Ms1, Kitanowaka has clinched promotion and will return to Juryo in November. Enho lost to internet favorite Sazanami (a former Makushita Champion who has gained popularity for appearances on the “Sumo Prime Time” YouTube channel alongside coach Kabutoyama and NHK World Japan personality Hiroshi “Hiro” Morita, who hosts the channel) and is now 2-2. In the Sandanme, 5 have clinched promotion so far. The Jonidan has 11 with promotions so far and in the Jonokuchi Daishisho is the first and only 4-0 so far with 3 at 3-0.

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

In other news, it was announced earlier today on social media that the current Oyama, the former Hokutofuji before he retired earlier this year, will have his retirement & haircutting ceremony next year on 5/30. Also, Mitoryu held a press conference today after retiring yesterday. He will be leaving sumo (eligible for elder stock but likely no spots available) and will have a haircutting & retirement ceremony in February. He will stay in Japan and seek employment outside of sumo.

UPDATE: Despite a confirmed arm injury, Hakuoho is IN for tomorrow’s Day 8 per stablemaster Isegahama (the former Terunofuji).