Tag: sumo

Here are the quick results from today’s Day 4 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):
Tomokaze (M16) beat Hitoshi (M17)
Chiyoshoma (J2) beat Nishikigi (M16)
Tobizaru (M15) beat Ryuden (M17)
Shonannoumi (M15) beat Shishi (M18)
Meisei (M13) beat Asakoryu (M14)
Sadanoumi (M14) beat Tokihayate (M13)
Shodai (M11) beat Roga (M11)
Churanoumi (M10) beat Mitakeumi (M12)
Midorifuji (M9) beat Daieisho (M10)
Fujinokawa (M9) beat Kinbozan (M8)
Takanosho (M7) beat Ura (M8)
Kusano (M6) beat Oshoma (M7)
Onokatsu (M6) beat Kotoshoho (M5)
Wakamotoharu (M4) beat Ichiyamamoto (M5)
Hiradoumi (M4) beat Atamifuji (M3)
Oho (M2) beat Aonishiki (K)
Wakatakakage (S) beat Takayasu (K)
Kirishima (S) beat Gonoyama (M3)
Kotozakura (O) beat Tamawashi (M1)
Hakuoho (M2) beat Onosato (Y). KINBOSHI!!! The 2nd career Gold Star Victory for Hakuoho!
Hoshoryu (Y) beat Abi (M1)
Leader: Hoshoryu, Kirishima (4-0)
Of note: Hakuoho may be the “O no” for Onosato…both his Kinboshi have come from Onosato, first in July and now today. It could get worse-tomorrow is Oho who has taken 2 Kinboshi from Onosato in the laat 3 tournaments (Onosato does have one win in that stretch). No worries for Hoshoryu so far as he’s off to a 4-0 start along with Kirishima, who could get some Ozeki re-promotion thoughts if he can win his second championship. Hoshoryu has Atamifuji tomorrow, who did beat the Yokozuna in January before promotion but it 1-3 so far.
Ozeki Watch: Wakatakakage is now 2-2 having alternated wins & losses so far and the unofficial magic number is now 9.

Juryo:
Shiden (J14) beat Kyokukaiyu (J13)
Nishinoryu (J14) beat Asasuiryu (J12)
Kazekeno (J11) beat Takarafuji (J12)
Asahakuryu (J11) beat Hakuyozan (J10)
Asanoyama (J13) beat Miyanokaze (J10)
Hatauyama (J8) beat Taurugisho (J9)
Kotokuzan (J8) beat Shirokuma (J9)
Hidenoumi (J7) beat Kayo (J6)
Tamashoho (J7) beat Tohakuryu (J6)
Kagayaki (J4) beat Fujiseiun (J5)
Mita (J4) beat Tochitaikai (J5)
Daiseizan (J1) beat Kotoeiho (J2)
Nishikifuji (J3) beat Oshoumi (J1)
Leaser: Mita, Asahakuryu, Kotokuzan (4-0)

Here are the quick results from today’s Day 3 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 Hitoshi (M17)
Ryuden (M17) beat Kotoeiho (J2)
Shonannoumi (M15) beat Nishikigi (M16)
Tomokaze (M16) beat Tobizaru (M15)
Tokihayate (M13) beat Asakoryu (M14)
Sadanoumi (M14) beat Meisei (M13)
Mitakeumi (M12) beat Shodai (M11)
Churanoumi (M10) beat Roga (M11)
Kinbozan (M8) beat Daieisho (M10)
Ura (M8) beat Fujinokawa (M9)
Oshoma (M7) beat Midorifuji (M9)
Kusano (M6) beat Onokatsu (M6)
Takanosho (M7) beat Ichiyamamoto (M5)
Hiradoumi (M4) beat Wakamotoharu (M4)
Kotoshoho (M5) beat Gonoyama (M3)
Oho (M2) beat Takayasu (M3)
Kirishima (S) beat Atamifuji (M3)
Tamawashi (M1) beat Wakatakakage (S)
Aonishiki (K) beat Kotozakura (O)
Hoshoryu (Y) beat Hakuoho (M2)
Onosato (Y) beat Abi (M1)
Of note: There are now 5 leading at 3-0 which include both Yokozuna off to perfect starts with no kinboshi conceded yet. Kirishima, Ura & Ryuden are also in that group. Also huge props to Mitakeumi, fighting with the heaviest heart, getting that first win today to honor his mother who suddenly died last week. Hopefully several more to follow. Tomorrow it’s role reversals for the Yokozuna as Onosato faces Hakuoho and Hoshoryu gets Abi. Elsewhere, today marked career win 873 for Tamawashi, moving the Iron Man past Taiho into 9th all-time.
Ozeki Watch: Now it’s worry time for Wakatakakage, he can still get to 11 but now at 1-2 he can only afford 2 more losses.

Juryo:
Kyokukaiyu (J13) beat Nishinoryu (J14)
Takarafuji (J12) beat Shiden (J14)
Asanoyama (J13) beat Kazekeno (J11)
Asasuiryu (J12) beat Miyanokaze (J10)
Asahakuryu (J10) beat Tsurugisho (J9)
Shirokuma (J9) beat Hakuyozan (J10)
Kotokuzan (J8) beat Hidenoumi (J7)
Tamahsoho (J7) beat Hatsuyama (J8)
Fujiseiun (J5) beat Tohakuryu (J6)
Kayo (J6) beat Tochitaikai (J5)
Mita (J4) beat Nishikifuji (J3)
Kagayaki (J4) beat Chiyoshoma (J2)
Oshoumi (J1) beat Daiseizan (J1)
Of note: 4 are tied for the lead at 3-0 including Mita going for consecutive championships. Asanoyama is at 2-1.

Lower tier note: Enho won his second match in Makushita today to go to 2-0. No match tomorrow.

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

Makuuchi (typ tier):
Oshoumi (J1) beat Hitoshi (M17)
Shishi (M18) beat Tomokaze (M16)
Ryuden (M17) beat Nishikigi (M16)
Tobizaru (M15) beat Sadanoumi (M14)
Asakoryu (M14) beat Shonannoumi (M15)
Tokihayate (M13) beat Mitakeumi (M12)
Roga (M11) beat Meisei (M13)
Shodai (M11) beat Daieisho (M10)
Churanoumi (M10) beat Fujinokawa (M9)
Ura (M8) beat Midorifuji (M9)
Oshoma (M7) beat Kinbozan (M8)
Onokatsu (M6) beat Takanosho (M7)
Ichiyamamoto (M5) beat Kusano (M6)
Kotoshoho (M5) beat Hiradoumi (M4)
Wakamotoharu (M4) beat Gonoyama (M3)
Aonishiki (K) beat Atamifuji (M3)
Wakatakakage (S) beat Oho (M2)
Kirishima (S) beat Abi (M1)
Kotozakura (O) beat Hakuoho (M2)
Onosato (Y) beat Tamawashi (M1)
Hoshoryu (Y) beat Takayasu (K)
Ozeki Watch: Wakatakakage now needs 10 more wins to get to the unofficial magic number of 33 for promotion contention. He faces Tamawashi tomorrow.

Juryo:
Nishinoryu (J14) beat Asanoyama (J13)
Kyokukaiyu (J13) beat Takarafuji (J12)
Shiden (J14) beat Asasuiryu (J12)
Kazekeno (J11) beat Hakuyozan (J10)
Asahakuryu (J11) beat Miyanokaze (J10)
Hatsuyama (J8) beat Shirokuma (J9)
Kotokuzan (J8) beat Tsurugisho (J9)
Kayo (J6) beat Tamashoho (J7)
Tohakuryu (J6) beat Hidenoumi (J7)
Kagayaki (J4) beat Tochitaikai (J5)
Mita (J4) beat Fujiseiun (J5)
Nishikifuji (J3) beat Kotoeiho (J2)
Chiyoshoma (J2) beat Daiseizan (J1)

Lower tier note: Forgot to mention yesterday that Enho won his Day 1 Makushita match for a 1-0 start and thus no match today. He is at Ms31 this tournament, right in the middle of the division. His next match is tomorrow.

Here are the quick results from today’s Day 1-Opening 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):
Daiseizan (J1) beat Shishi (M18)
Ryuden (M17) beat Hitoshi (M17)
Tomokaze (M16) beat Nishikigi (M16)
Tobizaru (M15) beat Shonannoumi (M15)
Sadanoumi (M14) beat Asakoryu (M14)
Meisei (M13) beat Tokihayate (M13)
Roga (M11) beat Mitakeumi (M12)
Shodai (M11) beat Churanoumi (M10)
Daieisho (M10) beat Fujinokawa (M9)
Midorifuji (M9) beat Kinbozan (M8)
Ura (M8) beat Oshoma (M7)
Takanosho (M7) beat Kusano (M6)
Onokatsy (M6) beat Ichiyamamoto (M5)
Wakamotoharu (M4) beat Kotoshoho (M5)
Hiradoumi (M4) beat Gonoyama (M3)
Atamifuji (M3) beat Takayasu (K)
Kirishima (S) beat Oho (M2)
Hakuoho (M2) beat Wakatakakage (S)
Kotozakura (O) beat Abi (M1)
Hoshoryu (Y) beat Tamawashi (M1)
Onosato (Y) beat Aonishiki (K)
WITHDRAWAL (Pre-Tournament): Takerufuji (M12). Right elbow surgery. Not expected to compete this tournament. Will be demoted to Juryo as a result if that’s the case. Status uncertain for November. That would mean that, for the first time in over 140 years, there will be no rikishi from Aomori Prefecture ranked in the top tier.
Of note: Mitakeumi is in with a very heavy heart as his mother suddenly died Friday at 55. After returning home to Nagano for mourning his stablemaster said Mitakeumi would stay in the tournament.
Ozeki Watch: No contest for Wakatakakage as Hakuoho just blew him away, but too early to panic as he still has a chance needing 11+ wins.

Juryo:
Nishinoryu (J14) beat Shidan (J14)
Asanoyama (J13) beat Kyokukaiyu (J13)
Asasuiryu (J12) beat Takarafuji (J12)
Asahakuryu (J11) beat Kazekeno (J11)
Hakuyozan (J10) beat Miyanokaze (J10)
Shirokuma (J9) beat Tsurugisho (J9)
Kotokuzan (J8) beat Hatsuyama (J8)
Hidenoumi (J7) beat Tamashoho (J7)
Tohakuryu (J6) beat Kayo (J6)
Fujiseiun (J5) beat Tochitaikai (J5)
Mita (J4) beat Kagayaki (J4)
Nishikifuji (J3) beat Chiyoshoma (J2)
Oshoumi (J1) beat Kotoeiho (J2)
WITHDRAWAL (Pre-Tournament): Endo (J3). Knee. Likely will not compete this tournament, which was expected. There is also a rumor from reliable English language YouTuber Chris Sumo that he is about to retire instead with a slim chance of demotion to Makushita.

In other news, it was recently announced on social media that the former Takakeisho will have his retirement & haircutting ceremony on 10/4 at Ryogoku Kokugikan. It was during this tournament one year ago that he retired due to injury following his demotion from Ozeki to Sekiwake, cashing in his elder stock to become Minatogawa Oyakata. He is now a coach at his former Tokiwayama Beya and could be in line to take over next year as the current stablemaster must retire before the March 2026 Tournament (reaching mandatory retirement age which is 65). This is one of two major upcoming retirement ceremonies along with the former Yokozuna Terunofuji-now Isegahama-who will have his haircutting ceremony in January.

It’s the end of an even-numbered month which means that exciting time again for sumo fans-the Japan Sumo Association has just announced the Banzuke (rankings) for the September 2025 Grand Sumo Tournament. Here are the full standings for the top 2 tiers:
Makuuchi (top tier):
Yokozuna-Onosato, Hoshoryu
Ozeki-Kotozakura
Sekiwake-Wakatakakage, Kirishima
Komusubi-Takayasu, Aonishiki
Maegashira 1-Tamawashi, Abi
Maegashira 2-Hakuoho, Oho
Maegashira 3-Atamifuji, Gonoyama
Maegashira 4-Hiradoumi, Wakamotoharu
Maegashira 5-Kotoshoho (July Champion), Ichiyamamoto
Maegashira 6-Onokatsu, Kusano
Maegashira 7-Takanosho, Oshoma
Maegashira 8-Ura, Kinbozan
Maegashira 9-Midorifuji, Fujinokawa
Maegashira 10-Daieisho, Churanoumi
Maegashira 11-Shodai, Roga
Maegashira 12-Takerufuji, Mitakeumi
Maegashira 13-Meisei, Tokihayate
Maegashira 14-Sadanoumi, Asakoryu
Maegashira 15-Tobizaru, Shonannoumi
Maegashira 16-Tomokaze, Nishikigi
Maegashira 17-Ryuden, Hitoshi
Maegashira 18-Shishi
Notes: No changes at the top except at Komusubi where Aonishiki makes his Sanyaku debut after 3 straight 11-4 efforts and 3 Special Prizes, if he can keep this up he’ll be in Ozeki contention very quickly. Wakatakakage is on Ozeki Watch again as his magic number to get to the unofficial benchmark for promotion contention is 11 as he’s gone 12-3 and 10-5 the last 2 tournaments. Kirishima would need a championship or at least 14 wins to have a chance for Ozeki return. Kotoshoho’s move up was about what I expected after his surprise July championship at M16 as he shoots up to M5, with Kusano also making a big move up to M6 and Fujinokawa going up to M9. At the bottom, Hitoshi makes his top tier debut alongside the returning Ryuden, with Shonannoumi, Tomokaze & Nishikigi all returning to the top tier as well. Shishi clearly has some allies on the ranking committee as despite what should have been another demotion he once again hangs on to his top tier position.
Daieisho, below M4 for the first time since climbing above that rank in his career, is probably out the entire tournament again and will be demoted to Juryo in November.

Juryo:
Juryo:1-Daiseizan, Oshoumi
Juryo 2-Kotoeiho, Chiyoshoma
Juryo 3-Endo, Nishikifuji
Juryo 4-Kagayaki, Mita (July Champion)
Juryo 5-Tochitaikai, Fujiseiun
Juryo 6-Kayo, Tohakuryu
Juryo 7-Tamashoho, Hidenoumi
Juryo 8-Hatsuyama, Kotokuzan
Juryo 9-Shirokuma, Tsurugisho
Juryo 10-Hakuyozan, Miyanokaze
Juryo 11-Kazekeno, Asahakuryu (July Makushita Champion)
Juryo 12-Takarafuji, Asasuiryu
Juryo 13-Kyokukaiyu, Asanoyama
Juryo 14-Shiden, Nishinoryu
Notes: After missing out on what could have been the first of 2 straight championships in May due to a late injury, Mita makes a big move up to J4 after winning July, putting him into top tier contention with Daiseizan & Oshoumi on the verge of moving up at J1.Kotoeiho & Chiyoshoma are demotions from the top tier along with Endo, who was out in July and probably will not compete this time either. Nishikifuji moves up 3 spots and also will have a chance to return to the top tier while the missle ranks are a combination of top tier demotions and those trying to move back up.
At the bottom, after no Shin-Juryo rikishi in July there are 4 debuts in the second tier this time, led by July Makushita Champion Asahakuryu then Asasuiryu, Kyokukaiyu and Nishinoryu along with Asanoyama being Sai-Juryo and returning following his last injury-related demotion. Asasuiryu is also a kaimei rikishi as upon promotion he changed his shikona (ring name) from Ishizaki, which he shared with his real-life brother Asakoryu.

In the Makushita, Daiamami was demoted from Juryo after hanging on despite 2 straight losing records at the bottom ranks while Kitanowaka is at Ms1 as well after potentially missing out on promotion with a 4-3 finish at Ms3. Otsuji is demoted back down to Ms3 and Shimanoumi has indeed run out of luck and paychecks as he is demoted after hanging on in Juryo for 3 straight years. Enho fell down to Ms31 after being forced to withdraw after a 2-1 start so his only chance to return to Juryo by the end of the year now is to win a championship. The Sandanme has the new-normal 80 ranks while the Jonidan has 105 ranks for an initial 210 total wrestlers, and the Jonokuchi starts with 51 wrestlers in 26 ranks and at least 4 debuts.

The September Tournament begins on 9/14 at Ryogoku Kokugikan in Tokyo. All tickets for all days are now sold out.

UPDATE: Daieisho has told the media he hopes to compete this tournament. Endo & Takerufuji are questionable due to injuries.

With the post-tournament rankings meeting concluded, here are the final standings and post-event news from the July 2025 Grand Sumo Tournament:

First, here is the final Hoshitori, or tournament records based on the tournament rankings for the top 2 tiers, records are in win-loss-absent format, for ranking purposes absent is treated as a loss:
Makuuchi (top tier):
Yokozuna-Hoshoryu (1-4-10), Onosato (11-4)
Ozeki-Kotozakura (8-7)
Sekiwake-Daieisho (Absent), Kirishima (8-7), Wakatakakage (10-5)
Komusubi-Oshoma (3-12), Takayasu (10-5)
Maegashira 1-Aonishiki (11-4), Wakamotoharu (6-9)
Maegashira 2-Oho (7-8), Abi (9-6)
Maegashira 3-Onokatsui (6-9), Kinbozan (4-11)
Maegashira 4-Hakuoho (8-7), Tamawashi (11-4)
Maegashira 5-Hiradoumi (8-7), Meisei (3-12)
Maegashira 6-Takerufuji (5-8-2), Gonoyama (9-6)
Maegashira 7-Tobizaru (3-10-2), Endo (Absent)
Maegashira 8-Sadanoumi (4-11), Ichiyamamoto (9-6)
Maegashira 9-Ura (8-6-1), Chiyoshoma (1-14)
Maegashira 10-Atamifuji (11-4), Roga (7-8)
Maegashira 11-Takanosho (9-6), Tokihayate (6-9)
Maegashira 12-Midorifuji (9-6), Asakoryu (6-9)
Maegashira 13-Churanoumi (9-6), Shodai (9-6)
Maegashira 14-Kusano (11-4), Fujinokawa (10-5)
Maegashira 15-Kotoshoho (13-2, Tournament Champion), Hidenoumi (2-11-2)
Maegashira 16-Kayo (4-11), Mitakeumi (10-5)
Maegashira 17-Kotoeiho (6-9). Shishi (7-8)
Notes: Kotoshoho started 3-0 then lost 2 straight to fall to 3-2 but then won his last 10 to take his first Empteror’s Cup. He’ll go up to near the top of the Maegashira rankings in September, with a chance to surpass his career high rank of M3. It certainly didn’t hurt him that Ichiyamamoto, the dominant surprise in the first week-plus with a 9-1 start, then epic collapsed by losing his last 5. Runner-up Aonishiki will make his Sanyaku debut in September, the question is at Sekiwake or Komusubi because Takayasu has a chance at promotion with 10 wins while Daieisho’s latest Ozeki bid ended along with his iron man streak to begin his career due to injury. He’s out for September too so his record for time spent at or above M4 by a non-Yokozuna will also be over. The real Iron Man Tamawashi defied age again to manage 11 wins and being in contention until the final days, which could be rewarded with a Sanyaku return. Kusano’s top tier debut also saw him in title contention until the final day and he’ll make a nice move up the rankings alongside fellow rookie Fujinokawa, who managed 10 wins and a Special Prize. Wakatakakage is now back on Ozeki watch with 22 wins in Sanyaku the last 2 tournaments, so the unofficial magic number for promotion contention is 11. The likely demotions to Juryo are Shishi (toss-up), Hidenoumi, Kayo, Kotieiho and maybe Chiyoshoma & Endo. Tobizaru, Meisei and Sadanoumi are safe but at risk of demotion in September. Daieisho & Endo are almost certainly out for September while for now Takerufuji should be considered questionable, his current injury will keep him out until September 1. Also sounds like Chiyoshoma’s poor performance is in part due to still recovering from recent back surgery.
As for the Yokozuna & Ozeki, Hoshoryu had to withdraw again due to a toe injury, which will keep him out another 2-3 weeks. Onosato started well but struggled down the stretch, finishing 11-4 and thus no 3-peat and all 4 of his losses were kinboshi-conceding, which did not go over well with elders. Kotozakura protected his Ozeki rank again, but that’s 3 straight 8-7 efforts which is disappointing for an Ozeki.

Juryo:
Juryo 1-Nishikigi (8-7), Ryuden (8-7)
Juryo 2-Shonannoumi (10-5), Tomokaze (9-6)
Juryo 3-Oshoumi (8-7), Tamashoho (6-9)
Juryo 4-Tochitaikai (7-8), Shirokuma (5-10)
Juryo 5-Tohakuryu (7-8), Hakuyozan (4-11)
Juryo 6-Hitoshi (10-5), Daiseizan (10-5)
Juryo 7-Kagyaaki (9-6), Takarafuji (4-11)
Juryo 8-Kazekeno (5-10), Fujiseiun (9-6)
Juryo 9-Nishikifuji (10-3-2), Tsurugisho (7-8)
Juryo 10-Mitoryu (0-5-10), Nabatame (Absent)
Juryo 11-Shiden (6-9), Mita (11-4, Tournament Champion)
Juryo 12-Shimanoumi (3-12), Otsuji (4-11)
Juryo 13-Hatsuyama (10-5), Daiamami (6-9)
Juryo 14-Kotokuzan (10-5), Miyanokaze (8-7)
Notes: Mita probably won’t make it to the top tier with the championship, but expect him to be in position for promotion with a winning record in September. Nishikigi, Ryuden and Shonannoumi are headed back up to the top tier while Tomokaze has a chance to join them, Hitoshi & Daiseizan may be in the J1 slots if Mita isn’t (he’s J2 at worst). Had Nishikifuji not had to miss 3 days late for reasons I never found out, he may have won the championship and been returning to the top tier as well. At the bottom, Shimanoumi & Otsuji will be demoted along with Mitoryu & Nabatame, maybe Daiamami too. Miyanokaze secured his second-chance promotion at the end.

The Shin-Juryo and Sai-Juryo rikishi for September have been announced, and a big group makes up for nobody in the former this time…and there’s history because for the first time in over 45 years, 3 come from the same stable. The new debuts are Kyokukaiyu, Ishizaki, Asahakuryu (the Makushita Champion) and Nishinoryu while, as expected, Asanoyama is Sai-Juryo, finally making it back after his latest injury-fueled demotions. Ishizaki, Asahakuryu & Asanoyama are all from Takasago Beya and Ishizaki is already Kaimei as when his promotion was announced he also got a new shikona (ring name) and will be Asasuiryu. He is the real-life younger brother of Asakoryu, who was also Ishizaki before reaching Juryo.
The first batch of retirements were also announced, this time all are Jonidan or Jonokuchi with several rookies calling it quits after just one or two tournaments. There also was one unranked wrestler retiring. For now it sounds like Takarafuji will soldier on despite nearing losing salary as I still expect him to hang on until potentially being able to take over Isegahama Beya in January if Ternofuji/now-Isegahama does indeed leave then to open his own stable. There also will be a stablemaster change soon at Otake Beya as the current Otake must retire soon due to turning 65 (the mandatory retirement age in sumo). There are rumors though whoever takes over could just be keeping the seat warm for Oho when he eventually retires, as the stable originally was founded by Yokozuna Taiho, Oho’s real-life grandfather.

Here are the quick results from today’s Day 15-the Final Day-of the July 2025 Grand Sumo Tournament in Nagoya:
Key: M-Maegashira, K-Komusubi, S-Sekiwake, O-Ozeki, Y-Yokozuna, J0Juryo, Ms-Makushita, Sd-Sandanme, Jd=Jonidan, Jk-Jonokuchi:

Makuuchi (top tier):
Shishi (M17) beat Asakoryu (M12)
Mitakeumi (M16) beat Tokihayate (M11)
Takanosho (M11) beat Shodai (M13)
Atamifuji (M10) beat Churanoumi (M13)
Kotoeiho (M17) beat Chiyoshoma (M9)
Fujinokawa (M14) beat Ichiyamamoto (M8)
Kayo (M16) beat Meisei (M5)
Hiradoumi (M5) beat Roga (M10)
Kinbozan (M3) beat Sadanoumi (M8)
Hidenoumi (M16) beat Onokatsu (M3)
Abi (M2) beat Midorifuji (M12)
Oho (M2) beat Hakuoho (M4)
Gonoyama (M6) beat Wakamotoharu (M1)
Kotoshoho (M15) beat Aonishiki (M1). KOTOSHOHO YUSHO!!! The first career Emperor’s Cup for Kotoshoho!
Takayasu (K) beat Kusano (M14)
Tamawashi (M4) beat Oshoma (K)
Wakatakakage (S) beat Kirishima (S)
Onosato (Y) beat Kotozakura (O)
CHAMPION: Kotoshoho (13-2)

Juryo:
Daiamami (J13) beat Kitanowaka (Ms3)
Satorufuji (Ms4) beat Shimanoumi (J12)
Tsurugisho (J9) beat Kagayaki (J7)
Nishikifuji (J9) beat Daiseizan (J6)
Hatsuyama (J13) beat Hakuyozan (J5)
Tohakuryu (J5) beat Otsuji (J12)
Takarafuji (J7) beat Shirokuma (J4)
Miyanokaze (J14) beat Tohakuryu (J4)
Hitoshi (J6) beat Tamashoho (J3)
Shiden (J11) beat Oshoumi (J3)
Tomokaze (J2) beat Kazekeno (J8)
Shonannnoumi (J2) beat Mita (J11)
Ryuden (J1) beat Kotokuzan (J14). MITA JURYO YUSHO!!! First career championship (had Kotokuzan won there would have been a playoff)
Nishikigi (J1) beat Fujiseiun (J8)
CHAMPION: Mita (11-4)

Jonokuchi:
Playoff (3-way):
Yabugasaki (Jk20) beat Kyoda (Jk3)
Kaki (Jk21) beat Yabugasaki
Kaki beat Kyoda. KAKI JONOKUCHI YUSHO!!! First career championship in debut tournament

TOURNAMENT CHAMPIONS:
Makuuchi-Kotoshoho (1st Emperor’s Cup, 4th overall championship)
Juryo-Mita (1st career championship, 1st Juryo)
Makushita-Asahakuryu (1st career championship, 1st Makushita)
Sandanme-Kobayashi (1st career championship, 1st Sandanme)
Jonidan-Gonowaka (1st career championship, 1st Jonidan)
Jonokuchi-Kaki (1st career championship, 1st Jonokuchi)

SPECIAL PRIZES:
Outstanding Performance (best record at Sekiwake or lower with most wins vs. Yokozuna & Ozeki): Kotoshoho, Tamawashi
Fighting Spirit (winning record with best display of fighting spirit): Fujinokawa, Kotoshoho, Kusano
Technique (winning record with most winning techniques used): Aonishiki, Kusano

The next tournament is 9/14-9/28 at Ryogoku Kokugikan in Tokyo. Tickets go on sale on 8/9. The Banzuke will be announced on 9/1 (8/31 US time). The post-tournament news, promotions, recap and other notable items will be posted later this week after the next rankings meeting is held in the next couple days.

Edit: Earlier versions of this post incorrectly stated Wakatakakage won a Technique Prize. He did not.

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

Makuuchi (top tier):
Kotoeiho (M17) beat Nishikigi (J1)
Kayo (M16) beat Hidenoumni (M15)
Churanoumi (M13) beat Mitakeumi (M16)
Fujinokawa (M14) beat Takanosho (M11)
Shishi (M17) beat Tokihayate (M11)
Shodai (M13) beat Roga (M10)
Midorifuji (M12) beat Ura (M9) by default/withdrawal
Asakoryu (M12) beat Chiyoshoma (M9)
Tamawashi (M4) beat Ichiyamamoto (M5)
Onokatsu (M3) beat Kinbozan (M3)
Oho (M2) beat Gonoyama (M6)
Hakuoho (M4) beat Abi (M2)
Kusano (M14) beat Aonishiki (M1)
Wakamotoharu (M1) beat Meisei (M5)
Sadanoumi (M8) beat Oshoma (K)
Takayasu (K) beat Atamifuji (M10)
Kotoshoho (M15) beat Kirishima (S)
Kotozakura (O) beat Hiradoumi (M5)
Onosato (Y) beat Wakatakakage (S)
Leader: Kotoshoho (12-2)
WITHDRAWAL: Ura (M9). Hip. Tournament over. Will still be promoted because he managed 8 wins.
Of note: There will be a first-time top tier champion, the question is who. If Kotoshoho beats Aonishiki tomorrow, he is the champion. If Aonishiki wins, there will be a playoff rematch, and it would be a 3-way playoff if Kusano then beats Takayasu. Kotoshoho-Aonishiki will happen before Kusano-Takayasu, so Kusano will know his fate right before his match. With no Yokozuna showdown due to Hoshoryu withdrawing, Onosato finishes with the Ozeki showdown against Kotozakura, who protected his rank today with win 8. Elsewhere, this second week continues to be a disaster for Ichiyamamoto, after being a co-leader at 9-1 he now has lost 4 straight and any title chances he had after Day 10.

Juryo:
Ishizaki (Ms2) beat Miyanokaze (J14)
Asanoyama (Ms1) beat Daiamami (J13)
Kuokikaiyu (Ms1) beat Shiden (J11)
Fujiseiun (J8) beat Otsuji (J12)
Hitoshi (J6) beat Shimanoumi (J12)
Mita (J11) beat Daiseizan (J6)
Tsurugisho (J9) beat Hakuyozan (J5)
Hatsuyama (J13) beat Tochitaikai (J4)
Shirokuma (J4) beat Tohakuryu (J5)
Oshoumi (J3) beat Kazekeno (J8)
Tamashoho (J3) beat Takarafuji (J7)
Kotokuzan (J14) beat Shonannoumi (J2)
Kagayaki (J7) beat Tomokaze (J5)
Nishikifuji (J9) beat Ryuden (J1)
Leader: Mita (11-3)
Of note: A playoff, if needed, could be very interesting because it could be a 3-way and if that happens, two of the participants would be from Arashio Beya. A Championship with 12-3 or 11-4 will not be enough to get Mita to the top tier, but if he wins it he’ll have a chance for promotion in November. At the bottom, Ishizaki clinched promotion to Juryo for September in his latest chance today, securing a 6th win to make it official from Ms2 so he’ll join Asanoyama, Kyokokaiyu & Makushita Champion Asahakuryu in moving up. After there were no Juryo debuts for the first time in a while this tournament, now we are promised at least 3 next time. Kitanowaka is one of the two Makushita men coming up tomorrow, he has clinched promotion from Ms3 at 4-2 so if he gets that 5th win he has a chance at a Juryo return. Elsewhere, despite what will only be 4 or 5 wins Takarafuji will get one more chance in Juryo in September but another losing record could mean demotion and the end as I’m thinking he’s still trying to hold on until the new Isegahama-the former Terunofuji-possibly starts his own stable in January then maybe Takarafuji gets the Isegahama elder stock and can take over at that point.
For tomorrow among the contenders, Daiseizen first faces Nishikifuji, then Mita faces Shonannoumi leaving Kotokuzan to know his fate before facing Ryuden. If Mita wins, he is the champion. Same if both Daiseizan and Kotokuzan lose. If Mita loses and one of both Daiseizan and Kotokuzan win, playoff. If Daiseizan wins the championship, he will have a slight chance at promotion to the top tier although usually 11-4 from J6 isn’t enough.

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

UPDATE: Here are the preliminary Special Prize winners ahead of the Final Day:
Outstanding Performance: Tamawashi, the Kotoshoho-Aonishiki winner, Kusano if he wins
Fighting Spirit: Kusano, Kotoshoho, Fujinokawa if he wins
Technique: Aonishiki, Kusano

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

Makuuchi (top tier):
Shishi (M17) beat Tamashoho (J3)
Asakoryu (M12) beat Kotoeiho (M17)
Tokihayate (M11) beat Kayo (M16)
Mitakeumi (M16) beat Roga (M10)
Shodai (M13) beat Chiyoshoma (M9)
Sadanoumi (M8) beat Hidenoumi (M15)
Churanoumi (M13) beat Tobizaru (M7) by default/withdrawal
Gonoyama (M6) beat Midorifuji (M12)
Dujinokawa (M14) beat Takerufuji (M7) by default/withdrawal
Hiradoumi (M5) beat Onokatsu (M3)
Abi (M2) beat Takanosho (M11)
Oho (M2) beat Kinbozan (M3)
Wakamotoharu (M1) beat Hakuoho (M4)
Aonishiki (M1) beat Ichiyamamoto (M8)
Tamawashi (M3) beat Takayasu (K)
Oshoma (K) beat Meisei (M5)
Wakatakakage (S) beat Ura (M9)
Kusano (M14) beat Kirishima (S)
Atamifuji (M10) beat Kotozakura (O)
Kotoshoho (M15) beat Onosato (Y). KINBOSHI!!! The first career Gold Star Victory for Kotoshoho!
Leader: Aonishiki, Kotoshoho (11-2)
WITHDRAWALS: Tobizaru (M7), Takerufuji (M6). Tobizaru-right elbow. Tournament over. Out 4 weeks. Takerufuji-right arm. Tournament likely over. Both will be demoted but stay in the top tier. Takerufuji for sure as he’ll finish the equivalent of 5-10, Tobinaru should but he’ll be equal to 3-12. For the former, Churanoumi got the fusen-and promotion-as a result. For the latter, Fujinokawa got the fusen and also promotion in his top tier debut.
Of note: Onosato’s 3-peat championship bid is now all but over as his 4th Kinboshi yielded drops him to 9-4. And the title race seems down to 4 with only Atamifuji & Kusano now one off the pace. A big potential eliminator tomorrow highlights the action as Aonishiki, with promotion to Sanyaku in September now secure, faces Kusano. Kotoshoho has Kirishima, who now can’t be promoted to Ozeki. At least Onosato doesn’t have to worry about Kinboshi tomorrow as his opponent is Wakatakakage. Atamifuji will face Takayasu, who will stay at least at Komusubi again in September but this time he’s earned it with a winning record. Also of note yesterday-Shishi got demotion secured in perhaps the worst way possible…HANSOKU!!! Disqualified for hair/topknot grabbing when he beat Midorifuji, which also clinched promotion for the latter-who, interestingly, is katasukashi-less so far this tournament. There have been 2 DQ’s so far this tournament, earlier there was one in the Sandanme. But since I can’t easily find video of those matches I can’t find out how/why.

Juryo:
Mita (J11) beat Shiden (J11)
Otsuji (J12) beat Kazekeno (J8)
Miyanokaze (J14) beat Takarafuji (J7)
Hakuyozan (J5) beat Shimanou (J12)
Kotokuzan (J14) beat Tohakuryu (J7)
Daiamami (J13) beat Shirokuma (J4)
Daiseizan (J6) beat Tochitaikai (J4)
Hitoshi (J6) beat Oshoumi (J3)
Tomokaze (J2) beat Hatsuyama (J13)
Shonannoumi (J2) beat Tsuurgisho (J9)
Ryuden (J1) beat Fujiseiun (J8)
Kagayaki (J7) beat Nishikigi (J1)
Leader: Daiseizan, Mita (10-3)
RE-ENTRY: Nishikifuji (J9). Will return tomorrow. Missed the last 3 days for unknown reasons, which came at the worst time because when he withdrew he was then 8-2 and tied for the lead. But at least he already clinched promotion.

Makushita:
Asahakuryu (Ms3) beat Yago (Ms40). ASAHAKURYU MAKUSHITA YUSHO!!! 2nd career championship and first Makushita championship. And to make it better, it will earn him promotion to Juryo in September for the first time.

Sandanme:
Kobayashi (Sd42) beat Mineyaiba (Sd15). KOBAYASHI SANDANME YUSHO!!! 1st career championship. He will be promoted to Makushita.

Jonidan:
Gonowaka (Jd98) beat Kaki (Jk21)
Tatsuosho (Jd47) beat Kazuma (Jd5). PLAYOFF!!! That means Gonowaka vs. Tatsuosho on the Final Day for the championship.

Jonokuchi:
Yabukasagi (Jk20) beat Naniwamusashi (Jk16)
Kyoda (Jk3) beat Kakusho (Jk13). And because Kaki lost in the Jonidan…PLAYOFF!!! And a 3-way playoff! Had Kaki won he would have been champion.

Other lower tier notes: Asanoyama will also be promoted back to Juryo as he clinched promotion with now a 4-2 record. Ishizaki, who just missed out on promotion in May, also has a chance as he is 5-1 at Ms2. He probably is going up but a win tomorrow in Juryo against Miyanokaze seals it. Kyokukaiyu also will be promoted to Juryo as he is 4-2 at Ms1. There will be at least 3 Juryo demotions to make room and could still be as many as 6.

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

UPDATE: While not yet officially announced, Nikkan Sports reports Ura has WITHDRAWN ahead of Day 14. Hip. Midorifuji will get the fusen as a result. If Ura can’t return for the Final Day he will finish the equivalent of 8-7, still good enough for a promotion.

UPDATE 2: Ura withdrawal is now official.

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

Makuuchi (top tier):
Nishikigi (J1) beat Shishi (M17)
Kusano (M14) beat Hidenoumi (M15)
Kayo (M16) beat Fujinokawa (M14)
Churanoumi (M13) beat Kotoeiho (M17)
Kotoshoho (M15) beat Shodai (M13)
Takanosho (M11) beat Mitakeumi (M16)
Midorifuji (M12) beat Tokihayate (M11)
Roga (M10) beat Asakoryu (M12)
Ichiyamamoto (M8) beat Atamifuji (M10)
Tobizaru (M7) beat Chiyoshoma (M9)
Ura (M9) beat Takerufuji (M6)
Hiradoumi (M5) beat Gonoyama (M6)
Meisei (M5) beat Sadanoumi (M8)
Tamawashi (M4) beat Abi (M2)
Aonishiki (M1) beat Oho (M2)
Takayasu (K) beat Wakamotoharu (M1)
Kirishima (S) beat Onokatsu (M3)
Wakatakakage (S) beat Kinbozan (M3)
Oshoma (K) beat Kotozakura (O)
Hakuoho (M4) beat Onosato (Y). KINBOSHI!!! The first career Gold Star Victory for Hakuoho!
Leader: Kirishima, Tamawashi, Ichiyamamoto, Kusano (7-1)
Of note: The 6 co-leaders were trimmed down to 4 today after Onosato & Mitakeumi lost. And I thought Kotozakura had a good matchup against Oshoma today…oops. And while no promotions yet the first demotions were clinched today as Hidenoumi returned after being our 3 days and unfortunately had to face Kusano, which didn’t go well, and Chiyoshoma is also now 0-8 after a loss. Today was the second Kinboshi Onosato has given up this tournament as a new Yokozuna, but his pattern so far has been 3 wins, Kinboshi, 3 wins, Kinboshi. So no panic yet as he should win another 3 in a row now and he’s still only one off the lead. Tomorrow he faces Takayasu, who has been serving as sword-bearer for Onosato’s ring-entering ceremonies. For obvious reasons that won’t be the case tomorrow. Ichiyamamoto gets the honor instead.
Can’t declare Ozeki Watch yet and haven’t but if Kirishima keeps this up, he has a chance at re-promotion. He needs to win his last 7 to get to the unofficial “magic number” of 33 wins over the last 3 tournaments in Sanyaku for promotion chances, but if he can get 13 or maybe 12 a championship could do it as well.

Juryo:
Kitanowaka (Ms3) beat Shimanoumi (J12)
Hatsuyama (J13) beat Shiden (J11)
Nishikifuji (J9) beat Miyanokaze (J14)
Tsurugisho (J9) beat Otsuji (J12)
Fujiseiun (J8) beat Daiamami (J13)
Kotokuzan (J14) beat Kagayaki (J7)
Mita (J11) beat Takarafuji (J7)
Kazekeno (J8) beat Hakuyozan (J5)
Oshoumi (J3) beat Shirokuma (J4)
Tochitaikai (J4) beat Tamashoho (J3)
Daiseizan (J6) beat Shonannoumi (J2)
Tomokaze (J2) beat Tohakuryu (M5)
Ryuden (J1) beat Hitoshi (J6)
Leader: Daiseizan, Nishikifuji (7-1)
Of note: No promotions yet although the co-leaders are about there, but the first demotion will be Shirokuma who fell to 0-8. Otsuji seems to be headed back to Makushita as he is now 1-7 in his Juryo return and must win out to maintain his ranking. Same for Shimanoumi whose latest slow start in Juryo may be his last as he is also 1-7. That win over Shimanoumi also clinched promotion for Kitanowaka so any more wins he can get in Makushita will increase his chances of a Juryo return.

Lower tier notes: Unfortunately Enho has WITHDRAWN ahead of Day 9. Left leg. Nikkan Sports reports it was injured in his Day 7 match. Status uncertain but if he misses Days 11-12 or doesn’t return that’s another demotion and means he won’t make it back to Juryo this year.
With Promotion Day now finished, the Makushita has 7 left at 4-0, with two-Asahakuryu & Kamito-with chances for Juryo promotion. Kamito probably needs to win the championship to be promoted while Asahakuryu probably needs at least one more win. The Sandanme has 10 left at 4-0. The Jonidan has 12 tied for the lead at 4-0 while the Jonokuchi has 4 at 4-0.

UPDATE: Nikkan Sports provided an update on Enho-avulsion fracture in left leg. Tournament over. Status uncertain beyond this. Will be demoted in September due to having equal yo a 2-5 record this time.