Tag: sumo

With everyone who went to London back in Japan and teams setting up shop in and around Fukuoka for training, things are back to normal and just in time as the Japan Sumo Association has just announced the Banzuke (rankings) for the November 2025 Grand Sumo Tournament. Here are the rankings for the top 2 tiers and other notes, also note these rankings do not take the London results into consideration:

Makuuchi (top tier):
Yokozuna-Onosato (September Tournament Champion), Hoshoryu
Ozeki-Kotozakura
Sekiwake-Aonishiki, Oho
Komusubi-Takanosho, Takayasu
Maegashira 1-Hakuoho, Wakatakakage
Maegashira 2-Kirishima, Wakamotoharu
Maegashira 3-Hiradoumi, Ura
Maegashira 4-Tamawashi, Oshoma
Maegashira 5-Yoshinofuji, Shodai
Maegashira 6-Atamifuji, Onokatsu
Maegashira 7-Churanoumi, Abi
Maegashira 8-Ichiyamamoto, Kinbozan
Maegashira 9-Midorifuji, Tobizaru
Maegashira 10-Daieisho, Kotoshoho
Maegashira 11-Shishi, Roga
Maegashira 12-Fujinokawa, Tomokaze
Maegashira 13-Gonoyama, Mitakeumi
Maegashira 14-Ryuden, Tokihayate
Maegashira 15-Nishikifuji, Shonannoumi
Maegashira 16-Oshoumi, Sadanoumi
Maegashira 17-Chiyoshoma, Asakoryu
Maegashira 18-Meisei
Notes: First things first-Yoshinofuji? Yeah, double take for me too…That’s the former Kusano, who will be a kaimei rikishi with a new shikona (ring name change) as apparently he’s now full-fledged Isegahama and that means he must have a Fuji-ending name per stable tradition and policy. And despite concerns about Aomori Prefecture’s nearly 150-year run of a rikishi in the top tier ending after Takerufuji being demoted due to missing September, it’s intact thanks to Nishikifuji being promoted back up from Juryo. At the top, Onosato is the higher ranked Yokozuna over Hoshoryu (East is considered higher than West) after coming back to beat Hoshoryu in a playoff after Hoshoryu won their final day match in September, although Hoshoryu is coming off a championship in London, which was little more than a glorified exhibition, while Aonishiki moves up to Sekiwake along with Oho. Aonishiki also has set the record for fastest promotion to Sekiwake from debut at just 13 tournaments, excluding Makushita debuts (most notably Onosato, who also has yet to have a losing tournament). The previous record was 14 by Konishiki. Takayasu gets the benefit of the doubt again and, despite a second straight losing record, once again stays at Komusubi joined by Takanosho who made a huge jump up after a runner-up and Special Prize effort. Wakatakakage & Kirishima both fell out of Sanyaku with demotions to M1 & M2 while Hakuoho is up to M1 and Ura also made a big move up to M3. Iron Man Tamawashi slipped to M4 but remains in the upper ranks while Shodai had a big improvement up to M5, as did Shishi going up from M18 and barely hanging on to M11. Tamawashi can get to 700 career top tier wins this time if he gets at least 5 wins. Also of note-he will turn 41 on Day 8. Oshoumi makes his expected top tier debut this time starting at M16 while Chiyoshoma also retuns at M17 while Meisei barely holds on to his position at M18.
Some high-ranking Association members have hinted at Aonishiki being on potential Ozeki watch and could be promoted if he wins his first championship or perhaps improves on his perfect mark of 11 wins every tournament he’s been in the top tier so far.

Juryo:
Juryo 1-Hitoshi, Fujiseiun
Juryo 2-Kotoeiho, Asahakuryu (September Juryo Champion)
Juryo 3-Mita, Daiseizan
Juryo 4-Kagayaki, Asanoyama
Juryo 5-Hatsuyama, Tochitaikai
Juryo 6-Kotokuzan, Nishikigi
Juryo 7-Takerufuji, Shirokuma
Juryo 8-Kayo, Kazekeno
Juryo 9-Hidenoumi, Nishinoryu
Juryo 10-Hakuyozan, Tohakuryu
Juryo 11-Tamashoho, Tsurugisho
Juryo 12-Kitanowaka, Asasuiryu
Juryo 13-Himukamaru, Fujiryoga
Juryo 14-Shiden, Wakanosho
Notes: Close but not quite for Asahakuryu as his Juryo debut championship takes him up to just short of the top tier, settling in at J2 with Hitoshi being demoted from the top tier but having a chance to get back right away. A runner-up finish moves Asanoyama up to J4, on the bottom end of where I figured he’d wind up, while Mita’s second-week collapse kept his rise to just one spot to J3. At the bottom, the former Nagamura makes his expected Juryo debut with a new shikona as he is now Himukamaru, joined by fellow newcomer Fujiryoga, the former Goshima. Kitanowaka & Wakanosho are the Sai-Juryo rikishi this time, returning after prior demotions. I haven’t heard anything yet on if Takerufuji will be able to return from injury this time, if not he will be demoted to Makushita.

Lower tier notes:
Despite rumors he might retire due to injury, Endo remains in for now although his status for November is uncertain. He is demoted to Makushita 3. Shimazuumi just missed a Juryo return after his Makushita championship and will try again for a second tier return from Makushita 2. Miyanokaze was also demoted to Juryo after a second chance and will be at Ms4, Enho moved up to Ms17, about where I considered to be best-case, so he’d need a 7-0 championship for any chance at a Juryo return in January. The Sandanme remains at the new-normal of 80 ranks with 160 total wrestlers. The Jonidan shrinks a little this tournament with 102 ranks and 204 total wrestlers. The Jonokuchi starts with 22 ranks and 44 total wrestlers.

The November Tournament runs from 11/9-11/24 at Fukuoka International Center in Fukuoka. All tickets for all days are already sold out.

UPDATE: Endo has retired. He missed the last 2 tournaments due to injury. Based on a Nikkan Sports report it’s not clear what his future plans are, the question is whether there is a spot open for him to be able to cash in any elder stock he may have. (From articles I’ve read so far the answer seems to be no but confirmation should come in the next day or two) Endo, who competed using his real name (his full name is Shota Endo), finishes with a career record of 527-494-88 (win-loss-absent), 480-482-73 in the top tier, 1 Juryo Championship, 6 Special Prizes and 7 Kinboshi.

UPDATE 2: According to a report published by the Hokkoku Shimbum via Yahoo Sports Japan, Endo had the elder stock of Hokujin, the former Tenkaiho who just retired yesterday. So it sounds like Endo will be able to become Hokujin Oyakata and remain as a coach/eventual stablemaster.(11/2/25 VERY LATE UPDATE: That’s the case. Also Endo’s retirement wasn’t officially announced until a couple days ago, but the Japan Sumo Association websites and mobile app don’t reflect it yet)

The 5-day Grand Sumo Tournament in London, England has just wrapped up, it featured only the top tier wrestlers with a few exceptions who didn’t make the trip (notably Ozeki Kotozakura). While it shouldn’t have any effect on the upcoming Banzuke despite win-loss records, here are the final award winners:
Tournament Champion-Hoshoryu (Yokozuna)
Outstanding Performance Award-Tobizaru (Maegashira 15)
Fighting Spirit Award-Takayasu (Komusubi)
Technique Award-Ura (Maegashira 8)
Audience Award-Ura
The final saw Hoshoryu beat fellow Yokozuna Onosato for the championship.

There are already reports of a Paris tournament coming in either late 2026 or 2027 so that sounds like the next abroad event to look forward to.

The tournament was streamed live on a few services in Japan but if you’re in the US and a FuboTV subscriber, it can be watched on demand on Fubo Sports Network for a limited time in English with NHK sumo reporter/host Hiro Morita on commentary.

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.