Tag: sumo

Here are the quick results from today’s Day 13-Championship Day-of the May 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):
Shonannoumi (M15) beat Kotoshoho (M14)
Takanosho (M12) beat Ryuden (M15)
Kayo (M16) beat Atamifuji (M12)
Endo (M11) beat Tochitaikai (M18)
Shodai (M10) beat Tamashoho (M17)
Meisei (M10) beat Roga (M14)
Midorifuji (M9) beat Nishikigi (M16)
Sadanoumi (M13) beat Kinbozan (M8)
Onokatsu (M8) beat Tokihayate (M13)
Shishi (M7) beat Churanoumi (M11)
Aonishiki (M9) beat Hakuoho (M7)
Tamawashi (M3) beat Chiyoshoma (M5)
Gonoyama (M2) beat Tobizaru (M6)
Hiradoumi (M3) beat Abi (M2)
Oho (M1) beat Ura (M5)
Takerufuji (M4) beat Wakamotoharu (M1)
Wakatakakage (K) beat Asakoryu (M17)
Takayasu (K) beat Ichiyamamoto (M4)
Kirishima (S) beat Oshoma (M6)
Onosato (O) beat Kotozakura (O). ONOSATO YUSHO!!! The 4th career Emperor’s Cup for Onosato!
Hoshoryu (Y) beat Daieisho (S)
CHAMPION: Onosato (13-0)
Yokozuna Watch: It’s not yet official but…it’s official-by this time next week, ONOSATO YOKOZUNA!!! This is his second straight championship. Now we just wait for the Yokozuna Deliberation Council to meet and make the recommendation, which is non-binding, then the official announcement. That will probably come Wednesday at the earliest.
Ozeki Watch: It’s probably over for Daieisho. He can still get to 31 but odds are now against him.
Of note: Now the only question is can Onosato go 15-0? Remember the last time he clinched the championship before the Final Day he did so on Day 14 but lost on the final day. And this time that Final Day will mean Hoshoryu who will be fighting for Pride and to potentially finish 12-3. But first, Onosato must beat Daieisho tomorrow.

Juryo:
Miyanokaze (J13) beat Kitanowaka (Ms1)
Kazekeno (J11) beat Nabatame (J12)
Shiden (J8) beat Mudoho (J14)
Tomokaze (J7) beat Mita (J14) by default/withdrawal
Wakaikari (J5) beat Tohakuryu (J10)
Nishikifuji (J5) beat Daiamami (J13)
Mitoryu (J12) beat Kagayaki (J8)
Hakuyozan (J4) beat Hatsuyama (J9)
Shirokuma (J3) beat Tsurugisho (J9)
Hitoshi (J6) beat Takarafuji (J3)
Shimanoumi (J8) beat Fujiseiun (J2)
Hidenomi (J2) beat Daiseizan (J6)
Kusano (J1) beat Oshoumi (J5)
Kotoeiho (J7) beat Mitakeumi (J1)
Leader: Kusano (11-2)
WITHDRAWAL: Mita (J14). Metacarpal bone. Tournament over. At least he clinched promotion yesterday so he’ll remain in Juryo in July after finishing his debut the equivalent of 8-7.
Of note: Kusano has done his part but still needs help to clinch his second straight championship tomorrow. He must beat Tohakuryu and Wakaikari must lose to Miyanokaze. Otherwise it goes to the Final Day. Today’s result means Kitanowaka will not return to Juryo in July.

Makushita:
Otsuji (Ms3) beat Fukuzaki (Ms39). OTSUJI MAKUSHITA YUSHO!!! First career championship. He will be promoted back to Juryo in July.

Sandanme:
Hatooka (Sd16) beat Kotoharugo (Sd45). HATOOKA SANDANME YUSHO!!! 4th career championship and 2nd Sandanme championship. He will be promoted back to Makushita in July.

Jonidan:
Tenrosei (Jd61) beat Takano (Jd44).
Mineyaiba (Jd21) beat Kobayashi (Jd24). PLAYOFF!!! And…the ultimate rarity…PLAYOFF BETWEEN STABLEMATES!!! Both Tenrosei & Mineyaiba are from Shikoroyama Beya and this is the only situation in which stablemates can face each other in a tournament-a playoff for the championship. That will happen on the Final Day. Tenrosei is Hoshoryu’s cousin, so no pressure, right?

Jonokuchi:
Kazuma (Jk7) beat Masarufuji (Jd98). KAZUMA JONOKUCHI YUSHO!!! 1st career championship in his second career tournament, he had to withdraw 5 matches into his debut despite being 4-1 and missed the next 4 tournaments.

Reminder: NHK World Japan will have 50 minutes of LIVE top tier coverage on Day 14 tomorrow at 1:10 AM PT/4:10 AM ET.

Here are the quick results from today’s Day 12 of the May 2025 Grand Sumo Tournament in Tokyo:

Makuuchi (top tier):
Kotoshoho (M14) beat Tamashoho (M17)
Nishikigi (M16) beat Tokihayate (M13)
Asakoryu (M17) beat Atamifuji (M12)
Kayo (M16) beat Takanosho (M12)
Endo (M11) beat Shonannoumi (M15)
Ryuden (M15) beat Shishi (M10)
Sadanoumi (M13) beat Meisei (M10)
Midorifuji (M9) beat Tochitaikai (M18)
Onokatsu (M8) beat Roga (M14)
Churanoumi (M7) beat Shodai (M10)
Kinbozan (M8) beat Tobizaru (M6)
Tamawashi (M3) beat Abi (M2)
Chiyoshoma (M5) beat Gonoyama (M2)
Wakamotoharu (M1) beat Ura (M5)
Hiradoumi (M3) beat Oho (M1)
Takayasu (K) beat Takerufuji (M4)
Wakatakakage (K) beat Oshoma (M6)
Daieisho (S) beat Aonishiki (M9)
Onosato (O) beat Hakuoho (M7)
Kotozakura (O) beat Ichiyamamoto (M4)
Kirishima (S) beat Hoshoryu (Y)
Leader: Onosato (12-0)
Yokozuna Watch: It’s all but official now. With Hoshoryu losing and Onosato winning, Onosato now just needs to win just one of his last 3 matches for his second straight championship so it could end tomorrow. Worst-case now is a playoff so the basic performance criteria has been met. Ideally he’ll get that one win or more to make a stronger case but at this point I think he’s clinched promotion. If Onosato beats Kotozakura tomorrow, he is the champion.
Ozeki Watch: Onosato being promoted may hand Daieisho’s already-slim promotion chances another lifeline because that would leave only one Ozeki (Kotozakura protected his rank today with his 8th win), so if he can win his last 3 to get to 12-3 there is a chance, and he’s among 5 with still the faintest chance of forcing a playoff with Onosato. That being said, Daieisho must beat Hoshoryu tomorrow.
Of note: Tamashoho will probably be demoted to Juryo in July unless he can win out to finish 7-8, and we can wonder what could have been for Kotoshoho had he not been injured before the tournament began-he missed the first 5 days but is 6-1 since entering on Day 6. Nishikigi also stopped a losing streak that saw him fall to 5-6 after a 5-0 start. Shonannoumi is now becoming a demotion candidate too as 3-9 Shishi is not safe either at M11 if he winds up 2-13. from M15 could mean going down to Juryo. I can see Asakoryu being a Special Prize candidate now if he gets one more win (Fighting Spirit) and Sadanoumi may have clinched the the Technique Prize with those 2 wins by the fisherman’s throw. It’s also nice to see Kayo doing much better, after a bad 0-4 start to his top tier debut he has gone 6-2 since and won 4 straight to start that run. Finally, the Iron Man streak for Tamawashi reached 1700 today (career matches) and with a win although it won’t spare him from demotion.

Juryo:
Daiamami (J13) beat Dewanoryu (Ms2)
Mitoryu (J13) beat Miyanokaze (J13)
Mita (J14) beat Kazekeno (J11)
Nabatame (J12) beat Hatsuyama (J10)
Tsurugisho (J9) beat Mudoho (J14)
Tohakuryu (J10) beat Nishikifuji (J5)
Wakaikari (J5) beat Oshoumi (J9)
Hakuyozan (J4) beat Shiden (J8)
Shimanoumi (J8) beat Takarafuji (J3)
Kagayaki (J4) beat Shirokuma (J3)
Hidenoumi (J2) beat Tomokaze (J7)
Fujiseiun (J2) beat Hitoshi (J6)
Mitakeumi (J1) beat Daiseizan (J6)
Kusano (J1) beat Kotoeiho (J7)
Leader: Kusano (10-2)
Of note: Because there are 2 left at 9-3 and they face each other tomorrow (Wakaikari & Tohakuryu), Kusano can’t clinch the championship until at least Day 14 now. Kusano already faced (and beat) Wakaikari so the likely last obstacle to a second straight Juryo title is Tohakuryu but that depends on tomorrow. Mitakeumi is now just one win from a top tier return in July while Takarafuji won’t be back, today’s loss means demotion again and more questions on if he’s going to retire and perhaps become the next Isegahama instead (he does have elder stock and it may be the Isegahama stock for taking over Isegahama Beya instead of it possibly going to now-retired Yokozuna Terunofuji, who is reportedly starting his own stable in 2026; there is less than zero chance of it going to Miyagino-the former Hakuho-more likely he gets his stable back eventually and they can break away from Isegahama). At the bottom, Mita has clinched promotion in his Juryo debut and will move up in July while Mudoho and Miyanokaze both must win out to avoid demotion back to Makushita. Wakanosho will be demoted as well due to early withdrawal. Those bottom spots will also depend on Malushita promotions, the only sure thing right now is Otsuji will return to Juryo in July (6-0 at Ms3, going for championship tomorrow), Kitanowaka gets back with a win in his last match but otherwise it also depends on Ishizaki & Kotokuzan who are both 4-2 at Ms4. They will both be promoted but a 5th win can maybe get them to Juryo. And while it won’t get him back to Juryo Asanoyama can finish 6-1 and set himself up for a September return (he is at Ms14).

UPDATE: Mita has WITHDRAWN from Juryo ahead of Day 13. Broken metacarpal bone. Tournament over. Fortunately he had just clinched promotion today but this will cost him his slim chances he still had of taking the championship from Kusano.

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

Makiuchi (top tier):
Asakoryu (M17) beat Roga (M14)
Kotoshoho (M15) beat Ryuden (M15)
Kayo (M16) beat Sadanoumi (M13)
Takanosho (M12) beat Tochitaikai (M18)
Endo (M11) beat Tamashoho (M17)
Midorifuji (M9) beat Shonannoumi (M15)
Kinbozan (M8) beat Atamifuji (M12)
Onokatsu (M8) beat Nishikigi (M16)
Tokihayate (M13) beat Churanoumi (M7)
Tobizaru (M6) beat Shishi (M11)
Oshoma (M6) beat Meisei (M10)
Chiyoshoma (M5) beat Shodai (M10)
Abi (M2) beat Gonoyama (M2)
Oho (M1) beat Tamawashi (M3)
Wakamotoharu (M1) beat Hiradoumi (M3)
Ura (M5) beat Takayasu (K)
Kirishima (S) beat Ichiyamamoto (M4)
Daieisho (S) beat Takerufuji (M4)
Kotozakura (O) beat Aonishiki (M9)
Onosato (O) beat Wakatakakage (K)
Hoshoryu (Y) beat Hakuoho (M7)
Leader: Onosato (11-0)
Yokozuna Watch: At this point it’s safe to say the magic number for Onosato is 2. 13 wins would secure no worse than a runner-up finish and wins equivalent to the championship as that’s the most Hoshoryu can finish with (the Yokozuna is now alone in 2nd at 9-2 with 7 straight wins) so that would mean no worse than a playoff and, win or lose, that should mean promotion. Onosato faces Hakuoho tomorrow (who lost to Hoshoryu today). Hoshoryu has Kirishima (8-3).
Ozeki Watch: Daieisho has again protected his Sekiwake rank as he now is at 8 wins. Mathematically he is not out of championship contention yet so he still has a chance at promotion.
Of note: Tochitaikai will be demoted to make room for Kusano in July as 8 losses will end his top tier run for now while Asakoryu has clinched his first top-tier promotion in his 3rd try. Also RARE KIMARITE ALERT!!! Ura Ura! He did it AGAIN to Takayasu, beating him for the second time this year with a rare tsutaezori, under arm forward body drop. Don’t try to put Ura in a headlock because this is what happens! Also note that Hoshoryu beating Hakuoho was due to koshikudake, inadvertent collapse-considered a non-winning technique-as Hakuoho’s knee buckled and touched down on its own without any effort from Hoshoryu. Just one of those unfortunate “it happens” things and not an injury.

Juryo:
Kitanowaka (Ms1) beat Mita (J14)
Mitoryu (J12) beat Nabatame (J12)
Tohakuryu (J10) beat Kazekeno (J11)
Oshoumi (J9) beat Mudoho (J14)
Daiamami (J13) beat Shiden (J8)
Kotoeiho (J7) beat Miyanokaze (J13)
Hatsuyama (J10) beat Nishikifuji (J5)
Tsurugisho (J9) beat Hakuyozan (J4)
Shirokuma (J3) beat Shimanoumi (J8)
Kagayaki (J4) beat Takarafuji (J3)
Daiseizan (J6) beat Fujiseiun (J2)
Wakaikari (J5) beat Hidenoumi (J2)
Tomokaze (J7) beat Kusano (J1)
Mitakeumi (J1) beat Hitoshi (J6)
Leader: Kusano (9-2)
Of note: No consecutive 14-1s for Kusano as his 9-match winning streak ended today. Good news for the 5 others who won and clinched promotions because their 8-4 records now have them only one win behind. Elsewhere, Nishikifuji will continue his recent fall as demotion was clinched putting him farther away from the top tier, and while not demoted yet Takarafuji all but won’t return to the top tier in July as the best he can do is 8-7, which at J3 is a toss-up for moving up. With his win today to get to 3-3, Kitanowaka will return to Juryo in July if he wins his final Makushita match, but fellow Ms1 Akua (who Hoshoryu has chosen for closing ceremony duty this tournament as it normally is a Malushita man from the current Yokozuna’s stable-Tatsunami in this case) will not as he took demotion today.

Lower tier notes: The Makushita Championship is set for Friday and will be Otsuji vs. Fukuzaki. This guarantees Otsuji will return to Juryo in July from Ms3. Fukuzaki is at Ms39 so no promotion to Juryo even if he wins. Enho is 2-3 and needs to win both his remaining matches or he will be deleted. Asanoyama is 4-1 and has clinched promotion so he will have a chance at a Juryo return in September. The Sandanme Championship match will be Hatooka vs. Kotohaguro. The Jonidan has 3 left at 6-0 and may need a playoff, and 2 of the 3 are Shikoroyama Beya wrestlers so that will impact final matches (Tenrosei-Hoshoryu’s younger cousin-and Mineyaiba, they will not face each other unless it’s in a playoff). In the Jonokuchi, Kazuma is the only 6-0 and should only need to win his final match for the championship, but that will depend in part on tomorrow’s results.

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

Makuuchi (top tier):
Kotoshoho (M14) beat Tochitaikai (M18)
Tokihayate (M15) beat Shonannounmi (M17)
Sadanoumi (M13) beat Tamashoho (M17)
Atamifuji (M12) beat Ryuden (M15)
Takanosho (M12) beat Asakoryu (M17)
Shishi (M11) beat Nishikigi (M16)
Onokatsu (M8) beat Kayo (M16)
Roga (M14) beat Kinbozan (M6)
Churanoumi (M7) beat Endo (M11)
Oshoma (M6) beat Shodai (M10)
Meisei (M10) beat Tobizaru (M6)
Midorifuji (M9) beat Chiyoshoma (M5)
Takerufuji (M4) beat Tamawashi (M3)
Abi (M2) beat Wakamotoharu (M1)
Gonoyama (M2) beat Oho (M1)
Hiradoumi (M3) beat Takayasu (K)
Wakatakakage (K) beat Aonishiki (M9)
Daieisho (S) beat Hakuoho (M7)
Onosato (O) beat IChiyamamoto (M4)
Kirishima (S) beat Kotozakura (O)
Hoshoryu (Y) beat Ura (M5)
Leader: Onosato (10-0)
Yokozuna Watch: It’s still Onosato’s to lose as the toughest part of the tournament approaches. He can’t clinch tomorrow but he can all but do so over the next 2 days.
Of note: Onosato’s lead is now 2 over a group of 4 that includes Hoshoryu, who has clinched his first winning record as a Yokozuna with 6 straight wins. That group will shrink tomorrow as Onosato faces Wakatakakage and Hoshoryu faces Hakuoho, who gets his first kinboshi chance now that Terunofuji is retired. The other one in the group, Aonishiki, takes on Kotozakura.

Juryo:
Kyokukaiyu (Ms5) beat Mudoho (J14)
Daiamami (J13) beat Mitoryu (J12)
Hatsuyama (J10) beat Miyanokaze (J13)
Ohsoumi (J9) beat Nabatame (J12)
Tsurugisho (J9) beat Kazekeno (J11)
Shimanoumi (J8) beat Tohakuryu (J10)
Mita (J14) beat Shiden (J8)
Tomokaze (J7) beat Hakuyozan (J4)
Kotoeiho (J7) beat Takarafuji (J3)
Shirokuma (J3) beat Hitoshi (J6)
Hidenoumi (J2) beat Nishikifuji (J5)
Fujiseiun (J2) beat Kagayaki (J4)
Wakaikari (J5) beat Mitakeumi (J1)
Kusano (J1) beat Daiseizan (J6)
Leader: Kusano (9-1)
Of note: Once again it’s Kusano’s to lose as he now has a 2 win lead over 6, including Wakaikari with still a chance to reach the top tier if he finishes strong, and Mita who is a win away from promotion in his Juryo debut. Not heading back to the top tier now are Kagayaki & Nishikifuji, and maybe not Takarafuji who may be nearing the end due to rumors that he may have the Isegahama elder stock and thus he and not Terunofuji could take over the stable after this tournament when the current Isegahama must retire.

UPDATE: Interesting lower tier side note-Hochi Sports notes today that Tenrosei, currently ranked at Jonidan 61 and at 5-0 going into Day 11, is another nephew of former Yokozuna Asashoryu and thus a younger cousin of Hoshoryu. Tenrosei, 18, currently is based at Shikoroyama Beya (Hoshoryu is at Tatsunami) and is in his second career tournament with a 5-2 finish in his debut in March.

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

Makuuchi (top tier):
Tamashoho (M17) beat Kayo (M16)
Asakoryu (M17) beat Ryuden (M15)
Kotoshoho (M14) beat NIshikigi (M16)
Sadanoumi (M13) beat Tochitaikai (M18)
Takanosho (M12) beat Shonannoumi (M15)
Atamifuji (M12) beat Roga (M14)
Tokihayate (M13) beat Shishi (M11)
Onokatsu (M8) beat Endo (M11)
Meisei (M10) beat Churanoumi (M7)
Hakuoho (M7) beat Shodai (M10)
Tobizaru (M6) beat Midorifuji (M9)
Oshoma (M6) beat Kinbozan (M6)
Aonishiki (M9) beat Churanoumi (M5)
Gonoyama (M2) beat Hiradoumi (M3)
Wakamotoharu (M1) beat Oho (M1)
Abi (M2) beat Wakatakakage (K)
Kirishima (S) beat Takerufuji (M4)
Tamawashi (M3) beat Daieisho (S)
Kotozakura (O) beat Takayasu (K)
Onosato (O) beat Ura (M5)
Hoshoryu (Y) beat Ichiyamamoto (M4)
Leader: Onosato (9-0)
Yokozuna Watch: Still a long ways to go but it looks like Onosato’s promotion to lose. He’s still got 5 days until he’s expected to face Hoshoryu (final day), at this point I think 13 wins will clinch promotion no matter what as that’s the most the Yokozuna can finish with (Hoshoryu is now 7-2 with 5 straight wins).
Ozeki Watch: It’s probably over for Daieisho. A tough Sekiwake Showdown loss today to Kirishima puts him at 6-3, meaning he can only get to 32 wins. Remember 33 wins over 3 tournaments is not mandatory for promotion to Ozeki but now his only real hope is an Onosato collapse and a 12-3 championship.
Of note: NHK World Japan has been promoting a youth movement during this tournament in promos for their daily highlights program in English. It certainly has been just that with Onosato seemingly headed towards Yokozuna but right behind him are Hakuoho at 8-1 (although I’m a little worried seeing his right bicep taped up like it was today) and Aonishiki at 8-1, clearly having surpassed the demoted Shishi as the big Ukraine hope and perhaps the next Ozeki and even Yokozuna from Europe. He also has yet to have a losing tournament like Onosato and has won 8 straight after a Day 1 loss. Wakatakakage took a tough loss to Abi to fall to 2 back but not out of it at 7-2 with a critical match against Aonishiki tomorrow. And while it probably won’t get him into title contention, Kotozakura has bounced back from a shaky 1-2 start to improve to 6-3 after winning 5 of his last 6 and in position to protect his Ozeki rank again. He gets Kirishima tomorrow. Hoshoryu has yet another kinboxhi match tomorrow against Ura, who is trying to avoid demotion at 2-7. Today he got revenge against Ichiyamamoto, who earned a kinboshi against the Yokozuna in March.

Juryo:
Kazekeno (J11) beat Kotokuzan (Ms4)
Mita (J14) beat Hatsuyama (J10)
Tohakuryu (J10) beat Mudoho (J14)
Tsurugisho (J9) beat Mitoryu (J12)
Daiamami (J13) beat Oshoumi (J9)
Miyanokaze (J13) beat Shiden (J8)
Kotoeiho (J7) beat Nabatame (J12)
Hakuyozan (J4) beat Shimanoumi (J8)
Tomokaze (J7) beat Shirokuma (J3)
Takarafuji (J3) beat Daiseizan (J6)
Wakaikari (J5) beat Fujiseiun (J2)
Kagayaki (J4) beat Hidenoumi (J2)
Kusano (J1) beat Hitoshi (J6)
Mitakeumi (J1) beat Nishikifuji (J5)
Leader: Kusano (8-1)
Of note: And now it’s official-Kusano will debut in the top tier in July with promotion clinched today after just missing out this time. He’s the first in Juryo to clinch promotion and maintains his championship lead with now just Tohakuryu at 7-2 and a large group at 6-3. No demotions just yet although 3 are 2-7 and could be demoted tomorrow. Tomorrow has Kusano facing Daiseizan (5-4) while Tohakuryu has a more favorable match on paper against 2-7 and slumping (yet again) Shimanoumi).

Lower tier notes:
The Makushita is down to the final 4 at 5-0, so Day 11’s matches will set up Day 13’s Championship Day match. Among the 4 is Otsuji, who is in good position to return to Juryo following a demotion in his debut effort in March. The Sandanme has 5 at 5-0, meaning the potential for a playoff being needed is there. The Jonidan is interesting-6 are at 5-0 but both Shikoroyama and Sakaigawa Beya each have 2 co-leaders, raising the real possibility of a playoff between stablemates depending on how things play out. In the Jonokuchi, Kazuma is the sole leader at 5-0 as he makes a comeback from missing 4 straight tournaments following having to withdraw in his debut tournament, ruining what was a 4-1 effort at the time, a very tough break because he got the provisional Makushita 60 debut spot.

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

Makuuchi (top tier):
Tamashoho (M17) beat Nishikigi (M16)
Roga (M14) beat Tochitaikai (M18)
Kayo (M16) beat Tokihayate (M13)
Asakoryu (M17) beat Sadanoumi (M13)
Shonannoumi (M15) beat Atamifuji (M12)
Endo (M11) beat Ryufen (M15)
Kotoshoho (M14) beat Shishi (M11)
Shodai (M10) beat Takanosho (M12)
Meisei (M10) beat Hakuoho (M7)
Oshoma (M6) beat Midorifuji (M9)
Aonishiki (M9) beat Tobizaru (M6)
Onokatsu (M8) beat Ura (M5)
Kinbozan (M8) beat Chiyoshoma (M5)
Ichiyamamoto (M4) beat Churanoumi (M7)
Wakamotoharu (M1) beat Gonoyama (M2)
Abi (M2) beat Takayasu (M6)
Wakatakakage (K) beat Oho (M1)
Daieisho (S) beat Kirishima (S)
Onosato (O) beat Hiradoumi (M3)
Kotozakura (O) beat Tamawashi (M3)
Hoshoryu (Y) beat Takerufuji (M4)
Leader: Onosato (8-0)
Yokozuna Watch: Halfway there…besides being the first to clinch a winning record and protect his Ozeki rank, Onosato remains in top form and is potentially one week from promotion if he keeps this up. Also of note-this ensures he continues his streak of having a winning record in every career tournament so far. He still has the toughest matches to come though, with Hoshoryu likely on the final day. As for Hoshoryu, he had a streaky first week with 2 wins to start then 2 straight losses and kinboshi handed out, but has won his last 4 and is 6-2 going into the second half. Onosato has Ura tomorrow while the kinboshi chances continue with Hoshoryu facing Ichiyamamoto, who goes for 2 straight Gold Star Victories against the Yokozuna.
Ozeki Watch: After 2 straight losses took away his margin for error, Daieisho bounced back today with a must-have win and is currently 6-2, but probably must win his last 7 for any real chance at promotion. Note the “magic number” of 33 wins is not mandatory for promotion, it’s happened with as few as 29 over the 3 tournament span.
Of note: Also props to Kayo as following an 0-4 start to his top tier debut, he has gained confidence since snapping that skid and has now won 4 straight to get back to 4-4. Hakuoho took his first loss today and is now in 2nd at 7-1 along with Aonishiki & Wakatakakage. On the flip side, Midorifuji is the first demotion this time as he is the first and only 0-8 as the katasukashi hasn’t been there. And there will be no championship aspirations for Takayasu after his playoff loss last time as he’s now fighting just to avoid demotion at 2-6. More bad luck/performances than back concerns. And despite his losing record, Iron Man Tamawashi has now moved into #4 all-time on the list of most consecutive top tier matches. If he manages to stay in the top tier, he can reach #3 (1430) in September and #2 (1440) in November. The record? 1470, which he could reach in 2026. To get to the all-time match record he needs another 2+ years (1891, he is now at 1697 so after this tournament he would be at 1705 and with 15 matches per tournament in the top 2 tiers that means he’d need 13 more tournaments).

Juryo:
Mitoryu (J12) beat Ishizaki (Ms4)
Kazekeno (J11) beat Daiamami (J13)
Miyanokaze (J13) beat Tohakuryu (J10)
Mudoho (J14) beat Hatsuyama (J10)
Ohsoumi (J9) beat Mita (J12)
Shimanoumi (J8) beat Tsurugisho (J9)
Shiden (J8) beat Nabatame (J12)
Kotoeiho (J7) beat Hakuyozan (J4)
Takarafuji (J3) beat Tomokaze (J7)
Daiseizan (J6) beat Shirokuma (J3)
Hitoshi (J6) beat Hidenoumi (J2)
NIshikifuji (J5) beat Fujiseiun (J2)
Mitakeumi (J1) beat Kagayaki (J4)
Kusano (J1) beat Wakaikari (J5)
Leader: Kusano (7-1)
Of note: After missing it by one win last time, Kusano is now one win from the top tier. After losing his first match this time, he now has won 7 straight to get one from promotion. The ranks below thinned out a little today with now just 2 at 6-2 and one win back, Oshoumi & Tohakuryu. Also of note-at 1361 and counting, Takarafuji now has moved up to #3 on the list of current active streaks of consecutive matches without missing a day, he has NEVER missed a day in his career. If he finishes the tournament he should pass Yoshiazuma, currently in the Jonidan, for #2 (Yoshiazuma has missed 8 days in his career but they were all expunged due to being forCovid-19 protocols-a long time ago he competed in the top tier for 3 tournaments). Yoshiazuma is at 1364.

Lower tier notes: No Juryo in July for Enho as his streak of 6-1 tournaments in his comeback effort ends with a second loss today, and 5-2 at Ms10 won’t earn promotion (he currently is 2-2). Same for Asanoyama who is 3-1 farther down. They’ll try now and set up for September promotions. The Makushita now has 8 at 4-0 after Promotion Day, with Otsuji among them and in position for a Juryo return after demotion following his debut effort in March. The Sandanme has 10 at 4-0, the Jonidan has 12 at 4-0 while the Jonokuchi has 2 at 4-0.

Joining in progress now that I am back from Japan, here are the quick results from today’s Day 5 of the May 2025 Grand Smo Tournament in Tokyo and some notes so far:
Key: M-Maegashira, K-Komusubi, S-Sekiwake, O-Ozeki, Y-Yokozuna, J-Juryo, Ms-Makushita

Makuuchi (Top tier):
Nishikigi (M16) beat Tochitaikai (M18)
Kayo (M16) beat Takarafuji (J3)
Asakoryu (M17) beat Shonannoumi (M15)
Roga (M14) beat Tamashoho (M17)
Ryuden (M15) beat Tokihayate (M13)
Sadanoumi (M13) beat Atamifuji (M12)
Takanosho (M12) beat Endo (M11)
Meisei (M10) beat Shishi (M11)
Aonishiki (M9) beat Midorifuji (M9)
Kinbozan (M8) beat Shodai (M10)
Hakuoho (M7) beat Churanoumi (M7)
Onokatsu (M8) beat Tobizaru (M6)
Ura (M5) beat Chiyoshoma (M5)
Ichiyamamoto (M4) beat Oshoma (M6)
Abi (M2) beat Takerufuji (M4)
Wakamotoharu (M1) beat Takayasu (K)
Wakatakakage (K) beat Kirishima (S)
Daieisho (S) beat Oho (M1)
Kotozakura (O) beat Hiradoumi (M3)
Onosato (O) beat Tamawashi (M3)
Hoshoryu (Y) beat Gonoyama (M2)
Leader: 4 at 5-0
WITHDRAWAL (Pre-Tournament): Kotoshoho (M14). Right thigh muscle. Will return tomorrow (Day 6). Injury happened before the tournament but he was expected to enter at some point as it was considered minor. He will start in a 0-5 hole.
Of note: RARE KIMARITE ALERT!!! Aonishiki beat Midorifuji with what looked like the touch of death to the knee, actually a technique called uchimuso or inner thigh propping twist down. It looked like Aonishiki barely touched Midorifuji’s knee with his hand and that caused Midorifuji to go down. It’s the second straight day we’ve been treated to a rare technique as we yesterday had a win by amiuchi, the fisherman’s throw.
Yokozuna Watch: Onosato is 1/3 of the way there at 5-0 and among the 4 co-leaders. Of course the 2 straight championships doesn’t guarantee promotion as other factors are considered but it’s looking good.
Ozeki Watch: Daieisho is also among the 4 at 5-0 so he is doing what he needs to, probably needing at least 8 more for a chance at promotion.

Juryo:
Mudoho (J14) beat Daiamami (J13)
Mitoryu (J12) beat Mita (J14)
Kazekeno (J11) beat Miyanokaze (J13)
Tohakuryu (J10) beat Nabatame (J12)
Tsurugisho (J9) beat Hatsuyama (J10)
Oshoumi (J9) beat Shimanoumi (J8)
Hitoshi (J6) beat Shiden (J8)
Wakaikari (J7) beat Kotoeiho (J7)
Daiseizan (J6) beat Nishikifuji (J5)
Tomokaze (J7) beat Kagayaki (J4)
Hidenoumi (J2) beat Shirokuma (J3)
Kusano (J1) beat Hakuyozan (J4)
Fujiseiun (J2) beat Mitakeumi (J1)
Leader: 5 at 4-1
WITHDRAWAL: Wakanosho (J11) on Day 3. Unknown. Status uncertain.

RETIREMENT: Hokutofuji (Ms3). The Japan Sumo Association announced he retired today. He has not competed this tournament due to injury. He does have elder stock and will cash it in to become Oyama oyakata. Hokutofuji, real name Daiki Nakamura (the same real name as Onosato), will finish with a career record of 424-368-40 (win-loss-absent) including 3 absent this tournament, 360-338-37 in the top tier, 3 championships (1 Juryo, 1 Sandanme, 1 Jonidan), 3 Special Prizes and 7 Kinboshi in just over 10 years with a highest rank of Komusubi.

It’s that time of the even month once again-the Japan Sumo Association has just announced the official Banzuke (rankings) for the May 2025 Grand Sumo Tournament. Here are the rankings for the top 2 tiers and other notes:

Makuuchi (top tier):
Yokozuna-Hoshoryu
Ozeki-Onosato (March Tournament Champion), Kotozakura
Sekiwake-Daieisho, Kirishima
Komusubi-Takayasu, Wakatakakage
Maegashira 1-Wakamotoharu, Oho
Maegashira 2-Abi, Gonoyama
Maegashira 3-Tamawashi-Hiradoumi
Maegashira 4-Takerufuji, Ichiyamamoto
Maegashira 5-Ura, Chiyoshoma
Maegashira 6-Oshoma, Tobizaru
Maegashira 7-Hakuoho, Churanoumi
Maegashira 8-Onokatsu, Kinbozan
Maegashira 9-Aonishiki, Midorifuji
Maegashira 10-Meisei, Shodai
Maegashira 11-Endo, Shishi
Maegashira 12-Atamifuji, Takanosho
Maegashira 13-Tokihayate, Sadanoumi
Maegashira 14-Kotoshoho, Roga
Maegashira 15-Ryuden, Shonannoumi
Maegashira 16-Kayo, Nishikigi
Maegashira 17-Tamashoho, Asakoryu
Maegashira 18-Tochitaikai
Notes: No changes at the top as expected, with Onosato going for Yokozuna promotion and Kotozakura back to being a full Ozeki, but a slight surprise at Sekiwake as Kirishima returns to the rank over March runner-up Takayasu, who lost in a playoff with a better record. The former Ozeki is back in Sanyaku though at Komusubi along with Wakatakakage, while despite a winning record Wakamotoharu misses out on Sanyaku and stays at Maegashira 1 alongside Oho, demoted from Sekiwake in his first attempt in Sanyaku. Daieisho is on Ozeki Watch again in May as he tries once more for promotion, probably needing a minimum of 13 wins for a chance at promotion or winning his second championship. Abi was demoted from Sanyaku to M2 while Iron Man Tamawashi climbs back up to M3 with Takerufuji right behind at M4. A Fighting Spirit Prize helped catapult Aonishiki up to M9 for his second top tier effort, while at the bottom Kayo & Tochitaikai make their top tier debuts this tournament alongside the returning Roga. Asakoryu & Nishikigi just managed to hang on to their spots leading to a very notable demotion…

Juryo:
Juryo 1-Mitakeumi, Kusano (March Juryo Champion)
Juryo 2-Hidenoumi, Fujiseiun
Juryo 3-Takarafuji, Shirokuma
Juryo 4-Hakuyozan, Kagayaki
Juryo 5-Nishikifuji, Wakaikari
Juryo 6-Hitoshi, Daiseizan
Juryo 7-Tomokaze, Kotoeiho
Juryo 8-Shimanoumi, Shiden
Juryo 9-Oshoumi, Tsurugisho
Juryo 10-Tohakuryu, Hatsuyama
Juryo 11-Kazekeno, Wakanosho
Juryo 12-Mitoryu, Nabatame
Juryo 13-Miyanokaze, Daiamami
Juryo 14-Mita, Mudoho
Notes: Said top tier demotion was Mitakeumi, completing a slow fall from Ozeki in 2022 to Juryo, down for the first time in nearly 10 years. And it looks like that one loss in his March championship effort made the difference between making the top tier and not making it for Kusano, he’s at J1 after a 14-1 debut effort at J14. Takarafuji also is demoted back to Juryo along with Shirokuma again, the former coming amidst rumors he may retire anytime now as he does have elder stock and can cash it in when he does, which suggests he and not former Yokozuna Terunofuji may take over Isegahama Beya after this tournament when the current stablemaster must retire in June. Nishikifuji joins his stablemate in being demoted to Juryo again, this time in large part due to injury. Hitoshi made a nice move up in his second Juryo effort and cracks the top half of the rankings. Newcomers Miyanokaze (former Miyagi), Mita & Mudoho round out the bottom of the rankings along with Mitoryu & Daiamami hanging on to their spots.

Lower tier notes: Kitanowaka was demoted from Juryo after missing March due to injury, he is Makushita 1 along with Akua. Hokutofuji was also demoted to Makushita for the first time in 9 years, raising questions about whether the Hakkaku prized pupil will continue his career or not. Enho made the expected big jump up the Makushita rankings although not quite what I expected, going from Ms30 in March to Ms10 this time, lowering the odds of a Juryo return in July, while after winning the Sandanme in his latest injury comeback Asanoyama shot up like a rocket to Ms14. After winning the Makushita championship in March, Oshoryu moved up from Ms28 to Ms2, on the doorstop of Juryo for the first time. The Sandanme once again is slimmer with only 80 ranks, down from the recent 90 after it was cut from 100. The Jonidan holds relatively steady with 106 rankings while the Jonokuchi sees an influx of debuting talent and expands considerably to 25 ranks with 50 total wrestlers.

Unfortunately there was also a death to report recently-Wakatozakura, a wrestler from Shikihide Beya, died earlier this month after complications from a medical condition at just 33. He had been competing for 17 years with a career record of 305-430-7 (win-loss-absent), almost exclusively in the Jonidan which he never promoted above. A number of wrestlers including Hoshoryu attended the services for Wakatozakura, whose real name was Tsuyoshi Sawada. He would have been ranked at Jonidan 72 in May after going 3-4 in March in his final tournament.

The May Tournament is 5/11-5/25 at Ryogoku Kokugikan in Tokyo. Advance tickets are already sold out. I will not be able to post daily results for at least the first 5-6 days of the tournament due to a trip to Japan starting this week (unfortunately not for the tournament).

With the traditional post-tournament rankings meeting now in the books. here are the final standings & early ranking notes from the March 2025 Grand Sumo Tournament:

Continue reading “Sumo-March 2025 Grand Sumo Tournament Final Standings & Post-Tournament News”

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

Makuuchi (top tier):
Onokatsu (M12) beat Shirokuma (M17)
Midorifuji (M11) beat Mitakeumi (M17)
Kotoshoho (M16) beat Endo (M9)
Hakuoho (M9) beat Asakoryu (M16)
Ryuden (M14) beat Oshoma (M8)
Sadanoumi (M15) beat Atamifuji (M8)
Tamawashi (M7) beat Shishi (M13)
Shodai (M7) beat Nishikigi (M10)
Kinbozan (M5) beat Shonannoumi (M10)
Ichiyamamoto (M4) beat Takarafuji (M12)
Ura (M5) beat Tobizaru (M3)
Meisei (M11) beat Chiyoshoma (M2)
Gonoyama (M2) beat Takanosho (M3)
Wakamotoharu (M1) beat Takerufuji (M6)
Wakatakakage (M1) beat Hiradoumi (M6)
Takayasu (M4) beat Abi (K)
Kirishima (K) beat Tokihayate (M18)
Aonishiki (M15) beat Oho (S)
Churanoumi (M14) beat Daieisho (S)
Onosato (O) beat Kotozakura (O). PLAYOFF!!!
Playoff: Onosato beat Takayasu. ONOSATO YUSHO!!! The 3rd career Emperor’s Cup for Onosato!
CHAMPION: Onosato (12-3)
Of note: He did his part first despite a HENKA! by Abi, but…once again, SO CLOSE! And yet so painfully far away…NINTH runner-up finish in the top tier for Takayasu and still no championship for the former Ozeki. Happy for Onosato because now he’s on Yokozuna Watch in May but again gutted for Takayasu. But he made it through all 15 days healthy and when he’s in that state, he does very well at 35 and he’ll be back. He could be back in Sanyaku but it depends on space because while Abi & Oho will be demoted (the latter possibly to M1) Kirishima and both the Wakas clinched promotion so Kirishima will at least stay Komusubi while Wakamotoharu & Wakatakakage should move up again and Daieisho will stay Sekiwake. I think Takayasu gets back to Komusubi. As for Onosato, if he can repeat or improve on this in May we could be looking at two Yokozuna active for the first time in quite some time. With regards to Daieisho, his loss means his unofficial magic number for Ozeki Watch in May is 13, which would get him to the supposed win threshold for consideration for promotion. But his chances are better if he can win the championship. Another big question mark is are we maybe seeing the end of Mitakeumi? He could complete a dramatic fall from Ozeki to Juryo as he is in danger of demotion below the top tier for the first time in nearly 10 years-the last time he was below the top tier was September 2015. No double-digit finishes since Ozeki promotion either.
Elsewhere, it was a very happy birthday for Aonishiki, as the birthday boy finished his top tier rookie effort with a showcase win to end with 11, a runner-up finish AND his first Special Prize. Churanoumi also became the first rikishi from Okinawa to win a Special Prize as he earned FIghting Spirit with his win.

SPECIAL PRIZES:
Outstanding Performance (best record with most wins vs. Yokozuna & Ozeki): None. Largely because both Abi & Ichiyamamoto didn’t meet criteria
Fighting Spirit (most wins and best display of fighting spirit): Aonishiki, Churanoumi. Tokihayate would have won this with a victory
Technique (best display of technique): Takayasu

Juryo:
Mita (Ms4) beat Otsuji (J14)
Tsurugisho (J11) beat Tohakuryu (J9)
Daiamami (Ms2) beat Hokutofuji (J8) by default/withdrawal
Kazekeno (J13) beat Kotoeiho (J7)
Mitoryu (J6) beat Hatsuyama (J13)
Kusano (J14) beat Fujiseiun (J5)
Tomokaze (J7) beat Nabatame (J5)
Hidenoumi (J6) beat Oshoumi (J4)
Shiden (J4) beat Hitoshi (J12)
Tochitaikai (J3) beat Shimanoumi (J10)
Roga (J3) beat Wakaikari (J9)
Daiseizen (J10) beat Kayo (J2)
Wakanosho (J11) beat Kagayaki (J1)
Hakuyozan (J8) beat Tamashoho (J1)
CHAMPION: Kusano (14-1)
WITHDRAWAL: Hokutofuji (J8). Knee. Injured during Day 14 match. Rumors are he will be demoted to Makushita after a 3-12 finish for the first time in about a decade so this could be career-threatening. Daiamami got the fusen as a result, plus a potential promotion back to Juryo.
Of note: After his absolute domination and winning by 3 wins over the field, the only question now for Kusano is whether or not he makes the top tier in May. Based on numbers, it’s a definite toss-up. At least 3 from the top tier will or may be demoted and Roga will be promoted back up (11-4 at J3), Tamashoho is going up (8-7 at J1), Kayo is a maybe (9-6 at J2). So at best he does, at worst he’s J1. Here’s how close it would have been without Kusano-Roga’s 11-4 would have won it and only one other wrestler-Hidenoumi-even managed 10 wins. Elsewhere, the only sure thing is Otsuji and Kiryuko (mid-tournament withdrawal, finished essentially 2-13 at J12) will be demoted while Hokutofuji is a possibility-that would be the first time in 9 years should it happen.
Miyagi will be promoted to Juryo from Makushita while Mita has a chance as does champion Oshoryu (but it’s a big jump from Ms28 so it will come down to a spot being available as Daiamami has a return chance along with Mudoho, although both were only 4-3. Akua also has a chance after 6-1 at Ms6).

TOURNAMENT CHAMPIONS:
Makuuchi: Onosato (O). 3rd career top tier championship
Juryo: Kusano (J14). 1st career championship
Makushita: Oshoryu (Ms28). 4th career championship, 1st Makushita
Sandanme: Asanoyama (Sd21). 5th career championship, 2nd Sandanme
Jonidan: Daikisho (Jd4). 2nd career championship, 1st Jonidan, 2nd consecutive
Jonokuchi: Chiyotenfu (Jk7). 1st career championship

The next tournament is 5/11-5/25 at Ryogoku Kokugikan in Tokyo. The Banzuke will be announced on 4/28. We’ll get early ranking news/hints and more later this week.