Tag: sumo

Here are the quick results from today’s Day 11 of the January 2024 Grand Sumo Tournament in Tokyo:
Key: M-Maegashira, K-Komusubi, S-Sekiwake, O-Ozeki, Y-Yokozuna, J-Juryo, Ma-Makushita

Makiuchi (top tier):
Takanosho (M12) beat Kotoshoho (M14)
Tsurugisho (M11) beat Churanoumi (M13)
Shimazuumi (M17) beat Sadanoumi (M10)
Meisei (M9) beat Endo (M13)
Hiradoumi (M8) beat Bushozan (M16)
Ichiyamamoto (M7) beat Takarafuji (M16)
Tomokaze (M15) beat Shonannoumi (M6)
Kinbozan (M6) beat Myogiryu (M12)
Mitakeumi (M9) beat Nishikigi (M5)
Gonoyama (M3) beat Ryuden (M5)
Tobizaru (M4) beat Midorifuji (M2)
Atamifuji (M1) beat Shodai (M4)
Wakamotoharu (M1) beat Tamawashi (M10)
Abi (M2) beat Ura (K)
Kotonowaka (S) beat Oho (M11)
Kirishima (O) beat Daieisho (S)
Hoshoryu (O) beat Onosato (M15)
Terunofuji (Y) beat Onosho (M14)
Leader: Kotonowaka (10-1)
Of note: It’s likely down to Sanyaku for the championship with a Sekiwake leading then the Yokiozuna & 2 Ozeki one back. Onosho & Onosato are now both in a group 2 back after losses today, which includes Wakamotoharu after he clinched promotion and a return to Sanyaku in March. Also, Asanoyama has now missed enough time with injury that despite starting 7-1 he is now out of title contention even if he returns. Tomorrow might be the last kinboxhi chance this time for anyone when Terunofuji faces Onosato, as I expect all of Sanyaku to face each other based on the standings as we go into the final 3 days. As for Hoshoryu, who is also right there at 9-2, he has Takanosho tomorrow.
Yokozuna Watch: Kirishima hasn’t faced any Sanyaku yet except Daieisho so that’s probably coming after tomorrow. That will decide potential promotion but he still is very much in it. He has Tamawashi tomorrow.
Ozeki Watch: Kotonowaka continues to control his fate but he’s getting closer, now just needing to hold on for his first championship or get 3 more wins. Next up is Onosho.

Juryo:
Tenshoho (J12) beat Chiyonoumi (Ms4)
Daishoho (J9) beat Tochimusashi (J14)
Chiyosakae (J14) beat Asakoryu (J9)
Oshoumi (J13) beat Shiden (J7)
Shimanoumi (J8) beat Yuma (J13)
Chiyomaru (J12) beat Shishi (J7)
Oshoma (J5) beat Akua (J11)
Hakuyozan (J10) beat Tamashoho (J4)
Kitanowaka (J3) beat Takerufuji (J10)
Roga (J3) beat Chiyoshoma (J5)
Togakuryu (J2) beat Hidenoumi (J11)
Kagayaki (J7) beat Nishikifuji (J2)
Mitoryu (J1) beat Shirokuma (J6)
Tokihayate (J6) beat Daiamami (J1)
Leader: Roga, Tokihayate, Takerufuji (9-2)
RE-ENTRY: Kotoeko (J4). Will return tomorrow. Missed the last 3 days after withdrawal on Day 9 (flu). Any wins he can get now should prevent potential demotion to Makushita as he is the equivalent of 1-10.
Of note: Out of gas? That’s 2 straight losses and lead lost for Takerufuji after a 9-0 start in his Juryo debut, and it’s now a 3-way tie for the lead. With his 9th win, Roga will probably return to the top tier in March for a second chance after demotion in his first try (if he wins at least one more match he will definitely go back up). On the flip side, Tochimusashi will be demoted back to Makushita after an 8th loss today along with Yuma. He won’t avoid the 3:10 to demotion this time unless he wins out to get to 7-8.

Lower tier notes: It will be Wakatakakage vs. Haruyama for the Makushita Championship with both emerging from today at 6-0. Haruyama beat Tanji (a Sandanme man) then Wakatakakge beat Dewanoryu. Wakatakakage will be going for his 4th championship and second in Makushita before he returns to Juryo in March while Haruyama will be going for his second championship. At 5-1 at Ms5, Hakuoho will also have a chance to return to Juryo in March (a 6th win should make it certain). In the Sandanme, it will be Fujiseiun vs. Takashoki for the championship, with Fujiseiun going for his 3rd championship (second in Sandanme) and Takashoki going for his first career title. The Jonidan may need a playoff as 3 remain tied at 6-0, while in the Jonokuchi Anhibiki (6-0) will be the champion is he wins his final match.

Here are the quick results from today’s Day 10 of the January 2024 Grand Sumo Tournament in Tokyo:
Key: M-Maegashira, K-Komusubi, S-Sekiwake, O-Ozeki, Y-Yokozuna, J-Juryo, Ma-Makushita

Makiuchi (top tier):
Shimazuumi (M17) beat Myogiryu (M12)
Kotoshoho (M13) beat Tsurugisho (M11)
Sadanoumi (M10) beat Bushozan (M16)
Takarafuji (M16) beat Mitakeumi (M9)
Tomokaze (M15) beat Hiradoumi (M8)
Ichiyamamoto (M7) beat Churanoumi (M13)
Endo (M13) beat Shonannoumi (M6)
Meisei (M9) beat Nishikigi (M5)
Takanosho (M12) beat Tobizaru (M4)
Gonoayama (M3) beat Shodai (M4)
Abi (M2) beat Ryuden (M5)
Wakamotoharu (M1) beat Oho (M11)
Tamawashi (M10) beat Atamifuji (M1)
Midorifuji (M2) beat Ura (K)
Kotonowaka (S) beat Onosato (M15)
Hoshoryu (O) beat Daieisho (S)
Kirishima (O) beat Onosho (M14)
Terunofuji (Y) beat Kinbozan (M6)
Leader: Kotonowaka (9-1)
Of note: The battle for sole leadership was a no-contest as Kotoshoho easily dispatched rookie Onosato, but it’s far from over. Onosato remains in a group of 5 that are one win back at 8-2, including Onosho who took a tough loss to Kirishima. And Terunofuji is lurking in that group too eith a winning record secured. Elsewhere, the Sanyaku shakeup is set as Ura will be demoted, meaning no Komusubi holdovers in March. Wakamotoharu is now one win away from returning to Sanyaku after being demoted from Sekiwake this time.
Yokozuna Watch: It wasn’t his best showing but that win keeps Kirishima’s hopes alive as he is in the 8-2 group, and more importantly he has protected his Ozeki rank as has Hoshoryu. But on the flip side, now that he has missed a week with onjury…Takakeisho kadoban…
Ozeki Watch: It’s almost Kotonowaka’s promotion to lose now. He’s not there yet but continues to lead the standigs and looks strong. Probably needs 4 more wins to clinch if he doesn’t get the championship.
Key matches tomorrow: Onosato-Hoshoryu, Terunofuji-Onosho. The losers are all but out of the championship race. Kotonowaka has Oho (who tends to fade in the second week) while Kirishima faces Daieisho. Among those matches, all but Kirishima-Daieisho are first ever meetings. Over the last year, Kirishima is 4-2 against Daieisho.

Juryo:
Yuma (J13) beat Kitaharima (Ms2)
Hidenoumi (J11) beat Tenshoho (J12)
Hakuyozan (J10) beat Chiyomaru (J12)
Asakoryu (J9) beat Tochimusashi (J14)
Daishoho (J9) beat Chiyosakae (J14)
Oshoumi (J13) beat Shimanoumi (J8)
Shiden (J8) beat Akua (J11)
Shishi (J7) beat Tamashoho (J4)
Roga (J3) beat Takerufuji (J10)
Kitanowaka (J3) beat Kagayaki (J7)
Tokihayate (J6) beat Nishikifuji (J2)
Shirokuma (J6) beat Tohakuryu (J2)
Oshoma (J5) beat Daiamami (J1)
Chiyoshoma (J5) beat Mitoryu (J1)
Leader: Takerufuji (9-1)
Of note: No perfect run for Takerufuji, loss 1 came today so his lead is down to 1. Tokihayate & Roga clinched promotions today, with the Russian at J3 now having a chance to return to the top tier with one more win (ideally at least 2 more). Amazongly, aside from Kotoeko there are still no other demotions yet. That will almost certainly change tomorrow though.

Lower tier notes: With 3 left at 5-0, half of the potential Makushita Championship will be determined tomorrow as Wakatakakage faces Dewanoryu. The other unbeaten, Haruyama, faces Tanji first (a Sandanme man who is also 5-0). If Haruyama loses, the Wakatakakage-Dewanoryu winner only has to win their final match to be champion. If Haruyama wins, the latter sets up the championship match on Day 13. The Sandanme has 6 at 5-0 so a playoff may be needed depending on what happens tomorrow. There are also 6 left in the Jonidan at 5-0, while Anhibiki only needs to win out to claim the Jonokuchi championship as the only 5-0 left.

Here are the quick results from today’s Day 9 of the January 2024 Grand Sumo Tournament in Tokyo:
Key: M-Maegashira, K-Komusubi, S-Sekiwake, O-Ozeki, Y-Yokozuna, J-Juryo

Makuuchi (top tier):
Endo (M13) beat Tomokaze (M15)
Myogiryu (M12) beat Bushozan (M16)
Takanosho (M12) beat Takarafuji (M16)
Shimazuumi (M17) beat Oho (M11)
Kotoshoho (M14) beat Sadanoumi (M10)
Onosato (M15) beat Meisei (M9)
Churanoumi (M13) beat Mitakeumi (M9)
Onosho (M14) beat Asanoyama (M7) by default/withdrawal
Taurugisho (M11) beat Ichiyamamoto (M7)
Tamawashi (M10) beat Shonannoumi (M6)
Kinbozan (M6) beat Hiradoumi (M8)
Tobizaru (M4) beat Hokutofuji (M3) by default/withdrawal
Abi (M2) beat Gonoyama (M3)
Wakamotoharu (M1) beat Midorifuji (M2)
Ura (K) beat Atamifuji (M1)
Kotonowaka (S) beat Daieisho (S)
Kirishima (O) beat Shodai (M4)
Hoshoryu (O) beat Ryuden (M5)
Terunofuji (Y) beat Nishikigi (M5)
Leader: Kotonowaka, Onosho, Onosato (8-1)
WITHDRAWALS: Hokutofuji (M3), Asanoyama (M7). Hokutofuji-Knee. If it’s as bad as it looked, tournament over and he will be demoted with the equivalent of a 4-11-record. Asanoyama-ankle. Status uncertain. Seems day-to day based on what Nikkan Sports reported and it was a last-second withdrawal. It cost him a share of the lead and potentially a championship as he was 7-1 coming in to today.
Of note: The first promotions were earned today with Kotonowaka again protecting his Sekiwake rank, Onosato earning promotion in his top tier debut and Onosho getting the freebie due to Asanoyama withdrawing. But so were the first demotions, to Shonannoumi and Tomokaze as both are 1-8 (Tomokaze could be demoted back to Juryo unless he wins out). Ura staved off demotion again by ending Atamifuji’s 4-match winning streak.
Yokozuna Watch: Kirishima remains one off the pace at 7-2 and faces a must-win tomorrow against Onosho. A win protects his Ozeki rank and keeps him in what would be a group of at least 3 one back.
Ozeki Watch: With his Sekiwake rank now protected again, Kotonowaka remains in promotion contention as co-leader. He needs 5 more wins or the championship.
Key matches tomorrow: Kotonowaka-Onosato, Onosho-Kirishima. The winner of the former will be the sole leader or co-leader.

Juryo:
Hakuyozan (J10) beat Tochimusashi (J14)
Takerufuji (J10) beat Oshoumi (J13)
Daishoho (J9) beat Yuma (J13)
Asakoryu (J9) beat Chiyomaru (J12)
Shiden (J8) beat Tenshoho (J12)
Shimanoumi (J8) beat Akua (J11)
Chiyosakae (J14) beat Shishi (J7)
Hidenoumi (J11) beat Tokihayate (J6)
Kagayaki (J7) beat Tamashoho (J4)
Roga (J3) beat Shirokuma (J6)
Tohakuryu (J2) beat Kotoeko (J4) by default/withdrawal
Nishikifuji (J2) beat Kitanowaka (J3)
Mitoryu (J1) beat Oshoma (J5)
Chiyoshoma (J5) beat Daiamami (J1)
Leader: Takerufuji (9-0)
WITHDRAWAL: Kotoeko (J4). Flu. Return uncertain. Will be demoted due to being the equivalent of 1-8. Maybe a chance he returns for the final day or two. He might need that to keep his Juryo ranking and salary.
Of note: Takerufuji is now 2 clear of the field, which includes stablemate Nishikifuji at 7-2. He faces Roga tomorrow with the Russian looking for promotion (currently also 7-2) and a return to the top tier and the leader trying to stay 2 ahead of the Nishikifuji-Tokihayate winner. Tokihayate has now lost 2 straight after opening 7-0.

Here are the quick results from today’s Day 8-the halfway point-of the January 2024 Grand Sumo Tournament in Tokyo:
Key: M-Maegashira, K-Komusubi, S-Sekiwake, O-Ozeki, Y-Yokozuna, J-Juryo, Ms-Makushita

Makuuchi (top tier):
Nishikifuji (J2) beat Bushozan (M16)
Onosho (M14) beat Shimazuumi (M17)
Takarafuji (M16) beat Churanoumi (M13)
Onosato (M15) beat Endo (M13)
Takanosho (M12) beat Tomokaze (M15)
Tsurugisho (M11) beat Myogiryu (M12)
Oho (M11) beat Kotoshoho (M14)
Sadanoumi (M10) beat Ichiyamamoto (M7)
Tamawashi (M10) beat Asanoyama (M7)
Kinbozan (M6) beat Mitakeumi (M9)
Meisei (M9) beat Shonannoumi (M6)
Nishikigi (M9) beat Hiradoumi (M8)
Abi (M2) beat Shodai (M4)
Atamifuji (M1) beat Gonoyama (M3)
Wakamotoharu (M1) beat Ura (K)
Kotonowaka (S) beat Takayasu (K) by default/withdrawal
Daieisho (S) beat Midorifuji (M2)
Hoshoryu (O) beat Hokurofuji (M3)
Tobizaru (M4) beat Kirishima (O)
Terunofuji (Y) beat Ryuden (M5)
Leader: Asanoyama, Kotonowaka, Onosato, Onosho (7-1)
WITHDRAWAL: Takayasu (K). Back. Second time pulling out this tournament. Status uncertain. Also, it looks like Hokutofuji may be out after today as well. Back or knee injury suffered at the end of his loss to Hoshoryu when he was pushed out and landed hard in the floor in a seated position before staying down and needing to be pushed out in a wheelchair. He appeared to be favoring his already heavily taped knee. If he can’t return, Tobizaru would get the free win tomorrow. If this is it for January, Hokutofuji would finish the equivalent of 4-11 as he is currently 4-4.
Of note: No promotions yet. Asanoyama could’ve gotten #8 but he took his first loss, causing a 4-way tie for the lead as Kotonowaka got the fusenand Onosato continues his impressive rookie campaign in the top tier alongside Onosho having a career-best start. We’re also close to demotions as well, notably Ura in his Sanyaku debut-the effort is there as always but the results just haven’t gone his way, as well as Endo & Tomokaze who are also 1-7. One of those two gets their demotion tomorrow because they face each other, with Tomokaze probably returning to Juryo if he loses. The leaderboard will thin a little tomorrow because Asanoyama faces Onosho. Onosato has Meisei while Kotonowaka will try to protect his Sekiwake rank against Daieisho in the Sekiwake Showdown. Elsewhere in Sanyaku, Kirishima faces Shodai, Hoshoryu gets Ryuden and Terunofuji has Nishikigi. Terunofuji remains in contention as well at 6-2 so far.
Yokozuna Watch: Tough loss for Kirishima and that could be the difference, but at 6-2 he remains very much in it.
Ozeki Watch: Kotonowaka is halfway there. Right now he still needs 13 wins but the championship also will do it, and the former remains within reach if he can finish 6-1 or 7-0.

Juryo:
Tsushimanada (Ms2) beat Oshoumi (J13)
Akua (J11) beat Tochimusashi (3-5)
Hidenoumi (J11) beat Chiyosakae (J13)
Hakuyozan (J10) beat Yuma (J13)
Tenshoho (J12) beat Shimanoumi (J8)
Chiyomaru (J12) beat Shiden (J8)
Kagayaki (J7) beat Daishoho (J9)
Takerufuji (J10) beat Shishi (J7)
Shirokuma (J6) beat Asakoryu (J9)
Roga (J3) beat Tokihayate (J6)
Kitanowaka (J3) beat Chiyoshoma (J5)
Tohakuryu (J2) beat Oshoma (J5)
Daiamami (J1) beat Kotoeko (J4)
Tamashoho (J4) beat Mitoryu (J1)
Leader: Takerufuji (8-0)
Of note: Takerufuji is the first promotion in Juryo this time after Tokihayate took his first loss against Roga. Dating back to November he has now won 12 straight and 14 of his last 15 matches. If he can win out the top tier is potentially within reach. Not returning to Makuuchi will be Kotoeko, who is now 1-7 and may be lucky to avoid Makushita. Nishikifuji was in the top tier today and won as his efforts to return to the top tier are going well, he currently is 6-2.

RETIREMENT: Chiyoarashi (Ms16), who called it a career after his loss on Day 7 that secured a demotion and leaves him 0-4 in his finale. He reached a highest career rank of J10 in September 2011, last reaching Juryo in May 2022. His career ends just short of 16 years with a career record of 370-298-71 with 1 Sandanme Championship. He also had one 7-0 finish in Jonidan but lost in a playoff. He only spent about a year total in Juryo so he doesn’t qualify for elder stock/oyakata (you need the equivalent of 5 years-at least 30 tournaments-in the top 2 tiers, they do not have to be consecutive).

Lower tier notes:
Former Sekiwake Wakatakakage, demoted to Makushita after missing most of 2023 due to injury, will be promoted back to Juryo in March as he is 4-0 from Ms1 and is among 7 co-leaders. Hakuoho, also trying to climb back up after injury-related demotion, is currently 3-1 at Ms5 and still with a chance at Juryo. Based on what happened to Wakatakakage last time out, Hakuoho probably needs to finish 6-1 but may have a chance at 5-2 depending on what happens above him. In the Sandanme, 11 are tied at 4-0 including Wakatakamoto, demoted from Makushita after November but returning to the third tier and with a chance to perhaps give the Wakas 2 lower tier championships this time.In the Jonidan, 12 are tied at 4-0 including Ukrainian prospect Aonishiki, who won the Jonokuchi championship in his debut in November. The Jonokuchi has 2 left at 4-0 so it may be between Chiyodaigo, demoted from Makushita after missing 4 straight tournaments (he did return for the final day of November) and Anhibiki in his debut tournament.

UPDATE: Hokutofuji has WITHDRAWN. And, while not officially confirmed yet, Nikkan Sports reports a major pullout if true-Asanoyama. Ankle for the latter. The Nihon Sumo Kyokai’s website does not list Asanoyama as out yet. In Hokutofuji’s case, Tobizaru gets the fusen win on Day 9. If Asanoyama is indeed out, Onosho would remain co-leader and clinch promotion by getting the freebie.

UPDATE 2: Asanoyama has now officially WITHDRAWN about halfway through Day 9. Right ankle inflammation/swelling. Possibly twisted yesterday. Status uncertain. Onosho gets the fusen and promotion and will remain a co-leader or leader.

Here are the quick results from the first week (7 days) of the January 2024 Grand Sumo Tournament in Tokyo (Top Tier only due to time constraints. Juryo results will be posted from Day 8 onwards):
Key: M-Maegashira, K-Komusubi, S-Sekiwake, O-Ozeki, Y-Yokozuna, J-Juryo,

Continue reading “Sumo-January 2024 Grand Sumo Tournament Day 1-7 Results (Top Tier) (Updated)”

It’s Christmas Day in Japan and sumo fans just got their gift-the Japan Sumo Association has announced the Banzuke (Rankings) for the January 2024 Tournament. Here are the top 2 tiers and other notes:

Makuuchi (Top Tier):
Yokozuna-Terunofuji
Ozeki-Kirishima (November Tournament Champion), Hoshoryu, Takakeisho
Sekiwake-Kotonowaka, Daieisho
Komusubi-Takayasu, Ura
Maegashira 1-Wakamotoharu, Atamifuji
Maegashira 2-Midorifuji, Abi
Maegashira 3-Gonoyama, Hokutofuji
Maegashira 4-Tobizaru, Shodai
Maegashira 5-Ryuden, Nishikigi
Maegashira 6-Kinbozan, Shonannoumi
Maegashira 7-Ichiyamamoto, Asanoyama
Maegashira 8-Hokuseiho, Hiradoumi
Maegashira 9-Mitakeumi, Meisei
Maegashira 10-Tamawashi, Sadanoumi
Maegashira 11-Tsurugisho, Oho
Maegashira 12-Takanosho, Myogiryu
Maegashira 13-Churanoumi, Endo
Maegashira 14-Kotoshoho (November Juryo Champion), Onosho
Maegashira 15-Tomokaze, Onosato
Maegashira 16-Takarafuji, Bushozan
Maegashira 17-Shimazuumi, Aoiyama

Juryo:
Juryo 1-Daiamami, Mitoryu
Juryo 2-NIshikifuji, Tohakuryu
Juryo 3-Roga, Kitanowaka
Juryo 4-Tamashoho, Kotoeko
Juryo 5-Chiyoshoma, Oshoma
Juryo 6-Tokihayate, Shirokuma
Juryo 7-Kagayaki, Shishi
Juryo 8-Shimanoumi, Shiden
Juryo 9-Asakoryu, Daishoho
Juryo 10-Takerufuji, Hakuyozan
Juryo 11-Akua, Hidenoumi
Juryo 12-Chiyomaru, Tenshoho
Juryo 13-Yuma, Oshoumi
Juryo 14-Chiyosakae, Tochimusashi

Notes:
As expected, no changes in Sanyaku except Wakamotoharu was demoted to M1 while the new Komusubi this time are Ura for the first time in his career and Takayasu. If Kirishima wins this tournament, he will probably earn promotion to Yokozuna (or will at least be recommended)-he hopes it can happen this time or next time because his stablemaster, the current Michinoku, must retire after the March Tournament (he turns 65 in April, which means he’ll reach the mandatory retirement age in sumo). Terunofuji will be back this tournament after being out the last 3 tournaments according to stablemaster Isegahama, and if he doesn’t return the Yokozuna Deliberation Council will take the first step in a 3-step process that ends with pretty much forcing retirement (Yokozuna can never be demoted but they can be forced to retire for continued poor performance or, in this case, numerous absences). Kotonowaka will be on Ozeki Watch again as he can earn promotion by winning the championship or finishing with at least 13 wins. Daieisho also has a chance at promotion again but he’ll need a championship or to go 14-1 or 15-0. The only real big surprise in the rankings is perhaps Atamifuji making it to M1, I had him a couple ranks lower after another runner-up finish. If he keeps this up we’ll be taking about Ozeki promotion for him by the end of 2024. Also making his top tier debut will be Onosato after losing the Juryo Championship playoff to Kotoshoho, making a huge jump from Juryo 5. He’ll open at M15 against..possibly .Kotoshoho! Normally on the first day wrestlers face the other wrestler who shares their rank but Onosato and Tomokaze at M15 are both from Nishonoseki Beya so that won’t happen. Shimazuumi also sneaks in at M17 which means he’ll also make his top tier debut, possibly against the returning Aoiyama who gets back to the top tier after winning his final November match to finish 8-7 at Juryo 1. Ichiyamamoto was another big winner as 11-4 and a Fighting Spirit Prize took him up to M7 alongside the biggest loser, Asanoyama. His gamble of coming back after missing the first week in November to try and save promotion to Sanyaku backfired and a 4-11 equivalent drops him from M1 to M7.
Nishikifuj, Roga, Kotoeko, Kitanowaka and Tohakuryu all were demoted to Juryo with Kotoeko going down for the first time in 3 years (largely due to injury).
Don’t recognize Shirokuma? I didn’t either. Turns out it’s the former Takahashi with a new Shikona, or name change. He will no longer use his real last name as his ring name.
Takerufuji & Oshoumi are Shin-Juryo this tournament, making their second tier (pro) debuts, while Hakuyozan & Tochimusashi are Sai-Juryo, returning after demotions to Makushita. Tochimusashi will try to have a winning Juryo record for the first time since winning the championship.

In the Makushita, former Sekiwake Wakatakakage just missed promotion to Juryo after a 5-2 effort in his return from injury, and moves up to Ms1 from Ms6. The big question is if Hakuoho will be able to return from injury this time, which is possible-if so, he’ll be at Ms5 but should be back up in no time. Best-case for a top-tier return for the super-rookie seems to be July. September champion Hitoshi was demoted to Ms7 after a disastrous Juryo debut in November, while November Champion Satorufuji got a bigger than expected, and no doubt Isegahama-influenced bump up from Ms42 all the way to Ms3 (normally the Makushita Champion gains 30 spots if they are in the lower half of the 60-rank division).

The Sandanme has the new-usual 90 ranks with 180 wrestlers, with the biggest story being Enho possibly beginning his comeback from a major back injury. He may try to return this tournament and if so he will be at Sd83. He doesn’t plan to retire anytime soon and is no doubt motivated by needing to get back to Juryo one more time to qualify for elder stock upon retirement (you need to have been in Makuuchi and Juryo for at least 5 years-30 tournaments-in your career to qualify to become an Oyakata, and eventually a coach or stablemaster-after retirement. It doesn’t have to be consecutive. Enho has 29 such tournaments, really he missed it by just one win in his last appearance). The Jonidan ranks are a bit thinner this time with just 98 ranks and 196 wrestlers, down from the usual triple digit ranks, while the Jonokuchi will have 17 ranks and 33 wrestlers. In Jonidan, watch November Jonokuchi Champion Aonishiki at Jd10, looking to eventually become the second rikishi from Ukraine to reach the top 2 tiers alongside countryman Shishi (they are not in the same stable).

The January Tournament begins on 1/14 in Tokyo.

UPDATE: Azumaryu, who was demoted from Juryo after November, has now retired after the Banzuke announcement. He was to have been at Makushita 13 in January. His final career record will be 588-522-47 (win-loss-absent), 62-88-15 in the top tier with one Juryo championship and a highest rank of Maegashira 11. In November he was a withdrawal on Day 2 due to injury and didn’t return, finishing the equivalent of 0-15. He had 5 straight demotions and only earned 2 promotions in the last 10 tournaments. Nikkan Sports reports he will have a hair cutting ceremony in September at Ryogoku Kokugikan in Tokyo and it sounds like he will not become an elder/oyakata and may return to his native Mongolia (he spent over 10 years in the top 2 tiers, more than double the time needed to qualify for elder stock).

With the November 2023 Grand Sumo Tournament now in the books, here is the final Hoshitori (Banzuke with records) for the top 2 tiers and some early January ranking notes & thoughts:

Continue reading “Sumo-November 2023 Hoshitori & Notes”

Nikkan Sports reports the Nihon Sumo Kyokai (Japan Sumo Association) Yokozuna Deliberation Committee held a regular poat-tournament meeting today, here are some notes coming out:

Yokozuna Terunofuji is on the clock. According to comments from Chairman Masayuki Yamauchi (Professor Emeritus at the University Of Tokyo), Based on translation, he either must compete in January or the Council will take action. Any such action is non-binding but carries weight, starting with “encouragement” then “recommendation” and finally being all but forced to retire (Yokozuna can never be demoted to lower ranks). Terunofuji missed the last 3 tournaments including November despite participation in the October tour. Before the November Tournament it was reported by YouTuber Chris Sumo, a reliable English language source with inside connections, that per stablemaster Isegahama Terunofuji would compete in January.

Also, the Council reportedly is not happy with Hoshoryu, one of the 3 current Ozeki. In a late tournament match against Gonoyama (Margashira 4), Hoshoryu dragged the pre-match staredown/setup with a frozen stare lasting approximately 90 seconds, so long that NHK World Japan had to edit most of it out of their daily English language highlights program for time. While there is a little precedent given Hoshoryu is the nephew of bad boy Yokozuna Asashoryu, Yamauchi’s comments indicate that clearly hurt Hoshoryu’s chances of making Yokozuna, which may not happen anytime soon based on performance (he has 8 & 10 wins in 2 tournaments as Ozeki so far). Making Yokozuna is not just about winning tournaments, you also are expected to be of high moral character as a public face of sumo and being looked up to by all rikishi. Hoshoryu is known for his “stinky face” glare after some matches especially if he took pushes to the face. All indications ate he’ll be just like Asashoryu if he ever ascends to the highest rank as Chairman Hakkaku hopes for before he is forced to retire in a couple years (mandatory retirement age in sumo is 65) and ideally with healthy active Yokozuna.

While we wait for updated early ranking notes for January, it is being suggested that Ura, who finished 8-7 at M1, will be promoted to Komusubi for the first time in his career

Here are the quick results from today’s Day 15-the Final Day-of the November 2023 Grand Sumo Tournament in Fukuoka:
Key: M-Maegashira, K-Komusubi, S-Sekiwake, O-Ozeki, J-Juryo, Ms-Makushita, Sd-Sandanme, Jd-Jonidan, Jk-Jonokuchi

Makuuchi (Top Tier):
NIshikifuji (M16) beat Kagayaki (J3)
Hiradoumi (M11) beat Kitanowaka (M17)
Ryuden (M10) beat Tsurugisho (M13)
Oho (M12) beat Mitakeumi (M9)
Myogiryu (M9) beat Tomokaze (M14)
Roga (M16) beat Endo (M8)
Ichiyamamoto (M14) beat Kinbozan (M7)
Churanoumi (M15) beat Midorifuji (M5)
Gonoyama (M4) beat Shonannoumi (M6)
Sadanoumi (M11) beat Tobizaru (M3)
Takayasu (M3) beat Tamawashi (M12)
Meisei (M2) beat Tohakuryu (M15)
Shodai (M2) beat Takarafuji (M13)
Ura (M1) beat Hokuseiho (M7)
Nishikigi (M4) beat Hokutofuji (K)
Asanoyama (M1) beat Abi (K)
Wakamotoharu (K) beat Onosho (M5)
Kotonowaka (S) beat Atamifuji (M8). KIRISHIMA YUSHO!!! Settled before the final match. So close and yet so painfully far away for Atamifuji again, who lost his last 2 matches.
Hoshoryu (O) beat Daieisho (S)
Kirishima (O) beat Takakeisho (O)
CHAMPION: Kirishima (13-2). 2nd Emperor’s Cup this year and 4th overall championship. Nikkan Sports reports it also means Kirishima finishes 2023 with the most wins of any top-tier rikishi.

SPECIAL PRIZES:
Outstanding Performance (Maegashira with most wins against Yokozuna/Ozeki): None
Fighting Spirit (10+ wins with best display of fighting spirit): Atamifuji (2nd time, 2nd straight tournament), Kotonowaka, Ichiyamamoto
Technique (most different winning techniques): None

Final standings notes: The Sanyaku shakeup will see Wakamotoharu demoted from Sekiwake and both Komusubi (Abi & Hokutofuji) demoted, with Ura possibly breaking through to Komusubi thanks to an 8th win today. If there is a second Komusubi it could be a Sanyaku return for Takayasu, a former Ozeki. 6 wins probably drops Wakamotoharu to M1, but it could be Komusubi. We’re going to see at least 4 demotions to Juryo-Kitanowaka, Roga, Nishikifuji and Tohakuryu. The biggest tossup is Kotoeko at M10, due to missing the last 5 days (injury) he finishes the equivalent of 2-13. Despite the last 2 losses, Atamifuji will make another big move up the rankings. He could get as high as M1 but I’m going to slot him in at M3 for January with Sanyaku possible in March. Meanwhile, Asanoyama’s Day 8 return gamble to try and salvage Sanyaku ultimately backfired as he’ll suffer his first post-return demotion. A lot of demotions at the top do help him though along with being absent the first week, but I think he’ll still drop down to, at best, M5. More reasonably I’ll take him down to M8. Maybe Sanyaku again by May.
Yokozuna Watch: When one door closes, another door opens. Takakeisho’s maybe last best chance at promotion is gone after a good start when he slumped late to 9-6, but now it’s Kirishima’s chance. A repeat title in January, or a playoff with at least 12 wins, should allow him to take the mantle from the wearing-down Terunofuji and allow the current Yokozuna to retire on his own terms. We can hope Terunofuji does return in January as expected for perhaps a passing of the mantle, as was the case when he was promoted after a Final Day loss to Hakuho when the legend retired after a perfect tournament (Terunofuji was also 14-0 going into that final day). Then attention can turn to Hoshoryu, who managed 10 wins this time and perhaps…
Ozeki Watch: Kotonowaka probably won’t get there right now after finishing with 30 wins over his last 3 tournaments, but he will have a good chance after January as he will need 11 wins again to reach the unofficial benchmark of 33 wins over 3 consecutive tournaments. The son of the current Sadogatake is poised to eclipse his father, the former Kotonowaka, and assume a new name when he does (he will become Kotozakura when/if he is promoted). And by this time next year, we’re going to be talking about Atamifuji here. If he stays healthy he will be Yokozuna in 2-3 years.

Juryo:
Takerufuji (Ms1) beat Hitoshi (J11)
Tenshoho (J10) beat Kitadaichi (Ms3)
Tsushimanada (Ms4) beat Takakento (J9)
Tamashoho (J7) beat Akua (J10)
Chiyosakae (J14) beat Daishoho (J7)
Chiyoshoma (J6) beat Yuma (J13)
Shishi (J5) beat Chiyomaru (J8)
Onosato (J5) beat Mitoryu (J4)
Daiamami (J4) beat Shiden (J12)
Oshoma (J3) beat Hidenoumi (J11)
Shimanoumi (J12) beat Shimazuumi (J2)
Bushozan (J2) beat Tokihayate (J8)
Kotoshoho (J1) beat Asakoryu (J13). PLAYOFF!!!
Aoiyama (J1) beat Takahashi (J9)
PLAYOFF: Kotoshoho (J1) beat Onosato (J5). KOTOSHOHO JURYO YUSHO!
CHAMPION: Kotoshoho (12-3). 3rd career Championship and 3rd Juryo Championship. He will join a handful promoted back to the top tier in January, to
Going up: At least 4 and potentially 5 promotions are on tap: Kotoshoho and Aoiyama will return to the top tier along with Bushozan and one of, if not both, Shimazuumi and Onosato. If only one makes it I think it’ll be Onosato because of the playoff loss, which would leave Shimazuumi at J1 despite 9 wins.
Going down: Azumaryu (withdrawal after 0-2 start, finished 0-15), Hitoshi (September Makushita Champion had a disastrous 2-13 Juryo debut) and Chiyosakae (demoted with 8th loss today) will be demoted to Makushita, and possibly Yuma again (big toss-up after a collapse to 7-8 following losing his last 4, Takakento (3-12 at J9), Tenshoho, Akua (both 5-10 at J10). Hidenoumi is a huge toss-up at 6-9 from J11 but he missed 3 days due to injury. I think he’ll be safe. Also going down is Hakuoho after another missed tournament due to injury, but he’ll almost certainly earn his way back right away when he returns in January. He should still reach Sanyaku by the end of 2024.

Makushita notes: Takerufuji will be Shin-Juryo in January after a 6-1 result at J1, needing just 8 tournaments to reach the second tier and becoming the latest Isegahama super-prospect to break through into salary ranks (he already has 2 lower tier championships). He has gone 43-6 so far in his career. Despite losing his last 3 after a 4-0 start, Hakuyozan will be Sai-Juryo, returning to the second tier in January. That’s probably it for Makushita promotions because of the numbers game, although Kayo will have a chance after going 6-1 at Ms6, and that means the biggest loser would be Wakatakakage-the former Sekiwake went 5-2 from Ms6 in his return from injury. But he probably came up one win short despite winning his last 4 after a 1-2 start.
Expect Champion Satorufuji to jump up from Ms42 to approximately Ms12 while Kitaharima’s title loss will keep him from a Juryo return after he just missed a second straight championship (he won the Sandanme in September), but he’ll be in position for a January promotion with a winning record after a 6-1 effort at Ms11. The veteran is hoping for more than another cup of sake in the top tier before retiring-he’s reached a career high rank of M15 for one tournament.

Jonidan:
PLAYOFF: Dairinzan (Jd61) beat Shiroma (Jd15). DAIRINZAN JONIDAN YUSHO! First career championship.

Tournament Champions:
Makuuchi (Kirishima (2nd Emperor’s Cup, 4th overall)
Juryo: Kotoshoho (3rd Juryo, 3rd overall)
Makushita: (Satorufuji (1st Makushita, 2nd overall)
Sandanme: Daishoryu (1st Sandanme, 1st overall)
Jonidan: Dairinzan (1st Jonidan, 1st overall)
Jonokuchi: Aonishiki (1st Jonokuchi, 1st overall in Debut tournament)

The next tournament is the January 2024 tournament scheduled from 1/14-1/28 at Ryogoku Kokugikan in Tokyo. Advance tickets will go on sale on 12/9. In the next couple days will be the usual final standings post and any major post-tournament breaking news. The Banzuke is scheduled to be announced on 12/25.

Here are the quick results from today’s Day 14 of the November 2023 Grand Sumo Tournament in Fukuoka:
Key: M-Maegashira, K-Komusubi, S-Sekiwake, O-Ozeki, J-Juryo, Ms-Makushita

Makuuchi (Top Tier):
Daiamami (J4) beat Tohakuryu (M15)
Oho (M12) beat Churanoumi (M15)
Sadanoumi (M11) beat Roga (M16)
Nishikifuji (M16) beat Hiradoumi (M11)
Myogiryu (M9) beat Kitanowaka (M17)
Tsurugisho (M13) beat Mitakeumi (M9)
Takarafuji (M13) beat Endo (M8)
Hokuseiho (M7) beat Tomokaze (M14)
Takayasu (M3) beat Kinbozan (M7)
Tamawashi (M12) beat Meisei (M2)
Asanoyama (M1) beat Shodai (M2)
Ura (M1) beat Gonoyama (M4)
Tobizaru (M3) beat Abi (K)
Hokutofuji (K) beat Onosho (M5)
Kotonowaka (S) beat Shonannoumi (M6)
Wakamotoharu (S) beat Nishikigi (M4)
Daieisho (S) beat Takakeisho (O)
Hoshoryu (O) beat Midorifuji (M5)
Kirishima (O) beat Atamifuji (M8)
Leader: Kirishima (12-2)
Of note: It’s not over yet but we’re going to have another Yokozuna Watch in January. Here’s how tomorrow will go: If both Atamifuji & Kirishima win, both lose,, Atamifuji loses (Kotonowaka) or Kirishima wins (Takakeisho), Kisishima is the champion for the second time this year. If Atamifuji wins and Kirishima loses, there will be a playoff rematch and Atamifuji gets a second chance for the second time in a row. Will this be the time after that heartbreaking playoff loss to Takakeisho in September for Atamifuji or will this be the start of Yokozuna for Kirishima? Either way, Kirishima is halfway there because he’ll either win or have a win total equivalent to the championship, although the former is more ideal. At the pace he’s on, Atamifuji isn’t far off. This will be his 3rd straight 11-win effort and should put him on the edge of Sanyaku. I think he’ll be at M1 in January, but if he gets the second chance and wins the championship I’ll move him up to Komusubi. But by this time next year he’s an Ozeki candidate as long as he stays healthy. At the bottom we’re now looking at a minimum of 4 demotions (Kitanowaka, Roga, Nishikifuji, Tohakuryu).

Juryo:
Tochimusashi (Ms3) beat Chiyosakae (J14)
Chiyomaru (J8) beat Daishoho (J7)
Tamashoho (J7) beat Yuma (J13)
Shimanoumi (J12) beat Chiyoshoma (J6)
Onosato (J5) beat Asakoryu (J13)
Shishi (J5) beat Takakento (J9)
Mitoryu (J4) beat Tenshoho (J10)
Kagayaki (J3) beat Akua (J10)
Oshoma (J3) beat Hitoshi (J11)
Bushozan (J2) beat Takahashi (J9)
Shimazuumi (J2) beat Hidenoumi (J11)
Tokihayate (J8) beat Aoiyama (J1)
Kotoshoho (J1) beat Shiden (J12)
Leader: Kotoshoho, Onosato (11-3)
Of note: The co-leaders already met on Day 8 (Kotoshoho won) so they will only meet again if a playoff is needed, and it may well be. Onosato is up first and gets Mitoryu while Kotoshoho faces Asakoryu. If both win or both lose, there will be a playoff. If one loses and the other wins, the winner is the champion. A win probably promotes Onosato to the top tier in January, a championship definitely will, it’s gonna be 50-50 with a loss. Ultimately it may depend on Aoiyama, who must win tomorrow for promotion (Takahashi in the final match). Shimazuumi should be promoted as well with 9 wins, but a 10th win makes it definite. The way top-tier demotions look right now, I think all 3-all 4 if Aoiyama wins-are going up.
As usual on the final day, a handful of Makushita men will be up for Juryo matches, led by Takerufuji who at 5-1 from Ms1 will make his de facto Juryo debut before being promoted in January. Also up will be Kitadaichi, 3-3 at Ms3 and going for promotion, and former Juryo champion Tochimusashi (Kanno), who made dubious history as the first Juryo winner to be demoted to Makushita before reaching the top tier after doing so. Makushita September Champion Hitoshi is going back down after a tough 2-12 so far debut, as is Chiyosakae. Yuma could be a toss-up if he loses tomorrow to finish 7-8. Even though he will be demoted after today, I think Hidenoumi is safe as he has managed 6 wins with missing 2 days due to injury. With 4 wins since returning after starting 0-8 (missing 4 days due to injury), Chiyomaru is safe too. Who won’t be coming back up this time is Wakatakakage-the former Sekiwake had a solid 5-2 effort in his return from injury at Ms6, but that’s not going to be enough. But another promotion effort in January should do it.

Reminder: NHK World Japan will have 90 minutes of LIVE top tier coverage, including the final matches & potential playoff rematch, awards presentation and champion’s interview with English translation, beginning tonight at 11:30 PM PT/2:30 AM ET. Who will second time be the charm for? Don’t miss it!

UPDATE: Once Day 15 got underway, it was announced that, for the second straight tournament, Atamifuji will win the Fighting Spirit Special Prize regardless of the final results. That may be the only Special Prize awarded again but we’ll see.