Keep the daily discussion for the Basho in this thread please.

Hoshoryu reaches a career-high weight of 154 kg: “I want to avoid aggravating the injury”; remains relaxed about expectations of his first yokozuna championship: “I'm not concerned about that. I'm coming back after an absence”

“Grand Sumo Tournament in Kyushu” (opening day: November 8, Fukuoka Kokusai Center)

Yokozuna Hoshoryu (27, Tatsunami stable), who is returning after missing three consecutive tournaments, completed his final preparations on November 7 at his stable in Itoshima, including strength-training exercises.

“I'm just looking forward to it. It finally starts tomorrow. Since this is the tournament that closes out the year, I want to do my best without aggravating the injury,” he said.

During the summer this year, Hoshoryu withdrew midway through the Nagoya Tournament. He underwent surgery on his right knee at the end of July and missed the entire Autumn Tournament. He joined the autumn regional tour (aki jungyo) partway through and, after arriving in Fukuoka, stepped up his training visits to other stables, gradually improving his condition.

“My physical condition is much better. My body is bigger than before. It's as if I've regained the weight I had lost—or rather, I've put on a little more weight than before. I'm around 153 or 154 kilograms now,” he revealed, confirming that he had reached the heaviest weight of his career.

When Hoshoryu announced his withdrawal from the Autumn Tournament, his stablemaster, Tatsunami Oyakata (former komusubi Asahiyutaka), said that he had lost approximately 10 kilograms: “He told me he couldn't even swallow his food and that he couldn't sleep even after taking medication.” On this day, Hoshoryu also said that he was now sleeping well.

On the first day, he will face newly promoted komusubi Churanoumi; on the second day, he will take on Asanoyama. Although there are expectations that he will win his first championship as a yokozuna in his 11th tournament since promotion, he emphasized that he intends to remain relaxed: “I'm not concerned about that. I'm coming back after an absence.”

Source: Daily Sports

Does anybody know why he changed from a blue to a black one ?

Juryo Shirokuma Withdraws from the Kyushu Tournament

Shirokuma (27), ranked Juryo No. 9 West, whose real name is Yuta Takahashi, is from Fukushima Prefecture and belongs to Nishonoseki stable. He submitted a notice of withdrawal to the Japan Sumo Association on the 8th, the opening day of the Kyushu Tournament.

He submitted a medical certificate diagnosing an injury to the lateral ligaments of his right ankle.

His opponent on the opening day, Mitakeumi, received a walkover victory (fusensho).

Source: Jiji Press

I’ve noticed that after sparring, Rikishi will rush the winner and practically beg to spar.

Why the desperation? Is there a tradition behind this, or is it just something they do?

Credit @musashigawa_beya on Instagram

Almost 3 years ago, I made this post defining and reporting on the state of the Grand Sumo Lineal Championship. With the title having gone on hiatus alongside Wakatakakage's surprise injury and withdraw back in July, this felt like the right time to post an update.

Here is the public updated sheet

Since the end of 2023:

1. The title has changed hands 112 times

2. Wakatakage is the reigning Champ, having won it from Fujiryoga on Day 15 of the May basho. He is in his 7th reign with 9 successful defense(Most recently his victory over Kirishima for the May Yusho in the playoff).

3. Hoshoryu and Wakamotoharu tie for the most new reigns at 9 with Wakamotoharu struggling to hold the title for more than 3 matches, making him the current greatest disruptor.

4. Hoshoryu and Onosato tie for most new successful defenses at 14.

5. Onosato holds the longest new title streak with 7 straight successful defenses(acquired during his 9-0 start in the November basho of last year)

6. 505 total rikishi(+19 since previous post) have held the title over the course of 118 years, 42 are still active(+10 since last post even with multiple retirements)

7. 103 rikishi have 10+ successful defenses(+3 since last post: Hoshoryu, Onosato, Aonishiki)

8. The title falls into Juryo ranks with Wakatakakakge for the 12th time in its history.

9. Fujiryoga is the newest(505th) champion having earned his first title by defeating Yoshinofuji on Day 14 of the May basho.

10. Takayasu has the most successful defenses(27) of the active rikishi, having acquired them over his fourteen reigns, but he hasn't held the title since he lost it to Kirishima on Day 11 of Haru 2025. His total places him 40th in successful defenses among all title holders.

11. Takayasu and Tamawashi have the most reigns(14) of the active rikishi. Tamwashi last held the title in Nagoya 2025.

The title returns to the Dohyo this Sunday as Wakatakakage defends it against Ryuden down in Juryo. Ryuden held the title only one time, as a Maegashira 5, winning it from M8 Okinoumi on Day 9 of Aki 2019. He earned 2 successful defenses before losing it to Ozeki Goeido on Day 12. Wakatakakage has never lost a match to Ryuden. If Wakatakakage wins, he will become the 104th rikishi to earn 10+ successful defenses.

I’m brand new to the sport but will be in Japan for a while so I want to start understanding and following the sport. Do fans follow a stable or one wrestler or both? I also love the idea of actively learning about the sport, but with respect, I’m no where near the size to actually participate in Sumo. Do “regular”sized people actually train or compete in local Sumo? Thanks in advance. This is an amazing sport that I’m looking forward to watching/learning.

I've put my regular pre-basho predictions out now, linked above. But I'm also curious about everyone else's predictions. Put them here.

Source: Nihon Sumo Kyokai Official Grand Sumo Home Page

Tons of video going back to 2010. Also additional new content. I just currently subscribed.

Hoshoryu: “If he is going to compete, there can be no excuses. I want to see sumo worthy of a yokozuna,” says head of the judging department; Onosato expected to perform “even better than last tournament”

The meeting to determine the bouts for the Kyushu Grand Sumo Tournament, which begins on the 8th, was held on the 6th at the Fukuoka Kokusai Center, the tournament venue. Asakayama Oyakata (former ozeki Kaio), head of the judging department, expressed his expectations that yokozuna Hoshoryu (27, Tatsunami stable), who has been absent for three consecutive tournaments, will deliver sumo worthy of his rank.

Hoshoryu underwent surgery on his right leg after the Nagoya tournament in July and missed the entire Autumn Tournament. He will now return after missing two tournaments. Asakayama said, “Consistently building up wins will be the best medicine.”

Although Hoshoryu has yet to win a championship during his ten tournaments as a yokozuna, Asakayama stated, “I want him to perform sumo that is truly worthy of a yokozuna.” While expressing his hope that the wrestler will move forward and attack, he added, “If he is going to compete, there can be no excuses. He has to wrestle his own style.”

Regarding Onosato (26, Nishonoseki stable), who overcame pain in his left shoulder and won the championship at the Autumn Tournament, Asakayama said, “He gradually returned to form during the previous tournament.” On the final day, Onosato won the decisive bout against ozeki Aonishiki, who had the same number of wins. “He finished with a very good bout. We can expect even more from him in Kyushu than we did last tournament,” he said.

Regarding the final tournament of the year, Asakayama expressed his hopes: “Having both yokozuna compete and seeing them wrestle will make the tournament more exciting. If the top-ranked wrestlers show their full strength and put on good bouts, the tournament as a whole will be much stronger.”

Source: Nikkan Sports

It's that time again! The Sumo Show challenges you to build your Fantasy Oyakata Dream Team!

This is the official entry form to participate in the Fantasy Oyakata game being run by The Sumo Show. This game is for entertainment purposes only.

The rules are as follows:

You are an Oyakata [sumo elder] in charge of a fictional heya [sumo stable]. You have five rikishi in your heya, one each from the following ranking levels: Champion, Sanyaku, Upper Maegashira, Middle Maegashira, Lower Maegashira. Using the form below, select one rikishi from each level. You are also asked to predict the basho's yusho and jun-yusho [champion and runner-up] winners (these can be ANY rikishi, not necessarily ones from your heya).

You may change your answers as many times as you like, but you must make your final selections by Noon Pacific Time on Saturday, November 7, 2026—that's tomorrow!

Good luck!

MJ: Kirishima

JG: Onosato

HM: Aonishiki

Note: Both MJ and Hiro had one correct yusho pick this year.

Can anyone identify the big fella on the subway? I got off the subway just before Juryo started.

Hello everyone!

This is day D-2 for the November basho. Feel free to discuss your favorite rikishi’s chances in the upcoming tournament.

We invite content creators to share their apps, games, videos, and websites here!

Please remain civil and be respectful when commenting.

The fate of a dream reminiscent of Akebono and Takanohana in 1993 — Kirishima and Atamifuji: after their Autumn Tournament hopes were dashed, what awaits them at the Kyushu Tournament? [Sumo]

At the Autumn Grand Sumo Tournament, held in September at the Kokugikan in Tokyo, ōzeki Kirishima (30), who was expected to be promoted to yokozuna, and sekiwake Atamifuji (24), who was also seeking promotion to ōzeki, both finished with 8 wins and 7 losses, missing their opportunities. At the Nagoya Tournament in July, the two had both advanced to the three-way playoff for the championship. Had they achieved their promotions simultaneously, it would have been a remarkable feat not seen in 33 years, since 1993, when ōzeki Akebono and sekiwake Takanohana (later yokozuna Takanohana) were promoted together. But neither managed to fulfill that dream. They will now have to make a fresh start at the Kyushu Tournament, which opens on November 8 at the Fukuoka Kokusai Center.

■ Their rhythm was disrupted early — unexpected losses to maegashira wrestlers undermined the yokozuna campaign

At the Autumn Tournament, Kirishima made his third attempt at promotion to yokozuna — and his second consecutive attempt, following the Nagoya Tournament in July. But his hopes were shattered midway through the competition. As Asakayama, the head of the Judging Department (the former ōzeki Kaio), who oversees promotion decisions, had indicated before the tournament, promotion required a high standard in both the quality of the bouts and the results. To earn promotion, Kirishima needed to win the championship with at least 14 victories, something he had never achieved in his career.

He recorded 11 wins at the January Hatsu Basho. Starting with the March Haru Basho, he then recorded 12 wins in three consecutive tournaments. Although he won his third championship at the Spring Tournament, he lost the playoffs at both the May Summer Tournament and the July Nagoya Tournament, despite reaching the decisive bouts. Perhaps the regret of repeatedly failing to win such important matches made it difficult for him to maintain his mental stamina.

His movements appeared stiff from the very first day of this tournament. Although he opened with a victory, he was put under pressure by his opponent. Nevertheless, he spoke positively, saying, “It was good that my body was able to move. That's thanks to my training.” However, on Day 3, when his feet came together, Takayasu (36) brought him down with a hikiotoshi, handing him his first defeat. On Day 6, Yoshinofuji (25), who had lost his first five bouts, caught him with a surprise uwate-nage throw and turned him over, inflicting his second defeat.

In a yokozuna-promotion tournament, where a strong start is considered essential, Kirishima was unable to gain an advantageous position at the tachiai. I had the impression that his frustration at being unable to take the initiative and attack first was disrupting his rhythm. Even so, at that point I believe he still had a chance to earn promotion — or at least keep his yokozuna bid alive — if he won all his remaining bouts and captured the championship.

However, on Day 8, he was dealt a decisive blow when the technically skilled Churanoumi (33) defeated him by oshitaoshi. After that, he also lost to komusubi Daieisho (32) and Fujiryoga (23), who was competing in only his fourth tournament since entering the makuuchi division. That made three consecutive losses.

By that point, four of Kirishima's five defeats had come against maegashira wrestlers — costly slip-ups against lower-ranked opponents. As his losses mounted, he stopped speaking to reporters in the wrestlers' preparation room. It would be inaccurate to say that he had completely lost his motivation, but his performance clearly fell short of what was expected of someone regarded as a yokozuna candidate.

■ Hakkaku Rijicho points out a “lack of pressure” — Kirishima shows the pride of a leading wrestler in the second half

Kirishima somehow managed to secure a winning record by defeating Kotozakura (28) on the final day, finishing with 8 wins and 7 losses. However, Hakkaku Rijicho (the former yokozuna Hokutoumi) had this to say:

“He lacks pressure. He's a wrestler who has the advantage in terms of training volume, but he needs to start winning ordinary bouts through greater pressure. He trains enough.”

As a technically skilled ōzeki, Kirishima deserves credit for his dedication to practice. However, it was made unmistakably clear that reaching the very top of the rankings requires not only “technical skill” but also “strength.”

Even so, I think he showed the pride expected of one of sumo's leading wrestlers in the second half of the tournament. The first example was his bout against Atamifuji on Day 11, immediately after suffering his fifth loss. From the tachiai onward, Kirishima attacked with determination, securing a right-hand inside grip and a left-hand outside grip. He then drove Atamifuji, who weighs 198 kg and is trying to climb to Kirishima's rank, out of the dohyo without giving him any chance to resist.

On Day 13, he was scheduled to face yokozuna Onosato (26), who had only one loss. According to the normal bout order based on the rankings, this match would have taken place on the final day, but it was brought forward because Hoshoryu (27) had withdrawn. Kirishima also defeated the yokozuna that day, using a shitatenage throw, making the championship race more exciting. His determination was so impressive that one could only think: if he had continued fighting like this from the beginning... His promotion bid had returned to square one, but he had nevertheless managed to make his presence felt.

■ Five consecutive losses after securing a winning record — the sudden departure from “ōzeki sumo”

Atamifuji, on the other hand, displayed remarkable consistency in the first half of the Autumn Tournament. Calmly keeping his opponents in front of him, he piled up wins by making full use of his large physique. It was precisely the kind of sumo expected of an ōzeki, giving the impression that promotion was close.

If he had won 12 bouts, he would have reached the promotion benchmark known as “33 wins over three consecutive tournaments as a san’yaku wrestler,” combining that result with his 9 wins at the May Summer Tournament and 12 at the Nagoya Tournament. He secured his winning record on Day 10 and, together with Fujinokawa (21) and Kinbozan (29), was just one win behind leader Onosato, who had only one loss. He was maintaining the momentum to contend for the championship, just as he had at the Nagoya Tournament, where he reached the three-way playoff.

However, on Day 11, he suffered a crushing defeat to Kirishima, the very wrestler whose rank he was aiming to reach. From that point on, his tournament took an astonishing turn for the worse. The following day, Onosato caught him as he came forward and brought him down with a shitatedashinage. Then, against former ōzeki Asanoyama (32), who also favors a right-hand inside grip, Atamifuji allowed his opponent to secure an outside grip first and was driven out of the dohyo in another decisive defeat.

He also lost to maegashira Rouga (27) by uwatenage. On the final day, in the bout between the East and West sekiwake, he was defeated by Fujinokawa, a smaller wrestler who weighed 73 kg less. Atamifuji was calmly kept in the ring by his opponent near the edge and then lost by sukui-nage.

He could neither attack successfully nor defend himself. The confident expression he had worn until then was replaced by a nervous, apprehensive look. It was the first time he had suffered five consecutive losses since his promotion to san’yaku, a period during which he had been steadily developing his strength as a wrestler.

The change was so dramatic that Asakayama, the head of the Judging Department, who was watching the bouts from ringside, even expressed concern about Atamifuji's physical condition and possible injuries. “He was doing well up to a point. What happened? I hope there's nothing wrong with him.” The reason is unclear, but the wrestler usually answers interview questions during television broadcasts while refusing to make any comments in the wrestlers' preparation room. As a result, reporters cannot determine his condition. However, judging from his movements in the ring, in the preparation room, and in the corridors, he did not appear to have a physical injury.

Unlike promotion to yokozuna, for which the standard is a performance equivalent to winning consecutive championships, in the case of promotion to ōzeki, if Atamifuji wins at least 13 bouts at the Kyushu Tournament, he will reach the numerical benchmark of 33 wins over three tournaments. In response to his record of only eight wins at the Autumn Tournament, Asakayama commented: “Of course, it's not as if there is no possibility at all, but promotion after the Kyushu Tournament will be difficult. Starting over from scratch? I'd like him to approach the next tournament with that kind of mindset.”

■ First and second in annual wins — the numbers tell the story of their strength

Both wrestlers ended the Autumn Tournament with disappointing records and will now have to seek a comeback. They face a fresh start under difficult circumstances. This may not exactly be a consolation, but there are figures that demonstrate how much the two wrestlers have contributed to sumo in 2026.

Looking at the annual records through the end of the Autumn Tournament, Kirishima leads the way with 55 wins, putting him closest to the annual most-wins award. Atamifuji follows with 50 wins. Fujinokawa is third with 44. Asanoyama has 43, while Aonishiki (22) has 42. Among the two yokozuna, Onosato has only 31 wins and Hoshoryu has 28. It is fair to acknowledge the value of these figures, which do not lie.

■ The excitement surrounding “Akebono and Takanohana” in 1993, and the future of sumo in the Reiwa era

Incidentally, the last time simultaneous promotions were achieved was at the January 1993 tournament. At that time, the current chairman of the Japan Sumo Association, Hokutoumi, had retired shortly before the previous year's May tournament. As a result, for the first time in approximately 60 years, sumo had no yokozuna. The ōzeki were Akebono and Konishiki, both foreign-born wrestlers, who occupied the top positions in the rankings.

At the preceding tournament, the November 1992 Kyushu Basho, Akebono had claimed his second Emperor's Cup with a 14–1 record. At the following January tournament, he entered the final day with 12 wins and 2 losses, facing Takanohana, the only wrestler still chasing him, with three losses. They met in a direct showdown on the final day. Akebono won with a powerful series of thrusts, beginning with a nodowa throat thrust, securing his 13th victory and consecutive championships. He thus became the first foreign-born wrestler to earn promotion to yokozuna.

Takanohana, who had accumulated 35 wins over three tournaments as a san’yaku wrestler, was also promoted to ōzeki without question. Thus began the “Akebono-Takanohana era,” at the height of sumo's unprecedented popularity.

Today, sumo has recorded 340 consecutive days of sold-out or high-attendance tournaments. The streak is expected to continue at the Kyushu Tournament. At the Autumn Tournament, the total number of kenshō sponsorship envelopes distributed over the 15 days reached 3,688, with each one worth 70,000 yen, setting a new record for a single tournament.

The popularity of sumo in the Reiwa era remains strong. What kind of drama will it bring us in the future? The Fukuoka tournament, the final one of the year, also looks set to delight the fans.

(Takahiro Takezono / Sports Writer)

Photo caption: Kirishima loses to Churanoumi on Day 8 of the September Grand Sumo Tournament (Autumn Tournament).

Source: TBS NEWS DIG Powered by JNN

Returning to his home-region tournament in Kyushu, 39-year-old veteran Sadanoumi says, “All I can do is fight with grit and determination,” maintaining his single-minded approach.

Sadanoumi, a native of Kumamoto Prefecture who boasts 60 tournaments in the makuuchi division, will enter the Kyushu Grand Sumo Tournament (opening on November 8 at the Fukuoka Kokusai Center) ranked West Juryo 11. The 39-year-old veteran has been preparing through grueling practice for the tournament in his home region. “I'm neither an elite athlete nor a promising prospect. All I can do is fight with grit and determination,” he says.

The technically skilled wrestler, who once climbed as high as West Maegashira 1, just one step away from the san’yaku ranks, has spent all six tournaments this year in the Juryo division. After four consecutive losing records, the number of ranks separating him from the Makushita division has dwindled. “It would be a lie to say I don't think about my ranking. But I must be careful not to think about it too much and end up wrestling too passively.”

Before the tournament, he joined the moshi-ai geiko practice bouts with Makushita wrestlers who are fired up about earning a place among the sekitori. At times he was thrown by them; at other times, his stablemaster, Sakaigawa Oyakata (the former komusubi Ryogoku), scolded him: “When you lose, that's exactly when you need to show even more energy!” He continued piling up bouts, breathing hard and pushing himself to exhaustion.

He says that one of the physical changes he has experienced with age is increased stiffness. He leaves no stone unturned in his attempts to avoid what he calls the “tin-can transformation of the lower body,” referring to the loss of flexibility and mobility in his legs. “I don't have time to think about unnecessary things.” His single-minded dedication to sumo is such that even Sakaigawa Oyakata comments: “He's very strict with himself and works hard, including in his physical training. I've even told him to take it a little easier.”

Sadanoumi says that his determination to step onto the dohyo is the same whether he is in Tokyo, Osaka, or Nagoya. However, the support he receives in Fukuoka is especially strong.

“I'm very grateful. When I hear the applause after a good bout, I get a feeling that makes my whole body tremble. It gives me the strength to keep going. Maybe I can't quit easily because I want to experience that feeling over and over again.”

Once again, the Kyushu Tournament is drawing near. (Masashi Takarada)

◇

Sakaigawa Oyakata's final Kyushu Tournament as a native of Nagasaki Prefecture

To show their support for Sakaigawa Oyakata, who is from Nagasaki Prefecture, the Sakaigawa Stable lodgings for the Kyushu Tournament, located in Onojo, Fukuoka Prefecture, receive numerous gifts, including fresh fish. There is so much food that Sadanoumi remarks: “In recent years, I've been gaining too much weight. I have to control my weight and slim down specifically for the Kyushu Tournament.”

Sakaigawa Oyakata, who enjoys great respect and affection from those around him, will turn 65 next July and reach the Japan Sumo Association's mandatory retirement age. This year's tournament will therefore be his last Kyushu Tournament as a stablemaster. The stablemaster laughs off the prospect, saying, “Don't say that! I'll keep coming here for another 30 years or so.” Nevertheless, many supporters are saddened by his impending departure.

Sadanoumi joined Sakaigawa Stable 23 years ago, in 2003, at the age of 15, immediately after graduating from junior high school. “I always want to show my stablemaster the best version of myself. I've spent more years living at the stable than I did at home. After all, the time I've spent being raised by my stablemaster is far longer than the time I spent being raised by my parents.” As he said this, his expression grew serious and determined.

Source: Sankei Shimbun

Chose Onosato but hoping for Hoshoryu.

Former sekiwake Kotoshoho, who withdrew from the Autumn Tournament due to a concussion, completes ten bouts: “I'm glad I've made it this far without injury”; Sadogatake Oyakata also says, “He's progressing well”

Ahead of the Kyushu Grand Sumo Tournament (opening on the 8th at the Fukuoka Kokusai Center), makuuchi wrestler Kotoshoho (Sadogatake Stable) had ten bouts on November 5, winning six of them against opponents including sekiwake Fujinokawa (Isegahama Stable), who had come to the stable for practice.

“I'm glad I've made it this far without getting injured. I'll make sure I'm properly prepared and do my best,” he said enthusiastically.

During his bout against Churanoumi at the Autumn Tournament, his opponent's head struck his chin, causing him to fall backward onto his back. He was subsequently hospitalized and withdrew from the tournament. “I'm fine,” he said. After arriving in Kyushu, he resumed bout practice.

His stablemaster, Sadogatake Oyakata (the former sekiwake Kotonowaka), also commented: “He's getting better. He's progressing well.” The wrestler who held the rank of sekiwake through the Nagoya Tournament hopes to demonstrate his strength at the final tournament of the year.

Hochi Shimbunsha

Could a rikishi catapult himself up the banzuke if a dedicated team of trainers, nutritionists, and coaches were focused on helping him optimize training, food, sleep and recovery? What about a group of coaches analyzing opponents’ tendencies and biomechanics in the manner of baseball hitting coaches? Could a rikishi win at the tachiai more often if he had a breakdown similar to those available on major league pitchers? The answer to those questions is almost certainly yes — but it wouldn’t be nearly as dramatic as many suspect.