Just Sharing This Sumo

[ozumo]

promotion from juryo - Oho

Knew I'd forgotten something.. Oho is from good stock, he is the grandson of Yokozuna Taiho who won 32 tournaments.

Fingers crossed for Tochinoshin

 

[ozumo]

NHK World is on tsunami watch after the under-sea volcanic eruption near Tonga, it didn't show the sumo highlights so here are today's bouts:

 

[Analoguesat]

The March Banzuki rankings are out. Im delighted to see Abi has made Sekiwake rank. Tochinoshin has somehow kept his Magashira15 level despite the ongoing knee injury.

4 up from Juryo, with1 rookie :
Kotoshoho
Nishikigi
Kotokuzan (r)
Kagayaki

 

[ozumo]

Covid has ripped through most of the top division, we could see some unexpected results depending on how they've been affected. Also congratulations to new Ozeki Mitakeumi, it's been a long long time coming!

 

[ozumo]

The Grand Sumo Haru Basho begins this Sunday the 13th of March in Osaka.



FTA coverage continues on NHK World Japan, all times GMT:

Grand Sumo 2021 Review Preview:
Friday 12th March 0430, repeated at 0830, 1630 & 1130.

Daily Highlights:
Daily at 1630 from Sunday 13th March with repeats at 1230, 0430 & 0830.

Grand Sumo will be live:
Day 1 Sunday 13th March 0810
Day 8 Sunday 20th March 0810
Day 15 Sunday 27th March 0730

NHK World Japan HD is available FTA in English
28.2 east 11225V 23000 2/3 Europe beam
13 east.... 11373H 27500 3/4
19.2 east 11229V 22000 2/3

In January Sekiwake Mitakeumi won with a record of 13 wins and 2 defeats, this was enough to earn him a promotion to the second highest rank of Ozeki.



What's nice about Mitakeumi is his mother is often seen in the stands cheering him on:



Defeating Yokozuna Terunofuji on the final day:



Several up and coming wrestlers will be fighting at career high ranks including Wakatakakage and Abi at Sekiwake, Hoshoryu at Komusubi, and Ura at Maegashira 1. Ozekis Takakeisho and Shodai will require at least 8 wins to maintain their rank.

Covid has ripped through most of the top division which could lead to some unexpected results

In January the giant macaron was pink

 

[ozumo]

As NHK World is on tsunami watch here are today's bouts courtesy of Kintamayama

 

[Analoguesat]

Nice to see a decent range of the lesser used kimarite making an appearance in recent tourneys. I have a theory thats its because many of the new guys that have come into the top rank in the last few years are smaller guys so they cant take on the massive men in sheer power struggles - they will often lose a straight power match

@ozumo - do you happen to know if there is a list of the rarest kimarite in top division?

 

[ozumo]

@ozumo - do you happen to know if there is a list of the rarest kimarite in top division?

I'm sure there'll be a way to query the sumodb for the data but it seems to be down a lot at the moment, however I found this spreadsheet on Reddit that covers 2001 to 2020 and handily includes the english description and frequency of each kimarite during that period.

For some reason I couldn't attach the file so here is the original link

https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/398418331738177548/761331277482688572/Kimarite.xlsx

 

[ozumo]

All known top division kimarite figures in sumo history

http://sumodb.sumogames.de/Query_bout.aspx?show_form=0&group_by=kimarite&m=on&rowcount=3

From March 2001 which appears to be the start of the current recognised set of kimarite

http://sumodb.sumogames.de/Query_bout.aspx?show_form=0&group_by=kimarite&year=200103-now&m=on&rowcount=3

edit: the sumodb site is very flakey at the moment

 

[Analoguesat]

3 men up from Juryo for the May Basho

Midorifuji
Azamaryu
Oho

No rookies - all have been up in top division before

 

[ozumo]

Hope Oho manages to stay fit for all 15 days this time, I think he has the best chance out of the three to become a makuuchi regular.

I see Tochinoshin has lost 14kg, hopefully a choice to prolong his career and nothing untoward.

 

[ozumo]

Grand Sumo returns on Sunday 8th May as the Natsu Basho begins in Tokyo at the home of sumo - the Ryōgoku Kokugikan arena.



FTA coverage continues on NHK World Japan, all times BST:

Grand Sumo 2021 Review Preview:
Friday 6th May 0530, repeated at 0930, 1730 & 0030.

Daily Highlights:
Daily at 1730 from Sunday 8th May with repeats at 0030, 0530 & 0930.

Grand Sumo will be live on NHK World:
Day 1 Sunday 8th May 0910
Day 8 Sunday 15th May 0910
Day 15 Sunday 22nd May 0830

NHK World Japan HD is available FTA in English:
28.2 east 11225V 23000 2/3 Europe beam
13 east.... 11373H 27500 3/4
19.2 east 11229V 22000 2/3



In March newly promoted Sekiwake Wakatakakage won his first Yusho after defeating former Ozeki Takayasu in a play-off after both finished with 12-3 records.




Yokozuna Terunofuji returns after failing to complete the March tournament due to knee and heel injuries. Ozekis Takakeisho and Shodai both managed clear kadoban and will retain their rank for at least the next two tournaments.

So far the only known absence is Ichinojo who has tested positive for covid.

And finally BBC World Service radio broadcasted a documentary featuring Hawaiian wrestler Konishki about the take-up of sumo across the globe:

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/w3ct40sf

 

[ozumo]

Sunday July 10th is the opening day of the Nagoya Basho, hosted at the Aichi Prefectural Gymnasium in Nagoya, central Japan.



FTA coverage continues on NHK World Japan, all times BST:

Grand Sumo 2021 Review Preview:
Friday 8th July 0530, repeated at 0930, 1730 & 0030.

Daily Highlights:
Daily at 1730 from 10th July with repeats at 0030, 0530 & 0930.

Grand Sumo will be live on NHK World:
Day 1 Sunday 10th July 0910
Day 8 Sunday 17th July 0910
Day 15 Sunday 24th July 0830

NHK World Japan HD is available FTA in English on:
28.2° east 11225V 23000 2/3 Europe beam
13.0° east 11373H 27500 3/4
19.2° east 11229V 22000 2/3

In May the Natsu Basho was won by Yokozuna Terunofuji with a 12-3 win/loss record.


Yusho parade with stablemate Terutsuyoshi

Ozekis Mitakeumi and Shodai are both kadoban after losing records (make koshi) in the May tournament and will need at least 8 wins to maintain their Ozeki status. The likes of Wakatakakage, Daieisho, Hoshoryu, Kiribayama and Takanosho will all be standing in their way after achieving winning records (kachi koshi) in May.


Takakeisho beat fellow Ozeki Shodai with an uncharacteristic throw

Somewhat surprisingly Hidenoumi (Juryo 1 west) and Ryuden (Juryo 3 west) were not promoted to the top division despite 8-7 & 9-6 records respectively. Perhaps previous 'work event' attendance may have have influenced the Banzuke Committee's desicions

Fellow covid rule breaker Asanoyama returns to the ring after a 6 basho ban. The former Ozeki is ranked at a lowly Sandame 22 west in the 4th highest division. It will be many months before he even returns to the paid ranks, let alone the top division.

In May the macaroon was golden with a delicious chocolate filling:

 

[Analoguesat]

From what Ive seen on line Hidenoumi & Ryuden were deliberately overlooked for promotion due to their flagrant rule breaking.

Nishikifuji seems to be the only rookie promotion this time around.

 

[ozumo]

The Aki basho begins on Sunday September 11th at the Ryogoku Kokugikan in Tokyo.


Wakatakakage (not a hostage) with the official tournament poster

FTA coverage continues on NHK World Japan, all times BST:

Grand Sumo Preview:
Friday 9th September 0530, repeated at 0930, 1730 & 0030.

Highlights:
Daily at 1730 from 11th September with repeats at 0030, 0530 & 0930.

Grand Sumo will be live:
Day 1 Sunday 11th September 0910
Day 8 Sunday 18th September 0910
Day 14 Saturday 24th September 0910 - 1st time NHK World will show day 14 live
Day 15 Sunday 25th September 0830

NHK World Japan HD is available FTA in English:
28.2° east 11225V 23000 2/3 Europe beam
13.0° east 11373H 27500 3/4
19.2° east 11229V 22000 2/3

In July the Aki basho was won by first time winner Ichinojo with a 12-3 record, 8 years after his stunning 13-2 top division debut.


Ichinojo with former yokozunas Hakuho and Kakuryu

Ozeki Mitakeumi had a well timed positive test after starting 2-5 and looking certain to lose his ozeki rank. He remains kadoban and requires 8 wins to remain an ozeki. Shodai cleared kadoban status, despite starting 1-4, after a talking to by former yokozuna Hakuho and only lost one more bout to finish 10-5.


Shodai defeating yokozuna Terunofuji

Former ozeki Asanoyama won the Sandame division with an unbeaten 7-0 record. Now at Makushita 15 East, another 7-0 record should see him promoted to the second highest division Juryo.

The Japan Sumo Association has finally launched an official english language Youtube channel called Sumo Prime Time.

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLtOECZPTHBnR6X6Vg06LDQ

 

[ozumo]

Sumo heads to the southern island of Kyushu for the autumn tournament, which begins on Sunday November 13th at the Fukuoka Kokusai Center.

FTA coverage continues on NHK World Japan, all times BST:

Grand Sumo Preview:
Friday 11th November 0430, repeated at 0830, 1630 & 2330.

Daily Highlights:
Daily at 1630 from 13th November with repeats at 2330, 0430 & 0830.

Grand Sumo will be live:
Day 1 Sunday 13th November 0810
Day 8 Sunday 20th November 0810
Day 14 Saturday 26th November 0810 <- not confirmed
Day 15 Sunday 27th November 0730

NHK World Japan HD is available FTA in English
28.2° east 11225V 23000 2/3 Europe beam
13.0° east 11373H 27500 3/4
19.2° east 11229V 22000 2/3

In September Tamawashi won his second yusho with a 13-2 record which included victory over yokozuna Terunofuji.



Terunofuji will absent after undergoing surgery on both knees. Mitakeumi was relegated to sekiwake after a dismal 4-11 record and will need 10 wins to return to ozeki. Shodai is kadoban after also going 4-11 and needs 8 wins to remain as an ozeki.

Meanwhile Takakeisho is currently sporting a fetching goatee:



After failing to go unbeaten in September Asanoyama will have another chance to return to Juryo:



Hiro Morita's Basho preview:

 

[Analoguesat]

Shame to see Terenofuji is out again - I wonder if / when the Sumo grandees will lose patience with his regular absences & force him to retire?

 

[ozumo]

After what happened to Kisenosato when he opted against surgery and with no potential yokozuna promotions on the horizon it appears the Yokozuna Deliberation Council are happy for him to have surgery and recover.

 

[ozumo]

Grand Sumo returns to Tokyo for the Hatsu basho, held at the Ryogoku Kokugikan from January 8th to the 23rd.

​

Daily FTA coverage continues on NHK World Japan, all times BST:

Grand Sumo Review:
This was first shown around xmas and features a chat with Miyagino Oyakata (nee Hakuho).
Friday 6th January 0430, repeated at 0830, 1630 & 2330.

DOSUKOI Sumo Salon *NEW*
A new 50 minute programme promising "in-depth analysis and unique stats" featuring Musashigawa Oyakata.
Saturday 7th Jan at 0030, repeated at 0610, 1210 & 1810.

Daily Highlights:
Daily at 1630 from 8th January with repeats at 2330, 0430 & 0830.

Grand Sumo will be live:
Day 1 Sunday 8th Jan 0810
Day 8 Sunday 15th Jan 0810
Day 14 Saturday 22nd Jan 0810
Day 15 Sunday 23rd Jan 0730

NHK World Japan HD is available FTA in English
28.2° east 11225V 23000 2/3 Europe beam
13.0° east 11373H 27500 3/4
19.2° east 11229V 22000 2/3



The November tournament was won by Abi, after a three-way play-off (first in 28 years) with Takayasu and Takakeisho.



Terunofuji will probably be absent after undergoing surgery on both knees. Mitakeumi failed to return to ozeki after finishing with a 6-9 record, he drops to maegashira 2 east. Shodai lost his ozeki rank after also posting a 6-9 record and needs 10 wins from sekiwake 2 west to regain his ozeki status. Takayasu is expected to return after suffering a whiplash injury in the play-off against Abi.

Ichinojo will serve a one tournament ban after being found guilty of breaking covid rules. He will likely drop to juryo in March

Finally Demon Kakka recently featured on Newsline In Depth to talk about sumo in 2022 and looks forward to 2023. Available on the NHK World website:

https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/videos/20230104122222916/

PS does anyone fancy a sumo picture quiz??

 

[Analoguesat]

I saw that programme with HE Demon Hakka a couple of days ago. He only ever seems to turn up for the new year analysis

Yes Im up for a sumo pic quiz - although I suspect it will only be you & me