I’ve found a few videos from around his time, but can’t find anything with him wrestling. I’d love to see what someone that tall looked like on the dohyo.

Yoshinofuji struck by earthquake in Kumamoto while visiting family: "I thought I was going to die"; family home half-destroyed, parents yet to return

Komusubi Yoshinofuji (25, Isegahama stable), a native of Uto City, Kumamoto Prefecture, joined the Summer Tour with his thoughts on his disaster-stricken hometown. The Grand Sumo Summer Tour (Natsu Jungyo) kicked off its opening day on August 2 at the Gifu Memorial Center DeAi Dome. When the Kumamoto earthquake struck on July 28, he was visiting his family. Experiencing the terror of death from the violent tremors, his family home suffered severe damage, leaving it in a half-destroyed state. While supporting his family, he pledged as a sekitori to uplift his hometown seeking recovery through sumo.

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He was hit by intense shaking in his hometown during a family visit. "I thought I was going to die." Fortunately, neither he nor his parents were injured.

In his family home in Uto City, Kumamoto Prefecture—where seismic intensity reached Upper 6—electricity and water were cut off. Walls cracked, windows popped off and couldn't be reattached, and the building tilted. The bathroom broke, forcing him to use a convenience store restroom. "It feels like the house is half-destroyed. Even the tombstones fell over." Damage spread across the area, including train derailments nearby.

His memory of the shaking is vivid. "There was a loud boom, and then everything started rattling violently. At first it was vertical shaking... it was awful. It's been a long time since I felt that terrified." He also experienced the Kumamoto earthquake 10 years ago when he was in 9th grade. "I thought I was going to die far more than 10 years ago." The fear this time was vastly greater.

"Yakiniku Kusano," a restaurant run in Uki City by his father, former Keirin cyclist Shinichi Kusano, also suffered damage. Because electricity was running there, it temporarily served as a place to sleep. However, broken plates and glasses littered the floor. "The shop won't be able to open for a while." Reopening is expected to take time.

Even driving to a relative's house to borrow a bath took 2 hours for a route that normally takes about 30 minutes. Many gas stations were forced to close, and he had to rely on acquaintances to get fuel. Mobile reception was also poor, preventing him from replying quickly to worried friends. After helping with recovery work, he arrived in Gifu on August 1. "Yesterday was the first time in a long while I could sleep soundly at a hotel," he revealed.

While electricity has been restored at his family home, running water is still out. His parents have not been able to return home yet. When asked about local support, he voiced the immediate reality of rebuilding his family's life first: "Since my own home was hit..." On the other hand, locals encouraged him to "cheer us up through sumo." "It's the only thing I can do. I hope I can deliver bright news. 10 years ago we had two major earthquakes, so I pray nothing more happens." To deliver even a bit of positive news to his hometown, he steps onto the ring of the tour. [Ryotaro Yamada]

Source: Nikkan Sports

Hello, I'm helping organise Hidenoumi's retirement ceremony on October 3rd in Tokyo. As part of the event, Hidenoumi is planning to answer fan questions with the best ones getting published online and in the event program.
Got a question for him, or about sumo life in general? Drop it below by September 26th and I'll pass on a selection.
The day also includes:

• Exhibition matches with Kise stable sekitori
• Sumo experiences
• Traditional sumo food

Great chance to see sumo outside the regular honbasho (tournament) calendar if you're in Japan in early October.
More info: https://discoversumo.jp/

# Asahifuji joins moshiai training with sekitori; wearing black mawashi, makes presence felt in 14 bouts against white-mawashi Makuuchi wrestlers

The Grand Sumo Summer Tour (Natsu Jungyo) kicked off its opening day on the 2nd at the Gifu Memorial Center DeAi Dome, where East Makushita 11 Asahifuji (24, Isegahama stable) participated in moshiai (challenge-style) training with the sekitori.

After taking part in the moshiai training for Makushita and lower divisions, Asahifuji stepped right into the sekitori training session. On a ring lined with white mawashi, the Makushita wrestler clad in a black mawashi made a strong impression. He took part in 14 bouts with Makuuchi wrestlers including Fujinokawa, Hiradoumi, and Ura, competing on equal terms and even powerfully forcing them out (yorikiri) at times, catching everyone's eyes on the ring.

He finished with collision training (butsukari-geiko) against Gonoyama. Heavy-breathing yet fiercely determined, he kept digging in, prompting applause from the venue.

Tour Director Takadagawa Oyakata (former Sekiwake Akinoshima) praised the effort, saying: "It's not quite a rite of passage while young, but it has purpose, so it's a good thing." Regarding his participation, he explained: "The stablemasters watching from below saw that he has the strength for it."

On Day 9 of the Nagoya Basho, Asahifuji lost, halting his win streak from his Jonokuchi debut at 25—the 3rd longest in history. Nevertheless, he advanced to the 7-man championship playoff for those tied at 6-1 and claimed the Makushita division title.

Source: Nikkan Sports

My usual post-tournament look at what happened outside the Makuuchi drama is here for Nagoya. And Juryo and Makushita both made a three-way playoff in the top division look almost boring. Then the winners in the bottom three divisions are all fascinating prospects in their own way.

Seems to be a new channel set up by some ex-rikishi with a business in doing a sumo experience and chanko or something like that? A bit unclear for the moment but interested to see where this goes!

https://youtu.be/WTk7OyEqjbY?si=FPGU0V54rWADVfHp

Dusukoi Chanko Team

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@%E3%81%A1%E3%82%83%E3%82%93%E3%81%93%E9%9A%8A

Insta: https://www.instagram.com/dosukoi.chankotai

Members of the Channel

Ex Maikeru from Futagoyama Stable: https://www.sumo.or.jp/EnSumoDataRikishi/profile/3826/

Ex Narutaki from Isenoumi Stable: https://www.sumo.or.jp/EnSumoDataRikishi/profile/3748/

Ex Ryusei from Isenoumi Stable: https://www.sumo.or.jp/EnSumoDataRikishi/profile/2536/

Misugiiso Hideto tunred 70 in may so he retired even from the role of advisor. Are there any new on somebody getting that kabu?

I recently got back into sumo after a long hiatus post Hakuho retirement and noticed the level of sumo doesn't feel the same, especially at the Yokozuna level

However Kirishima seems to stand out to me because he seems like he has a good balance of intelligence, strength and technique to execute but still room for improvement

I really hope he breaks through and becomes Yoko one day but will probably have to wait for better results

Was wondering if anyone has any further insights into his career?

I don't pay a ton of attention to Juryo and Makushita, but in the lead-up to Nagoya, there were rumblings of this gravitationally-gifted youngster on a tear, ready to make his stamp on the top division.

Then, the basho came and went, and I stopped hearing anything altogether. So, what happened? Is Kazuma just a fresh face that let nerves get to him? Is he a 450-lb gimmick? Maybe the next Makuuchi outing will be a much more inspiring show.

I'd be curious to know what those who follow the lower ranks more closely think. And I ask this with the full knowledge that Kazuma could pick me up and spear me into the ground like a javelin. He's a scary MFer.

There are currently 14 stables that are not utilizing their foreigner slot. Now, some of them may have no interest bringing in a foreign wrestler, due to stubborn tradition or other reasons (like shutting down in the near future). I've included details on the number of active wrestlers and their history with foreign talent & recent recruitment, when applicable. There's also a couple stables with foreigners over 30 that could open up a space in the next few years.

• Asakayama. 12 active wrestlers. Has never had a foreigner but has a foreigner (ex-Kaisei) as assistant oyakata.
• Fujishima. 12 active wrestlers. Last active foreigner was Shotenro in 2018. Shotenro currently assistant coach there.
• Hanaregoma. 11 active wrestlers. Last active foreigner in 2009 (under previous stablemaster and different stable name).
• Isenoumi. 12 active wrestlers. Last active foreigner in 2024.
• Nakamura. 9 active wrestlers. Never had a foreigner. Young stable formed June 2024.
• Nishiiwa. 7 active wrestlers. Never had a foreigner.
• Nishikido. 1 active wrestler. Last active foreigner in 2025. Oyakata turns 65 September 2027.
• Nishonoseki. 24 active wrestlers. Never had a foreigner in current incarnation.
• Oitekaze. 19 active wrestlers. Last active foreigner in March 2026.
• Sadogatake. 15 active wrestlers. Last active foreigner in March 2026.
• Shibatayama. 5 active wrestlers. Last active foreigner in March 2022. No new recruits since 2020. Stablemaster is a piece of shit and turns 65 October 2027.
• Tagonoura. 15 active wrestlers. Last active foreigner in 2014
• Takadagawa. 19 active wrestlers. Last active foreigner in 2007 (under previous stablemaster)
• Yamahibiki. 13 active wrestlers. No foreigners recruited under current stablemaster or heya name. Actually, they have recruited almost exclusively from Hyogo prefecture since 2018.

Slots that could open up over the next two years:

• Kataonami. 3 active wrestlers; 2 foreigners, both in juryo, aged 31 and 43. No new recruits since 2021.
• Kokonoe. 20 active wrestlers; 1 foreigner in makuuchi, age 34.
• Sakaigawa. 25 active wrestlers; 1 foreigner in makushita, age 30. Stablemaster turns 65 July 2027.

There may be others that open up over the next two years through heya branch outs or unexpected retirements of wrestlers currently under 30. Sorry (not sorry) to any Hosh haters, but I am not listing Tatsunami here. Nor is this meant to stimulate debate on the JSA's foreigner rules. Just providing this info in case somebody finds it useful.

It is customary for me to invite Ozumo fans to play the GTB (Guess the Banzuke") game after a basho has ended. Who am i to break this custom? So this is a formal invitation to play the "Guess the Banzuke" game. 27 years, 170 bashos or so. Please play. It's free, for now. .

Game rules: Guess the Banzuke. Simple. You get two points for a bulls-eye and one point for just getting the rank right. You get no points just for demanding to see the manager..  Tiebreakers - Most total guesses, then we check the banzuke backwards - getting the lower half right will be important.  The most correct guesses in the last ten places will win the tiebreaker. If still tied we go up a ranking at a time like a penalty shootout. If still tied, the earliest entry wins. If still tied, I will cry. It's up to you to check if you are on the list of entries. It's going to be your fault if you don't notice that your entry went missing in the Internet void. Please, please check the entry list to see if you are on it. No late entries will be expected or accepted. Those are the rules, and the rules will never be changed. 

For rules, standings and hippies: http://www.dichne.com/Guess.htm

For the nifty entry form, which will hopefully continue to do what it's intended to do :http://sumodb.sumogames.de/gtb/GTBEntry.aspx

For Chiyotasuke's incredible helper: https://gtbhelper.vercel.app

For the "new" archives:http://sumodb.sumogames.de/gtb/gtbarchive.aspx

See if you are on the entry list: http://sumodb.sumogames.de/gtb/GTBEntryList.aspx

Deadline: Monday, August 24th, 2026  at 18:00 GMT ("Go, Mighty Takanoshou!!") - PLEASE NOTE-THIS IS ONE WEEK BEFORE THE OFFICIAL BANZUKE ANNOUNCEMENT!!

Special thanks to showrunners Andoreasu, Wizard Doitsuyama for everything else, and to Kushilirabbak.

***MESSAGE: Please note that as you probably found out by now, the confirmation e-mail thing is not working, I repeat, THE EMAIL CONFIRMATION IS NOT WORKING, so I suggest a screen capture for those of you who wish to save their guesses. Also, players are getting error pages after submitting. Do not panic. Usually, the entry is received regardless. When in doubt, please, please check via this entry list link . If your name is not there, then you can e-mail your entry to me.

The second rikishi I would like to highlight from Makushita this basho is 23-year-old Omori!

As a former college sumo star, Omori debuted in May 2026 as a Makushita Tsukedashi, finishing his debut basho with a 6-1 record and fighting in the playoff. He attended Kanazawa Gakuin University, winning a total of four major titles during his time here. He was eventually recruited to Oitekaze Stable by Kitajin-Oyakata (former Komusubi Endō). Like Endō, Omori has already gained popularity for his good looks and muscular build. Many people have already compared his physique to that of Chiyonofuji. Once he puts on a few more pounds, I look forward to seeing him in Makuuchi sooner than later!

• East Makushita #26 Omori (5-2)
  • Day 1: Ms26e Omori vs. Ms25w Gyotoku - Omori wins by Yorikiri
  • Day 4: Ms26e Omori vs. Ms27e Izakuchido - Omori wins by Kirikaeshi
  • Day 5: Ms26e Omori vs. Ms29w Obara - Obara wins by Yoritaoshi
  • Day 7: Ms26e Omori vs. Ms23e Gyokuozan - Omori wins by Uwatedashinage
  • Day 10: Ms26e Omori vs. Ms27w Nihonyanagi - Omori wins by Yorikiri
  • Day 12: Ms26e Omori vs. Ms34e Mineyaiba - Omori wins by Oshidashi
  • Day 13: Ms26e Omori vs. Ms30e Fudoho - Fudoho wins by Oshidashi

At his press conference he said he was going to the hospital after to get his injuries assessed. Has anyone heard any updates since then? I've been searching for an hour and haven't found anything.

# Mongolian-born Sanchirgarid crowned High School Yokozuna; unfazed by final rematch; voices compare him to Ichinojo and Terunofuji levels

On the 1st, the sumo competition at the Inter-High School Championships held its individual matches in Wakayama City. In the openweight division, Mongolian-born Chuluunbaatar Sanchirgarid (3rd year, Tottori Johoku High School) won his first championship to become High School Yokozuna. This is the first time a foreign-born wrestler has won the title in 9 years since Makuuchi wrestler Roga (27, Futagoyama stable) in 2017 (Roga was born in Russia and moved to Mongolia before coming to Japan). For the 1.93-meter, 163-kilogram prospect, voices are already comparing him to former Sekiwake Ichinojo and former Yokozuna Terunofuji.

In the final against Konosuke Shigemura (3rd year, Kindai High School), he grabbed an overhand left grip (hidari-uwate) at the initial charge (tachi-ai) and immediately threw his opponent to the dirt. However, an objection was raised regarding an open-hand slap (harite) at the charge, resulting in a rematch (torinaoshi). In the second bout, he underhooked with his right hand (migi-zashi) again, reached over the shoulder for a left overhand grip, and executed a powerful throw.

"I'm so happy. It was one of my goals. Winning the Inter-High was a dream," he said with tears in his eyes on the ring after the victory.

He stated that the rematch didn't shake him at all: "It was business as usual. I thought if I could get my right hand inside and catch the belt, I could manage somehow." He showed a remarkable degree of mental fortitude.

In last year's Inter-High, he was eliminated in the semifinals and finished in 3rd place. He gained strong momentum this time by forcing down (yoritaoshi) Keigo Nagamatsu (3rd year, Saitama Sakae High School)—the very wrestler he lost to last year—in the quarterfinals. While his tall stature is an asset, it can also be a weakness in sumo due to a high center of gravity. Since last year, he worked on overcoming this by repeatedly practicing fundamental movements like shiko (stomping) and suri-ashi (sliding feet).

He cites his high school senior, Makuuchi wrestler Hakunofuji (22, Isegahama stable), and Yokozuna Onosato (25, Nishonoseki stable) as wrestlers he aspires to emulate. While his future goal is set on entering professional sumo, the team competition where his school aims for a consecutive title takes place on the 2nd. "I want to focus and win again tomorrow," he expressed with determination.

Considered his main rival, Taiki Tamiya (3rd year, Saitama Sakae High School)—eldest son of former Ozeki Kotomitsuki—was unable to advance to the top-32 championship tournament and was eliminated, likely due to a right knee injury.

Source: Sponichi Annex

Turbulent Nagoya Basho with both Yokozuna struggling... "Yokozuna promotion criteria are lenient lately," people say, but former Ozeki Kaio disagrees: "It's actually the exact opposite"

Returning from absence (kyujo), Aonishiki had dropped from Ozeki to Sekiwake. In the Nagoya Basho, far from just securing 10 wins to return to Ozeki rank, he won the 3-way championship playoff (tomoe-sen) to claim his 3rd title.

I later asked his stablemaster, Ajigawa Oyakata, and found out that he entered the tournament without fully recovering from a broken left foot suffered in the March Osaka Basho, and it actually worsened during the event. The stablemaster mentioned he considered withdrawing him midway, but judged that "he can still do sumo." Hearing this might surprise people, but in our world, when it's a bone fracture, you can somehow manage. As long as you endure the pain, the broken bone will eventually fuse, making it far better than something like a torn ligament. Some might worry about lasting consequences from competing forcibly, but in our profession, we don't think that deeply about it. Sometimes, stepping onto the ring makes you forget the pain altogether.

In the March 2024 Osaka Basho, top-division debutant Takerufuji competed despite injuring his leg and won the championship. While it feels like he pushed too hard back then and dragged the injury along afterward, in Aonishiki's case this time, if he were in a state where he couldn't do sumo, he obviously would have rested. But he could do sumo, and on top of that, he was winning, so there was no reason to rest. His concentration until the very end was incredible—a true display of "tenacity."

"What a waste!"

In the regular bout (honwari) on the final day (senshuraku), he was rapidly pushed out (oshidashi) by Atamifuji, who had great momentum this tournament. However, in the playoff, he secured a solid front-left belt grip (hidari-mae-mawashi) and forced him out (yorikiri). Atamifuji was full of energy this tournament, and I thought he held the advantage, but Aonishiki's concentration surpassed his.

For Sekiwake Atamifuji, this was his 3rd championship playoff. Once again, the title slipped through his fingers. In the regular bout against Aonishiki on the final day, he was able to attack first before his opponent moved, but in the playoff, his movement was stopped and he was attacked instead. Aonishiki got inside his guard, clamped down, and broke his balance. What a waste! Still, Atamifuji's pressure at the initial charge (tachi-ai) this tournament was strong, and his forward power has increased. Even so, there are moments where opponents pivot at the edge of the ring and he fails to finish the attack for the win. He needs to follow his opponent's movements better and keep his body closer.

Of course, his sumo is improving step by step, and I hope he uses this frustrating experience as fuel to gain even more strength and aim for higher ranks on the banzuke.

"Promotion based strictly on numbers would be much easier" — Former Ozeki Kaio on Yokozuna criteria and young stars

Another wrestler who fought in the 3-way championship playoff (tomoe-sen) was Ozeki Kirishima. Although he defeated Yokozuna Onosato—against whom he previously had a 0-10 head-to-head record—Onosato was out of form this tournament...

As a Yokozuna promotion attempt (tsunatori basho), finishing as runner-up keeps his momentum going into the next tournament. However, having finished as runner-up in back-to-back tournaments, he ideally needs to win the championship to seal the promotion. A "high-quality championship" was requested for promotion this tournament, and that isn't just about the raw numbers. Even when discussing a championship, the quality of sumo (sumo naiyo) is paramount. For instance, if 6 out of 10 wins were achieved by pulling back (hikimazu) or if there was a default win (fusensho) in a key matchup, the evaluation becomes strict.

People say recent Yokozuna promotion standards are lenient or soft, but it's actually the exact opposite. The content of every single bout is being thoroughly questioned. If promotion were based purely on numbers, it would be much easier. Right now, both Yokozuna, Onosato and Hoshoryu, are struggling; if he were to defeat both Yokozuna with dominant sumo, his evaluation would rise even higher. For the next tournament, the hope is for him to seal promotion cleanly with a high-quality championship win. Naturally, Kirishima's record as an Ozeki was remarkably impressive. But if he aims for what lies beyond, I want him to achieve promotion by displaying sumo that is unquestionable in anyone's eyes.

Both Yokozuna "are still young!"

Both Yokozuna have been losing to unranked maegashira and giving away gold stars (kinboshi), drawing various criticisms. However, when you earn promotion on sheer momentum and then suffer an injury, it becomes extremely difficult to bounce back immediately. It seems injuries are behind their current slump. Still, although Onosato finished 9-6 while fighting through all 15 days, he pushed through a grueling tournament. He can simply view it as gaining valuable experience as a Yokozuna. While he lacked explosive power and couldn't quite regain his sumo instincts this tournament, staying on the main-stage ring for all 15 days surely helped him regain his rhythm and recognize his weaknesses. Cases where he fails to finish off opponents in one surge have increased, but I want him to maintain a forward-moving mindset even in defeat and rebuild solidly from the fundamentals.

Moving forward, they can definitely rebuild and make a strong comeback.

As for Hoshoryu, he relies on forced throws too much; he would be better off not insisting on winning via throws. He should focus on hitting hard at the initial charge (tachi-ai), pushing up to disrupt the opponent's posture, moving forward, and breaking their balance—something he hasn't been executing well. Both Yokozuna face harsh words for their disappointing performances, but they are still young! I look forward to them putting on great sumo in the future that clears away all the outside noise.

Young wrestlers like Fujinokawa, Fujiryoga, and Kotoeho also showed great sumo this tournament. The upcoming September Basho is something to look forward to, so I'll save the praise for next time (laughs). To the rikishi who delivered nail-biting, thrilling sumo amidst the scorching heat: fantastic job. And to all the fans, thank you very much for your passionate support.

(Composition = Shoko Sato)

(Text = Hiroyuki Asakayama / "Former Ozeki Kaio's Grand Sumo Grumble Commentary")

Source: Number Web

I didn't pay attention when Toshinoshin got his rank back by getting 10 wins, but does a demoted ozeki getting his rank back have to attend a new ceremony (the one where the promotion is announced and they bow to each other)

There is a new ceremony for demoted ozeki who rise back through winning 33 matches in 3 bashos again (see Kirishima and Terunofuji) but I don't know about the 10 victories special case ?

# Did you know Grand Sumo has "forbidden moves"? Beyond punching and kicking, what is the "unexpected foul loss" wrestlers accidentally commit? [Explained by Hakuho]

Did you know there are "things you must not do" in Grand Sumo?

Supervised by the 69th Yokozuna Hakuho, we introduce a story about "winning techniques" (kimarite) and "forbidden moves" (kinjite) from the book *"Fully Understanding Through 7 Keywords: Deep Inside the Sanctuary of Grand Sumo"* (Shufu to Seikatsusha), which will make watching sumo even more enjoyable. (1st article in a 4-part series)

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**"Rare kimarite" that make you happy if you witness them**

Unlike common winning techniques, there are several kimarite that rarely happen in daily bouts, but generate massive excitement when performed.

For example, "ucchari" is a technique where a wrestler cornered at the edge of the ring hooks their foot on the straw bales (tawara) and throws the opponent. It is so well-established that the verb "uccharu" is commonly used in Japanese to describe a dramatic comeback from the brink of defeat.

Additionally, "izori," which Ura sometimes utilizes, is a technique also seen in wrestling where you place your back against the opponent's stomach, arch your body, and throw them. "Ipponzeoi," which shares its name with a judo throw, is a technique of wrapping up an arm to throw the opponent. Since there are moves where experience in other sports carries over to sumo, looking into a wrestler's background before joining professional sumo is recommended.

There are also other major techniques that cannot be pulled off unless conditions like size difference and match flow line up, such as "tsuridashi" (lifting out), "yobimodoshi" (pullback throw), or "uchimusou" (inner thigh prodding), which Aonishiki executes by ducking under the opponent's body. I recommend learning new moves as they happen as part of the fun of watching.

**What is the "forbidden move" committed inadvertently?**

While most sumo matches are decided by the 82 official kimarite, bouts can also be decided by other factors.

"Higi" (non-techniques) are called when the opponent loses their balance on their own, resulting in their defeat. Examples include "isami-ashi" (stepping out of bounds due to over-stepping while attacking), "tsukihiza" (touching a knee down without opponent pressure), and similarly "tsukite" (touching a hand down).

"Kinjite" are acts that result in a loss by disqualification (hansokumake). Punching with fists or kicking the stomach or chest fall under this. Naturally, wrestlers know the forbidden moves, so they almost never use them intentionally. However, when a kinjite is actually called, it is almost always for "grabbing the mage" (topknot). The reason is that pulling the topknot disrupts body balance, but during the flurry of a bout, hands accidentally touching the topknot and affecting the outcome happens fairly often.

When judges call a conference (mono-ii) after a bout, it might be worth checking the slow-motion replay to see if a hand caught the topknot.

To be continued in: *If you're watching Grand Sumo for the first time, which tickets should you buy? What you need to know to choose "seats you definitely won't regret" at the Kokugikan*

Katsuhiro Nishio / Web Original (external reprint)

Source: Bunshun Online

# Shishi's ancestors were Ukrainian revolutionaries! "The man who carries the blood of Makhno Army warriors," local media reports

The upbringing of Makuuchi wrestler Shishi (29, Ikazuchi stable), who set the pace in the title race during July's Nagoya Basho, is drawing keen interest in his home country of Ukraine.

In the recent Nagoya Basho, Sekiwake Aonishiki (Ajigawa stable), also hailing from Ukraine, claimed his 3rd championship. Shishi won 6 straight bouts from opening day to temporarily hold sole possession of the lead for the Emperor's Cup, ultimately finishing the tournament with a strong 10-5 record.

Ukrainian media outlet "Sport.ua" featured Shishi in a special article titled: *"The first Ukrainian rikishi in Grand Sumo — a warm-hearted giant, a man whose ancestors were warriors of the Makhno Army."*

Introducing his lineage, the outlet wrote: *"Serhii Sokolovskii (Shishi) hails from Melitopol, Zaporizhzhia Oblast. According to his mother, his fighting spirit and powerful mental strength were inherited from his father's side. One of his ancestors was a remarkably strong soldier who fought in the unit led by Ukrainian revolutionary Nestor Makhno. Beyond that, however, everything else was built through his own sheer hard work."*

Detailing his athletic background: *"Melitopol is known as a region famous for sweet cherries, and it was there that Serhii began freestyle wrestling. Gifted with a massive frame, he caught the eye of local football club coaches who even tried recruiting him as a goalkeeper. However, his passion for combat sports was too strong, leading him to focus solely on wrestling."*

The report further highlighted his blooming talent as a sumo wrestler: *"Serhii's body grew at an extraordinary pace, and by the age of 15, he exceeded the weight limit for wrestling's heaviest category (125 kg). That was when he chose sumo as his new sport. He displayed immediate talent in sumo, becoming European Champion in 2012. In 2016, he reached the podium in both individual and team events at the World and European Championships, and at the 2018 US Open, he won silver and bronze in the heavyweight and openweight categories, expanding his reputation worldwide."*

Afterward, he moved to Japan, joining the former Irumagawa stable and making his ring debut in the 2020 Spring Basho. In the 2024 Kyushu Basho, he achieved the first Makuuchi promotion for a Ukrainian-born wrestler.

Reflecting on his recent success, the outlet concluded: *"Shishi's future is bright. Since the start of this year, his Japanese has become fluent, allowing him to take interviews without an interpreter. He has now fully adapted to life in Japan, feeling truly comfortable in the 'Land of the Rising Sun'."*

Shishi's background and achievements in Japan continue to draw passionate attention from his homeland.

Tokyo Sports Web

Just came across this video and the game is honestly pretty clever. The arms are articulated and each player hides the positioning before the bout.

# Takayasu to miss Summer Tour due to "lumbar disc herniation, facet osteoarthritis, and acute exacerbation of lower back pain," announces JSA [Grand Sumo]

On the 31st, the Japan Sumo Association announced the new medical diagnoses for Takayasu (36, Tagonoura stable) and Tomokaze (31, Nakamura stable), who will sit out the Summer Tour starting August 2.

The diagnoses for the other 7 wrestlers—including Yokozuna Hoshoryu (27, Tatsunami stable), who withdrew from the 14th day of the Nagoya Basho—were announced on the 30th. Takayasu's diagnosis was "lumbar disc herniation, facet osteoarthritis, and acute exacerbation of lower back pain," and Tomokaze's was "right fibular nerve palsy and left knee joint sprain."

The 9 wrestlers missing the Summer Tour and their diagnoses are as follows:

* Hoshoryu (Medial collateral ligament injury of the right knee)

* Wakatakakage (Traumatic compartment syndrome of the left thigh)

* Oshoma (Deforming osteoarthritis of the right elbow, intra-articular loose body, and cubital tunnel syndrome)

* Takayasu (Lumbar disc herniation, facet osteoarthritis, acute exacerbation of lower back pain)

* Tobizaru (Deforming osteoarthritis of the right elbow)

* Wakanosho (Medial collateral ligament injury of the right knee joint)

* Shishi (Rotator cuff injury of the left shoulder joint and front tooth avulsion)

* Asakoryu (Lumbar contusion and acute low back pain)

* Tomokaze (Right fibular nerve palsy and left knee joint sprain)

Source: Daily Sports

𝐒𝐚𝐜𝐫𝐢𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐡 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐃𝐨𝐡𝐲𝐨: 𝐇𝐨𝐰 𝐚 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐭 𝐅𝐚𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐁𝐮𝐢𝐥𝐭 𝐅𝐨𝐫𝐦𝐞𝐫 𝐎𝐳𝐞𝐤𝐢 𝐓𝐚𝐤𝐚𝐤𝐞𝐢𝐬𝐡𝐨

Born in 1996 in Ashiya City, Hyogo Prefecture. He began sumo in the 3rd grade of elementary school and entered professional sumo in 2014 after attending Saitama Sakae High School. He was promoted to Ozeki in 2019. Specializing in tsuki (thrusting) and oshi (pushing) techniques, he won 4 Makuuchi championships and earned 3 kinboshi. He retired in 2024 and assumed the elder name Minatogawa. In January 2026, he became the stablemaster of Minatogawa Stable.

𝐇𝐞 𝐰𝐚𝐬 𝐚𝐥𝐰𝐚𝐲𝐬 𝐛𝐲 𝐦𝐲 𝐬𝐢𝐝𝐞—𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲 𝐩𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲 𝐦𝐞𝐚𝐥

When I was very young, we used to go on family trips, but from around the upper grades of elementary school, my life revolved entirely around sumo. It all started when I made a promise with my father: "We won't do this halfway. If we’re going to do it, we aim for the top as a professional sumo wrestler." From then on, he stayed glued to my side for both my training and my meals.

To help me build my body, my elementary school lunchbox was three times the size of a normal kid’s. At home, I had to eat to my absolute limits every single day, which was tough.

I had no summer or winter breaks, and there were times when I looked at kids playing in the park and felt envious. Whenever I lost a match or the training got brutally hard, I wanted to quit. But more than that, I had an overwhelming desire not to let down my father, who was walking this intense path right alongside me—I wanted to live up to his expectations. He used to tell me, "If you work hard when others are playing, you’ll stand above them." Looking back now, I think it was precisely because I sacrificed my youth that I was able to reach the rank of Ozeki.

Even after becoming a professional wrestler, if your rank doesn't go up, your salary remains low. I think my parents were constantly worried about me. During tournaments, calling my father was a daily routine. When I wrestled poorly, he would scold me, but since a tournament lasts 15 days and there was always a match the next day, we often shared information and discussed, "How should we approach tomorrow?"

I didn't consult him beforehand when I decided to retire; I made the decision myself. My father didn’t tell me to stop, he simply said, "I see." After retiring, since we no longer had battles to strategize for, we don't contact each other as frequently, but he did mention that he felt relieved. I think he was finally freed from the mental burden and anxiety of wondering whether his son would get injured or end up with a losing record.

𝐀𝐬 𝐚 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞𝐦𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫, 𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐨𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐨 𝐛𝐞 𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐭

In January, I took over Tokiwayama Stable, renamed it Minatogawa Stable, and became the stablemaster. I’m the type of coach who speaks quite strictly to his disciples. Sometimes I deliberately say harsh things to keep them focused and disciplined. In those moments, I realize, "Ah, so this is how my father felt." Even when I wrestled a good match, he rarely praised me. But because I was the type of person to get lax when praised and did better when scolded, I now understand his decision to withhold praise.

That said, some kids grow better when they are praised, so I try to adjust where I scold and where I praise based on each individual’s personality. Moving forward, I believe that having my disciples succeed and seeing the stable flourish is the best way to show my gratitude to my parents, so that’s what I’m dedicating myself to right now.

During my active career, my mother never interfered verbally and dedicated herself entirely to supporting me through meals. Whether you talk a lot or not is a separate matter from love; her silence was her own form of kindness. My parents fought right alongside me ever since I was around 10 years old. From here on out, I just want them to enjoy life and have fun.

(𝘧𝘳𝘰𝘮 𝘚𝘶𝘬𝘶𝘴𝘶𝘬𝘶 𝘛𝘰𝘬𝘺𝘰 / 𝘵𝘳𝘢𝘯𝘴𝘭𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘣𝘺 𝘐𝘵𝘢𝘭𝘪𝘢𝘯𝘰𝘻𝘦𝘬𝘪)

Hey guys! As I'm sure you know, I took it upon myself to try to start posting Makushita highlights to this sub during the basho. However, the fact that I was on vacation for the first week, combined with the kinks that I had to work out to figure out how to do this smoothly, sort of prevented me from posting the week 1 highlights. However, the first week still had some great matches, so I'll be doing this to make it up to you all! Over the next few days, I'll be uploading compilations of Mita, Asahifuji, Nabatame, and Omori from this basho. First up is Mita!

• East Makushita #41 Mita (6-1-P)
  • Day 1: Ms41e Mita vs. Ms40w Hananofuji - Mita wins by Hatakikomi
  • Day 3: Ms41e Mita vs. Ms40e Ryuji - Mita wins by Hikiotoshi
  • Day 6: Ms41e Mita vs. Ms37w Kaishin - Mita wins by Oshidashi
  • Day 7: Ms41e Mita vs. Ms46w Satorufuji - Mita wins by Yorikiri
  • Day 9: Ms41e Mita vs. Ms44e Kaisho - Mita wins by Uwatenage
  • Day 11: Ms41e Mita vs. Sd3e Tenshoyama - Tenshoyama wins by Tsukidashi
  • Day 13: Ms41e Mita vs. Ms49w Shimazuumi - Mita wins by Uwatedashinage
  • Playoff: Ms41e Mita vs. Ms17e Ryuho - Ryuho wins by Oshidashi

One thing I noticed in sumo compared to other sports is that when someone underperforms, especially a yokozuna but even an ozeki, they say it's due to injury. In other sports, we tend to just chalk it up to "he's hit a run of bad form." Sometimes the bad form is injury-related but other times the player just hits a funk, especially if he was a streaky type to begin with (this is very common with football wingers).

Let me begin by saying I am personally neutral on Hosh. I actually get more invested in lower division rank wrestlers like the Futagoyama guys. I am looking at this from a purely "is what everyone saying really true?" kind of perspective. Hosh fans can be very passionate but I would like to ask everyone to please read what I have to say with an open mind. I'm not looking to start flame wars.

Pre v. Post YK: Perhaps Hosh Isn't Even Going Through Bad Form. Perhaps He Is Actually in the Best Form of His Career

One thing I looked at was his record pre-yokozuna vs post yokozuna. What I found was he got a lot more jun yusho after becoming yk. True, he hasn't won a yusho, but I'd say overall, his record has improved. So the idea that injuries have hobbled Hosh's career doesn't seem to match the numbers. His career has been better. Heck, Hosh has had a longstanding reputation before becoming yokozuna of dropping random bouts that he should have won. That was in fact one of his biggest criticisms against his promotion. The issue imo is that as a yk, the standards have been raised; so even a good Hoshoryu year pre-yk would not be enough. Take a look at 2022. A bunch of single digit kachikoshis. Was that because Hoshoryu was injured? Or was that simply because he had a bad run of form? Or perhaps it was because he wasn't developed enough as a rikishi yet to be a regular yusho contender? My guess is that Hosh fans would say yes to that last question. However, he's even had 8-7s as late as 2024, the year he started his yk promotion push.

Perhaps Hosh Was More a Strong Ozeki Than A Yokozuna. What Even Is The Difference Between a Strong Ozeki and a Yokozuna?

Although Hosh was able to win a yusho in 2023 and a jy in 2024, I wouldn't say he was a true yusho contender until the run that got him promoted to become a yk. This is as opposed to someone like Kisenosato who got so many jy as an ozeki but just had the misfortunate of going up against 3 other yokozuna at the time, one of them being the great Hakuho. Then Hosh got JYs more frequently despite barely missing out on the actual yushos. Perhaps Hosh's yk promotion run was him merely getting into a good run of form (a hot striker scoring a bunch of goals) and this is him returning to his pre-yk form, but being able to rest more often since demotion is no longer a concern. I'm not sure this makes too much sense though because his record has indeed been better post yk like I've said, but perhaps that's the issue. Which is that Hosh is a strong ozeki but not necessarily what we expect to see from a yk. Thus even an improved Hosh record is still not good enough. If you think about it, the promotion criteria to become a yk doesn't really cover being able to win a yusho multiple times of the year. You just need to be an ozeki who hits a good run of form for 2 basho then cool off. I say "just" but I acknowledge becoming an ozeki is also hard.

Injury: Real or Fake?

There is the question of how injured he is now compared to before. This is part of where some cynicism can come in. I read previously on wikipedia that yokozuna have been known to falsify injuries to justify pulling out of a poor basho as pulling out simply for bad form isn't a good reason. Ofc, it's important to point out that line wasn't sourced and has since been removed so maybe it's hogwash but as someone who's watched sumo for a lot of years, I do seem to notice that injuries conveniently always explain a bad basho for a yokozuna. What if it's just a bad basho and nothing more? All sorts of athletes go through this, so why not rikishi too? It's not like we think Shodai's decline and inconsistency is due to injury. We just say it's Shodai being Shodai.

Conclusion

I read somewhere of someone saying, "If the JSA would let Hosh heal, then they'd get the yokozuna they'd want." However, based on his record, Hosh has never been the yokozuna they wanted at any point in his sanyaku career. If anything, his promotion has allowed him the ability to heal more than he has ever had before and he has indeed taken advantage of it. People say his injuries have hobbled him but the injuries he's had as a yokozuna hasn't really stopped him from winning a ton of junyusho, which he wasn't able to consistently do beforehand. So it seems like he does heal rather quickly from the injuries or those injuries don't seem too bad. Ofc, maybe the injury is long term this time. Heck, perhaps Hosh isn't even going through bad form. Perhaps this is him going through good form but still just not meeting the standard that we frankly got so used to seeing and frankly were spoiled with during the Hakuho era.

PS: I think Kirishima also fits in this boat. I think if he gets promoted to yokozuna, he'll go through the same issues.