John Gunning

English schoolboy Nicholas Tarasenko may just be two months past his 15th birthday but he is already training in Minato Stable with the aim of becoming a professional sumo wrestler upon completion of compulsory education next summer. At 187 cm and 108 kgs the Hull native already has the size needed to compete in ozumo and is still growing.

I'll go through them when I have more time but at a quick glance I can see... 34 - Daijuyama 38 - Kotogaume (not Kotomitsuki) 68 - Kotobeppu 76 - Yamato (George Kalima)

Music star Masuiyama, a former ōzeki who died Sunday at 76, blazed unique trail

From 2016, for about 5 years, we shot Grand Sumo Preview at his old Mihogaseki stable. Photo I took in 2006.  Chiyonofuji, Masuiyama, Kaiketsu, Kitanoumi, Hakuho, Asashoryu.

I usually tell people I'm Murray Johnson

Joins Minato Beya officially in a week or so. He trained with them last year.

Hakuho’s new venture not an automatic 'Grand Slam My column today

Former yokozuna Hakuho's retirement press conference will be streamed live here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OoN3_ACvE4A

My two cents on Hakuho leaving

Person behind this is a producer on some very well known US TV shows. I was offered a contract to be the on site commentator and consultant, but wasn’t able to do it for a couple of reasons, so I connected them with Hiro and it looks like he’ll be doing it. I did have some pleminiary discussions with the organisers and suggested the former rikishi etc they are using. All seemed very professional and they were very keen to avoid anything that could be seen as mocking or disrespectful to sumo culture.

Former sekiwake Toyonoshima is new head coach at innovative women’s club

There is a new English language sumo YT channel in the planning stages. Much has yet to be decided - including my own level of my involvement - but I'm interested in hearing what kind of content / approach / upload schedule / video length etc. that people are interested in seeing. Appreciate any suggestions / comments / ideas.

Independent and therefore the level of access that will be achievable has yet to be determined. It's a small operation so there won't be daily basho uploads or anything like that. That kind of channel is really only doable by the Kyokai and its broadcast partners.

Not a Kyokai channel so live feeds won't be an option and it remains to be seen how much access to tournaments / stables there will be

Takayasu’s latest heartbreak creates sumo history My column today

”Backstage Dodgers” Episode 2 is available to watch now on Amazon Prime. I took them to a sumo demo. Backstage: Dodgers - Episode 2

Japan’s twin obsessions meet as MLB visits sumo’s heartland

Took some of the Dodgers players to a sumo demo event in Tokyo this morning. Logistics and schedule meant going to Osaka for the real deal wasn't possible but they enjoyed it nonetheless. The results will be on BACKSTAGE: DODGERS on Amazon Prime soon. Couple of phone snaps of Clayton Kershaw and other players at the event here:

I tried to warn people. Been writing and posting for almost five years about unprecedented demand for sumo content from overseas. As I’ve said elsewhere its up between 600% and 2000% depending on outlet since the pandemic began.

Hoshoryu isn't the only new yokozuna for Haru

In a few years sumo might have its own version of NFL Network, with live streaming of basho, documentaries, historical footage AOD, studio debate shows etc all in English. Some major players in global media are eyeing Japan's national sport with a view to making all that a reality

Both are Komatsuryu kids.

Update for my amateur sumo friends around the world.

The 15th Hakuho Cup WILL take place Details: * 2025-2-11 Kokugikan * JSA approval ・ Guidance from Isegahama Oyakata * Noto & Ukraine teams invited * Miyagino in mawashi teaching * 1,100 kids approx. (Age 5-15) * Admission FREE