Tiger Tanaka

Always appreciated Myogiryu and his consistency, amassed an impressive career of accolades and wishing him well as an oyakata. And now only Endo and Terunofuji remain active from the group of rikishi who sang verses in the original Hakkeyoi music video.

Great start to the 2024 Year in Sumo. Was wonderful to see most of the top rankers performing at a high level, while up and comers like Onosato, Takerufuji, and a returning from injury Hakuoho continue to usher in a new era. Terunofuji had a heck of a tournament and a big congratulations to him on his efforts. Fantastic to see him show his strength in tossing Kirishima out, dispatching of the rising star Onosato, and taking it to Kotonowaka twice, showing that despite all the injuries he has faced, no one is quite on his level yet. A performance that impressed the entire Kokugikan. Well maybe not every single spectator...

We've seen a few fair calls of 'changing of the guard' that were false alarms in the past 5 years, but this basho feels different, like it's the launching point of a new era. Really sad for Hokutofuji missing out on the yusho, but happy Hoshoryu was able to break through and surprised at the amount of emotion he showed afterwards, really fantastic moment.

Just finished the show and absolutely adored it from start to finish. Pays great homage to the original film, while standing on it's own as a fine piece. The characters were perfect and mood absolutely 100% what I was hoping for. Shed a tear in the 2nd to last episode and every credit roll left me with a smile on my face. Season 2 please? Keppare Disney+!

The summer camp scenes were fantastic in episodes 6 and 7. This show continues to put me in a great mood everytime I put it on. Trying to spread out my watches to keep the enjoyment of a 1st time watchthrough go as long as possible. Sad there are only 3 episodes left for me to watch, which is always the mark for a show I'm thoroguhly enjoying. I haven't heard any buzz around it, so not holding out hope for a 2nd season, but do wish the show ends on a nice happy ending with plot strings wrapped up nicely. The entire cast really is top notch all around for my needs of a great show, but Honoka is just perfect.

Wow! Absolutely adored episode 1. Such a relaxing tranquil mood this show put me in. Love the call backs to the original. From actors to music cues, each put a smile on my face. Loved seeing Aoki's "How sumo changed my life" book. And the lead actress really has a convincing portrayal of the basics! Can't wait to start episode 2.

Has anyone watched this yet on Disney+ and if so how have you liked it? Being a huge fan of the 1992 film, I can't wait to start this up. The first 3 episodes were made available last week. So rare to see sumo in film/tv, so hoping this sticks around for a bit!

The first aim of an official channel like this I would think is to cast as wide of a net as possible and draw in a broader audience of new sumo fans who don't have access to the basics in terms of content. So I'm not sure sumo fanatics like the majority of posters are they key target demo? They may go deeper as these are the first jumping off intro videos. But if you're expecting top 5 matches from Jonidan division each day in a tourney, I don't think this will be the place to go. Maybe a highlight of ones to watch similar to what Tachiai does before and after each basho. I hope when we get features of jungyo, keiko, ceremonial events etc are focused more as these are areas that can draw in new casual viewers into the culture and behind the scenes, while giving English language fanatics content that is more difficult to get high produced content.

You are incredible as always with your knowledge @Asashosakari, thanks for sharing this, very interesting!

I guess they could? But something seems off for the lower ranks giving someone a promotion for going 2-1 and likewise demotion for 1-2

That's true. Only those that had locked in KK or MK at time of kyujo would be fair to give promo/demo. Only will get more tricky if we see additional heya continue to go out.

At this point do they have any other option than to do mass rank protection with caveat if minimal demotion/promotion if banzuke around them forces a one rank promo/demo for those that complete the basho (like Ichinojo dropping one rank). Not an easy situation, but most importantly, hope all those affected are doing well.

Apparently it is COVID related, which throws his Ozeki status up in the air. Tough to demote him when he isn't given a full chance to clear his kadoban. Get well soon Mitakeumi and those effected in Dewanoumi

The Asanoyama comeback trail has begun with a win today on Day 2.

Hanakaze shared a banzuke with Oshio in Haru 1986, who shared a banzuke with Kitanonada in Hatsu 1962, who shared a banzuke with Oshio (again!) in Haru 1940, who shared a banzuke with Otokojima in 1919, who's career started in Natsu 1900. 5 rikishi spanning 120+ years of Ozumo dating back to the turn of the 20th century. And the last rikishi to start his career before I was born. A great career of dedication and longevity worth praise, thank you Hanakaze!