Tiger Tanaka

Terunofuji certainly performed at yoko level this basho. An absolute monster, manhandling many of his opponents. But it's one basho, just two months ago he went 4-11. The last 6 bashos have yielded records of: 2-13 8-7 4-11 8-7 4-11 13-2 Total: 39-51 over the past year of matches That is well below .500 for the past rolling year of tournaments. I don't think a 15-0 Y even gets him consideration. This isn't like Kise (who had 69 wins in his previous 6 tournaments before his yusho). Even back to back yushos would warrant some discussion in my opinion (Not totally unprecendented: Chiyonoyama went back to back yushos at ozeki without promotion to Yoko). He's certainly got the ability, but consistency is key to a successful Yoko. Can't be going MK every other tournament.

Beautiful looking cover. Anyone know where someone in the U.S. can get one of these? Would love it as a memento for the most memorable basho!

As disappointing it was to see Geek lose in that fashion to end his run at restoring Ozeki rank, I have to agree with this. His losses to Ikioi (who was at a struggling 1-9 at that point) and Takarafuji (whom he was 11-5 against in his career) on back to back days were the real killers that erased his chance at getting his rank back.

Welcome aboard Maciek! Looking forward to talking sumo with you :)

WOW!!!!! Just watched it all unfold, incredible. I had mentioned on Friday how it would be cool (albeit a fairytale ending) if Kise was able to pull off a miraculous upset on Day 15 and then win again in playoff, but didn't believe it possible. Still in complete awe of what I just watched. Most gripping and exciting sporting experience for me in the past 5 years. This was my first basho as a sumo fan, how can it possible get any better than this??? New sumo fan for life now

So underwhelming for the fans. Two of the strongest in sumo, one fighting with his career on the line, and then a henka. I have mixed feelings on henkas, but how that one played out was just so anti-climactic. I felt that could have been an intense 20-30 second match, but we'll never know. In my short time watching sumo, I haven't seen a losing opponent not bow. Geek's stare at Terror, with not even the slightest nod of the head, was very telling. How frequently does that happen between two rikishi where one just no-sells the acknowledgement of defeat?

Big supporter of Kise, but was pleased to see Harrumafuji look so good, he's been dominant his last 4 matches. Such a shame to see Kise get injured. For those watching sumo for a while now, is it frequent to see a rikishi return next day after a dislocated shoulder? I would assume they would be definitely out for the rest of the basho, but these guys are otherworldly strong. Quite unfortunate turn of events. Hoping we can still see a miraculous comeback Kise vs Terror day 15. Imagine if Kise could actually comeback and pull off an injured victory for yusho showing his true yoko pride. I might be living in a fairy tale though :)

Tough road for Kotoshogiku, he was looking good at 6-2, but 3 out of the last 4 have been losses and now he must win out, including against terror. Speaking of Terunofuji, his strength has been down right scary this basho. Endo put up a great fight, but watching Terror pick him up and force him down like that was just impressive. When does he face Kise, day 14 or 15? Harumafuji has really looked back to his yoko self with his last 2 matches. In fact, winning 8 of the last 9 is a nice little run and could set him up for a 10-11 win basho. Wonder if some additional rest will allow him to be a basho contender in May,

I believe it is Shodai. Day 11's matchup was one of the easier tasks Geek had to face, and makes it a real nailbiter now. Defeating Terror is not out of the question; 5-7 record in total and has won 3 of the last 4. But this Terror looks on top of his game. Beating Takarafuji tomorrow is a must, who is on a 6 match losing streak.

Takayasu vs Kakuryu should be a good one. Takayasu is 5-11 lifetime against Kak, but has won 2 of the last 3.

Geek taking care of business again. Kise, Terunofuji, and Shodai are the biggest obstacles remaining in his way. Must go 4-3 the rest of the way, but he's done a lot of the heavy lifting so far. Awesome move from Kise. Having just gotten into Sumo this year, I've heard a lot of Kise's mental weaknesses, but he showed a lot of swagger after that slap down. Has he ever seemed so confident during his Ozeki run? Mitakeumi and Shodai facing off tomorrow should be a good battle between the two young Komusubi. Both 3-5 after the difficult week 1 matchups and the winner will go along way to getting back on track for the KK

Good point, thank you! So it is likely he would need 12-13 this Basho and 10-11 next, which the way he's wrestling seems like a very possible outcome.

Takayasu looks well on his way to an Ozeki promotion (whether it be after this Basho or the May Basho). You figure, without having to face Hakuho in week 2, or Kise at all, his big two opponents going into the second week are Kakuryu and Harumafuji. A 12-13 win Basho would mean Takayasu only would need 9-10 wins in May to get his 33. I think it's most likely we see him make his Ozeki debut in July, but he certainly is performing like one now.

Day 5 Thoughts Tough loss for Geek. Looked like he was in an advantageous spot, but just lost his legs. Want to see how he bounces back after that deflating loss, needs to go 7-3 the rest of the way. Not too much of a surprise on Goeido's withdrawl. He was clearly off during his loss to a struggling Takekaze. It's a joy to watch the measured methodical approach from Kise. Seems so fundamentally sound and always in a good position. Really looking forward to Geek vs. Mitakeumi & Takayasu vs. Terunofuji matchups on Day 6.

Nice! I'm not sure which day I am going yet, but will read up on the thread and might influence my decision. I am on a pre-order from buy sumo at the moment. A meet-up would be fun.

Hello Everyone, I am making my first visit to Tokyo in May and the top of my list of things to do is see Sumo. Hoping to attend the May Basho in Tokyo. The first time I was introduced to the sport of Sumo was watching the James Bond film You Only Live Twice. Sadanoyama makes a cameo appearance in the sumo scene. The spectacle, tradition, and dedication of the rikishi appeal greatly to me, whereas sports in the U.S. are becoming stale and too dramatized for me of late. I've been following along on the 2017 bashos so far and am becoming more and more interested. Hope to meet and engage in educational discussion with all of you to help me learn more about this wonderful sport.

Very unfortunate. He didn't look in good form and the foot had to be hampering him. I'm sure the tough decision on day 4 didn't help.

Looking forward to it! Thanks once again for such a warm welcome. Nice to join and be a part of such a nice and inviting community. Looking forward to posting with you all.

Day 4 Thoughts: -Hokutofuji looks like his calf is effecting him, not getting enough power when he pushes off, still impressive win by Takarafuji to take him to 4-0. -Loved the Takayasu and Mitakeumi matchup, my favorite of the day, looked very strategic good sumo from both rikishi (from my new and untrained eye ) -Harumafuji got the job done, but looks really off. -Kise looks so sound right now. -Another great match was Geek and Kakuryu. Geek looks fierce and determined to get back his Ozeki. 7 more wins to go.- -Confused by the Hakuho Ikioi ruling. Thanks for the insight of those experienced sumo fans on here. Sounds like it's still a split opinion on the decision.

Thanks for the rec Benihana! Will definitely read up :)

Some very exciting matches in day 3! Ikioi gave a spirited battle against Kakuryu. Takekaze looked like he nearly was going to pull off an upset over Hakuho. Kise didn't look at his best, but got the job done. Takayashu vs Kotoshogiku was a highlight match for me. It looked like giku had him, but Takayashu looked very impressive, could he be entering his prime? Difficult defeat for giku, going to 3-0 would have been huge towards getting his 10 wins. Terunofuji looked very formidable, no signs of injury slowing him down. Off to a good start to getting his 8. Shodai and Mitakeumi continue to impress as well! Harumafuji looked emotional after his loss. To those regular sumo fans (new fan here :)), are his injuries hampering him or does his overall form appear to be declining? Hoping he can rebound, though a well earned gold star for Sokokurai

Thanks both! Much appreciated for the warm welcome.

Very impressed by Mitakeumi so far in 2017. Hope he continues to do well.