Yamanashi

OK, then we can have a year-long prelude to SumoForum 25!

I'm so desperately sorry and ashamed, but I'm that guy who doesn't understand how things work. The first coverage was Kyushu 2001, according to the first post from @Manekineko. The 10-year anniversary post were in November, 2011. Then @Asashosakari posted in December, 2021, noting the (one month belated) 20th anniversary. Both of these posts suggest that the 25th anniversary should be in November 2026, right? [ Incidentally, I still recognize most of these contributors, and many are still active! I hope the "bugs" can be worked around so we can get new members and exist in the world of 6th generation systems, or there won't be a 30th anniversary. ]

OK, try this: both kyujo rikishi stand (or lay) at the side entrance to the dohyo . Whichever one can run/walk/crawl/writhe to the nearest of the shikiri-sen first is the winner. Are you less disappointed?

Narutobeya will be sending a really nice fruit basket to Hiradoumi after the tournament. On successive days he lost to 5-8 Oshoumi [who probably stays in Makuuchi] and 3-11 Oshoma, who will at least pad his fall for next basho.

Narutobeya Results for Kyushu 2025 With Hatsu 2026 Projections By division -- Shikona, incoming rank, Kyushu result, Hatsu estimated rank (* = career high) Makuuchi Oshoma, M4W, 4-11, M9. He did the exact same performance last November! Still looks injured? Oshoumi, M16E, 7-8, M17. Jeezus this kid is a fighter! Wins one, loses 8 in a row, then 6 in a row to (probably) keep himself in Makuuchi. Juryo Makushita Gyokuozan, Ms38W, 4-3, Ms31. Keeps winning. Murayama, Ms45E, 3-4, Ms54. The tadpole stays in Makushita. Oyamada, Ms51W, 4-3, Ms42. More fireworks from the Human Kimarite List: his four wins include a komatasukui and a kirikaeshi. Oshoryu, Ms55W, 5-2, Ms34. Sisyphus trudges back up the hill again … Hoshuzan, Ms60W, 2-5, Sd20. Bad (banzuke) fall. Sandanme Marusho, Sd20W, 3-4, Sd35. 3-4 six times in his last 10 basho. Mukaida, Sd24W, 5-2, Ms59*. Finally breaks through to Makushita! Kawamura, Sd31W, 3-4, Sd74. Fourth straight 3-4 basho. Karino, Sd54E, 3-4, Sd69. Oshozan, Sd73W, 3-4, Jd15. Jonidan Yamane, Jd23E, 4-3, Jd3. Kyushu basho divisions: 2 Makuuchi, 0 Juryo, 5 Makushita, 4 Sandanme, 2 Jonidan. Overall poor performance, with only a 47% win rate (dominated by you-know-who at the top). Perhaps Oshoumi has handled his nerves (and injuries) and can move up the Makuuchi ladder. Gymkuozan and Oshoryu are the best bets for potential Sekitori.

Onosato vs Aonishiki: I have no problem with the call (although the flipped toe thing was difficult to ignore). I mean, how would it look to see Aonishiki completely airborne outside the dohyo and then decree: "Onosato lost because he touched down first"?

He's the closest to WWE-style wrestlers we have [thankfully not THAT close]. Beetle-browed and pouty on the dohyo, but bespectacled and grinning off the dohyo. Also, his rage face doesn't have the contempt that Hakuho had; Hoshoryu really looks pissed off, which is a much better look!

That's a good idea! lure him out near the middle, run around (faster than he can turn) and he'll have no clue WHAT you're doing back there. OTOH, what can you do back there that you couldn't out front? A leg pick? I doubt you could lift it.

I don't know whether this belongs in Trivia bits, but on Day 6 of Kyushu 2025, Önokatsu was the first rikishi who needed help leaving the dohyo ... before the end of the bout!

Should be in Makuuchi next basho!

At least he took it like a man. That's a good sign; he'll learn.

Documented evidence of ex-Takarafuji wearing a necktie. This can only mean ... !

To be honest, "hovering over a members name" sounds a little skeezy, and maybe should generate an error of some sort.

I remember the feckin tongue thing he'd do (see above). Sheesh.

That's certainly possible. Of course, he could have simply had a trauma to the right knee. I'm sure the story will come out eventually.