Heisei Hopefuls - prospect watch

[Asashosakari 18,959]

Part 3, recent prospect newcomers - or rather, rikishi who have fulfilled the inclusion parameters of this thread:

Kyushu / Tier 2:

Rikishi	Heya	DOB	Debut	HiRk	2015.01	2015.03	2015.05	2015.07	2015.09	2015.11
Oki	Shikoroyama	1996/06/12	2013.07	Sd7	Sd48w 3-4	Sd62w 5-2	Sd31w 4-3	Sd18w 4-3	Sd7w 3-4	Sd23w 5-2
Kiribayama	Michinoku	1996/04/24	2015.05	Sd96	[/td2]		Mz 3-1	Jk20w 5-2	Jd67w 6-1	Sd96w 7-0 Y

We're starting off with some real prospects, as deshi who make it to makushita as teenagers are always worth watching.

Oki, formerly known as Koike, is a heavyweight youngster who turned pro early out of high school. It's turned out to be a good decision, I daresay. (His classmate, who inspired him to do so, was significantly less successful and has already retired.) Nothing fancy about his sumo, just a pretty average mix of yorikiri, oshidashi and the occasional throw; without having watched much of him since the very early days, I suspect that he's managed to get by with just overwhelming many opponents with his strong physique so far, and that his further advancement won't be quite so fast.

Prior to Asahiryu, who has yet to make his banzuke debut, Kiribayama was the most recent Mongolian recruit, and he has certainly proved worthy of his spot, making it to makushita in the minimum four tournaments. As nearly all the Mongolian deshi in recent years he's on the tall side at 184 cm, and as one might expect from a relatively lanky guy (Kyokai profile says 109 kg, up from 94 on debut) his sumo is mostly yori- and nage-based. Starting off 18-3 with that modest physique at age 19 is no mean feat, and it wouldn't be surprising to see him move up through the Tier 2 rankings pretty quickly, although juryo is probably at least a couple of years away.

Kyushu / Tier 3:

Rikishi	Heya	DOB	Debut	HiRk	2015.01	2015.03	2015.05	2015.07	2015.09	2015.11
Omoto	Irumagawa	1992/11/23	2015.01	Sd7	Mz 3-0	Jk15w 5-2	Jd57e 6-1	Sd90w 6-1	Sd33e 5-2	Sd7w 4-3
Mitozakura	Azumazeki	1992/04/16	2008.03	Sd10	Sd64e 6-1	Sd10e 2-5	Sd43e 3-4	Sd59w 3-4	Sd77e 5-2	Sd44e 6-1
Sakamoto	Oitekaze	1992/12/15	2016.01	---

Mitozakura was already mentioned briefly in part 2 of these reports; here we have his entrance into the "prospect" ranks. As mentioned before there's not really much to recommend attention with a makushita debut at nearly age 24, and I'd be surprised if he makes any major waves in the future.

Omoto is not much younger, but does have the excuse of a debut out of the collegiate ranks, so he couldn't have been here much earlier than this. Still, his numbers are fairly unimpressive so far with a combined 26-9 record as he went through the lower divisions. Makushita is littered with the remains of university rikishi who were better than that in the early going, so I doubt there's a lot of promise here. Still, he's from Ritsumeikan University, certainly not one of the usual places of gakusei origin, so he's a little bit interesting - and perhaps worth rooting for - just for that.

Sakamoto's also a university guy, but obviously from the other end of the spectrum - out of traditional powerhouse Nihon University and blessed with the Ms15 starting option, he has had a lot more eyes on him. It's been slow going for him so far with three 4-3's, but then Daishomaru also didn't tear down the house in makushita two years ago and it didn't stop him from at least maturing into a competent maegashira. Still, Sakamoto looks unlikely to duplicate the hype that surrounded the other recent tsukedashi starters Endo, Ichinojo and Mitakeumi.

Hatsu / Tier 2:

Rikishi	Heya	DOB	Debut	HiRk	2015.03	2015.05	2015.07	2015.09	2015.11	2016.01
Kasugamaru	Kasugayama	1995/01/24	2013.01	Sd4	Sd67e 6-1	Sd12e 3-4	Sd28e 2-5	Sd56e 6-1	Sd4e 3-4	Sd17e 5-2
Gokushindo	Nishikido	1996/06/06	2012.03	Sd10	Sd52e 4-3	Sd35w 2-5	Sd61w 5-2	Sd35e 5-2	Sd10e 3-4	Sd23e 5-2

For a guy who didn't race up the rankings, Kasugamaru has the surprising amount of four 6-1 records on his career sheet already. Because of that it'll come as much less of a surprise that he picked up no less than 9 makekoshi (in 18 tournaments) on the way up, too. In other words, this wasn't exactly the most straight-forward progression through the lower ranks. (Spoiler: His makushita debut turned out to be more of the same with an 0-7 setback...) He's a guy with a good sumo body of 177 cm / 147 kg and a craptacular kimarite record that features nearly 50% slapdowns, pulldowns and okuri techniques - I don't really expect that to play well against makushita opponents, so even with him making it into this thread as a young Tier 2 debutant I'm quite iffy on his chances of a sekitori career.

Gokushindo is built much the same way (180 cm / 148 kg) but features the polar opposite as styles go - the rare breed of a rikishi who seems equally adept in pushing as in chest-to-chest combat, he sports a tally of about 45% wins by yori, 40% by oshi, and (as you might guess from those numbers) very little else. This kid certainly bears following, at least assuming he doesn't get implicated too deeply in the recent Nishikido-beya mess...

Hatsu / Tier 3:

Rikishi	Heya	DOB	Debut	HiRk	2015.03	2015.05	2015.07	2015.09	2015.11	2016.01
Chiyonoumi	Kokonoe	1993/01/11	2015.05	Sd9		Mz 3-0	Jk19w 7-0 Y	Jd10w 7-0 Y	Sd19e 4-3	Sd9e 7-0 Y
Rikito	Tokitsukaze	1993/09/21	2011.09	Sd9	Sd83w 4-3	Sd64w 4-3	Sd49e 4-3	Sd37w 4-3	Sd21w 4-3	Sd9w 4-3

Hamamachi/Chiyonoumi hails from collegiate stronghold Nittaidai and came in with quite some fanfare, making the rather unusual decision (for university rikishi) to join Kokonoe-beya. He sliced through the lower ranks in short order, winning yusho in all three divisions in the process, but sadly, my sardonic joke that his heya choice spelled the immediate end of his career might have been on point as he has yet to step on the dohyo as a makushita rikishi, missing the most recent two tournaments with injury. Let's hope I'm wrong and we'll get to see more of him.

Rikito doesn't bring much of a sumo body (166 cm / 116 kg at last check), but clearly has some talent or he wouldn't have made it this far. Unlike what might be expected he doesn't rely on tricky stuff to win his bouts, displaying a fine propensity for oshi-zumo instead which has been the winning style in some 60% of his victories thus far. He's currently riding an 8-basho KK streak which has taken him from low sandanme all the way to mid-makushita. I suspect he'll get stalled out if/when he hits the makushita promotion zone which is where short rikishi without much weight tend to struggle (Shosei and the very talented Terutsuyoshi come to mind), but I'm certainly hoping that Rikito will continue to outperform expectations.

Haru / Tier 2:

Rikishi	Heya	DOB	Debut	HiRk	2015.05	2015.07	2015.09	2015.11	2016.01	2016.03
Sakae	Sakaigawa	1994/11/19	2013.03	Sd5	Sd10e 0-0-7	Sd70w 0-0-7	Jd31e 7-0 D	Sd32w 5-2	Sd5e 3-4	Sd17w 5-2

Sakae probably would have made it to makushita even faster if he hadn't lost the past year to an injury and the need to build his ranking back up afterwards. Still, at least it got him a Day 15 appearance in front of a full house, in which he looked quite competent against high-powered opposition, the aforementioned Hamamachi. He's not terribly large at 175 cm / 117 kg, and it might not bode well that he hasn't put on any weight in three years in the pro ranks, but the talent is definitely there. His kimarite profile is a pretty average mix of all the standard styles, slightly leaning towards oshi-zumo.

Haru / Tier 3:

Rikishi	Heya	DOB	Debut	HiRk	2015.05	2015.07	2015.09	2015.11	2016.01	2016.03
Hirotsukasa	Irumagawa	1992/08/30	2015.03	Sd5w	Jk8e 5-1-1	Jd62w 5-2	Jd23w 5-2	Sd90w 6-1	Sd30e 5-2	Sd5w 4-3
Hokutoshu	Hakkaku	1994/01/14	2012.03	Sd8e	Sd46w 1-6	Sd84e 4-3	Sd65e 4-3	Sd47w 5-2	Sd20e 4-3	Sd8e 5-2
Oyanagi	Tokitsukaze	1993/09/22	2016.03	Sd100

Sd100Td 7-0 Y

And the final group of newcomers, again sporting two university guys. Hirotsukasa is far from the typical collegiate rikishi who turn pro, having competed at second-tier Doshisha University and sporting an Ura-like (or Ura-lite) physique of just 168 cm / 103 kg. The same things I wrote about Omoto further up apply here as well, given Hirotsukasa's early record of just 30-11-1, but at least we can be pretty sure that he's got more innate sumo talent as it's certainly not his physical attributes that have got him here. Unfortunately he had to leave Natsu basho after losing his first bout of the tournament, although it didn't look as though he suffered any injury there...hmm. I suppose we'll have to wait until Nagoya basho for further insight.

That loss came at the hands of our second debutant here, fellow university recruit Oyanagi. The recipient of one of the first two sandanme tsukedashi designations, Oyanagi has yet to lose at this point, having won the yusho both in sandanme and in makushita already, each in a playoff over a much higher-ranked opponent. The future sekitori debut of the Tokyo Nogyo University product is clearly just a matter of when, not if, and the more interesting question right now might well be how much further he'll be able to stretch his winning streak.

By contrast, Hokutoshu is a few months younger than Oyanagi, but had to grind his way through the lower parts of the banzuke. Neither his trek through jonokuchi and jonidan (a year and a half) nor through sandanme (two years and a half) were especially quick for a deshi debuting out of high school, but still, he nearly made it within the Tier 2 age cutoff, so he's not old by any means. His physical development seems to have come along quite well (+25 kg since debuting four years ago) but there's still room for more, as there arguably should be at age 22. He's certainly not a can't-miss prospect, but if he keeps doing what he's done so far he could well make it to the paid ranks in a few years. Kimarite-wise he profiles as a mawashi fighter, with average yori and above-average nage results.

[Fay 1,677]

Some remarks to one of my all time favourite themes in this sumoforum. Only my personal favourite list among the Heisei Hopefuls - my personal list of hopefuls is much longer of course ;-)

My number 1 Chiyoshoma :-D Know and support him from the beginning. He won the makushita yusho a bit surprisingly though he was a bit injured and said before he thinks, he can't win. Another good performance in the next basho and up to Juryo!

He always impresses me cause he is hard working in training and even more that he gets along with the Oyakata very well. Never saw Kokonoe Oyakata shout to him like to other rikishi in the heya. The Oyakata also visited Mongolia and his family last year and will do so in summer again. Chiyoshoma's father is a former Ozeki in mongolian Sumo.

He made it to Juryo and invited my friend and me to his Promotion Party. In the basho he was close to a mk and we were already wondering what will happen if he goes down to makushita again ;-) Well the juryo Party would have taken place anyway, might have been not so funny then. He did very well at Haru Basho, had some difficulties at Natsu and was a bit disappointed. He sometimes wants a bit too much too fast.

For me a future Ozeki - you can trust my words - as always :-D

Daishoryu - is one of my favourites for a long time now. I don't give up hope that he will make it to Juryo but I'm getting a bit desperate sometimes.

Mitozakura - also support him for a long time now, a really, really nice rikishi with one of the best shiko. Excellent training every time when I'm at Azumaseki. He had a good performance this basho and my hope is rising again.

my sister: european Grandma makes a visit to her fat little japanese grandson ... Hello???? (Laughing...)

Kairyu - :'-( :'-( :'-( indeed a bit frustrating like Asashosakari said. But also here I can't give up. He changed his sumo technique since he is at Dewanoumi (he was at old Tagonoura stable before) and doesnt rely only on his push technique but also goes to the mawashi now more often. That gives me some new hope and I still believe, he can make it to Juryo.

Kiribayama - no doubt about him, even Chiyoshoma was a bit impressed that he is so strong. But it's a bit boring for me to support these fast rising rikishi ;-)

Sakae - saw him train at Sakaigawa Beya and liked what I saw. Unfortunately not that large, but a good technican. Looking forward to his future development.

Of course I have many more rikishi in my supported heya which are not among the Heisei Hopefuls. Have to concentrate now on my favourite Sadogatake Beya and push (amongst others) Kotodaigo to the the top 15 again after his injury and surgery.

[hamcornheinz 839]

wonderful.

[Asashosakari 18,959]

Natsu results...

Tier 1:

Heisei Hopefuls for Natsu 2016 - Tier 1: Top Talents - current yardstick: Sato (1996/08/05, debut 2014.09, shin-juryo 2016.05)
Rikishi	Heya	DOB	Debut	HiRk	2015.07	2015.09	2015.11	2016.01	2016.03	2016.05
Takagenji	Takanohana	1997/05/13 (1)	2013.03	Ms28	Ms35e 2-5	Ms50w 2-5	Sd11w 4-3	Ms60w 6-1 D	Ms28w 3-4	Ms36w 5-2
Takayoshitoshi	Takanohana	1997/05/13 (1)	2013.03	Ms28	Ms57e 4-3	Ms47w 5-2	Ms28e 1-6	Ms53w 5-2	Ms38w 3-4	Ms45w 3-4

Sato was the oldest Tier 1 rikishi when he moved up to juryo, so he didn't cause anybody to get "demoted". He's likely to reign as the youngest sekitori for quite a while as the Taka twins don't look like they're headed upstairs anytime soon and no super prospects are to be found in sandanme and below either.

Tier 2:

We haven't had a juryo debut out of this section since Horikiri/Abi a year and a half ago, and Hakuyozan wasn't able to come through last month either, finishing 2-5 at the top makushita rank. Daishoho continued his recent streak of alternating 4-3 and 3-4 records and will be the next to take a stab at it in July, in what will be his final basho as a Tier 2 participant.

Kiribayama had a bit of a tough time in Hatsu and Haru, which was to be expected after that large jump from the bottom of sandanme, but he appears to have found his feet in the Ms/Sd boundary region now; his 6-1 record will see him making another big leap up the rankings to around Ms30.

Recent makushita debutant Gokushindo had a red-hot time in his first basho in the division two months ago, going 6-1 to firmly establish himself as a prospect. The recent Nishikido-beya brouhaha caused him to sit out Natsu basho, and it remains to be seen what's in store for his future now.

This basho's sole rookie Sakae acquitted himself fairly well and even had a chance to be kachikoshi before losing his final bout.

Heisei Hopefuls for Natsu 2016 - Tier 2: Promising Youngsters - Age 21 and under
Rikishi	Heya	DOB	Debut	HiRk	2015.07	2015.09	2015.11	2016.01	2016.03	2016.05
Hakuyozan	Takadagawa	1995/04/13 (15)	2011.05	Ms1	Ms6w 3-4	Ms12w 4-3	Ms8w 4-3	Ms7w 5-2	Ms4e 4-3	Ms1e 2-5
Daishoho	Oitekaze	1994/08/28 (23)	2013.03	Ms2	Ms9e 5-2	Ms4w 4-3	Ms2w 3-4	Ms5w 4-3	Ms3e 3-4	Ms7w 4-3
Terutsuyoshi	Isegahama	1995/01/17 (18)	2010.03	Ms3	Ms12w 3-4	Ms18w 4-3	Ms13e 4-3	Ms10e 6-1 D	Ms3w 3-4	Ms8w 1-6
Rikishin	Tatsunami	1995/10/07 (11)	2011.05	Ms6	Ms26w 3-4	Ms36e 6-1 D	Ms14w 3-4	Ms23w 3-4	Ms31e 6-1	Ms10e 4-3
Masunosho	Chiganoura	1994/11/14 (20)	2010.03	Ms11	Ms29w 5-2	Ms14w 2-5	Ms32e 4-3	Ms26e 4-3	Ms22e 5-2	Ms11e 3-4
Meisei	Tatsunami	1995/07/24 (13)	2011.05	Ms7	Ms7e 2-5	Ms19w 5-2	Ms9e 3-4	Ms17w 3-4	Ms23w 5-2	Ms12w 5-2
Kotaro	Fujishima	1995/12/06 (9)	2014.01	Ms14	Ms45w 0-7	Sd20w 5-2	Ms56w 4-3	Ms47e 6-1 D	Ms20e 4-3	Ms14w 3-4
Gokushindo	Nishikido	1996/06/06 (5)	2012.03	Ms28	Sd61w 5-2	Sd35e 5-2	Sd10e 3-4	Sd23e 5-2	Ms59e 6-1	Ms28e 0-0-7
Tochiseiryu	Kasugano	1995/04/26 (14)	2014.03	Ms47	Sd6e 4-3	Ms55e 2-5	Sd18w 5-2	Ms54w 3-4	Sd7e 5-2	Ms47e 5-2
Oki	Shikoroyama	1996/06/12 (4)	2013.07	Ms52	Sd18w 4-3	Sd7w 3-4	Sd23w 5-2	Ms59e 3-4	Sd11w 5-2	Ms52e 4-3
Sakae	Sakaigawa	1994/11/19 (19)	2013.03	Ms55	Sd70w 0-0-7	Jd31e 7-0 D	Sd32w 5-2	Sd5e 3-4	Sd17w 5-2	Ms55w 3-4
Kaiseio	Asakayama	1995/01/28 (16)	2013.03	Ms29	Ms46e 5-2	Ms29w 2-5	Ms47w 4-3	Ms38e 0-1-6	Sd18w 5-2	Ms56w 6-1
Kiribayama	Michinoku	1996/04/24 (6)	2015.05	Ms59	Jk20w 5-2	Jd67w 6-1	Sd96w 7-0 Y	Ms59w 3-4	Sd12e 4-3	Sd3e 6-1
Kaito	Asakayama	1996/06/19 (3)	2012.05	Ms28	Sd94w 0-0-7	Jd55e 0-0-7	Jk15e 5-2	Jd64e 7-0 Y	Sd66e 6-1	Sd11w 3-4
Fukamiyama	Onoe	1994/11/12 (21)	2010.03	Ms47	Sd9w 4-3	Ms58e 4-3	Ms47e 2-5	Sd11e 4-3	Ms60e 3-4	Sd13w 5-2
Kotonoshu	Sadogatake	1994/07/01 (27)	2010.03	Ms53	Sd23w 3-4	Sd39e 6-1	Ms53e 3-4	Sd2e 2-5	Sd26e 4-3	Sd15w 2-5
Aomihama	Dewanoumi	1994/10/27 (22)	2010.03	Ms49	Sd50w 5-2	Sd22e 4-3	Sd8e 2-5	Sd34e 5-2	Sd8w 3-4	Sd21w 2-5
Tamakongo	Kataonami	1995/09/19 (12)	2014.03	Ms56	Sd19w 5-2	Ms56w 3-4	Sd6e 4-3	Ms56e 3-4	Sd10w 3-4	Sd23w 4-3
Kasugamaru	Kasugayama	1995/01/24 (17)	2013.01	Ms55	Sd28e 2-5	Sd56e 6-1	Sd4e 3-4	Sd17e 5-2	Ms55w 0-0-7	Sd33w 2-5
Onojo	Takadagawa	1996/01/31 (8)	2011.05	Ms60	Sd37w 5-2	Sd10e 4-3	Ms60e 2-5	Sd22w 4-3	Sd9w 2-5	Sd34e 5-2
Hokutokawa	Hakkaku	1994/08/15 (24)	2013.03	Ms47	Sd31e 6-1	Ms47e 3-4	Ms55e 0-0-7	Sd35w 4-3	Sd20e 3-4	Sd34w 5-2
Kirinofuji	Michinoku	1994/07/28 (25)	2011.01	Ms52	Sd31w 4-3	Sd18e 3-4	Sd39e 6-1	Ms52w 2-5	Sd14w 2-5	Sd40e 4-3
Mizuta	Takanohana	1996/02/10 (7)	2014.01	Ms26	Ms49w 4-3	Ms42w 4-3	Ms36e 1-3-3	Sd4e 2-5	Sd29w 3-4	Sd42e 6-1
Hamayutaka	Tokitsukaze	1995/11/17 (10)	2011.05	Ms58	Sd43w 3-4	Sd61w 5-2	Sd31w 3-4	Sd50e 2-5	Sd77e 4-3	Sd57w 6-1
Baraki	Shikihide	1994/05/10 (28)	2013.01	Ms58	Sd40e 3-4	Sd57e 3-4	Sd76e 4-3	Sd57e 4-3	Sd41w 2-5	Sd68e 4-3
Fukuyamato	Kasugayama	1994/07/22 (26)	2013.01	Ms45	Sd2e 4-3	Ms52e 0-2-5	Sd32e 0-0-7	Sd92w 0-0-7	Jd53e 0-0-7	Jk6e 0-1-6

Baraki has turned 22 and will be moving to Tier 3 for Nagoya basho.

Two newcomers will be bolstering the ranks:

Rikishi	Heya	DOB	Debut	HiRk	2015.07	2015.09	2015.11	2016.01	2016.03	2016.05
Musashikuni	Musashigawa	1994/12/17	2013.07	Sd5	Sd52e 5-2	Sd25e 3-4	Sd45e 4-3	Sd28w 4-3	Sd13w 4-3	Sd5w 4-3
Nakazono	Nishonoseki	1996/05/18	2012.03	Sd11	Sd20e 3-4	Sd37e 4-3	Sd20e 2-5	Sd48e 5-2	Sd21w 4-3	Sd11e 4-3

After making it to high sandanme very quickly with a 26-9 record, it has taken Musashimaru's nephew another two years to finally break through to the third division. After his previous three 4-3 scores all went down to the wire, he left no doubt in May by storming out to a 4-1 lead to secure his makushita debut. I'm sure there are members who have followed his progress more closely than I have, so I think I'll just open the floor to comments if anyone wants to say something about him. :-)

Nakazono has had a career without any particular highlights so far, but it's hard to argue against anybody who makes it to makushita as young as he has; he only turned 20 in the middle of the last basho and will be entering our Hopefuls watch as the 6th-youngest of them all. Having made his pro debut at age 15, he only needed five basho to reach sandanme, but really struggled to get established in the division afterwards. I wouldn't be too surprised to see the same thing with makushita again, but of course he has time on his side. Nakazono had a remarkable physical development, going from a debut weight of just 81 kg (assuming that number was accurate!) to over 130 kg in the first two years of his career. He seems to have held steady at that level since then, so the last two years' worth of advancement are likely down to skill improvements. Overall he profiles as a classical mawashi technician, with half his wins coming by yori and various throwing techniques also over-represented in his record.

Edited June 2, 2016 by Asashosakari

[shumitto 418]

Thank you for this thread, it is really a great material. When I have the time to check for prospects I will do it with this list in mind.

I've haven't watched Musashikuni recently with the lack of videos and all, but my impression is that he had decent overall skills (like dohyo sense, balance) but somehow lacked in the strenght department. His tsuppari stopped working in upper Sandanme. I have no idea about the other weaknesses that might have been revealed in the last few basho though.

[Fay 1,677]

To add my own two cents again and mention my favourites (and non-favourite) in Asashosakari's last lists.

Daishoho - usually I like the mongolian rikishi and so I'm also a fan of Daishoho. Steadily climbing up the banzuke, not spectacular but a sekitori for sure.

Daishoho on the right

Kotonoshu - not sure at all about him. Or quite sure that he won't make it to sekitori unfortunately. He didn't look so good last basho. I like him but I don't think he has the skills to climb up to Juryo. On the picture he is with Kotoryusei (on the right), one of my favourites from Sadogatake with much more skills, a good technician though way too short maybe. But I continue to support them - you'll never know.

Kirinofuji - I like the Michinoku rikishi. Kirinofuji is quite solid but I don't expect too much of him. Not on the Hopeful list but I keep on mentioning him ... Kirinoryu. I love watching him fight on the dohyo. He had an excellent 2015 but the last 2 basho were a bit disappointing. But he definitely has the talent to reach more. He once ran away from the heya, I still think he has some difficulties.

Kirinofuji

Kirinoryu and Kirinofuji

Mizuta - better than the praised Takanohana twins Takagenji and Takayoshitoshi. He may be in Juryo earlier than the 2 Boys. Somehow Takanohana Beya is not so lucky with their twins ...

with Takanoiwa

Musashikuni - some words about Musashikuni though he isn't a favourite at all of me and I would have to make a big search to find a pic of him in my archives (Laughing...)

People expected a lot of him as a nephew of Musashimaru but I don't think he can fulfill their expectations. His techniques are a bit limited and not so effective. He contacted me in the beginning of his career, very sure about his talent. I don't have anything against people with a huge self confidence but you first should achieve something. He told me he is better than all the crap people I go out with (Laughing...) haha Boy, a bit modesty would not me amiss.

[Kishinoyama 582]

Musashikuni - some words about Musashikuni though he isn't a favourite at all of me and I would have to make a big search to find a pic of him in my archives (Laughing...)

People expected a lot of him as a nephew of Musashimaru but I don't think he can fulfill their expectations. His techniques are a bit limited and not so effective. He contacted me in the beginning of his career, very sure about his talent. I don't have anything against people with a huge self confidence but you first should achieve something. He told me he is better than all the crap people I go out with (Laughing...) haha Boy, a bit modesty would not me amiss.

I think his results so far show that you are right. He needs to check that ego, He has done nothing so far in sumo to back up that ego.

[Asashosakari 18,959]

And closing things out for the May tournament...

Tier 3:

Daiki provided us with our sole prospect promotion of the basho, while the rest of this section produced results that were by and large uneventful in nature. The notable exception was of course Oyanagi who secured his second yusho in as many opportunities. Beyond that, the most noteworthy results came courtesy of recent tsukedashi entrant Sakamoto as well as Takakasuga and Rikito (extending his KK streak) who all went 4-3 at their career-best positions.

Oyanagi's fellow makushita debutants had a less grand time, with Hirotsukasa dropping out injured early on as mentioned before, and Hokutoshu going 2-5.

Heisei Hopefuls for Natsu 2016 - Tier 3: Still Worth Watching - Age 23 and under
Rikishi	Heya	DOB	Debut	HiRk	2015.07	2015.09	2015.11	2016.01	2016.03	2016.05
Daiki	Hakkaku	1992/07/15 (54)	2015.03	Ms1	Jd36e 7-0 Y	Sd36e 7-0 Y	Ms25e 5-2	Ms16e 5-2	Ms8w 5-2	Ms1w 4-3
Akinokawa	Takadagawa	1992/11/30 (48)	2008.03	Ms6	Ms13w 2-5	Ms28e 5-2	Ms14e 5-2	Ms9w 3-4	Ms14e 5-2	Ms6e 3-4
Sakamoto	Oitekaze	1992/12/15 (47)	2016.01	Ms9	[/td2]			Ms15Td 4-3	Ms11w 4-3	Ms9e 4-3
Tochimaru	Kasugano	1992/08/26 (53)	2011.05	Ms5	Ms18e 5-2	Ms9e 4-3	Ms7e 3-4	Ms13e 6-1 Y	Ms5w 1-5-1	Ms22e 4-3
Goshi	Arashio	1993/10/05 (34)	2011.11	Ms7	Ms44e 5-2	Ms28w 2-5	Ms46e 0-0-7	Sd26w 5-2	Sd1w 6-1	Ms29e 4-3
Takakasuga	Kasugayama	1993/03/06 (43)	2011.09	Ms29	Sd11e 4-3	Ms59w 4-3	Ms50e 4-3	Ms40w 3-4	Ms48e 5-2	Ms29w 4-3
Tochinobori	Kasugano	1993/09/01 (37)	2009.03	Ms12	Ms34w 3-4	Ms43w 3-4	Ms51w 6-1	Ms22w 5-2	Ms12w 2-5	Ms30e 4-3
Akinoyama	Takadagawa	1992/11/30 (48)	2008.03	Ms21	Ms36e 3-4	Ms45e 4-3	Ms39e 3-4	Ms47w 4-3	Ms40w 4-3	Ms34w 5-2
Tsurubayashi	Kise	1993/12/31 (32)	2009.03	Ms12	Ms19w 2-5	Ms34e 4-3	Ms24e 3-4	Ms32e 5-2	Ms18w 2-5	Ms35w 4-3
Aonosho	Dewanoumi	1993/06/03 (40)	2009.03	Ms29	Ms31w 3-4	Ms38w 4-3	Ms29w 2-5	Ms46w 1-6	Sd19w 6-1	Ms41e 4-3
Rikito	Tokitsukaze	1993/09/21 (36)	2011.09	Ms41	Sd49e 4-3	Sd37w 4-3	Sd21w 4-3	Sd9w 4-3	Ms59w 5-2	Ms41w 4-3
Haguroho	Tatsunami	1993/07/08 (39)	2009.03	Ms20	Sd64w 0-0-7	Jd25e 0-0-7	Jd95w 7-0 Y	Sd86e 6-1	Sd28w 6-1	Ms47w 3-4
Shinohara	Onomatsu	1993/08/21 (38)	2012.01	Ms28	Ms55w 3-4	Sd6e 4-3	Ms58w 5-2	Ms36w 2-5	Ms57e 4-3	Ms48w 4-3
Mitoyutaka	Nishikido	1993/04/08 (41)	2009.03	Ms16	Sd48w 6-1	Ms57w 3-4	Sd9w 5-2	Ms46e 3-4	Ms57w 4-3	Ms49w 0-0-7
Sasanoyama	Kise	1992/12/30 (46)	2011.05	Ms3	Ms22w 6-1	Ms8e 3-4	Ms13w 3-4	Ms21w 3-4	Ms30e 2-5	Ms50e 5-2
Hokutoshu	Hakkaku	1994/01/14 (31)	2012.03	Ms50	Sd84e 4-3	Sd65e 4-3	Sd47w 5-2	Sd20e 4-3	Sd8e 5-2	Ms50w 2-5
Omoto	Irumagawa	1992/11/23 (51)	2015.01	Ms41	Sd90w 6-1	Sd33e 5-2	Sd7w 4-3	Ms56w 5-2	Ms41w 3-4	Ms51e 3-4
Chiyonoumi	Kokonoe	1993/01/11 (45)	2015.05	Ms13	Jk19w 7-0 Y	Jd10w 7-0 Y	Sd19e 4-3	Sd9e 7-0 Y	Ms13e 0-0-7	Ms53w 0-0-7
Nishiyama	Onoe	1994/04/27 (29)	2010.03	Ms22	Ms60w 5-2	Ms40e 5-2	Ms22w 3-4	Ms31e 1-6	Sd2e 4-3	Ms54e 3-4
Hirotsukasa	Irumagawa	1992/08/30 (52)	2015.03	Ms58	Jd62w 5-2	Jd23w 5-2	Sd90w 6-1	Sd30e 5-2	Sd5w 4-3	Ms58e 0-1-6
Oyanagi	Tokitsukaze	1993/09/22 (35)	2016.03	Ms58				Sd100Td 7-0 Y	Ms58w 7-0 Y
Shunjin	Shikoroyama	1993/12/14 (33)	2009.03	Ms23	Ms54w 0-0-7	Sd34w 3-4	Sd54e 4-3	Sd36e 6-1	Ms51e 3-4	Sd1e 0-0-7
Rao	Tatsunami	1993/03/30 (42)	2011.01	Ms41	Sd25w 4-3	Sd13e 5-2	Ms51e 4-3	Ms41w 2-5	Sd6e 3-4	Sd21e 5-2
Kotokuzan	Arashio	1994/03/11 (30)	2009.09	Ms43	Sd1w 3-4	Sd16e 5-2	Ms52e 4-3	Ms43w 3-4	Ms53e 0-0-7	Sd31w 4-3
Azumasato	Tamanoi	1992/05/22 (56)	2008.03	Ms35	Sd30w 5-2	Sd5w 4-3	Ms57e 5-2	Ms35w 1-6	Sd6w 2-5	Sd32e 5-2
Kotodaigo	Sadogatake	1993/01/14 (44)	2011.05	Ms8	Ms8e 0-0-7	Ms48w 1-2-4	Sd23e 0-0-7	Sd83w 0-0-7	Jd44e 7-0 Y	Sd44w 7-0 Y
Hokutowaka	Hakkaku	1992/06/20 (55)	2008.03	Ms44	Sd5e 3-4	Sd19e 2-5	Sd46w 0-0-7	Jd6w 0-0-7	Jd77e 0-0-7	Jk8w 0-0-7
Ikeru	Onomatsu	1992/11/26 (50)	2010.11	Ms18	Sd22w 0-0-7	Sd83e 0-0-7	Jd43w 0-0-7	Jk15w 0-0-7	Bg	Bg

Besides Daiki we're losing three more names from this list for Nagoya - Azumasato turned 24 and is probably unlikely to figure into any future sekitori talks (his makushita debut was a strong 5-2, but it only happened half a year ago...), while Hokutowaka would have turned 24 this month for his own prospect exit, but he was apparently forced to retire altogether, having already missed the last four tournaments through injury.

In addition, Nishikido-beya's Mitoyutaka also retired, and it's anybody's guess if that's somehow tied to the problems at his stable or not. After looking like an almost certain future sekitori a couple of years ago, an injury in early 2015 not only saw him sit out two basho, but also seemed to have lasting negative effects on his competitive potential, with his final year spent elevatoring around the Ms/Sd border.

No new entrants here for Nagoya basho.

---

Tier 4:

Bad news for Akua whose first strong shot at promotion ended in a disastrous 1-6 record that will send him far down the rankings. Recent promotion contender Shiba didn't do much better at 2-4-1 and will also be well off the promotion zone for the next few tournaments. Iwasaki posted the best performance with a 4-3 for his 8th straight KK since debuting.

Heisei Hopefuls for Natsu 2016 - Tier 4: Last Chance Saloon - Ms15+ Age 25 and under
Rikishi	Heya	DOB	Debut	HiRk	2015.07	2015.09	2015.11	2016.01	2016.03	2016.05
Akua	Tatsunami	1990/11/06 (64)	2010.11	Ms2	Ms6e 2-5	Ms17e 5-2	Ms8e 4-3	Ms7e 4-3	Ms5e 4-3	Ms2e 1-6
Shiba	Kise	1991/12/24 (61)	2014.03	Ms3	Ms21w 4-3	Ms14e 2-5	Ms31w 7-0 Y	Ms3e 3-4	Ms6e 3-4	Ms11w 2-4-1
Iwasaki	Oitekaze	1992/04/24 (58)	2015.01	Ms13	Sd66w 6-1	Sd11w 6-1	Ms37w 5-2	Ms24e 4-3	Ms19w 4-3	Ms13w 4-3
Nogami	Oguruma	1990/08/15 (66)	2009.01	Ms11	Ms38e 4-3	Ms30w 5-2	Ms16e 4-3	Ms11w 2-5	Ms28e 4-3	Ms21w 1-6
Chiyosakae	Kokonoe	1990/07/12 (67)	2009.01	Ms11	Sd14e 5-2	Ms51w 5-2	Ms30w 3-4	Ms38w 4-3	Ms31w 4-3	Ms23w 4-3
Kotokobai	Sadogatake	1991/03/31 (63)	2006.03	Ms7	Ms33e 4-3	Ms26w 4-3	Ms19e 2-5	Ms34w 3-4	Ms42w 5-2	Ms25e 5-2
Irodori	Shikoroyama	1992/03/10 (60)	2007.03	Ms10	Ms37e 5-2	Ms20e 3-4	Ms29e 6-1	Ms10w 3-4	Ms16e 3-4	Ms26e 5-2
Sasakiyama	Kise	1991/06/12 (62)	2010.01	Ms15	Ms39e 3-4	Ms48e 4-3	Ms40e 2-5	Ms58e 5-2	Ms43w 4-3	Ms36e 3-4
Aiyama	Kitanoumi	1992/03/23 (59)	2007.03	Ms14	Ms24w 3-4	Ms32e 4-3	Ms23e 5-2	Ms14w 3-4	Ms23e 2-5	Ms43w 3-4
Daishoiwa	Oitekaze	1990/10/29 (65)	2006.03	Ms11	Ms43w 3-4	Ms51e 1-6	Sd27w 6-1	Ms45e 6-1 D	Ms19e 1-6	Ms46e 4-3
Wakayama	Onomatsu	1992/04/26 (57)	2011.07	Ms15	Ms36w 3-4	Ms45w 5-2	Ms26w 0-3-4	Sd1w 0-0-7	Sd61w 0-0-7	Jd21w 0-0-7

Meanwhile Onami has likely re-qualified for prospect status as alluded to in an earlier post:

Rikishi	Heya	DOB	Debut	HiRk	2015.07	2015.09	2015.11	2016.01	2016.03	2016.05
Onami	Arashio	1991/12/29	2009.11	Ms20	Ms48e 6-1	Ms21e 3-4	Ms30e 4-3	Ms24w 3-4	Ms32e 5-2	Ms20e 4-3

It's a bit of a close call, but I'm fairly confident that he'll be ranked in the top 15 for Nagoya. His path to juryo will continue to be an uphill battle (see Yubinhaad's informative post in #276), but it's certainly good and welcome news that he is still advancing.

Edited June 7, 2016 by Asashosakari

[Fay 1,677]

Isn't Chiyonoumi intai?

[shumitto 418]

Isn't Chiyonoumi intai?

I hope not. I know in March he stayed at his parents, but he was supposed to be back in May.

[Asashosakari 18,959]

Lineups for Nagoya 2016:

Tier 1 (Q): Takagenji is at a new career-high rank, but it's arguably the list of potential qualifiers that bears watching here this time - highly-touted prospect Kotokamatani is ranked Sd24w and can get to makushita with five wins.

Tier 2 (Q): It's Daishoho's last tournament before he ages down to Tier 3, but with already two prior KK in the promotion zone and over a year of being ranked in single-digit makushita, perhaps he'll succeed in leaving us in the direction of juryo instead. Conversely, Meisei is making his very first appearance in the top 5 ranks. Worth watching this basho as well should be very talented Kiribayama who'll have to cope with a big jump up the rankings after his 6-1 in May.

We're set for a big clear-out here as Daishoho is joined by no less than four other rikishi who are also turning 22 in the current basho period, those being Hokutokawa, Kirinofuji, Kotonoshu and Fukuyamato.

Takakento was previously known as Mizuta.

Tier 3 (Q): SdTd Oyanagi started one basho later and 145 ranks lower than fellow collegiate Sakamoto did, but has almost caught up with the MsTd starter already, courtesy of his 14-0 career start. Neither made the cut for the makushita top 5 on the banzuke though, so a juryo debut for September will likely take 7 wins in either case. Also worth keeping an eye on is former high makushita Kotodaigo who won zensho yusho in jonidan and sandanme most recently in his return from injury.

More college guys are likely headed in here as Tamaki - with 14 wins of his own, albeit in Jk/Jd - needs just five more to reach the makushita ranks, while our second SdTd of the year Ishibashi ranks a little ahead of him and will only require a simple kachikoshi.

Two age-related movements are coming here as well, one demotion and one dismissal: Long-term prospect Tochimaru will be moving to Tier 4 for two more years under our watch (and he looks like one of the better candidates to make it eventually). Collegiate Hirotsukasa, who was injured in his makushita debut last basho, is leaving our coverage area altogether.

Tier 4 (Q): Iwasaki continues to be free of makekoshi in his career, but that's already the most noteworthy thing to mention about the bottom tier this time around.

Chiyosakae and Nogami are turning 26 and will have their prospect badges revoked for good. Chiyosakae should be the better bet for a future juryo appearance, but I'm not super-hopeful for either guy.

[Kishinoyama 582]

He needs to check that ego, He has done nothing so far in sumo to back up that ego.

Mamu is one of the nicest, most humble kids in sumo. Not a trace of egotism. Working hard and doing his best for his uncle and family back home. He is a true big brother to the other guys in the heya too helping create one of the best environments in the sport.

You should take some things you read here with a pinch of salt, and by pinch I mean about the same amount that Asahisho uses in any given basho.

From what you said (Should I read what you said with a pinch of salt?) it sounds like he is a lot like his uncle. I have always liked Musashimaru and I wish him and Musashikuni nothing but the best.

When quoting me, it would help if you also quoted the person I was quoting. Some people here might think that I came up with this statement on my own.

I was responding to Fay's post. Here it is what she said:

"Musashikuni - some words about Musashikuni though he isn't a favourite at all of me and I would have to make a big search to find a pic of him in my archives (Laughing...)

People expected a lot of him as a nephew of Musashimaru but I don't think he can fulfill their expectations. His techniques are a bit limited and not so effective. He contacted me in the beginning of his career, very sure about his talent. I don't have anything against people with a huge self confidence but you first should achieve something. He told me he is better than all the crap people I go out with (Laughing...) haha Boy, a bit modesty would not me amiss."

[Asashosakari 18,959]

Nagoya results...

Tier 1:

Positive results for both Taka twins this basho, unsurprisingly with the even better score for the one who was far off his high rank.

Heisei Hopefuls for Nagoya 2016 - Tier 1: Top Talents - current yardstick: Sato (1996/08/05, debut 2014.09, shin-juryo 2016.05)
Rikishi	Heya	DOB	Debut	HiRk	2015.09	2015.11	2016.01	2016.03	2016.05	2016.07
Takagenji	Takanohana	1997/05/13 (1)	2013.03	Ms25	Ms50w 2-5	Sd11w 4-3	Ms60w 6-1 D	Ms28w 3-4	Ms36w 5-2	Ms25w 4-3
Takayoshitoshi	Takanohana	1997/05/13 (1)	2013.03	Ms28	Ms47w 5-2	Ms28e 1-6	Ms53w 5-2	Ms38w 3-4	Ms45w 3-4	Ms53w 6-1

Two basho after Sato's juryo promotion they're getting company again:

Rikishi	Heya	DOB	Debut	HiRk	2015.09	2015.11	2016.01	2016.03	2016.05	2016.07
Kotokamatani	Sadogatake	1997/11/19	2015.11	Sd24	[/td2][td2]Mz 3-0	Jk20e 7-0 Y	Jd10e 6-1	Sd49e 5-2	Sd24w 5-2

Very good result for Kotokamatani, with losses only to yusho winner Asakoki and hard-to-wrestle veteran Asatenmai. Of course, as I keep banging on about, the really hard work starts here in makushita now where every opponent knows what he's doing, but just getting to the third division at the speed of a decent collegiate prospect is of course highly impressive for an 18-year-old. Just don't expect immediate miracles - both Onosho and Sato took 7 basho through makushita recently, which is really all you can ask for from talented young kids like that.

The one possible caveat that ought to be mentioned is that Kotokamatani is arriving with a very well-developed sumo body both in height and weight, so he's had a leg up on more typical young prospects who are still on the underdeveloped side when they're getting to makushita. Kagayaki is of course the recent cautionary tale of an imposing physical specimen who went as far as mid-makushita without ever mastering much in the way of technique, and then stalled out for quite a while when he could no longer overpower his opponents. On the upside, from what I've seen of Kotokamatani he certainly looks technically more well-rounded than Kagayaki was at this stage (he's definitely more versatile), if perhaps a bit overmotivated and short of patience sometimes - I'm curious to see how that's going to play against opponents who are good enough to take advantage of it.

Either way, interesting times ahead here.

[Asashosakari 18,959]

Tier 2:

Top-ranked Daishoho had another near-miss to close out the Tier 2 section of his career, and will try to finally secure his juryo debut next time, likely from the Ms1e rank. Meisei had a successful first basho in the promotion zone, getting 4 wins, and will also move into prime territory for Aki. Rikishin completed the list of 4-3 scores atop the table and may be getting his top 5 debut.

Probably the most notable development below the top ranks was the very impressive makushita debut by Musashikuni whose six wins obliterated all results he's posted since reaching sandanme over two years ago. With a big boost to about Ms25 looming for the next tournament, things will get vastly more difficult in a hurry now.

Kaiseio made exactly the same jump last time, and impressed with another kachikoshi in Nagoya. And with these five mentioned rikishi, we've already listed everybody who's going to reach a new high rank for Aki. Our other makushita debutant Nakazono gave it a good shot, falling to makekoshi only in his last bout. Other than that, not much of interest happened here; the most disappointing news of the basho was arguably the absence of highly-touted Kiribayama. Let's hope there's nothing major behind it and he'll be returning to action next time.

Two previously absent rikishi were back on the dohyo, with Gokushindo scoring a 4-3 to at least return to makushita immediately (where he'll hopefully get back the magic that led to 6 wins in March), and long injured Fukuyamato starting his comeback in jonokuchi where he missed out on the yusho in that division's Day 13 decider.

Heisei Hopefuls for Nagoya 2016 - Tier 2: Promising Youngsters - Age 21 and under
Rikishi	Heya	DOB	Debut	HiRk	2015.09	2015.11	2016.01	2016.03	2016.05	2016.07
Daishoho	Oitekaze	1994/08/28 (25)	2013.03	Ms2	Ms4w 4-3	Ms2w 3-4	Ms5w 4-3	Ms3e 3-4	Ms7w 4-3	Ms4e 4-3
Meisei	Tatsunami	1995/07/24 (14)	2011.05	Ms5	Ms19w 5-2	Ms9e 3-4	Ms17w 3-4	Ms23w 5-2	Ms12w 5-2	Ms5e 4-3
Rikishin	Tatsunami	1995/10/07 (12)	2011.05	Ms6	Ms36e 6-1 D	Ms14w 3-4	Ms23w 3-4	Ms31e 6-1	Ms10e 4-3	Ms8e 4-3
Hakuyozan	Takadagawa	1995/04/13 (16)	2011.05	Ms1	Ms12w 4-3	Ms8w 4-3	Ms7w 5-2	Ms4e 4-3	Ms1e 2-5	Ms9w 2-5
Masunosho	Chiganoura	1994/11/14 (22)	2010.03	Ms11	Ms14w 2-5	Ms32e 4-3	Ms26e 4-3	Ms22e 5-2	Ms11e 3-4	Ms17e 4-3
Kotaro	Fujishima	1995/12/06 (10)	2014.01	Ms14	Sd20w 5-2	Ms56w 4-3	Ms47e 6-1 D	Ms20e 4-3	Ms14w 3-4	Ms19w 3-4
Kaiseio	Asakayama	1995/01/28 (17)	2013.03	Ms24	Ms29w 2-5	Ms47w 4-3	Ms38e 0-1-6	Sd18w 5-2	Ms56w 6-1	Ms24w 4-3
Kiribayama	Michinoku	1996/04/24 (7)	2015.05	Ms30	Jd67w 6-1	Sd96w 7-0 Y	Ms59w 3-4	Sd12e 4-3	Sd3e 6-1	Ms30e 0-0-7
Terutsuyoshi	Isegahama	1995/01/17 (19)	2010.03	Ms3	Ms18w 4-3	Ms13e 4-3	Ms10e 6-1 D	Ms3w 3-4	Ms8w 1-6	Ms32e 4-3
Tochiseiryu	Kasugano	1995/04/26 (15)	2014.03	Ms33	Ms55e 2-5	Sd18w 5-2	Ms54w 3-4	Sd7e 5-2	Ms47e 5-2	Ms33w 2-5
Oki	Shikoroyama	1996/06/12 (4)	2013.07	Ms42	Sd7w 3-4	Sd23w 5-2	Ms59e 3-4	Sd11w 5-2	Ms52e 4-3	Ms42e 1-6
Fukamiyama	Onoe	1994/11/12 (23)	2010.03	Ms47	Ms58e 4-3	Ms47e 2-5	Sd11e 4-3	Ms60e 3-4	Sd13w 5-2	Ms52w 3-4
Musashikuni	Musashigawa	1994/12/17 (20)	2013.07	Ms54	Sd25e 3-4	Sd45e 4-3	Sd28w 4-3	Sd13w 4-3	Sd5w 4-3	Ms54w 6-1
Takakento	Takanohana	1996/02/10 (8)	2014.01	Ms26	Ms42w 4-3	Ms36e 1-3-3	Sd4e 2-5	Sd29w 3-4	Sd42e 6-1	Ms55e 4-3
Nakazono	Nishonoseki	1996/05/18 (6)	2012.03	Ms60	Sd37e 4-3	Sd20e 2-5	Sd48e 5-2	Sd21w 4-3	Sd11e 4-3	Ms60e 3-4
Sakae	Sakaigawa	1994/11/19 (21)	2013.03	Ms55	Jd31e 7-0 D	Sd32w 5-2	Sd5e 3-4	Sd17w 5-2	Ms55w 3-4	Sd4w 3-4
Hamayutaka	Tokitsukaze	1995/11/17 (11)	2011.05	Ms58	Sd61w 5-2	Sd31w 3-4	Sd50e 2-5	Sd77e 4-3	Sd57w 6-1	Sd5w 3-4
Gokushindo	Nishikido	1996/06/06 (5)	2012.03	Ms28	Sd35e 5-2	Sd10e 3-4	Sd23e 5-2	Ms59e 6-1	Ms28e 0-0-7	Sd8e 4-3
Tamakongo	Kataonami	1995/09/19 (13)	2014.03	Ms56	Ms56w 3-4	Sd6e 4-3	Ms56e 3-4	Sd10w 3-4	Sd23w 4-3	Sd12e 3-4
Onojo	Takadagawa	1996/01/31 (9)	2011.05	Ms60	Sd10e 4-3	Ms60e 2-5	Sd22w 4-3	Sd9w 2-5	Sd34e 5-2	Sd12w 3-4
Hokutokawa	Hakkaku	1994/08/15 (26)	2013.03	Ms47	Ms47e 3-4	Ms55e 0-0-7	Sd35w 4-3	Sd20e 3-4	Sd34w 5-2	Sd13w 4-3
Kaito	Asakayama	1996/06/19 (3)	2012.05	Ms28	Jd55e 0-0-7	Jk15e 5-2	Jd64e 7-0 Y	Sd66e 6-1	Sd11w 3-4	Sd22e 5-2
Kirinofuji	Michinoku	1994/07/28 (27)	2011.01	Ms52	Sd18e 3-4	Sd39e 6-1	Ms52w 2-5	Sd14w 2-5	Sd40e 4-3	Sd26e 5-2
Kotonoshu	Sadogatake	1994/07/01 (29)	2010.03	Ms53	Sd39e 6-1	Ms53e 3-4	Sd2e 2-5	Sd26e 4-3	Sd15w 2-5	Sd41e 5-2
Aomihama	Dewanoumi	1994/10/27 (24)	2010.03	Ms49	Sd22e 4-3	Sd8e 2-5	Sd34e 5-2	Sd8w 3-4	Sd21w 2-5	Sd47e 4-3
Kasugamaru	Kasugayama	1995/01/24 (18)	2013.01	Ms55	Sd56e 6-1	Sd4e 3-4	Sd17e 5-2	Ms55w 0-0-7	Sd33w 2-5	Sd61e 4-3
Fukuyamato	Kasugayama	1994/07/22 (28)	2013.01	Ms45	Ms52e 0-2-5	Sd32e 0-0-7	Sd92w 0-0-7	Jd53e 0-0-7	Jk6e 0-1-6	Jk30e 6-1

Daishoho, Hokutokawa, Kirinofuji, Kotonoshu and Fukuyamato are all moving down to Tier 3 for Aki. No newcomers here this basho.

Edited July 29, 2016 by Asashosakari

[Asashosakari 18,959]

Tier 3:

Oyanagi didn't manage get the third 7-0 record, losing to former sekitori Wakanoshima in the middle of the basho, but he still firmly announced himself as a top contender for promotion to juryo after the next basho. Sakamoto will also get his first taste of makushita-joi courtesy of his fourth consecutive 4-3 score.

Not a whole lot of impressive results further down; Rikito was the standout in the lower ranks as he extended his kachikoshi streak to 9 tournaments with a 5-2, and Takakasuga posted credible 3 wins at his career-best ranking. Recent back-to-back yusho winner Kotodaigo had a rude awakening in mid-makushita, going 2-5. That's a level at which he was still KK-worthy prior to his major injury, so it remains to be seen if he just wasn't ready for the competition this time or if he's no longer the guy who seemed headed to juryo a year ago.

Elsewhere in injury updates: Ikeru was back in action, but had to get out of maezumo first, while collegiate top talent Chiyonoumi remained sidelined.

Heisei Hopefuls for Nagoya 2016 - Tier 3: Still Worth Watching - Age 23 and under
Rikishi	Heya	DOB	Debut	HiRk	2015.09	2015.11	2016.01	2016.03	2016.05	2016.07
Sakamoto	Oitekaze	1992/12/15 (48)	2016.01	Ms6	[/td2]		Ms15Td 4-3	Ms11w 4-3	Ms9e 4-3	Ms6e 4-3
Oyanagi	Tokitsukaze	1993/09/22 (37)	2016.03	Ms7				Sd100Td 7-0 Y	Ms58w 7-0 Y	Ms7w 6-1
Akinokawa	Takadagawa	1992/11/30 (49)	2008.03	Ms6	Ms28e 5-2	Ms14e 5-2	Ms9w 3-4	Ms14e 5-2	Ms6e 3-4	Ms11e 3-4
Tochimaru	Kasugano	1992/08/26 (54)	2011.05	Ms5	Ms9e 4-3	Ms7e 3-4	Ms13e 6-1 Y	Ms5w 1-5-1	Ms22e 4-3	Ms18e 5-2
Goshi	Arashio	1993/10/05 (36)	2011.11	Ms7	Ms28w 2-5	Ms46e 0-0-7	Sd26w 5-2	Sd1w 6-1	Ms29e 4-3	Ms22w 4-3
Takakasuga	Kasugayama	1993/03/06 (44)	2011.09	Ms23	Ms59w 4-3	Ms50e 4-3	Ms40w 3-4	Ms48e 5-2	Ms29w 4-3	Ms23e 3-4
Akinoyama	Takadagawa	1992/11/30 (49)	2008.03	Ms21	Ms45e 4-3	Ms39e 3-4	Ms47w 4-3	Ms40w 4-3	Ms34w 5-2	Ms23w 2-5
Tochinobori	Kasugano	1993/09/01 (39)	2009.03	Ms12	Ms43w 3-4	Ms51w 6-1	Ms22w 5-2	Ms12w 2-5	Ms30e 4-3	Ms24e 2-5
Kotodaigo	Sadogatake	1993/01/14 (45)	2011.05	Ms8	Ms48w 1-2-4	Sd23e 0-0-7	Sd83w 0-0-7	Jd44e 7-0 Y	Sd44w 7-0 Y	Ms28e 2-5
Tsurubayashi	Kise	1993/12/31 (34)	2009.03	Ms12	Ms34e 4-3	Ms24e 3-4	Ms32e 5-2	Ms18w 2-5	Ms35w 4-3	Ms29w 3-4
Aonosho	Dewanoumi	1993/06/03 (42)	2009.03	Ms29	Ms38w 4-3	Ms29w 2-5	Ms46w 1-6	Sd19w 6-1	Ms41e 4-3	Ms32w 2-5
Rikito	Tokitsukaze	1993/09/21 (38)	2011.09	Ms33	Sd37w 4-3	Sd21w 4-3	Sd9w 4-3	Ms59w 5-2	Ms41w 4-3	Ms33e 5-2
Sasanoyama	Kise	1992/12/30 (47)	2011.05	Ms3	Ms8e 3-4	Ms13w 3-4	Ms21w 3-4	Ms30e 2-5	Ms50e 5-2	Ms36e 4-3
Shinohara	Onomatsu	1993/08/21 (40)	2012.01	Ms28	Sd6e 4-3	Ms58w 5-2	Ms36w 2-5	Ms57e 4-3	Ms48w 4-3	Ms41e 3-4
Haguroho	Tatsunami	1993/07/08 (41)	2009.03	Ms20	Jd25e 0-0-7	Jd95w 7-0 Y	Sd86e 6-1	Sd28w 6-1	Ms47w 3-4	Ms56e 2-5
Rao	Tatsunami	1993/03/30 (43)	2011.01	Ms41	Sd13e 5-2	Ms51e 4-3	Ms41w 2-5	Sd6e 3-4	Sd21e 5-2	Ms57e 5-2
Omoto	Irumagawa	1992/11/23 (52)	2015.01	Ms41	Sd33e 5-2	Sd7w 4-3	Ms56w 5-2	Ms41w 3-4	Ms51e 3-4	Ms59w 4-3
Nishiyama	Onoe	1994/04/27 (31)	2010.03	Ms22	Ms40e 5-2	Ms22w 3-4	Ms31e 1-6	Sd2e 4-3	Ms54e 3-4	Sd1e 3-4
Hokutoshu	Hakkaku	1994/01/14 (33)	2012.03	Ms50	Sd65e 4-3	Sd47w 5-2	Sd20e 4-3	Sd8e 5-2	Ms50w 2-5	Sd14e 3-4
Kotokuzan	Arashio	1994/03/11 (32)	2009.09	Ms43	Sd16e 5-2	Ms52e 4-3	Ms43w 3-4	Ms53e 0-0-7	Sd31w 4-3	Sd19w 4-3
Hirotsukasa	Irumagawa	1992/08/30 (53)	2015.03	Ms58	Jd23w 5-2	Sd90w 6-1	Sd30e 5-2	Sd5w 4-3	Ms58e 0-1-6	Sd33e 6-1
Chiyonoumi	Kokonoe	1993/01/11 (46)	2015.05	Ms13	Jd10w 7-0 Y	Sd19e 4-3	Sd9e 7-0 Y	Ms13e 0-0-7	Ms53w 0-0-7	Sd33w 0-0-7
Baraki	Shikihide	1994/05/10 (30)	2013.01	Ms58	Sd57e 3-4	Sd76e 4-3	Sd57e 4-3	Sd41w 2-5	Sd68e 4-3	Sd49w 3-4
Shunjin	Shikoroyama	1993/12/14 (35)	2009.03	Ms23	Sd34w 3-4	Sd54e 4-3	Sd36e 6-1	Ms51e 3-4	Sd1e 0-0-7	Sd61w 5-2
Ikeru	Onomatsu	1992/11/26 (51)	2010.11	Ms18	Sd83e 0-0-7	Jd43w 0-0-7	Jk15w 0-0-7	Bg	Bg	Mz 3-1

Three exits will be taking place: Tochimaru turns 24 next month but will get another couple of years in Tier 4. He's moving over with a strong 5-2 record in tow, and IMHO he's at least a 50/50 proposition for reaching juryo as a Tier 4 inhabitant. Also turning 24 is recent university recruit Hirotsukasa who was derailed in May but bounced back with 6 wins this basho. He's well off the top 15 ranks for now so he's being dropped from the prospect watch altogether, but I wouldn't be surprised to see him get back in a few basho down the line. He's roughly a more light-weight Sagatsukasa in build and style, so his chances of getting to the paid ranks seem pretty iffy to me though.

Last not least we're saying goodbye to Shunjin, formerly known as Ohara, who was always an exciting rikishi to watch in the lower ranks and went as far as mid-makushita despite not having much of a sumo body to speak of at 170 cm and under 100 kg. Recent missed tournaments and a loss of form indicate likely injuries stacking up, and he has decided to hang up the mawashi at just 22 years old.

Two new prospects are joining our watch, and they're the ones widely expected before the basho:

Rikishi	Heya	DOB	Debut	HiRk	2015.09	2015.11	2016.01	2016.03	2016.05	2016.07
Ishibashi	Takasago	1994/03/01	2016.03	Sd11				Sd100Td 5-2	Sd66e 6-1	Sd11w 6-1
Tamaki	Takasago	1993/05/29	2016.01	Sd19		Mz 2-0-2	Jk19w 7-0 Y	Jd10w 7-0 Y	Sd19e 6-1

Pretty much impossible to say anything about their potential yet. We should know more after Aki basho as both are set to make a fairly high entry into makushita around ranks 35-40, which is where lesser collegiate guys tend to face their first serious challenges.

Edited July 30, 2016 by Asashosakari

[Asashosakari 18,959]

Tier 4:

9th straight KK for Iwasaki, and unlike the previous basho's (4-3 after 1-3) this one wasn't much in doubt as he had secured his winning record after just five bouts. I keep expecting his lack of size to cause him to run into a very hard wall, but it's not happening so far. Similarly skinny (but much taller) Onami also impressed with 4 wins at a career high rank.

Akua and Shiba returned to winning ways after recent big setbacks.

Heisei Hopefuls for Nagoya 2016 - Tier 4: Last Chance Saloon - Ms15+ Age 25 and under
Rikishi	Heya	DOB	Debut	HiRk	2015.09	2015.11	2016.01	2016.03	2016.05	2016.07
Iwasaki	Oitekaze	1992/04/24 (56)	2015.01	Ms10	Sd11w 6-1	Ms37w 5-2	Ms24e 4-3	Ms19w 4-3	Ms13w 4-3	Ms10w 4-3
Onami	Arashio	1991/12/29 (59)	2009.11	Ms14	Ms21e 3-4	Ms30e 4-3	Ms24w 3-4	Ms32e 5-2	Ms20e 4-3	Ms14w 4-3
Kotokobai	Sadogatake	1991/03/31 (62)	2006.03	Ms7	Ms26w 4-3	Ms19e 2-5	Ms34w 3-4	Ms42w 5-2	Ms25e 5-2	Ms16e 2-3-2
Irodori	Shikoroyama	1992/03/10 (58)	2007.03	Ms10	Ms20e 3-4	Ms29e 6-1	Ms10w 3-4	Ms16e 3-4	Ms26e 5-2	Ms17w 4-3
Akua	Tatsunami	1990/11/06 (63)	2010.11	Ms2	Ms17e 5-2	Ms8e 4-3	Ms7e 4-3	Ms5e 4-3	Ms2e 1-6	Ms18w 5-2
Chiyosakae	Kokonoe	1990/07/12 (66)	2009.01	Ms11	Ms51w 5-2	Ms30w 3-4	Ms38w 4-3	Ms31w 4-3	Ms23w 4-3	Ms19e 1-6
Shiba	Kise	1991/12/24 (60)	2014.03	Ms3	Ms14e 2-5	Ms31w 7-0 Y	Ms3e 3-4	Ms6e 3-4	Ms11w 2-4-1	Ms28w 6-1
Daishoiwa	Oitekaze	1990/10/29 (64)	2006.03	Ms11	Ms51e 1-6	Sd27w 6-1	Ms45e 6-1 D	Ms19e 1-6	Ms46e 4-3	Ms37w 3-4
Sasakiyama	Kise	1991/06/12 (61)	2010.01	Ms15	Ms48e 4-3	Ms40e 2-5	Ms58e 5-2	Ms43w 4-3	Ms36e 3-4	Ms42w 4-3
Nogami	Oguruma	1990/08/15 (65)	2009.01	Ms11	Ms30w 5-2	Ms16e 4-3	Ms11w 2-5	Ms28e 4-3	Ms21w 1-6	Ms46w 4-3
Aiyama	Kitanoumi	1992/03/23 (57)	2007.03	Ms14	Ms32e 4-3	Ms23e 5-2	Ms14w 3-4	Ms23e 2-5	Ms43w 3-4	Ms51w 4-3
Wakayama	Onomatsu	1992/04/26 (55)	2011.07	Ms15	Ms45w 5-2	Ms26w 0-3-4	Sd1w 0-0-7	Sd61w 0-0-7	Jd21w 0-0-7	Jd91w 0-0-7

It's departure time for Chiyosakae and Nogami. Not a great goodbye basho for either of them, unfortunately.

And we have a surprise entrant:

Rikishi	Heya	DOB	Debut	HiRk	2015.09	2015.11	2016.01	2016.03	2016.05	2016.07
Asakoki	Takasago	1990/12/19	2009.03	Ms34	Sd3e 5-2	Ms42e 2-5	Sd3e 4-3	Sd55e 3-4	Sd7w 3-4	Sd16w 7-0 Y

Having never KK'ed above Ms40 thus far, sandanme yusho winner Asakoki will now be getting a major bump into the top 15 ranks. A big-time bashing is probably coming in six weeks, and anything better than 1-6 will have to rate as a success. Either way his "prospect" status won't be lasting long as he's already turning 26 after Kyushu.

[Sumozumo 240]

Thank you for curating this massive knot of a list.

[Asashosakari 18,959]

I'm still sulking about having my tables wrecked (and trying to figure out how to deal with it), but in the meantime maybe the belated tracking lineups for Aki are of interest:

Tier 1 (Q)

Tier 2 (Q)

Tier 3 (Q)

Tier 4 (Q)

Edited September 14, 2016 by Asashosakari

[Asashosakari 18,959]

The great irony of the recent forum update is that it's now required to use HTML if you want to have some control over the look of pasted tables, after the previous update in 2012 had abolished all use of HTML and made BBcode mandatory instead. Everything old is new again, I guess. Either way, that means I've been able to revive one design idea that got killed four years ago...
 

Tier 1:

Takayoshitoshi suffered a (probably to be expected) setback after the Nagoya 6-1, bouncing off an invisible wall in the middle of the division again, but brother Takagenji may have had a breakout performance with 6 wins of his own, at a rank that Takayoshitoshi has yet to even reach. Kotokamatani's makushita debut was a credible 5-2 effort to continue his steady rise up the ranks.

Heisei Hopefuls for Aki 2016 - Tier 1: Top Talents - current yardstick: Sato (1996/08/05, debut 2014.09, shin-juryo 2016.05)
Rikishi	Heya	DOB	Debut	HiRk	2015.11	2016.01	2016.03	2016.05	2016.07	2016.09
Takagenji	Takanohana	1997/05/13 (2)	2013.03	Ms20	Sd11w 4-3	Ms60w 6-1 D	Ms28w 3-4	Ms36w 5-2	Ms25w 4-3	Ms20e 6-1
Takayoshitoshi	Takanohana	1997/05/13 (2)	2013.03	Ms24	Ms28e 1-6	Ms53w 5-2	Ms38w 3-4	Ms45w 3-4	Ms53w 6-1	Ms24w 2-5
Kotokamatani	Sadogatake	1997/11/19 (1)	2015.11	Ms59	Mz 3-0	Jk20e 7-0 Y	Jd10e 6-1	Sd49e 5-2	Sd24w 5-2	Ms59w 5-2

We'll have a new name on the list in Kyushu basho:

Rikishi	Heya	DOB	Debut	HiRk	2015.11	2016.01	2016.03	2016.05	2016.07	2016.09
Shonannoumi	Takadagawa	1998/04/08	2014.03	Sd8	Jd11e 5-2	Sd75w 4-3	Sd57e 5-2	Sd29e 4-3	Sd18e 4-3	Sd8w 4-3

Oddly enough, after I made reference to Kagayaki two months ago for Kotokamatani's entry, here's another youngster where the comparison fits even better...same stable, started out of middle school, and almost the same size on debut. And the same, err, room for growth on the technical side from what I've seen. In other words, I suspect he'll be spending a decent amount of time in makushita. Still, he's just 18 and he'll be the new youngest rikishi in makushita, so of course he's also bringing a lot of talent, not just height and weight.

[Rocks 1,807]

Speaking of Shoannoumi could someone please explain what's going on here? Not only does he fall for the henka it looks like he looks in the total opposite direction;

http://www.youtube.com/embed/vF73sjdnYH0?start=46&autoplay=1 

[Asashosakari 18,959]

Tier 2:

It was a close call, but Meisei's done it - the 21-year-old will be promoted to juryo for Kyushu basho, the first one to do it out of this tier in almost two years (previously Abi for March 2015). And it was almost double success as second-ranked Rikishin wasn't far off either. In fact, it was quite the successful basho all around for the Tier 2 guys, with only two makekoshi among the 12 makushita-ranked rikishi (and those two were at career highs).

Terutsuyoshi posted strong 6 wins as he continues to recover his ranking from the strange 1-6 disaster that befell him four months ago, as did Kaito as part of a return from last year's long-term injury, as well as Kiribayama who had sat out the Nagoya tournament (and even had a shot at the sandanme yusho on Day 13).

Heisei Hopefuls for Aki 2016 - Tier 2: Promising Youngsters - Age 21 and under
Rikishi	Heya	DOB	Debut	HiRk	2015.11	2016.01	2016.03	2016.05	2016.07	2016.09
Meisei	Tatsunami	1995/07/24 (15)	2011.05	Ms3	Ms9e 3-4	Ms17w 3-4	Ms23w 5-2	Ms12w 5-2	Ms5e 4-3	Ms3e 4-3
Rikishin	Tatsunami	1995/10/07 (13)	2011.05	Ms5	Ms14w 3-4	Ms23w 3-4	Ms31e 6-1	Ms10e 4-3	Ms8e 4-3	Ms5w 5-2
Masunosho	Chiganoura	1994/11/14 (23)	2010.03	Ms11	Ms32e 4-3	Ms26e 4-3	Ms22e 5-2	Ms11e 3-4	Ms17e 4-3	Ms13w 5-2
Kaiseio	Asakayama	1995/01/28 (18)	2013.03	Ms18	Ms47w 4-3	Ms38e 0-1-6	Sd18w 5-2	Ms56w 6-1	Ms24w 4-3	Ms18w 2-5
Musashikuni	Musashigawa	1994/12/17 (21)	2013.07	Ms26	Sd45e 4-3	Sd28w 4-3	Sd13w 4-3	Sd5w 4-3	Ms54w 6-1	Ms26e 2-5
Terutsuyoshi	Isegahama	1995/01/17 (20)	2010.03	Ms3	Ms13e 4-3	Ms10e 6-1 D	Ms3w 3-4	Ms8w 1-6	Ms32e 4-3	Ms26w 6-1
Hakuyozan	Takadagawa	1995/04/13 (17)	2011.05	Ms1	Ms8w 4-3	Ms7w 5-2	Ms4e 4-3	Ms1e 2-5	Ms9w 2-5	Ms27e 4-3
Kotaro	Fujishima	1995/12/06 (11)	2014.01	Ms14	Ms56w 4-3	Ms47e 6-1 D	Ms20e 4-3	Ms14w 3-4	Ms19w 3-4	Ms28w 4-3
Takakento	Takanohana	1996/02/10 (9)	2014.01	Ms26	Ms36e 1-3-3	Sd4e 2-5	Sd29w 3-4	Sd42e 6-1	Ms55e 4-3	Ms46w 4-3
Tochiseiryu	Kasugano	1995/04/26 (16)	2014.03	Ms33	Sd18w 5-2	Ms54w 3-4	Sd7e 5-2	Ms47e 5-2	Ms33w 2-5	Ms54w 4-3
Gokushindo	Nishikido	1996/06/06 (6)	2012.03	Ms28	Sd10e 3-4	Sd23e 5-2	Ms59e 6-1	Ms28e 0-0-7	Sd8e 4-3	Ms57w 4-3
Kaito	Asakayama	1996/06/19 (4)	2012.05	Ms28	Jk15e 5-2	Jd64e 7-0 Y	Sd66e 6-1	Sd11w 3-4	Sd22e 5-2	Ms58e 6-1
Fukamiyama	Onoe	1994/11/12 (24)	2010.03	Ms47	Ms47e 2-5	Sd11e 4-3	Ms60e 3-4	Sd13w 5-2	Ms52w 3-4	Sd4e 5-2
Oki	Shikoroyama	1996/06/12 (5)	2013.07	Ms42	Sd23w 5-2	Ms59e 3-4	Sd11w 5-2	Ms52e 4-3	Ms42e 1-6	Sd7w 2-5
Kiribayama	Michinoku	1996/04/24 (8)	2015.05	Ms30	Sd96w 7-0 Y	Ms59w 3-4	Sd12e 4-3	Sd3e 6-1	Ms30e 0-0-7	Sd11e 6-1
Nakazono	Nishonoseki	1996/05/18 (7)	2012.03	Ms60	Sd20e 2-5	Sd48e 5-2	Sd21w 4-3	Sd11e 4-3	Ms60e 3-4	Sd12e 2-5
Sakae	Sakaigawa	1994/11/19 (22)	2013.03	Ms55	Sd32w 5-2	Sd5e 3-4	Sd17w 5-2	Ms55w 3-4	Sd4w 3-4	Sd20w 0-0-7
Hamayutaka	Tokitsukaze	1995/11/17 (12)	2011.05	Ms58	Sd31w 3-4	Sd50e 2-5	Sd77e 4-3	Sd57w 6-1	Sd5w 3-4	Sd22w 5-2
Tamakongo	Kataonami	1995/09/19 (14)	2014.03	Ms56	Sd6e 4-3	Ms56e 3-4	Sd10w 3-4	Sd23w 4-3	Sd12e 3-4	Sd27e 3-4
Onojo	Takadagawa	1996/01/31 (10)	2011.05	Ms60	Ms60e 2-5	Sd22w 4-3	Sd9w 2-5	Sd34e 5-2	Sd12w 3-4	Sd28w 4-3
Aomihama	Dewanoumi	1994/10/27 (25)	2010.03	Ms49	Sd8e 2-5	Sd34e 5-2	Sd8w 3-4	Sd21w 2-5	Sd47e 4-3	Sd31e 3-4
Kasugamaru	Kasugayama	1995/01/24 (19)	2013.01	Ms55	Sd4e 3-4	Sd17e 5-2	Ms55w 0-0-7	Sd33w 2-5	Sd61e 4-3	Sd42w 4-3

Aomihama is turning 22 in a few weeks and will be moving to Tier 3. Of course, it doesn't look as though he'll be doing much with his next two years of prospect eligibility...

No new entrants for Kyushu here.

[Asashosakari 18,959]

Tier 3:

Oyanagi had to work much harder than in previous tournaments, but in the end he managed to become the 10th rikishi since 1989 to turn around an 0-3 start into promotion to juryo. Mongolian youngster Daishoho also managed to achieve the long-awaited second division debut, at last after several near-misses in the previous 12 months. His heyamate Sakamoto picked up yet another 4-3 and fell just short of making it.

The rest of the makushita-ranked prospects provided a mixed bag of results, led by collegiate entrants Ishibashi and Tamaki who both went 6-1 to demonstrate that mid-makushita was not quite their wall yet.

Nobody else truly excelled relative to his ranking; Kotokuzan arguably had the best result with 6 wins at a high enough position that he'll (narrowly) set a new career-high mark in Kyushu. Chiyonoumi, Fukuyamato and Ikeru added further 6-1's to the tally as they return from injuries.

Note: Daiseido was previously known as Sasanoyama.

Heisei Hopefuls for Aki 2016 - Tier 3: Still Worth Watching - Age 23 and under
Rikishi	Heya	DOB	Debut	HiRk	2015.11	2016.01	2016.03	2016.05	2016.07	2016.09
Oyanagi	Tokitsukaze	1993/09/22 (38)	2016.03	Ms1			Sd100Td 7-0 Y	Ms58w 7-0 Y	Ms7w 6-1	Ms1e 4-3
Daishoho	Oitekaze	1994/08/28 (26)	2013.03	Ms1	Ms2w 3-4	Ms5w 4-3	Ms3e 3-4	Ms7w 4-3	Ms4e 4-3	Ms1w 5-2
Sakamoto	Oitekaze	1992/12/15 (50)	2016.01	Ms3		Ms15Td 4-3	Ms11w 4-3	Ms9e 4-3	Ms6e 4-3	Ms3w 4-3
Akinokawa	Takadagawa	1992/11/30 (51)	2008.03	Ms6	Ms14e 5-2	Ms9w 3-4	Ms14e 5-2	Ms6e 3-4	Ms11e 3-4	Ms16e 4-3
Goshi	Arashio	1993/10/05 (37)	2011.11	Ms7	Ms46e 0-0-7	Sd26w 5-2	Sd1w 6-1	Ms29e 4-3	Ms22w 4-3	Ms16w 4-3
Rikito	Tokitsukaze	1993/09/21 (39)	2011.09	Ms19	Sd21w 4-3	Sd9w 4-3	Ms59w 5-2	Ms41w 4-3	Ms33e 5-2	Ms19e 2-5
Daiseido	Kise	1992/12/30 (49)	2011.05	Ms3	Ms13w 3-4	Ms21w 3-4	Ms30e 2-5	Ms50e 5-2	Ms36e 4-3	Ms28e 4-3
Takakasuga	Kasugayama	1993/03/06 (46)	2011.09	Ms23	Ms50e 4-3	Ms40w 3-4	Ms48e 5-2	Ms29w 4-3	Ms23e 3-4	Ms30w 3-4
Ishibashi	Takasago	1994/03/01 (34)	2016.03	Ms36			Sd100Td 5-2	Sd66e 6-1	Sd11w 6-1	Ms36w 6-1
Rao	Tatsunami	1993/03/30 (45)	2011.01	Ms37	Ms51e 4-3	Ms41w 2-5	Sd6e 3-4	Sd21e 5-2	Ms57e 5-2	Ms37e 1-6
Tsurubayashi	Kise	1993/12/31 (36)	2009.03	Ms12	Ms24e 3-4	Ms32e 5-2	Ms18w 2-5	Ms35w 4-3	Ms29w 3-4	Ms39w 5-2
Akinoyama	Takadagawa	1992/11/30 (51)	2008.03	Ms21	Ms39e 3-4	Ms47w 4-3	Ms40w 4-3	Ms34w 5-2	Ms23w 2-5	Ms40e 2-5
Tamaki	Takasago	1993/05/29 (44)	2016.01	Ms41		Mz 2-0-2	Jk19w 7-0 Y	Jd10w 7-0 Y	Sd19e 6-1	Ms41e 6-1
Tochinobori	Kasugano	1993/09/01 (40)	2009.03	Ms12	Ms51w 6-1	Ms22w 5-2	Ms12w 2-5	Ms30e 4-3	Ms24e 2-5	Ms41w 4-3
Kotodaigo	Sadogatake	1993/01/14 (47)	2011.05	Ms8	Sd23e 0-0-7	Sd83w 0-0-7	Jd44e 7-0 Y	Sd44w 7-0 Y	Ms28e 2-5	Ms48w 2-5
Omoto	Irumagawa	1992/11/23 (54)	2015.01	Ms41	Sd7w 4-3	Ms56w 5-2	Ms41w 3-4	Ms51e 3-4	Ms59w 4-3	Ms50w 3-4
Shinohara	Onomatsu	1993/08/21 (41)	2012.01	Ms28	Ms58w 5-2	Ms36w 2-5	Ms57e 4-3	Ms48w 4-3	Ms41e 3-4	Ms53e 2-5
Aonosho	Dewanoumi	1993/06/03 (43)	2009.03	Ms29	Ms29w 2-5	Ms46w 1-6	Sd19w 6-1	Ms41e 4-3	Ms32w 2-5	Ms54e 4-3
Kirinofuji	Michinoku	1994/07/28 (28)	2011.01	Ms52	Sd39e 6-1	Ms52w 2-5	Sd14w 2-5	Sd40e 4-3	Sd26e 5-2	Sd1w 2-5
Hokutokawa	Hakkaku	1994/08/15 (27)	2013.03	Ms47	Ms55e 0-0-7	Sd35w 4-3	Sd20e 3-4	Sd34w 5-2	Sd13w 4-3	Sd5e 3-4
Kotokuzan	Arashio	1994/03/11 (33)	2009.09	Ms43	Ms52e 4-3	Ms43w 3-4	Ms53e 0-0-7	Sd31w 4-3	Sd19w 4-3	Sd9e 6-1
Nishiyama	Onoe	1994/04/27 (32)	2010.03	Ms22	Ms22w 3-4	Ms31e 1-6	Sd2e 4-3	Ms54e 3-4	Sd1e 3-4	Sd14w 5-2
Haguroho	Tatsunami	1993/07/08 (42)	2009.03	Ms20	Jd95w 7-0 Y	Sd86e 6-1	Sd28w 6-1	Ms47w 3-4	Ms56e 2-5	Sd15e 0-0-7
Kotonoshu	Sadogatake	1994/07/01 (30)	2010.03	Ms53	Ms53e 3-4	Sd2e 2-5	Sd26e 4-3	Sd15w 2-5	Sd41e 5-2	Sd16w 3-4
Hokutoshu	Hakkaku	1994/01/14 (35)	2012.03	Ms50	Sd47w 5-2	Sd20e 4-3	Sd8e 5-2	Ms50w 2-5	Sd14e 3-4	Sd31w 5-2
Baraki	Shikihide	1994/05/10 (31)	2013.01	Ms58	Sd76e 4-3	Sd57e 4-3	Sd41w 2-5	Sd68e 4-3	Sd49w 3-4	Sd63e 4-3
Chiyonoumi	Kokonoe	1993/01/11 (48)	2015.05	Ms13	Sd19e 4-3	Sd9e 7-0 Y	Ms13e 0-0-7	Ms53w 0-0-7	Sd33w 0-0-7	Sd94e 6-1
Fukuyamato	Kasugayama	1994/07/22 (29)	2013.01	Ms45	Sd32e 0-0-7	Sd92w 0-0-7	Jd53e 0-0-7	Jk6e 0-1-6	Jk30e 6-1	Jd49w 6-1
Ikeru	Onomatsu	1992/11/26 (53)	2010.11	Ms18	Jd43w 0-0-7	Jk15w 0-0-7	Bg	Bg	Mz 3-1	Jk27e 6-1

A trio of newcomers is coming in to bolster the ranks here:

Rikishi	Heya	DOB	Debut	HiRk	2015.11	2016.01	2016.03	2016.05	2016.07	2016.09
Kotohayato	Sadogatake	1994/04/18	2010.03	Sd2	Jk14e 6-1 Y	Jd32e 6-1	Sd68w 5-2	Sd39e 4-3	Sd24e 4-3	Sd11w 4-3
Ichiki	Tamanoi	1993/11/13	2016.01	Sd14		Mz 3-0	Jk16e 6-1	Jd33e 6-1	Sd69e 6-1	Sd14e 5-2
Ikegawa	Hakkaku	1993/06/02	2016.03	Sd19			Mz 2-0	Jk10w 7-0 Y	Jd10e 7-0 D	Sd19w 6-1

All three were in jonokuchi not long ago, although as Kotohayato's hatsu-dohyo indicates, he has been around the block a few times already. Having knocked on the door to makushita already two years ago, an injury shortly after has meant he had to spend the time since then first recovering his health and then recovering his ranking. Unlike many others he does seem have come back to his pre-injury skills at least, although of course it's anybody's guess how much career potential it has cost him. In any case, he profiles as a prototypical short-but-stocky pusher, winning over 75% (!) of his bouts via oshidashi/oshitaoshi/tsukidashi in his career thus far.

Ichiki is rather short as well, but also light-weight at 105 kg per his most recent Kyokai weigh-in, so his future success at the makushita level seems somewhat questionable to me. He should have plenty of competitive experience at least, having joined the pro ranks out of Kyushu Joho University. (Not listed on the DB yet - it also slipped through in the Hatsu 2016 recruits thread.) I've seen almost nothing of him so far, but he did give highly-regarded Kiribayama a good fight last month, so perhaps his makushita debut won't see him hitting the wall just yet. With just 28 pro bouts under his belt it's hard to say what his technique profile is, but so far it looks like a Takekaze-style push/pull combination.

Ikegawa also hails from the collegiate circuit, but not only does he have much more impressive physical stats at 192 cm / 162 kg, he also was runner-up in last year's All-Japan University Championships (which would qualify him for an SdTd start now, but didn't last year). Consequently he's cruised through the banzuke so far and, much like Oyanagi and Ishibashi recently, mid-makushita is unlikely to be much of a challenge yet. Unsurprising given his size, he excels at simply overwhelming his opponents in yotsu.

Edited October 15, 2016 by Asashosakari

[Asashosakari 18,959]

Tier 4:

Good basho for the two highest-ranked rikishi here with Iwasaki continuing his KK streak for the 10th time and Tochimaru completing the banzuke turnaround from his off-form/injury basho half a year ago - both will be ranked in the promotion zone for Kyushu. Shiba and Irodori produced the only other kachikoshi, and the latter should be reaching a new career high.

The July sandanme yusho winner Asakoki had the expected hard time in his debut in the makushita upper half, with his 2 wins probably the best that could have been expected. Even next basho he'll still be ranked higher than he has ever KK'ed at, so he'll have his work cut out again.

Heisei Hopefuls for Aki 2016 - Tier 4: Last Chance Saloon - Ms15+ Age 25 and under
Rikishi	Heya	DOB	Debut	HiRk	2015.11	2016.01	2016.03	2016.05	2016.07	2016.09
Iwasaki	Oitekaze	1992/04/24 (57)	2015.01	Ms7	Ms37w 5-2	Ms24e 4-3	Ms19w 4-3	Ms13w 4-3	Ms10w 4-3	Ms7w 5-2
Tochimaru	Kasugano	1992/08/26 (55)	2011.05	Ms5	Ms7e 3-4	Ms13e 6-1 Y	Ms5w 1-5-1	Ms22e 4-3	Ms18e 5-2	Ms9w 5-2
Akua	Tatsunami	1990/11/06 (65)	2010.11	Ms2	Ms8e 4-3	Ms7e 4-3	Ms5e 4-3	Ms2e 1-6	Ms18w 5-2	Ms10w 3-4
Shiba	Kise	1991/12/24 (61)	2014.03	Ms3	Ms31w 7-0 Y	Ms3e 3-4	Ms6e 3-4	Ms11w 2-4-1	Ms28w 6-1	Ms11e 4-3
Onami	Arashio	1991/12/29 (60)	2009.11	Ms11	Ms30e 4-3	Ms24w 3-4	Ms32e 5-2	Ms20e 4-3	Ms14w 4-3	Ms11w 1-2-4
Asakoki	Takasago	1990/12/19 (64)	2009.03	Ms13	Ms42e 2-5	Sd3e 4-3	Sd55e 3-4	Sd7w 3-4	Sd16w 7-0 Y	Ms13e 2-5
Irodori	Shikoroyama	1992/03/10 (59)	2007.03	Ms10	Ms29e 6-1	Ms10w 3-4	Ms16e 3-4	Ms26e 5-2	Ms17w 4-3	Ms14w 5-2
Kotokobai	Sadogatake	1991/03/31 (63)	2006.03	Ms7	Ms19e 2-5	Ms34w 3-4	Ms42w 5-2	Ms25e 5-2	Ms16e 2-3-2	Ms31e 3-4
Sasakiyama	Kise	1991/06/12 (62)	2010.01	Ms15	Ms40e 2-5	Ms58e 5-2	Ms43w 4-3	Ms36e 3-4	Ms42w 4-3	Ms34e 3-4
Aiyama	Kitanoumi	1992/03/23 (58)	2007.03	Ms14	Ms23e 5-2	Ms14w 3-4	Ms23e 2-5	Ms43w 3-4	Ms51w 4-3	Ms44w 3-4
Daishoiwa	Oitekaze	1990/10/29 (66)	2006.03	Ms11	Sd27w 6-1	Ms45e 6-1 D	Ms19e 1-6	Ms46e 4-3	Ms37w 3-4	Ms51w 2-5
Wakayama	Onomatsu	1992/04/26 (56)	2011.07	Ms15	Ms26w 0-3-4	Sd1w 0-0-7	Sd61w 0-0-7	Jd21w 0-0-7	Jd91w 0-0-7	Jk25e 0-0-7

Daishoiwa is turning 26 soon and will be departing the prospect watch. Having reached makushita back when he was 21 years old he looked like a decent enough prospect, but he followed it up with a couple of years in the wilderness before a sandanme yusho victory in mid-2014 spurred an apparent sudden break-out - which fizzled out after just one year, however. Since then he hasn't even made it back to the upper half of the division again, let alone the extended promotion zone. Having plenty of quality stablemates at Oitekaze could well mean that things will suddenly click for him again at some point, but he's now a very long shot for a future juryo appearance.

No fresh blood in this section for Kyushu.

Edited October 15, 2016 by Asashosakari

[Bumpkin 438]

If a tier 1 rikishi, Takagenji, for example, is promoted to Juryo and then demoted to Makushita, does he get relisted in tier 1?  What if he is the yardstick?

[Asashosakari 18,959]

6 minutes ago, Bumpkin said:

If a tier 1 rikishi, Takagenji, for example, is promoted to Juryo and then demoted to Makushita, does he get relisted in tier 1?  What if he is the yardstick?

I'm only keeping track of rikishi who have never been to juryo.