Heisei Hopefuls - prospect watch

[Fay 1,677]

and here hokaho's bout from today :-)

He will reach his highest ranking in makushita now, from now on it becomes serious he said

Edited September 22, 2012 by Fay

[Asashosakari 18,959]

Hmm, I updated my files after Aki basho and even prepared things for Kyushu, but I never updated the thread...well then, the Aki 2012 results.

Tier 1:

A bit of a holding pattern tournament with everybody in the list scoring either 3-4 or 4-3 - the sole exception being top-ranked Tatsu who didn't quite look ready for makushita-joi opposition again. Sasanoyama's rise on the other hand continued slowly, but unimpeded for now.

Quite noteworthy as well is Masunosho's third straight KK since debuting in makushita - the list of rikishi who achieved that includes a heck of a lot of noteworthy names, and even if many of those guys had even better results than 3x 4-3, Masunosho's young age pretty well compensates for that.

Heisei Hopefuls for Aki 2012 - Tier 1: Top Talents - current yardstick: Chiyootori (1992/10/11, debut 2008.05, shin-juryo 2012.03)
Rikishi	Heya	DOB	Debut	HiRk	2011.11	2012.01	2012.03	2012.05	2012.07	2012.09
Tatsu	Takadagawa	1994/06/01 (3)	2010.03	Ms11	Ms46e 4-3	Ms40e 6-1 D	Ms16e 2-5	Ms31w 5-2	Ms19w 5-2	Ms11w 2-5
Sasanoyama	Kise	1992/12/30 (7)	2011.05	Ms21	Sd51e 6-1	Sd1e 5-2	Ms42w 5-2	Ms32w 4-3	Ms26e 4-3	Ms21e 4-3
Akinokawa	Takadagawa	1992/11/30 (8)	2008.03	Ms28	Sd25e 5-2	Ms60e 6-1 D	Ms28e 3-4	Ms38e 4-3	Ms31w 3-4	Ms38e 3-4
Tsurubayashi	Kise	1993/12/31 (4)	2009.03	Ms40	Sd27w 6-1	Ms46e 2-5	Sd12e 4-3	Sd1w 4-3	Ms53w 5-2	Ms40e 3-4
Masunosho	Chiganoura	1994/11/14 (2)	2010.03	Ms44	Sd62e 5-2	Sd36e 5-2	Sd10w 4-3	Ms60e 4-3	Ms51w 4-3	Ms44w 4-3
Terutsuyoshi	Isegahama	1995/01/17 (1)	2010.03	Ms49	Sd31w 5-2	Sd6e 5-2	Ms49e 3-4	Sd4e 4-3	Ms55w 2-5	Sd15w 4-3
Kotokawazu	Sadogatake	1993/01/14 (6)	2011.05	Ms27	Jd5e 6-1	Sd43w 7-0 Y	Ms27w 3-4	Ms37w 1-6	Sd4e 3-4	Sd21e 3-4
Aonosho	Dewanoumi	1993/06/03 (5)	2009.03	Ms57	Sd92e 3-4	Jd12w 4-3	Sd92w 7-0 D	Ms57w 3-4	Sd11w 2-5	Sd38w 4-3

The list of really young prospects reaches double digits for Kyushu with the addition of these two:

Rikishi	Heya	DOB	Debut	HiRk	2011.11	2012.01	2012.03	2012.05	2012.07	2012.09
Mitoyutaka	Nishikido	1993/04/08	2009.03	Sd2	Sd13w 4-3	Sd2w 3-4	Sd17e 3-4	Sd37e 4-3	Sd23w 4-3	Sd10e 4-3
Goshi	Arashio	1993/10/05	2011.11	Sd20	Mz 2-0	Jk15e 7-0 Y	Jd10w 5-2	Sd78w 6-1	Sd20w 3-4	Sd39e 6-1

Mitoyutaka has been worth watching almost since he debuted, thanks to an impressive rush through the jo* divisions in just three basho (combined record 16-5), a feat rarely achieved by middle school graduates. His progress through sandanme was more measured and included a couple of setbacks along the way, but taking three years is just fine given how quickly he came out of the blocks. With a makushita debut at 19 and a half years of age he should profile as at least a regular maegashira if he can avoid the usual injury pitfalls. He's not especially tall at 177 cm, but makes up for it with a dynamic and highly oshi-centric (>50% of his wins) fighting style. A younger brother of his has joined Nishikido-beya as well this year, but hasn't quite shown the same talent thus far.

Goshi also has a brother in Ozumo, though in his case it's an older one; nevertheless, featuring a much more sturdy build than lanky Onami, Goshi has almost caught up to him already despite starting two years later. Jumping into makushita from a fairly low rank in sandanme he'll probably find his division debut a tough going, but in the long run he ought to be another strong candidate for future sekitori veteran-ness. He too exhibits a focus on pushing techniques, but as he has yet to be tested for an extended amount of time (having taken just five basho to makushita, combined record 27-8), it remains to be seen if that's how his technical repertoire ultimately pans out.

[Asashosakari 18,959]

Tier 2:

The biggest news of the basho was produced in this tier, courtesy of Ryuden's long-awaited juryo debut. At only 21 he's still a big-time prospect, but given that he was first in the promotion zone back at just 18 years of age, expectations certainly used to be even higher.

New tier-gashira will be Kokonoe talent Chiyoo who continues to move up steadily and has now posted his 5th KK in a row. Beyond that, it wasn't the most eventful basho for this section - Kawanari posting another 4-3 has to rate as good news as it demonstrates that his surprising 6-1 jump from Natsu and subsequent 4-3 were no fluke and he's indeed at upper makushita strength now, and young but hefty Chiyomaru returned from his injury absence with a strong 6-1 including a yusho decider against Ryuden. The rest of the results has to rate as rather meh, but given that this is one of the younger tiers "meh" isn't the worst thing in the world; these guys still have some time to develop.

Heisei Hopefuls for Aki 2012 - Tier 2: Promising Youngsters - Age 21 and under
Rikishi	Heya	DOB	Debut	HiRk	2011.11	2012.01	2012.03	2012.05	2012.07	2012.09
Chiyoo	Kokonoe	1991/05/29 (21)	2010.03	Ms9	Ms25e 3-4	Ms33e 4-3	Ms26e 5-2	Ms19w 4-3	Ms14w 4-3	Ms9w 4-3
Ryuden	Takadagawa	1990/11/10 (25)	2006.03	Ms5	Ms8w 4-3	Ms6w 2-5	Ms14w 6-1	Ms5e 3-4	Ms8w 3-4	Ms12e 7-0 Y
Saishin	Chiganoura	1991/11/12 (17)	2010.01	Ms9	Ms29e 5-2	Ms19w 5-2	Ms9w 3-4	Ms14e 3-4	Ms17w 4-3	Ms14w 3-4
Kawanari	Oguruma	1991/07/07 (19)	2007.03	Ms16	Ms33w 4-3	Ms28w 3-4	Ms37e 3-4	Ms49w 6-1	Ms21e 4-3	Ms16e 4-3
Kotofukuju	Sadogatake	1991/12/14 (14)	2007.03	Ms17	Sd9e 6-1	Ms33w 4-3	Ms27e 3-4	Ms37e 5-2	Ms25w 5-2	Ms17w 3-4
Wakamisho	Magaki	1991/11/29 (15)	2011.01	Ms15	Sd93e 7-0 D	Ms58e 5-2	Ms39w 5-2	Ms27w 5-2	Ms15e 3-4	Ms21w 2-5
Sasakiyama	Kise	1991/06/12 (20)	2010.01	Ms25	Ms36w 4-3	Ms30e 3-4	Ms38e 5-2	Ms25w 3-4	Ms33e 4-3	Ms28e 4-3
Kinunonami	Tatsunami	1992/08/13 (9)	2008.03	Ms31	Sd12e 3-4	Sd27e 4-3	Sd14e 4-3	Sd5e 6-1	Ms31e 3-4	Ms37e 0-1-6
Matsumoto	Shikoroyama	1992/03/10 (11)	2007.03	Ms22	Ms32e 4-3	Ms25w 3-4	Ms33w 4-3	Ms27e 4-3	Ms22e 2-5	Ms37w 3-4
Chiyomaru	Kokonoe	1991/04/17 (22)	2007.05	Ms8	Ms13e 2-5	Ms24e 5-2	Ms14e 4-3	Ms10e 4-3	Ms8e 0-1-6	Ms48w 6-1
Kotokobai	Sadogatake	1991/03/31 (23)	2006.03	Ms31	Ms42w 5-2	Ms31w 1-5-1	Sd4e 5-2	Ms45w 2-5	Sd4w 5-2	Ms49w 4-3
Kotokensei	Sadogatake	1991/01/06 (24)	2006.03	Ms43	Sd10e 2-5	Sd34w 4-3	Sd20e 6-1	Ms43w 1-6	Sd13w 5-2	Ms55e 3-4
Aiyama	Kitanoumi	1992/03/23 (10)	2007.03	Ms57	Sd66e 4-3	Sd52e 3-4	Sd71e 6-1	Sd16w 4-3	Sd7e 4-3	Ms57e 3-4
Kotoeko	Sadogatake	1991/11/20 (16)	2007.03	Ms54	Sd19w 3-4	Sd35e 2-5	Sd64e 6-1	Sd9w 3-4	Sd25w 5-2	Ms60w 4-3
Onami	Arashio	1991/12/29 (13)	2009.11	Ms51	Sd81w 5-2	Sd51e 5-2	Sd25w 4-3	Sd11w 5-2	Ms51e 3-4	Sd5w 6-1
Chiyoshoma	Kokonoe	1991/07/20 (18)	2009.05	Ms44	Sd8w 3-4	Sd23e 6-1	Ms44w 2-5	Sd8w 5-2	Ms48w 2-5	Sd11w 5-2
Masumiura	Mihogaseki	1990/10/25 (27)	2006.03	Ms46	Sd6e 4-3	Ms55w 2-5	Sd19e 2-5	Sd45e 4-3	Sd29w 4-3	Sd15e 4-3
Daishoiwa	Oitekaze	1990/10/29 (26)	2006.03	Ms36	Sd13e 5-2	Ms54w 5-2	Ms36e 3-4	Ms47e 3-4	Ms58e 2-5	Sd18e 3-4
Hakunishiki	Kasugayama	1992/01/13 (12)	2007.03	Ms38	Ms52e 3-4	Sd7w 3-4	Sd22e 3-4	Sd42e 5-2	Sd14w 2-5	Sd43w 6-1

No newcomers this time around, but Masumiura and Daishoiwa turned 22 after Aki basho and get shunted down to Tier 3.

Edited November 17, 2012 by Asashosakari

[Asashosakari 18,959]

Tier 3:

Nagoya sandanme yusho winner Watanabe produced an excellent makushita-joi debut, going 4-3 against competition well above what he'd faced before. He would be the new Tier 3 top-ranker if it wasn't for that pesky age limit; still, down at the extension area of the 4th tier he'll be having a good shot at becoming sekitori while still counting as a prospect for our purposes.

Watanabe's age issues mean that Tochiyashiki will remain in first place despite his 3-4 makekoshi. He's become a makushita-joi fixture, and the hope remains for the former top prospect that - much like Ryuden did - he'll take that last step to sekitoridom one of these days.

As mentioned by Fay a few posts up Hokaho had a strong tournament, finishing 5-2 near his career-high rank. Other than that, I can't really spot any breakout performances, but that's par for the course in this long-shot tier. (Hurray for non-mixed metaphors...)

Heisei Hopefuls for Aki 2012 - Tier 3: Still Worth Watching - Age 23 and under
Rikishi	Heya	DOB	Debut	HiRk	2011.11	2012.01	2012.03	2012.05	2012.07	2012.09
Tochiyashiki	Kasugano	1989/07/07 (45)	2008.03	Ms4	Ms9w 4-3	Ms7e 3-4	Ms12w 4-3	Ms7w 4-3	Ms6e 4-3	Ms4e 3-4
Watanabe	Takanohana	1988/09/29 (58)	2011.05	Ms13	Sd68e 5-2	Sd40e 5-2	Sd16e 5-2	Ms55w 3-4	Sd9e 7-0 Y	Ms13e 4-3
Nishikigi	Isenoumi	1990/08/25 (28)	2006.03	Ms13	Ms31e 3-4	Ms39w 5-2	Ms23e 4-3	Ms20w 2-5	Ms33w 6-1	Ms13w 1-6
Kairyu	Dewanoumi	1990/03/01 (36)	2005.03	Ms4	Ms30e 3-4	Ms37w 4-3	Ms29w 7-0 Y	Ms4e 2-5	Ms10e 3-5	Ms18w 4-3
Higoarashi	Kise	1989/08/20 (42)	2006.05	Ms15	Ms22e 3-4	Ms29e 5-2	Ms15w 1-6	Ms36e 3-4	Ms47e 6-1	Ms20e 4-3
Byakko	Nakamura	1989/07/11 (43)	2005.03	Ms13	Ms28e 3-4	Ms34w 1-4-2	Sd8w 3-4	Sd26w 6-1	Ms47w 5-2	Ms34e 4-3
Hokaho	Miyagino	1989/06/21 (46)	2007.03	Ms33	Sd34w 6-1	Ms50e 4-3	Ms41e 4-3	Ms33w 3-4	Ms44w 4-3	Ms36w 5-2
Tamadaiki	Kataonami	1988/11/02 (56)	2007.03	Ms16	Ms57e 5-2	Ms42w 5-2	Ms25w 4-3	Ms21w 4-3	Ms16w 1-6	Ms39e 4-3
Kyokutaisei	Tomozuna	1989/10/18 (40)	2008.01	Ms36	Sd4w 5-2	Ms51e 4-3	Ms44e 4-3	Ms36w 3-4	Ms48e 4-3	Ms40w 4-3
Tochinohama	Kasugano	1989/01/29 (53)	2007.03	Ms26	Ms37e 5-2	Ms26w 3-4	Ms35e 2-5	Ms55e 5-2	Ms35w 3-4	Ms44e 5-2
Dewahayate	Dewanoumi	1989/01/31 (52)	2004.03	Ms19	Ms24w 4-3	Ms20w 2-4-1	Ms34w 4-3	Ms30e 3-4	Ms36e 3-4	Ms46w 3-4
Takatoshi	Takanohana	1990/04/19 (33)	2009.01	Ms23	Ms31w 2-5	Ms45w 3-4	Ms54e 4-3	Ms45e 3-4	Ms57w 4-3	Ms48e 5-2
Nogami	Oguruma	1990/08/15 (30)	2009.01	Ms49	Sd20e 4-3	Sd9w 2-5	Sd33w 5-2	Sd8e 3-4	Sd24w 6-1	Ms49e 3-4
Notoazuma	Tamanoi	1988/09/27 (59)	2007.03	Ms40	Sd42w 4-3	Sd33e 4-3	Sd18e 6-1	Ms40w 2-5	Ms59e 4-3	Ms51e 4-3
Amatsu	Onomatsu	1990/04/03 (35)	2009.01	Ms28	Ms49e 4-3	Ms42e 4-3	Ms34e 4-3	Ms28w 2-5	Ms41w 3-4	Ms52w 2-5
Asabenkei	Takasago	1989/02/12 (50)	2007.03	Ms40	Ms56e 4-3	Ms48e 3-4	Ms60e 2-5	Sd25e 5-2	Ms60e 4-3	Ms53e 5-2
Mugendai	Musashigawa	1989/01/21 (54)	2004.05	Ms35	Ms35e 1-6	Sd7e 5-2	Ms51e 5-2	Ms38w 1-6	Sd5e 4-3	Ms55w 5-2
Tokizakura	Nakamura	1989/07/10 (44)	2005.03	Ms35	Ms50w 2-5	Sd15e 4-3	Sd8e 4-3	Ms58e 2-5	Sd17w 5-2	Ms56w 3-4
Aokishin	Kasugano	1989/06/10 (47)	2008.03	Ms57	Jd74w 0-0-7	Jk13w 6-1	Jd33e 7-0 Y	Sd35w 4-3	Sd18w 5-2	Ms57w 2-5
Kansei	Sakaigawa	1989/08/25 (41)	2008.03	Ms45	Sd2w 5-2	Ms48w 3-4	Ms60w 4-3	Ms53e 4-3	Ms45w 3-4	Sd1e 4-3
Hokudozan	Hakkaku	1988/10/24 (57)	2007.03	Ms55	Ms55e 2-5	Sd21w 1-6	Sd60e 4-3	Sd44e 4-3	Sd27w 5-2	Sd2e 4-3
Takageppo	Takanohana	1990/04/19 (33)	2009.01	Ms17	Ms17w 2-4-1	Ms26e 2-5	Ms40e 2-5	Sd2w 5-2	Ms39w 2-5	Sd3e 3-4
Chiyosakae	Kokonoe	1990/07/12 (31)	2009.01	Ms53	Sd26w 3-4	Sd41e 4-3	Sd26w 4-3	Sd12w 5-2	Ms53e 3-3-1	Sd8e 5-2
Okoryu	Sakaigawa	1989/02/14 (49)	2007.03	Ms54	Sd28e 5-2	Sd3e 4-3	Ms54w 3-4	Sd11e 4-3	Ms60w 3-4	Sd14w 4-3
Komanokuni	Shibatayama	1990/06/29 (32)	2006.03	Ms56	Sd20w 4-3	Sd12e 4-3	Sd3e 2-5	Sd29e 5-2	Sd3w 3-4	Sd19e 3-4
Daiseiho	Shibatayama	1988/11/27 (55)	2008.01	Ms56	Sd10w 4-3	Ms59w 3-4	Sd16w 3-4	Sd34w 3-4	Sd48w 5-2	Sd22w 3-4
Daikamifusa	Asahiyama	1989/05/30 (48)	2005.03	Ms46	Sd31e 3-4	Sd47e 4-3	Sd30w 2-5	Sd57w 6-1	Sd5w 2-5	Sd29w 2-5
Sasayama	Kise	1990/01/14 (39)	2008.03	Ms59	Sd47e 4-3	Sd35w 4-3	Sd21w 4-3	Sd10w 4-3	Ms59w 0-7	Sd34w 6-1
Hokuoryu	Nakamura	1990/08/21 (29)	2006.03	Ms46	Sd32w 4-3	Sd23w 3-4	Sd38w 1-1-5	Sd76w 6-1	Sd19e 3-4	Sd36w 4-3
Mankajo	Kasugayama	1990/02/10 (37)	2005.03	Ms31	Ms48w 5-2	Ms39e 4-3	Ms31w 2-5	Ms53w 1-6	Sd21w 2-5	Sd47w 5-2
Isamizuki	Sakaigawa	1990/02/07 (38)	2008.03	Ms58	Ms58w 2-5	Sd24e 2-5	Sd51w 3-4	Sd67e 5-2	Sd35e 3-4	Sd55w 0-0-7
Kenho	Tokitsukaze	1989/02/10 (51)	2011.05	Ms59	Jd35w 5-2	Sd99e 7-0 D	Ms59e 1-6	Sd34e 2-5	Sd58e 3-4	Sd77w 5-2

Lotsa changes following Aki basho here in Tier 3 - in addition to Watanabe moving down to Tier 4, we also have age/performance-related departures by Notoazuma and Hokudozan, as well as an outright intai for Orora-ish Isamizuki. Compensation arrives in the form of:

Rikishi	Heya	DOB	Debut	HiRk	2011.11	2012.01	2012.03	2012.05	2012.07	2012.09
Daishoryu	Oitekaze	1989/12/29	2005.09	Sd1	Sd22e 3-4	Sd36w 5-2	Sd11e 3-4	Sd28w 5-2	Sd3e 3-4	Sd18w 5-2

Daishoryu comes up on the heels of 22 straight tournaments in sandanme, which themselves were preceded by the not much less 17 jonidan tournaments on his ledger. Even for a middle school grad that has to rate as not particularly fast, and at nearly 23 years of age he's not quite going to be one of our more promising members of this section. We'll see what he makes of himself. His technical profile is that of a very average rikishi with yori as his primary weapon, and his use of all other techniques fairly close to the overall Ozumo levels.

Edited November 17, 2012 by Asashosakari

[Asashosakari 18,959]

And finally Tier 4:

3rd straight KK for Azumaryu, and even the 5th in a row for Seiro, putting both in position to earn their kesho in Kyushu. Tochihiryu on the other hand continues his up-and-down pattern, having alternated between KK and MK for 10 straight tournaments.

Teraomaru's stint on this thread after being re-prospected comes to the expected end after two basho.

Heisei Hopefuls for Aki 2012 - Tier 4: Last Chance Saloon - Ms15+ Age 25 and under
Rikishi	Heya	DOB	Debut	HiRk	2011.11	2012.01	2012.03	2012.05	2012.07	2012.09
Azumaryu	Tamanoi	1987/05/12 (64)	2008.11	Ms5	Ms12e 4-3	Ms9w 4-3	Ms5e 3-4	Ms10w 5-2	Ms6w 4-3	Ms5e 4-3
Tochihiryu	Kasugano	1987/04/23 (65)	2006.03	Ms2	Ms5e 4-3	Ms2w 2-5	Ms7w 5-2	Ms4w 2-5	Ms10w 5-2	Ms6e 3-4
Seiro	Shikoroyama	1988/08/18 (60)	2005.07	Ms9	Ms28w 3-4	Ms36e 5-2	Ms21e 4-3	Ms17w 4-3	Ms13w 4-3	Ms9e 5-2
Kagamio	Kagamiyama	1988/02/09 (62)	2003.07	Ms7	Ms17e 4-3	Ms12w 3-4	Ms18e 5-2	Ms11e 5-2	Ms7e 3-4	Ms10e 4-3
Teraomaru	Shikoroyama	1986/09/29 (66)	2005.01	Ms15	Ms44e 4-3	Ms38w 4-3	Ms31e 5-2	Ms21e 4-3	Ms15w 3-4	Ms22e 3-4
Karatsuumi	Tamanoi	1988/08/03 (61)	2004.03	Ms12	Ms12w 3-4	Ms18e 3-4	Ms24e 2-5	Ms42e 5-2	Ms27w 4-3	Ms22w 3-4
Ryuonami	Tatsunami	1987/09/12 (63)	2010.01	Ms14	Ms19w 4-3	Ms14w 3-4	Ms20w 4-3	Ms16w 2-5	Ms28w 2-5	Ms45e 5-2

Edited November 17, 2012 by Asashosakari

[Asashosakari 18,959]

And the somewhat belated new lineups:

Kyushu 2012, Tier 1:

Heisei Hopefuls for Kyushu 2012 - Tier 1: Top Talents - current yardstick: Chiyootori (1992/10/11, debut 2008.05, shin-juryo 2012.03)
+/-	Rikishi	Heya	DOB	Debut	HiRk	2012.01	2012.03	2012.05	2012.07	2012.09	2012.11
▲ 1	Sasanoyama	Kise	1992/12/30 (9)	2011.05	Ms17	Sd1e 5-2	Ms42w 5-2	Ms32w 4-3	Ms26e 4-3	Ms21e 4-3	Ms17e
▼ 1	Tatsu	Takadagawa	1994/06/01 (3)	2010.03	Ms11	Ms40e 6-1 D	Ms16e 2-5	Ms31w 5-2	Ms19w 5-2	Ms11w 2-5	Ms25w
▲ 2	Masunosho	Chiganoura	1994/11/14 (2)	2010.03	Ms36	Sd36e 5-2	Sd10w 4-3	Ms60e 4-3	Ms51w 4-3	Ms44w 4-3	Ms36e
▼ 1	Akinokawa	Takadagawa	1992/11/30 (10)	2008.03	Ms28	Ms60e 6-1 D	Ms28e 3-4	Ms38e 4-3	Ms31w 3-4	Ms38e 3-4	Ms47e
▼ 1	Tsurubayashi	Kise	1993/12/31 (4)	2009.03	Ms40	Ms46e 2-5	Sd12e 4-3	Sd1w 4-3	Ms53w 5-2	Ms40e 3-4	Ms52e
New	Goshi	Arashio	1993/10/05 (5)	2011.11	Ms54	Jk15e 7-0 Y	Jd10w 5-2	Sd78w 6-1	Sd20w 3-4	Sd39e 6-1	Ms54w
New	Mitoyutaka	Nishikido	1993/04/08 (7)	2009.03	Ms60	Sd2w 3-4	Sd17e 3-4	Sd37e 4-3	Sd23w 4-3	Sd10e 4-3	Ms60e
▼ 1	Terutsuyoshi	Isegahama	1995/01/17 (1)	2010.03	Ms49	Sd6e 5-2	Ms49e 3-4	Sd4e 4-3	Ms55w 2-5	Sd15w 4-3	Sd5w
● 0	Aonosho	Dewanoumi	1993/06/03 (6)	2009.03	Ms57	Jd12w 4-3	Sd92w 7-0 D	Ms57w 3-4	Sd11w 2-5	Sd38w 4-3	Sd26w
▼ 2	Kotodaigo	Sadogatake	1993/01/14 (8)	2011.05	Ms27	Sd43w 7-0 Y	Ms27w 3-4	Ms37w 1-6	Sd4e 3-4	Sd21e 3-4	Sd37w

Edited November 17, 2012 by Asashosakari

[Asashosakari 18,959]

Kyushu 2012, Tier 2:

This list is getting shorter and shorter with no influx from above possible and new qualifiers not being enough to compensate for those who drop down to Tier 3. No demotions after this basho, at least.

Heisei Hopefuls for Kyushu 2012 - Tier 2: Promising Youngsters - Age 21 and under
+/-	Rikishi	Heya	DOB	Debut	HiRk	2012.01	2012.03	2012.05	2012.07	2012.09	2012.11
● 0	Chiyoo	Kokonoe	1991/05/29 (23)	2010.03	Ms4	Ms33e 4-3	Ms26e 5-2	Ms19w 4-3	Ms14w 4-3	Ms9w 4-3	Ms4e
▲ 1	Kawanari	Oguruma	1991/07/07 (21)	2007.03	Ms11	Ms28w 3-4	Ms37e 3-4	Ms49w 6-1	Ms21e 4-3	Ms16e 4-3	Ms11w
▼ 1	Saishin	Chiganoura	1991/11/12 (19)	2010.01	Ms9	Ms19w 5-2	Ms9w 3-4	Ms14e 3-4	Ms17w 4-3	Ms14w 3-4	Ms20w
▲ 5	Chiyomaru	Kokonoe	1991/04/17 (24)	2007.05	Ms8	Ms24e 5-2	Ms14e 4-3	Ms10e 4-3	Ms8e 0-1-6	Ms48w 6-1	Ms21w
▲ 1	Sasakiyama	Kise	1991/06/12 (22)	2010.01	Ms22	Ms30e 3-4	Ms38e 5-2	Ms25w 3-4	Ms33e 4-3	Ms28e 4-3	Ms22e
▼ 2	Kotofukuju	Sadogatake	1991/12/14 (16)	2007.03	Ms17	Ms33w 4-3	Ms27e 3-4	Ms37e 5-2	Ms25w 5-2	Ms17w 3-4	Ms23w
▲ 7	Onami	Arashio	1991/12/29 (15)	2009.11	Ms31	Sd51e 5-2	Sd25w 4-3	Sd11w 5-2	Ms51e 3-4	Sd5w 6-1	Ms31e
▼ 3	Wakamisho	Magaki	1991/11/29 (17)	2011.01	Ms15	Ms58e 5-2	Ms39w 5-2	Ms27w 5-2	Ms15e 3-4	Ms21w 2-5	Ms37w
▲ 1	Kotokobai	Sadogatake	1991/03/31 (25)	2006.03	Ms31	Ms31w 1-5-1	Sd4e 5-2	Ms45w 2-5	Sd4w 5-2	Ms49w 4-3	Ms39w
▼ 2	Matsumoto	Shikoroyama	1992/03/10 (13)	2007.03	Ms22	Ms25w 3-4	Ms33w 4-3	Ms27e 4-3	Ms22e 2-5	Ms37w 3-4	Ms45w
▲ 4	Chiyoshoma	Kokonoe	1991/07/20 (20)	2009.05	Ms44	Sd23e 6-1	Ms44w 2-5	Sd8w 5-2	Ms48w 2-5	Sd11w 5-2	Ms49w
▲ 1	Kotoeko	Sadogatake	1991/11/20 (18)	2007.03	Ms52	Sd35e 2-5	Sd64e 6-1	Sd9w 3-4	Sd25w 5-2	Ms60w 4-3	Ms52w
▲ 3	Hakunishiki	Kasugayama	1992/01/13 (14)	2007.03	Ms38	Sd7w 3-4	Sd22e 3-4	Sd42e 5-2	Sd14w 2-5	Sd43w 6-1	Ms55w
▼ 3	Kotokensei	Sadogatake	1991/01/06 (26)	2006.03	Ms43	Sd34w 4-3	Sd20e 6-1	Ms43w 1-6	Sd13w 5-2	Ms55e 3-4	Sd7w
▼ 3	Aiyama	Kitanoumi	1992/03/23 (12)	2007.03	Ms57	Sd52e 3-4	Sd71e 6-1	Sd16w 4-3	Sd7e 4-3	Ms57e 3-4	Sd12w
▼ 9	Kinunonami	Tatsunami	1992/08/13 (11)	2008.03	Ms31	Sd27e 4-3	Sd14e 4-3	Sd5e 6-1	Ms31e 3-4	Ms37e 0-1-6	Sd17w

Edited November 17, 2012 by Asashosakari

[Asashosakari 18,959]

Kyushu 2012, Tier 3:

Heisei Hopefuls for Kyushu 2012 - Tier 3: Still Worth Watching - Age 23 and under
+/-	Rikishi	Heya	DOB	Debut	HiRk	2012.01	2012.03	2012.05	2012.07	2012.09	2012.11
● 0	Tochiyashiki	Kasugano	1989/07/07 (46)	2008.03	Ms4	Ms7e 3-4	Ms12w 4-3	Ms7w 4-3	Ms6e 4-3	Ms4e 3-4	Ms6w
▲ 1	Kairyu	Dewanoumi	1990/03/01 (37)	2005.03	Ms4	Ms37w 4-3	Ms29w 7-0 Y	Ms4e 2-5	Ms10e 3-5	Ms18w 4-3	Ms14w
▲ 1	Higoarashi	Kise	1989/08/20 (43)	2006.05	Ms15	Ms29e 5-2	Ms15w 1-6	Ms36e 3-4	Ms47e 6-1	Ms20e 4-3	Ms15w
▲ 2	Hokaho	Miyagino	1989/06/21 (47)	2007.03	Ms24	Ms50e 4-3	Ms41e 4-3	Ms33w 3-4	Ms44w 4-3	Ms36w 5-2	Ms24w
● 0	Byakko	Nakamura	1989/07/11 (44)	2005.03	Ms13	Ms34w 1-4-2	Sd8w 3-4	Sd26w 6-1	Ms47w 5-2	Ms34e 4-3	Ms26w
▲ 3	Tochinohama	Kasugano	1989/01/29 (54)	2007.03	Ms26	Ms26w 3-4	Ms35e 2-5	Ms55e 5-2	Ms35w 3-4	Ms44e 5-2	Ms28e
● 0	Tamadaiki	Kataonami	1988/11/02 (57)	2007.03	Ms16	Ms42w 5-2	Ms25w 4-3	Ms21w 4-3	Ms16w 1-6	Ms39e 4-3	Ms30w
● 0	Kyokutaisei	Tomozuna	1989/10/18 (41)	2008.01	Ms32	Ms51e 4-3	Ms44e 4-3	Ms36w 3-4	Ms48e 4-3	Ms40w 4-3	Ms32e
▲ 2	Takatoshi	Takanohana	1990/04/19 (34)	2009.01	Ms23	Ms45w 3-4	Ms54e 4-3	Ms45e 3-4	Ms57w 4-3	Ms48e 5-2	Ms33w
▼ 8	Nishikigi	Isenoumi	1990/08/25 (29)	2006.03	Ms13	Ms39w 5-2	Ms23e 4-3	Ms20w 2-5	Ms33w 6-1	Ms13w 1-6	Ms35e
▲ 3	Asabenkei	Takasago	1989/02/12 (51)	2007.03	Ms35	Ms48e 3-4	Ms60e 2-5	Sd25e 5-2	Ms60e 4-3	Ms53e 5-2	Ms35w
▲ 3	Mugendai	Musashigawa	1989/01/21 (55)	2004.05	Ms35	Sd7e 5-2	Ms51e 5-2	Ms38w 1-6	Sd5e 4-3	Ms55w 5-2	Ms38e
▲ 7	Chiyosakae	Kokonoe	1990/07/12 (32)	2009.01	Ms46	Sd41e 4-3	Sd26w 4-3	Sd12w 5-2	Ms53e 3-3-1	Sd8e 5-2	Ms46w
▲ 14	Sasayama	Kise	1990/01/14 (39)	2008.03	Ms50	Sd35w 4-3	Sd21w 4-3	Sd10w 4-3	Ms59w 0-7	Sd34w 6-1	Ms50w
▲ 3	Kansei	Sakaigawa	1989/08/25 (42)	2008.03	Ms45	Ms48w 3-4	Ms60w 4-3	Ms53e 4-3	Ms45w 3-4	Sd1e 4-3	Ms54e
▼ 6	Dewahayate	Dewanoumi	1989/01/31 (53)	2004.03	Ms19	Ms20w 2-4-1	Ms34w 4-3	Ms30e 3-4	Ms36e 3-4	Ms46w 3-4	Ms57w
New	Daishoryu	Oitekaze	1989/12/29 (40)	2005.09	Ms58	Sd36w 5-2	Sd11e 3-4	Sd28w 5-2	Sd3e 3-4	Sd18w 5-2	Ms58e
▼ 6	Nogami	Oguruma	1990/08/15 (31)	2009.01	Ms49	Sd9w 2-5	Sd33w 5-2	Sd8e 3-4	Sd24w 6-1	Ms49e 3-4	Sd1w
▲ 2	Okoryu	Sakaigawa	1989/02/14 (50)	2007.03	Ms54	Sd3e 4-3	Ms54w 3-4	Sd11e 4-3	Ms60w 3-4	Sd14w 4-3	Sd3w
▲ 2	Masumiura	Mihogaseki	1990/10/25 (28)	2006.03	Ms46	Ms55w 2-5	Sd19e 2-5	Sd45e 4-3	Sd29w 4-3	Sd15e 4-3	Sd5e
▼ 5	Tokizakura	Nakamura	1989/07/10 (45)	2005.03	Ms35	Sd15e 4-3	Sd8e 4-3	Ms58e 2-5	Sd17w 5-2	Ms56w 3-4	Sd11w
▼ 9	Amatsu	Onomatsu	1990/04/03 (36)	2009.01	Ms28	Ms42e 4-3	Ms34e 4-3	Ms28w 2-5	Ms41w 3-4	Ms52w 2-5	Sd14e
▼ 6	Aokishin	Kasugano	1989/06/10 (48)	2008.03	Ms57	Jk13w 6-1	Jd33e 7-0 Y	Sd35w 4-3	Sd18w 5-2	Ms57w 2-5	Sd16w
▼ 5	Takageppo	Takanohana	1990/04/19 (34)	2009.01	Ms17	Ms26e 2-5	Ms40e 2-5	Sd2w 5-2	Ms39w 2-5	Sd3e 3-4	Sd17e
▲ 5	Mankajo	Kasugayama	1990/02/10 (38)	2005.03	Ms31	Ms39e 4-3	Ms31w 2-5	Ms53w 1-6	Sd21w 2-5	Sd47w 5-2	Sd21e
▲ 3	Hokuoryu	Nakamura	1990/08/21 (30)	2006.03	Ms46	Sd23w 3-4	Sd38w 1-1-5	Sd76w 6-1	Sd19e 3-4	Sd36w 4-3	Sd24w
▼ 4	Daishoiwa	Oitekaze	1990/10/29 (27)	2006.03	Ms36	Ms54w 5-2	Ms36e 3-4	Ms47e 3-4	Ms58e 2-5	Sd18e 3-4	Sd33w
▼ 3	Komanokuni	Shibatayama	1990/06/29 (33)	2006.03	Ms56	Sd12e 4-3	Sd3e 2-5	Sd29e 5-2	Sd3w 3-4	Sd19e 3-4	Sd36e
▼ 3	Daiseiho	Shibatayama	1988/11/27 (56)	2008.01	Ms56	Ms59w 3-4	Sd16w 3-4	Sd34w 3-4	Sd48w 5-2	Sd22w 3-4	Sd39e
▲ 1	Kenho	Tokitsukaze	1989/02/10 (52)	2011.05	Ms59	Sd99e 7-0 D	Ms59e 1-6	Sd34e 2-5	Sd58e 3-4	Sd77w 5-2	Sd47e
▼ 4	Daikamifusa	Asahiyama	1989/05/30 (49)	2005.03	Ms46	Sd47e 4-3	Sd30w 2-5	Sd57w 6-1	Sd5w 2-5	Sd29w 2-5	Sd56w

Tamadaiki and Daiseiho will age out of this tier; Tamadaiki can still sesure a move to Tier 4 (although it'll probably take a 6-1) while Daiseiho is definitely out.

Edited November 17, 2012 by Asashosakari

[Asashosakari 18,959]

Kyushu 2012, Tier 4:

With the best two prospects for promotion:

Heisei Hopefuls for Kyushu 2012 - Tier 4: Last Chance Saloon - Ms15+ Age 25 and under
+/-	Rikishi	Heya	DOB	Debut	HiRk	2012.01	2012.03	2012.05	2012.07	2012.09	2012.11
● 0	Azumaryu	Tamanoi	1987/05/12 (63)	2008.11	Ms1	Ms9w 4-3	Ms5e 3-4	Ms10w 5-2	Ms6w 4-3	Ms5e 4-3	Ms1w
▲ 1	Seiro	Shikoroyama	1988/08/18 (59)	2005.07	Ms2	Ms36e 5-2	Ms21e 4-3	Ms17w 4-3	Ms13w 4-3	Ms9e 5-2	Ms2e
▲ 1	Kagamio	Kagamiyama	1988/02/09 (61)	2003.07	Ms4	Ms12w 3-4	Ms18e 5-2	Ms11e 5-2	Ms7e 3-4	Ms10e 4-3	Ms4w
▲ 1	Watanabe	Takanohana	1988/09/29 (58)	2011.05	Ms7	Sd40e 5-2	Sd16e 5-2	Ms55w 3-4	Sd9e 7-0 Y	Ms13e 4-3	Ms7w
▼ 3	Tochihiryu	Kasugano	1987/04/23 (64)	2006.03	Ms2	Ms2w 2-5	Ms7w 5-2	Ms4w 2-5	Ms10w 5-2	Ms6e 3-4	Ms10w
● 0	Karatsuumi	Tamanoi	1988/08/03 (60)	2004.03	Ms12	Ms18e 3-4	Ms24e 2-5	Ms42e 5-2	Ms27w 4-3	Ms22w 3-4	Ms29w
● 0	Ryuonami	Tatsunami	1987/09/12 (62)	2010.01	Ms14	Ms14w 3-4	Ms20w 4-3	Ms16w 2-5	Ms28w 2-5	Ms45e 5-2	Ms30e

[Fay 1,677]

Big step today for Kagamio. He made his kachikoshi, one more win and he should go up to Juryo :-)

B

Edited November 19, 2012 by Fay

[Asashosakari 18,959]

Kyushu 2012 results...and for a change they're even In Space! in time! (Fair warning: Don't click the link and especially not any subsequent links if you have less than 36 hours of free time at present.)

Tier 1:

A pretty good basho here among the top talents, with 7 KK and only 2 KK. (And especially KK's for all rikishi who went makekoshi the previous basho, which is always good to see.) The one thing that marred the results was of course Sasanoyama's complete kyujo, which is not exactly the end to a career-opening KK streak that one would expect or hope for. Maybe he'll be back for Hatsu basho - if he's healthy again, a 6-1 bounceback shouldn't be impossible at the bottom of makushita.

As a result Tatsu regained the top spot by default, but he put some emphasis on it by going 5-2, dominating his first five opponents before losing to upcoming shin-juryo Azumaryu and probably-soon-to-be-sekitori Chiyomaru. Masunosho ended his dream run of 6 straight KK (moving up 86 ranks), but a 3-4 still has to rate as good news on the heels of such a quick rise.

The two makushita debutants finished on opposite scores, with Mitoyutaka achieving a strong 5-2, matching Tatsu's WWWWWLL pattern (although he had to fight harder for his wins), while Goshi had to settle for a 2-5 - perhaps not a big surprise after a 6-1 jump. The rest of the group finished 4-3, none of them all that close to their career highs. Terutsuyoshi has now had KK's in his last five sandanme appearances and will return to makushita for his third go at the higher division, hopefully finally cracking the four-win barrier there, too.

Heisei Hopefuls for Kyushu 2012 - Tier 1: Top Talents - current yardstick: Chiyootori (1992/10/11, debut 2008.05, shin-juryo 2012.03)
Rikishi	Heya	DOB	Debut	HiRk	2012.01	2012.03	2012.05	2012.07	2012.09	2012.11
Sasanoyama	Kise	1992/12/30 (9)	2011.05	Ms17	Sd1e 5-2	Ms42w 5-2	Ms32w 4-3	Ms26e 4-3	Ms21e 4-3	Ms17e 0-0-7
Tatsu	Takadagawa	1994/06/01 (3)	2010.03	Ms11	Ms40e 6-1 D	Ms16e 2-5	Ms31w 5-2	Ms19w 5-2	Ms11w 2-5	Ms25w 5-2
Masunosho	Chiganoura	1994/11/14 (2)	2010.03	Ms36	Sd36e 5-2	Sd10w 4-3	Ms60e 4-3	Ms51w 4-3	Ms44w 4-3	Ms36e 3-4
Akinokawa	Takadagawa	1992/11/30 (10)	2008.03	Ms28	Ms60e 6-1 D	Ms28e 3-4	Ms38e 4-3	Ms31w 3-4	Ms38e 3-4	Ms47e 4-3
Tsurubayashi	Kise	1993/12/31 (4)	2009.03	Ms40	Ms46e 2-5	Sd12e 4-3	Sd1w 4-3	Ms53w 5-2	Ms40e 3-4	Ms52e 4-3
Goshi	Arashio	1993/10/05 (5)	2011.11	Ms54	Jk15e 7-0 Y	Jd10w 5-2	Sd78w 6-1	Sd20w 3-4	Sd39e 6-1	Ms54w 2-5
Mitoyutaka	Nishikido	1993/04/08 (7)	2009.03	Ms60	Sd2w 3-4	Sd17e 3-4	Sd37e 4-3	Sd23w 4-3	Sd10e 4-3	Ms60e 5-2
Terutsuyoshi	Isegahama	1995/01/17 (1)	2010.03	Ms49	Sd6e 5-2	Ms49e 3-4	Sd4e 4-3	Ms55w 2-5	Sd15w 4-3	Sd5w 4-3
Aonosho	Dewanoumi	1993/06/03 (6)	2009.03	Ms57	Jd12w 4-3	Sd92w 7-0 D	Ms57w 3-4	Sd11w 2-5	Sd38w 4-3	Sd26w 4-3
Kotodaigo	Sadogatake	1993/01/14 (8)	2011.05	Ms27	Sd43w 7-0 Y	Ms27w 3-4	Ms37w 1-6	Sd4e 3-4	Sd21e 3-4	Sd37w 4-3

And we continue to expand this tier with more promising rikishi as the following two are set to reach makushita in January:

Rikishi	Heya	DOB	Debut	HiRk	2012.01	2012.03	2012.05	2012.07	2012.09	2012.11
Daieisho	Oitekaze	1993/11/10	2012.01	Sd8	Mz 3-0	Jk13w 7-0 Y	Jd12e 6-1	Sd49e 4-3	Sd34e 5-2	Sd8e 6-1
Meisei	Tatsunami	1995/07/24	2011.05	Sd10	Sd96w 2-5	Jd31e 6-1	Sd67w 5-2	Sd35w 4-3	Sd20w 4-3	Sd10e 4-3

Daieisho is the latest product of famed Saitama Sakae HS's sumo program and reached the semifinals of the National Inter-High tournament before turning pro, and his rise has mirrored that of other polished high school graduates of the recent past (such as Sasakiyama, Saishin and - a bit better - Sasanoyama). High sandanme is already a pretty tough environment, so a 6-1 certainly has to be considered impressive. For the next basho (ranked around Ms30-35) everything above 2 wins will probably have to be considered a success. So far, Daieisho's style is firmly in the tsuki-oshi camp with those accounting for 19 wins in his 28-7 record, but the usual caveats apply when a rookie has encountered relatively little opposition on the way up.

Meisei on the other hand shouldn't really be a fast riser as a middle school grad, but here he is, reaching makushita after just 10 basho; his only MK thus far came in his sandanme debut last January. He'll be the youngest rikishi in Tier 1 by far, beating out Terutsuyoshi by more than half a year. He's either been rather lucky or extremely focussed of late, as his last pair of 4-3 records were both achieved from 1-3 down. In any case, he's a yotsu/nage hybrid with a fairly high-octane approach to his bouts. I'm actually struggling for sekitori style comparisons - maybe a young Asasekiryu? Some shades of a young Wakanosato perhaps, too, at least if Meisei puts on some more weight on the way further up - so far he doesn't look that much heavier than his 111 kg debut weight.

Edited November 28, 2012 by Asashosakari

[Asashosakari 18,959]

Tier 2:

In the end it wasn't to be, but Chiyoo acquitted himself very well in his first foray into the promotion zone, ultimately falling only one win short of (what would have been a rather lucky) juryo promotion.

This tier is about to break into two parts of sorts, as the Kyushu results will send almost all rikishi either to above Ms35 or into sandanme. Lots of good results among the higher-rankers, topped by Chiyomaru repeating his 6-1 from Aki which should send him back to where he was before missing Nagoya basho to injury. Also quite notable is heavyweight Kawanari's 4th consecutive KK - after struggling around lower makushita since his division debut in 2009, he seems to have found a new gear in the last year and is set to reach the promotion zone for the first time in January. The most noteworthy results further down are in my opinion the 5-2's by Kotokobai and Chiyoshima, both of whom will be on career highs come Hatsu.

As implied above things didn't go so swimmingly for the already lower-ranked members of this tier. I'm honestly not sure what to think about Kotokensei anymore - once a blue-chip prospect who reached makushita right after turning 18, he immediately turned into the proverbial pumpkin after that, not even having his second makushita appearance until three years (!) later, with the 0-7 in high sandanme now putting a cap on what has been a wildly inconsistent list of results across the last few years. Hatsu basho will be his last tournament here in Tier 2 and even as the future youngest rikishi in Tier 3 from Haru onward, it'll be hard to consider him an above-average member of that section, let alone a true prospect. Maybe Fay can enlighten us a bit on him?

Heisei Hopefuls for Kyushu 2012 - Tier 2: Promising Youngsters - Age 21 and under
Rikishi	Heya	DOB	Debut	HiRk	2012.01	2012.03	2012.05	2012.07	2012.09	2012.11
Chiyoo	Kokonoe	1991/05/29 (23)	2010.03	Ms4	Ms33e 4-3	Ms26e 5-2	Ms19w 4-3	Ms14w 4-3	Ms9w 4-3	Ms4e 3-4
Kawanari	Oguruma	1991/07/07 (21)	2007.03	Ms11	Ms28w 3-4	Ms37e 3-4	Ms49w 6-1	Ms21e 4-3	Ms16e 4-3	Ms11w 5-2
Saishin	Chiganoura	1991/11/12 (19)	2010.01	Ms9	Ms19w 5-2	Ms9w 3-4	Ms14e 3-4	Ms17w 4-3	Ms14w 3-4	Ms20w 5-2
Chiyomaru	Kokonoe	1991/04/17 (24)	2007.05	Ms8	Ms24e 5-2	Ms14e 4-3	Ms10e 4-3	Ms8e 0-1-6	Ms48w 6-1	Ms21w 6-1
Sasakiyama	Kise	1991/06/12 (22)	2010.01	Ms22	Ms30e 3-4	Ms38e 5-2	Ms25w 3-4	Ms33e 4-3	Ms28e 4-3	Ms22e 3-4
Kotofukuju	Sadogatake	1991/12/14 (16)	2007.03	Ms17	Ms33w 4-3	Ms27e 3-4	Ms37e 5-2	Ms25w 5-2	Ms17w 3-4	Ms23w 4-3
Onami	Arashio	1991/12/29 (15)	2009.11	Ms31	Sd51e 5-2	Sd25w 4-3	Sd11w 5-2	Ms51e 3-4	Sd5w 6-1	Ms31e 2-5
Wakamisho	Magaki	1991/11/29 (17)	2011.01	Ms15	Ms58e 5-2	Ms39w 5-2	Ms27w 5-2	Ms15e 3-4	Ms21w 2-5	Ms37w 4-3
Kotokobai	Sadogatake	1991/03/31 (25)	2006.03	Ms31	Ms31w 1-5-1	Sd4e 5-2	Ms45w 2-5	Sd4w 5-2	Ms49w 4-3	Ms39w 5-2
Matsumoto	Shikoroyama	1992/03/10 (13)	2007.03	Ms22	Ms25w 3-4	Ms33w 4-3	Ms27e 4-3	Ms22e 2-5	Ms37w 3-4	Ms45w 5-2
Chiyoshoma	Kokonoe	1991/07/20 (20)	2009.05	Ms44	Sd23e 6-1	Ms44w 2-5	Sd8w 5-2	Ms48w 2-5	Sd11w 5-2	Ms49w 5-2
Kotoeko	Sadogatake	1991/11/20 (18)	2007.03	Ms52	Sd35e 2-5	Sd64e 6-1	Sd9w 3-4	Sd25w 5-2	Ms60w 4-3	Ms52w 3-4
Hakunishiki	Kasugayama	1992/01/13 (14)	2007.03	Ms38	Sd7w 3-4	Sd22e 3-4	Sd42e 5-2	Sd14w 2-5	Sd43w 6-1	Ms55w 3-4
Kotokensei	Sadogatake	1991/01/06 (26)	2006.03	Ms43	Sd34w 4-3	Sd20e 6-1	Ms43w 1-6	Sd13w 5-2	Ms55e 3-4	Sd7w 0-7
Aiyama	Kitanoumi	1992/03/23 (12)	2007.03	Ms57	Sd52e 3-4	Sd71e 6-1	Sd16w 4-3	Sd7e 4-3	Ms57e 3-4	Sd12w 2-5
Kinunonami	Tatsunami	1992/08/13 (11)	2008.03	Ms31	Sd27e 4-3	Sd14e 4-3	Sd5e 6-1	Ms31e 3-4	Ms37e 0-1-6	Sd17w 0-0-7

A trio of newcomers will try to enhance this tier, as well:

Rikishi	Heya	DOB	Debut	HiRk	2012.01	2012.03	2012.05	2012.07	2012.09	2012.11
Haseyama	Kasugano	1992/08/26	2011.05	Sd6	Sd90w 5-2	Sd59e 5-2	Sd33e 3-4	Sd48e 4-3	Sd33w 5-2	Sd6w 5-2
Osunaarashi	Otake	1992/02/10	2012.01	Sd20	[/td2][td2]Mz 2-0	Jk5w 7-0 Y	Jd8w 5-1-1	Sd75e 6-1	Sd20e 6-1
Daijo	Takadagawa	1991/07/19	2007.03	Sd53	Sd71w 3-4	Sd91e 4-3	Sd73e 3-4	Sd88e 4-3	Sd69e 3-4	Sd81w 7-0 D

Do I need to say anything about Osunaarashi? Probably not. :-)

Haseyama is another of those polished high school amateurs (although with his biggest successes back in elementary school - two-time wampaku national champion), and his birthdate makes him only two months shy of qualifying for the first tier. He didn't have the most auspicious start to his career, first being a media target as the first Kasugano recruit to join following the Kasuganishiki-inspired yaocho scandal, then going 3-4 in his banzuke debut where he had to face Wakamisho, Sakumayama (Jokoryu) and a low sandanme-quality injury returnee, then missing the first two bouts of his sophomore basho. It's been pretty smooth sailing since then though with just one more (3-4) makekoshi, although his overall rise has been of the "slow and steady" variety. Still, 10 basho to makushita ain't bad at all, and while he doesn't seem to be a guy who'll go on to establish himself in upper makushita right away, he's definitely going to bear watching, especially with the well-oiled Kasugano machine behind his development.

And behind door number 3 we find the surprise yusho-doten scorer of Kyushu basho, Takadagawa-beya's Daijo. I'll be honest, I don't have much. A middle school grad, his early years in Ozumo put him at the low end of what I consider prospect status, reaching sandanme for the first time at 18 years and a few months of age. That was three years ago, and he hasn't really done all that much since then; he has never scored above 4-3 while ranked in sandanme, and the highest rank at which he's done it was Sd72 (already back in 2010). His last 8 records in sandanme were equal parts 4-3 and 3-4, sending him bouncing around between Sd69 and Sd91. Given that, the 7-0 has to rate as a huge upset of the banzuke laws. Looking at his seven bouts, I can't even say that he was particularly lucky in winning them, which only makes it all the weirder. Even in the yusho playoff against makushita-experienced Takageppo he put up a good fight. Still, if he wins more than one bout in January I'll be surprised. After that...well, we'll have to see.

Edited November 29, 2012 by Asashosakari

[Asashosakari 18,959]

Tier 3:

Another tier where the top dog had to vacate his spot without a fight. None of Tochiyashiki's closest pursuers were able to take advantage of it, and in the end it's Nishikigi's surprise yusho that marks the highlight of the basho in this section. I don't have much hope for a kachikoshi at ~Ms3 next time, but if this yusho proves to establish him as a regular in the top 15 ranks, the 22-year-old will be an excellent bet for becoming sekitori while he's still covered by this thread (i.e. the next 3 and a half years), or perhaps even by this tier (till Nagoya 2014).

All in all, not a bad basho by the inhabitants of this tier, as much of the time their results simply resemble random walk until they age out of our coverage. 50% kachikoshi by those ranked in makushita this time around, and only one result below 3-4...at the very least, that puts Kyushu on the slightly positive side of the random results generator. Mugendai achived a fine 5-2 near his highest rank - his previous results above Ms40 were 2-5, 1-6 and again 1-6. Also finishing 5-2 was tier rookie Daishoryu, as well the previous newcomer Nogami in a fine bounceback from his debut 3-4. Other notable results include Hokaho's 3-4 in his first stint in the upper half of makushita and Chiyosakae's 4-3 at his career high. Disregarding the 3-3-1 in Nagoya where he missed two bouts, Chiyosakae hasn't had any makekoshi in 2012, and in fact his career continues to be free of records below 3 wins.

Last not least, mention must be made of Takageppo's sandanme yusho. Then again, it was about time, considering he had combined for a 16-25-1 record with 5 MK since reaching his career high of Ms17 last November. He is now set to exceed that ranking, most likely reaching Ms14 or Ms15 for Hatsu basho - hopefully with more success than the last time around.

Heisei Hopefuls for Kyushu 2012 - Tier 3: Still Worth Watching - Age 23 and under
Rikishi	Heya	DOB	Debut	HiRk	2012.01	2012.03	2012.05	2012.07	2012.09	2012.11
Tochiyashiki	Kasugano	1989/07/07 (46)	2008.03	Ms4	Ms7e 3-4	Ms12w 4-3	Ms7w 4-3	Ms6e 4-3	Ms4e 3-4	Ms6w 0-0-7
Kairyu	Dewanoumi	1990/03/01 (37)	2005.03	Ms4	Ms37w 4-3	Ms29w 7-0 Y	Ms4e 2-5	Ms10e 3-5	Ms18w 4-3	Ms14w 3-4
Higoarashi	Kise	1989/08/20 (43)	2006.05	Ms15	Ms29e 5-2	Ms15w 1-6	Ms36e 3-4	Ms47e 6-1	Ms20e 4-3	Ms15w 3-4
Hokaho	Miyagino	1989/06/21 (47)	2007.03	Ms24	Ms50e 4-3	Ms41e 4-3	Ms33w 3-4	Ms44w 4-3	Ms36w 5-2	Ms24w 3-4
Byakko	Nakamura	1989/07/11 (44)	2005.03	Ms13	Ms34w 1-4-2	Sd8w 3-4	Sd26w 6-1	Ms47w 5-2	Ms34e 4-3	Ms26w 4-3
Tochinohama	Kasugano	1989/01/29 (54)	2007.03	Ms26	Ms26w 3-4	Ms35e 2-5	Ms55e 5-2	Ms35w 3-4	Ms44e 5-2	Ms28e 2-5
Tamadaiki	Kataonami	1988/11/02 (57)	2007.03	Ms16	Ms42w 5-2	Ms25w 4-3	Ms21w 4-3	Ms16w 1-6	Ms39e 4-3	Ms30w 5-2
Kyokutaisei	Tomozuna	1989/10/18 (41)	2008.01	Ms32	Ms51e 4-3	Ms44e 4-3	Ms36w 3-4	Ms48e 4-3	Ms40w 4-3	Ms32e 3-4
Takatoshi	Takanohana	1990/04/19 (34)	2009.01	Ms23	Ms45w 3-4	Ms54e 4-3	Ms45e 3-4	Ms57w 4-3	Ms48e 5-2	Ms33w 4-3
Nishikigi	Isenoumi	1990/08/25 (29)	2006.03	Ms13	Ms39w 5-2	Ms23e 4-3	Ms20w 2-5	Ms33w 6-1	Ms13w 1-6	Ms35e 7-0 Y
Asabenkei	Takasago	1989/02/12 (51)	2007.03	Ms35	Ms48e 3-4	Ms60e 2-5	Sd25e 5-2	Ms60e 4-3	Ms53e 5-2	Ms35w 3-4
Mugendai	Musashigawa	1989/01/21 (55)	2004.05	Ms35	Sd7e 5-2	Ms51e 5-2	Ms38w 1-6	Sd5e 4-3	Ms55w 5-2	Ms38e 5-2
Chiyosakae	Kokonoe	1990/07/12 (32)	2009.01	Ms46	Sd41e 4-3	Sd26w 4-3	Sd12w 5-2	Ms53e 3-3-1	Sd8e 5-2	Ms46w 4-3
Sasayama	Kise	1990/01/14 (39)	2008.03	Ms50	Sd35w 4-3	Sd21w 4-3	Sd10w 4-3	Ms59w 0-7	Sd34w 6-1	Ms50w 3-4
Kansei	Sakaigawa	1989/08/25 (42)	2008.03	Ms45	Ms48w 3-4	Ms60w 4-3	Ms53e 4-3	Ms45w 3-4	Sd1e 4-3	Ms54e 3-4
Dewahayate	Dewanoumi	1989/01/31 (53)	2004.03	Ms19	Ms20w 2-4-1	Ms34w 4-3	Ms30e 3-4	Ms36e 3-4	Ms46w 3-4	Ms57w 4-3
Daishoryu	Oitekaze	1989/12/29 (40)	2005.09	Ms58	Sd36w 5-2	Sd11e 3-4	Sd28w 5-2	Sd3e 3-4	Sd18w 5-2	Ms58e 5-2
Nogami	Oguruma	1990/08/15 (31)	2009.01	Ms49	Sd9w 2-5	Sd33w 5-2	Sd8e 3-4	Sd24w 6-1	Ms49e 3-4	Sd1w 5-2
Okoryu	Sakaigawa	1989/02/14 (50)	2007.03	Ms54	Sd3e 4-3	Ms54w 3-4	Sd11e 4-3	Ms60w 3-4	Sd14w 4-3	Sd3w 1-6
Masumiura	Mihogaseki	1990/10/25 (28)	2006.03	Ms46	Ms55w 2-5	Sd19e 2-5	Sd45e 4-3	Sd29w 4-3	Sd15e 4-3	Sd5e 2-5
Tokizakura	Nakamura	1989/07/10 (45)	2005.03	Ms35	Sd15e 4-3	Sd8e 4-3	Ms58e 2-5	Sd17w 5-2	Ms56w 3-4	Sd11w 5-2
Amatsu	Onomatsu	1990/04/03 (36)	2009.01	Ms28	Ms42e 4-3	Ms34e 4-3	Ms28w 2-5	Ms41w 3-4	Ms52w 2-5	Sd14e 4-3
Aokishin	Kasugano	1989/06/10 (48)	2008.03	Ms57	Jk13w 6-1	Jd33e 7-0 Y	Sd35w 4-3	Sd18w 5-2	Ms57w 2-5	Sd16w 0-1-6
Takageppo	Takanohana	1990/04/19 (34)	2009.01	Ms17	Ms26e 2-5	Ms40e 2-5	Sd2w 5-2	Ms39w 2-5	Sd3e 3-4	Sd17e 7-0 Y
Mankajo	Kasugayama	1990/02/10 (38)	2005.03	Ms31	Ms39e 4-3	Ms31w 2-5	Ms53w 1-6	Sd21w 2-5	Sd47w 5-2	Sd21e 4-3
Hokuoryu	Nakamura	1990/08/21 (30)	2006.03	Ms46	Sd23w 3-4	Sd38w 1-1-5	Sd76w 6-1	Sd19e 3-4	Sd36w 4-3	Sd24w 0-0-7
Daishoiwa	Oitekaze	1990/10/29 (27)	2006.03	Ms36	Ms54w 5-2	Ms36e 3-4	Ms47e 3-4	Ms58e 2-5	Sd18e 3-4	Sd33w 5-2
Komanokuni	Shibatayama	1990/06/29 (33)	2006.03	Ms56	Sd12e 4-3	Sd3e 2-5	Sd29e 5-2	Sd3w 3-4	Sd19e 3-4	Sd36e 2-5
Daiseiho	Shibatayama	1988/11/27 (56)	2008.01	Ms56	Ms59w 3-4	Sd16w 3-4	Sd34w 3-4	Sd48w 5-2	Sd22w 3-4	Sd39e 5-2
Kenho	Tokitsukaze	1989/02/10 (52)	2011.05	Ms59	Sd99e 7-0 D	Ms59e 1-6	Sd34e 2-5	Sd58e 3-4	Sd77w 5-2	Sd47e 3-4
Daikamifusa	Asahiyama	1989/05/30 (49)	2005.03	Ms46	Sd47e 4-3	Sd30w 2-5	Sd57w 6-1	Sd5w 2-5	Sd29w 2-5	Sd56w 5-2

Tier 3 is losing three members, the most drastic loss being the intai by Hokuoryu who will not be joining his Nakamura-beya mates (including Byakko and Tokizakura from this same section) on the trek to their new home at Azumazeki-beya. Admittedly his career hadn't exactly progressed as one might have hoped after he reached sandanme at 17 and a half years of age (a decent enough progression for middle school grads) and makushita three years later (a bit long), as the final two years of his career were spent in an upper-sandanme holding pattern. Still, even being a longshot for eventual sekitoridom, it's always a bit sad to see a talented rikishi retire at just 22 years old.

Also on the way out is Daiseiho who turned 24 this past Tuesday to reach the age cutoff; I'll use this opportunity to link to my quick blurb written on the occasion of his makushita debut which included another link to his fairly interesting origin story. He's not gonna become sekitori, but I'll continue to follow his sumo career with interest.

And finally, also a fresh 24-year-old is Tamadaiki, the former borderline Tier 1-quality prospect (if this thread had existed four years ago) who hasn't really gone too far in those four years and 20 makushita basho. He gave it the old college try this basho, but a 5-2 from Ms30w (his highest-ever rank for a 5-2) likely isn't enough to get him into the top 15 ranks for January and buy him two more years via Tier 4. At least for now; I suspect he'll make it in at a later date, but of course with correspondingly less "re-prospect" time. His likelihood of a decent sekitori career looks rather iffy to me, in any case. I still wouldn't be surprised if he eventually makes it, but he's starting to have the career profile of those cup of coffee guys who earn a handful of juryo appearances when they're hitting their prime around age 27/28 and then disappear back to the unsalaried ranks in fairly short order.

Riding the Heisei Hopefuls highway in the other direction is this rikishi:

Rikishi	Heya	DOB	Debut	HiRk	2012.01	2012.03	2012.05	2012.07	2012.09	2012.11
Iwasaki	Kise	1989/06/11	2012.05	Sd18	[/td2][td2]	Mz 3-0	Jk17e 7-0 Y	Jd11e 7-0 Y	Sd18w 6-1

Not much to say beyond how I already characterized him during the basho - probably not a bad bet to be sekitori before too long, as these second-tier collegiate rikishi always are, but I don't feel we're looking at a future maegashira mainstay here, let alone more. Maybe he'll prove me wrong.

Edited November 29, 2012 by Asashosakari

[Asashosakari 18,959]

Tier 4:

And finally, our lowest tier, which confirmed the reasons for its recent birth by producing the two sekitori debuts for the upcoming Hatsu basho. Congrats to the Mongolian pair of Azumaryu and Kagamio! They're only 9 months apart in age, and both came to Japan as 15-year-olds, but their paths to juryo couldn't have been more different, with Kagamio going into Ozumo right then as a teenager and doing the hard slog through the lower divisions, while Azumaryu attended sumo powerhouse Meitoku Gijuku HS and later Kyushu Joho University, leaving the latter during his third year when a foreigner spot opened up at Tamanoi-beya. Unsurprisingly he raced through the bottom three divisions totaling a 23-5 record along the way, but getting through makushita proved more troublesome. In the end, he had to spent 18 tournaments in the third-highest division, not much less than Kagamio's 24. There are members who have paid closer attention to their careers than I have (Fay? Azumashida?), so maybe some of them would like to weigh in with their expectations for the future.

Beyond that, it was a mix of pretty good and very bad here in Tier 4. Seiro went makekoshi in his first promotion zone appearance, but got a lucky bonus with an 8th bout win that should keep him about two ranks higher than he would have fallen with a 2-5, and Tochihiryu extended his kachi-make nuke-nuke to 11 basho with a fine 5-2 performance. (Will he finally break out of the pattern next time?) On the other side of the ledger we find Watanabe's dreadful display of the sophomore curse following a sandanme yusho, and another setback in Ryuonami's quest to become more than "that third Mongolian" in the Meitoku/Joho group of students that also included Azumaryu. Lastly, there's Karatsuumi who managed to avoid the sophomore curse after his own sandanme yusho 7 basho ago, but has been stuck in the same upper-mid makushita region ever since; his 4-3 this basho is right in line with that.

Heisei Hopefuls for Kyushu 2012 - Tier 4: Last Chance Saloon - Ms15+ Age 25 and under
Rikishi	Heya	DOB	Debut	HiRk	2012.01	2012.03	2012.05	2012.07	2012.09	2012.11
Azumaryu	Tamanoi	1987/05/12 (63)	2008.11	Ms1	Ms9w 4-3	Ms5e 3-4	Ms10w 5-2	Ms6w 4-3	Ms5e 4-3	Ms1w 6-1
Seiro	Shikoroyama	1988/08/18 (59)	2005.07	Ms2	Ms36e 5-2	Ms21e 4-3	Ms17w 4-3	Ms13w 4-3	Ms9e 5-2	Ms2e 3-5
Kagamio	Kagamiyama	1988/02/09 (61)	2003.07	Ms4	Ms12w 3-4	Ms18e 5-2	Ms11e 5-2	Ms7e 3-4	Ms10e 4-3	Ms4w 4-3
Watanabe	Takanohana	1988/09/29 (58)	2011.05	Ms7	Sd40e 5-2	Sd16e 5-2	Ms55w 3-4	Sd9e 7-0 Y	Ms13e 4-3	Ms7w 0-7
Tochihiryu	Kasugano	1987/04/23 (64)	2006.03	Ms2	Ms2w 2-5	Ms7w 5-2	Ms4w 2-5	Ms10w 5-2	Ms6e 3-4	Ms10w 5-2
Karatsuumi	Tamanoi	1988/08/03 (60)	2004.03	Ms12	Ms18e 3-4	Ms24e 2-5	Ms42e 5-2	Ms27w 4-3	Ms22w 3-4	Ms29w 4-3
Ryuonami	Tatsunami	1987/09/12 (62)	2010.01	Ms14	Ms14w 3-4	Ms20w 4-3	Ms16w 2-5	Ms28w 2-5	Ms45e 5-2	Ms30e 2-3-2

And in what has turned out to be a newcomer-heavy tournament, even this tier will receive a new entrant:

Rikishi	Heya	DOB	Debut	HiRk	2012.01	2012.03	2012.05	2012.07	2012.09	2012.11
Fukugoriki	Arashio	1988/03/02	2005.11	Ms19	Ms36w 3-4	Ms43e 3-4	Ms54e 5-2	Ms35e 3-4	Ms42e 6-1	Ms19e 5-2

Fukugoriki is a rikishi I've already been keeping an eye on, although it's been more because he already missed 9 full tournaments in his career and dropped back to maezumo twice, than it has been for true sekitori potential. Nevertheless, here he is now, set to reach about Ms10 at 24 years of age. Not sure what to think of his chances now, but it's hard to argue with his recent 11-3 streak from Ms42, especially as the previous three times he went KK at a similar rank it was only a 4-3 and the follow-up was always a 3-4. Maybe there's some "there" there now? I'm always rooting for Cinderella stories, and in Ozumo terms it doesn't get much better than a guy who missed nearly three years of career time to two different injuries.

Edited November 29, 2012 by Asashosakari

[Fay 1,677]

Tier 4:

And finally, our lowest tier, which confirmed the reasons for its recent birth by producing the two sekitori debuts for the upcoming Hatsu basho. Congrats to the Mongolian pair of Azumaryu and Kagamio! They're only 9 months apart in age, and both came to Japan as 15-year-olds, but their paths to juryo couldn't have been more different, with Kagamio going into Ozumo right then as a teenager and doing the hard slog through the lower divisions, while Azumaryu attended sumo powerhouse Meitoku Gijuku HS and later Kyushu Joho University, leaving the latter during his third year when a foreigner spot opened up at Tamanoi-beya. Unsurprisingly he raced through the bottom three divisions totaling a 23-5 record along the way, but getting through makushita proved more troublesome. In the end, he had to spent 18 tournaments in the third-highest division, not much less than Kagamio's 24. There are members who have paid closer attention to their careers than I have (Fay? Azumashida?), so maybe some of them would like to weigh in with their expectations for the future.

No doubt about Azumaryu that he will have a solid sekitori career. He has good techniques, his height is ok, some more weight and he should have no problems in juryo and I think he will make it to Makuuchi too.

I root for Kagamio since my active sumo time ;) but it might be a bit more difficult for him. He might be a bit too short ( I always doubt that he has 180 cm as it's written in the database), In the last months he gained quite a lot weight, all muscle.

What speaks in his favor is that he is one of the best technican in my opinion. Due to the lack of rikishi in his own stable (only Ruysei is with him) he has the chance to go to degeiko regularly.

He is self confident for his new position and I really hope that he can achieve a kachi koshi in Hatsu Basho (Uwatenage...)

Edited November 29, 2012 by Fay

[Asashosakari 18,959]

New lineups...

Hatsu 2013, Tier 1:

Tatsu narrowly missed a return to the makushita-joi. Will Daieisho and Meisei be able to continue their 5-KK streaks in their makushita debuts?

Heisei Hopefuls for Hatsu 2013 - Tier 1: Top Talents - current yardstick: Chiyootori (1992/10/11, debut 2008.05, shin-juryo 2012.03)
+/-	Rikishi	Heya	DOB	Debut	HiRk	2012.03	2012.05	2012.07	2012.09	2012.11	2013.01
▲ 1	Tatsu	Takadagawa	1994/06/01 (4)	2010.03	Ms11	Ms16e 2-5	Ms31w 5-2	Ms19w 5-2	Ms11w 2-5	Ms25w 5-2	Ms16e
New	Daieisho	Oitekaze	1993/11/10 (6)	2012.01	Ms33	Jk13w 7-0 Y	Jd12e 6-1	Sd49e 4-3	Sd34e 5-2	Sd8e 6-1	Ms33e
▲ 1	Akinokawa	Takadagawa	1992/11/30 (12)	2008.03	Ms28	Ms28e 3-4	Ms38e 4-3	Ms31w 3-4	Ms38e 3-4	Ms47e 4-3	Ms38w
▲ 3	Mitoyutaka	Nishikido	1993/04/08 (9)	2009.03	Ms40	Sd17e 3-4	Sd37e 4-3	Sd23w 4-3	Sd10e 4-3	Ms60e 5-2	Ms40e
● 0	Tsurubayashi	Kise	1993/12/31 (5)	2009.03	Ms40	Sd12e 4-3	Sd1w 4-3	Ms53w 5-2	Ms40e 3-4	Ms52e 4-3	Ms42w
▼ 3	Masunosho	Chiganoura	1994/11/14 (3)	2010.03	Ms36	Sd10w 4-3	Ms60e 4-3	Ms51w 4-3	Ms44w 4-3	Ms36e 3-4	Ms44w
▲ 1	Terutsuyoshi	Isegahama	1995/01/17 (2)	2010.03	Ms49	Ms49e 3-4	Sd4e 4-3	Ms55w 2-5	Sd15w 4-3	Sd5w 4-3	Ms56w
▼ 7	Sasanoyama	Kise	1992/12/30 (11)	2011.05	Ms17	Ms42w 5-2	Ms32w 4-3	Ms26e 4-3	Ms21e 4-3	Ms17e 0-0-7	Ms58e
New	Meisei	Tatsunami	1995/07/24 (1)	2011.05	Ms59	Jd31e 6-1	Sd67w 5-2	Sd35w 4-3	Sd20w 4-3	Sd10e 4-3	Ms59w
▲ 1	Aonosho	Dewanoumi	1993/06/03 (8)	2009.03	Ms57	Sd92w 7-0 D	Ms57w 3-4	Sd11w 2-5	Sd38w 4-3	Sd26w 4-3	Sd12w
▼ 5	Goshi	Arashio	1993/10/05 (7)	2011.11	Ms54	Jd10w 5-2	Sd78w 6-1	Sd20w 3-4	Sd39e 6-1	Ms54w 2-5	Sd19w
● 0	Kotodaigo	Sadogatake	1993/01/14 (10)	2011.05	Ms27	Ms27w 3-4	Ms37w 1-6	Sd4e 3-4	Sd21e 3-4	Sd37w 4-3	Sd23e

Edited February 3, 2013 by Asashosakari

[Asashosakari 18,959]

Hatsu 2013, Tier 2:

All eyes on Osunaarashi, I suppose. Fellow newcomer Haseyama has changed his shikona to Tochimaru. And Kotokensei will be moving down to Tier 3 after the basho.

Personally I'm most interested in how Kawanari acquits himself in his first promotion zone appearance, and how strong Chiyomaru is against top competition after his half-year injury detour.

Heisei Hopefuls for Hatsu 2013 - Tier 2: Promising Youngsters - Age 21 and under
+/-	Rikishi	Heya	DOB	Debut	HiRk	2012.03	2012.05	2012.07	2012.09	2012.11	2013.01
▲ 1	Kawanari	Oguruma	1991/07/07 (26)	2007.03	Ms5	Ms37e 3-4	Ms49w 6-1	Ms21e 4-3	Ms16e 4-3	Ms11w 5-2	Ms5e
▼ 1	Chiyoo	Kokonoe	1991/05/29 (28)	2010.03	Ms4	Ms26e 5-2	Ms19w 4-3	Ms14w 4-3	Ms9w 4-3	Ms4e 3-4	Ms7w
▲ 1	Chiyomaru	Kokonoe	1991/04/17 (29)	2007.05	Ms8	Ms14e 4-3	Ms10e 4-3	Ms8e 0-1-6	Ms48w 6-1	Ms21w 6-1	Ms8w
▼ 1	Saishin	Chiganoura	1991/11/12 (23)	2010.01	Ms9	Ms9w 3-4	Ms14e 3-4	Ms17w 4-3	Ms14w 3-4	Ms20w 5-2	Ms12w
▲ 1	Kotofukuju	Sadogatake	1991/12/14 (20)	2007.03	Ms17	Ms27e 3-4	Ms37e 5-2	Ms25w 5-2	Ms17w 3-4	Ms23w 4-3	Ms18w
▲ 3	Kotokobai	Sadogatake	1991/03/31 (30)	2006.03	Ms25	Sd4e 5-2	Ms45w 2-5	Sd4w 5-2	Ms49w 4-3	Ms39w 5-2	Ms25e
▼ 2	Sasakiyama	Kise	1991/06/12 (27)	2010.01	Ms22	Ms38e 5-2	Ms25w 3-4	Ms33e 4-3	Ms28e 4-3	Ms22e 3-4	Ms27w
● 0	Wakamisho	Magaki	1991/11/29 (21)	2011.01	Ms15	Ms39w 5-2	Ms27w 5-2	Ms15e 3-4	Ms21w 2-5	Ms37w 4-3	Ms31e
▲ 1	Matsumoto	Shikoroyama	1992/03/10 (16)	2007.03	Ms22	Ms33w 4-3	Ms27e 4-3	Ms22e 2-5	Ms37w 3-4	Ms45w 5-2	Ms31w
▲ 1	Chiyoshoma	Kokonoe	1991/07/20 (24)	2009.05	Ms34	Ms44w 2-5	Sd8w 5-2	Ms48w 2-5	Sd11w 5-2	Ms49w 5-2	Ms34w
New	Osunaarashi	Otake	1992/02/10 (17)	2012.01	Ms38	Mz 2-0	Jk5w 7-0 Y	Jd8w 5-1-1	Sd75e 6-1	Sd20e 6-1	Ms38e
New	Tochimaru	Kasugano	1992/08/26 (13)	2011.05	Ms45	Sd59e 5-2	Sd33e 3-4	Sd48e 4-3	Sd33w 5-2	Sd6w 5-2	Ms45w
▼ 6	Onami	Arashio	1991/12/29 (19)	2009.11	Ms31	Sd25w 4-3	Sd11w 5-2	Ms51e 3-4	Sd5w 6-1	Ms31e 2-5	Ms52e
New	Daijo	Takadagawa	1991/07/19 (25)	2007.03	Ms53	Sd91e 4-3	Sd73e 3-4	Sd88e 4-3	Sd69e 3-4	Sd81w 7-0 D	Ms53e
▼ 3	Kotoeko	Sadogatake	1991/11/20 (22)	2007.03	Ms52	Sd64e 6-1	Sd9w 3-4	Sd25w 5-2	Ms60w 4-3	Ms52w 3-4	Sd2w
▼ 3	Hakunishiki	Kasugayama	1992/01/13 (18)	2007.03	Ms38	Sd22e 3-4	Sd42e 5-2	Sd14w 2-5	Sd43w 6-1	Ms55w 3-4	Sd7w
▼ 1	Aiyama	Kitanoumi	1992/03/23 (15)	2007.03	Ms57	Sd71e 6-1	Sd16w 4-3	Sd7e 4-3	Ms57e 3-4	Sd12w 2-5	Sd36e
▼ 3	Kotokensei	Sadogatake	1991/01/06 (31)	2006.03	Ms43	Sd20e 6-1	Ms43w 1-6	Sd13w 5-2	Ms55e 3-4	Sd7w 0-7	Sd58e
▼ 2	Kinunonami	Tatsunami	1992/08/13 (14)	2008.03	Ms31	Sd14e 4-3	Sd5e 6-1	Ms31e 3-4	Ms37e 0-1-6	Sd17w 0-0-7	Sd78w

Edited February 3, 2013 by Asashosakari

[Asashosakari 18,959]

Hatsu 2013, Tier 3:

I don't expect too much from Kyushu yusho winner Nishikigi, but maybe he'll surprise us. If he can win two bouts I think it would have to be chalked up as a successful promotion zone debut, anything beyond is a bonus. Sandanme yushoist Takageppo has returned to his personal wall area after a dreadful year. And collegiate newcomer Iwasaki should be facing his first real challenge.

Big cleanout coming here as no less than six rikishi are turning 24 during or after the basho. Only the highest-ranked of them (Mugendai) has a reasonable shot of continuing his stay in Tier 4, although he'll still need to collect 5 wins at his career-high rank. Three others would need to go zensho to qualify while the remaining two are too low in sandanme to have any chance of cracking the Ms15 barrier for Haru, so it's almost certainly bye-bye to all five for now.

Heisei Hopefuls for Hatsu 2013 - Tier 3: Still Worth Watching - Age 23 and under
+/-	Rikishi	Heya	DOB	Debut	HiRk	2012.03	2012.05	2012.07	2012.09	2012.11	2013.01
▲ 8	Nishikigi	Isenoumi	1990/08/25 (34)	2006.03	Ms3	Ms23e 4-3	Ms20w 2-5	Ms33w 6-1	Ms13w 1-6	Ms35e 7-0 Y	Ms3e
▲ 21	Takageppo	Takanohana	1990/04/19 (38)	2009.01	Ms14	Ms40e 2-5	Sd2w 5-2	Ms39w 2-5	Sd3e 3-4	Sd17e 7-0 Y	Ms14w
▼ 1	Kairyu	Dewanoumi	1990/03/01 (41)	2005.03	Ms4	Ms29w 7-0 Y	Ms4e 2-5	Ms10e 3-5	Ms18w 4-3	Ms14w 3-4	Ms20e
▲ 1	Byakko	Azumazeki	1989/07/11 (48)	2005.03	Ms13	Sd8w 3-4	Sd26w 6-1	Ms47w 5-2	Ms34e 4-3	Ms26w 4-3	Ms21e
▼ 2	Higoarashi	Kise	1989/08/20 (47)	2006.05	Ms15	Ms15w 1-6	Ms36e 3-4	Ms47e 6-1	Ms20e 4-3	Ms15w 3-4	Ms21w
▲ 5	Mugendai	Musashigawa	1989/01/21 (60)	2004.05	Ms24	Ms51e 5-2	Ms38w 1-6	Sd5e 4-3	Ms55w 5-2	Ms38e 5-2	Ms24w
▲ 1	Takatoshi	Takanohana	1990/04/19 (38)	2009.01	Ms23	Ms54e 4-3	Ms45e 3-4	Ms57w 4-3	Ms48e 5-2	Ms33w 4-3	Ms26w
▼ 4	Hokaho	Miyagino	1989/06/21 (51)	2007.03	Ms24	Ms41e 4-3	Ms33w 3-4	Ms44w 4-3	Ms36w 5-2	Ms24w 3-4	Ms30e
New	Iwasaki	Kise	1989/06/11 (52)	2012.05	Ms36	[/td2][td2]Mz 3-0	Jk17e 7-0 Y	Jd11e 7-0 Y	Sd18w 6-1	Ms36e
▲ 6	Daishoryu	Oitekaze	1989/12/29 (44)	2005.09	Ms37	Sd11e 3-4	Sd28w 5-2	Sd3e 3-4	Sd18w 5-2	Ms58e 5-2	Ms37e
▲ 1	Chiyosakae	Kokonoe	1990/07/12 (36)	2009.01	Ms37	Sd26w 4-3	Sd12w 5-2	Ms53e 3-3-1	Sd8e 5-2	Ms46w 4-3	Ms37w
▼ 5	Kyokutaisei	Tomozuna	1989/10/18 (45)	2008.01	Ms32	Ms44e 4-3	Ms36w 3-4	Ms48e 4-3	Ms40w 4-3	Ms32e 3-4	Ms39e
▲ 4	Nogami	Oguruma	1990/08/15 (35)	2009.01	Ms41	Sd33w 5-2	Sd8e 3-4	Sd24w 6-1	Ms49e 3-4	Sd1w 5-2	Ms41e
▼ 4	Asabenkei	Takasago	1989/02/12 (56)	2007.03	Ms35	Ms60e 2-5	Sd25e 5-2	Ms60e 4-3	Ms53e 5-2	Ms35w 3-4	Ms43w
▼ 9	Tochinohama	Kasugano	1989/01/29 (59)	2007.03	Ms26	Ms35e 2-5	Ms55e 5-2	Ms35w 3-4	Ms44e 5-2	Ms28e 2-5	Ms46e
▼ 15	Tochiyashiki	Kasugano	1989/07/07 (50)	2008.03	Ms4	Ms12w 4-3	Ms7w 4-3	Ms6e 4-3	Ms4e 3-4	Ms6w 0-0-7	Ms47e
▼ 2	Dewahayate	Dewanoumi	1989/01/31 (58)	2004.03	Ms19	Ms34w 4-3	Ms30e 3-4	Ms36e 3-4	Ms46w 3-4	Ms57w 4-3	Ms48w
▲ 2	Tokizakura	Azumazeki	1989/07/10 (49)	2005.03	Ms35	Sd8e 4-3	Ms58e 2-5	Sd17w 5-2	Ms56w 3-4	Sd11w 5-2	Ms49e
▼ 6	Sasayama	Kise	1990/01/14 (43)	2008.03	Ms50	Sd21w 4-3	Sd10w 4-3	Ms59w 0-7	Sd34w 6-1	Ms50w 3-4	Ms60e
▲ 1	Amatsu	Onomatsu	1990/04/03 (40)	2009.01	Ms28	Ms34e 4-3	Ms28w 2-5	Ms41w 3-4	Ms52w 2-5	Sd14e 4-3	Sd3w
▼ 7	Kansei	Sakaigawa	1989/08/25 (46)	2008.03	Ms45	Ms60w 4-3	Ms53e 4-3	Ms45w 3-4	Sd1e 4-3	Ms54e 3-4	Sd6e
▲ 4	Daishoiwa	Oitekaze	1990/10/29 (32)	2006.03	Ms36	Ms36e 3-4	Ms47e 3-4	Ms58e 2-5	Sd18e 3-4	Sd33w 5-2	Sd8e
▲ 2	Mankajo	Kasugayama	1990/02/10 (42)	2005.03	Ms31	Ms31w 2-5	Ms53w 1-6	Sd21w 2-5	Sd47w 5-2	Sd21e 4-3	Sd9w
▲ 5	Daikamifusa	Asahiyama	1989/05/30 (54)	2005.03	Ms46	Sd30w 2-5	Sd57w 6-1	Sd5w 2-5	Sd29w 2-5	Sd56w 5-2	Sd27w
▼ 6	Masumiura	Mihogaseki	1990/10/25 (33)	2006.03	Ms46	Sd19e 2-5	Sd45e 4-3	Sd29w 4-3	Sd15e 4-3	Sd5e 2-5	Sd29e
▼ 8	Okoryu	Sakaigawa	1989/02/14 (55)	2007.03	Ms54	Ms54w 3-4	Sd11e 4-3	Ms60w 3-4	Sd14w 4-3	Sd3w 1-6	Sd39e
▲ 1	Kenho	Tokitsukaze	1989/02/10 (57)	2011.05	Ms59	Ms59e 1-6	Sd34e 2-5	Sd58e 3-4	Sd77w 5-2	Sd47e 3-4	Sd61w
▼ 1	Komanokuni	Shibatayama	1990/06/29 (37)	2006.03	Ms56	Sd3e 2-5	Sd29e 5-2	Sd3w 3-4	Sd19e 3-4	Sd36e 2-5	Sd62w
▼ 7	Aokishin	Kasugano	1989/06/10 (53)	2008.03	Ms57	Jd33e 7-0 Y	Sd35w 4-3	Sd18w 5-2	Ms57w 2-5	Sd16w 0-1-6	Sd77e

Edited February 3, 2013 by Asashosakari

[Asashosakari 18,959]

Hatsu 2013, Tier 4:

Another go at juryo promotion for Tochihiryu.

Heisei Hopefuls for Hatsu 2013 - Tier 4: Last Chance Saloon - Ms15+ Age 25 and under
+/-	Rikishi	Heya	DOB	Debut	HiRk	2012.03	2012.05	2012.07	2012.09	2012.11	2013.01
▲ 2	Tochihiryu	Kasugano	1987/04/23 (66)	2006.03	Ms2	Ms7w 5-2	Ms4w 2-5	Ms10w 5-2	Ms6e 3-4	Ms10w 5-2	Ms3w
▼ 1	Seiro	Shikoroyama	1988/08/18 (62)	2005.07	Ms2	Ms21e 4-3	Ms17w 4-3	Ms13w 4-3	Ms9e 5-2	Ms2e 3-5	Ms6w
New	Fukugoriki	Arashio	1988/03/02 (64)	2005.11	Ms11	Ms43e 3-4	Ms54e 5-2	Ms35e 3-4	Ms42e 6-1	Ms19e 5-2	Ms11e
▲ 1	Karatsuumi	Tamanoi	1988/08/03 (63)	2004.03	Ms12	Ms24e 2-5	Ms42e 5-2	Ms27w 4-3	Ms22w 3-4	Ms29w 4-3	Ms24e
▼ 3	Watanabe	Takanohana	1988/09/29 (61)	2011.05	Ms7	Sd16e 5-2	Ms55w 3-4	Sd9e 7-0 Y	Ms13e 4-3	Ms7w 0-7	Ms43e
● 0	Ryuonami	Tatsunami	1987/09/12 (65)	2010.01	Ms14	Ms20w 4-3	Ms16w 2-5	Ms28w 2-5	Ms45e 5-2	Ms30e 2-3-2	Ms50w

Edited February 3, 2013 by Asashosakari

[Fay 1,677]

I was quite disappointed by Watanabe last Kyushu Basho ... 0-7 ... tzetzetze. He had no injury at all. I talked to some rikishi abot him and they said he is like a rabbit when he meets the real big and good guys. :-S . Hope he will come over this. Ms 43 shouldn't be a problem this time. Well I cheer for him anyway.

[Andreas21 183]

Heisei sekitori

Who will be the first Heisei Sanyaku?

Three Heisei-born are now in Makuuchi, and three in Juryu.

Takayasu is clearly the most consistent one. He performs good just below the jo-i but he never looked good against the Ozekis yet. He just missed the Komusubi spot last March from M7. Most likely candidate.

Masunoyama had been roughly at the same rank as Takayasu since 2007, and they swapped the top spot frequently. After his recent recovery from injuries they are again at east and west of the same rank. He has been less consistent, can be tremendously focused on one bout, then he can look bulky and immobile in the next. But also a likely candidate.

Kotoyuki finally reached Makuuchi, now the youngest here. He seems a bit one-dimensional in his approach but he does this very well and can possibly stay in Makuuchi for now. But he's progressing while Takayasu stagnates, so the tables can turn eventually.

Chiyonokuni looked very promising when he first reached Makuuchi but his injury seemed to have thrown him back a lot.

Chiyootori is the youngest of the pack and looked very sharp in Juryo but suffered an injury last basho. See how he comes back.

Takanoiwa, the oldest of the pack, is quite consistent but he doesn't look as promising as the others. Looks like he might just be able to just remain in lower Juryo.

Worth to note, four of them suffered injuries after (1y) the beginning of their sekitori career.

[Asashosakari 18,959]

Asahisho and Daikiho were also born in Heisei. I wouldn't be surprised to see Daikiho pass the others by, to be honest.

[Jakusotsu 5,871]

Asahisho is that young? Didn't realize that before.

As much as I root for Kotoyuki and Masunoyama, my money would be on Chiyonokuni or Daikiho. (Well, primarily on Chiyotairyu, but he doesn't qualify, does he?)

[Andreas21 183]

Sorry, I remembered wrongly when Heisei began. Thanks for the correction!

[Asashosakari 18,959]

I've been meaning to mention, if anyone wants to follow the rikishi in the various tiers during the basho, the following queries may be of use: Tier 1, Tier 2, Tier 3, Tier 4

Edited January 21, 2013 by Asashosakari