Rainoyama 1,157 Posted March 27, 2020 POST HARU 2020 The second basho of 2020 is in the books and it was a strange one to say the least. We didn't know if the basho would continue until the end and no crowd in the arena felt really weird for many, but the basho did continue until the end and given the circumstances it was a success to me. Sumo vs Coronavirus, Sumo 1-0 Virus. I was very sceptical at first after terrible first few days but the quality of sumo gradually improved and although I missed the crowd a lot, it was actually quite nice to hear things you don't usually hear well like the yobidashi and gyoji's voice, the breath of the guys in the ring... The basho was decided on musubi, senshuraku between two mongolian guys (Hak and Kak I think they are called) One is 35, the other 34 but the two Yokozuna are not done yet and when healthy they are still dominating the game. Still, many veterans their age are continuing to stuggle quite a bit while many many members of the young generation did quite well again. The new generation even produced a second Ozeki, 26 years old Asanoyama, who also takes the first place of that list as the new face of the young wave. YUSHO WINNERS Asanoyama Hideki (26) - Takasago-beya Highest Rank: Ozeki 1 Yusho, 1 Jun-Yusho, 6 special prizes ( 2 Shukun-Sho, 1 Gino-sho 3 Kanto-sho) 1 kinboshi 188 cm 177 kg Favourite style : Migi yotsu-yori S1E 11-4 Asanoyama ideally needed 12 wins to meet the unofficial 33 wins criteria for promotion to ozeki. With two losses by day 8, things didn't look too good for him, but he persevered and went on to win four straight before facing the two yokozuna and sole Ozeki Takakeisho on the last three days. He lost to Hakuho in a rather one sided manner and lost to Kakuryu as well but this one was really close to the point we can argue torinashi could have been the call... With 10 wins entering Senshûraku, Asanoyama persevered again and secured his promotion by defeating struggling rival Takakeisho in a very important bout for both parties. "Only" 11 wins ( 32 total) in the end, but it was actually Asanoyama fourth straight double digit KK ranked in the jo-i/sanyaku zone (42 over four basho). He's been Mr. Consistency lately and has established himself as the new face of his generation, taking over Takakeisho's spot, and currently leads the race to become the first one to reach Yokozuna. Will he make it ? Only time will tell but he sure does have the body and the talent to get the white rope. Takakeisho Mitsunobu (23) - Chiganoura beya Highest rank : Ozeki 1 Yusho, 3 Jun Yusho , 8 special prizes (3 Gino-sho, 3 Shukun-sho , 2 Kanto-sho) 3 kinboshi 175 cm 169 kg Favourite style : Tsuki-Oshi O1E 7-8 A basho to forget for the 23 y-o, not only did he lose his spot as the face of his generation in a direct showdown against rival Asanoyama, but the defeat was his 8th loss, making him Kadoban again next tournament. The young Ozeki didn't look like himself, even when winning, and, despite him pretending otherwise, he likely was fighting injured. Old injury ? New Injury ? Nothing his clear at this point but hopefully Takakeisho won't become yet another Ozeki fighting while struggling to say healthy (Terunofuji, Tochinoshin, Takayasu...). With the spring tour canceled and uncertainty over when the next basho will take place, he should get some well needed rest and I expect him to bounce back next time and same his rank. Mitakeumi Hisashi (27) - Dewanoumi-beya Highest rank: Sekiwake 2 Yusho, 8 Special prizes (2 Gino-sho, 5 Shukun-sho ,1 Kanto-sho) 2 kinboshi 180 cm, 175 kg Favourite style : Tsuki-Oshi M3W 10-5 Mitakeumi was looking to bounce back after two straight losing records and did exactly that this basho, securing 10 wins and a return to San'yaku where he truly belongs. I am far from being a banzuke specialist but I expect him to be Sekiwake W next time. I thought he looked really solid and healthier, which is encouraging, but he still found ways to disappoint losing 3 of his last 4 bouts... Mitakeumi is the only member of his generation to win more than one tournament, yet two of his rivals had the time to become Ozeki before him... Hopefully Asanoyama's promotion will motivate him to actually start a serious run this time. Interesting prospects Shodai Naoya (28) Tokitsukaze-beya Highest rank: Sekiwake 2Jun-yusho 4 Kanto-sho 1 Kinboshi S1W 8-7 183 cm 171 kg Style : Migi Yotsu yori No double digit this time for Shodai, but clear signs of improvements from him. Back in San'yaku for the first time in two years, he secured his first KK at this rank (also his 3rd straight KK since Kyushu last year) and was one of the two rikishi able to defeat the GOAT this tournament ! With Asanoyama's promotion Shodai will move to Sekiwake East and hopefully will continue his resurgence next time. Daieisho Hayato (26) Oitekaze-beya Highest rank Komusubi 1 Shukun-Sho 2 kinboshi 182 cm 165 Kg Style : Oshi-tsuki M1E 8-7 Another solid basho from Daieisho. Despite losing his first 3 bouts and 4 of his last 5, he had an incredible 7 win-streak mid way trough and it was enough for him to secure a winning record and a ticket back San'yaku (probably to Koumusubi E). Who would have thought a couple of years ago that he would be where he is now ? Yutakayama Ryota (26) Tokitsukaze Beya Highest rank M2e 1 Jun Yusho, 1 Kanto-sho 184 cm 179 kg Style: Tsuki oshi M3E 8-7 "Only" a 8-7 KK barely obtained on day 15 after a very close bout against Chiyomaru, but it was Yutakayama's 6th straight KK starting in Juryo and he was ranked in the jo-i zone this time. Yutakayama continued to show some very good and clever sumo this basho. Even when listening to him talk you can tell he's matured a lot. He seems way more calm and focussed than he used to be, and probably healthier too which helps. His rough sumo and manners are starting to get more and more polished and it pays. Yutakayama most impressive whin this basho was probably the one against his long time rival Asanoyama. It didn't stop the later to be promoted to the second highest rank on the banzuke though. Will Yutakayama continue to improve to the point where he can join him there ? For now he is yet to reach san'yaku and his record this time isn't good enough to get him promoted over Okinoumi or Takanosho. Maybe next time ? Onosho Fumiya (23) Oonomatsu- Beya Highest rank : Komusubi 4 Sansho ( 1 Shukun-Sho 3 Kanto-sho )2 kinboshi 177cm 157 kg Style : Tsuki oshi M5W 9-6S It's been a long journey for the 23 y-o since his injury and fall from san'yaku. It took Onosho two long years to come back to the top, but he finally starting to look like himself again which is very nice to see. There are still area to improve of course, but his balance looks much better, his sumo way sharper. His good performance this basho and impressive victory against yusho winner Hakuho earned him his first ever Shukun-sho and second kinboshi. The next step for him is to get back to san'yaku. Intriguing prospects Takanosho Nobuaki (25) Chiganoura Highest rank M9e 1 Jun-yusho 1 Kanto sho 183 cm 163 kg Oshi M9E 12-3 JK Unforgettable basho for Takakeisho's heyamate and Tsukebito. Great sumo, 12 wins, a jun-yusho and a kanto-sho at his highest rank. Onigiri-kun even has a chance to be promoted to Komusubi although Okinoumi seems like the more likely choice. One thing is certain, it'll be a lot harder for him next time, will he be up to it ? Kagayaki Taishi (25 )Takadagawa Highest rank M4w 192 cm 166 kg M6W 8-7 No double digit this time but third straight solid basho from Kagayaki. Third straight KK, can he make it 4 next time ? Enho Akira (25) Miyagino beya Highest rank M4E 1 Gino-sho M4E 6-9 168 cm 99 kg Style : Acrobatic ninja ( hidari yotsu, shitatenage...) Difficult basho for the little man at his highest rank. Enho couldn't count on the energy boost he usually gets from the crowd and it took him a lot of energy to climb to that high rank, Mainoumi hinted that fatigue could explain his performance this basho. Still 6-9 at this high rank with this such a light and small body is not bad at all. Terutsuyoshi Shoki (25) Isegahama Highest rank M9e 1Jun yusho 1 Kanto-Sho 169 cm 116 kg Style : acrobatic ninja ( migi-maemitsu/nage ) M11W 9-6 Really good basho from Terutsuyoshi, it looked like he injured his arm at some point but it didn't stop him to finish the basho with a respectable 9-6 winning record. Kotonowaka Masahiro ( 22 ) Sadogatake Beya Highest rank : M18E 188cm, 173kg migi-yotsu/yori, oshi M18E 9-6 The 22 y-o is the newest addition to this list and I thought he did incredibly well in his makuuchi debut. His sumo looks quite polished and well rounded for such a young rikishi and he has great sice and weight. This Kotonowaka is not just the son of and the grand-son of, I think he has a lot of talent, enough to make a name for himself. His heyamate Kotonosho also looks very promising and will probably join him in makuuchi and on this list next basho. Dissapointing prospects Hokutofuji Daiki (27) Hakkaku-Beya Highest rank : Komusubi 1 Jun-Yusho 2 Gino-sho 7 kinboshi 183cm 162 kg favourite style : Oshi K1E 4-11 Hokutofuji is one of my favourite rikishi and I was rooting for him to build upon his great performance from last basho, and things started quite well with a win against Kakuryu on day 2, but we all saw what happened next. He fnished the basho 11 losses total including 8 straight. Even changing mawashi didn't save him this time. I thought he looked quite weak this basho, his legs in particular were not moving well. Injured maybe ? As much as I like him and want him to achieve great things Hokutofuji is yet to achieve a KK when ranked in San'yaku and consistency is a big issue with him. Despite his incredible talent I put him on that part of the list this time because if he doesn't improve, I don't see him becoming a serious ozeki candidate. Hopefully do better next time. Abi Masatora (25)- Shikoroyama beya Highest rank: Komusubi 2 kanto-sho 2 kinboshi 185 cm 155 kg favourite style : Tsuki/oshi M4W 7-8 Another frustrating basho from Abi, second straight Makekoshi, his leg has been bothering him for a while maybe it still affected him this basho. He can do better. Meisei Chikara (24) Tatsunami beya Highest rank M2w 179 cm 150 kg Style: Hidari yotsu-yori M17E 7-8 Painful basho for returning from injury but clearly far from healthy Meisei, only 7 wins (including a fusen) at such a low rank is uncaracteristic of him. He will probably fall down to juryo next basho. 3 3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mikawa 1,794 Posted March 27, 2020 Kotoshoho will soon be a prospect in Makuuchi, he's a great talent for sure. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Midoriyama 35 Posted March 27, 2020 One of the brightest prospects is gonna make his Makushita debut in May at only 16 years and 9 months of age. His name is Yoshii Ko. Hopefully he stays healthy and continue to shoot up the ranks Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
robnplunder 974 Posted March 27, 2020 9 hours ago, Midoriyama said: One of the brightest prospects is gonna make his Makushita debut in May at only 16 years and 9 months of age. His name is Yoshii Ko. Hopefully he stays healthy and continue to shoot up the ranks I will keep an eye on Yoshii. I hope he makes a steady improvement through his Makushita stay rather than quickly shooting up. At that age, getting the experience and adding to his skill set will be critical to his long term success. The good news about potential basho cancellation is that it will give more time for Tomokaze .... He was my choice for the next great Japanese rikishi before the injury. 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Katooshu 2,957 Posted March 27, 2020 (edited) I think Tomokaze was upper maegashira material with a K/S ceiling, a bit like Hokutofuji. Good but not great. Hopefully he returns strong and rises with all the speed he did previously, I hate to see injury ruin careers. Edited March 27, 2020 by Katooshu Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mikawa 1,794 Posted March 27, 2020 9 hours ago, Midoriyama said: One of the brightest prospects is gonna make his Makushita debut in May at only 16 years and 9 months of age. His name is Yoshii Ko. Hopefully he stays healthy and continue to shoot up the ranks Out of the wrestlers from his year group (the class of 2019), I'd say that Yoshii Ko is probably the joint third best rikishi among them, though admittedly the top two talents (Ochiai Tetsuya and Tebakari Taiki) have chosen to go onto high school. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Katsunorifuji 65 Posted April 2, 2020 Kotonowaka will be fun to watch. Young and lots of potential to grow while he moves up the ranks. It’ll be interesting to see how high up he moves into the ranks before hitting a roadblock and slowing down. But even then he has lots of time to find his groove and make runs at the top ranks. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Rainoyama 1,157 Posted August 3, 2020 POST JULY BASHO 2020 Sumo is back and so am I after being away from the forum for a while. Well I say sumo is back the basho is already over and I thought it was a good one ! Tokyo not Nagoya, only limited crowd but still more enjoyable to watch than with no crowd at all. The young japanese generation did quite well this time as well but it was former mongolian Ozeki Terunofuji who took away the stoplight taking the yusho from M17 on his come back basho ! I won't be lazy this time and edit version of this post for the mongolian generation. YUSHO WINNERS Asanoyama Hideki (26) - Takasago-beya Highest Rank: Ozeki 1 Yusho, 2 Jun-Yusho, 6 special prizes ( 2 Shukun-Sho, 1 Gino-sho 3 Kanto-sho) 1 kinboshi 188 cm 172 kg (-5) Favourite style : Migi yotsu-yori Ow 12-3 J Excellent first basho as an Ozeki for Asanoyama who almost looked like a yokozuna for the first 9 days, yet despite clinching his second jun-yusho in the end, it's a dissapointing basho for him too. With Kakuryu out and Hakuho pulling out injured despite a good start, he had an excellent chance to get the yusho but back to back losses to Terunofuji and his heyamate Terunotsuyoshi cost him big time. He still needs to learn but excellent sumo from him overall, if he keeps improving like that, yokozuna is only a matter of time. Takakeisho Mitsunobu (23) - Chiganoura beya Highest rank : Ozeki 1 Yusho, 3 Jun Yusho , 8 special prizes (3 Gino-sho, 3 Shukun-sho , 2 Kanto-sho) 3 kinboshi 175 cm 169 kg Favourite style : Tsuki-Oshi Oe 8-4--3 Another Kadoban basho for Takakeisho who saved his ranked rather easily yet again, he didn't looked good while doing so however, pulling and going backwards a lot. Despite getting extra time off to heal his knee bothered him quite a lot again which can explain the poor performance and even caused him to go kyujo as soon as his rank was saved. Getting 8 wins at this rank quite easily despite not being healthy and with bad sumo shows that much talent he has but that recurring knee injury at just 23 is a major concern for the progress of his career. Mitakeumi Hisashi (27) - Dewanoumi-beya Highest rank: Sekiwake 2 Yusho, 8 Special prizes (2 Gino-sho, 5 Shukun-sho ,1 Kanto-sho) 2 kinboshi 180 cm, 175 kg Favourite style : Tsuki-Oshi Sw 11-4 S Excellent basho for Mitakeumi who returned at sekiwake, double digits 11 wins including one against yokozuna Hakuho and one against rival Asanoyama which earned him his 6th Shukun-sho. Mitakeumi was technically in the race until the end but as often dropped bouts he should have won and lost to Terunofuji on Senshuraku giving him the yusho. Even though he didn't look dominant every bout he won he was solid and composed aroud the edge which is very important too, 11 wins (one is a fusen though) is a nice start for an ozeki run, hopefully he can finally pull through. Interesting prospects Shodai Naoya (28) Tokitsukaze-beya Highest rank: Sekiwake 2Jun-yusho 5 Kanto-sho 1 Kinboshi Sw 11-4 K 183 cm 165 kg (-6) Style : Migi Yotsu yori Shodai continued his journey as the next ozeki a changed man this basho with a second straight KK as a Sekiwake, 11 wins this time (1 is a fusen) - a nice score to start a run (!) and secured his 5th career Kanto sho as well. He looked dominant at times but also showed great technique and will when pushed to the edge which allowed him to win bouts he typically would have lost in the past. He was technically in the race yet again until quite late and was one of the two men able to beat yusho winner Terunofuji. More of the same next basho please ! Daieisho Hayato (26) Oitekaze-beya Highest rank Komusubi, 2 Shukun-Sho 2 kinboshi Ke 11-4 S 182 cm 164 Kg (-1) Style : Oshi-tsuki Very solid performance yet again from Endo's heyamate, 11 wins as a komusubi (including two fusen) and second shukun-sho for a win against Hakuho. I'm not a banzuke pro at all so I'm not too sure if Daiesho will get an extra sekiwake spot next basho, or stay komusubi while Endo gets an extra komusubi spot. Intriguing prospects Takanosho Nobuaki (25) Chiganoura Highest rank M2E 1 Jun-yusho 1 Kanto sho 183 cm 162 kg (-1) Oshi M2e 8-7 Solid basho and KK for onigiri man at his highest rank, I enjoyed watching him. Hokutofuji Daiki (28) Hakkaku-Beya Highest rank : Komusubi 1 Jun-Yusho 2 Gino-sho 7 kinboshi 183cm 157 kg (-5) favourite style : Oshi M5w 9-6 Good basho from Hokutofuji but he has the talent to do better, he will be back in the jo-i zone next basho. Terutsuyoshi Shoki (25) Isegahama Highest rank M7e 1Jun yusho 1 Kanto-Sho 169 cm 120 kg (+4) Style : acrobatic ninja ( migi-maemitsu/nage ) At his highest rank, with a small body and a knee apparently not in good shape, Terutsuyoshi produced excellent sumo. He finished with 8 wins including an very cool ashi-tori against shin-ozeki Asanoyama to help his heyamate Terunofuji stay in the lead for the yusho race. Gread basho from him. Wakatakakage Atsushi ( 25 ) Arashio Beya Highest rank M14w 182 cm 124kg migi yotsu/yori M14w 10-5 Solid performance from Watakatakage for his first healthy tournament in Makuuchi Kotoshoho Yoshinari ( 20 ) Sadogatake Beya Highest rank M15e 191cm 165kg Migi-yori yotsu M15e 8-7 Good first basho in makuuchi for the 20 years-old, especially in the first half, it was more difficult in the second half. He has great technique and versatility and is a young talent to watch closely. Kotonowaka Masahiro ( 22 ) Sadogatake Beya Highest rank : M13w 188cm, 169kg (-4) migi-yotsu/yori, oshi Very good start to the basho for the young man who showed some really solid and mature sumo for his age, he probably would have finished kk if it wasn't for an unfortunate injury that forced him to pull out. He came back the last few days but clearly he should not have as he clearly wasn't the same and had no power in the injured leg. Dissapointing prospects Yutakayama Ryota (26) Tokitsukaze Beya Highest rank M1W 1 Jun Yusho, 1 Kanto-sho 184 cm 175 kg (-4) Style: Tsuki oshi M1w 5-10 M1w 5-10 tough basho for Yutakayama at his highest rank 8 straight losses to start but he bounced back and won his last four. It looks like he was fighting with an injured arm or shoulder which is quite difficult even more so when you rely on oshi attacks Kagayaki Taishi (26 )Takadagawa Highest rank M4e 193 cm (+1) 163 kg (-3) M4e 5-10 Mediocre basho for Kagayaki back at his highest rank Enho Akira (25) Miyagino beya Highest rank M4E 1 Gino-sho 168 cm 96 kg(-3 !) Style : Acrobatic ninja ( hidari yotsu, shitatenage...) M6e 5-10 difficult basho for the little guy, he had some cool wins as always but his opponents are starting to figure him out more and he is getting blown away more often Onosho Fumiya (24) Oonomatsu- Beya Highest rank : Komusubi 4 Sansho ( 1 Shukun-Sho 3 Kanto-sho )2 kinboshi 177cm 155 kg (-2) Style : Tsuki oshi M2w 2-13 Attrocious basho from Onosho who lost 13 straight he didn't look injured and tried every day but his balance was terrible as often. He managed to get two wins on the last two days so hopefully it'll give him a bit of momentum to bounce back next time. Abi Masatora (25)- Shikoroyama beya Highest rank: Komusubi 2 kanto-sho 2 kinboshi 185 cm 155 kg favourite style : Tsuki/oshi A few months ago it was the picture incident, this time Abi decided to go out and eat with friends despite the virus situation and all the efforts made to try to limit the risks, his oyakata took the decision to force him to pull out. Abi's career is not going in the good direction. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Meisei Chikara (24) Tatsunami beya Highest rank M2w 179 cm 150 kg Style: Hidari yotsu-yori Good performance down in Juryo from Meisei, his arm seemed completely fine and he will be back in makuuchi next basho. 4 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Atenzan 1,074 Posted August 4, 2020 On 03/08/2020 at 12:14, Rainoyama said: I'm not a banzuke pro at all so I'm not too sure if Daiesho will get an extra sekiwake spot next basho Neither am I as my GTB history will tell you, but the DB says that out of 33 komusubi going 11-4, all 33 have been promoted to sekiwake. My money's on him getting the nod as a third sekiwake. 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Eikokurai 3,430 Posted August 4, 2020 I’m on the fence. Two of his 11 wins were freebies, so he really only got a 9-4 record and avoided Kakuryu and Takakeisho, but then he did beat Hakuho. Which has more weight in the decision I wonder? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Jakusotsu 5,500 Posted August 4, 2020 (edited) 5 hours ago, Eikokurai said: Two of his 11 wins were freebies, so he really only got a 9-4 record. It has been mentioned countless times before: fusensho don't matter. His 11-4 is an 11-4. Period. Instead of considering these wins as losses, try to imagine he might have won anyway. Wouldn't it be rather unfair to disregard these bouts? Daieisho is in no way to blame for being denied the chance for a proper win. Edited August 4, 2020 by Jakusotsu typo 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Katooshu 2,957 Posted August 4, 2020 It has kind of snuck up on me that rikishi like Shodai, Hokutofuji, Endo, Mitakeumi, and Shodai are already in their 30s or late 20s this year! 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Jakusotsu 5,500 Posted August 4, 2020 2 minutes ago, Katooshu said: It has kind of snuck up on me that rikishi like Shodai, Hokutofuji, Endo, Mitakeumi, and Shodai are already in their 30s or late 20s this year! Hush! I'm still trying to cope with the fact that Takayasu isn't the youngest Makunouchi rikishi anymore... 3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Yamanashi 3,518 Posted August 4, 2020 3 hours ago, Katooshu said: It has kind of snuck up on me that rikishi like Shodai, Hokutofuji, Endo, Mitakeumi, and Shodai are already in their 30s or late 20s this year! They kind of snuck up on college first. Even Shodai attended the Tokyo University of Agriculture (snx! snx!) Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Eikokurai 3,430 Posted August 4, 2020 5 hours ago, Jakusotsu said: It has been mentioned countless times before: fusensho don't matter. His 11-4 is an 11-4. Period. Instead of considering these wins as losses, try to imagine he might have won anyway. Wouldn't it be rather unfair to disregard these bouts? Daieisho is in no way to blame for being denied the chance for a proper win. Often they overlook one fusen when there is a *need* to promote someone, but two when there isn’t? We’ll see. They don’t need three Sekiwake like they needed a second Ozeki. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Foehammer 0 Posted August 5, 2020 I hope Enho does better next Basho, love that little bugger Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Atenzan 1,074 Posted August 5, 2020 7 hours ago, Eikokurai said: Often they overlook one fusen when there is a *need* to promote someone, but two when there isn’t? We’ll see. They don’t need three Sekiwake like they needed a second Ozeki. Promotions to ozeki are quite a different beast than promotions to lower san'yaku, and borderline candidates are judged on a case-by-case basis. Lower san'yaku is rather more prosaic. Plus, keeping a four-man lower san'yaku would mean Endou held M1e with 8 wins, something that hasn't happened in more than 50 years. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Kintamayama 43,577 Posted August 5, 2020 13 hours ago, Katooshu said: It has kind of snuck up on me that rikishi like Shodai, Hokutofuji, Endo, Mitakeumi, and Shodai are already in their 30s or late 20s this year! You forgot to mention Shoudai. 3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Eikokurai 3,430 Posted March 31, 2022 Guess this thread needs an update. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Reonito 1,189 Posted March 31, 2022 10 minutes ago, Eikokurai said: Guess this thread needs an update. Does it ever! Some major tier changes. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
