Preparations of the masses- Aki 2025

[Kintamayama 46,753]

Ex- Ozeki Asanoyama has begun preparations for the Aki basho where he will be ranked in Juryo. Following a week's rest since the final day of  Nagoya , he resumed training at his heya in Tokyo on the 4th, working up a sweat with shiko and suriashi. After a serious left knee injury last July, he returned from Sandanme in Haru. In his third basho, Nagoya, he finished as Makushita 1 west with a record of 5 wins and 2 losses. His promotion back to Juryo was announced after the banzuke-making meeting on July 30th. After training, he said, "It's still just a passing point. I don't feel any joy," indicating that he is actually strengthening his determination to reach the top of Makuuchi. Initially, Asanoyama and his heyamates Ishizaki, now known as Asasuiryuu, and Asahakuryuu, who have both been promoted to Juryo for the first time, were scheduled to hold a press conference on the 30th and then take part in a photo shoot together to celebrate the first "triple promotion to Juryo" from the same heya in 46 years. However, Asanoyama was unable to join them due to poor health. Regarding his symptoms that day, he said, "I had a fever of about 39 degrees. I think it's probably an adenovirus (infection)," explaining that it started with symptoms similar to conjunctivitis in his left eye, and that the cold-like symptoms had continued for a long time. During his week off after the basho, he mostly just rested his body, and revealed that he had gone from 168 kg to 160 kg, saying, "I lost 8 kg. I'm glad it wasn't before the basho.."

[dingo 1,454]

It's good that Asanoyama still aims high, but top of makuuchi? I have my reservations about that. Makuuchi, sure seems doable but the joi is pretty competitive these days and I'm not certain Asanoyama is up to it anymore. 

[hypnoowl 23]

58 minutes ago, dingo said:

It's good that Asanoyama still aims high, but top of makuuchi? I have my reservations about that. Makuuchi, sure seems doable but the joi is pretty competitive these days and I'm not certain Asanoyama is up to it anymore. 

From his point of view it's quite reasonable: he has to aim high, because if he's just aiming to toil in lower makuuchi for a couple more years then why even continue with the struggle. At this point finding the will to go on must be a challenge in itself and it's a wonder he still hasn't given up trying.

Edited August 4 by hypnoowl

[Bunbukuchagama 924]

1 hour ago, dingo said:

It's good that Asanoyama still aims high, but top of makuuchi? I have my reservations about that. Makuuchi, sure seems doable but the joi is pretty competitive these days and I'm not certain Asanoyama is up to it anymore. 

What do you expect him to say - "I am working hard to return to mediocrity"?

[just_some_guy 305]

8 hours ago, Bunbukuchagama said:

What do you expect him to say - "I am working hard to return to mediocrity"?

"I will gambarize, but only a little bit."

[dingo 1,454]

Reminds me of all the new entrants who aim for yokozuna. And then occasionally there are a few who are more moderate and aim for sekitorihood or makuuchi. 

[Yamanashi 4,040]

I'm waiting for some kid to have the kintas to announce "I'm not interested in Ozeki; you're always two basho away from losing your rank.  I want to be Yokozuna; that way if I'm having a bad week I can go kyujo and keep my pay.  Other than some old businessmen yapping at me, I'm set for a good long time! ... uh, also, gambare!"

[Bunbukuchagama 924]

4 hours ago, dingo said:

Reminds me of all the new entrants who aim for yokozuna. And then occasionally there are a few who are more moderate and aim for sekitorihood or makuuchi. 

It's O'K to aim for sekitori as a lowly debutant, it's a reasonable goal. But Asanoyama is a former Ozeki, he is supposed to have lofty goals. 

[Kintamayama 46,753]

Aonishiki, who was in the running for the yusho until the final day of Nagoya, revealed that he had hurt his left shoulder during the basho. He showed his strength in keiko against Makushita and lower division opponents during the summer jungyo Gifu tour yesterday when keiko started between  Makuuchi rikishi, but did not participate in keiko matches between the sekitori  After keiko, tour director Sakaigawa Oyakata who was watching ringside, called Aonishiki over to ask about his condition. "I asked him why he wasn't practicing, and he said, 'My shoulder hurts,'" he explained. Aonishiki himself said, "I'll start keiko soon. I hurt my shoulder during the basho." The summer Jungyo will visit 24 locations over 26 days. Since there is still time until Aki Basho (starting September 14th at the Ryogoku Kokugikan), it appears he will be preparing himself whilst keeping an eye on the state of the injured area.

[Kintamayama 46,753]

Former NHK announcer Yasuo Fujii's take on Asanoyama on his YouTube channel:

"I'm glad I was able to complete the basho without injury..." said an emotional Asanoyama after his fifth win.  Fujii-san: "To be honest, if you ask me whether he can return to the rank of Ozeki, I'll be frank because this is my channel, but I don't think there's a 10% chance. Considering his age and the condition of his knee, I think it would be a miracle if he were to return to the rank of Ozeki now. But he has chosen that miraculous path, so I'm sure he will do his best, and do as much as he can. I don't think there will be any problem with him returning to Makuuchi as long as his knee doesn't get worse, but I don't think it will be easy climbing the ranks."

[RabidJohn 2,010]

9 minutes ago, Kintamayama said:

" ... I don't think there will be any problem with him returning to Makuuchi as long as his knee doesn't get worse, but I don't think it will be easy climbing the ranks."

It's not just me then. Honestly, I was starting to feel like the boy from 'The Emperor's New Clothes' because I cannot see even a glimmer of an ozeki prospect.

At best he'll be a joi/junior sanyaku regular - if he can stay in one piece.

I'm biased, of course. I was an Asanoyama fan before the fecking eedjit threw his chance of a rope in the bin.

[Kintamayama 46,753]

Asanoyama who was re-promoted to Juryo for Aki trained at his heya in Tokyo's Sumida Ward. He didn't do any sumo but instead focused on the basic exercises. He tore the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee at last year's Nagoya basho, missing three bashos in a row. Having experienced his second fall to Sandanme, he was cautious, saying, "I'll gradually start doing sumo." His tsukebito Asahakuryuu, who was promoted to Juryo too, returned to his home country of Mongolia and joined the group. Including fellow Juryo wrestler Ishizaki, now Asasuiryuu. This marks the first time since Aki 1979  that three rikishi from the same heya.(Kotonoryuu, Kotochitose, Kototateyama) have been promoted to Juryo at the same time. While this was the first time the three had trained together since their promotions, Asanoyama commented, "It won't be particularly different. Maybe it'll be different when I put on the white mawashi (only worn by sekitori) after the official rankings are announced."

[Kintamayama 46,753]

Houchi quotes quotes from Nagoya:

The Nagoya basho came to a close on July 27th, with Kotoshouhou from Sadogatake beya, winning the 38th Maegashira yusho in history. This article introduces some of the interesting and memorable quotes heard by our reporting team during the 15-day tournament held at the new IG Arena.

Yokozuna Oonosato (new Yokozuna, won on the first day): "There were a lot of things that were new to me, and the timing was difficult. But winning today is a big deal."

Tamawashi (on the first day, talking about his heya accommodation near Ise Bay): "Sometimes we have crabs at our heya.. They're cute. I like crabs, but I feel sorry for them, so I don't eat them."

Kusano (new to Makuuchi , with one loss after seven days). When the press brushed him off, saying, "It's a bit early, right?" he immediately replied: "It sure is.. (laughs)."

Ichiyamamoto (six wins on the seventh day): "Losses really are quick. They catch up with you quickly."

Mitakeumi (former Ozeki who was re-promoted to Makuuchi and had a winning record on the 10th day): "The rest is down to the younger wrestlers to work hard, and I'll work hard little by little."

Makushita Asanoyama ( winning record on the 11th day. Inspired by Tamawashi's kinboshi at the age of 40): "A rikishi that everyone looks up to. I want to follow Tamawashi's example and do sumo with youthful energy."

Midorifuji (won on the 12th day when his opponent grabbed his topknot): "Just as planned. Trying to get him to grab my topknot worked."

Atamifuji (one win behind the leader on the 13th day): "I'm just trying to do my best from my corner."

Kotoshouhou (holding the Emperor's Cup for the first time at the new venue): "My emotions haven't quite caught up yet. But still, I'm happy."

Ozeki Kotozakura (on his protégé Kotoshouhou's victory): "It's nice to see someone who trained at the same keiko-ba as me achieve success, but I can't just be happy along with everyone.."
 

Edited August 9 by Kintamayama

[Kintamayama 46,753]

Wakatakakage did actual sumo for the first time since Nagoya at the jungyo yesterday. He faced other sekitori, showing his characteristic low and sharp tachiai. After keiko, he seemed optimistic, saying, "Well, it's just the beginning." He won 10 matches in Nagoya,  his second consecutive basho with double-digit wins, following his 12 wins in Natsu as a Komusubi. "The next basho is important, so all I can do is do my best," he said. His target for promotion to Ozeki is "33 wins in the last three basho at sanyaku." He will aim for Ozeki  in the coming basho. The summer tour continues until the 31st, and he is determined to "maintain good health and do what I can."

[Kintamayama 46,753]

Tokihayate is from Kurihara City, Miyagi Prefecture,  so he received thunderous cheers as the jungyo hit his home town. Tokihayate became the first rikishi from his prefecture to make it to Makuuchi in 27 years in May last year, and won 10 matches  in March. Last year, he was a Juryo rikishi on the tour, and this is his first time touring his hometown as a makuuchi rikishi. The crowd erupted in excitement every time his shikona was called, and Tokihayate expressed his gratitude, saying, "I'm grateful to everyone who came out with towels and fans, and to everyone who asked me for an autograph." He mentioned his favorite local confection, "Yubeshi," revealing his sweet tooth, saying, "When I come to Sendai, they sell it at the station, so I buy some and eat it on the Shinkansen on the way back. When I'm in Tokyo, I sometimes order it online." He said he had eaten beef tongue the day before, and expressed his anticipation for the Aki basho. "I want to show forward moving power," he summed.

Edited August 11 by Kintamayama

[Kintamayama 46,753]

Sekiwake Wakatakakage demonstrated his determination to advance to Ozeki in the coming Aki basho at keiko. Today, he participated in asageiko at the summer jungyo in Sendai, where he demonstrated his excellent movements, winning five consecutive matches. After being called out  by Maegashira Hiradoumi he defeated him, Hakuouhou, Kusano (twice), and Ouhou, all of whom are highly skilled Maegashira rikishi. Finally, he lost one bout to Ouhou before leaving the venue with a record of 5 wins and 1 loss. His performance showed him working on his strengths, including his low-starting tachiai and thrusting style, showing his determination to become an Ozeki. After keiko, he spoke as if to convince himself, "The next basho is important. I want to work hard to prepare my mind and body from now on," while accepting the pressure of aiming for Ozeki. He won 12 matches as a Komusubi in May and 10 matches as a Sekiwake in Nagoya in July. The benchmark for promotion to Ozeki is 33 wins in three tournaments at a sanyaku rank. With double-digit wins in two consecutive tournaments as a sanyaku , he enters the Aki basho as the undisputed leading Ozeki candidate. His 10th win on the final day of the Nagoya basho was a major achievement, bringing his total to double digits, but he reflected on the weight of each win, saying, "Looking back, winning that match may have made a big difference," he said, reflecting on the importance of that win. He has already resumed doing sumo for a few days, and commented, "I want to continue as much as possible, but I'll have to consult with my body." Two years ago, he was also considered an "Ozeki candidate," but fell from Sekiwake to Makushita due to a serious right knee injury. Having experienced the pitfalls and not knowing where they might lie, he intends to make adjustments while balancing his composure and passion.

Edited August 12 by Kintamayama

[Kintamayama 46,753]

Today, Sekiwake Daieishou underwent a regular health check at the Ryogoku Kokugikan in Tokyo. He is out of the summer tour due to a torn right gastrocnemius muscle. "I'm carefully undergoing rehabilitation," he said. He's been working on shiko and suriashi at his heya and began practicing with some butsugari the day before. He plans to resume sumo training after the banzuke is announced on September 1st. He injured his right calf during keiko in June, and the injury recurred last month. He submitted a medical certificate stating that "a torn right gastrocnemius muscle is expected to require approximately two months of treatment," and will miss the Nagoya tournament. This is the first time he has done so since the 2022 Nagoya basho, when he was forced to miss a tournament due to a COVID-19 case in his stable, and his streak of consecutive appearances since his debut has come to an end at 1,070. "It was a strange feeling, watching the rikishi I usually face on TV. It made me want to try harder again," he said, revealing his true feelings He had a chance to become Ozeki depending on his performance in Nagoya, but "it can't be helped. I won't look back on the past." Regarding Aki basho he said , "I will do my own style of sumo basho by basho and of course return with the aim of improving, but I will also aim for even higher goals. I want to keep that in mind as I go forward."

Edited Thursday at 12:52 by Kintamayama

[Kintamayama 46,753]

 Endou underwent a regular medical check-up at the Ryogoku Kokugikan in Tokyo today as well. He submitted a medical certificate to the Kyokai stating that he "has torn the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee, torn medial collateral ligament, torn medial meniscus, torn lateral meniscus, and osteoarthritis of the knee, which will require two months of hospitalization and treatment," and missed the Nagoya Tournament. He underwent surgery on his right knee in Tokyo on July 10th, and when asked about the possibility of surgery on his left knee, he said, "It depends on how well it goes." He missed the entire previous tournament, and it is highly likely that he will be demoted to Juryo in Aki. "I'll do my best in rehabilitation," he said emphatically.

Tobizaru submitted a medical certificate stating that he will need about four weeks of rest and treatment due to a subluxation of the right elbow joint, an injury to the medial collateral ligament in his right elbow, and osteoarthritis of the elbow, and withdrew from the previous tournament. Regarding the condition of his elbow, he said, "It's getting better little by little." He has already resumed training and expressed his wishes for the next basho, saying, "I would like to participate."

[Kintamayama 46,753]

Hakuouhou celebrated his 22nd birthday today. In Nagoya, he got his first kinboshi against Yokozuna Oonosato, and finished with a kachikoshi of 8 -7 at his highest career rank of East Maegashira 4. "My goal is to reach Sanyaku. I'm finally getting close," he said, fueling his fighting spirit. During asageiko, he focused on forward-moving sumo, having 10 bouts against Komusubi Oushouma and others, going 7-3. During the jungyo, which involves long bus journeys, he is serious about  maintaining his physical condition, doing stretches and sit-ups for around an hour at the hotel where he is staying. "I'm training hard every day," he said confidently. 

Edited Friday at 15:40 by Kintamayama

[Yamanashi 4,040]

3 hours ago, Kintamayama said:

Komusubi Ounokatsu

Oshouma?

[Kintamayama 46,753]

32 minutes ago, Yamanashi said:

Oshouma?

Probably.

[Kintamayama 46,753]

The summer jungyo took place in Fukushima City yesterday. Makuuchi Asakouryuu joined the jungyo after withdrawing midway due to back pain. He had nine matches and nodded, saying, "The jungyo was worth it, as I was able to wrestle with so many different people." Last basho, he won six matches at Maegashira 12. "I want to train hard and aim for a kachikoshi next basho," he said with enthusiasm. Regarding his younger brother, Ishizaki, now known as Asasuiryuu, being promoted to Juryo, he frankly commented, "Rather than talking about my younger brother, I'm happy that Asanoyama, Asahakuryuu and he were all promoted. It feels like my younger brother is one of them." He will continue to lead the prestigious Takasago heya as the heya-gashira.

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