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The Final countdown- looks like we somehow made it..

No applause? No bowing?

Thinking about why they may/may not promote him, I've got: For: - He was on a declared tsuna run and he won the yusho. - The manner in which he won the yusho showed determination and the ability to perform under pressure. - The eyeball test. He does prototypical Yokozuna sumo. He has evolved from being a throwing specialist that over relied on his judo to a more rounded style, using effective pushing to set up a powerful yotsu game. - Consistency. He hasn't had a losing score since November 2021 when he was M5. - No injury concerns. He has missed only 5 matches since his debut in 2018, and has shown the willingness to fight while being hurt and get a winning score. - Terunofuji's retirement and the pressure for the top rank to not be empty. Against: - 12-3 is not a strong yusho. - 25 in 2 with only one yusho is a sketchy scoreline. Easy to see it being considered below the Yokozuna standard. - The Takakeisho precedent, being denied twice recently with the same score. - He was 8-7 in September. - Only his 2nd yusho, and he doesn't have a ton of jun yusho either. - He still loses matches in an un-Yokozuna-like manner every tournament (eg. Hiradoumi) Whether the YDC will consider these factors, potentially others I'm ignoring, and how they will balance them I have no idea. I could see the first one (winning the yusho while being on a run) taking precedence over everything else and earning him promotion... just as easily as I could see them saying 12-3/25-2 isn't good enough and asking for one more result in March. Curious to know what others think.

Interesting, my perception of sumo fandom is that he has been one of the most heavily hyped and highly rated for several years now. Before he even reached ozeki I saw numerous predictions that he'd reach the highest rank. If anything, I'd say he's slightly behind the timeline that many fans predicted for him (e.g. post below).

I won't pretend I'm not on record as saying this is the outcome I'd have preferred not to see, but I'm not going to be churlish about it. Hatsu 25 turned out to be a great basho. Commiserations to Kinbozan. He made them work very hard to stop him. Now I want him to show us it wasn't a fluke. Congratulations to Oho for finally getting the kind of result his pedigree suggests he should be capable of. He's improved greatly over the last few basho, so definitely not a fluke. Congratulations also to Hoshoryu on yusho no. 2. Decisively beating three rikishi on the trot (2/3 of whom were at the top of their game) leaves a great impression, as did seeing how much it meant to him. Evidently I'm not just an old git but a soft one at that. They told him to win and he did. It may end up resulting in the easiest yokozuna promotion in decades, but it won't be the easiest ever. And let's be real: 'easiest' is relative. I don't kid myself that anything about becoming a rikishi at the top end of the ozumo pyramid is easy.

He's a comedian named Akatsu (or known to fans as Stunto, as noted above) who has also coached some amateur sumo. He's been on other Japanese programs doing his impressions too.

More than just a chance, Hakkaku started the process by asking the YDC to discuss it: 99% sure now

Sansho are out: Shukun-sho - Oho if wins yusho - Kinbozan if wins yusho Kanto-sho - Kinbozan - Kirishima (win today) - Takerufuji (win today) - Tamawashi (win today) Gino-sho - Oho

Yeah, but Shodai only shows up for matches against good opponents, so that's actually a point in Hoshoryu's favour. Shodai's long term goal is to become a yokozuna-killer, lollygag in the upper rank and file, and earn sweet, sweet kinboshi.

Final standings : Symbols : ☼ = Funboshi ▀ = Loss by fusen -- = Absence There was no tiebreak required. From the two coleaders, only one won. The Yusho goes to @Wamahada for the first time.Congrats ! The Jun Yusho goes to @sumojoann and @Ryoshishokunin . Congrats ! Special Prizes : Outstanding Performance: @sumojoann with Kinbozan M14w who defeated Kotozakura O1e on day 13.. Fighting Spirit : This one goes to @Terarno and Chanko Thief achieving their KK in the last day after being at 7 losses on day 13. Technique Prize : @Flohru with Kotoeiho for a W-L streak from day 3 to day 9. @lilfox with Shirokuma from day 9 to 15. Funboshi : Chanko Thief on day 5. @Bunbukuchagama on day 7. @Terarno on day 9. @Gaijingai on day 12, Thanks to everyone who participated ! Stay tuned for the new Banzuke, to come courtesy of our richijo. Makuuchi: As mentioned already the winner for Kyushu 2024 Sekitori Sweepstake is Wamahada ! Juryo : There was no need for play off in Juryo either. Tibozuka won while @Gaijingai lost. As a consequence Tibozuka gets the Juryo Yusho. Congrats ! Gaijingai gets the Juryo Jun Yusho. Congrats ! Maezumo : @tsunamiko ends her first basho with a win and gets the Jonokuchi Yusho. Congrats !

At the final tally, it is Hisui who comes back into the lead to claim the Game 21 yusho on the final day. Congratulations! Flohru made a late charge for the jun-yusho with 5/6 day 15 results falling his way. We had 10 B results, 5 A results, 5 X results and one bout ruled null due to the absence of Hokutofuji. Rk Player Pts TB 1 Hisui 13 158 2 Flohru 12 144 3 Asset 12 131 4 E9 11 124 5 Susanoo 10 128 6 Wamahada 10 126 7 Wakatake 10 114 8 Benihana 9 116 9 Yarimotsu 9 111 10 Fashiriteta 9 105 11 Shimodahito 9 105 12 Rokudenashi 9 104 13 Ippikiōkami 9 101 14 KARASUKURAI 8 100 15 Andreas21 8 96 16 Chicky Starr 8 87 17 Athenayama 8 85 18 Bunbukuchagama 8 80 19 Gusoyama 8 78 20 Fia 8 75 21 RaeucherLax 7 83 22 Tochinofuji 7 75 23 Profomisakarri 7 68 24 Eatplaysleepsumo 5 58 25 Hakuryuho 4 28 Nr A - B A B X Day Result 1 Terunofuji – Abi 20 1 4 X 2 Kotozakura - Hoshoryu 10 15 0 15 B 3 Takerufuji - Onosato 4 8 13 X 4 Wakamotoharu - Takayasu 10 4 11 11 B 5 Daieisho – Kirishima 15 10 0 6 B 6 Takanosho - Wakatakakage 1 24 0 9 B 7 Tobizaru - Oho 11 14 0 6 B 8 Atamifuji – Hiradoumi 12 9 4 X 9 Ichiyamamoto – Gonoyama 5 13 7  X 10 Shodai - Ura 13 12 0 1 B 11 Chiyoshoma – Churanoumi 11 11 3 9 A 12 Endo – Mitakeumi 6 19 0 1 B 13 Roga – Kinbozan 8 4 13 X 14 Takarafuji – Tamawashi 8 17 0 6 A 15 Oshoma – Shonannoumi 7 13 5 12 A 16 Meisei - Midorifuji 16 9 0 1 B 17 Nishikigi – Hokutofuji 12 11 2 . 18 Hakuoho – Onokatsu 15 10 0 6 B 19 Kagayaki – Kotoshoho 2 21 2 7 A 20 Kitanowaka – Nishikifuji 15 10 0 4 A 21 Tamashoho – Tokihayate 8 17 0 3 B Thanks to @Profomisakari for selecting the bouts and inviting the players, it was a great help to me while I was off skiing. I hope your trips to the hospital went as well as they could. Thanks to all players - I believe we will return to the usual setup in the next tournament, and of course all are invited to join.

Thank you for being relentless as ever. You are EPIC @Kintamayama !

Wow, they would be the same age to the day for their prize, 40y 71d.

You must love Oshoma then.

Yeah, that's the big issue, both ways. I'm generally in the "let rikishi sink or swim" camp and in favour of more permissive promotions, but obviously that's much harder to do with yokozuna than other ranks because sink = intai. At least a promotion for Hoshoryu would get the "you can't get promoted to yokozuna with less than 26 wins" crowd to shut up for a while, but it's still a fact that his run is essentially a "naked" 25 wins without any particular supporting arguments based on past performance...the best one can say in his favour is that he's young-ish, that he's been a remarkably stable (if not especially high level) ozeki ever since he got promoted to the rank, and that his actual sumo looks as though he has turned a corner since September. He'll certainly be the biggest case of "promoted on potential" since Futahaguro and Hokutoumi if they go ahead, and I truly hope they're not handing him a poisoned chalice. (Also, I hope that this won't be just a "we need a replacement yokozuna now" promotion after which the next guys will be asked to adhere to tougher requirements again because "we already have Hoshoryu". That would annoy me immensely.)

Fastest makuuchi promotion ever by a foreigner for Aonishiki coming, 9 basho http://www.sponichi.co.jp/sports/news/2025/01/22/kiji/20250122s00005000339000c.html

Yeah, this is the key. He wasn't considered tsunatori after either of those 12 win tournaments. In one he wasn't in a playoff. In the other, he lost the playoff to a maegashira. Those aren't the kind of results that are "yusho-equivalent". Hoshoryu's 13-win runner-up performance was effectively a yusho-equivalent, losing the last match of the tournament to someone else who would be tsunatori, when winning the match would have given him the yusho. Being that close is generally perfectly fine, and 13 wins is a significantly better look than 12 even if you want to say that Takakeisho was just as close as winning as Hoshoryu because he would have won the yusho has he beaten the champion in their honwari match, though that match not happening Day 15 has a lot worse optics. So the 12D-13Y certainly "looks" better than Hoshoryu's 13J-12Y from a perspective of just looking at the numbers and letters, but that doesn't tell the whole story. Was there a result that could have gotten Takakeisho promoted after each of those 12-win runner-ups? Possibly, but it would have needed to be at least 14 wins given the way he was the runner-up. With Hoshoryu, any Yusho other than 11-4 was going to be enough to be considered a Yusho-equivalent for tsuna purposes and that's what he got, whereas Takakeisho had more to prove in the second tournament each time and didn't quite get there. I still think there's a reasonable chance that the YDC decides against promoting him, unless I missed something and it's already been decided. It's definitely a very fine line between these results, and given Hoshoryu's fairly young age, they could easily want him to do a bit more. Certainly another Yusho next tournament would do it and likely any 13 win result would as well, and the same result as the last two basho sometime in the future would also probably be enough.

I thought these were the right calls at the time, but you gotta feel a bit for Takakeisho.

New Banzuke for March 2025 Comments: Although he did not quite meet the target of 12 wins, I have decided to promote Gusoyama to Ozeki on the basis of 32 wins over three bashos - all double digits, and including one jun-yusho. Omedetou. We look forward to hearing Gusoyama's acceptance speech. We congratulate sumojoann on her excellent jun-yusho. She is now a tsunatori (Ozeki on Yokozuna watch) going into the March basho. Baku fell just short of the goal set for him. However, he remains on an Ozeki run going into March. He will require a double digit KK for that possible promotion. We were saddened by Sakura's intai early in the basho, and hope that some reincarnation will take part in March's Sekitori Sweepstake. Makunouchi sumojoann (O1W, 12-3) O1 Bunbukuchagama (O1E, 9-6) Gusoyama (S1E, 11-4) O2 Baku (S1W, 10-5) S1 Ryoshishikunin (M1E, 12-3) Wamahada (M5E, 13-2) K1 Kimyama (M6E, 11-4) Flohru (M7W, 10-5) M1 lilfox (M5W, 9-6) RaeucherLax (K1E, 6-9) M2 Karasukurai (M1W, 6-9) Rokudenashi (M6W, 8-7) M3 TheGunbaiHolder (M3E, 7-8) Ganzohnesushi (M7E, 8-7) M4 Holleshoryu (M4E, 7-8) Kaito (M8E, 8-7) M5 Fujiko (M3W, 6-9) chishafuwaku (M2E, 5-10) M6 Jakusotsu (M2W, 5-10) Reonito (K1W, 3-12) M7 Chanko Thief (M13E, 8-7) WAKATAKE (M15W, 9-6) M8 Gaijingai (J1W, 11-4) Fashiriteta (M8W, 7-8) M9 Jejima (M9E, 7-8) Getayukata (M15E, 8-7) M10 Sumo Spiffy (M10E, 7-8) Iwadanuki (M10W, 7-8) M11 Tetsuba (S2E, 0-0-15) Kaminariyuki (M4W, 2-13) M12 Yarimotsu (M12E, 7-8) Gernobono (M11E, 6-9) M13 Hakuhonofan (M9W, 5-10) Oshirokita (J1E, 9-6) M14 Terarno (M18E, 8-7) Joputosu (J3W, 10-5) M15 Taikoubana (J4E, 10-5) Andreas21 (M12W, 5-10) M16 Kaiowaka (M16W, 7-8) Tibozuka (J10E, 12-3) M17 Benihana (M17W, 7-8) Joaoiyama (M14E, 4-11) M18 Juryo Katooshu (M14W, 4-11) J1 Habibtiko (J8E, 8-7) Spytoneryu (J10W, 8-7) J2 Takanorappa (M11W, 0-0-15) Ack! (J2E, 5-10) J3 Athenayama (J3E, 6-9) Suwihuto (M16E, 0-0-15) J4 Shiroiokami (M17E, 0-0-15) Kaba (J5E, 5-10) J5 Meletyoshi (J2W, 1-14) Marakizumi (J8W, 7-8) J6 Kachikoshi (J7E, 6-9) Lordshamrockyama (J9W, 7-8) J7 lonewolf (J9E, 6-9) Djodjoyoshi (J7W, 2-13) J8 Tsunamiko (mz, 5-2) Daiouika (mz, 4-3) J9 Kale (mz, 3-4) Intai Sakura (M13W, 2-3 ) Banzuke-gai Bettega (J4W, 0-0-15) Kotononami (J5W, 0-0-15) Hoshotakamoto (J6E, 0-0-15) Chijanofuji (J6W, 0-0-15)

I might or might've not waken my wife up in celebration.

Final Standings Hatsu Basho and Rank Estimates for Haru: Jejima tugging at the curtain. Rank Shikona Surfs Position Standing Rank Estimate 1. Jejima Mita/Okaryu Ms17e/Ms17w 6-1/4-3 Ms5/Ms14 2. Oskanohana*** Okaryu Ms17w 4-3 Ms14 3. Jakusotsu*** Okaryu Ms17w 4-3 Ms14 4. Wamahada** Asashiyu Ms40w 6-1 Ms16 5. Hironoumi*** DNP(1st) Ms24e N/A Ms24e 6. Andoreasu*** Enho Sd4e 6-1 Ms32 7. Ganzohnesushi** Enho Sd4e 6-1 Ms32 8. Achiyama* Enho Sd4e 6-1 Ms32 9. Oortael*** Enho Sd4e 6-1 Ms32 10. Athenayama*** Enho Sd4e 6-1 Ms32 11. Terarno Mishima Sd16w 5-2 Ms54 12. Bunbukuchagama Daihisho Ms31e 1-6 Ms58 13. Yarimotsu** DNP(1st) Sd3e N/A Sd3e 14. Sakura** Goseizan Sd60e 6-1 Sd5 15. Hoshotakamoto*** DNP(2nd) Sd15e N/A Sd15e 16. Chiyotasuke** Kainoshima Sd8e 2-5 Sd33 17. WAKATAKE* Ryubumaru Jd56w 6-1 Sd90 18. chishafuwaku*** Hakuryu Jd33e 5-2 Sd98 19. Holleshoryu*** Taniguchi Jd3e 3-4 Jd23 20. Andreas21*** Gonosho Jk13w 6-1 Jd48

Kyodo News apparently saying promotion is confirmed. EDIT: https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2025/01/d24d66cd5706-urgent-sumo-hoshoryu-set-for-yokozuna-promotion-after-winning-new-year-meet.html EDIT 2: A bit too much excitement on my side.

Took longer than I thought but I am stoked Hoshoryu has (barring the extraordinary) finally come through! I'd have been happier with a stronger showing than 13-2 J/12-3 Y but the precedent is there and it's absolutely valid. Hopefully I snare tickets to Nagoya this year and I get to see his Dohyo-iri relatively fresh with my own eyes! Almost as good a day as a Takayasu yusho would be. Very happy day in the Godango household.

I remember many of the members several years ago laughing at the prospect of Hoshoryu becoming a yokozuna. While some of us saw it coming from miles away.

Hatsu 2025-Final Day Today's results Kusano, started at Makushita 60 tsukedashi in May 2024 and is 4-3 and kachikoshi at Makushita 3W. Miyagino/Isegahama beya, highest career rank. Promoted to Juryo. Miyagi is 4-3 and kachikoshi at Makushita 4E. Enhou clone. Matsui, entered sumo at Makushita 60 tsukedashi in March 2024, is 2-5 and makekoshi at Makushita 8E. Miyagino/Isegahama beya. Highest career rank. Ishizaki, Asakouryuu's brother is 6-1 and kachikoshi at Makushita 8W, after starting at Makushita tsukedashi 60 in Nagoya 2024. Highest career rank. Asahakuryuu is 3-4 and makekoshi at Makushita 9W. Jonokuchi yusho in his debut basho. Mongolian. Kurohimeyama, ex-Kurohimeyama's grandson, is 0-1 at Makushita 10W. KYUJO Kyokukaiyuu, Mongolian, is 5-2 and kachikoshi at Makushita 16E. Sandanme yusho in the past. Mita is 6-1 and kachikoshi at Makushita 17E, started at Makushita 60 tsukedashi in Aki 2024. Highest career rank. Satorufuji is 4-3 and kachikoshi at Makushita 19E. Jonidan yusho in May 2023, Makushita yusho in Kyushu 2023. Inami is 4-3 and kachikoshi at Makushita 19W-highest career rank. Sandanme yusho in Nagoya 2024. Gyokuouzan (Kanazawa), father half-Japanese, half-Paraguayan, mother half-Italian, half-Paraguayan is 2-5 and makekoshi at Makushita 20W, highest career rank. Seihakuhou, Mongolian ex-Hakuhou's recruit, is 2-5 and makekoshi at Makushita 28E. Jonidan yusho Nagoya 2024. Highest career rank. Anooshou is 5-2 and kachikoshi at Makushita 32E. Jonokuchi and Jonidan yusho lately. Ex-Aminishiki's recruit. Wakatakamoto is 4-3 and kachikoshi at Makushita 33W. Eldest brother of Wakatakakage and Wakamotoharu. Shunrai, ex-Tokitsukaze's 19 years old son number 2, (Kiryuukou's brother) is 3-4 and makekoshi at Makushita 43W. Jonokuchi yusho in the past. Mudouhou, ex-Taihou's other grandson (youngest) is 7-0 and kachikoshi at Makushita 44E. Makushita yusho. Tokitenran, started at Sandanme 90 tsukedashi in March 2024, is 3-4 and makekoshi at Makushita 44W. Suyama, small first ever student/graduate from Tokyo University, is 2-5 and makekoshi at Sandanme 1E. Quite a media celeb. Shimizuumi is 4-3 and kachikoshi at Sandanme 3E, Jonokuchi yusho Nagoya 2024. Jonidan yusho Aki 2024. Highest career rank Naya, ex- Taihou's third grandson (second eldest) is 3-4 and makekoshi at Sandanme 6E. There is another grandson, Yukio, but he's a pro-wrestler. Kototsubasa the bow twirling yumitorikishi is 2-5 and makekoshi at Sandanme 11E. Ikazuchidou - Half Nigerian, is 5-2 and kachikoshi at Sandanme 14E. Highest career rank. Agoura, ex- Brazilian, Lucas Kazuo Iima, is 1-6 and makekoshi at Sandanme 45W. Dewanojou, the heaviest guy in sumo (258 kilos), is 4-3 and kachikoshi at Sandanme 47W. Furanshisu from the Philippines is 1-6 and makekoshi at Sandanme 63W. Kuwae, half Philipino Justine France Pasquale is 4-3 and kachikoshi at Sandanme 74E. Ikarigata, much hyped brother of Juryo Wakaikari and son of ex- Ooikari (Kabutoyama Oyakata) is 6-1 and kachikoshi at Sandanme 80 tsukedashi this basho, his debut. Shouketsu, the oldest guy in sumo (48), is 3-4 and makekoshi at Jonidan 4W. Kazuma, another Makushita 60 tsukedashi entrant in Nagoya 2024, is at Jonidan 9W. KYUJO Yoshiazuma, the tallest guy in sumo (1.96 meters) is 3-4 and makekoshi at Jonidan 43W. Kousei, the shortest guy in sumo (1.60 meters) is 4-3 and kachikoshi at Jonidan 46W. Highest career rank. Shoutaimu- Showtime! Gets on the list just for that clever shikona- is 2-1-4 at Jonidan 52W. KYUJO Daigozakura, the bald rikishi is 2-5 and makekoshi at Jonidan 70W. Urutora (Ultra..), the lightest guy in sumo (65 kilos) is 2-5 and makekoshi at Jonidan 92E. Kikuchi, the youngest guy in sumo (15 and 11 months). is 4-1-2 and kachikoshi at Jonokuchi 6W. Highest career rank Sawaisamu, active rikishi with most career losses, is 2-5 and makekoshi at Jonokuchi 12 E. Tenrousei, ex-Asashouryuu's nephew is 3-0 in Maezumo. Hikarumusashi, ex- Musashimaru's nephew, is 3-1 in Maezumo. Kaitoma - Mark Aaron Justin Toma- Brazilian-Filipino, is 3-2 in Maezumo. Edited 15 hours ago by Kintamayama

So, just to wrap everything up: Y/O: looks like we will have a new Yokozuna after all? San'yaku: the Waka brothers down, Kirishima and Oho up (but in which order?), and it comes down to K1 Abi (7-8) vs. M3e Gonoyama (8-7) for K1w. Makuuchi-Juryo: Shishi, Ryuden, Aonishiki, and Sadanoumi will take the places vacated by Terunofuji, Hokutofuji, Roga, and Kitanowaka. Asakoryu is the 5th promotion; he should replace Kagayaki. The final spot in the top division should come down to Shirokuma vs. Tamashoho. With no other remotely plausible promotion candidates, the lucky survivors should be Mitakeumi, Kotoshoho, and Tokihayate, unless they deviate from the math or Mitakeumi calls it quits. Juryo-Makushita: Wakanosho, Hitoshi, Kazekeno, Otsuji, and Kusano should take the places vacated by Terunofuji, Daishoho, Bushozan, Shimazuumi, and Daiamami. Hatsuyama survives despite a (barely) demotable record; Miyagi narrowly misses out, unless there's another retirement.

I appreciate greatly the promotion to Ozeki, I consider myself lucky to have achieved such heights. The promotion is especially generous considering my short tenure in the game, and I will do my best to uphold the dignity of the rank.

Since nobody even mentioned it yet: what the heck was that torinaoshi about that robbed Kayo of his Makuuchi promotion?

Hoshoryu won the makuuchi division play-off. After day 15, January 2025, Makuuchi division scores are: (Rikishi have fought 15 bouts except as otherwise stated) Score Rikishi Shikona 15-0 0 - 14-1 0 - 13-2 0 - 12-3 3 Hoshoryu, Oho, Kinbozan 11-4 2 Daieisho, Kirishima 10-5 3 Onosato, Takerufuji, Hakuoho 9-6 3 Chiyoshoma, Tamawashi, Nishikifuji 8-7 6 Gonoyama, Takayasu, Ichiyamamoto, Oshoma, Nishikigi, Shonannoumi 7-8 8 Abi, Wakatakakage, Tobizaru, Ura, Hiradoumi, Midorifuji, Onokatsu, Tokihayate 6-9 7 Wakamotoharu, Takanosho, Shodai, Endo, Meisei, Tamashoho, Kagayaki 5-10 4 Kotozakura, Atamifuji, Takarafuji, Kotoshoho 4-11 2 Churanoumi, Kitanowaka(4-5-6) 3-12 0 - 2-13 2 Terunofuji(2-3-1 Retired), Mitakeumi 1-14 0 - 0-15 2 Roga(0-3-12), Hokutofuji(0-0-15) After day 15, January 2025, Juryo division scores are: (Rikishi have fought 15 bouts except as otherwise stated) Score Rikishi Shikona 15-0 0 - 14-1 0 - 13-2 1 Shishi 12-3 1 Aonishiki 11-4 2 Ryuden, Nabatame 10-5 1 Kotoeiho 9-6 5 Sadanoumi, Asakoryu, Shirokuma, Oshoumi, Wakaikari(9-3-3) 8-7 5 Tochitaikai, Fujiseiun, Mitoryu, Hakuyozan, Tohakuryu 7-8 4 Kayo, Hidenoumi, Tomokaze, Kiryuko 6-9 1 Hatsuyama 5-10 2 Shiden, Daiseizan 4-11 1 Daiamami 3-12 2 Shimanoumi, Shimazuumi 2-13 1 Tsurugisho 1-14 1 Daishoho 0-15 1 Bushozan(0-0-15)

Kiryuko is the flag bearer for the parade.

Both Onosato and Hoshoryu above 300. Kinbozan and Wakatakakage blew it, so only 7 above 100, with Oho closing in on Kotozakura - the next ozeki, or rather Kirishima returning? The full list after the next banzuke appears. Day 15 https://www.sumo.or.jp/pdf/honbasho/kansen/torikumi/2501_15.pdf ３２７: Onosato ３０８: Hoshoryu １７９: Kotozakura １５９: Oho (M) １４８: Kirishima １０４: Tobizaru １０１: Atamifuji ９５: Wakatakakage ９１: Kinbozan ８８: Oshoma

Final Standings Hatsu Basho and Rank Estimates for Haru: Sakura cruising steadily toward the shore. Winner Last Surfer Position Banzuke 1. Ganzohnesushi Abi K1e Hatsu 2025 Rank Shikona Surfs Position Standing Rank Estimate 2. Sakura Takerufuji M11w 10-5 M6 3. Oortael* Onokatsu M12w 7-8 M13 4. Jejima Ryuden J3e 11-4 M13 5. chishafuwaku* Tochitaikai J7e 8-7 J5 6. Andoreasu*** Tomokaze J6w 7-8 J7 7. Hoshotakamoto DNP(2nd) Ms2e N/A Ms2e 8. Chiyotasuke* Tenshoho Ms7w 4-3 Ms4 9. Terarno Okaryu Ms17w 4-3 Ms14 10. Wamahada** Okaryu Ms17w 4-3 Ms14 11. Achiyama* Okaryu Ms17w 4-3 Ms14 12. Jakusotsu*** Inami Ms19w 4-3 Ms15 13. WAKATAKE** Fujitoshi Ms15e 3-4 Ms24 14. Hironoumi*** DNP(1st) Sd3e N/A Sd3e 15. Athenayama* Goseizan Sd60e 6-1 Sd5 16. Holleshoryu** DNP(1st) Sd55w N/A Sd55w

Final Standings Hatsu Basho and Rank Estimates for Haru: All praise to Oskanohana for what he truly is! Rank Shikona Surfs Position Standing Rank Estimate 1. Bunbukuchagama Oshoumi J9w 9-6 J5 2. Sakura* Kotoeiho J13w 10-5 J7 3. Ganzohnesushi** Otsuji Ms5w 5-2 Ms1 4. Athenayama** Tochimaru Ms7e 5-2 Ms2 5. Achiyama* Kyokukaiyu/Mita Ms16e/Ms17e 5-2/6-1 Ms7/Ms5 6. Jejima Mita Ms17e 6-1 Ms5 7. Oskanohana** Mudoho Ms44e 7-0 Ms5 8. Jakusotsu*** Daishoho J14w 1-14 Ms12 9. Hironoumi*** DNP(1st) Ms12e N/A Ms12e 10. WAKATAKE*** Gojinyu Ms31w 6-1 Ms12 11. Wamahada** Okaryu Ms17w 4-3 Ms14 12. Hoshotakamoto*** DNP(2nd) Ms29w N/A Ms29w 13. chishafuwaku** Enho Sd4e 6-1 Ms32 14. Chiyotasuke* Enho Sd4e 6-1 Ms32 15. Oortael*** Kazuto Ms21w 2-5 Ms36 16. Andoreasu*** Shimizuumi Sd3e 4-3 Ms54 17. Yarimotsu* DNP(1st) Ms60e N/A Ms60e 18. Terarno Goseizan Sd60e 6-1 Sd5 19. Holleshoryu*** Suyama Sd2e 2-5 Sd24

Final Standings Hatsu Basho and Rank Estimates for Haru: No need to rearrange the initial ranks. Rank Shikona Surfs Position Standing Rank Estimate 1. Chiyotasuke*** Daikisho Jk4w 7-0 Jd9 2. Oskanohana*** Daikisho Jk4w 7-0 Jd9 3. Terarno*** Daikisho Jk4w 7-0 Jd9 4. Achiyama** Daikisho/Gonosho Jk4w/Jk13w 7-0/6-1 Jd9/Jd48 5. Bunbukuchagama** Daikisho/Gonosho Jk4w/Jk13w 7-0/6-1 Jd9/Jd48 6. Ganzohnesushi** Daikisho/Gonosho Jk4w/Jk13w 7-0/6-1 Jd9/Jd48 7. Jejima*** Gonosho Jk13w 6-1 Jd48 8. Wamahada** Gonosho/Okada Jk13w/Jk14w 6-1/5-2 Jd48/Jd84 9. Ryoshishokunin*** Gonosho Jk13w 6-1 Jd48 10. Andreas21*** Gonosho Jk13w 6-1 Jd48 11. Sakura*** Gonosho Jk13w 6-1 Jd48 12. Holleshoryu*** Gonosho Jk13w 6-1 Jd48 13. Jakusotsu*** Gonosho Jk13w 6-1 Jd48 14. WAKATAKE*** Gonosho Jk13w 6-1 Jd48 15. Oortael*** Gonosho Jk13w 6-1 Jd48 16. Andoreasu*** Gonosho Jk13w 6-1 Jd48 17. Athenayama*** Gonosho Jk13w 6-1 Jd48 18. chishafuwaku*** Gonosho Jk13w 6-1 Jd48

What an incredible showing of mental strength by Hoshoryu. 3 in a row with solid fortitude and that brash confidence of his. Amazing.

Ain't nobody got time for that. We're all busy watching the stream. YAAAY! 3-way ketteisen

Any sansho hopes/predictions? My wild guess: Kinbozan kanto-sho, plus shukun-sho if yusho Oho gino-sho, plus shukun-sho if yusho Chiyoshoma kanto-sho if 9-6 (but no idea if they'll actually recognize that he had the second-most unexpected positive performance after Kinbozan) Does Kirishima get anything? (Sure didn't in September...) Takerufuji? I'm skeptical.

And does no one remember when Ryuden suddenly became a blatant twerker a few years back?

Ever watched Chiyootori? I called him Bob for a reason...

No more backups-so be alert.. 24 hours and poof.

Mirror result of Hokutoumi, the rijicho was slightly worse, with the yusho first and then the runner-up - but you can't be annoyed that the decisive factor for the unanimous condoning of the promotion is that London is coming: all banzuke decisions are largely influenced by the demand for a rank, when there is enough of one, the requirements go up.

Awaiting @sumojoann, @Gusoyama, @lilfox, @TheGunbaiHolder, @Holleshoryu, @Chanko Thief, @Gaijingai, @Tetsuba, @Kaminariyuki, @Hakuhonofan, @Oshirokita, @Joputosu, @Andreas21, @Benihana, @Joaoiyama, @Takanorappa, @Ack!, @Suwihuto, @Shiroiokami, @tsunamiko, Kale Current state of play.... Makunouchi sumojoann (O1W, 12-3) O1 Bunbukuchagama ACTIVE Gusoyama (S1E, 11-4) O2 Baku ACTIVE S1 Ryoshishikunin ACTIVE Wamahada ACTIVE K1 Kimyama ACTIVE Flohru ACTIVE M1 lilfox (M5W, 9-6) RaeucherLax ACTIVE M2 Karasukurai ACTIVE Rokudenashi ACTIVE M3 TheGunbaiHolder (M3E, 7-8) Ganzohnesushi ACTIVE M4 Holleshoryu (M4E, 7-8) Kaito ACTIVE M5 Fujiko ACTIVE chishafuwaku ACTIVE M6 Jakusotsu CHIPS Reonito ACTIVE M7 Chanko Thief (M13E, 8-7) WAKATAKE ACTIVE M8 Gaijingai (J1W, 11-4) Fashiriteta ACTIVE M9 Jejima ACTIVE Getayukata ACTIVE M10 Sumo Spiffy ACTIVE Iwadanuki ACTIVE M11 Tetsuba (S2E, 0-0-15) Kaminariyuki (M4W, 2-13) M12 Yarimotsu ACTIVE Gernobono ACTIVE M13 Hakuhonofan (M9W, 5-10) Oshirokita (J1E, 9-6) M14 Terarno ACTIVE Joputosu (J3W, 10-5) M15 Taikoubana ACTIVE Andreas21 (M12W, 5-10) M16 Kaiowaka ACTIVE Tibozuka ACTIVE M17 Benihana (M17W, 7-8) Joaoiyama (M14E, 4-11) M18 Juryo Katooshu ACTIVE J1 Habibtiko ACTIVE Spytoneryu ACTIVE J2 Takanorappa (M11W, 0-0-15) Ack! (J2E, 5-10) J3 Athenayama ACTIVE Suwihuto (M16E, 0-0-15) J4 Shiroiokami (M17E, 0-0-15) Kaba ACTIVE J5 Meletyoshi ACTIVE Marakizumi ACTIVE J6 Kachikoshi ACTIVE Lordshamrockyama ACTIVE J7 lonewolf ACTIVE Djodjoyoshi ACTIVE J8 Tsunamiko (mz, 5-2) Daiouika ACTIVE J9 Kale (mz, 3-4) Mae-zumo Monikashiki ACTIVE Martamami ACTIVE Sakura CHIPS

Like the 2 other co-leaders, I first picked Takanosho, but switched to "whoever facing Tsurugisho" before going to bed, even if that meant losing the tiebreaker. Probably my best SB basho all around. Still short for the green mawashi.

Fair enough, I'd guess I'd say my perception varies and that he seemed more in favour than what I'd consider a divisive or doubted rikishi to be.

Kinbozan was visibly nervous all the way - he shouldn't have ignored the traditional rule to avoid saying one wants the yusho when it is in reach - only before the basho

But it didn't end up saving Daiamami, loss for him against Wakanosho. The list of nominally demotable juryo rikishi became quite a bit shorter with the final day thanks to wins by Shimanoumi, Daiseizan and Kiryuko, while Hatsuyama and already dropping Shimazuumi (vs Otsuji) and Daishoho were defeated. Down/Out Queue Rk Diff W-L Diff Up Queue Terunofuji Y1e intai n/a n/a Wakanosho Ms1e 5-2 Daishoho J14w 1-14 4.0 < 13+5 = 18 Hitoshi Ms4w 6-1 Bushozan J7w 0-0-15 8.0 < 15+1 = 16 Kazekeno Ms1w 4-3 Shimazuumi J10e 3-12 9.5 < 9+3 = 12 Otsuji Ms5w 5-2 Daiamami J11e 4-11 6.5 < 7+1 = 8 Kusano Ms3w 4-3 Hatsuyama J12e 6-9 6.0 > 3+1 = 4 Miyagi Ms4e 4-3 (I don't think we're needing any formulas for this one in the end...) Hard luck for Miyagi that the in/out line is going right through the half-rank difference between him and same-score Kusano, but it would be very surprising if they demoted Hatsuyama for him or if he gained preference over Otsuji.

Tamawashi if 10-5. Would be almost perfectly parallel to Kyokutenho's last sansho.

I think Hoshoryu did well to stay in the yusho competition after his mid tournament blip. But I don't see them giving him a promotion even if he wins the yusho. At best, he extends his yusho run, and they might look favorably upon the results of next tournament.

Wild speculation: perhaps the prime minister is supposed to enter the building at the time Kinbozan's bout is scheduled?

After no bouts on day 14, we will see one on Day 15 - our intra-Ozeki bout. I'll stick with Profomisakari's handling of X bouts and provide an update following day 15.