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He looked lively enough looping that right fist at Nabatame’s jaw on Day 4. Looked particularly vicious and appeared to be a punch, to my eyes, not a slap. Bad blood there? Certainly rang his bell while picking up his first win. Maybe he reads the forum…

So saddened by his passing at such a young age. His story and character were both inspirational. I have been guiding my university students as they learn about his remarkable life and indomitable spirit in the face of adversity, while somehow managing to remain humble throughout the journey. They are becoming experts on his life and achievements—all 280 of them, spread across 8 classes. Akebono’s indelible legacy will live on forever.

Asakoryu smacking down Wakatakakage was oddly satisfying, although I am a fan of both. Shishi one away from KK and looking stronger, more mobile, and possessed of more ring sense than ever. Could we be witnessing the naissance of the next Tochinoshin? Styles and body types not dissimilar, non? Not happy to see Akua in pain after bout with Hidenoumi. I wasn’t a fan before, but met him and found him to be a charming personality, so support him now. No surprise, Kitaharima doesn’t have what it takes to hang and bang in Juryo. Strength-wise, found lacking. Nice seeing him in prime time again, but that was that. Asanoyama with a good win, but the forced year off clearly sapped him of the overwhelming power his supporters hoped he’d continue to wield against his opponents. The big news, obviously, was Hoshoryu playing the stopper. I also enjoyed the derailment of the hype train, however exciting, at least temporarily. Then there is Onosato, who could not perform in the clutch. A big fight for him. Surely he’ll learn from the experience and move on. A very entertaining day of fights. Wish I was in Osaka.

Yawn. Day 7 featured the poorest quality and least entertaining sumo of the tournament, so far, IMO. Hope things pick up tomorrow. Terunofuji’s pull out feels a day late and a dollar short.

Ok, a brown vested supporter at ringside clapped enthusiastically after Wakatakakage’s win on day 7. Aren’t they supposed to sit and observe passively , or something?

Those really were two pretty finishes to behold. Great to see such skills on display

‘Twas a thing of beauty

Its was a good fight

Is it Osaka where they’re fastened down somehow? One of the venues, that’s the case, IIRC

I noticed that too. Perhaps an involuntary expression of amusement about something non-sumo related? Somebody with a bout of gas?

I enjoy these programs very much. The Kotonowaka one is excellent

Really hope they take it easy on Miyagino. Of course, he's ultimately responsible for what goes happens on his watch, no one would argue otherwise. That said, he does more for promoting and popularizing the sport internationally and fostering future talent than anyone else I can think of. As has been said many times before, he's a huge asset to the JSA, whether they like it or not.

Not that this has any connection to the scandal, but I found it interesting that at the 2023 Hatsu basho, Hokuseiho would arrive outside the Kokugikan in a large luxury model SUV with loud music blaring that would spill out when the rear passenger door opened and he exited the vehicle. It was always that Mongolian group The Hu, if memory serves , and he seemed to have something of an entourage traveling with him, not all of whom would debark along with him. It struck me, at the time, as more like a rock star’s entrance than what we would normally expect from a rikishi. I just chalked it up to being a young generation thing.

Rumors confirmed, apparently, all very bad news for Miyagino stable. Most regrettable, this alleged misconduct and the fallout. How will this impact Miyagino’s ability to coach and run a heya?

Takakeisho did appear to perform dohyo iri but didn’t fight Mitakeumi was defeated by Meisei Asanoyama was defeated by Hiradoumi Ura was defeated by Takayasu Kirishima was defeated by Kotonowaka Daieisho was defeated by Mitakeumi

I vote Nishikigi for Man of the Match! Sky crane on Hokuseiho?!?!?! Tochinoshin will be proud. Also great fight by Takayasu to put the glowering one in the dirt. Love it!

Yeah, Akua went full ape. That was vicious. There’s something dislikable about him

Likewise was hoping for a swift dose of comeuppance, but it wasn’t to be. Not today, anyway.

Signed. Came across as a complete tool, he did. Off putting for sure.

I’m on board!

Tedium for television viewers? The prolonged stare down thing rarely impresses the truly jaded sumo fans among us and that one was just beyond the beyond. FFS, the news needs to start at 6pm! I’m not even Japanese but I get antsy when rikishi mess with the order of the time/space continuum

Kotoeko muscled Oho off his feet with what looked at first to me to be a slap, but when seen from another angle was actually a two handed push. Impressive display of strength all the same. Ryuden Atamifuji was a barn burner. Crowd loved it. Didn’t we all? Nishikigi with such a sweet shitatenage against Shonanomi. He looked brilliant on defense throughout that bout.

Takakeisho felt that loss acutely, as evidenced by his body language. Feeling it slipping away…

Day 1 rather lackluster, all around. Some ring rust in evidence. Disappointed in the performances of Hokutofuji and Ura, neither of whom mounted much offense against their opponents. Takayasu and Hoshoryu and Daiesho were looking good

Not surprising in the least. Will Hatsu 2024 be the big man’s last hurrah? The final curtain call?