Kaninoyama

Wrestling. He originally was recruited to his Japanese HS as a wrestler before switching to sumo.

We may have a new Hakuho on our hands. In terms of sheer skill.

From Nishonoseki: “He injured the acromioclavicular joint in his left shoulder. He tried moving at keiko this morning, but after talking with him, we decided not to push it and to have him rest. We’re very sorry that he has to sit out on the final day.”

Ajigawa Oyakata himself accepted the judgment without question. In his own words: His rikishi was flying outside the dohyo. Therefore, he had no body, he lost, and there was no reason to call a mono-ii.

Fortunately for the rest of the contenders, Yoshinofuji also declared that he's fine with winning just two more.

Or in other words: A taste of his own medicine.

Ex-Terunofuji was doing commentary duties for NHK while showing the new Asahifuji's mae-zumo bout. When asked about the granting of the ambitious shikona, he said that it was Miyagino's (ex Isegahama's) wish. He questioned the timing of granting of the name (suggesting that it might be more appropriate after he's actually accomplished something), but Miyagino was insistent, so Asahifuji he became. Also said that people should temper their expectations, and that he still has along way to go before he becomes the rikishi everyone expects him to be.

It was still broadcasting on the NHK 4K channel, which we happen to have. So it became my duty to film each bout and send them via Line messenger to my irate Japanese sumo pals.

Albirex Niigata. Still have no idea what it means.

I wonder if he'll be similar to Nishonoseki in transforming from a reticent stoic warrior to a chatty, affable character in his post-sumo life?

"And they conk heads" Thank god I have access to the Japanese-language broadcast.

Most surprising nuggets from the show: 1) Fujinokawa gained 70 kilos between junior high and high school 2) Kayo is listed as being from Okinawa but was born and raised in Chiba (but parents were both from Okinawa so he took some liberties)

According to the retirement announcement by Isegahama-beya, he'll remain at Isegahama-beya as a coach to develop the next generation or rikishi. Unclear if that's just for the short term or if he'll eventually branch out on his own.

Who's griping?

Fusensho + Henka for the two Yokozuna. I'm sure more than a few Kokugikan fans went home a little disappointed yesterday. Hopefully today's showdown makes up for it.