Kaioshoryu

Does anyone know the shikona of the tsukebito with glasses? Is that the same tsukebito who hugged Aonishiki and cried after his yusho bout?

Wholeheartedly agree. I personally can't wait to see what effect the ascent of Onosato can have on the popularity of ozumo in the market where it matters: Japan. I'm no expert but I seriously doubt that the loss of Hakuho will have a big effect on popularity in Japan, but Onosato might have. Foreign sumo fans complaining about the treatment of Hakuho doesn't move the needle. And I have read many places that the loss of Hakuho will slow the growth of ozumo internationally, well where is this huge growth? This forum isn't as lively as it used to be, although that probably isn't a good measuring stick.

Video much appreciated as always. Kinta, you are a superstar!

Kinbozan or Chiyoshoma yusho? That's about as far away from my hopes as humanly possible

I never was a fan of Aoiyama, but it will be very strange not having him around. The guy was sekitori for over 13 years which is very very impressive. I wish him well in his career as oyakata.

How long can Takakeisho go on? In my eyes he really looks unwell, and with that neck injury I'm dreading some permanent damage could occur for him.

Ugliest belly in sumo. Seemed like a very likeable guy, and always provided entertainment on the dohyo, both in victory and defeat.

Extremely difficult to watch Terunofuji trying to walk on his two destroyed knees after the bout. I guess double knee replacement surgery is coming for Teru at one point.

I have a feeling that Kirishima will be a competent and stable ozeki, moreso than the recent crop of incumbents. Mitakeumi and Shodai weren't up to par, and even Takakeisho has bounced back and forth between good results and kadoban. Will be nice with some consistency in the rank.

Let's hope it's just a bunch of nonsense that article. There were some other rumblings of intai on twitter, but it might just be smoke and no fire. We'll see.

According to georgian media, Tochinoshin has retired. https://agenda.ge/en/news/2023/1948

Pretty terrible day of sumo this was.

Works in Norway!

Nothing against Abi, but that was not the end I had hoped the basho would end. Abi won fair and square, but with a side order of extreme heartbreak for Takayasu. That's the nature of professional sports I guess, but sometimes you want that fairytale ending.

Are there unusually few withdrawals during the basho this time? Very good if so.