After March (Haru) Basho links
Terunofuji Ozeki Promotion Ceremony (Video) (Japanese) with English Subtitles
Note: Gambarize means "do my best."
Nissansports.com (Japanese). There are 13 articles about Terunofuji's Ozeki promotion from 3/29 to 3/31
Video links to all 295 full match videos, as well as full live coverage of selected matches on Day 8 and Day 15 (available until April 12).(NHK)
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Note: Tachiai.org is archiving its complete Basho coverage. All articles from the November, 2020, January 2021, and March 2020 Basho are now available from one link. Many thanks to Tachiai.org for this relatively simple addition that adds immensely to the ease of access to their content. (ADDED MARCH 29, 2021). Tachiai.org Tournament Archives
Chris Sumo has begun his "After Basho" analysis of various aspects of the March Basho. I will link to them here. As a new Sumo fan, I find these videos terrifically educational and very entertaining. There is method to these giant Rikishi madness, and Chris has the best videos I have seen, from the point of view of the neophyte, explaining it.
Takakeisho's March 2021: Surprising success or predictable failure? (ADDED APRIL 7, 2021)
Abi & fellow champions (ADDED APRIL 7, 2021)
From wheelchair to ozeki: How Terunofuji won the cup (ADDED APRIL 7, 2021)
Tochinoshin's (M7e) March 2021. A deconstruction of most of Tochinoshin's bouts. And for those who may have missed some great videos, his playlists consist of over 100 short videos (usually less than 10 minutes) covering the September, November 2020, and January, March 2010 Basho. (ADDED MARCH 29, 2021)
And for those who may not have seen, or wish easier access to Chris' videos from previous Basho (almost all less than 10 minutes), use his playlists as your portal to over 100 videos covering the September, November 2020, and January 2021 Basho.
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Kintamayama Youtube
March Basho Interviews (Japanese, with English Subtitles)
Aminishiki + Midorifuji
Takanosho, Kaisei
The Brothers Tobizarov (Hidenoumi, Tobizaru)
Chiyotairyu
Aminishiki + Midorifuji
Takanosho, Kaisei
The Brothers Tobizarov (Hidenoumi, Tobizaru)
Chiyotairyu
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Link to November and September 2020 Basho Blog Post
Link to May 2021 Basho Blog Post
Link to July 2021 Basho Post
Link to NHK (Japanese TV--in English) short highlights (about 5 minutes each) of the last six Basho (Tournaments) going back to January 2020 (ADDED MARCH 15, 2021)
Link to Tachiai.org archives for November 2020, January and March 2021 complete Basho Coverage
MARCH 2021 BASHO (HARU)
Grand Sumo Results, standings, match articles, photos, videos of all matches, match analyses for the March (Haru) Basho, (March 14-28, 2021). This Basho is usually held in Osaka, but will be held in Tokyo, due to Pandemic restrictions.
Note: to the best of my knowledge, the daily NHK videos should be available on demand throughout the Basho and for a short period thereafter. Then they will be removed from the NHK website.
For background on my interest in Sumo and the reason for the blog, see the "What is this about?" page, linked from the right side of the page (or spin from "home" to it on a mobile device, then spin back to "home" for the blog.
For a list of selected "Essential Links" for the New Sumo fan, see the "Essential links" page on the right side of the blog)
Note: On mobile devices, the tables will line up better in landscape mode. Use that or reader view landscape for best results.
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The March (Haru) Basho (Tournament) (one of 6 annual Basho, held in the odd numbered months), is contested at Tokyo's Ryōgoku Kokugikan (1)(2) (source: Wikipedia). This is the first time a March Basho has been held in Tokyo since 1874. (Source: Chris Sumo Day 1 video--see below). It is usually contested in Osaka, but has been moved due to Pandemic restrictions. The 15 day Makuuchi (Top Divison--salaried) and Juryo (2nd Division--salaried) Basho will have 21 and 14 matches per day respectively. The other 4 divisions (Makushita, Sandanme, Jonidan, and Jonukuchi--all non salaried) will each have 7 match Basho. As of the beginning of the Top Division Basho only Y1w Kakuryo will not be available due to injury. Be sure to follow the Japanese Sumo Association's Absentee information, which covers injury and other related absences. There are links to it also under each day's results links.
For a list of selected "Essential Links" for the New Sumo fan, see the "Essential links" page on the right side of the blog)
Note: Source for all Rikishi (wrestler) links, unless otherwise specifically stated, is Sumo Reference, which is, without question, the most exhaustive, time encompassing (back to the mid-18th Century), freely available, and easy to use interconnected sports database I have seen. The amount of information contained is staggering.
Note: All articles linked to below, unless otherwise specifically stated, are in English. All Nikkansports.com articles are in Japanese. For some quotes, I have used Google Tanslate for English translations. The translations are "primitive" (the nicest adjective I can think of, but the best I can do). For real English translations of Rikishi quotes, I would recommend Chris Sumo Youtube.
Note: On mobile devices, the tables will line up better in landscape mode. Use that or reader view landscape for best results.
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The March (Haru) Basho (Tournament) (one of 6 annual Basho, held in the odd numbered months), is contested at Tokyo's Ryōgoku Kokugikan (1)(2) (source: Wikipedia). This is the first time a March Basho has been held in Tokyo since 1874. (Source: Chris Sumo Day 1 video--see below). It is usually contested in Osaka, but has been moved due to Pandemic restrictions. The 15 day Makuuchi (Top Divison--salaried) and Juryo (2nd Division--salaried) Basho will have 21 and 14 matches per day respectively. The other 4 divisions (Makushita, Sandanme, Jonidan, and Jonukuchi--all non salaried) will each have 7 match Basho. As of the beginning of the Top Division Basho only Y1w Kakuryo will not be available due to injury. Be sure to follow the Japanese Sumo Association's Absentee information, which covers injury and other related absences. There are links to it also under each day's results links.
Note: it added up to a total of 2,300 matches over the 15 days, or about 153 matches per day. 697 Rikishi (wrestlers) participated. (ADDED March 30, 2021)
Source: Sumo Forum discussion: Ichimon statistics (see below for more in Ichimon)
Complete Banzuke (rankings for this Tournament, along with other relevant links) can be found at Sumo Reference (all 6 divisions--abbreviated) and the Japanese Sumo Association, (all 6 divisions--the JSA link is only to the current Basho)--click on any Rikishi name and you will find a complete accounting of their performances in the present, as well as the last 5 Basho before this one. Note for dimensions: Kilograms*2.2=pounds. Centimeters*.394=inches). There is also a Banzuke produced by the Japan Times.
In addition, Fred Pinkerton keeps up a graphic "rolling Banzuke" with connecting horizontal lines angling up or down for each Rikishi over the course of the last 3 Basho.
November 2020--January 2021--March
November 2020--January 2021--March
July--September--November 2020
The last 15 Tournaments (November 2017--May 2020) (.pdf format, 1p.) Increase the size and you won't lose the definition.
I cannot give higher praise to a graphic representation than to say that this is the "Minard Map" of Sumo ranking. More on the Minard map can be found here.
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The last 15 Tournaments (November 2017--May 2020) (.pdf format, 1p.) Increase the size and you won't lose the definition.
I cannot give higher praise to a graphic representation than to say that this is the "Minard Map" of Sumo ranking. More on the Minard map can be found here.
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Note: Y(okozuna); O(zeki); S(ekiwaki); and K(omusubi) are Top Ranked Rikishi (in the order listed). Also known as san'yaku (Wikipedia)
Glossary of finishing moves (Kimarite): (Wikimedia)
For Video demonstrations of all major (and some not so major) Kamarite (finishing moves), see the excellent NHK video Primer: The Techniques of Sumo. Techniques are arranged by major category. Note that all finishing moves below are linked to a video demonstrating the move.
Something that may puzzle new fans to the sport are the envelopes that the Referee (Gyoji) presents to winning Rikishi after a match. This is prize money put up by sponsors for that particular bout. Banners are carried around the dohyo (ring) advertising the sponsor's product. The winner gets all the Rikishi share of the money. For more on how this works, see this Japan Times article by John Gunning.
For Video demonstrations of all major (and some not so major) Kamarite (finishing moves), see the excellent NHK video Primer: The Techniques of Sumo. Techniques are arranged by major category. Note that all finishing moves below are linked to a video demonstrating the move.
Something that may puzzle new fans to the sport are the envelopes that the Referee (Gyoji) presents to winning Rikishi after a match. This is prize money put up by sponsors for that particular bout. Banners are carried around the dohyo (ring) advertising the sponsor's product. The winner gets all the Rikishi share of the money. For more on how this works, see this Japan Times article by John Gunning.
For more on "envelope" accounting for the September 2020 Basho see the article at Tachai.org: "Aki Kensho Summary". The Twitter link in the article links directly (see docs.google) to a spreadsheet that details envelopes won on each day of the Basho. Note that the higher ranked the Rikishi is, the more envelopes he usually receives.
The prize for winning the Tournament is about 10 million yen (about 92,000 USD at the moment). Base salary for Top Tier Rikishi is about 8,800 USD per month.
More on Chamionship Prizes (NHK Sumpedia Video)
More on Prize Money (NHK Sumopedia Video)
For over 50 more short videos (1-2 minutes) see the NHK Sumopedia Library, the best and most entertaining way for the neophyte to learn various aspects about the sport, from ritual to strategy and tactics.
Stable (Beya) Guide (Japanese Sumo Association (in English)
Note that Makuuchi (Top Division) Rikishi do not usually fight stablemates in Basho.
Note that, as all things with Sumo, there are deeper layers to dive into. Stables are parts of groups of stables, just like galaxies are parts of super galaxies. These are called Ichimon. According to Wikipedia Glossary of terms ichimon "tend to cooperate closely on inter-stable training and the occasional transfer of personnel. All ichimon have at least one representative on the Sumo Association board of directors. In the past, ichimon were more established cooperative entities and until 1965, wrestlers from the same ichimon did not fight each other in tournament competition." Ichimon are listed by number of Rikishi. For more see the Ichimon Grouping Rankings below.
There are, at present (2020) 44 stables. There are 5 Ichimon.
Source: Wikivisually.com
Key: Ichimon name; Stable Name, Stable Date of establishment
Dewanoumi: Dewanoumi (ca: 1862); Tatsunami (1916); Irumagawa (1925); Fujishima (1981); Yamahibiki (1985); Tamanoi (1990); Kise (2003); Shikihide (1992); Irumagawa (1993); Sakaigawa (1998); Onoe (2006); Musashigawa (2013);Futagoyama (2018) (13)
Nishonoseki: Sadogatake (1955); Kataonami (1961); Ōtake (1971); Takadagawa (1974); Minato (1982); Oguruma (1987); Minezaki (1988); Tagonoura (1989); Nishonoseki (1990); Ōnomatsu (1994); Shibatayama (1999); Shikoroyama (2004); Tokiwayama (2004); Naruto (2017); Nishiiwa (2018) (15)
Tokitsukaze: Tokitsukaze (1941) Arashio (2002); Kagamiyama (1970); Isenoumi (1949); Michinoku (1974); Oitekaze (1998) (6)
Takasago: Takasago (1878); Kokonoe (1967); Azumazeki (1986); Hakkaku (1993);Nishikido (2002) (5)
Isegahama: Tomozuna (1941); Miyagino (1958); Isegahama (1979); Asakayama (2014); Asahiyama (2016) (5) (ADDED MARCH 28, 2021)
To follow the March Basho chronologically, read from the bottom up.
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Previews
NHK Video Preview (available on demand for a limited time--usually until shortly after the Basho ends) (25:00)
Tachai.org Blog has the following preview article and podcasts.
Chris Sumo Youtube
Newspaper Previews
Note: Japan Times may require free registration.
Hakuho eyes makuuchi milestone while Asanoyama seeks chance of promotion at Spring Basho (Japan Times)
Returning Hakuho a wildcard as Terunofuji aims for ozeki (Mainichi Shimbun)
Yokozuna Hakuho is the center of the battle for victory / Sumo Spring Basho highlights (Nikkan Sports) (Japanese)
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THE CONTESTANTS
San'yaku (Top Rank)
Y=Yokozuna (highest rank);
O=Ozeki (2nd rank);
S=Sekiwake (3rd Rank);
K=Komusubi (4th rank)--it's a little more complex than this, but for now let's leave it be. That is how it is generally understood. These are the "top rank" rikishi.
Rank and Filers
M=Maegashira (Ranked from 18 up to 1)--whenever any of these beats a Y it is called a Kinboshi (Gold Star Win).
e=East technically 1/2 rank above w=West
Y=Yokozuna (highest rank);
O=Ozeki (2nd rank);
S=Sekiwake (3rd Rank);
K=Komusubi (4th rank)--it's a little more complex than this, but for now let's leave it be. That is how it is generally understood. These are the "top rank" rikishi.
Rank and Filers
M=Maegashira (Ranked from 18 up to 1)--whenever any of these beats a Y it is called a Kinboshi (Gold Star Win).
e=East technically 1/2 rank above w=West
In this Basho Grand Champion Hakuho (Y1e) returns to action for the first time since July 2020. There are three Ozeki (Shodai--O1e, Asanoyama--O1w, and Takakeisho (O2e)); two Sekiwake (Terunofuji (S1e) and Takanosho (S1w)); and three Komusubi (Takayasu (K1e), Mitakeumi (K1w), and Daieisho (K2w)). More information about all of them is linked to below.
The 42 (Banzuke) contestants' nation of origin:
Japan: 31
Mongolia: 8
Georgia: 1
Bulgaria: 1
Brazil: 1
Text Only Banzuke for Makuuchi (Haru) 2021 Basho
Haru 2021
Tokyo, Ryōgoku Kokugikan
*=Promoted from Juryo (2nd Division)
R=Rookie (1st Makuuchi Tournament) Note: there are no Rookies in this Tournament
Source for all except height and weight: Sumo Reference
Source for height and weight: Japan Sumo Association
Note: Centimeters to Inches *.394; Kilograms to Pounds *2.205
Height Conversion
175cm=5'9'; 180cm=5'11''; 185cm=6'1"; 190cm=6'3"; 195cm=6'5"
(ADDED MARCH 15, 2021)
Weight Conversion
90.7kg=200lb; 113.4kg=250lb; 136kg=300lb; 158.8 kg=350lb; 181.4kg=400lb
(ADDED MARCH 15, 2021)
Rank Ring Name Nation/ Stable d/m/y DOB H W
Prefecture cent. KG
O1e Shodai Kumamoto Tokitsukaze 05.11.1991 184 168
O2e Takakeisho Hyogo Chiganoura 05.08.1996 175 166
S1e Terunofuji Mongolia Isegahama 29.11.1991 192 177
S1w Takanosho Chiba Chiganoura 14.11.1994 184 164
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M1e Takarafuji Aomori Isegahama 18.02.1987 185 168
M2e Hokutofuji Saitama Hakkaku 15.07.1992 185 168
M2w Wakatakakage Fukushima Arashio 06.12.1994 182 127
M3w Shimanoumi Mie Kise 11.07.1989 179 151
M4e Kiribayama Mongolia Michinoku 24.04.1996 185 137
M7e Tochinoshin Georgia Kasugano 13.10.1987 191 177
M7w Kagayaki Ishikawa Takadagawa 01.06.1994 193 154
M8e Kotonowaka Chiba Sadogatake 11.19.1997 188 167
M9e Chiyonokuni Mie Kokonoe 07.10.1990 181 147
M10e Midorifuji Shizuoka Isegahama 30.08.1996 171 117
M10w Ryuden Yamanashi Takadagawa 10.11.1990 189 150
M11e Chiyotairyu Tokyo Kokonoe 14.11.1988 181 185
M11w Kotoshoho Chiba Sadogatake 26.08.1999 190 154
M13e Terutsuyoshi Hyogo Isegahama 17.01.1995 169 117
M13w Chiyoshoma Mongolia Kokonoe 07.20.1991 183 137
M14e Kotoeko Miyazaki Sadogatake 20.11.1991 177 135
M14w Tsurugisho* Tokyo Oitekaze 27.11.1991 182 190
M15e Yutakayama Niigata Tokitsukaze 22.09.1993 184 174
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NHK "Match of the Day" (Video)
NHK video of a Match of the Day. The video changes and is not archived from Day to Day. But the match is always available via the daily NHK Highlights, until about 2 weeks after the Basho
Day 15--March 28
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Day 15 (Shenshuraku--Basho Final Day)
Essential Links
Day 15 Results (Sumo Reference)
VIDEO
Chris Sumo Youtube (filmed at the venue)
Day 15 Video highlights (replays of all 19) matches--NHK (27:00).
These, and the NHK Full match videos of all 295 matches will be available for on demand viewing until April 12, 2021.
Day 15 NHK Live (90 minutes) (last 11 matches, interviews, including interview with Terunofuji in the arena, trophy presentation, closing ceremonies)
Short Highlights for all matches and live broadcasts for Day 8 and the Final Day can be viewed from one address:
Nikkansports.com (3/28) has 11 articles about Terunofuji, but none, that I could find, was an actual match article.
PHOTOS
Nikkan Sports Day 15 Photo Feature: Photos from selected matches. In Japanese (Google Translate). Some are accompanied by quotes from the rikishi. Begins with photos of Emporer's Trophy presentation. The trophy weighs 29 kilograms (64 pounds).
Sumo Forum Bulletin Board Day 15 photos: a fantastic collection of "stop motion" renderings of daily matches. And a great way to study the contours of what these great rikishi do.
STABLE STATS
(All Divisions), Cumulative by Day (1-15) (courtesy of Naganoyama--Sumo Forum Bulletin Board). Essential information if you want to keep track of how the Stables are doing in each Basho.
Day 15 Cumulative:
Leading Winning %:
Five stables tied for highest winning percentage. Dewanoumi, Naruto, Asakayama, Shibatayama, and Nishikido (for links see Stable Guide below) They were ordered by number of Kachi-koshi (winning records). Dewanoumi finished at the top
Dewanoumi (17 Rikishi, 64-49, 57%, 10K-k, 59K-k%
(Salaried: Makuukchi 1 (Mitakeumi--K1w) (8-7); Juryo 0)
Most wins:
Kokonoe (29 Rikishi, 126-110, 53%, 18K-k, 62K-k%) "Chiyo..."
(Salaried: Makuuchi 3--22-21-2; (Chiyonokuni [M9e)--8-5-2; Chiyoshoma--[M13w]--8-7; Chiyotairyu--[M11e]--6-9); Juryo 4--28-31)
Ichimon Stable grouping standings (see above for more information)
Winning % Nishonoseki: 53% (190 Rikishi); Kachi-koshi %; Takasago 52% (90 Rikishi)
Stable (Beya) Guide (Japanese Sumo Association (in English))
Note that Makuuchi (Top Tier) Rikishi do not usually fight stablemates in Basho.
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Notable:
Terunofuji finally reached the summit of his Everest after a long climb that began in Sumo's Mariana Trench. Injuries and illness sent him all the way down to Jonidan (5th Division out of 6, non-salaried). He wanted to quit but his coach encouraged him to keep going. And did he ever. Since finally making it back to Makuuchi in July, a Basho he won from M17e, he has competed in five Basho with a record of 57-15-2, and will now surely be promoted to Ozeki, from where he tumbled 4 years ago. He has won 2 Basho and come in second in a playoff in a 3rd. His knees are his Achilles Heel, and it was noted that they were bothering him toward the end of the Basho.
But you wouldn't know it by the way he wrestled. His last three matches were against the three Ozeki, the toughest road of any of the contenders. He beat Shodai (O1e) and Takakeisho (O2w) in a combined 8.8 seconds, going through Shodai like a hot knife through butter, and capitalizing on what might have been a mistaken tactic by Takakeisho (at least that is how the NHK announcer saw it) to seize the momentum and force him out. This was the same Takakeisho who had beaten him in a playoff in November. But no one was going to beat him this time.
There is much talk of a Yokozuna run for Terunofuji, and a 14-1 or 15-0 Basho in May might help get him there. He needed 33 wins in 3 Basho to be promoted to Ozeki. He got 36. But Yokozuna runs have been predicted for each of the other 3 Ozeki at one time or another. Though Takakeisho and Shodai have both won Basho as Ozeki, they have also been "kadoban" after losing scores. They needed to have winning scores in the next Basho to keep their rank and they did (as did Asanoyama also). But as I was looking through the list of Basho winners researching how often a Basho is won with 11 wins (as this one would have had Takakeisho beaten Terunofuji), and also looking at how often Maegashira (rank and filers) win Basho, it began to sink in to this new fan's head just how difficult it is to become a Yokozuna (there have only been 72 since the mid 18th Century), what the expectations are, and what constant pressure they are under to deliver. It seems like 12-3 is the minimum a Yokozuna can do, fighting the best of the best of his peers every two months. 13-2 is satisfactory, but a good mark for them is 14-1 or 15-0.
The sport is going through a transition right now, with one Yokozuna having retired, and the other again out of action, rehabbing an injury. He will not return until July at the earliest. Right now it looks like Terunofuji is the Rikishi who may become the next Yokozuna. He towered like a colossus over his Ozeki foes this time, but the colossus rests on a foundation of ricketty knees. If he can stay healthy, he may be the man. When he is right, he seems, to this inexperienced observer, to be at the top of the pyramid. It should make for interesting watching in May.
Below you will find a small thumbnail of Terunofuji's March Basho. He is a monster for sure, strong and aggressive. But he isn't a "one trick pony." He won with 8 Kimarite (finishing moves). His lift out of Kiribayama (137 kilos/302 pounds) was one of the highlights of the Basho. He picked him up as if he were a reticent child and just walked him off the premisis, feet dangling in the air. It was the only Tsuridashi (Frontal Lift out) of the Basho. He also used the brutal Kimedashi (Arm Barring Force Out), where he crushes the opponent's arms to their ribs as he walks them out. He used two different throws, and forced, pushed, and crushed his opponents out.
But it was his dominance over the 3 Top Ranked Rikishi that impressed most of all. It was the strongest possible statement of his intent to climb to the top of the Pyramid.
Quotable: Source: Kyodo News
I'm relieved," said Terunofuji, who also collected his third career Outstanding Performance Prize. "I was just taking it one day at a time (in my comeback), training hard every day. Doing so, I believed this day would come, so I'm really happy."
"I focused on being confident in the ring today, and that was my main thing. Sumo doesn't always go the way you want it to."
"Without the support of the fans I wouldn't be standing here today. That support made it possible. Wrestlers train hard and fight hard, and that's one way we can show our appreciation for that support."
Terunofuji (S1e), soon to become Ozeki, on his win, his Basho, and his gratitude to the fans.
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Terunofuji thumbnail sketch
Terunofuji (S1e) W 12 L 3, won his third Makuuchi Yusho and 2nd in the last 5. He also won the Outstanding Performance Prize (his third Shukun Sho)
His Basho
Key: Win/Loss; Record; Time of match in seconds; Finishing move, Opponent, Opponents rank, Opponent's record, T's record v Maegashira (rank and filers), T's record against san'yaku (Top Rank)
Day 1 W (1-0) 08.0s Shitatenage v Hokutofuji (M2e) (0-1) 1-0
Day 2 W (2-0) 04.9s Oshidashi v Wakatakakage (M2w) (0-2) 2-0
Day 3 W (3-0) 03.5s Yoritaoshi v Daieisho (K2w) (0-3) 1-0
Day 4 W (4-0) 16.2s Kotenage v Meisei (M3e) (2-2) 3-0
Day 5 L (4-1) 11.1s Oshidashi v Onosho (M1w) (2-3) 3-1
Day 6 W (5-1) 20.9s Tsuridashi v Kiribayama (M4e) (2-4) 4-1
Day 7 W (6-1) 09.0s Yorikiri v Mitakeumi (K1w) (3-4) 2-0
Day 8 L (6-2) 18.1s Yorikiri v Takayasu (K1e) (7-1) 2-1
Day 9 W (7-2) 06.1s Kimedashi v Mogiryu (M4w) (5-4) 5-1
Day 10 L (7-3) 24.8s Tsukiotoshi v Shimanoumi (M3w) (3-7) 5-2
Day 11 W (8-3) 02.6s Yorikiri v Takanosho (S1w) (6-5) 3-1
Day 12 W (9-3) 11.6s Tsukiotoshi v Tamawashi (M6e) (5-7) 6-2
Day 13 W (10-3) 02.6s Yorikiri v Shodai (O1e) (7-6) 4-1
Day 14 W (11-3) 19.5s Yorikiri v Asanoyama (O1w) (9-5) 5-1
Day 15 W (12-3) 06.2s Oshidashi v Takakeisho (O2e) (10-5) 6-1
Winning finishing moves (8)
Frontal Force Out (Yorikiri)........4
Frontal Push Out (Oshidashi)........2
Arm Barring Force Out (Kimedashi)...1
Arm Lock Throw (Kotenage)...........1
Under Arm Throw (Shitatenage).......1
Thrust Down (Tsukiotoshi)...........1
Frontal Lift Out (Tsuridashi).......1
Frontal Crush Out (Yoritaoshi)......1
Out (9), Down (3)
Force (5), Push (2) Throw (2), Crush (1), Lift (1), Thrust (1)
Over (0), Under (1)
Arm (3)
Losing finishing moves
Frontal Push Out (Oshidashi)........1
Thrust Down (Tsukiotoshi)...........1
Frontal Force Out (Yorikiri)........1
Out (2), Down (1)
Force (1), Push (1), Thrust (1)
Match time
Total time of matches: 2 minutes, 45.1 seconds
Longest match: 24.8 seconds v Shimanoumi
Shortest match: 2.6 seconds v Takanosho and Shodai
Average time: 11.0 seconds
Median time: 9.5 seconds
Time
0-4.9 seconds: 4
5-9.9 seconds: 4
10-19.9 seconds: 5
20-29.9 seconds: 2
Quotable: Source: Kyodo News
I'm relieved," said Terunofuji, who also collected his third career Outstanding Peformance Prize. "I was just taking it one day at a time (in my comeback), training hard every day. Doing so, I believed this day would come, so I'm really happy."
"I focused on being confident in the ring today, and that was my main thing. Sumo doesn't always go the way you want it to."
"Without the support of the fans I wouldn't be standing here today. That support made it possible. Wrestlers train hard and fight hard, and that's one way we can show our appreciation for that support."
Terunofuji (S1e), soon to become Ozeki, on his win, his tournament, and his gratitude to the fans.
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CUMULATIVE SUMMARY
The March (Haru) Basho (Tournament) was contested in 6 Divisions over a period of 15 Days. The Top 2 Divisions (salaried: Makuuchi and Juryo) fought every day, while the bottom four divisions (Makushita, Sandnme, Jonidan, and Jonokuchi) fought mostly every other day (7 matches).
Makuuchi: Full Summary
Terunofuji (S1e) 12-3 (his third Makuuchi Yusho).
Prize Winners in Makuuchi:
Shukun Sho (Outstanding Performance): Terunofuji (his 3rd Shokun Sho)
Gino Sho: (Technique Prize): Wakatakakage (M2w) 10-5 (his first Gino Sho)
Kanto Sho (Aioyama (M12w) 11-4 (Jun-Yusho--2nd Place) (his 4th Kanto Sho); Meisei (M3e) 10-4 (his 1st Kanto Sho) Note: Aioyama did not share Jun Yusho. The error has been corrected. Apologies for any inconvenience caused (ADDED March 30, 2021)
Yusho race, day by day for all san'yaku (Top Rankers) and Maegashira (rank and filers) who won 10 or more matches
f=Fusen (forfeit) *=Ozeki Kadoban (losing record, must win 8 or more in the next Basho or lose Ozeki rank)
Note: the error in Aioyama's score line has been corrected. Apologies for any inconvenience caused. (ADDED March 30, 2021)
Day 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15
(# wins)
Terunofuji (S1e) 1 2 3 4 4 5 6 6 7 7 8 9 10 11 12
Aioyama (M12w) 1 2 2 3 4 4 4 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11
Asanoyama (O1w) 1 1 2 3 4 5 5 5 6 7 8 9 9 9 10
Takakeisho (O2w) 1 2 2 3 3 4 4 5 6 6 7 8 9 10 10
Takayasu (K1e) 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 9 10 10 10 10
Wakatakakage (M2w) 0 0 1 1 2 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 9 10
Meisei (M3e) 1 1 2 2 2 3 4 5 5 6f 7 8 8 9 10
Tobizaru (M82) 0 0 1 2 3 4 5 5 6 7 8 8 8 9 10
Hidenoumi (M15w 1 2 2 2 3 4 4 4 5 6 7 8 9 9 10
Takanosho (S1w) 1 1 2 3 4 5 5 5 6 6 6 6 6 7 8
Mitakeumi (K1w) 1 2 2 3 3 3 3 4 4 5 5 6 6 7 8
Daieisho (K2w) 0 0 0 0 1 1 2 3 4 5 6 6 7 7 8
Shodai (O1e)* 0 1 2 2 2 2 3 4 4 5 6 7 7 7 7
###
Partial or complete absences from this Basho
Wins-Losses-Absences
Y1w Kakuryu 0-0-11 (Retired)
Y1e Hakuho 2-1-12 (1 forfeit loss)
M11w Kotoshoho 0-3-8 (1 forfeit loss)
M5e Endo 5-5-5 (1 forfeit loss)
M9e Chiyonokuni 8-5-3 (1 forfeit loss)
M15e Yutakayama 4-10-1 (1 forfeit loss)
###
Kachi-koshi/Make-koshi (8 or more wins--promotion in rank/8 or more losses--demotion)
Key: Basho Day on which the minimum record was achieved; Rikishi; Rank; Current Record
*=Promoted from Juryo after the January 2021 Basho
Kachi-koshi
Day 9: Takayasu (K1e) (10-5)
Day 11: Asanoyama (O1w) (10-5); Terunofuji (S1e) (12-3); Tobizaru (M8w) (10-5)
Day 12: Takakeisho (O1e) (10-5); Wakatakakage (M2w) (10-5); Meisei (M3e) (10-5); Chiyonokuni (M9e) (8-5-2) (1 forfeit loss, 2 absences); Aioyama (M12w) (11-4); Hidenoumi* (M15w) (10-5)
Day 13: Hokutofuji (M2e) (9-6); Hoshoryu (M9w) (8-7); Tsurugisho* (M14w) (9-5)
Day 14: Kotoeko (M16e) (8-7); Daiamami* (M16w) (9-6); Kaisei (M16e) (8-7)
Day 15: Takanosho (S1w) (8-7); Mitakeumi (K1w) (8-7); Daieisho (K2w) (8-7); Terutsuyoshi (M13e) (8-7); Chiyoshoma (M13w) (8-7)
Make-koshi
Day 8: Kotoshoho (M11w) (1-6-8)
Day 9: Takarafuji (M1e) (3-12)
Day 10: Onosho (M1w) (4-11)
Day 10: Endo (M5e) 5-5-5 (1 forfeit loss, 5 absences)
Day 11: Shimanoumi (M3w) (4-11); Okinoumi (M5w) (3-12); Kotonowaka (M8e) (6-9)
Day 12: Midorifuji (M10e) (5-10); Yutakayama (M15e) (4-10-1) (1 forfeit loss, 1 absence)
Day 13: Kiribayama (M4e) (7-8); Tamawashi (M6e) (5-10); Kagayaki (M7w) (6-9); Chiyotairyu (M11e) (6-9)
Day 14: Ryuden (M10w) (6-9); Myogiryu (M4w) (7-8)
Day 15: Shodai (O1e) (7-8); Ichinojo (M6w) (7-8); Tochinosin (M7e) (7-8); Akiseyama (M12e) (7-8)
Hakuho (Y1e) 2-1-12 (absences)
Kakuru (Y1w) 0-0-11 (Retired)
###
Maegashira v San'yaku
Tobizaru (M8w) 1-0
Aioyama (M12w) 1-0
Hakutofuji (M2e) 4-4
Meisei (M3e) 4-4
Wakatakakage (M2w) 4-4
Kiribayama (M4e) 2-4
Onosho (M1w) 2-7 (1 forfeit win)
Shimanoumi (M3w) 1-5
Myogiryu (M4w) 1-5
Takarafuji (M1e) 1-7
Okinuoumi (M5w) 0-1
Tochinosin (M7e) 0-1
Akiseyama (M12w 0-1
Tamawashi (M6e) 0-2
Ichinojo (M6w) 0-2
Total: 21-47 (.309)
###
Juryo substitutes
Kakuryo (Y1w) pulled out of the tournament before it began due to a hamstring injury.
Hakuho (Y1e) pulled out of the tournament on Day 3 due to a knee injury.
Kotoshoho (M11w) pulled out of the tournament on Day 3 due to an ankle injury. He returned on Day 12.
Endo (M5e) pulled out of The Tournament on Day 10 due to a calf injury.
Chiyonokuni (M9e) pulled out of the Basho on Day 13 due to a dislocated finger suffered earlier in the Tournament, and a fractured rib suffered yesterday.
Yutakayama (M15e) pulled out of the Basho on Day 14 due to a torn bicep.
Day 1: M16w Daiamami (1-0) defeated J1e Tokushoryu (0-1)
Day 2: M16e Kaisei (1-1) defeated J1w Akua (1-1)
Day 3: J2e Ishiura (2-1) defeated M15w Hidenoumi (2-1)
Day 4: J2w Daishomaru (1-3) defeated M15e Yutakayama (1-3)
Day 5: J3e Chiyomaru (4-1) defeated M14w Tsurugisho (1-4)
Day 6: M14e Kotoeko (4-2) defeated J1e Tokushoryu (1-5)J1w
Day 7: M16w Daiamami (3-4) defeated J1w Akua (3-4)
Day 8: J3w Chiyonoo (5-3) defeated M16e Kaisei (4-4)
Day 9: M15w Hidenoumi (5-4) defeated J2w Daishomaru (3-6)
Day 10: J2e Ishiura (7-3) defeated M15e Yutakayama (4-6)
Day 11: There were no Juryo substitutes today.
Day 12: M14w Tsurugisho defeated J3w Chiyonoo (6-6)
Day 13: M14e Kotoeko (7-6) defeated J3e Chiyomaru (9-4)
Day 14: There were no Jury substitutes today.
Day 15: Tokushoryu (J1e) (7-8) defeated Kotoshoho (M11w)
Ishiura (J2e) 2-0; 2-1; 7-3 (8-5)
Daishomaru (J2w) 1-1; 1-3; 3-6 (4-9)
Chiyomaru (J3e) 1-1; 4-1 9-4 (9-4)
Chiyonoo (J3w) 1-1; 5-3; 6-6 (6-7)
Tokushoryu (J1e) 1-2; 0-1; 1-5; 7-8 (5-8)
Akua (J1w) 0-2; 1-1; 3-4 (7-6)
Total: 6-7 (.462)
###
Kimarite--Finishing Moves: cumulative--295 non-forfeit matches) Note: finishing move links below link to short NHK videos demonstrating the technique.
Key: Haru (March)--Hatsu (January)
Final: See below the table for notes and corrections.
Note: there were 32 finishing moves in March and 25 in January.
There were 265 matches with non-forfeit outcomes in January.
Winning:
Frontal Force Out (Yorikiri)..............75--62
Frontal Push Out (Oshidashi)..............58--71
Thrust Down (Tsukiotoshi).................20--23
Slap Down (Hatakikomi)....................18--20
Frontal Push Down (Oshitaoshi)............15---6
Frontal Thrust Out (Tsukidashi)...........12---7
Frontal Crush Out (Yoritaoshi)............12--11
Over Arm Throw (Uwatenage)................11---8
Rear Push Out (Okuridashi).................9---7
Under Arm Throw (Shitatenage)..............9---2
Hand Pull Down (Hikiotoshi)................8---9
Arm Lock Throw (Kotenage)..................8---6
Beltless Arm Throw (Sukuinage).............8---7
Arm Barring Force Out (Kimedashi)..........5---0
Rear Push Down (Okuritaoshi)...............3---1
Pulling Over Arm Throw (Uwatedashinage)....3---6
Arm Bar Throw (Tottari)....................2---2
Backward Force Down (Abisetaoshi)..........1---0
Hooking Inner Thigh Throw (Kakenage).......1---0
Head Twisting Throw (Kubihineri)...........1---1
Twist Down (Makiotoshi)....................1---1
Rear Pull Down (Okurihikiotoshi)...........1---0
Frontal Thrust Down (Tsukitaoshi)..........1---0
Frontal Lift Out (Tsuridashi)..............1---0
Twisting Over Arm Throw (Uwatehineri)......1---1
Leg Pick (Ashitori)........................0---1
Backward Pivot Throw (Utchari).............0---1
Thigh Grabbing Push Down (Watashikomi).....0---1
Losing (Non-technique)
Forward Step out (Isamiashi)...............2
Fusen (Forfeit): 5---1
Notes:
Final (CORRECTED March 30, 2021) : I found I had made 7 errors in the original cumulations. They have been corrected. When I started this blog I did not realize that a simple bout query at Sumo Reference could be a useful proofing tool. In fact it is probably unnecessary to even present this cumulation, except for the links to actual video demonstrations of the moves. The day by day totals still contain the errors that led to the cumulative errors. Those will not be corrected. The errors were:
I had 16 Hatakikomi, the actual number was 18
14 Oshitaoshi, acutal number was 15
10 Uwatenage, actual number was 11
10 Okuridashi, actual number was 9
7 Kotenage, actual number was 8
7 Sukuinage, actual number was 8
4 for Okuritaoshi, actual number was 3.
I am not sure if the errors were individual or cumulative counting errors, as I simply added the numbers from the daily Sumo Reference text results. I may have also made errors because some of the Kimarite are similarly spelled and I have little knowledge of Japanese vocabulary.
Source for the Official numbers: Sumo Reference
Note that the numbers given by the bout queries are double the numbers in my table. Sumo Reference counts each Kimarite twice as one Rikishi's win is another's loss.
###
Match Time: For sources, etc. see the note below the tables.
March--January
Time/Matches Total (295 matches--265 matches)
0-4.9 seconds: 107(.363)--84(.317)
5-9.9 seconds: 91(.308)--96(.362)
10-19.9 seconds: 63(.214)--58(.219)
20-29.9 seconds: 19(.064)--13(.049)
30-39.9 seconds: 6(.020)---4(.035)
40-49.9 seconds: 2(.007)---1(.004)
50-59.9 seconds: 1(.003)---3(.011)
60-69.9 seconds: 3(.010)---1(.004)
90-99.9 seconds 0---------2(.008)
130-139.0 seconds: 0---------1(.004)
140-149.9 seconds: 1(.003)---1(.004)
150-159.9 seconds: 1(.003)---0
160.0-169.9 seconds: 0---------1(.004)
170-179.9 seconds: 1(.003)---0
Cumulative (295 matches--265 matches)
Total Time: 56 minutes, 0.6 seconds--51 minutes, 47.0 seconds
Longest Match (March only): 176.9 s (2 minutes, 56.9 s) (Day 7) (Takayasu v
Takarafuji)
Shortest Match (March only) 0.5 seconds (Day 1) (Midorifuji v Hoshoryu)
Average Match: 11.4 seconds--11.7 seconds
Source: Daily match times at nikkansports.com (see links below). I have been unable to find archived match time statistics at nissansports.com
Match time information is archived Honbasho Talk Forum at Sumo Forum. (See Bout Length and scroll the Forum for previous Basho).
---
Other Yusho Winners, by Division
Juryo: Hakuyozan (J9w) (His first salaried Yusho) 11(including 1 forfeit win)-4
Makushita: Abi 7-0. Abi came back to competition after a lengthy suspension. He has fought 217 matches in 16 Makuuchi Basho, reaching a high rank of Komusubi. After missing the last 3 1/2 tournaments due to injury and suspension, he now begins the long climb back He will need to pass 70 Rikishi to get there.
Sandamne: Komanokuni (Sd45w) 7-0
Jonidan: Atamifuji (Jd48w) 7-0
Jonokuchi: Murayama (Jk21w): 7-0
There were no playoffs this Basho.
295 matches were contested in Makuuchi
Number of New Rikishi: 35
Number of Rikishi who changed their names: 5
Number of Rikishi who dropped completely off the Banzuke (rankings):10
Source: Sumo Reference
and see the links on the left side of the page (Shin-deshi
Shikona, Banzuki-gai
---
Day 15 summary
Notable:
In addition to the 2 matches that determined the Yusho, there were 6 other Kachi-koshi/Make-koshi matches. These were matches in which one or both ("Darwin matches") Rikishi were 7-7 and fighting for a winning score, which would either preserve their rank or raise it. A losing score means rank demotion, and for a low ranked Maegashira, a trip down to the 2nd Division (Juryo). Interestingly, four of these matches involved san'yaku. 3 of the san'yaku won their matches and kept their ranks (see the daily results below). One, Shodai (O1e) lost to another Ozeki (Asanoyama--O1w), and is now "Kadoban". He must earn a winning record in May or he will be dropped from Ozeki. If that happens, as I understand it, he will have one further Basho to score a winning record and regain his rank. If he fails, he must then begin the Ozeki process all over again, winning 33 matches in 3 consecutive san'yaku Basho to get back. An Ozeki who lost his rank and returned is, of course, Terunofuji. However other ex-Ozeki, such as Takayasu (K1e) and Tochinosin (M7e) are still toiling to come back. It is a long, hard road.
For me, the most interesting match of the day was Aioyama (M12w) (10-4) v Takayasu (K1e) (10-4). Takayasu had a 2 match Yusho lead with 4 matches to go and last Wednesday, he was seen by many as a "shoe in." Sadly, he lost 3 of his final four matches in excruciating fashion, seemingly losing more confidence with each defeat. It is possible he was carrying an injury, as he has had some major injuries in the recent past. However, the body language before the match (some Sumo fans maintain that the body language in the run up to a match, about 4 minutes of stare downs, trying to psyche out the opponent, and ritual before that actual bout, is as important as the match), was telling. Aioyama, a mid-level Maegashira who has a simple but very effective technique when he is "on his game" (he won the Technique Prize in last March's Basho with an 11-4 record), finished this Basho with a 7 match winning streak. This was the last match. His body language said he was ready. On the last break before the match would begin, where the Rikishi go down on the lines, appearing to be ready to begin, but are not (new fans can tell this by noting the position of the Gyoji (referee)--if he is side on to the TV camera, the match isn't ready to begin), Aioyama almost raced to his corner, to pound on his body and wipe his chest with a cloth. Takayasu seemed to be just going through the motions, resigned to his fate. When the match was about to begin, Aioyama eagerly got down into his 4 point stance, while Takayasu was slow to get ready. I haven't seen many actual full matches, but anyone watching could see who was ready and who was detached. And sure enough, in 5.5 seconds, Aioyama slapped (Hatakikomi) Takayasu down. Aioyama then watched helplessly as his playoff chances ended with Terunofuji's win over Takakeisho. But he had a great Basho.
Another highlight was Hidenoumi (M15w) at last got his first Makuuchi
Kachi-koshi, which means, finally, that he will be going up instead of down the Makuuchi (rankings). And it also means that the 8th pair of brothers (Hidenoumi-Tobizaru (M8w) since the late 18th Century will be staying together for more than one Makuuchi Basho.
There are tables at the Japan Sumo Association that show several interesting facts about Sumo, including a table of Most Tournaments as an active Rikishi in Makuuchi (Kaio: 107, followed by Hakuho (Y1e) 100); most continuous Tournaments since Makuuchi debut (Hakuho 100; Takamyama 97; brothers in Makuuchi at the same time (4th Yokuzuna Tanikaze and Dategaseki in the late 18th Century were the first); and fastest demotion from Makuuchi Yusho to Juryo (Tokushoryu, 5 Basho after winning last January holds that distinction). Look for #6 on the list. You may have heard of him.
Records tables at Japan Sumo Association. Note: it is unknown how long these tables will be available.
Day 15 Quotes: Quotes on the Day and the Basho (Courtesy of Kintamayama of Sumo Forum). Various sources. Note: "Gambarize" means "Do my best."
---
Partial or complete absences from this Basho
Wins-Losses-Absences
Y1w Kakuryu 0-0-11
Y1e Hakuho 2-1-12 (1 forfeit loss)
M11w Kotoshoho 0-3-8 (1 forfeit loss)
M5e Endo 5-5-5 (1 forfeit loss)
M9e Chiyonokuni 8-5-2 (1 forfeit loss)
M15e Yutakayama 4-10-1 (1 forfeit loss)
Condensed results (19 matches)
Key: Time of Match--s=seconds; Rank; Winner; Basho Record; Finishing
Move; Rank; Loser; Basho Record
02.6s J1e Tokushoryu (7-8) tottari M11w Kotoshoho (1-6-8)
23.8s M15w Hidenoumi (10-5) sukuinage M9w Hoshoryu (8-7)
03.9s M8w Tobizaru (10-5) shitatenage M16e Kaisei (8-7)
41.3s M16w Daiamami (9-6) yorikiri M8e Kotonowaka (6-9)
09.1s M7w Kagayaki (6-9) yorikiri M14e Kotoeko (8-7)
03.0s M13e Terutsuyoshi (8-7) yorikiri M6e Tamawashi (5-10)
09.1s M10e Midorifuji (5-10) oshidashi M5w Okinoumi (3-12)
25.6s M4w Myogiryu (7-8) yorikiri M10w Ryuden (6-9)
02.1s M11e Chiyotairyu (6-9) hatakikomi M3w Shimanoumi (4-11)
13.5s M3e Meisei (10-5) yorikiri M14w Tsurugisho (9-6)
02.7s M2w Wakatakakage (10-5) oshidashi M2e Hokutofuji (9-6)
04.5s M13w Chiyoshoma (8-7) uwatenage M1w Onosho (4-11)
09.1s M4e Kiribayama (7-8) okurihikiotoshi M1e Takarafuji (3-12)
05.6s K2w Daieisho (8-7) tsukidashi M12e Akiseyama (7-8)
06.0s K1w Mitakeumi (8-7) oshidashi M6w Ichinojo (7-8)
05.6s M12w Aoiyama (11-4) hatakikomi K1e Takayasu (10-5)
02.6s S1w Takanosho (8-7) oshidashi M7e Tochinoshin (7-8)
06.2s S1e Terunofuji (12-3) oshidashi O2e Takakeisho (10-5)
12.9s O1w Asanoyama (10-5) uwatenage O1e Shodai (7-8)
Source: Sumo Reference (text results) and Nikkansports.com length of
bouts data (see result sources below)
---
Kimarite--Finishing Moves (19) matches--for cumulative totals see the table above).
Note: finishing move links below link to short NHK videos demonstrating the technique.
Winning: Day 15: For cumulative totals see the table above
Frontal Push Out (Oshidashi)...............5
Frontal Force Out (Yorikiri)...............5
Slap Down (Hatakikomi).....................2
Over Arm Throw (Uwatenage).................2
Rear Pull Down (Okurihikiotoshi)...........1
Under Arm Throw (Shitatenage)..............1
Beltless Arm Throw (Sukuinage).............1
Arm Bar Throw (Tottari)....................1
Frontal Thrust Out (Tsukidashi)............1
Out (11), Down (8)
Frontal (11), Rear (1)
Force (5), Push (5), Throw (5); Slap (2), Pull (1), Thrust (1)
Under (2), Over (1)
Arm (5)
---
Time of Matches:
Day 15 (19 Matches)
Total Time: 3 minutes, 9.2 seconds
Longest Match: 41.3 s (Daiamami v Kotonowaka(2))
Shortest Match: 2.1 s (Chiyotairyu(5) v Shimanoumi(2))
Average (19 matches): 10.0
+++
Day 14
Essential Links
Day 14 Results (Sumo Reference)
Day 14 Highlights (Tachiai.org)--includes short summary of each bout
Day 14 Preview (Tachiai.org)
Day 14 Video highlights (replays of all 18) matches--NHK (27:00)--NHK usually releases the day's highlights after about 24 hours. When I find them, I will link to them.
Chris Sumo Youtube (filmed at the venue)
(All Divisions), Cumulative by Day (1-14) (courtesy of Naganoyama--Sumo Forum Bulletin Board). Essential information if you want to keep track of how the Stables are doing in each Basho.
Day 14 Cumulative:
Leading Winning %:
Asakayama (10 Rikishi, 39-26 60%) (Salaried: Makuuchi 0; Juryo 0)
Most wins:
Kokonoe (29 Rikishi, 120-104, 54%) "Chiyo..."
(Salaried: Makuuchi 3--20-21-1; Juryo 4--26-30)
Stable (Beya) Guide (Japanese Sumo Association (in English))
Note that Makuuchi (Top Tier) Rikishi do not usually fight stablemates in Basho.
---
Notable:
And so the Basho heads into it's final day with the possibility of a three way playoff, after Takayasu (K1e) had it "in the bag" just 3 days ago. Today's action was some of the best I have seen in my short time following the sport. Three bouts were fantastic (see below). Chris Sumo deconstructs them at length in today's video (see above).
It is possible that a playoff between 3 Rikishi who finish with an 11-4 record will take place. If that happens, it will be only the third time in the 15 bout era (beginning in May of 1949), that a Rikishi with 4 losses has won a Makuuchi Basho (Musashimaru--O1w, November 1996 and Harumafuji--Y1w , September 2017 were the others).
In a transitional era (4 Maegashira have won Yusho in the last two years. In the slightly more than 16 years before that, 4 Maegashira won Yusho), this is perhaps to be expected as the sport finds its way to the next generation of dominating Rikishi. Watching legendary performers perform "lengendarily" inspires a kind of awe in the fans of any sport. But this process of "sorting out," the transitional era I have been "born" into as a Sumo fan, has its own rewards as well. These Basho are great to watch. And great to learn from.
Quotable
"I thought, 'If I keep my cool, I can do this.'"
Terunofuji (S1e) on his win over Asanoyama (O1w). (Kyodo News)
The following quotes were translated by Chris Sumo.
"I felt I fought calmly today. I thought only of relentlessly going forward."
Terunofuji, who beat Asanoyama in a very interesting and tactical 19 second battle.
"I was on the attack and then half-way through I fell into his stance and I thought 'this is bad.' But it was good I hung in there for the win. I really don't remember those final moments. My body just moved on auto-pilot. I resolved not to lay down and to make his life difficult today. And it fires me up when the other guy is going well."
Tobizaru (M8w), on his epic 51 seconds win over Takayasu (K1e), which gave the Komusubi his first 2 match losing streak in his last 28 matches. Tobizaru used a kick, followed by a Head Twisting Throw (Kubihineri--the first time the move has been used in this Basho), to send Takayasu out while he himself was also flying out. But Takyasu's knee hit first, and with it the "certainty" (2 match lead with 4 to go) that he would finally win his first Yusho unravelled, just as Tobizaru's mawashi (belt) had during the match.
"All title talk is irrelevant unless I win tomorrow, All I can do is give my all."
Takakeisho (O2e), on his dismantling of Shodai (O1e). He now faces the mirror image of the end of the November Basho, when Terunofuji had to beat him twice to win the Yusho. And if Takakeisho does beat the Terunofuji, it will mean a three way playoff, with the winner of the Aoiyama (M12w) v Takayasu bout also involved.
Ironically, Takayasu has beaten both contending Ozeki in this tournament, yet he is the one on the outside looking in, hoping to win tomorrow and then get help in order to finally win the championship that almost everyone said was his for the asking only 3 days ago.
---
Partial or complete absences from this Basho
Wins-Losses-Absences
Y1w Kakuryu 0-0-11
Y1e Hakuho 2-1-12 (1 forfeit loss)
M11w Kotoshoho 0-3-8 (1 forfeit loss)
M5e Endo 5-5-5 (1 forfeit loss)
M9e Chiyonokuni 8-5-2 (1 forfeit loss)
M15e Yutakayama 4-10-1 (1 forfeit loss)
Condensed results (19 matches)
Key: Time of Match--s=seconds; Rank; Winner; Basho Record; Finishing
Move; Rank; Loser; Basho Record
13.4s M14e Kotoeko (8-6) yorikiri M12e Akiseyama (7-7)
64.8s M16e Kaisei (8-6) yorikiri M11e Chiyotairyu (5-9)
07.6s M13w Chiyoshoma (7-7) yorikiri M11w Kotoshoho (1-5-8)
27.0s M14w Tsurugisho (9-5) kimedashi M10e Midorifuji (4-10)
08.9s M16w Daiamami (8-6) yorikiri M9w Hoshoryu (8-6)
----- M8e Kotonowaka (6-8) fusen M15e Yutakayama (4-10)
18.1s M7e Tochinoshin (7-7) yorikiri M15w Hidenoumi (9-5)
05.5s M13e Terutsuyoshi (7-7) tsukiotoshi M7w Kagayaki (5-9)
09.2s M3e Meisei (9-5) yorikiri M6e Tamawashi (5-9)
09.2s M2e Hokutofuji (9-5) yorikiri M10w Ryuden (6-8)
04.7s M12w Aoiyama (10-4) kotenage M2w Wakatakakage (9-5)
06.3s M1e Takarafuji (3-11) yorikiri M5w Okinoumi (3-11)
02.4s M1w Onosho (4-10) tsukidashi M3w Shimanoumi (4-10)
51.1s M8w Tobizaru (9-5) kubihineri K1e Takayasu (10-4)
06.4s M4e Kiribayama (6-8) uwatenage K2w Daieisho (7-7)
02.9s K1w Mitakeumi (7-7) oshidashi M4w Myogiryu (6-8)
02.7s S1w Takanosho (7-7) yorikiri M6w Ichinojo (7-7)
05.1s O2e Takakeisho (10-4) oshidashi O1e Shodai (7-7)
19.5s S1e Terunofuji (11-3) yorikiri O1w Asanoyama (9-5)
Source: Sumo Reference (text results) and Nikkansports.com length of
bouts data (see result sources below)
---
Kimarite--Finishing Moves (18) matches--cumulative--276 matches) Note: finishing move links below link to short NHK videos demonstrating the technique.
Winning: Day 14(cumulative)
Frontal Force Out (Yorikiri)..............10(70)
Frontal Push Out (Oshidashi)...............2(53)
Arm Barring Force Out (Kimedashi)..........1 (5)
Arm Lock Throw (Kotenage)..................1 (7)
Head Twisting Throw (Kubihineri)...........1 (1)
Frontal Thrust Out (Tsukidashi)............1(11)
Thrust Down (Tsukiotoshi)..................1(20)
Over Arm Throw (Uwatenage).................1 (9)
Fusen (forfeit)............................1 (5)
Out 14(161), Down 4(113)
Frontal 13(161), Rear 0(13)
Force 11(76), Throw 3(38), Push 2(81), Thrust 2(31), Crush 0(12), Hook 0(1), Lift 0(1), Pull 0(9), Scoop 0(1), Slap 0(16), Swing 0(3), Trip 0(2), Twist 0(3)
Under 0(12), Over 1(12), Outside 0(1), Inside 0(1)
Arm 3(42), Head 1(1), Hand 0(8), Leg 0(2), Shoulder 0(4), Thigh 0(2)
Other, Cumulative
Winning
Slap Down (Hatakikomi)....................16
Frontal Push Down (Oshitaoshi)............14
Frontal Crush Out (Yoritaoshi)............12
Rear Push Out (Okuridashi)................10
Hand Pull Down (Hikiotoshi)................8
Under Arm Throw (Shitatenage)..............8
Beltless Arm Throw (Sukuinage).............7
Under Shoulder Swing Down (Katasukashi)....4
Rear Push Down (Okuritaoshi)...............4
Pulling Over Arm Throw (Uwatedashinage)....3
Backward Force Down (Abisetaoshi)..........1
Hooking Inner Thigh Throw (Kakenage).......1
Over Thigh Scooping Body Drop (Komatasukui)1
Twist Down (Makiotoshi)....................1
Pulling Under Arm Throw (Shitatedashinage).1
Arm Bar Throw (Tottari)....................1
Frontal Thrust Down (Tsukitaoshi)..........1
Frontal Lift Out (Tsuridashi)..............1
Twisting Over Arm Throw (Uwatehineri)......1
Losing (Non-technique)
---
Match Time
Day 14 (18 matches)
Total Time: 4 minutes, 24.8 seconds
Longest Match: 64.8 s (Kaisei v Chiyotairyu)
Shortest Match: 2.3 s (Onosho v Shimanoumi(1))
Average (18 matches): 14.7
Time/Matches Day 14 (18 matches)(cumulative--276 matches)
0-4.9 seconds: 4(100)
5-9.9 seconds: 8 (84)
10-19.9 seconds: 3 (61)
20-29.9 seconds: 1 (17)
30-39.9 seconds: 0 (6)
40-49.9 seconds: 0 (1)
50-59.9 seconds: 1 (1)
60-69.9 seconds: 1 (3)
140-149.9 seconds: 0 (1)
150-159.9 seconds: 0 (1)
170-179.9 seconds: 0 (1)
Cumulative through Day 14 (276 matches)
Total Time: 52 minutes, 51.4 seconds
Longest Match: 176.9 s (2 minutes, 56.9 s) (Day 7) (Takayasu v
Takarafuji)
Shortest Match 0.5 seconds (Day 1) (Midorifuji v Hoshoryu)
Average Match: 11.5 seconds
---
Kachi-koshi/Make-koshi (8 or more wins--promotion in rank/8 or more losses--demotion)
Key: Basho Day on which the minimum record was achieved; Rikishi; Rank; Current Record
*=Promoted from Juryo after the January 2021 Basho
Kachi-koshi
Day 9: Takayasu (K1e) (10-4)
Day 11: Asanoyama (O1w) (9-5); Terunofuji (S1e) (11-3); Tobizaru (M8w) (9-5)
Day 12: Takakeisho (O1e) (10-4); Wakatakakage (M2w) (9-5); Meisei (M3e) (9-5); Chiyonokuni (M9e) (8-5-2) (1 forfeit loss, 2 absences); Aoiyama (M12w) (10-4); Hidenoumi* (M15w) (9-5)
Day 13: Hokutofuji (M2e) (9-5); Hoshoryu (M9w) (8-6); Tsurugisho* (M14w) (9-5)
Day 14: Kotoeko (M16e) (8-6); Kaisei (M16e) (8-6) Daiamami (M16w) (8-6)
Make-koshi
Day 8: Kotoshoho (M11w) (1-5-8)
Day 9: Takarafuji (M1e) (3-11)
Day 10: Onosho (M1w) (4-10)
Day 10: Endo (M5e) 5-5-5 (1 forfeit loss, 5 absences)
Day 11: Shimanoumi (M3w) (4-10); Okinoumi (M5w) (3-11); Kotonowaka (M8e) (6-8)
Day 12: Midorifuji (M10e) (4-10); Yutakayama (M15e) (4-10-1) (1 forfeit loss, 1 absence)
Day 13: Kiribayama (M4e) (6-8); Tamawashi (M6e) (5-9); Kagayaki (M7w) (5-9); Chiyotairyu (M11e) (5-9)
Day 14: Ryuden (M10w) (6-8); Myogiryu (M4w) (6-8)
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Top Rank Wins and "Pennant Race"; Maegashira v San'Yaku Results and Standings; Juryo Substitute Results and Standings
Top Rank Wins and "Pennant Race"
11-3: Terunofuji (S1e)
10-4: Takakeisho (O2e); Takayasu (K1e)
9-5: Asanoyama (O1w)
7-7: Shodai (O1e); Takanosho (S1w); Mitakeumi (K1w); Daieisho (K2w)
2-1(forfeit)-12 (absences): Hakuho (Y1e)
Total: 70-45(including 1 forfeit) (.609); 12 absences
The San'yaku (and Yusho) "Pennant race"
During the final 5 Days of the Basho we will include Maegashira who are within 1 match of the lead.
f=Fusen (forfeit)
Day 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15
(# wins)
Terunofuji (S1e) 1 2 3 4 4 5 6 6 7 7 8 9 10 11
Takakeisho (O2w) 1 2 2 3 3 4 4 5 6 6 7 8 9 10
Takayasu (K1e) 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 9 10 10 10
Aoiyama (M12w) 1 2 2 3 4 4 4 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Asanoyama (O1w) 1 1 2 3 4 5 5 5 6 7 8 9 9 9
Shodai (O1e) 0 1 2 2 2 2 3 4 4 5 6 7 7 7
Daieisho (K2w) 0 0 0 0 1 1 2 3 4 5 6 6 7 7
Takanosho (S1w) 1 1 2 3 4 5 5 5 6 6 6 6 6 7
Mitakeumi (K1w) 1 2 2 3 3 3 3 4 4 5 5 6 6 7
Hakuho (Y1e) 1 2 2(f)- - - - - - - - - - - -
---
Maegashira v San'yaku
Day 14;cumulative
Tobizaru (M8w) 1-0; 1-0
Hakutofuji (M2e) 0-0; 4-4
Meisei (M3e) 0-0; 4-4
Wakatakakage (M2w) 0-0; 4-4
Kiribayama (M4e) 1-0; 2-4
Onosho (M1w) 0-0; 2-7 (1 forfeit win)
Shimanoumi (M3w) 0-0; 1-5
Myogiryu (M4w) 0-1; 1-5
Takarafuji (M1e) 0-0; 1-7
Okinuoumi (M5w) 0-0; 0-1
Ichinojo (M6w) 0-1; 0-1
Tamawashi (M6e) 0-0; 0-2
Total: 2-2; 20-44 (.313)
---
Juryo substitutes
Kakuryo (Y1w) pulled out of the tournament before it began due to a hamstring injury.
Hakuho (Y1e) pulled out of the tournament on Day 3 due to a knee injury.
Kotoshoho (M11w) pulled out of the tournament on Day 3 due to an ankle injury. He returned on Day 12.
Endo (M5e) pulled out of the tournament on Day 10 due to a calf injury.
Chiyonokuni (M9e) pulled out of the tournament on Day 13 due to a dislocated finger suffered earlier in the tournament, and a fractured rib suffered yesterday.
Yutakayama (M15e) pulled out of the tournament on Day 14 due to a torn bicep.
Day 1: M16w Daiamami (1-0) defeated J1e Tokushoryu (0-1)
Day 2: M16e Kaisei (1-1) defeated J1w Akua (1-1)
Day 3: J2e Ishiura (2-1) defeated M15w Hidenoumi (2-1)
Day 4: J2w Daishomaru (1-3) defeated M15e Yutakayama (1-3)
Day 5: J3e Chiyomaru (4-1) defeated M14w Tsurugisho (1-4)
Day 6: M14e Kotoeko (4-2) defeated J1e Tokushoryu (1-5)J1w
Day 7: M16w Daiamami (3-4) defeated J1w Akua (3-4)
Day 8: J3w Chiyonoo (5-3) defeated M16e Kaisei (4-4)
Day 9: M15w Hidenoumi (5-4) defeated J2w Daishomaru (3-6)
Day 10: J2e Ishiura (7-3) defeated M15e Yutakayama (4-6)
Day 11: There were no Juryo substitutes today.
Day 12: M14w Tsurugisho defeated J3w Chiyonoo (6-6)
Day 13: M14e Kotoeko (7-6) defeated J3e Chiyomaru (9-4)
Day 14: There were no Jury substitutes today.
Ishiura (J2e) 2-0; 2-1; 7-3 (8-5)
Daishomaru (J2w) 1-1; 1-3; 3-6 (4-9)
Chiyomaru (J3e) 1-1; 4-1 9-4 (9-4)
Chiyonoo (J3w) 1-1; 5-3; 6-6 (6-7)
Tokushoryu (J1e) 0-2; 0-1; 1-5 (5-8)
Akua (J1w) 0-2; 1-1; 3-4 (7-6)
Total: 5-7 (.417)
---
Results: Note: Cumulative Win-Loss Matrix links were corrected throughout the Blog. Apologies for any inconvenience caused. CORRECTED MARCH 20, 2021.
Basho Cumulative Win-Loss Martrix (Sumo Reference)
Juryo Cumulative Win-Loss Matrix (Sumo Reference)
Basho Cumulative Win-Loss Matrix (Makuuchi and Juryo--all salaried rikishi)
Day 14 (Japanese Sumo Association) (click on rikishi name for relevant data including percentage of each Kimarite (finishing) move used, rank and full results of last 5 tournaments, all on one page)
Day 14 Time of Each Match (nikkansports.com) (in Japanese,use Google Translate) Matches are in order from lowest rank to highest.
Absent rikishi information (Japanese Sumo Association)
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Articles:
Nikkansports.com carries the most exhaustive coverage of Sumo that I have seen. It publishes multiple daily articles about the Basho.
All coverage is in Japanese and can be accessed from the Nikkansports Sumo Wrestling News Page. It can be easily (if not well) translated by Google Translate, which can be easily attached to your browser for seamless "translation." It is the next best thing to being able to read Japanese.
Google Translate (directly or in a separate window/tab)
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Photos:
Nikkan Sports Day 14 Photo Feature: Photos from selected matches. In Japanese (Google Translate). Some are accompanied by quotes from the rikishi.
Sumo Forum Bulletin Board Day 14 photos: a fantastic collection of "stop motion" renderings of daily matches. And a great way to study the contours of what these great rikishi do.
+++
Day 13
Essential Links
Day 13 Results (Sumo Reference)
Day 13 Highlights (Tachiai.org)--includes short summary of each bout
Day 13 Preview (Tachiai.org)
Final Weekend: What’s at Stake? (Tachiai.org)
Day 13 Video highlights (replays of all 20) matches--NHK (27:00)--NHK usually releases the day's highlights after about 24 hours. When I find them, I will link to them.
Chris Sumo Youtube (filmed at the venue)
Warning: the beginning of this video is very disturbing. Also includes Division 3 (Makushita--non salaried) title bout between Abi (recently dropped from Makuuchi because of various non-injury issues--M56w) and Tokisakae (M15e). Both went into this match undefeated at 6-0.
Safety First! (Tachiai.org). More discussion on the terrible injury suffered by Hibikiryu (Sd65e--Sandanme--Division 4--non salaried) today.
(All Divisions), Cumulative by Day (1-13) (courtesy of Naganoyama--Sumo Forum Bulletin Board). Essential information if you want to keep track of how the Stables are doing in each Basho.
Day 13 Cumulative:
Leading Winning %:
Asakayama (10 Rikishi, 38-25 60%) (Salaried: Makuuchi 0; Juryo 0)
Most wins:
Kokonoe (29 Rikishi, 114-97, 54%) "Chiyo..."
(Salaried: Makuuchi 3--19-20; Juryo 4--25-27)
Stable (Beya) Guide (Japanese Sumo Association (in English)
Note that Makuuchi (Top Tier) Rikishi do not usually fight stablemates in Basho.
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Notable
For me, today's action was overshadowed by the terrible injury suffered by Hibikiryu, which is covered in detail in the Chris Sumo video and Tachiai.org article above. As far as the possible permutations for the finish, the Tachiai.org article above covers them exhaustively. Suffice it to say, the ending to this Basho is going to be another "Barn Burner", as have the last few. Stay tuned!
Quotable
"I held firm with thrusts, and stayed on constant guard for his slap down attempts." Quote translated by Chris Sumo.
Wakatakakage (M2w--9-4) on his win over Takayasu (K1e--10-3).
---
Partial or complete absences from this Basho
Wins-Losses-Absences
Y1w Kakuryu 0-0-11
Y1e Hakuho 2-1-12 (1 forfeit loss)
M11w Kotoshoho 0-3-8 (1 forfeit loss)
M5e Endo 5-5-5 (1 forfeit loss)
M9e Chiyonokuni 8-5-2 (1 forfeit loss)
Condensed results (19) matches)
Key: Time of Match--s=seconds; Rank; Winner; Basho Record; Finishing
Move; Rank; Loser; Basho Record
05.5s M14e Kotoeko (7-6) hikiotoshi J3e Chiyomaru (9-4)
11.1s M12e Akiseyama (7-6) yorikiri M15e Yutakayama (4-9)
15.6s M15w Hidenoumi (9-4) uwatenage M11w Kotoshoho (1-4-8)
03.0s M16w Daiamami (7-6) yorikiri M11e Chiyotairyu (5-8)
21.8s M13w Chiyoshoma (6-7) yorikiri M10w Ryuden (6-7)
02.3s M16e Kaisei (7-6) okuridashi M10e Midorifuji (4-9)
----- M14w Tsurugisho (8-5) fusen M9e Chiyonokuni (8-5)
04.5s M12w Aoiyama (9-4) oshidashi M8w Tobizaru (8-5)
12.8s M8e Kotonowaka (5-8) oshidashi M13e Terutsuyoshi (6-7)
12.6s M9w Hoshoryu (8-5) uchigake M7w Kagayaki (5-8)
13.0s M7e Tochinoshin (6-7) yoritaoshi M4e Kiribayama (5-8)
15.9s M3w Shimanoumi (4-9) oshidashi M5w Okinoumi (3-10)
14.7s M2e Hokutofuji (8-5) oshidashi M6w Ichinojo (7-6)
03.7s M1w Onosho (3-10) oshidashi M1e Takarafuji (2-11)
06.4s K2w Daieisho (7-6) oshidashi M3e Meisei (8-5)
05.5s K1w Mitakeumi (6-7) oshidashi M6e Tamawashi (5-8)
22.8s M2w Wakatakakage (9-4) yoritaoshi K1e Takayasu (10-3)
08.8s M4w Myogiryu (6-7) hatakikomi S1w Takanosho (6-7)
19.9s O2e Takakeisho (9-4) hatakikomi O1w Asanoyama (9-4)
02.6s S1e Terunofuji (10-3) yorikiri O1e Shodai (7-6)
Source: Sumo Reference (text results) and Nikkansports.com length of
bouts data (see result sources below)
---
Kimarite--Finishing Moves (19) matches--cumulative--258 matches) Note: finishing move links below link to short NHK videos demonstrating the technique.
Winning: Day 13(cumulative)
Frontal Push Out (Oshidashi)...............7(51)
Frontal Force Out (Yorikiri)...............4(60)
Slap Down (Hatakikomi).....................2(16)
Frontal Crush Out (Yoritaoshi).............2(12)
Hand Pull Down (Hikiotoshi)................1 (8)
Rear Push Out (Okuridashi).................1(10)
Fusen (forfeit)............................1 (4)
Out 14(147), Down 5(109)
Frontal 13(148), Rear 1(13)
Push 8(84), Force 4(59), Crush 2(12), Slap 2(16), Pull 1(9), Throw 1(35), Trip 1(2), Hook 0(1), Lift 0(1), Scoop 0(1), Swing 0(3), Thrust 0(29), Twist 0(3)
Under 0(12), Over 1(11), Outside 0(1), Inside 1(1)
Arm 1(39), Hand 1(8), Leg 1(2), Shoulder 0(4), Thigh 0(2)
Other, Cumulative
Winning
Thrust Down (Tsukiotoshi).................19
Frontal Push Down (Oshitaoshi)............14
Frontal Thrust Out (Tsukidashi)...........10
Under Arm Throw (Shitatenage)..............8
Beltless Arm Throw (Sukuinage).............7
Arm Lock Throw (Kotenage)..................6
Under Shoulder Swing Down (Katasukashi)....4
Arm Barring Force Out (Kimedashi)..........4
Rear Push Down (Okuritaoshi)...............4
Pulling Over Arm Throw (Uwatedashinage)....3
Backward Force Down (Abisetaoshi)..........1
Hooking Inner Thigh Throw (Kakenage).......1
Over Thigh Scooping Body Drop (Komatasukui)1
Twist Down (Makiotoshi)....................1
Pulling Under Arm Throw (Shitatedashinage).1
Arm Bar Throw (Tottari)....................1
Frontal Thrust Down (Tsukitaoshi)..........1
Frontal Lift Out (Tsuridashi)..............1
Twisting Over Arm Throw (Uwatehineri)......1
Losing (Non-technique)
---
Match Time
Day 13 (19 matches)
Total Time: 3 minutes, 22.5 seconds
Longest Match: 22.8 s (Wakatakakage v Takyasu(3))
Shortest Match: 2.3 s (Kaisei v Midorifuji (5))
Average (19 matches): 10.7
Time/Matches Day 13 (19 matches)(cumulative--258 matches)
0-4.9 seconds: 5(96)
5-9.9 seconds: 4(76)
10-19.9 seconds: 8(58)
20-29.9 seconds: 2(16)
30-39.9 seconds: 0 (6)
40-49.9 seconds: 0 (1)
60-69.9 seconds: 0 (2)
140-149.9 seconds: 0 (1)
150-159.9 seconds: 0 (1)
170-179.9 seconds: 0 (1)
Cumulative through Day 13 (258 matches)
Total Time: 48 minutes, 26.6 seconds
Longest Match: 176.9 s (2 minutes, 56.9 s) (Day 7) (Takayasu v Takarafuji)
Shortest Match 0.5 seconds (Day 1) (Midorifuji v Hoshoryu)
Average Match: 11.3 seconds
---
Kachi-koshi/Make-koshi (8 or more wins--promotion in rank/8 or more losses--demotion)
Key: Basho Day on which the minimum record was achieved; Rikishi; Rank; Current Record
*=Promoted from Juryo after the January 2021 Basho
Kachi-koshi
Day 9: Takayasu (K1e) (10-3)
Day 11: Asanoyama (O1w) (9-4); Terunofuji (S1e) (10-3); Tobizaru (M8w) (8-5)
Day 12: Takakeisho (O1e) (9-4); Wakatakakage (M2w) (9-4); Meisei (M3e) (8-5); Chiyonokuni (M9e) (8-5-2); Aioyama (M12w) (9-4); Hidenoumi* (M15w) (9-4)
Day 13: Hokutofuji (M2e) (8-5); Hoshoryu (M9w) (8-5); Tsurugisho* (M14w) (8-5)
Make-koshi
Day 8: Kotoshoho (M11w) (1-4-8)
Day 9: Takarafuji (M1e) (2-11)
Day 10: Onosho (M1w) (3-10)
Day 10: Endo (M5e) 5-5-5 (1 forfeit loss, 5 absences)
Day 11: Shimanoumi (M3w) (4-9); Okinoumi (M5w) (3-10); Kotonowaka (M8e) (5-8)
Day 12: Midorifuji (M10e) (4-9); Yutakayama (M15e) (4-9)
Day 13: Kiribayama (M4e) (5-8); Tamawashi (M6e) (5-8); Kagayaki (M7w) (5-8); Chiyotairyu (M11e) (5-8)
---
Top Rank Wins and "Pennant Race"; Maegashira v San'Yaku Results and Standings; Juryo Substitute Results and Standings
Top Rank Wins and "Pennant Race"
10-3: Terunofuji; (S1e); Takayasu (K1e)
9-4: Asanoyama (O1w); Takakeisho (O2e)
7-6: Shodai (O1e); Daieisho (K2w)
6-7: Takanosho (S1w); Mitakeumi (K1w)
2-1(forfeit)-12 (absences): Hakuho (Y1e)
Total: 66-41(including 1 forfeit (.617); 12 absences
The San'yaku (and Yusho) "Pennant race"
During the last 5 Days of the Basho we will include Maegashira who are within 1 match of the lead.
f=Fusen (forfeit)
Day 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15
(# wins)
Terunofuji (S1e) 1 2 3 4 4 5 6 6 7 7 8 9 10
Takayasu (K1e) 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 9 10 10
Asanoyama (O1w) 1 1 2 3 4 5 5 5 6 7 8 9 9
Takakeisho (O2w) 1 2 2 3 3 4 4 5 6 6 7 8 9
Wakatakakage (M2w) 0 0 1 1 2 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
Ayoyama (M12w) 1 2 2 3 4 4 4 4 5 6 7 8 9
Hidenoumi (M15w) 1 2 2 2 3 4 4 4 5 6 7 8 9
Shodai (O1e) 0 1 2 2 2 2 3 4 4 5 6 7 7
Daieisho (K2w) 0 0 0 0 1 1 2 3 4 5 6 6 7
Takanosho (S1w) 1 1 2 3 4 5 5 5 6 6 6 6 6
Mitakeumi (K1w) 1 2 2 3 3 3 3 4 4 5 5 6 6
Hakuho (Y1e) 1 2 2(f)- - - - - - - - - - - -
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Maegashira v San'yaku
Day 13;cumulative
Hakutofuji (M2e) 0-0; 4-4
Meisei (M3e) 0-1; 4-4
Wakatakakage (M2w) 1-0; 4-4
Onosho (M1w) 0-0; 2-7 (1 forfeit win)
Kiribayama (M4e) 0-0; 1-4
Myogiryu (M4w) 1-0; 1-4
Shimanoumi (M3w) 0-0; 1-5
Takarafuji (M1e) 0-0; 1-7
Okinuoumi (M5w) 0-0; 0-1
Tamawashi (M6e) 0-1; 0-2
Total: 2-2; 18-42 (.300)
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Juryo substitutes
Kakuryo (Y1w) pulled out of the tournament before it began due to a hamstring injury.
Hakuho (Y1e) pulled out of the tournament on Day 3 due to a knee injury.
Kotoshoho (M11w) pulled out of the tournament on Day 3 due to an ankle injury. He returned on Day 12.
Endo (M5e) pulled out of The Tournament on Day 10 due to a calf injury.
Chiyonokuni (M9e pulled out of the Basho on Day 13 due to a dislocated finger suffered earlier in the Tournament, and a fractured rib suffered yesterday.
Day 1: M16w Daiamami (1-0) defeated J1e Tokushoryu (0-1)
Day 2: M16e Kaisei (1-1) defeated J1w Akua (1-1)
Day 3: J2e Ishiura (2-1) defeated M15w Hidenoumi (2-1)
Day 4: J2w Daishomaru (1-3) defeated M15e Yutakayama (1-3)
Day 5: J3e Chiyomaru (4-1) defeated M14w Tsurugisho (1-4)
Day 6: M14e Kotoeko (4-2) defeated J1e Tokushoryu (1-5)J1w
Day 7: M16w Daiamami (3-4) defeated J1w Akua (3-4)
Day 8: J3w Chiyonoo (5-3) defeated M16e Kaisei (4-4)
Day 9: M15w Hidenoumi (5-4) defeated J2w Daishomaru (3-6)
Day 10: J2e Ishiura (7-3) defeated M15e Yutakayama (4-6)
Day 11: There were no Juryo substitutes today.
Day 12: M14w Tsurugisho defeated J3w Chiyonoo (6-6)
Day 13: M14e Kotoeko (7-6) defeated J3e Chiyomaru (9-4)
Ishiura (J2e) 2-0; 2-1; 7-3 (8-5)
Daishomaru (J2w) 1-1; 1-3; 3-6 (4-9)
Chiyomaru (J3e) 1-1; 4-1 9-4 (9-4)
Chiyonoo (J3w) 1-1; 5-3; 6-6 (6-7)
Tokushoryu (J1e) 0-2; 0-1; 1-5 (5-8)
Akua (J1w) 0-2; 1-1; 3-4 (7-6)
Total: 5-7 (.417)
---
Results: Note: Cumulative Win-Loss Matrix links were corrected throughout the Blog. Apologies for any inconvenience caused. CORRECTED MARCH 20, 2021.
Basho Cumulative Win-Loss Martrix (Sumo Reference)
Juryo Cumulative Win-Loss Matrix (Sumo Reference)
Basho Cumulative Win-Loss Matrix (Makuuchi and Juryo--all salaried rikishi)
Day 13 (Japanese Sumo Association) (click on rikishi name for relevant data including percentage of each Kimarite (finishing) move used, rank and full results of last 5 tournaments, all on one page)
Day 13 Time of Each Match (nikkansports.com) (in Japanese,use Google Translate) Matches are in order from lowest rank to highest.
Absent rikishi information (Japanese Sumo Association)
---
Articles:
Nikkansports.com carries the most exhaustive coverage of Sumo that I have seen. It publishes multiple daily articles about the Basho.
All coverage is in Japanese and can be accessed from the Nikkansports Sumo Wrestling News Page. It can be easily (if not well) translated by Google Translate, which can be easily attached to your browser for seamless "translation." It is the next best thing to being able to read Japanese.
Google Translate (directly or in a separate window/tab)
Hattorizakura (Jk24e--Jonokuchi--6th Division--non salaried) loses 90th consecutive match, a new record. (Nikkansports.com) (Japanese)
---
Photos:
Nikkan Sports Day 13 Photo Feature: Photos from selected matches. In Japanese (Google Translate). Some are accompanied by quotes from the rikishi. Note: there are a minimal number of photos in today's edition.
Sumo Forum Bulletin Board Day 13 photos: a fantastic collection of "stop motion" renderings of daily matches. And a great way to study the contours of what these great rikishi do.
+++
Day 12
Essential Links
Day 12 Highlights (Tachiai.org)--includes short summary of each bout
Day 12 Video highlights (replays of all 20) matches--NHK (27:00)--NHK usually releases the day's highlights after about 24 hours. When I find them, I will link to them.
Chris Sumo Youtube (filmed at the venue)
Day 12 Cumulative:
Leading Winning %:
Miyagino (17 Rikishi, 58-41, 59%) (Salaried: Makuuchi 1--2-1-12; Juryo 2--16-8)
Naruto (15 Rikishi, 48-34, 59%) (Salaried: Makuuchi 0; Juryo 0)
Most wins:
Kokonoe (29 Rikishi, 108-90, 55%) "Chiyo..."
(Salaried: Makuuchi 3--18-18; Juryo 4--24-24)
Stable (Beya) Guide (Japanese Sumo Association (in English)
Note that Makuuchi (Top Tier) Rikishi do not usually fight stablemates in Basho.
---
Notable:
Hidenoumi (M15e) ended any suspense about his first Top Division Kachi-koshi (winning record and promotion in rank) with a 3.3 second win over Chiyotairyu (M11e). He now has an 8-4 record with 3 matches left. The first, tomorrow, is against Kotoshoho (M11w), who returned from 8 days off due to an ankle injury and won his first match, beating Terutsuyoshi (M13e). With his ankle heavily wrapped, some questioned the return, but the win justified it, to him anyway. Hopefully, he will make it through the rest of the Basho without further injury.
Terinofuji (S1e--9-3) beat Tamawashi (M6e) to remain within one match of first place Takayasu (K1e--10-2). His 9th win was also important in another context. The win adds to 33 wins in the last three Basho by a san'yaku (Top Ranker). That is almost always a requirement for promotion to Ozeki (not always, the people who make that decision have some leeway--as recently promoted Asanoyama (O1w--also 9-3--was promoted after 32 wins in 3 consecutive matches). As for Terunofuji, his last three matches are all against Ozeki, starting with Shodai (O1e--7-5) tomorrow. It will help both his championship aspirations and his Ozeki promotion portfolio, if he wins against Ozeki. Shodai has tremendous incentive also, as he needs one more win to avoid "kadoban" (a losing record by an Ozeki that means he must win 8 or more in the next Tournament in order to remain Ozeki).
All three present Ozeki (Shodai, Takakeisho--O1w, and Asanoyama) have been "kadoban" recently. Shodai was after November 2020's 3-2-10 (absences due to injury), but recovered to finish 11-4 and Jun Yusho (2nd place) in January. Asanoyama also was "kadoban after November's 1-2-12 finish, but recovered in January by finishing 11-4 (tied with Shodai) after losing 2 of his 1st 3 matches. Finally, Takakeisho, after winning the November 2020 Basho, started out with a disappointing January, losing his first 4 and 5 of his first 6. He was carrying an ankle injury that forced him to pull out with a 2-8-5 record. He retained his rank today (8-4), with a win over M5w Okinoumi.
As these are the main candidates for Yokozuna promotion, and as there is now only 1 Yokozuna, and he hasn't completed a Basho in a year, there is some concern about who the next Yokozuna may be, and how long it may be before that happens. It seems that Sumo is very much in a transition stage at the moment. It is quite possible that Hakuho (Y1e--44 Yusho) could come back in July following arthroscopic knee surgery last week. Even if that does happen, and even if he has a successful comeback (like a 45th Yusho, which would put him 13 ahead of anyone else), the long term concern about the future of the top of the pyramid remains.
Takyasu (K1e) rebounded from his loss to Shodai with a hard fought win over Hokutofuji (M2e). Tomorrow he faces dangerous Wakatakakage (M2w). The Maegashira started slowly at 2-4, but then took off, and is now riding a 6 match winning streak. While he is probably out of Yusho contention, he has beaten Shodai (O1e) and today he stopped January Yusho winner Daieisho's (K1w) winning streak at 5. He is an exciting, athletic Rikishi who seems to have a very high "ceiling."
The big matches are coming up in the last 3 days, as they always do. But there will also be "Darwin" matches (two 7-7 Rikishi against each other). The last 3 days are always interesting and exciting because, with the 40 best Rikishi on the planet, there will always be story lines.
Tick-Tock. Takarafuji (M1e), wrestled his third bout of over one minute today. He has lost all three.
Quotable:
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Partial or complete absences from this Basho
Wins-Losses-Absences
Y1w Kakuryu 0-0-11
Y1e Hakuho 2-1-12 (1 forfeit loss)
M11w Kotoshoho 0-3-8 (1 forfeit loss)
M5e Endo 5-5-5 (1 forfeit loss)
Condensed results (20) matches)
Key: Time of Match--s=seconds; Rank; Winner; Basho Record; Finishing
Move; Rank; Loser; Basho Record
06.4s M14e Kotoeko (6-6) yorikiri M16e Kaisei (6-6)
13.1s M14w Tsurugisho (7-5) yorikiri J3w Chiyonoo (6-6)
07.6s M12w Aoiyama (8-4) oshitaoshi M16w Daiamami (6-6)
03.3s M15w Hidenoumi (8-4) okuridashi M11e Chiyotairyu (5-7)
03.2s M11w Kotoshoho (1-3-8) okuridashi M13e Terutsuyoshi (6-6)19
19.4s M10w Ryuden (6-6) oshitaoshi M15e Yutakayama (4-8)
12.3s M12e Akiseyama (6-6) yoritaoshi M9w Hoshoryu (7-5)
15.3s M8e Kotonowaka (4-8) uwatenage M13w Chiyoshoma (5-7)
04.4s M6w Ichinojo (7-5) yorikiri M10e Midorifuji (4-8)
06.2s M9e Chiyonokuni (8-4) tsukiotoshi M4w Myogiryu (5-7)
04.4s M3e Meisei (8-4) oshidashi M8w Tobizaru (8-4)
04.2s M7w Kagayaki (5-7) yorikiri M3w Shimanoumi (3-9)
62.9s M7e Tochinoshin (5-7) shitatenage M1e Takarafuji (2-10)
30.8s M4e Kiribayama (5-7) sukuinage M1w Onosho (2-10)
05.1s K1e Takayasu (10-2) oshidashi M2e Hokutofuji (7-5)
04.2s M2w Wakatakakage (8-4) hatakikomi K2w Daieisho (6-6)
11.6s S1e Terunofuji (9-3) tsukiotoshi M6e Tamawashi (5-7)
04.1s O1w Asanoyama (9-3) yorikiri K1w Mitakeumi (5-7)
04.0s O1e Shodai (7-5) hatakikomi S1w Takanosho (6-6)
08.1s O2e Takakeisho (8-4) oshidashi M5w Okinoumi (3-9)
Source: Sumo Reference (text results) and Nikkansports.com length of
bouts data (see result sources below)
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Kimarite--Finishing Moves (20) matches--cumulative--239 matches) Note: finishing move links below link to short NHK videos demonstrating the technique.
Winning: Day 12(cumulative)
Frontal Force Out (Yorikiri)...............5(56)
Frontal Push Out (Oshidashi)...............3(44)
Thrust Down (Tsukiotoshi)..................2(19)
Rear Push Out (Okuridashi).................2 (9)
Frontal Push Down (Oshitaoshi).............2(14)
Slap Down (Hatakikomi).....................2(14)
Under Arm Throw (Shitatenage)..............1 (8)
Beltless Arm Throw (Sukuinage).............1 (7)
Out 11(133), Down 9(104)
Frontal 11(135), Rear 2(12)
Push 7(76), Force 5(55), Throw 3(34), Slap 2(14), Thrust 2(29), Crush 1(10), Hook 0(1), Lift 0(1), Pull 0(8), Scoop 0(1), Swing 0(3), Trip 0(1), Twist 0(3)
Under 1(12), Over 1(10), Outside 0(1)
Arm 3(38), Hand 0(7), Leg 0(1), Shoulder 0(4), Thigh 0(2)
Other, Cumulative
Winning
Frontal Thrust Out (Tsukidashi)...........10
Hand Pull Down (Hikiotoshi)................7
Arm Lock Throw (Kotenage)..................6
Under Shoulder Swing Down (Katasukashi)....4
Arm Barring Force Out (Kimedashi)..........4
Rear Push Down (Okuritaoshi)...............4
Pulling Over Arm Throw (Uwatedashinage)....3
Backward Force Down (Abisetaoshi)..........1
Hooking Inner Thigh Throw (Kakenage).......1
Over Thigh Scooping Body Drop (Komatasukui)1
Twist Down (Makiotoshi)....................1
Pulling Under Arm Throw (Shitatedashinage).1
Arm Bar Throw (Tottari)....................1
Frontal Thrust Down (Tsukitaoshi)..........1
Frontal Lift Out (Tsuridashi)..............1
Twisting Over Arm Throw (Uwatehineri)......1
Losing (Non-technique)
Fusen (forfeit)............................3
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Match Time
Day 12 (20 matches)
Total Time: 3 minutes, 50.6 seconds
Longest Match: 62.9 s (Tochinosin(2) v Takarafuji(4))
Shortest Match: 1.6 s (Kotoshoho v Terutsuyoshi)
Average (20 matches): 11.5
Time/Matches Day 12 (20 matches)(cumulative--239 matches)
0-4.9 seconds: 8(91)
5-9.9 seconds: 5(72)
10-19.9 seconds: 5(50)
20-29.9 seconds: 0(14)
30-39.9 seconds: 1 (6)
40-49.9 seconds: 0 (1)
60-69.9 seconds: 1 (2)
140-149.9 seconds: 0 (1)
150-159.9 seconds: 0 (1)
170-179.9 seconds: 0 (1)
Cumulative through Day 12 (239 matches)
Total Time: 45 minutes, 4.1 seconds
Longest Match: 176.9 s (2 minutes, 56.9 s) (Day 7) (Takayasu v Takarafuji)
Shortest Match 0.5 seconds (Day 1) (Midorifuji v Hoshoryu)
Average Match: 11.3 seconds
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Kachi-koshi/Make-koshi (8 or more wins--promotion in rank/8 or more losses--demotion)
Key: Basho Day on which the minimum record was achieved; Rikishi; Rank; Current Record
*=Promoted from Juryo after the January 2021 Basho
Kachi-koshi
Day 9: Takayasu (K1e) (10-2)
Day 11: Asanoyama (O1w) (9-3); Terunofuji (S1e) (9-3); Tobizaru (M8w) (8-4)
Day 12: Takakeisho (O1e) (8-4; Wakatakakage (M2w) (8-4); Meisei (M3e) (8-4); Chiyonokuni (M9e) (8-4); Aioyama (M12w) (8-4); Hidenoumi* (M15w) (8-4)
Make-koshi
Day 8: Kotoshoho (M11w) (1-3-8)
Day 9: Takarafuji (M1e) (2-10)
Day 10: Onosho (M1w) (2-10)
Day 10: Endo (M5e) 5-5-5 (1 forfeit loss, 5 absences)
Day 11: Shimanoumi (M3w) (3-9); Okinoumi (M5w) (3-9); Kotonowaka (M8e) (4-8)
Day 12: Midorifuji (M10e) (4-8); Yutakayama (M15e) (4-8)
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Top Rank Wins and "Pennant Race"; Maegashira v San'Yaku Results and Standings; Juryo Substitute Results and Standings
Top Rank Wins and "Pennant Race"
10-2: Takayasu (K1e)
9-3: Asanoyama (O1w); Terunofuji (S1e)
8-4: Takakeisho (O2e)
7-5: Shodai (O1e)
6-6: Takanosho (S1w); Daieisho (K2w)
5-7: Mitakeumi (K1w)
2-1(forfeit)-12 (absences): Hakuho (Y1e)
Total: 62-37(including 1 forfeit (.626); 12 absences
The San'yaku (and Yusho) "Pennant race"
During the last 5 Days we will include Maegashira who are within 1 match of the lead.
f=Fusen (forfeit)
Day 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15
(# wins)
Takayasu (K1e) 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 9 10
Asanoyama (O1w) 1 1 2 3 4 5 5 5 6 7 8 9
Terunofuji (S1e) 1 2 3 4 4 5 6 6 7 7 8 9
Takakeisho (O2w) 1 2 2 3 3 4 4 5 6 6 7 8
Shodai (O1e) 0 1 2 2 2 2 3 4 4 5 6 7
Takanosho (S1w) 1 1 2 3 4 5 5 5 6 6 6 6
Daieisho (K2w) 0 0 0 0 1 1 2 3 4 5 6 6
Mitakeumi (K1w) 1 2 2 3 3 3 3 4 4 5 5 6
Hakuho (Y1e) 1 2 2(f)- - - - - - - - - - - -
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Maegashira v San'yaku
Day 12;cumulative
Meisei (M3e) 0-0; 4-3
Hakutofuji (M2e) 0-1; 4-4
Wakatakakage (M2w) 1-0; 3-4
Onosho (M1w) 0-0; 2-7 (1 forfeit win)
Kiribayama (M4e) 0-1; 1-4
Shimanoumi (M3w) 0-0; 1-5
Takarafuji (M1e) 0-0; 1-7
Okinuoumi (M5w) 0-1; 0-1
Tamawashi (M6e) 0-1; 0-1
Myogiryu (M4w) 0-0; 0-4
Total: 1-3; 16-40 (.286)
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Juryo substitutes
Kakuryo (Y1w) pulled out of the tournament before it began due to a hamstring injury.
Hakuho (Y1e) pulled out of the tournament on Day 3 due to a knee injury.
Kotoshoho (M11w) pulled out of the tournament on Day 3 due to an ankle injury. He returned on Day 12.
Endo (M5e) pulled out of The Tournament on Day 10 due to a calf injury.
Chiyonokuni (M9e pulled out of the Basho on Day 13 due to hand and rib injuries.
Day 1: M16w Daiamami (1-0) defeated J1e Tokushoryu (0-1)
Day 2: M16e Kaisei (1-1) defeated J1w Akua (1-1)
Day 3: J2e Ishiura (2-1) defeated M15w Hidenoumi (2-1)
Day 4: J2w Daishomaru (1-3) defeated M15e Yutakayama (1-3)
Day 5: J3e Chiyomaru (4-1) defeated M14w Tsurugisho (1-4)
Day 6: M14e Kotoeko (4-2) defeated J1e Tokushoryu (1-5)J1w
Day 7: M16w Daiamami (3-4) defeated J1w Akua (3-4)
Day 8: J3w Chiyonoo (5-3) defeated M16e Kaisei (4-4)
Day 9: M15w Hidenoumi (5-4) defeated J2w Daishomaru (3-6)
Day 10: J2e Ishiura (7-3) defeated M15e Yutakayama (4-6)
Day 11: There were no Juryo substitutes today.
Day 12: M14w Tsurugisho (7-5) defeated J3w Chiyonoo (6-6)
Ishiura (J2e) 2-0; 2-1; 7-3 (8-4)
Chiyomaru (J3e) 1-0; 4-1 (9-3)
Daishomaru (J2w) 1-1; 1-3; 3-6 (3-9)
Chiyonoo (J3w) 1-1; 5-3; 6-6 (6-6)
Tokushoryu (J1e) 0-2; 0-1; 1-5 (4-8)
Akua (J1w) 0-2; 1-1; 3-4 (7-5)
Total: 5-6 (.455)
---
Results: Note: Cumulative Win-Loss Matrix links were corrected throughout the Blog. Apologies for any inconvenience caused. CORRECTED MARCH 20, 2021.
Basho Cumulative Win-Loss Martrix (Sumo Reference)
Juryo Cumulative Win-Loss Matrix (Sumo Reference)
Basho Cumulative Win-Loss Matrix (Makuuchi and Juryo--all salaried rikishi)
Day 12 (Japanese Sumo Association) (click on rikishi name for relevant data including percentage of each Kimarite (finishing) move used, rank and full results of last 5 tournaments, all on one page)
Day 12 Time of Each Match (nikkansports.com) (in Japanese,use Google Translate) Matches are in order from lowest rank to highest.
Absent rikishi information (Japanese Sumo Association)
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Articles:
Day 12 Preview (Tachiai.org)
Nikkansports.com carries the most exhaustive coverage of Sumo that I have seen. It publishes multiple daily articles about the Basho.
All coverage is in Japanese and can be accessed from the Nikkansports Sumo Wrestling News Page. It can be easily (if not well) translated by Google Translate, which can be easily attached to your browser for seamless "translation." It is the next best thing to being able to read Japanese.
Google Translate (directly or in a separate window/tab)
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Photos:
Nikkan Sports Day 12 Photo Feature: Photos from selected matches. In Japanese (Google Translate). Some are accompanied by quotes from the rikishi.
Sumo Forum Bulletin Board Day 12 photos: a fantastic collection of "stop motion" renderings of daily matches. And a great way to study the contours of what these great rikishi do.
+++
Day 11
Essential links
Kakuryu Retires
NHK News (accompanied by a short video)
Announcement of retirement of Yokozuna Kakuryu (Nikkansports.com) (Japanese)
Today's nikkansports.com news (3/24) has, at this time, 12 articles related to the retirement.
Chris Sumo Youtube
Kakuryu RETIRES (March 24th)
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Injury News
Kotoshoho (M11w), who pulled out of the Basho after Day 3 with an ankle injury, will return on Day 12, according to the JSA Absent Rikishi Information page (see link below)
Day 11 Highlights (Tachiai.org)--includes short summary of each bout
Day 11 Video highlights (replays of all 19) matches--NHK (27:00)--NHK usually releases the day's highlights after about 24 hours. When I find them, I will link to them.
Chris Sumo Youtube (filmed at the venue)
Heya (Stable) scorecard (All Divisions), Cumulative by Day (1-11) (courtesy of Naganoyama--Sumo Forum Bulletin Board). Essential information if you want to keep track of how the Stables are doing in each Basho.
Day 11 Cumulative:
Leading Winning %:
Asakayama (10 Rikishi, 32-21 60%) (Salaried: Makuuchi 0; Juryo 0)
Most wins:
Kokonoe (29 Rikishi, 102-84, 55%) "Chiyo..."
(Salaried: Makuuchi 3--17-16; Juryo 4--23-21)
Stable (Beya) Guide (Japanese Sumo Association (in English)
Note that Makuuchi (Top Tier) Rikishi do not usually fight stablemates in Basho.
---
Notable
Today's big news, which overshadowed the Basho, was the retirement of Yokozuna Kakuryu. He was the 71st Yokozuna. He ended a 19 year career, the last 7 of which were as Yokozuna. He was fighting several injuries when he finally decided that his body had had enough. He has been in Sumo for 20 years, beginning when he was 16. 20 years in the meat grinder of 7-15 matches in 15 days every other month, and intensive training when not competing, is an amazing achievement. He rocketed up the Banzuke (rankngs) on the back of two fantastic 14-1 performances in 2014. It took him almost 8 years to reach san'yaku level, and he didn't reach that permanently for a little more than a year after that. He advanced to Ozeki 2 years later and was 109-61 in 12 Basho. He was in 41 Basho as Yokozuna (266-117, with 5 Yusho and 4 Jun-yusho [2nd place]).
He was very durable for a long time. He missed 5 of his first 1,000 matches. The injuries started piling up in 2017, when he went 4 Basho in a row without finishing. But he came back from that with a 35-7 record and consecutive Yusho in 2018. In 2019 he had 3 consecutive Basho where he was 35-10, with a Yusho and Jun-Yusho. He was 14-1 five times.
I did not get to see very much of him, as I just began my Sumo odyssey with last March's Basho, held in Osaka in an empty arena, And so I got to see his great, 25 second championship match with Hakuho. (Match begins at 3:50 on the video). I thought then about the times they would be meeting again, when I knew more about the sport. That never happened. He hurt his elbow in the first match of the July 2020 Basho and that was the last match of his career.
The retirement marks the beginning of the end of an era, as sometime soon, both Yokuzuna will be retired. Judging from the comments made about Kakuryu by his peers, he was a model Yokozuna. who took a long and hard road to get there. He will be greatly missed.
As far as Day 11, the race tightened as Shodai (O1e) beat Takayasu (K1e) decisively. The Komusubi is now 9-2, with 3 Rikishi (Asoyama (O1W, Terunofuji (S1e) and Tobizaru (M8w) 1 win behind. Eight other Rikishi are 2 wins behind. Takayasu is still in the "driver's seat" and controls his own destiny. He has only one match left against san'yaku (Takanosho--S1w). It was Shodai's 8th consecutive victory against Takayasu.
All three Ozeki won on the same day, the first time that has happened in the Basho.
In contrast with yesterday, when 15 different finishing moves were on display, today saw only 7, the fewest of any day so far. Yesterday there was only 1 Yorkiri (frontal force out). Today there were 7.
Hidenoumi (M15w) won his 7th match today. One more win will achieve Kachi-koshi (a winning Tournament and guaranteed promotion in rank). He has bounced back and forth between Makuuchi and Juryo 4 times. The last time, it took him 3 years to get back (to this Basho). He has never had a winning record in Makuuchi. He has been a Rikishi for 8 and 1/2 years. In that time he has missed four matches out of over 660. I hope he wins all 4 of his remaining matches. But I especially hope he wins 1.
Quotable
"I was able to concentrate on today's match. I got over (yesterday's
loss). I'm only focusing on my own sumo," (Kyodo News)
Terunofuji (S1e) on his bounce back win over Takanosho (S1w)
Day 11 Quotes: (Coutesy of Kintamayama of Sumo Forum). Various sources.
Scroll to Day 11 if the link doesn't go directly to it. Note: "Gambarize" means "do my best." In the quotes, seven Rikishi react to Kakuryu's retirement.
Note: "Gambarize" means "do my best."
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Partial or complete absences from this Basho
Wins-Losses-Absences
Y1w Kakuryu 0-0-11
Y1e Hakuho 2-1-12 (1 forfeit loss)
M11w Kotoshoho 0-3-8 (1 forfeit loss)
M5e Endo 5-5-5 (1 forfeit loss)
Condensed results (19) matches)
Key: Time of Match--s=seconds; Rank; Winner; Basho Record; Finishing
Move; Rank; Loser; Basho Record
15.7s M15w Hidenoumi (7-4) yorikiri M13w Chiyoshoma (5-6)
08.0s M16e Kaisei (6-5) yorikiri M13e Terutsuyoshi (6-5)
14.8s M12w Aoiyama (7-4) oshitaoshi M15e Yutakayama (4-7)
03.9s M14w Tsurugisho (6-5) yorikiri M12e Akiseyama (5-6)
03.4s M16w Daiamami (6-5) oshidashi M9e Chiyonokuni (7-4)
19.6s M8w Tobizaru (8-3) tsukiotoshi M14e Kotoeko (5-6)
06.0s M10w Ryuden (5-6) yorikiri M8e Kotonowaka (3-8)
02.2s M7w Kagayaki (4-7) oshitaoshi M10e Midorifuji (4-7)
03.9s M7e Tochinoshin (4-7) hatakikomi M11e Chiyotairyu (5-6)
07.6s M9w Hoshoryu (7-4) sukuinage M5w Okinoumi (3-8)
13.4s M3e Meisei (7-4) yorikiri M6w Ichinojo (6-5)
06.2s M2w Wakatakakage (7-4) oshidashi M6e Tamawashi (5-6)
36.4s M1e Takarafuji (2-9) oshidashi M3w Shimanoumi (3-8)
05.1s K2w Daieisho (6-5) tsukiotoshi M1w Onosho (2-9)
04.6s M2e Hokutofuji (7-4) oshidashi K1w Mitakeumi (5-6)
02.6s S1e Terunofuji (8-3) yorikiri S1w Takanosho (6-5)
04.9s O1e Shodai (6-5) tsukiotoshi K1e Takayasu (9-2)
04.9s O2e Takakeisho (7-4) tsukidashi M4e Kiribayama (4-7)
05.4s O1w Asanoyama (8-3) yorikiri M4w Myogiryu (5-6)
Source: Sumo Reference (text results) and Nikkansports.com length of
bouts data (see result sources below)
---
Kimarite--Finishing Moves (19) matches--cumulative--219 matches) Note: finishing move links below link to short NHK videos demonstrating the technique.
Winning: Day 11(cumulative)
Frontal Force Out (Yorikiri)...............7(51)
Frontal Push Out (Oshidashi)...............4(41)
Thrust Down (Tsukiotoshi)..................3(17)
Frontal Push Down (Oshitaoshi).............2(12)
Slap Down (Hatakikomi).....................1(12)
Beltless Arm Throw (Sukuinage).............1 (6)
Frontal Thrust Out (Tsukidashi)............1(10)
Out 12(122), Down 7(95)
Frontal 14(124), Rear 0(10)
Force 7(50), Push 6(69), Thrust 4(27), Slap 1(12), Throw 1(31), Crush 0(9), Hook 0(1), Lift 0(1),
Pull 0(8), Scoop 0(1), Swing 0(3), Trip 0(1), Twist 0(3)
Under 0(11), Over 0(9), Outside 0(1)
Arm 1(35), Hand 0(7), Leg 0(1), Shoulder 0(4), Thigh 0(2)
Other, Cumulative
Winning
Frontal Crush Out (Yoritaoshi).............9
Hand Pull Down (Hikiotoshi)................7
Rear Push Out (Okuridashi).................7
Under Arm Throw (Shitatenage)..............7
Arm Lock Throw (Kotenage)..................6
Over Arm Throw (Uwatenage).................6
Under Shoulder Swing Down (Katasukashi)....4
Arm Barring Force Out (Kimedashi)..........4
Rear Push Down (Okuritaoshi)...............4
Pulling Over Arm Throw (Uwatedashinage)....3
Backward Force Down (Abisetaoshi)..........1
Hooking Inner Thigh Throw (Kakenage).......1
Over Thigh Scooping Body Drop (Komatasukui)1
Twist Down (Makiotoshi)....................1
Pulling Under Arm Throw (Shitatedashinage).1
Arm Bar Throw (Tottari)....................1
Frontal Thrust Down (Tsukitaoshi)..........1
Frontal Lift Out (Tsuridashi)..............1
Twisting Over Arm Throw (Uwatehineri)......1
Losing (Non-technique)
Fusen (forfeit)............................3
---
Match Time
Day 11 (19 matches)
Total Time: 2 minutes, 48.6 seconds
Longest Match: 36.4 s (Takarafuji(3) v Shimanoumi(2))
Shortest Match: 1.6 s (Kagayaki(3) v Midorifuji(4))
Average (19 matches): 8.9
Time/Matches Day 11 (19 matches)(cumulative--219 matches)
0-4.9 seconds: 8(83)
5-9.9 seconds: 6(67)
10-19.9 seconds: 4(45)
20-29.9 seconds: 0(14)
30-39.9 seconds: 1 (5)
40-49.9 seconds: 0 (1)
60-69.9 seconds: 0 (1)
140-149.9 seconds: 0 (1)
150-159.9 seconds: 0 (1)
170-179.9 seconds: 0 (1)
Cumulative through Day 11 (219 matches)
Total Time: 41 minutes, 13.5 seconds
Longest Match: 176.9 s (2 minutes, 56.9 s) (Day 7) (Takayasu v Takarafuji)
Shortest Match 0.5 seconds (Day 1) (Midorifuji v Hoshoryu)
Average Match: 11.3 seconds
---
Kachi-koshi/Make-koshi (8 or more wins--promotion in rank/8 or more losses--demotion)
Key: Basho Day on which the minimum record was achieved; Rikishi; Rank; Current Record
*=Promoted from Juryo after the January 2021 Basho
Kachi-koshi
Day 9: Takayasu (K1e) (9-2)
Day 11: Asanoyama (O1w) (8-3); Terunofuji (S1e) (8-3); Tobizaru (M8w) (8-3)
Make-koshi
Day 8: Kotoshoho (M11w) (0-3-8)
Day 9: Takarafuji (M1e) (2-9)
Day 10: Onosho (M1w) (2-9)
Day 10: Endo (M5e) 5-5-5 (1 forfeit loss, 5 absences)
Day 11: Shimanoumi (M3w) (3-8); Okinoumi (M5w) (3-8); Kotonowaka (M8e) (3-8)
---
Top Rank Wins and "Pennant Race"; Maegashira v San'Yaku Results and Standings; Juryo Substitute Results and Standings
Top Rank Wins and "Pennant Race"
9-2: Takayasu (K1e)
8-3: Asanoyama (O1w); Terunofuji (S1e)
7-4: Takakeisho (O2e);
6-5: Shodai (O1e); Takanosho (S1w); Daieisho (K2w)
5-6: Mitakeumi (K1w)
2-1(forfeit)-12 (absences): Hakuho (Y1e)
Total: 57-34(including 1 forfeit (.626); 12 absences
The San'yaku (and Yusho) "Pennant race"
During the last 5 Days we will include Maegashira who are within 1 match of the lead.
f=Fusen (forfeit)
Day 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15
(# wins)
Takayasu (K1e) 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 9
Asanoyama (O1w) 1 1 2 3 4 5 5 5 6 7 8
Terunofuji (S1e) 1 2 3 4 4 5 6 6 7 7 8
Tobizaru (M8w) 0 0 1 2 3 4 5 5 6 7 8
Takakeisho (O2w) 1 2 2 3 3 4 4 5 6 6 7
Takanosho (S1w) 1 1 2 3 4 5 5 5 6 6 6
Shodai (O1e) 0 1 2 2 2 2 3 4 4 5 6
Daieisho (K2w) 0 0 0 0 1 1 2 3 4 5 6
Mitakeumi (K1w) 1 2 2 3 3 3 3 4 4 5 5
Hakuho (Y1e) 1 2 2(f)- - - - - - - - - - - -
---
Maegashira v San'yaku
Day 11;cumulative
Hakutofuji (M2e) 1-0; 4-3
Meisei (M3e) 0-0; 4-3
Wakatakakage (M2w) 0-0; 2-4
Onosho (M1w) 0-1; 2-7 (1 forfeit win)
Kiribayama (M4e) 0-1; 1-4
Shimanoumi (M3w) 0-0; 1-5
Takarafuji (M1e) 0-0; 1-7
Myogiryu (M4w) 0-1; 0-4
Total: 1-3; 15-37 (.288)
---
Juryo substitutes
Kakuryo (Y1w) pulled out of the tournament before it began due to a hamstring injury. Hakuho (Y1e) pulled out of the tournament on Day 3 due to a knee injury. Kotoshoho (M11w) pulled out of the tournament on Day 3 due to an ankle injury. Endo pulled out of The Tournament on Day 10 due to a calf injury. Kotoshoho (M11w), who pulled out of the Basho after Day 3 with an ankle injury, will return on Day 12.
Day 1: M16w Daiamami (1-0) defeated J1e Tokushoryu (0-1)
Day 2: M16e Kaisei (1-1) defeated J1w Akua (1-1)
Day 3: J2e Ishiura (2-1) defeated M15w Hidenoumi (2-1)
Day 4: J2w Daishomaru (1-3) defeated M15e Yutakayama (1-3)
Day 5: J3e Chiyomaru (4-1) defeated M14w Tsurugisho (1-4)
Day 6: M14e Kotoeko (4-2) defeated J1e Tokushoryu (1-5)J1w
Day 7: M16w Daiamami (3-4) defeated J1w Akua (3-4)
Day 8: J3w Chiyonoo (5-3) defeated M16e Kaisei (4-4)
Day 9: M15w Hidenoumi (5-4) defeated J2w Daishomaru (3-6)
Day 10: J2e Ishiura (7-3) defeated M15e Yutakayama (4-6)
Day 11: There were no Juryo substitutes today.
Ishiura (J2e) 2-0; 2-1; 7-3 (8-3)
Chiyomaru (J3e) 1-0; 4-1 (8-3)
Chiyonoo (J3w) 1-0; 5-3 (6-5)
Daishomaru (J2w) 1-1; 1-3; 3-6 (3-8)
Tokushoryu (J1e) 0-2; 0-1; 1-5 (3-8)
Akua (J1w) 0-2; 1-1; 3-4 (6-5)
Total: 5-5 (.500)
---
Results: Note: Cumulative Win-Loss Matrix links were corrected throughout the Blog. Apologies for any inconvenience caused. CORRECTED MARCH 20, 2021.
Basho Cumulative Win-Loss Martrix (Sumo Reference)
Juryo Cumulative Win-Loss Matrix (Sumo Reference)
Basho Cumulative Win-Loss Matrix (Makuuchi and Juryo--all salaried rikishi)
Day 11 (Japanese Sumo Association) (click on rikishi name for relevant data including percentage of each Kimarite (finishing) move used, rank and full results of last 5 tournaments, all on one page)
Day 11 Time of Each Match (nikkansports.com) (in Japanese,use Google Translate) Matches are in order from lowest rank to highest.
Absent rikishi information (Japanese Sumo Association)
---
Articles:
Day 11 Preview (Tachiai.org)
Nikkansports.com carries the most exhaustive coverage of Sumo that I have seen. It publishes multiple daily articles about the Basho.
All coverage is in Japanese and can be accessed from the Nikkansports Sumo Wrestling News Page. It can be easily (if not well) translated by Google Translate, which can be easily attached to your browser for seamless "translation." It is the next best thing to being able to read Japanese.
Google Translate (directly or in a separate window/tab)
---
Photos:
Nikkan Sports Day 11 Photo Feature: Photos from selected matches. In Japanese (Google Translate). Some are accompanied by quotes from the rikishi.
Sumo Forum Bulletin Board Day 11 photos: a fantastic collection of "stop motion" renderings of daily matches. And a great way to study the contours of what these great rikishi do.
+++
Day 10
Essential links
Day 10 Results (Sumo Reference)
Day 10 Highlights (Tachiai.org)(Tachiai.org)--includes short summary of each bout
Day 10 Video highlights (replays of all 19) matches--NHK (27:00)--NHK usually releases the day's highlights after about 24 hours. When I find them, I will link to them.
Chris Sumo Youtube (filmed at the venue)
Heya (Stable) scorecard (All Divisions), Cumulative by Day (1-10) (courtesy of Naganoyama--Sumo Forum Bulletin Board). Essential information if you want to keep track of how the Stables are doing in each Basho.
Day 10 Cumulative:
Leading Winning %:
Nishikido (5 Rikishi, 18-12, 60%) (Salaried: Makuuchi--Top Division 0; Juryo-- 2nd Division 1--4-6)
Minezaki (7 Rikishi, 18-12, 60%) (Salaried: Makuuchi 0; Juryo 0)
Most wins:
Kokonoe (29 Rikishi, 94-71, 57%) "Chiyo..."
(Salaried: Makuuchi 3--17-13; Juryo 4--22-18)
Stable (Beya) Guide (Japanese Sumo Association (in English)
Note that Makuuchi (Top Tier) Rikishi do not usually fight stablemates in Basho.
---
Notable:
Injury news:
A calf injury has forced Endo (M5e--5-5) to pull out of the Tournament. It means, if I understand correctly, that he will finish Make-Koshi (less than 8 wins) and will suffer a demotion in rank.
Takayasu won his 9th consecutive match (with his 8th different finishing move). He has talked a lot about being "patient," and nothing showed that more than today's win over Takakeisho (O2e), a 2 and 1/2 minute marathon where he just waited and waited and waited...until Takakeisho tried an ill advised trip. Seconds later the match was over. See the Chris Sumo video above for a deconstruction of the match. Takaysu's matches have averaged 42 seconds, and he has been in the two longest matches of the Basho, today's and Day 7's nearly 3 minute marathon against Takarafuji (M1e). If we look at his median time (because the really long matches skew the average), it is 15 seconds. He has fought three matches of between 10 and 20 seconds, and one of between 20 and 30 seconds, in addition to his marathons. Three of his matches have lasted less than 5 seconds. The average bout length for the entire Basho is 11.5 seconds, quite long for the short time I have been following the sport.
Possibly the best performance of the day was by Shimanoumi (M3w). One day after being crushed in less than 4 seconds by Asanoyama (O1w), he beat Terunofuji (S1e) in a battle that the Chris Sumo video deconstructs. This is a great learning experience for the new Sumo fan, and shows just how much is going on. I counted, to the best of my ability, 17 times that Shimanoumi's feet were against the straw bales during the 25 second bout. But Terunofuji couldn't finish him off.
What finishers! Today's bouts had 15 different finishing moves, the most of any day so far. Of the 198 matches with winning finishing moves (two had non-finishing--losing moves) 81 have been Yorikiri (frontal force out) or oshidashi (frontal push out) (41%). Today there were only 2 Oshidashi and 1 Yorikiri (the two most commonly employed finishing moves). There were 5 throws, 1 swing down, 1 scooping body drop, and 1 leg trip.
Quotable
"I showed good patience today and had the confidence to wait for him to move. And I could deal with him calmly." (Chris Sumo translation)
"I was determined (to win). I just concentrated on fighting my own way." (Kyodo News)
"I'll keep focusing on my own sumo and not worry about what happens around me." (Kyodo News)
All 3: Takayasu (K1e--9-1) on his win over Takakeisho (O1w--6-4)
Day 10 Quotes: (Coutesy of Kintamayama of Sumo Forum). Various sources.
Scroll to Day 10 if the link doesn't go directly to it.
---
Partial or complete absences from this Basho
Wins-Losses-Absences
Y1w Kakuryu 0-0-15
Y1e Hakuho 2-1-12 (1 forfeit loss)
M11w Kotoshoho 0-3-12 (1 forfeit loss)
M5e Endo 5-5-5 (1 forfeit loss)-
Condensed results (19) matches)
Key: Time of Match--s=seconds; Rank; Winner; Basho Record; Finishing
Move; Rank; Loser; Basho Record
08.9s J2e Ishiura (7-3) hikiotoshi M15e Yutakayama (4-6)
07.4s M16w Daiamami (5-5) kimedashi M13e Terutsuyoshi (6-4)
02.1s M12w Aoiyama (6-4) oshidashi M14e Kotoeko (5-5)
11.6s M15w Hidenoumi (6-4) oshitaoshi M10e Midorifuji (4-6)
05.1s M14w Tsurugisho (5-5) kotenage M10w Ryuden (4-6)
06.2s M9w Hoshoryu (6-4) shitatenage M16e Kaisei (5-5)
10.6s M8w Tobizaru (7-3) komatasukui M13w Chiyoshoma (5-5)
20.0s M12e Akiseyama (5-5) shitatenage M7e Tochinoshin (3-7)
01.6s M11e Chiyotairyu (5-5) hatakikomi M7w Kagayaki (3-7)
06.6s M6w Ichinojo (6-4) hatakikomi M8e Kotonowaka (3-7)
06.6s M5w Okinoumi (3-7) oshitaoshi M9e Chiyonokuni (7-3)
07.8s M4e Kiribayama (4-6) sotogake M6e Tamawashi (5-5)
----- M3e Meisei (6-4) fusen M5e Endo (5-5)
03.2s M2w Wakatakakage (6-4) yoritaoshi M1e Takarafuji (1-9)
02.2s K2w Daieisho (5-5) oshidashi M2e Hokutofuji (6-4)
03.7s K1w Mitakeumi (5-5) yorikiri M1w Onosho (2-8)
24.8s M3w Shimanoumi (3-7) tsukiotoshi S1e Terunofuji (7-3)
150.7sK1e Takayasu (9-1) uwatenage O2e Takakeisho (6-4)
03.6s O1w Asanoyama (7-3) sukuinage S1w Takanosho (6-4)
06.5s O1e Shodai (5-5) katasukashi M4w Myogiryu (5-5)
Source: Sumo Reference (text results) and Nikkansports.com length of
bouts data (see result sources below)
---
Kimarite--Finishing Moves (19) matches--cumulative--200 matches) Note: finishing move links below link to short NHK videos demonstrating the technique.
Winning: Day 10(cumulative)
Slap Down (Hatakikomi).....................2(11)
Frontal Push Out (Oshidashi)...............2(37)
Frontal Push Down (Oshitaoshi).............2(10)
Under Arm Throw (Shitatenage)..............2 (7)
Hand Pull Down (Hikiotoshi)................1 (7)
Under Shoulder Swing Down (Katasukashi)....1 (4)
Arm Barring Force Out (Kimedashi)..........1 (4)
Over Thigh Scooping Body Drop (Komatasukui)1 (1)
Arm Lock Throw (Kotenage)..................1 (6)
Beltless Arm Throw (Sukuinage).............1 (5)
Thrust Down (Tsukiotoshi)..................1(14)
Over Arm Throw (Uwatenage).................1 (6)
Frontal Force Out (Yorikiri)...............1(44)
Frontal Crush Out (Yoritaoshi).............1 (9)
Out 5(110), Down 14(88)
Frontal 6(110), Rear 0(10)
Throw 5(30), Push 4(63), Force 2(43), Slap 2(11), Crush 1(9), Pull 1(8), Scoop 1(1), Swing 1(3), Thrust 1(23), Trip 1(1), Hook 0(1), Lift 0(1), Twist 0(3)
Under 3(11), Over 2(9), Outside 1(1)
Arm 5(34), Hand 1(7), Shoulder 1(4), Leg 1(1) Thigh 1(2)
Other, Cumulative
Winning
Frontal Thrust Out (Tsukidashi)............9
Rear Push Out (Okuridashi).................7
Rear Push Down (Okuritaoshi)...............4
Pulling Over Arm Throw (Uwatedashinage)....3
Backward Force Down (Abisetaoshi)..........1
Hooking Inner Thigh Throw (Kakenage).......1
Twist Down (Makiotoshi)....................1
Pulling Under Arm Throw (Shitatedashinage).1
Arm Bar Throw (Tottari)....................1
Frontal Thrust Down (Tsukitaoshi)..........1
Frontal Lift Out (Tsuridashi)..............1
Twisting Over Arm Throw (Uwatehineri)......1
Losing (Non-technique)
Fusen (forfeit)............................3
---
Match Time
Day 10 (19 matches)
Total Time: 4 minutes, 49.2 seconds
Longest Match: 150.7 s (2 minutes, 30.7 s) (Takayasu(2) v Takakeisho)
Shortest Match: 1.6 s (Chiyotairyu(4) v Kagayaki(2))
Average (19 matches): 15.2
Time/Matches Day 10 (19 matches)(cumulative--200 matches)
0-4.9 seconds: 6(75)
5-9.9 seconds: 8(61)
10-19.9 seconds: 2(41)
20-29.9 seconds: 2(14)
30-39.9 seconds: 0 (4)
40-49.9 seconds: 0 (1)
60-69.9 seconds: 0 (1)
140-149.9 seconds: 0 (1)
150-159.9 seconds: 1 (1)
170-179.9 seconds: 0 (1)
Cumulative through Day 10 (200 matches)
Total Time: 38 minutes, 24.9 seconds
Longest Match: 176.9 s (2 minutes, 56.9 s) (Day 7) (Takayasu v Takarafuji)
Shortest Match 0.5 seconds (Day 1) (Midorifuji v Hoshoryu)
Average Match: 11.5 seconds
---
Kachi-koshi/Make-koshi (8 or more wins--promotion in rank/8 or more losses--demotion)
Key: Basho Day on which the minimum record was achieved; Rikishi; Rank; Current Record
*=Promoted from Juryo after the January 2021 Basho
Kachi-koshi
Day 9: Takayasu (K1e) (9-1)
Make-koshi
Day 9: Takarafuji (M1e) (1-9)
Day 10: Onosho (M1w) (2-8)
Day 10: Endo (M5e) 5-5-5 (1 forfeit loss)-
---
Top Rank Wins and "Pennant Race"; Maegashira v San'Yaku Results and Standings; Juryo Substitute Results and Standings
Top Rank Wins and "Pennant Race"
9-1: Takayasu (K1e)
7-3: Asanoyama (O1w); Terunofuji (S1e)
6-4: Takakeisho (O2e); Takanosho (S1w)
5-5: Shodai (O1e); Mitakeumi (K1w); Daieisho (K2w)
2-1(forfeit)-12 (absences): Hakuho (Y1e)
Total: 52-31(including 1 forfeit (.627); 12 absences
The San'yaku "Pennant race"
f=Fusen (forfeit)
Day 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15
(# wins)
Takayasu (K1e) 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
Asanoyama (O1w) 1 1 2 3 4 5 5 5 6 7
Terunofuji (S1e) 1 2 3 4 4 5 6 6 7 7
Takakeisho (O2w) 1 2 2 3 3 4 4 5 6 6
Takanosho (S1w) 1 1 2 3 4 5 5 5 6 6
Shodai (O1e) 0 1 2 2 2 2 3 4 4 5
Mitakeumi (K1w) 1 2 2 3 3 3 3 4 4 5
Daieisho (K2w) 0 0 0 0 1 1 2 3 4 5
Hakuho (Y1e) 1 2 2(f)- - - - - - - - - - - -
Takayasu is the only Rikishi in the Basho with only one defeat.
---
Maegashira v San'yaku
Day 10;cumulative
Meisei (M3e) 0-0; 4-3
Hakutofuji (M2e) 0-1; 3-3
Wakatakakage (M2w) 0-0; 2-4
Onosho (M1w) 0-1; 2-6 (1 forfeit win)
Kiribayama (M4e) 0-0; 1-3
Shimanoumi (M3w) 1-0; 1-5
Takarafuji (M1e) 0-0; 1-7
Myogiryu (M4w) 0-1; 0-3
Total: 1-3; 14-34 (.292)
---
Juryo substitutes
Kakuryo (Y1w) pulled out of the tournament before it began due to a hamstring injury. Hakuho (Y1e) pulled out of the tournament on Day 3 due to a knee injury. Kotoshoho (M11w) pulled out of the tournament on Day 3 due to an ankle injury.
Day 1: M16w Daiamami (1-0) defeated J1e Tokushoryu (0-1)
Day 2: M16e Kaisei (1-1) defeated J1w Akua (1-1)
Day 3: J2e Ishiura (2-1) defeated M15w Hidenoumi (2-1)
Day 4: J2w Daishomaru (1-3) defeated M15e Yutakayama (1-3)
Day 5: J3e Chiyomaru (4-1) defeated M14w Tsurugisho (1-4)
Day 6: M14e Kotoeko (4-2) defeated J1e Tokushoryu (1-5)J1w
Day 7: M16w Daiamami (3-4) defeated J1w Akua (3-4)
Day 8: J3w Chiyonoo (5-3) defeated M16e Kaisei (4-4)
Day 9: M15w Hidenoumi (5-4) defeated J2w Daishomaru (3-6)
Day 10: J2e Ishiura (7-3) defeated M15e Yutakayama (4-6)
Ishiura (J2e) 2-0; 2-1; 7-3 (7-3)
Chiyomaru (J3e) 1-0; 4-1 (7-3)
Chiyonoo (J3w) 1-0; 5-3 (6-4)
Daishomaru (J2w) 1-1; 1-3; 3-6 (3-7)
Tokushoryu (J1e) 0-2; 0-1; 1-5 (2-8)
Akua (J1w) 0-2; 1-1; 3-4 (5-5)
Total: 5-5 (.500)
---
Results: Note: Cumulative Win-Loss Matrix links were corrected throughout the Blog. Apologies for any inconvenience caused. CORRECTED MARCH 20, 2021.
Basho Cumulative Win-Loss Martrix (Sumo Reference)
Juryo Cumulative Win-Loss Matrix (Sumo Reference)
Basho Cumulative Win-Loss Matrix (Makuuchi and Juryo--all salaried rikishi)
Day 10: (Japanese Sumo Association) (click on rikishi name for relevant data including percentage of each Kimarite (finishing) move used, rank and full results of last 5 tournaments, all on one page)
Day 10 Time of Each Match (nikkansports.com) (in Japanese,use Google Translate) Matches are in order from lowest rank to highest.
Absent rikishi information (Japanese Sumo Association)
---
Articles:
Day 10 Preview (Tachiai.org)
Nikkansports.com carries the most exhaustive coverage of Sumo that I have seen. It publishes multiple daily articles about the Basho.
All coverage is in Japanese and can be accessed from the Nikkansports Sumo Wrestling News Page. It can be easily (if not well) translated by Google Translate, which can be easily attached to your browser for seamless "translation." It is the next best thing to being able to read Japanese.
Google Translate (directly or in a separate window/tab)
---
Photos:
Nikkan Sports Day 10 Photo Feature: Photos from selected matches. In Japanese (Google Translate). Some are accompanied by quotes from the rikishi.
Sumo Forum Bulletin Board Day 10 photos: a fantastic collection of "stop motion" renderings of daily matches. And a great way to study the contours of what these great rikishi do.
+++
Day 9
Essential links
Day 9 Results (Sumo Reference)
Day 9 Highlights (Tachiai.org)--includes short summary of each bout
Day 9 Video highlights (replays of all 20) matches--NHK) (27:00)--NHK usually releases the day's highlights after about 24 hours. When I find them, I will link to them.
Chris Sumo Youtube (filmed at the venue)
Heya (Stable) scorecard (All Divisions, Cumulative by Day (1-9) (courtesy of Naganoyama--Sumo Forum Bulletin Board). Essential information if you want to keep track of how the Stables are doing in each Basho.
Day 9 Cumulative:
Leading Winning %: Nishikido (5 Rikishi, 16-10, 63%) (Salaried: Makuuchi (Top Division) 0; Juryo (2nd Division) 1--4-5)
Most wins: Kokonoe (29 Rikishi, 82-62, 57%) "Chiyo..."
(Salaried: Makuuchi 3--16-11; Juryo 4--18-18)
Stable (Beya) Guide (Japanese Sumo Association (in English)
Note that Makuuchi (Top Tier) Rikishi do not usually fight stablemates in Basho.
---
Notable:
Today ended with Takayasu (K1e) riding an 8 match winning streak at the top of the table. At 8-1 he becomes the first Rikishi to reach Kachi-koshi (winning tournament score, which leads to promotion in rank). He leads Sekiwake Terunofuji (S1e), who is 7-2. Chiyonokuni (M9e) is also 7-2. Top rankers within 2 matches are Ozeki Asanoyama (O1w) and Takakeisho (O2w), and Sekwaki Takanosho (S1w). Three rank and filers are also 6-3. They are Hokutofuji (one of the losses was a match he was about to win when he inadvertently stepped out of the dohyo [ring]), Tobizaru (M8w), and Terutsuyoshi (M13e). With 6 matches left, the 12 Rikishi that are 5-4 have very little chance of real contention for the title. Shodai (O1e) has been disappointing (4-5) and is 3 losses from "kadoban", a situation for Ozeki that stipulates that if they don't have a winning score in the next Basho they are demoted to Sekiwake. Takakeisho, after winning the November Basho and being one Basho Yusho (championship) away from promotion to Yokozuna (Ozeki that aspire to be Yokozuna need to win 2 Basho in a row), stumbled badly due to injury in the January Basho before dropping out with a losing record. From one step to Yokozuna to one step back to Sekiwaki. He needs two more wins to retain his rank. And of course Terunofuji, with 10 wins, will be promoted to Ozeki, the end of a long hard road back from injury and illness.
For the others with winning records there is still all to fight for. 8 wins is the magic number for promotion, and also the tragic number for demotion. So far only one Rikishi (Takarafuji--M1e) is Make-Koshi (guaranteed losing Basho). How far he will fall in the rankings will be determined by how well he does in the next 6 matches. There are many story lines to follow beyond just the Yusho race.
One of the stories to watch is Daieisho (K1w), winner of the January Basho. He got off to a horrible start, losing his first 4 matches. However he has been much improved since and is now 4-5. He is also done with his matches against other Top Rankers, so he has a good shot at maintaining his Top Rank, and perhaps improving it if he stays hot. He has an outside shot at double digit wins, which is the gold standard in this sport.
But the story, so far, is well and truly Takayasu. He had a serious arm injury in last March's Basho, but has come back with a 45-24 record in the next 5 Basho (the May 2020 Basho was cancelled due to the Pandemic). He is 31 and began his career in May of 2005. He's been doing this more than half his life. At 31 he is a grizzled professional, who has had a few injuries but reached the pinnacle (so far) of his career as Ozeki from July 2017 to September 2019. At that point injuries knocked him down as far as M13e before he began his comeback. He won 113 matches and 3 Jun-Yusho (2nd place finishes) as Ozeki. He could be back to Ozeki as early as July. But first things first. He has the inside track on this Yusho and beat his closest competitor (Terunofuji) yesterday. It will be interesting to watch him as he strives for his first Yusho. As an aside, he has won 8 matches with 7 different finishing moves in this Basho.
Item of interest. In the Juryo (2nd Division) Tournament Enho (J4e--98kg/216 pounds) defeated Akua (J1w--164kg/362 pounds) by Tsuriotoshi (Frontal Lifting Body Slam) (NHK video demonstration)
(see the Chris Sumo video above and both photo links below). You have to see it to believe it, although Chris Sumo (and perhaps the photos) asked a question about the legality of where Enho grabbed his opponent's mawashi (belt) to begin the move. There are some things that are not allowed in this Sport. See the move and judge for yourself.
Quotable:
Today's translated Quotes are courtesy of Kintamayama of Sumo Forum and are from various sources. Link has been changed to reflect Day 9 Quotes. Apologies
for any inconvenience caused (CORRECTED March 23, 2021)
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Partial or complete absences from this Basho
Wins-Losses-Absences
Y1w Kakuryu 0-0-15
Y1e Hakuho 2-1-12 (1 forfeit loss)
M11w Kotoshoho 0-3-12 (1 forfeit loss)
Condensed results (20) matches)
Key: Time of Match--s=seconds; Rank; Winner; Basho Record; Finishing
Move; Rank; Loser; Basho Record
05.4s M15w Hidenoumi (5-4) yorikiri J2w Daishomaru (3-6)
02.6s M14w Tsurugisho (4-5) hatakikomi M14e Kotoeko (5-4)
02.7s M13e Terutsuyoshi (6-3) katasukashi M13w Chiyoshoma (5-4)
13.1s M12w Aoiyama (5-4) yorikiri M12e Akiseyama (4-5)
04.1s M15e Yutakayama (4-5) tsukidashi M11e Chiyotairyu (4-5)
05.5s M10e Midorifuji (4-5) kainahineri M16w Daiamami (4-5)
05.1s M16e Kaisei (5-4) hikiotoshi M7w Kagayaki (3-6)
19.5s M10w Ryuden (4-5) yorikiri M7e Tochinoshin (3-6)
17.8s M9w Hoshoryu (5-4) shitatenage M6w Ichinojo (5-4)
03.7s M9e Chiyonokuni (7-2) hikiotoshi M6e Tamawashi (5-4)
19.3s M8w Tobizaru (6-3) hikiotoshi M5w Okinoumi (2-7)
16.5s M5e Endo (5-4) yorikiri M8e Kotonowaka (3-6)
07.5s M2w Wakatakakage (5-4) tsukidashi M3e Meisei (5-4)
08.6s M2e Hokutofuji (6-3) okuridashi M1e Takarafuji (1-8)
04.6s K1e Takayasu (8-1) hatakikomi M1w Onosho (2-7)
02.4s S1w Takanosho (6-3) oshidashi M4e Kiribayama (3-6)
06.1s S1e Terunofuji (7-2) kimedashi M4w Myogiryu (5-4)
03.3s O1w Asanoyama (6-3) yorikiri M3w Shimanoumi (2-7)
05.0s K2w Daieisho (4-5) oshidashi O1e Shodai (4-5)
06.8s O2e Takakeisho (6-3) oshidashi K1w Mitakeumi (4-5)
Source: Sumo Reference (text results) and Nikkansports.com length of
bouts data (see result sources below)
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Kimarite--Finishing Moves (20 matches--cumulative--181 matches) Note: finishing move links below link to short NHK videos demonstrating the technique.
Winning: Day 9(cumulative)
Frontal Force Out (Yorikiri)...............5(43)
Hand Pull Down (Hikiotoshi)................3 (6)
Frontal Push Out (Oshidashi)...............3(35)
Slap Down (Hatakikomi).....................2 (9)
Frontal Thrust Out (Tsukidashi)............2 (9)
Under Shoulder Swing Down (Katasukashi)....1 (3)
Arm Barring Force Out (Kimedashi)..........1 (3)
Rear Push Out (Okuridashi).................1 (7)
Under Arm Throw (Shitatenage)..............1 (5)
Out 12(105), Down 8(74)
Frontal 10(104), Rear 1(10)
Force 6(41), Push 4(59), Pull 3(7), Slap 2(9), Thrust 2(22), Throw 1(25), Twist 1(3), Crush 0(8), Lift 0(1), Swing 0(2)
Under 2(8), Over 0(7)
Arm 3(29), Hand 3(6), Shoulder 1(3), Thigh 0(1)
Other, Cumulative
Winning
Thrust Down (Tsukiotoshi).................13
Frontal Push Down (Oshitaoshi).............8
Frontal Crush Out (Yoritaoshi).............8
Arm Lock Throw (Kotenage)..................5
Over Arm Throw (Uwatenage).................5
Rear Push Down (Okuritaoshi)...............4
Beltless Arm Throw (Sukuinage).............4
Pulling Over Arm Throw (Uwatedashinage)....3
Backward Force Down (Abisetaoshi)..........1
Hooking Inner Thigh Throw (Kakenage).......1
Twist Down (Makiotoshi)....................1
Pulling Under Arm Throw (Shitatedashinage).1
Arm Bar Throw (Tottari)....................1
Frontal Thrust Down (Tsukitaoshi)..........1
Frontal Lift Out (Tsuridashi)..............1
Twisting Over Arm Throw (Uwatehineri)......1
Losing (Non-technique)
Fusen (forfeit)............................2
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Match Time
Day 9 (20 matches)
Total Time: 2 minutes, 39.6 seconds
Longest Match: 19.5 s (Ryuden(2) v Tochinosin(1))
Shortest Match: 2.4 s (Takanasho v Kiribayama(2))
Average (20 matches): 8.0
Time/Matches Day 8 (20 matches)(cumulative--181 matches)
0-4.9 seconds: 7(69)
5-9.9 seconds: 8(53)
10-19.9 seconds: 5(39)
20-29.9 seconds: 0(12)
30-39.9 seconds: 0 (4)
40-49.9 seconds: 0 (1)
60-69.9 seconds: 0 (1)
140-149.9 seconds: 0 (1)
170-179.9 seconds: 0 (1)
Cumulative through Day 9 (181 matches)
Total Time: 33 minutes, 35.7 seconds
Longest Match: 176.9 s (2 minutes, 56.9 s) (Day 7) (Takayasu v Takarafuji)
Shortest Match 0.5 seconds (Day 1) (Midorifuji v Hoshoryu)
Average Match: 11.1 seconds
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Kachi-koshi/Make-koshi (8 or more wins--promotion in rank/8 or more losses--demotion)
Key: Basho Day on which the minimum record was achieved; Rikishi; Rank; Current Record
*=Promoted from Juryo after the January 2021 Basho
Kachi-koshi
Day 9: Takayasu (K1e) (8-1)
Make-koshi
Day 9: Takarafuji (M1e) (1-8)
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Top Rank Wins and "Pennant Race"; Maegashira v San'Yaku Results and Standings; Juryo Substitute Results and Standings
Top Rank Wins and "Pennant Race"
8-1: Takayasu (K1e)
7-2: Terunofuji (S1e)
6-3: Asanoyama (O1w); Takakeisho (O2e); Takanosho (S1w)
4-5: Shodai (O1e); Mitakeumi (K1w); Daieisho (K2w)
2-1(forfeit)-12 (absences): Hakuho (Y1e)
Total: 47-28 (including 1 forfeit (.627); 12 absences
The San'yaku "Pennant race"
f=Fusen (forfeit)
Day 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15
(# wins)
Takayasu (K1e) 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
Terunofuji (S1e) 1 2 3 4 4 5 6 6 7
Asanoyama (O1w) 1 1 2 3 4 5 5 5 6
Takakeisho (O2w) 1 2 2 3 3 4 4 5 6
Takanosho (S1w) 1 1 2 3 4 5 5 5 6
Shodai (O1e) 0 1 2 2 2 2 3 4 4
Mitakeumi (K1w) 1 2 2 3 3 3 3 4 4
Daieisho (K2w) 0 0 0 0 1 1 2 3 4
Hakuho (Y1e) 1 2 2(f)- - - - - - - - - - - -
Takayasu is the only Rikishi in the Basho with only one defeat.
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Maegashira v San'yaku
Day 9;cumulative
Hakutofuji (M2e) 0-0;3-2
Meisei (M3e) 0-0;4-3
Wakatakakage (M2w) 0-0;2-4
Onosho (M1w) 0-1;2-5 (1 forfeit win)
Kiribayama (M4e) 0-1;1-3
Takarafuji (M1e) 0-0;1-7
Myogiryu (M4w) 0-1;0-2
Shimanoumi (M3w) 0-1;0-5
Total: 0-4; 13-31 (.295)
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Juryo substitutes
Kakuryo (Y1w) pulled out of the tournament before it began due to a hamstring injury. Hakuho (Y1e) pulled out of the tournament on Day 3 due to a knee injury. Kotoshoho (M11w) pulled out of the tournament on Day 3 due to an ankle injury.
Day 1: M16w Daiamami (1-0) defeated J1e Tokushoryu (0-1)
Day 2: M16e Kaisei (1-1) defeated J1w Akua (1-1)
Day 3: J2e Ishiura (2-1) defeated M15w Hidenoumi (2-1)
Day 4: J2w Daishomaru (1-3) defeated M15e Yutakayama (1-3)
Day 5: J3e Chiyomaru (4-1) defeated M14w Tsurugisho (1-4)
Day 6: M14e Kotoeko (4-2) defeated J1e Tokushoryu (1-5)J1w
Day 7: M16w Daiamami (3-4) defeated J1w Akua (3-4)
Day 8: J3w Chiyonoo (5-3) defeated M16e Kaisei (4-4)
Day 9: M15w Hidenoumi (5-4) defeated J2w Daishomaru (3-6)
Daishomaru (J2w) 1-1; 1-3; 3-6 (3-6)
Ishiura (J2e) 1-0; 2-1 (6-3)
Chiyomaru (J3e) 1-0; 4-1 (6-3)
Chiyonoo (J3w) 1-0; 5-3 (5-4)
Tokushoryu (J1e) 0-2; 0-1; 1-5 (2-7)
Akua (J1w) 0-2; 1-1; 3-4 (4-5)
Total: 4-5 (.444)
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Results: Note: Cumulative Win-Loss Matrix links were corrected throughout the Blog. Apologies for any inconvenience caused. CORRECTED MARCH 20, 2021.
Basho Cumulative Win-Loss Martrix (Sumo Reference)
Juryo Cumulative Win-Loss Matrix (Sumo Reference)
Basho Cumulative Win-Loss Matrix (Makuuchi and Juryo--all salaried rikishi)
Day 9: (Japanese Sumo Association) (click on rikishi name for relevant data including percentage of each Kimarite (finishing) move used, rank and full results of last 5 tournaments, all on one page)
Day 9 Time of Each Match (nikkansports.com) (in Japanese,use Google Translate) Matches are in order from lowest rank to highest.
Absent rikishi information (Japanese Sumo Association)
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Articles:
Day 9 Preview (Tachiai.org)
Nikkansports.com carries the most exhaustive coverage of Sumo that I have seen. It publishes multiple daily articles about the Basho.
All coverage is in Japanese and can be accessed from the Nikkansports Sumo Wrestling News Page. It can be easily (if not well) translated by Google Translate, which can be easily attached to your browser for seamless "translation." It is the next best thing to being able to read Japanese.
Google Translate (directly or in a separate window/tab)
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Photos:
Nikkan Sports Day 9 Photo Feature: Photos from selected matches. In Japanese (Google Translate). Some are accompanied by quotes from the rikishi.
Today's photo feature begins with Abi (demoted from Makuuchi to Makushita (M56w) (non-salary), and then a series of photos from the Juryo match between Enho (J4e--7-2) and Akua (J1w--4-5). That is followed by today's Top Division photos.
Sumo Forum Bulletin Board Day 9 photos: a fantastic collection of "stop motion" renderings of daily matches. And a great way to study the contours of what these great rikishi do).
Today's photos also include several photos of the Endo and Abi matches. Scroll down past the Top Division photos to see them.
+++
Day 8
Essential links
Day 8 Results (Sumo Reference)
Day 8 Highlights (Tachiai.org)--includes short summary of each bout
Yokozuna Hakuho's knee surgery performed (Kyodo News)
Day 8 Video highlights (replays of all 20) matches--NHK) (27:00)--NHK usually releases the day's highlights after about 24 hours. When I find them, I will link to them.
Chris Sumo Youtube (filmed at the venue)
Heya (Stable) scorecard (All Divisions, Cumulative by Day (1-8) (courtesy of Naganoyama--Sumo Forum Bulletin Board). Essential information if you want to keep track of how the Stables are doing in each Basho.
Day 8 Cumulative:
Leading Winning %: Nishikido (5 Rikishi, 15-9, 63%) (Salaried: Makuuchi (Top Division) 0; Juryo (2nd Division) 1--4-4)
Most wins: Kokono (29 Rikishi, 79-53, 60%) "Chiyo..."
(Salaried: Makuuchi 3--15-9; Juryo 4--17-15)
Stable (Beya) Guide (Japanese Sumo Association (in English)
Note that Makuuchi (Top Tier) Rikishi do not usually fight stablemates in Basho.
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Notable:
Takayasu (K1e) won the first really big match of the Basho, handing Terunofuji (S1e) his second defeat. In the process Takayasu took over sole possession of first place with a 7-1 record. It wasn't particularly surprising, as he now has a career record of 12-7 against the Sekiwaki, the last 4 in a row since 2020 and 9 of the last 10 since July of 2016 (they did not compete against each other from 2017 to 2020). See the Chris Sumo video above for a deconstruction of the match, but suffice it to say, Takayasu, with his 7th consecutive win (longest streak in the Basho so far), made a very loud statement of intent today. He has yet to win a Makuuchi Basho but has come in second 4 times. He was Ozeki from July 2017 to November 2019.
Both of them are trying to fight their way back to the Ozeki rank they once had (Terunofuji from July 2015 through September 2019). He needs double figure wins in this Basho to get back to Ozeki after plunging as far as Jonidan (5th Division out of 6, non-salaried) due to injury and illness. A Basho championship (Yusho) would almost certainly propel Takayasu from Komusubi to Sekiwaki. From there he would need 33 wins in 3 consecutive Basho advance to Ozeki (This Basho would count toward that total, if I understand the rules correctly--ADDED March 22, 2021).A longer and more difficult journey for him at this point, but Terunofuji has already been to Sumo purgatory and back. One can only wish both of them the best.
Tick Tock : In the last two days, Takarafuji (M1e) has fought 3 minutes 44.3 seconds, losing both matches. One can only wish him the best, which would entail a few victories. If my reading of his career statistics is correct, he has never missed a match in his career, 986 matches since March of 2009. That includes 55 consecutive Makuuchi Basho. His best showing was in March of 2013 when he was 11-4 and finished 2nd. It is a remarkable achievement in durability, but there is also another competitor in this Basho who is even more durable. Tamawashi (M6e) has never missed a match in his 1,324 matches (1,028 in 65 Makuuchi Basho). His career began in March of 2004. These two men, regardless of record or rank, are both quietly astonishing, considering the toll this sport takes on the body.
Quotable:
"My Tachiai was great. My right got in deep, and after that I could fight carefully. When you're aiming for higher things, that kind of Sumo gives you confidence. Now it's important to keep up this focus and intensity for tomorrow.
Takayasu (K1e) on his victory of Terunofuji (S1e)
"I hit him good and proper, made him feel my power, then attacked. When good moves come out like that in a match, you get a real boost, a mental advantage."
Daieisho (K2w--winner of the January Basho) on his 3.1 seconds demolition of Asanoyama (O1w), knocking him into 3rd place at 5-3. Daieisho began this Basho with 4 consecutive losses before winning 3 of his next 4. He needs 5 wins next week to retain his rank.
The Chris Sumo video does not really do justice to the dominance of Daieisho's win. Here is a case where pictures are better than video. The first four pictures of the nikkansports.com photo essay for today convey what it really means to get in someone's face. That's 384 pounds of Ozeki that Daieisho threw out of the dohyo (ring).
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Partial or complete absences from this Basho
Wins-Losses-Absences
Y1w Kakuryu 0-0-15
Y1e Hakuho 2-1-12 (1 forfeit loss)
M11w Kotoshoho 0-3-12 (1 forfeit loss)
Condensed results (20) matches)
Key: Time of Match--s=seconds; Rank; Winner; Basho Record; Finishing
Move; Rank; Loser; Basho Record
12.4s J3w Chiyonoo (5-3) uwatenage M16e Kaisei (4-4)
03.9s M15e Yutakayama (3-5) oshitaoshi M13w Chiyoshoma (5-3)
04.7s M16w Daiamami (4-4) yorikiri M12e Akiseyama (4-4)
04.0s M14w Tsurugisho (3-5) tsukiotoshi M12w Aoiyama (4-4)
01.3s M11e Chiyotairyu (4-4) hatakikomi M14e Kotoeko (5-3)
26.2s M10w Ryuden (3-5) yorikiri M15w Hidenoumi (4-4)
33.2s M13e Terutsuyoshi (5-3) oshidashi M8w Tobizaru (5-3)
03.1s M10e Midorifuji (3-5) hikiotoshi M7e Tochinoshin (3-5)
03.6s M6e Tamawashi (5-3) tsukidashi M9w Hoshoryu (4-4)
18.1s M6w Ichinojo (5-3) kotenage M9e Chiyonokuni (6-2)
04.7s M5e Endo (4-4) oshidashi M7w Kagayaki (3-5)
08.6s M8e Kotonowaka (3-5) katasukashi M5w Okinoumi (2-6)
06.3s M3w Shimanoumi (2-6) isamiashi M2e Hokutofuji (5-3)
02.9s M2w Wakatakakage (4-4) oshidashi M1w Onosho (2-6)
46.8s K1w Mitakeumi (4-4) oshidashi M1e Takarafuji (1-7)
18.1s K1e Takayasu (7-1) yorikiri S1e Terunofuji (6-2)
04.3s M3e Meisei (5-3) oshidashi S1w Takanosho (5-3)
12.1s O1e Shodai (4-4) yorikiri M4e Kiribayama (3-5)
09.7s O2e Takakeisho (5-3) oshidashi M4w Myogiryu (5-3)
03.1s K2w Daieisho (3-5) oshitaoshi O1w Asanoyama (5-3)
Source: Sumo Reference (text results) and Nikkansports.com length of
bouts data (see result sources below)
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Kimarite--Finishing Moves (20 matches--cumulative--161 matches) Note: finishing move links below link to short NHK videos demonstrating the technique.
Winning: Day 8(cumulative)
Frontal Push Out (Oshidashi)...............6(32)
Frontal Force Out (Yorikiri)...............4(38)
Frontal Push Down (Oshitaoshi).............2 (8)
Slap Down (Hatakikomi).....................1 (7)
Hand Pull Down (Hikiotoshi)................1 (3)
Under Shoulder Swing Down (Katasukashi)....1 (2)
Arm Lock Throw (Kotenage)..................1 (5)
Frontal Thrust Out (Tsukidashi)............1 (7)
Thrust Down (Tsukiotoshi)..................1(13)
Over Arm Throw (Uwatenage).................1 (5)
Out 11(93), Down 8(66)
Frontal 13(94), Rear 0(9)
Push 8(55), Force 4(35), Throw 2(24), Thrust 2(20), Pull 1(4), Slap 1(7), Swing 1(2), Crush 0(8), Lift 0(1), Twist 0(2)
Under 1(6), Over 1(7)
Arm 2(26), Hand 1(3), Shoulder 1(2), Thigh 0(1)
Losing (Non-technique)
Other, Cumulative
Winning
Frontal Crush Out (Yoritaoshi).............8
Rear Push Out (Okuridashi).................6
Rear Push Down (Okuritaoshi)...............4
Under Arm Throw (Shitatenage)..............4
Beltless Arm Throw (Sukuinage).............4
Pulling Over Arm Throw (Uwatedashinage)....3
Arm Barring Force Out (Kimedashi)..........2
Backward Force Down (Abisetaoshi)..........1
Hooking Inner Thigh Throw (Kakenage).......1
Twist Down (Makiotoshi)....................1
Pulling Under Arm Throw (Shitatedashinage).1
Arm Bar Throw (Tottari)....................1
Frontal Thrust Down (Tsukitaoshi)..........1
Frontal Lift Out (Tsuridashi)..............1
Twisting Over Arm Throw (Uwatehineri)......1
Fusen (forfeit)............................2
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Match Time
Day 8 (20 matches)
Total Time: 3 minutes, 47.1 seconds
Longest Match: 46.8 s (Mitakeumi v Takarafuji(2))
Shortest Match: 1.3 s (Chiyotairyu(3) v Kotoeko)
Average (20 matches): 11.4
Time/Matches Day 8 (20 matches)(cumulative--161 matches)
0-4.9 seconds: 10(62)
5-9.9 seconds: 3(45)
10-19.9 seconds: 4(34)
20-29.9 seconds: 1(12)
30-39.9 seconds: 1 (4)
40-49.9 seconds: 1 (1)
60-69.9 seconds: 0 (1)
140-149.9 seconds: 0 (1)
170-179.9 seconds: 0 (1)
Cumulative through Day 8 (161 matches)
Total Time: 30 minutes, 56.1 seconds
Longest Match: 176.9 s (2 minutes, 56.9 s) (Day 7) (Takayasu v Takarafuji)
Shortest Match 0.5 seconds (Day 1) (Midorifuji v Hoshoryu)
Average Match: 11.5 seconds
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Top Rank Wins and "Pennant Race"; Maegashira v San'Yaku Results and Standings; Juryo Substitute Results and Standings
Top Rank Wins and "Pennant Race"
7-1: Takayasu (K1e)
6-2: Terunofuji (S1e)
5-3: Asanoyama (O1w); Takakeisho (O2e); Takanosho (S1w)
4-4: Shodai (O1e); Mitakeumi (K1w)
3-5: Daieisho (K2w)
2-1(forfeit)-12 (absences): Hakuho (Y1e)
Total: 41-26 (including 1 forfeit (.612); 12 absences
The San'yaku "Pennant race"
f=Fusen (forfeit)
Day 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15
(# wins)
Takayasu (K1e) 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
Terunofuji (S1e) 1 2 3 4 4 5 6 6
Asanoyama (O1w) 1 1 2 3 4 5 5 5
Takakeisho (O2w) 1 2 2 3 3 4 4 5
Takanosho (S1w) 1 1 2 3 4 5 5 5
Shodai (O1e) 0 1 2 2 2 2 3 4
Mitakeumi (K1w) 1 2 2 3 3 3 3 4
Daieisho (K2w) 0 0 0 0 1 1 2 3
Hakuho (Y1e) 1 2 2(f)- - - - - - - - - - - -
Takayasu is the only Rikishi in the Basho with only one defeat.
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Maegashira v San'yaku
Day 8;cumulative
Hakutofuji (M2e) 0-0;3-2
Meisei (M3e) 1-0;4-3
Kiribayama (M4e) 0-1;1-2
Onosho (M1w) 0-0;2-4 (1 forfeit win)
Wakatakakage (M2w) 0-0;2-4
Takarafuji (M1e) 0-1;1-7
Myogiryu (M4w) 0-1;0-1
Shimanoumi (M3w) 0-0;0-4
Total: 1-3; 13-27 (.325)
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Juryo substitutes
Kakuryo (Y1w) pulled out of the tournament before it began due to a hamstring injury. Hakuho (Y1e) pulled out of the tournament on Day 3 due to a knee injury. Kotoshoho (M11w) pulled out of the tournament on Day 3 due to an ankle injury.
Day 1: M16w Daiamami (1-0) defeated J1e Tokushoryu (0-1)
Day 2: M16e Kaisei (1-1) defeated J1w Akua (1-1)
Day 3: J2e Ishiura (2-1) defeated M15w Hidenoumi (2-1)
Day 4: J2w Daishomaru (1-3) defeated M15e Yutakayama (1-3)
Day 5: J3e Chiyomaru (4-1) defeated M14w Tsurugisho (1-4)
Day 6: M14e Kotoeko (4-2) defeated J1e Tokushoryu (1-5)J1w
Day 7: M16w Daiamami (3-4) defeated J1w Akua (3-4)
Day 8: J3w Chiyonoo (5-3) defeated M16e Kaisei (4-4)
Daishomaru (J2w) 1-0; 1-3 (3-5)
Ishiura (J2e) 1-0; 2-1 (5-3)
Chiyomaru (J3e) 1-0; 4-1 (6-2)
Chiyonoo (J3w) 1-0; 5-3 (5-3)
Tokushoryu (J1e) 0-2; 0-1; 1-5 (2-6)
Akua (J1w) 0-2; 1-1; 3-4 (4-4)
Total: 4-4 (.500)
---
Results: Note: Cumulative Win-Loss Matrix links were corrected throughout the Blog. Apologies for any inconvenience caused. CORRECTED MARCH 20, 2021.
Basho Cumulative Win-Loss Martrix (Sumo Reference)
Juryo Cumulative Win-Loss Matrix (Sumo Reference)
Basho Cumulative Win-Loss Matrix (Makuuchi and Juryo--all salaried rikishi)
Day 8: (Japanese Sumo Association) (click on rikishi name for relevant data including percentage of each Kimarite (finishing) move used, rank and full results of last 5 tournaments, all on one page)
Day 8 Time of Each Match: (nikkansports.com) (in Japanese,use Google Translate) Matches are in order from lowest rank to highest.
Absent rikishi information (Japanese Sumo Association)
---
Articles:
Day 8 Preview (Tachiai.org)
Patient Takayasu takes sole lead of Spring tourney (Kyodo News)
Nikkansports.com carries the most exhaustive coverage of Sumo that I have seen. It publishes multiple daily articles about the Basho.
All coverage is in Japanese and can be accessed from the Nikkansports Sumo Wrestling News Page. It can be easily (if not well) translated by Google Translate, which can be easily attached to your browser for seamless "translation." It is the next best thing to being able to read Japanese.
Google Translate (directly or in a separate window/tab)
---
Photos:
Nikkan Sports Day 8 Photo Feature: Photos from selected matches. In Japanese (Google Translate). Some are accompanied by quotes from the rikishi.
Sumo Forum Bulletin Board Day 8 photos: a fantastic collection of "stop motion" renderings of daily matches. And a great way to study the contours of what these great rikishi do).
+++
Day 7
Essential links
Day 7 Results (20 matches) (Sumo Reference) "standings" are on the left side of the page
Day 7 Highlights (Tachiai.org)
Day 7 Video highlights (replays of all 20) matches--NHK) (27:00)--NHK usually releases the day's highlights after about 24 hours. When I find them, I will link to them.
---
Notable:
Two days ago Midorifuji (M10e) and Tobizaru (M8w) fought a 2 minute 23.4 second battle. a bout lasting longer in fighting time than the entire Opening Day proceedings. Today Takayasu (K1e) and Takarafuji (M1e) battled 23.5 seconds longer than that (those 23.5 seconds were longer than all but one of the other full matches today). Together the two bouts lasted 5 minutes 20.3 seconds. These two bouts lasted longer than any other Day's (except the two days they were fought on) entire schedule. Without these two bouts, the average bout length of this Basho would be 9.5 seconds. With them it is 11.6 seconds. Two bouts have increased the average length of a (so far) 141 match Basho by 2 seconds. That may not seem like much, but these bouts are extreme outliers (based on the small sample of match time data I have compiled).
Through 7 Days
Month, Total Time, Number of matches (minutes:seconds). Average time per match (seconds)
March: 27:09.0 141 11.6
November: 21:49.4 134 9.8
September 18:19.0 130 8.5
Given the exertions of these Rikishi, it is hard to imagine what participating in a 2 1/2 to 3 minute bout must feel like. It must be exhausting, like playing in a 20 inning baseball game, one of the endless overtime games in the NHL playoffs, or a monumental 5th set at Wimbledon.
As far as the context of the Basho, two of the Ozeki stumbled today. There are now only 6 Rikishi within one match of the lead. Four of the remaining eight san'yaku (Top Rankers) are more than one match off the pace. The san'yaku cumulative record is 36-23 (one of those a forfeit) for a winning percentage of .610. At this point in the November Basho the san'yaku were 30-13 (.698) (including two forfeit losses). In September they were 26-23 (.531). The second half will, hopefully, be very exciting, competitive, and healthy.
---
Condensed results (20) matches)
Key: Time of Match--s=seconds; Rank; Winner; Basho Record; Finishing
Move; Rank; Loser; Basho Record
03.9s M16w Daiamami (3-4) oshitaoshi J1w Akua (3-4)
24.7s M15e Yutakayama (2-5) shitatenage M16e Kaisei (4-3)
05.3s M13e Terutsuyoshi (4-3) shitatenage M15w Hidenoumi (4-3)
01.9s M11e Chiyotairyu (3-4) hatakikomi M14w Tsurugisho (2-5)
20.4s M14e Kotoeko (5-2) kimedashi M10w Ryuden (2-5)
01.5s M13w Chiyoshoma (5-2) makiotoshi M10e Midorifuji (2-5)
14.7s M9w Hoshoryu (4-3) yorikiri M12w Aoiyama (4-3)
03.4s M9e Chiyonokuni (6-1) kotenage M12e Akiseyama (4-3)
11.0s M8w Tobizaru (5-2) oshidashi M6w Ichinojo (4-3)
09.0s M6e Tamawashi (4-3) oshidashi M8e Kotonowaka (2-5)
05.7s M7w Kagayaki (3-4) yorikiri M5w Okinoumi (2-5)
03.1s M5e Endo (3-4) shitatedashinage M7e Tochinoshin (3-4)
20.3s M2w Wakatakakage (3-4) tottari M4w Myogiryu (5-2)
10.1s M2e Hokutofuji (5-2) oshidashi M1w Onosho 2-5)
176.9sK1e Takayasu (6-1) uwatedashinage M1e Takarafuji (1-6)
06.3s K2w Daieisho (2-5) oshidashi S1w Takanosho (5-2)
09.0s S1e Terunofuji (6-1) yorikiri K1w Mitakeumi (3-4)
09.1s M3e Meisei (4-3) oshidashi O2e Takakeisho (4-3)
02.1s M4e Kiribayama (3-4) okuridashi O1w Asanoyama (5-2)
12.5s O1e Shodai (3-4) uwatenage M3w Shimanoumi (1-6)
Source: Sumo Reference (text results) and Nikkansports.com length of
bouts data (see result sources below)
---
Kimarite--Finishing Moves (20 matches--cumulative--141 matches) Note: finishing move links below link to short NHK videos demonstrating the technique.
Winning: Day 7(cumulative)
Frontal Push Out (Oshidashi)...............5(32)
Frontal Force Out (Yorikiri)...............3(28)
Under Arm Throw (Shitatenage)..............2 (4)
Slap Down (Hatakikomi).....................1 (6)
Twist Down (Makiotoshi)....................1 (1)
Rear Push Out (Okuridashi).................1 (6)
Frontal Push Down (Oshitaoshi).............1 (6)
Pulling Under Arm Throw (Shitatedashinage).1 (1)
Pulling Over Arm Throw (Uwatedashinage)....1 (3)
Out 10(82), Down 10(58)
Frontal 9(81), Rear 1(9)
Push 7(47), Throw 7(22), Force 4(31), Slap 1(6), Twist 1(2), Crush 0(8), Lift 0(1), Pull 0(3), Swing 0(1), Thrust 0(18)
Under 2(5), Over 1(6)
Arm 8(24), Hand 0(2), Shoulder 0(1), Thigh 0(1)
Other, Cumulative
Winning
Thrust Down (Tsukiotoshi).................12
Frontal Crush Out (Yoritaoshi).............8
Frontal Thrust Out (Tsukidashi)............6
Rear Push Down (Okuritaoshi)...............4
Beltless Arm Throw (Sukuinage).............4
Hand Pull Down (Hikiotoshi)................2
Backward Force Down (Abisetaoshi)..........1
Hooking Inner Thigh Throw (Kakenage).......1
Under Shoulder Swing Down (Katasukashi)....1
Frontal Thrust Down (Tsukitaoshi)..........1
Frontal Lift Out (Tsuridashi)..............1
Twisting Over Arm Throw (Uwatehineri)......1
Losing (Non-technique)
Match Time
Day 7 (20 matches)
Total Time: 5 minutes, 50.9 seconds
Longest Match: 176.9 s (2 minutes, 56.9 s) (Takayasu (1) v Takarafuji(1))
Shortest Match: 1.5 s (Chiyoshoma v Midorifuji(3))
Average (20 matches): 17.5
Time/Matches Day 7 (20 matches)(cumulative--141 matches)
0-4.9 seconds: 6(52)
5-9.9 seconds: 6(42)
10-19.9 seconds: 4(30)
20-29.9 seconds: 3(11)
30-39.9 seconds: 0 (3)
60-69.9 seconds: 0 (1)
140-149.9 seconds: 0 (1)
170-179.9 seconds: 1 (1)
Cumulative through Day 7 (141 matches)
Total Time: 27 minutes, 9.0 seconds
Longest Match: 176.9 s (2 minutes, 56.9 s) (Day 7) (Takayasu v Takarafuji)
Shortest Match 0.5 seconds (Day 1) (Midorifuji v Hoshoryu)
Average Match: 11.6 seconds
---
Top Rank Wins and "Pennant Race"; Maegashira v San'Yaku Results and Standings; Juryo Substitute Results and Standings
Top Rank Wins and "Pennant Race"
Terunofuji (S1e) 6-1; Takayasu (K1e) 6-1
Asanoyama (O1w) 5-2; Takanosho (S1w) 5-2
Takakeisho (O2e) 4-3
Shodai (O1e) 3-4; Mitakeumi (K1w) 3-4
Hakuho (Y1e) 2-1(forfeit)-12 (absences)
Daieisho (K2w) 2-5
Total: 36-23 (including 1 forfeit (.610); 12 absences
The San'yaku "Pennant race"
f=Fusen (forfeit)
Day 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15
(# wins)
Terunofuji (S1e) 1 2 3 4 4 5 6
Takayasu (K1e) 0 1 2 3 4 5 6
Asanoyama (O1w) 1 1 2 3 4 5 5
Takanosho (S1w) 1 1 2 3 4 5 5
Takakeisho (O2w) 1 2 2 3 3 4 4
Shodai (O1e) 0 1 2 2 2 2 3
Mitakeumi (K1w) 1 2 2 3 3 3 3
Daieisho (K2w) 0 0 0 0 1 1 2
Hakuho (Y1e) 1 2 2(f)- - - - - - - - - - - -
Other Rikishi with 1 loss: Chiyonokuni (M9e) 6-1
---
Maegashira v San'yaku
Day 7
Hakutofuji (M2e) 3-2
Meisei (M3e) 3-3
Kiribayama (M4e) 1-1
Onosho (M1w) 2-4 (1 forfeit win)
Wakatakakage (M2w) 2-4
Takarafuji (M1e) 1-6
Shimanoumi (M3w) 0-4
Total: 12-24 (.333)
---
Juryo substitutes
Kakuryo (Y1w) pulled out of the tournament before it began due to a hamstring injury. Hakuho (Y1e) pulled out of the tournament on Day 3 due to a knee injury. Kotoshoho (M11w) pulled out of the tournament on Day 3 due to an ankle injury.
Day 1: M16w Daiamami (1-0) defeated J1e Tokushoryu (0-1)
Day 2: M16e Kaisei (1-1) defeated J1w Akua (1-1)
Day 3: J2e Ishiura (2-1) defeated M15w Hidenoumi (2-1)
Day 4: J2w Daishomaru (1-3) defeated M15e Yutakayama (1-3)
Day 5: J3e Chiyomaru (4-1) defeated M14w Tsurugisho (1-4)
Day 6: M14e Kotoeko (4-2) defeated J1e Tokushoryu (1-5)J1w
Day 7: M16w Daiamami (3-4) defeated J1w Akua (3-4)
Daishomaru (J2w) 1-0; 1-3 (3-4)
Ishiura (J2e) 1-0; 2-1 (4-3)
Chiyomaru (J3e) 1-0; 4-1 (6-1)
Tokushoryu (J1e) 0-2; 0-1 (1-6)
Akua (J1w) 0-2; 1-1 (3-4)
Total: 3-4 (.429)
---
Results: Note: Cumulative Win-Loss Matrix links were corrected throughout the Blog. Apologies for any inconvenience caused. CORRECTED MARCH 20, 2021.
Basho Cumulative Win-Loss Martrix (Sumo Reference)
Juryo Cumulative Win-Loss Matrix (Sumo Reference)
Basho Cumulative Win-Loss Matrix (Makuuchi and Juryo--all salaried rikishi)
Day 7: (Japanese Sumo Association) (click on rikishi name for relevant data including percentage of each Kimarite (finishing) move used, rank and full results of last 5 tournaments, all on one page)
Day 7 Time of Each Match: (nikkansports.com) (in Japanese,use Google Translate) Matches are in order from lowest rank to highest.
Absent rikishi information (Japanese Sumo Association)
---
Articles:
Day 7 Preview (Tachiai.org)
Nikkansports.com carries the most exhaustive coverage of Sumo that I have seen. It publishes multiple daily articles about the Basho.
All coverage is in Japanese and can be accessed from the Nikkansports Sumo Wrestling News Page. It can be easily (if not well) translated by Google Translate, which can be easily attached to your browser for seamless "translation." It is the next best thing to being able to read Japanese.
Google Translate (directly or in a separate window/tab)
---
Photos:
Nikkan Sports Day 7 Photo Feature: Photos from selected matches. In Japanese (Google Translate). Some are accompanied by quotes from the rikishi.
Today's photo essay begins with three Juryo (2nd Division) Match photos--Abi v Shinohara, Ura v Yago, and Enho v Azumaryu
Sumo Forum Bulletin Board Day 7 photos (a fantastic collection of "stop motion" renderings of daily matches. And a great way to study the contours of what these great rikishi do).
+++
Day 6
Essential links
Day 6 Results (20 matches) "standings" are on the left side of the page
Day 6 Video highlights (replays of all 20) matches--NHK) (27:00)--NHK usually releases the day's highlights after about 24 hours. When I find them, I will link to them.
Chris Sumo Youtube (filmed at the venue)
---
Notable:
As the Basho nears the half-way point, an exciting finish could be "on the cards." The last undefeated Rikishi, Myogiryu (M4w), was defeated today by streaking Hokutofuji (M2e), who has now won three in a row, including consecutive wins over Ozeki Shodai and Takakeisho. Hokutofuji is, at the moment, the only rank and filer (Maegashira) to have a winning record against san'yaku (Top Rankers) at 3-2. He may face only three san'yaku in the 2nd half, Takayasu, Mitakeumi, and Daieisho, all Komusubi. Which means that he may have 5 matches against other rank and filers. He is now 4-2 overall, and one match behind the log jam at the top, featuring six Rikishi (Asanoyama--O1w, Terunofuji--S1e, Takanosho--S1w, Takayasu--K1e, Myogiru--M4w, and Chiyonokuni--M9e). He has already faced (and lost to) 5-1 contenders Terunofuji and Asanoyama. That logjam would have been greater except for the fact that both Kaisei (M16e) and Aoiyama (M12w) were both beaten today. As it is,there are 16 Rikishi (40% of the field) within at least 1 match of the lead.
Terunofuji (see the Chris Sumo video above) once again showed his awesome strength, lifting 137kg (302 pound) Kiribayama off his feet and walking him 4 steps, depositing him off the dohyo (ring). This at the end of the longest bout of the day, nearly 21 seconds. The crowd reaction to the pickup was audible. Terunofuji has weaknesses, which I am only beginning to learn about, but the upper body strength that supports his tenuous knees is not one of them.
Asanoyama (O1w) (see the same video) had an impressive win over Wakatakakage (M2w). He now has a four match winning streak, the longest active streak (along with Takanosho (S1w) and Chiyonokuni (M9e)) in the Basho. He is beginning to look quietly ominous, showing why there was so much excitement in the Sumo world when he was promoted to Ozeki last year.
Quotable: (quotes all translated by Chris Sumo)
"I'm pleased with my perserverance."
Hokutofuji (M2e) on his victory over previously undefeated Myogiryu (M4w)
"I'm only doing what I can. I just tried to reset myself following yesterday's loss, and go again."
Terunofuji (S1e), on his removal of Kiribayama (M4e)
"I hit and drove forward well. The first three days were shaky, but I think I've turned it around and started imposing my style.
Asanoyama (O1w) on his demolition (4 seconds) of Wakatakakage (M2w)
---
Partial or complete absences from this Basho
Wins-Losses-Absences
Y1w Kakuryu 0-0-15
Y1e Hakuho 2-1-12 (1 forfeit loss)
M11w Kotoshoho 0-3-12 (1 forfeit loss)
Condensed results (20) matches)
Key: Time of Match--s=seconds; Rank; Winner; Basho Record; Finishing Move; Rank; Loser; Basho Record
fusen=forfeit
04.2s M15w Hidenoumi (4-2) okuritaoshi M15e Yutakayama (1-5)
09.5s M14e Kotoeko (4-2) oshidashi J1e Tokushoryu (1-5)
03.7s M14w Tsurugisho (2-4) yorikiri M13e Terutsuyoshi (3-3)
03.3s M13w Chiyoshoma (4-2) tsukiotoshi M16w Daiamami (2-4)
06.3s M12e Akiseyama (4-2) okuridashi M16e Kaisei (4-2)
09.8s M10w Ryuden (2-4) oshidashi M12w Aoiyama (4-2)
02.1s M9w Hoshoryu (3-3) oshidashi M11e Chiyotairyu (2-4)
02.5s M8e Kotonowaka (2-4) oshitaoshi M10e Midorifuji (2-4)
12.0s M8w Tobizaru (4-2) okuridashi M7e Tochinoshin (3-3)
02.7s M9e Chiyonokuni (5-1) hikiotoshi M7w Kagayaki (2-4)
05.6s M6w Ichinojo (4-2) hatakikomi M6e Tamawashi (3-3)
11.4s M5w Okinoumi (2-4) yorikiri M5e Endo (2-4)
15.8s M2e Hokutofuji (4-2) oshidashi M4w Myogiryu (5-1)
12.0s K1e Takayasu (5-1) uwatedashinage K1w Mitakeumi (3-3)
11.7s M1e Takarafuji (1-5) oshitaoshi K2w Daieisho (1-5)
20.9s S1e Terunofuji (5-1) tsuridashi M4e Kiribayama (2-4)
04.4s S1w Takanosho (5-1) yorikiri M1w Onosho (2-4)
03.9s O1w Asanoyama (5-1) yorikiri M2w Wakatakakage (2-4)
14.7s M3e Meisei (3-3) yorikiri O1e Shodai (2-4)
03.8s O2e Takakeisho (4-2) oshidashi M3w Shimanoumi (1-5)
Source: Sumo Reference (text results) and Nikkansports.com length of bouts data (see result sources below)
---
Kimarite--Finishing Moves (20 matches--cumulative--121 matches) Note: finishing move links below link to short NHK videos demonstrating the technique.
.
Winning: Day 6(cumulative)
Frontal Force Out (Yorikiri)...............5(25)
Frontal Push Out (Oshidashi)...............5(27)
Rear Push Out (Okuridashi).................2 (5)
Rear Push Down (Okuritaoshi)...............2 (4)
Frontal Push Down (Oshitaoshi).............1 (5)
Thrust Down (Tsukiotoshi)..................1(12)
Frontal Lift out (Tsuridashi)..............1 (1)
Pulling Over Arm Throw (Uwatedashinage)....1 (2)
Out 13(72), Down 7(48)
Frontal 12(72), Rear 4(8)
Push 10(40),Force 5(27), Lift 1(1) Slap 1(5),Throw 1(15), Pull 1(3) Thrust 1(18), Crush 0(8), Swing 0(1), Twist 0(1)
Under 0(3), Over 1(5)
Arm 1(16), Hand 1(2), Shoulder 0(1), Thigh 0(1),
Other, Cumulative
Winning
Frontal Crush Out (Yoritaoshi).............8
Frontal Thrust Out (Tsukidashi)............6
Beltless Arm Throw (Sukuinage).............4
Arm Lock Throw (Kotenage)..................3
Over Arm Throw (Uwatenage).................3
Under Arm Throw (Shitatenage)..............2
Backward Force Down (Abisetaoshi)..........1
Hooking Inner Thigh Throw (Kakenage).......1
Under Shoulder Swing Down (Katasukashi)....1
Arm Barring Force Out (Kimedashi)..........1
Frontal Thrust Down (Tsukitaoshi)..........1
Twisting Over Arm Throw (Uwatehineri)......1
Losing (Non-technique)
Forward Step out (Isamiashi)...............1
Fusen (forfeit)............................2
---
Match Time
Day 6 (20 matches)
Total Time: 2 minutes, 40.3 seconds
Longest Match: 20.9 s (Terunofuji v Kiribayama(1))
Shortest Match: 2.1 s (Hoshoryu(2) v Chiyotairyu(2))
Average (20 matches): 8.0
Time/Matches Day 6 (20 matches)(cumulative--121 matches)
0-4.9 seconds: 9(46)
5-9.9 seconds: 4(36)
10-19.9 seconds: 6(26)
20-29.9 seconds: 1 (8)
30-39.9 seconds: 0 (3)
60-69.9 seconds: 0 (1)
140-149.9 seconds: 0 (1)
Cumulative through Day 6 (121 matches)
Total Time: 21 minutes, 18.1 seconds
Longest Match: 143.4 s (2 minutes 23.4 s) (Day 5
(Tobizaru v Midorifuji)
Shortest Match 0.5 seconds (Day 1) (Midorifuji v Hoshoryu)
Average Match: 10.6 seconds
---
Top Rank Wins and "Pennant Race"; Maegashira v San'Yaku Results and Standings; Juryo Substitute Results and Standings
Top Rank Wins and "Pennant Race"
Asanoyama (O1w) 5-1; Terunofuji (S1e) 5-1; Takanosho (S1w) 5-1; Takayasu (K1e) 5-1
Takakeisho (O2e) 4-2
Mitakeumi (K1w) 3-3
Hakuho (Y1e) 2-1(forfeit)-12 (absences)
Shodai (O1e) 2-4
Daieisho (K2w) 1-5
Total: 32-19 (including 1 forfeit (.627); 12 absences
The San'yaku "Pennant race"
f=Fusen (forfeit)
Day 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15
(# wins)
Asanoyama (O1w) 1 1 2 3 4 5
Terunofuji (S1e) 1 2 3 4 4 5
Takanosho (S1w) 1 1 2 3 4 5
Takayasu (K1e) 0 1 2 3 4 5
Takakeisho (O2w) 1 2 2 3 3 4
Mitakeumi (K1w) 1 2 2 3 3 3
Shodai (O1e) 0 1 2 2 2 2
Daieisho (K2w) 0 0 0 0 1 1
Hakuho (Y1e) 1 2 2(f)- - - - - - - - - - - -
Other Rikishi with 1 loss: Myogiryu (M4w) 5-1; Chiyonokuni (M9e) 5-1
---
Maegashira v San'yaku
Day 6
Hakutofuji (M2e) 3-2
Meisei (M3e) 2-3
Onosho (M1w) 2-4 (1 forfeit win)
Wakatakakage (M2w) 2-4
Takarafuji (M1e) 1-5
Kiribayama (M4e) 0-1
Shimanoumi (M3w) 0-3
Total: 10-22 (.313)
---
Juryo substitutes
Kakuryo (Y1w) pulled out of the tournament before it began due to a hamstring injury. Hakuho (Y1e) pulled out of the tournament on Day 3 due to a knee injury. Kotoshoho (M11w) pulled out of the tournament on Day 3 due to an ankle injury.
Day 1: M16w Daiamami (1-0) defeated J1e Tokushoryu (0-1)
Day 2: M16e Kaisei (1-1) defeated J1w Akua (1-1)
Day 3: J2e Ishiura (2-1) defeated M15w Hidenoumi (2-1)
Day 4: J2w Daishomaru (1-3) defeated M15e Yutakayama (1-3)
Day 5: J3e Chiyomaru (4-1) defeated M14w Tsurugisho (1-4)
Day 6: M14e Kotoeko (4-2) defeated J1e Tokushoryu (1-5)
Daishomaru (J2w) 1-0; 1-3 (2-4)
Ishiura (J2e) 1-0; 2-1 (3-3)
Chiyomaru (J3e) 1-0; 4-1 (5-1)
Akua (J1w) 0-1; 1-1 (3-3)
Tokushoryu (J1e) 0-2; 0-1 (1-5)
Total: 3-3 (.500)
---
Results
Basho Cumulative Win-Loss Martrix (Sumo Reference)
Juryo Cumulative Win-Loss Matrix (Sumo Reference)
Basho Cumulative Win-Loss Matrix (Makuuchi and Juryo--all salaried rikishi)
Day 6: (Japanese Sumo Association) (click on rikishi name for relevant data including percentage of each Kimarite (finishing) move used, rank and full results of last 5 tournaments, all on one page)
Day 6 Time of Each Match: (nikkansports.com) (in Japanese,use Google Translate) Matches are in order from lowest rank to highest.
Absent rikishi information (Japanese Sumo Association)
---
Articles:
Day 6 Preview (Tachiai.org)
Nikkansports.com carries the most exhaustive coverage of Sumo that I have seen. It publishes multiple daily articles about the Basho.
All coverage is in Japanese and can be accessed from the Nikkansports Sumo Wrestling News Page. It can be easily (if not well) translated by Google Translate, which can be easily attached to your browser for seamless "translation." It is the next best thing to being able to read Japanese.
Google Translate (directly or in a separate window/tab)
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Photos:
Nikkan Sports Day 6 Photo Feature: Photos from selected matches. In Japanese (Google Translate). Some are accompanied by quotes from the rikishi.
Sumo Forum Bulletin Board Day 6 photos (a fantastic collection of "stop motion" renderings of daily matches. And a great way to study the contours of what these great rikishi do). There are also photos of the Endo-Tokushoryu match in this selection.
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Day 5
Essential Links
Day 5 Results (20 matches) "standings" are on the left side of the page
Day 5 Highlights (Tachiai.org)
Day 5 Video highlights (replays of all 20) matches--NHK) (27:00)--NHK usually releases the day's highlights after about 24 hours. When I find them, I will link to them.
Chris Sumo Youtube (filmed at the venue)
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Notable:
One third of the Basho is now "in the books." It is a very competitive Basho right now. Myogiru (M4w) is the only undefeated Rikishi, coming off a big win over giant Ichinojo (M6w), who started out with three consecutive wins before losing his last two. Myogiru battles Hokutofuji (M2e) (3-2 after beating 2 Ozeki on consecutive days in brutal blood spattered battles ). It should be a great match.
Seven Rikishi have 4 wins, including resurgent rank and filers Kaisei (M16e) and Aoiyama (M12w), as well as four san'yaku (top rankers). Takakeisho has all to battle for as he strives to reach the 8 wins he needs to remain Ozeki. On the other side is January champion Daieisho (K2w), who finally got his first win today. He had a brutal opening schedule (Hakuho [Y1e]-who withdrew due to a knee injury, Takakeisho, Terunofuji (S1e), and the two other Komusubi--Takayasu and Mitakeumi), getting the win over Mitakeumi. In my opinon, he has fought better than his record indicates, but he will need 7 wins in his last 10 matches to retain his rank.
With the unfortunate loss of Hakuho to injury, it has now been a year since both Yokozuna competed in a Basho, and 9 months since either of them did. This is a "transitional" era in Sumo, an interesting place for a new fan of the sport to come in. Who will rise to the occasion to become the next Yokozuna? No one knows. But it makes for very interesting viewing and closely contested Basho.
Tick-Tock. The marathon match between Midorifuji (M10e) and Tobizaru (M8w), a 2 minute and 23 second battle, lasted longer in fighting time than the entire Day 1 (2 minutes 16 seconds), and nearly as long as Day 3 (2:34). Tobizaru, in his last two matches, has fought for over 3 and 1/2 minutes, winning both. They are by far the longest matches in the Basho so far. Interestingly, Midorifuji has now participated in the shortest (0.5 seconds on Day 1) and longest matches.
"At the end I was just gassed. I think his willpower was the difference."
Midorifuji (quoted in Kyodo News).
The match is on the Chris Sumo video (see above).
Other "quotable"
"I'm moving really well right now,"
Myogiru, after his victory over Ichinojo. (Kyodo News)
"I wanted to keep it simple," If he went for a belt hold, I was going to shove him back." (Kyodo News)
Onosho (M1w), on his upset win over Terunofuji (S1e), who suffered his first loss.
"The starting point is the foundation. I did it firmly and made a body that does not hurt." Nikkan Sports (translated to English by Google)
Takayasu (K1e), (an ex-Ozeki, who, along with Terunofuji, is trying to get back to that rank), on his rehabilitation from severe injuries to his elbow and back. His win over Kiribayama (M4e) was his 4th win in a row. Along with Kaisei, he has the second longest active winning streak in the Basho at the moment.
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Partial or complete absences from this Basho
Wins-Losses-Absences
Y1w Kakuryu 0-0-15
Y1e Hakuho 2-1-12 (1 forfeit loss)
M11w Kotoshoho 0-3-12 (1 forfeit loss)
Condensed results (20) matches)
Key: Time of Match--s=seconds; Rank; Winner; Basho Record; Finishing Move; Rank; Loser; Basho Record
fusen=forfeit
33.4s M16e Kaisei (4-1) yoritaoshi M16w Daiamami (2-3)
02.8s J3e Chiyomaru (4-1) tsukidashi M14w Tsurugisho (1-4)
16.3s M15w Hidenoumi (3-2) uwatenage M14e Kotoeko (3-2)
06.9s M13e Terutsuyoshi (3-2) yorikiri M15e Yutakayama (1-4)
12.3s M13w Chiyoshoma (3-2) uwatedashinage M12e Akiseyama (3-2)
04.8s M12w Aoiyama (4-1) oshidashi M11e Chiyotairyu (2-3)
03.7s M9e Chiyonokuni (4-1) tsukitaoshi M10w Ryuden (1-4)
143.4sM8w Tobizaru (3-2) yorikiri M10e Midorifuji (2-3)
26.9s M9w Hoshoryu (2-3) tsukiotoshi M8e Kotonowaka (1-4)
06.3s M6e Tamawashi (3-2) oshitaoshi M7w Kagayaki (2-3)
21.0s M7e Tochinoshin (3-2) yorikiri M5w Okinoumi (1-4)
07.4s M4w Myogiryu (5-0) yorikiri M6w Ichinojo (3-2)
03.8s M5e Endo (2-3) yorikiri M3w Shimanoumi (1-4)
03.9s K1e Takayasu (4-1) tsukidashi M4e Kiribayama (2-3)
03.9s K2w Daieisho (1-4) oshidashi K1w Mitakeumi (3-2)
05.9s S1w Takanosho (4-1) oshidashi M1e Takarafuji (0-5)
11.1s M1w Onosho (2-3) oshidashi S1e Terunofuji (4-1)
05.8s M2w Wakatakakage (2-3) yorikiri O1e Shodai (2-3)
09.6s M2e Hokutofuji (3-2) oshitaoshi O2e Takakeisho (3-2)
07.0s O1w Asanoyama (4-1) yorikiri M3e Meisei (2-3)
Source: Sumo Reference (text results) and Nikkansports.com length of bouts data (see result sources below)
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Kimarite--Finishing Moves (20 matches--cumulative--101 matches) Note: finishing move links below link to short NHK videos demonstrating the technique.
.
Winning: Day 5(cumulative)
Frontal Force Out (Yorikiri)...............7(20)
Frontal Push Out (Oshidashi)...............4(22)
Frontal Push Down (Oshitaoshi).............2(4)
Frontal Thrust Out (Tsukidashi)............2(6)
Thrust Down (Tsukiotoshi)..................1(11)
Frontal Thrust Down (Tsukitaoshi)..........1(1)
Pulling Over Arm Throw (Uwatedashinage)....1(1)
Over Arm Throw (Uwatenage).................1(3)
Frontal Crush Out (Yoritaoshi).............1(8)
Out 14(59), Down 6(41)
Frontal 17(60), Rear 0(4)
Force 7(22), Push 6(30), Thrust 3(17), Throw 2(14), Crush 1(8), Pull 1(2), Slap 0(4) Swing 0(1), Twist 0(1)
Under 0(3), Over 1(4)
Arm 2(15), Shoulder 0(1), Thigh 0(1), Hand 1(1)
Other, Cumulative
Winning
Slap Down (Hatakikomi).....................4
Beltless Arm Throw (Sukuinage).............4
Arm Lock Throw (Kotenage)..................3
Rear Push Out (Okuridashi).................3
Rear Push Down (Okuritaoshi)...............2
Under Arm Throw (Shitatenage)..............2
Backward Force Down (Abisetaoshi)..........1
Hand Pull Down (Hikiotoshi)................1
Hooking Inner Thigh Throw (Kakenage).......1
Under Shoulder Swing Down (Katasukashi)....1
Arm Barring Force Out (Kimedashi)..........1
Twisting Over Arm Throw (Uwatehineri)......1
Losing (Non-technique)
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Match Time
Day 5 (20 matches)
Total Time: 5 minutes, 36.2 seconds
Longest Match: 143.4 s (Tobizaru(2) v Midorifuji(1))
Shortest Match: 2.8 s (Chiyomaru (J3e) v Tsurugisho)
Average (20 matches): 16.4
Time/Matches Day 5 (20 matches)(cumulative--101 matches)
0-4.9 seconds: 6(37)
5-9.9 seconds: 7(32)
10-19.9 seconds: 3(20)
20-29.9 seconds: 2 (7)
30-39.9 seconds: 1 (3)
60-69.9 seconds: 0 (1)
140-149.9 seconds: 1 (1)
Cumulative through Day 5 (101 matches)
Total Time: 18 minutes, 37.8 seconds
Longest Match: 143.4 s (2 minutes 23.4 s) (Day 5
(Tobizaru v Midorifuji)
Shortest Match 0.5 seconds (Day 1) (Midorifuji v Hoshoryu)
Average Match: 11.1 seconds
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Top Rank Wins and "Pennant Race"; Maegashira v San'Yaku Results and Standings; Juryo Substitute Results and Standings
Top Rank Wins and "Pennant Race"
Asanoyama (O1w) 4-1; Terunofuji (S1e) 4-1; Takanosho (S1w) 4-1; Takayasu (K1e) 4-1
Takakeisho (O2e) 3-2; Mitakeumi (K1w) 3-2
Hakuho (Y1e) 2-1(forfeit)-12 (absences)
Shodai (O1e) 2-3
Daieisho (K2w) (1-4)
Total: 27-16 (including 1 forfeit (.628); 12 absences
The San'yaku "Pennant race"
f=Fusen (forfeit)
Day 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15
(# wins)
Asanoyama (O1w) 1 1 2 3 4
Terunofuji (S1e) 1 2 3 4 4
Takanosho (S1w) 1 1 2 3 4
Takayasu (K1e) 0 1 2 3 4
Takakeisho (O2w) 1 2 2 3 3
Mitakeumi (K1w) 1 2 2 3 3
Shodai (O1e) 0 1 2 2 2
Daieisho (K2w) 0 0 0 0 1
Hakuho (Y1e) 1 2 2(f)- - - - - - - - - - - -
Other Rikishi with 0 losses: Myogiryu (M4w) 5-0
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Maegashira v San'yaku
Day 5
Hakutofuji (M2e) 3-2
Onosho (M1w) 2-3 (1 forfeit win)
Wakatakakage (M2w) 2-3
Meisei (M3e) 1-3
Shimanoumi (M3w) 0-2
Takarafuji (M1e) 0-5
Total: 8-18 (.308)
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Juryo substitutes
Kakuryo (Y1w) pulled out of the tournament before it began due to a hamstring injury. Hakuho (Y1e) pulled out of the tournament on Day 3 due to a knee injury. Kotoshoho (M11w) pulled out of the tournament on Day 3 due to an ankle injury.
Day 1: M16w Daiamami (1-0) defeated J1e Tokushoryu (0-1)
Day 2: M16e Kaisei (1-1) defeated J1w Akua (1-1)
Day 3: J2e Ishiura (2-1) defeated M15w Hidenoumi (2-1)
Day 4: J2w Daishomaru (1-3) defeated M15e Yutakayama (1-3)
Day 5: J3e Chiyomaru (4-1) defeated M14w Tsurugisho (1-4)
Daishomaru (J2w) 1-0; 1-3 (2-3)
Ishiura (J2e) 1-0; 2-1 (3-2)
Chiyomaru (J3e) 1-0; 4-1
Tokoshoryu (J1e) 0-1; 0-1 (1-4)
Akua (J1w) 0-1; 1-1 (2-3)
Total: 3-2 (.600)
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Results
Basho Cumulative Win-Loss Martrix (Sumo Reference)
Juryo Cumulative Win-Loss Matrix (Sumo Reference)
Basho Cumulative Win-Loss Matrix (Makuuchi and Juryo--all salaried rikishi)
Day 5: (Japanese Sumo Association) (click on rikishi name for relevant data including percentage of each Kimarite (finishing) move used, rank and full results of last 5 tournaments, all on one page)
Day 5 Time of Each Match: (nikkansports.com) (in Japanese,use Google Translate) Matches are in order from lowest rank to highest.
Absent rikishi information (Japanese Sumo Association)
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Articles:
Day 5 Preview (Tachiai.org)
Nikkansports.com carries the most exhaustive coverage of Sumo that I have seen. It publishes multiple daily articles about the Basho.
All coverage is in Japanese and can be accessed from the Nikkansports Sumo Wrestling News Page. It can be easily (if not well) translated by Google Translate, which can be easily attached to your browser for seamless "translation." It is the next best thing to being able to read Japanese.
Google Translate (directly or in a separate window/tab)
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Photos:
Nikkan Sports Day 5 Photo Feature: Photos from selected matches. In Japanese (Google Translate). Some are accompanied by quotes from the rikishi.
Today's photo essay leads with the moment that Enho (J4e--5-0)
finished off Tokushoryu (J1e--1-4, winner of the January 2020 Makuuchi--Top Division--Tournament).
Tale of the tape:
Enho 168cm (5'6") 98KG (216 lbs)
Tokushoryu 182cm (6'0") 191KG (421 lbs)
Source of links and dimensions (Japan Sumo Association)
Sumo Forum Bulletin Board Day 5 photos (a fantastic collection of "stop motion" renderings of daily matches. And a great way to study the contours of what these great rikishi do). There are also photos of the Endo-Tokushoryu match in this selection.
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Day 4
Essential Links
Day 4 Highlights (Tachiai.org)
Day 4 Video highlights (replays of all 20) matches--NHK) (27:00)--NHK usually releases the day's highlights after about 24 hours. When I find them, I will link to them.
Chris Sumo Youtube (filmed at the venue)
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Notable
Tochinosin (M7e) won his 600th career match.
Hokutofuji (M2e)won his 200th Makuuchi (Top Division) match.
It was a big win over Shodai (O1e). And a bit of a bloody one also, as Hokutofuji got the short end of an accidental Shodai head butt.
"I just went all out. The Ozeki has a good inside attack, so I tried to remain patient."
Hokutofuji, on his win over Ozeki Shodai (NHK)
Terunofuji (S1e), with his win over Meisei (M3e), achieved from a disadvantageous position and with the use of his herculean strength, became the only san'yaku who still has a perfect record after four matches.
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Partial or complete absences from this Basho
Wins-Losses-Absences
Y1w Kakuryu 0-0-15
Y1e Hakuho 2-1-12 (1 forfeit loss)
M11w Kotoshoho 0-3-12 (1 forfeit loss)
Condensed results (20) matches)
Key: Time of Match--s=seconds; Rank; Winner; Basho Record; Finishing Move; Rank; Loser; Basho Record
fusen=forfeit
05.0s J2w Daishomaru (1-3) tsukiotoshi M15e Yutakayama (1-3)
13.1s M14e Kotoeko (3-1) yorikiri M16w Daiamami (2-2)
06.8s M14w Tsurugisho (1-3) yorikiri M15w Hidenoumi (2-2)
09.6s M16e Kaisei (3-1) yorikiri M13w Chiyoshoma (2-2)
05.4s M13e Terutsuyoshi (2-2) oshidashi M11e Chiyotairyu (2-2)
08.5s M12w Aoiyama (3-1) hatakikomi M10e Midorifuji (2-2)
07.8s M12e Akiseyama (3-1) yorikiri M10w Ryuden (1-3)
05.5s M9e Chiyonokuni (3-1) okuritaoshi M9w Hoshoryu (1-3)
64.5s M8w Tobizaru (2-2) shitatenage M8e Kotonowaka (1-3)
05.1s M7e Tochinoshin (2-2) sukuinage M7w Kagayaki (2-2)
11.7s M5e Endo (1-3) yorikiri M6w Ichinojo (3-1)
13.1s M4e Kiribayama (2-2) kotenage M5w Okinoumi (1-3)
04.9s M4w Myogiryu (4-0) hikiotoshi M6e Tamawashi (2-2)
02.7s K1w Mitakeumi (3-1) yorikiri M2w Wakatakakage (1-3
05.9s K1e Takayasu (3-1) tsukiotoshi K2w Daieisho (0-4)
16.2s S1e Terunofuji (4-0) kotenage M3e Meisei (2-2)
05.3s S1w Takanosho (3-1) oshidashi M3w Shimanoumi (1-3)
07.0s O2e Takakeisho (3-1) oshidashi M1e Takarafuji (0-4)
03.3s O1w Asanoyama (3-1) tsukiotoshi M1w Onosho (1-3)
06.5s M2e Hokutofuji (2-2) oshidashi O1e Shodai (2-2)
Source: Sumo Reference (text results) and Nikkansports.com length of bouts data (see result sources below)
Kimarite--Finishing Moves (20 matches--cumulative--81 matches) Note: finishing move links below link to short NHK videos demonstrating the technique.
Winning: Day 4(cumulative)
Frontal Push Out (Oshidashi)...............4(18)
Thrust Down (Tsukiotoshi)..................3(10)
Arm Lock Throw (Kotenage)..................2(3)
Slap Down (Hatakikomi).....................1(4)
Hand Pull Down (Hikiotoshi)................1(1)
Rear Push Down (Okuritaoshi)...............1(2)
Under Arm Throw (Shitatenage)..............1(2)
Beltless Arm Throw (Sukuinage).............1(4)
Out 10(45), Down 10(35)
Frontal 24(43), Rear 1(4)
Force 6(15), Push 5(24), Thrust 3(14), Throw 2(12), Pull 1(1), Slap 1(4), Crush 0(7), Swing 0(1), Twist 0(1),
Under 1(3), Over 0(3)
Arm 3(13), Shoulder 0(1), Thigh 0(1), Hand 1(1)
Other, Cumulative
Winning
Frontal Crush Out (Yoritaoshi).............7
Frontal Thrust Out (Tsukidashi)............4
Rear Push Out (Okuridashi).................3
Frontal Push Down (Oshitaoshi).............2
Backward Force Down (Abisetaoshi)..........1
Arm Barring Force Out (Kimedashi)..........1
Twisting Over Arm Throw (Uwatehineri)......1
Losing (Non-technique)
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Match Time
Day 4 (20 matches)
Total Time: 3 minutes, 27.9 seconds
Longest Match: 64.5 s (Tobizaru(1) v Kotonowaka(1))
Shortest Match: 2.7 s (Mitakeumi v Wakatakakage)
Average (20 matches): 10.4
Time/Matches Day 4 (20 matches)(cumulative--81 matches)
0-4.9 seconds: 3(31)
5-9.9 seconds: 12(25)
10-19.9 seconds: 4(17)
20-29.9 seconds: 0 (5)
30-39.9 seconds: 0 (2)
60-69.9 seconds: 1 (1)
Cumulative through Day 4 (81 matches)
Total Time: 13 minutes, 1.6 seconds
Longest Match: 64.5 s (Day 4)(Tobizaru v Kotonowaka)
Shortest Match 0.5 seconds (Day 1) (Midorifuji v Hoshoryu)
Average Match: 9.6 seconds
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Top Rank Wins and "Pennant Race"; Maegashira v San'Yaku Results and Standings; Juryo Substitute Results and Standings
Top Rank Wins and "Pennant Race"
Terunofuji (S1e) 4-0
Asanoyama (O1w) 3-1; Takakeisho (O2e) 3-1; Takanosho (S1w) 3-1; Takayasu (K1e) 3-1; Mitakeumi (K1w) 3-1
Hakuho (Y1e) 2-1(forfeit)-12 (absences)
Shodai (O1e) 2-2
Daieisho (K2w) (0-4)
Total: 23-12 (including 1 forfeit (.657); 12 absences
The San'yaku "Pennant race"
f=Fusen (forfeit)
Day 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15
(# wins)
Terunofuji (S1e) 1 2 3 4
Hakuho (Y1e) 1 2 2(f)- - - - - - - - - - - -
Asanoyama (O1w) 1 1 2 3
Takakeisho (O2w) 1 2 2 3
Mitakeumi (K1w) 1 2 2 3
Takanosho (S1w) 1 1 2 3
Takayasu (K1e) 0 1 2 3
Shodai (O1e) 0 1 2 2
Daieisho (K2w) 0 0 0 0
Other Rikishi with 0 losses: Myogiryu (M4w) 4-0
Maegashira v San'yaku
Day 4
Hakutofuji (M2e) 2-2
Meisei (M3e) 1-2
Onosho (M1w) 1-3 (1 forfeit win)
Wakatakakage (M2w) 1-3
Shimanoumi (M3w) 0-2
Takarafuji (M1e) 0-4
Total: 5-16 (.238)
Juryo substitutes
Kakuryo (Y1w) pulled out of the tournament before it began due to a hamstring injury. Hakuho (Y1e) pulled out of the tournament on Day 3 due to a knee injury. Kotoshoho (M11w) pulled out of the tournament on Day 3 due to an ankle injury.
Day 1: M16w Daiamami (1-0) defeated J1e Tokushoryu (0-1)
Day 2: M16e Kaisei (1-1) defeated J1w Akua (1-1)
Day 3: J2e Ishiura (2-1) defeated M15w Hidenoumi (2-1)
Day 4: J2w Daishomaru (1-3) defeated M15e Yutakayama (1-3)
Daishomaru (J2w) 1-0; 1-3
Ishiura (J2e) 1-0; 2-1
Tokoshoryu (J1e) 0-1; 0-1
Akua (J1w) 0-1; 1-1
Total: 2-2 (.500)
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Results
Basho Cumulative Win-Loss Martrix (Sumo Reference)
Juryo Cumulative Win-Loss Matrix (Sumo Reference)
Basho Cumulative Win-Loss Matrix (Makuuchi and Juryo--all salaried rikishi)
Day 4: (Japanese Sumo Association) (click on rikishi name for relevant data including percentage of each Kimarite (finishing) move used, rank and full results of last 5 tournaments, all on one page)
Day 4 Time of Each Match: (nikkansports.com) (in Japanese,use Google Translate) Matches are in order from lowest rank to highest.
Absent rikishi information (Japanese Sumo Association)
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Articles:
Day 4 Preview (Tachiai.org)
Nikkansports.com carries the most exhaustive coverage of Sumo that I have seen. It publishes multiple daily articles about the Basho.
All coverage is in Japanese and can be accessed from the Nikkansports Sumo Wrestling News Page. It can be easily (if not well) translated by Google Translate, which can be easily attached to your browser for seamless "translation." It is the next best thing to being able to read Japanese.
Google Translate (directly or in a separate window/tab)
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Photos:
Nikkan Sports Day 4 Photo Feature: Photos from selected matches. In Japanese (Google Translate). Some are accompanied by quotes from the rikishi.
Sumo Forum Bulletin Board Day 4 photos (a fantastic collection of "stop motion" renderings of daily matches. And a great way to study the contours of what these great rikishi do).
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Day 3
Essential Links
Day 3 Results (Sumo Reference)
"Please note that as Yokuzuna Hakuho is absent from today, there will be no Yokuzuna ceremony" (see video link below).
Announcement at the Kokugikan, translated by Chris Sumo
Tachiai.org article about Hakuho (Y1e) dropping out of the Basho due to a knee injury suffered in his win over Takarafuji (M1e) yesterday.
NHK Article (Japanese)
"As a result of a medical examination at a hospital in Tokyo on the 16th, Hakuho was diagnosed as requiring surgery due to damage to the cartilage of the right knee joint and requiring rehabilitation for 2 months after the surgery, and from the 3rd day of spring." (Google translate English)
(Kyodo News)
"Hakuho's "abnormality" detection by Hakuho, who was "moving strangely" (Nikkan Sports) (Japanese)
"At the end of yesterday, when I got the prize money, I was making strange movements," he said. "I was injured after all,"
Hakuho
"Closed (dropped out of the Tournament Hakuho has a puddle (fluid) on his right knee" (Nikkan Sports) (Japanese)
Day 3 Video highlights (replays of all 19 matches--NHK) (27:00)--NHK usually releases the day's highlights after about 24 hours. When I find them, I will link to them. (ADDED MARCH 17, 2021)
Chris Sumo Youtube (filmed at the venue)
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Notable
Was this, at long last, the end of an era? We will have to wait and see. Yokozuna Grand Champion Hakuho's exit, due to a right knee that was re-injured in yesterday's bout with Takarafuji (M1e), overshadowed everything else that happened today. Hakuho will have surgery on the knee and is expected to be out of action for the next two months, meaning that, most likely, the earliest he will return will be July. Having just turned 36 and having missed the last 3 Basho (Tournaments) after pulling out of the July Tournament near its end, and now this one at its beginning, means that the last time either Yokozuna completed a Basho was a year ago. If it is the end of an era, I am grateful for the fact that I came to the sport in time to see at least a bit of it. Hakuho brings a palpable charisma to the dohyo (ring), a self conscious knowledge of how he has performed and what he must do (and almost always does). It is always bitter sweet to see the great ones pass from the scene (and perhaps this is a little too premature), but he is a once in a generation athlete, and his kind do not come along often. Even a newbie like me could see that. His great championship match (NHK video highlights of the March Basho, about 5 minutes) against the other Yokozuna (Kakuryu) last March in an empty arena at Osaka, was the first one I ever watched in real time. What an introduction to the sport. It was his 44th Yusho (championship). No one else has won more than 32.
But time marches on and this is a very tough, physical sport. I hope to see him in action again, but if not, it was a glorious run, perhaps the best of all time.
A much younger promising Rikishi also bowed out of the Basho today. Kotoshoho (M11w) suffered a sprained ankle at the end of yesterday's match with one time Ozeki Takayasu (K1e). Kotoshoho, at age 21, burst into the Maakuchi (Top) Division last July and moved up all the way to M3e with a 26-19 record in his first three Basho. He achieved double figure (10) wins in September. But, fighting at M3e, as happens to many up and comers, the competition gets much tougher. In November he crashed to 2-13. He lost his first two matches in this Basho. Now, after having dropped out, it is most likely that he will be dropped to Juryo (2nd Division). It is a path that may other Rikishi have taken (including, famously, Terunofuji--S1e in this Basho--who ultimately fell from Ozeki--1 rank below Yokozuna--to Jonidan--5th Division--before cominng back). The path back will be difficult, but Kotoshoho is young and talented. Hopefully, he will be back soon.
+++
Partial or complete absences from this Basho
Wins-Losses-Absences
Y1w Kakuryu 0-0-15
Y1e Hakuho 2-1-12 (1 forfeit loss)
M11w Kotoshoho 0-3-12 (1 forfeit loss)
Condensed results (21 matches)
Key: Time of Match--s=seconds; Rank; Winner; Basho Record; Finishing Move; Rank; Loser; Basho Record
fusen=forfeit
25.8s J2e Ishiura (2-1) uwatehineri M15w Hidenoumi (2-1)
03.9s M16w Daiamami (2-1) tsukiotoshi M15e Yutakayama (1-2)
13.5s M16e Kaisei (2-1) yorikiri M14w Tsurugisho (0-3)
08.1s M13e Terutsuyoshi (1-2) oshidashi M14e Kotoeko (2-1)
18.3s M13w Chiyoshoma (2-1) sukuinage M12w Aoiyama (2-1)
03.6s M11e Chiyotairyu (2-1) tsukiotoshi M12e Akiseyama (2-1)
---- M10w Ryuden (1-2) fusen M11w Kotoshoho (0-3)
04.3s M9e Chiyonokuni (2-1) yoritaoshi M10e Midorifuji (2-1
10.9s M8w Tobizaru (1-2) tsukidashi M9w Hoshoryu (1-2)
05.4s M7e Tochinoshin (1-2) oshidashi M8e Kotonowaka (1-2)
02.0s M6w Ichinojo (3-0) sukuinage M7w Kagayaki (2-1)
05.6s M6e Tamawashi (2-1) tsukidashi M5e Endo (0-3)
19.1s M4w Myogiryu (3-0) yorikiri M5w Okinoumi (1-2)
02.0s M3e Meisei (2-1) yoritaoshi M4e Kiribayama (1-2)
02.5s K1e Takayasu (2-1) oshidashi M3w Shimanoumi (1-2)
05.8s S1w Takanosho (2-1) oshidashi K1w Mitakeumi (2-1)
03.5s S1e Terunofuji (3-0) yoritaoshi K2w Daieisho (0-3)
04.5s O1w Asanoyama (2-1) oshitaoshi M2e Hokutofuji (1-2)
04.6s O1e Shodai (2-1) yorikiri M1e Takarafuji (0-3)
10.4s M2w Wakatakakage (1-2) yorikiri O2e Takakeisho (2-1)
---- M1w Onosho (1-2) fusen Y1e Hakuho (2-1)
Source: Sumo Reference (text results) and Nikkansports.com length of bouts data (see result sources below)
Kimarite--Finishing Moves (19 matches--cumulative--61 matches) Note: finishing move links below link to short NHK videos demonstrating the technique.
Winning: Day 3(cumulative)
Frontal Push Out (Oshidashi)...............4(14)
Frontal Crush Out (Yoritaoshi).............3(7)
Beltless Arm Throw (Sukuinage).............2(3)
Frontal Thrust Out (Tsukidashi)............2(4)
Thrust Down (Tsukiotoshi)..................2(7)
Frontal Push Down (Oshitaoshi).............1(2)
Twisting Over Arm Throw (Uwatehineri)......1(1)
Out 13(35), Down 6(25)
Frontal 14(33), Rear 0(3)
Push 5(19), Force 4(9), Thrust 4(11), Crush 3(7),Throw 3(10), Twist 1(1), Slap 0(3), Swing 0(1)
Under (0)2, Over 1(3)
Arm 3(10), Shoulder 0(1), Thigh 0(1)
Other, Cumulative
Winning
Slap Down (Hatakikomi).....................3
Arm Lock Throw (Kotenage)..................2
Rear Push Out (Okuridashi).................2
Backward Force Down (Abisetaoshi)..........1
Arm Barring Force Out (Kimedashi)..........1
Rear Push Down (Okuritaoshi)...............1
Under Arm Throw (Shitatenage)..............1
Losing (Non-technique)
Forward Step out (Isamiashi)...............1
Fusen (forfeit)............................2
---
Match Time
Day 3 (19 matches)
Total Time: 2 minutes, 33.8 seconds
Longest Match: 25.8 s (Ishiura v Hidenoumi)
Shortest Match: 2.0 (Ichinojo v Kagayaki(1); Meisei v Kiribayama(1))
Average (19 matches): 8.1
Time/Matches Day 3 (19 matches)(cumulative--61 matches)
0-4.9 seconds: 9(28)
5-9.9 seconds: 4(13)
10-19.9 seconds: 5(13)
20-29.9 seconds: 1 (5)
30-39.9 seconds: 0 (2)
Cumulative through Day 3 (61 matches)
Total Time: 9 minutes, 33.7 seconds
Longest Match: 38.1 s (Day 2)(Hoshoryu v Ryuden)
Shortest Match 0.5 seconds (Day 1) (Midorifuji v Hoshoryu)
Average Match: 9.4 seconds
---
Top Rank Wins and "Pennant Race"; Maegashira v San'Yaku Results and Standings; Juryo Substitute Results and Standings
Top Rank Wins and "Pennant Race"
Terunofuji (S1e) 3-0
Hakuho (Y1e) 2-1(forfeit)-12 (absences); Shodai (O1e) 2-1; Asanoyama (O1w) 2-1; Takakeisho (O2e) 2-1; Takanosho (S1w) 2-1; Takayasu (K1e) 2-1; Mitakeumi (K1w) 2-1
Daieisho (K2w) (0-3)
Total: 17-10 (including 1 forfeit (.630); 12 absences
The San'yaku "Pennant race"
Day 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15
(# wins)
Terunofuji (S1e) 1 2 3
Hakuho (Y1e) 1 2 2(f)- - - - - - - - - - - -
Takakeisho (O1w) 1 2 2
Mitakeumi (K1w) 1 2 2
Shodai (O1e) 0 1 2
Asanoyama (O1w) 1 1 2
Takanosho (S1w) 1 1 2
Takayasu (K1e) 0 1 2
Daieisho (K2w) 0 0 0
Other Rikishi with 0 losses: Myogiryu (M4w) 3-0; Ichinojo (M6w) 3-0
Maegashira v San'yaku
Day 3
Meisei (M3e) 1-1
Onosho (M1w) 1-2 (1 forfeit win)
Hakutofuji (M2e) 1-2
Wakatakakage (M2w) 1-2
Shimanoumi (M3w) 0-1
Takarafuji (M1e) 0-3
Total: 4-11 (.267)
Juryo substitutes
Kakuryo (Y1w) pulled out of the tournament before it began due to a hamstring injury. Hakuho (Y1e) pulled out of the tournament on Day 3 due to a knee injury. Kotoshoho (M11w) pulled out of the tournament on Day 3 due to an ankle injury.
Day 1: M16w Daiamami (1-0) defeated J1e Tokushoryu (0-1)
Day 2: M16e Kaisei (1-1) defeated J1w Akua (1-1)
Day 3: J2e Ishiura (2-1) defeated M15w Hidenoumi (2-1)
Ishiura (J2e) 1-0; 2-1
Tokoshoryu (J1e) 0-1; 0-1
Akua (J1w) 0-1; 1-1
Total: 1-2 (.333)
---
Results
Basho Cumulative Win-Loss Martrix (Sumo Reference)
Juryo Cumulative Win-Loss Matrix (Sumo Reference)
Basho Cumulative Win-Loss Matrix (Makuuchi and Juryo--all salaried rikishi)
Day 3: (Japanese Sumo Association) (click on rikishi name for relevant data including percentage of each Kimarite (finishing) move used, rank and full results of last 5 tournaments, all on one page)
Day 3 Time of Each Match: (nikkansports.com) (in Japanese,use Google Translate) Matches are in order from lowest rank to highest.
Absent rikishi information (Japanese Sumo Association)
---
Articles:
Nikkansports.com carries the most exhaustive coverage of Sumo that I have seen. It publishes multiple daily articles about the Basho.
All coverage is in Japanese and can be accessed from the Nikkansports Sumo Wrestling News Page. It can be easily (if not well) translated by Google Translate, which can be easily attached to your browser for seamless "translation." It is the next best thing to being able to read Japanese.
Google Translate (directly or in a separate window/tab)
---
Photos:
Nikkan Sports Day 3 Photo Feature: Photos from selected matches. In Japanese (Google Translate) Today's photos show selected Juryo and most Makuuchi matches. Some are accompanied by quotes from the rikishi.
Sumo Forum Bulletin Board Day 3 photos (a fantastic collection of "stop motion" renderings of daily matches. And a great way to study the contours of what these great rikishi do).
+++
Day 2
Essential Links
Day 2: March 15 Results: (Sumo Reference)---includes Standings--see left side of the page (white circle is the winner--Rikishi (wrestlers) are lined up by the direction they fought from--East is left, West is right, regardless of the direction of their rank).
Day 2 Video highlights (replays of all 21 matches--NHK) (27:00)--NHK usually releases the day's highlights after about 24 hours. When I find them, I will link to them.
Chris Sumo Youtube (filmed at the venue)
Notable:
"I got the sumo wrestling with patience. I got the mawashi, so I approached firmly..."
Takayasu (K1e) on how he beat Asanoyama (O1w) with a left hand mawashi (belt) grip and crushed him out after a nearly 30 second battle.
"Because the training was very good, it led to today's sumo."
Takayasu, noting how much the February Joint Training at the Kokugikan helped him today (Quotes are Google translated from the match article at Nikkan Sports)
More information about Shishi (Ms44w), the giant Ukranian Makushita (Division 3--non-salary) Rikishi (wrestler), whose match was analyzed in today's Chris Sumo Youtube video (see below). The 24 year old began his career in the lowest division (Jonokuchi) in January or 2020. In 4 Basho, he has moved up 3 divisions. His career record so far is 25-3-1.
More information about Hokuseiho (Ms15w), the 19 year old phenom (also featured in the Chris Sumo Youtube) who lost his first match today after winning his first 21 (the record is 27). He is carrying an obvious injury at the moment. He was recruited to Hakuho's Miyagino Stable on the recommendation of the Grand Champion. The nearly 6'7" youngster looked injured today as his back was strapped, but he too, is one to watch.
What time is it?
Midorifuji (M10e) has now fought the fastest bouts on Day 1 (0.5 seconds) and Day 2 (2.3 seconds). Hoshoryu (M9w) ignominiously shared the Day 1 time with Midorifuji, but came back today to log the longest match of the day and Basho so far, a 38.1 second marathon win over Ryuden (M10w).
+++
Partial or complete absences from this Basho
Wins-Losses-Absences
Y1w Kakuryu 0-0-15
Condensed results (21 matches)
Key: Time of Match--s=seconds; Rank; Winner; Basho Record; Finishing Move; Rank; Loser; Basho Record
13.4s M16e Kaisei (1-1) okuridashi J1w Akua (1-1)
35.4s M15w Hidenoumi (2-0) yorikiri M16w Daiamami (1-1)
14.6s M14e Kotoeko (2-0) tsukiotoshi M15e Yutakayama (1-1)
04.9s M13w Chiyoshoma (1-1) yorikiri M14w Tsurugisho (0-2)
25.3s M12e Akiseyama (2-0) okuridashi M13e Terutsuyoshi (0-2)
03.5s M12w Aoiyama (2-0) tsukidashi M11w Kotoshoho (0-2)
02.3s M10e Midorifuji (2-0) oshidashi M11e Chiyotairyu (1-1)
38.1s M9w Hoshoryu (1-1) abisetaoshi M10w Ryuden (0-2)
14.1s M8e Kotonowaka (1-1) hatakikomi M9e Chiyonokuni (1-1)
07.4s M7w Kagayaki (2-0) okuritaoshi M8w Tobizaru (0-2)
08.3s M6e Tamawashi (1-1) hatakikomi M7e Tochinoshin (0-2)
07.3s M6w Ichinojo (2-0) kimedashi M5w Okinoumi (1-1)
21.1s M4e Kiribayama (1-1) sukuinage M5e Endo (0-2)
05.5s M4w Myogiryu (2-0) yorikiri M3w Shimanoumi (1-1)
03.5s K1w Mitakeumi (2-0) oshidashi M3e Meisei (1-1)
04.9s S1e Terunofuji (2-0) oshidashi M2w Wakatakakage (0-2)
10.0s M2e Hokutofuji (1-1) hatakikomi S1w Takanosho (1-1)
04.0s O1e Shodai (1-1) oshidashi M1w Onosho (0-2)
06.6s O2e Takakeisho (2-0) tsukiotoshi K2w Daieisho (0-2)
28.1s K1e Takayasu (1-1) yoritaoshi O1w Asanoyama (1-1)
25.1s Y1e Hakuho (2-0) kotenage M1e Takarafuji (0-2)
Source: Sumo Reference (text results) and Nikkansports.com length of bouts data (see result sources below)
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Kimarite--Finishing Moves (21 matches) Note: finishing move links below link to short NHK videos demonstrating the technique.
Winning: Day 2(cumulative)
Frontal Push Out (Oshidashi)...............4(10)
Slap Down (Hatakikomi).....................3(3)
Frontal Force Out (Yorikiri)...............3(3)
Rear Push Out (Okuridashi).................2(2)
Thrust Down (Tsukiotoshi)..................2(5)
Backward Force Down (Abisetaoshi)..........1(1)
Arm Barring Force Out (Kimedashi)..........1(1)
Arm Lock Throw (Kotenage)..................1(2)
Rear Push Down (Okuritaoshi)...............1(1)
Beltless Arm Throw (Sukuinage).............1(1)
Frontal Crush Out (Yoritaoshi).............1(4)
Frontal Thrust Out (Tsukidashi)............1(2)
Out 12(22), Down 9(19)
Frontal 9(19), Rear 3(3)
Push 7(14), Force 5(5), Slap 3(3), Thrust 3(7), Throw 2(7), Crush 1(4), Swing 0(1)
Under (0)2, Over 0(2)
Arm 3(7), Shoulder 0(1), Thigh 0(1)
Other, Cumulative
Winning
Frontal Push Down (Oshitaoshi).............1
Under Arm Throw (Shitatenage)..............1
Losing (Non-technique)
Forward Step out (Isamiashi)...............1
---
Match Time
Day 2
Total Time: 4 minutes, 43.4 seconds
Longest Match: 38.1 s (Hoshoryu(1) v Ryuden(1))
Shortest Match: 2.3 (Midorifuji(2) v Chiyotairyu(1))
Average (21 matches): 13.4
Time/Matches Day 2(cumulative)
0-4.9 seconds: 6(19)
5-9.9 seconds: 5 (9)
10-19.9 seconds: 4 (8)
20-29.9 seconds: 4 (4)
30-39.9 seconds: 2 (2)
Cumulative through Day 2 (42 matches)
Total Time: 6 minutes, 59.1 seconds
Longest Match: 38.1 s (Day 2)(Hoshoryu v Ryuden)
Shortest Match 0.5 seconds (Day 1) (Midorifuji v Hoshoryu)
Average Match: 10.0 seconds
---
Top Rank Wins and "Pennant Race"--Maegashira v San'Yaku Results and Standings;
Juryo Substitute Results and Standings
Top Rank Wins and "Pennant Race"
Hakuho (Y1e) 2-0, Takakeisho (O2e) 2-0, Terunofuji (S1e) 2-0, Mitakeumi (K1w) 2-0
Shodai (O1e) 1-1, Asanoyama (O1w) 1-1, Takanosho (S1w) 1-1, Takayasu (K1e) 1-1
Daieisho (K2w) (0-2)
Total: 12-6 (.667)
The San'yaku "Pennant race"
Day 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15
(# wins)
Hakuho (Y1e) 1 2
Takakeisho (O1w) 1 2
Terunofuji (S1e) 1 2
Mitakeumi (K1w) 1 2
Shodai (O1e) 0 1
Asanoyama (O1w) 1 1
Takanosho (S1w) 1 1
Takayasu (K1e) 0 1
Daieisho (K2w) 0 0
Maegashira v San'yaku
Day 2
Hakutofuji (M2e) 1-1
Meisei (M3e) 1-1
Takarafuji (M1e) 0-2
Onosho (M1w) 0-2
Wakatakakage (M2w) 0-2
Total: 2-8 (.200)
Juryo substitutes
Kakuryo (O1w) pulled out of the tournament before it began due to a thigh injury.
Day 1
M16w Daiamami (1-0) oshidashi J1e Tokushoryu (0-1)
Day 2
M16e Kaisei (1-1) okuridashi J1w Akua (1-1)
Tokoshoryu (J1e) 0-1; 0-1
Akua (J1w) 0-1; 1-1
Total: 0-2 (.000)
---
Results
Basho Cumulative Win-Loss Martrix (Sumo Reference)
Juryo Cumulative Win-Loss Matrix (Sumo Reference)
Basho Cumulative Win-Loss Matrix (Makuuchi and Juryo--all salaried rikishi)
Day 2: (Japanese Sumo Association) (click on rikishi name for relevant data including percentage of each Kimarite (finishing) move used, rank and full results of last 5 tournaments, all on one page)
Day 2 Time of Each Match: (nikkansports.com) (in Japanese,use Google Translate) Matches are in order from lowest rank to highest.
Absent rikishi information (Japanese Sumo Association)
---
Nikkansports.com carries the most exhaustive coverage of Sumo that I have seen. It publishes multiple daily articles about the Basho.
All coverage is in Japanese and can be accessed from the Nikkansports Sumo Wrestling News Page. It can be easily (if not well) translated by Google Translate, which can be easily attached to your browser for seamless "translation." It is the next best thing to being able to read Japanese.
Google Translate (directly or in a separate window/tab)
---
Photos:
Nikkan Sports Day 2 Photo Feature: Photos from selected matches. In Japanese (Google Translate) Today's photos show selected Juryo and most Makuuchi matches. Some are accompanied by quotes from the rikishi
Sumo Forum Bulletin Board Day 2 photos (a fantastic collection of "stop motion" renderings of daily matches. And a great way to study the contours of what these great rikishi do).
+++
Day 1
Notable:
Grand Champion Yokozuna (Y1e) Hakuho was back at the office today, for the first time since July. His first assignment was January Basho winner Daieisho, whose win promoted him to san'yaku (Top Rank [Komusubi 2 West]) for the third time in his career. His pushing and thrusting attack, which defeated all 7 san'yaku to open that Basho and pave the way for a 13-2 record, Yusho (championship), and two special prizes (gino-sho--technique, and shukun-sho--outstanding performance), was the talk of the tournament. It was also intimated that his technique had improved since then. How would the Yokozuna respond? Would he become another victim to the man who looked like an out of control industrial farm implement two months ago?
Well, in a word, NO. Within 2 seconds...well I'm not an expert at this so I will turn you over to someone who is. For those who are new to the sport, watch, listen, and learn as Chris Sumo deconstructs this bout, taking you into the mind of the Yokozuna (oldest in modern times at 36) to see just how it directs the incredible talent of the Best in the World, and perhaps the best of all time (which is a long, long time in Sumo).
Hakuho (Y1e) v Diaisho (K2w--red mawashi) (Chris Sumo video--link goes directly to the match
+++
Partial or complete absences from this Basho
Wins-Losses-Absences
Y1w Kakuryu 0-0-15
Condensed results (21 matches)
Key: Time of Match--s=seconds; Rank; Winner; Basho Record; Finishing Move; Rank; Loser; Basho Record
09.1s M16w Daiamami (1-0) oshidashi J1e Tokushoryu (0-1)
17.4s M15w Hidenoumi (1-0) uwatenage M16e Kaisei (0-1)
06.3s M15e Yutakayama (1-0) yoritaoshi M14w Tsurugisho (0-1)
02.0s M14e Kotoeko (1-0) oshitaoshi M13w Chiyoshoma (0-1)
04.6s M12w Aoiyama (1-0) kotenage M13e Terutsuyoshi (0-1)
03.6s M12e Akiseyama (1-0) tsukiotoshi M11w Kotoshoho (0-1)
06.8s M11e Chiyotairyu (1-0) katasukashi M10w Ryuden (0-1)
00.5s M10e Midorifuji (1-0) tsukiotoshi M9w Hoshoryu (0-1)
03.2s M9e Chiyonokuni (1-0) oshhidashi M8w Tobizaru (0-1)
04.2s M7w Kagayaki (1-0) tsukidashi M8e Kotonowaka (0-1)
04.5s M6w Ichinojo (1-0) uwatenage M7e Tochinoshin (0-1)
04.4s M5w Okinoumi (1-0) isamiashi M6e Tamawashi (0-1)
01.6s M4w Myogiryu (1-0) oshidashi M5e Endo (0-1)
19.6s M3w Shimanoumi (1-0) oshidashi M4e Kiribayama (0-1)
19.3s M3e Meisei (1-0) kakenage K1e Takayasu (0-1)
03.2s S1w Takanosho (1-0) oshidashi M2w Wakatakakage (0-1)
08.0s S1e Terunofuji (1-0) shitatenage M2e Hokutofuji (0-1)
03.6s O2e Takakeisho (1-0) oshidashi M1w Onosho (0-1)
02.5s O1w Asanoyama (1-0) tsukiotoshi M1e Takarafuji (0-1)
10.3s K1w Mitakeumi (1-0) yoritaoshi O1e Shodai (0-1)
01.8s Y1e Hakuho (1-0) yoritaoshi K2w Daieisho (0-1)
Source: Sumo Reference (text results) and Nikkansports.com length of bouts data (see result sources below)
---
Finishing Moves (21 matches) Note: finishing move links below link to short NHK videos demonstrating the technique.
There were no Yorikiri finishes today, a rare occurrence, since the frontal force out is one of the most commonly applied.
Winning:
Frontal Push Out (Oshidashi)...............6
Frontal Crush Out (Yoritaoshi).............3
Thrust Down (Tsukiotoshi)..................3
Over Arm Throw (Uwatenage).................2
Hooking Inner Thigh Throw (Kakenage).......1
Under Shoulder Swing Down (Katasukashi)....1
Arm Lock Throw (Kotenage)..................1
Frontal Push Down (Oshitaoshi).............1
Under Arm Throw (Shitatenage)..............1
Frontal Thrust Out (Tsukidashi)............1
Out 10, Down 10
Frontal 10, Rear 0
Push 7, Force 0, Throw 5, Thrust 4, Crush 3, Swing 1
Under 2, Over 2
Arm 4, Shoulder 1, Thigh 1
Losing (Non-technique)
Forward Step out Isamiashi.................1
---
Match Time
Day 1
Total Time: 2 minutes, 16.5 seconds
Longest Match: 19.6 s (Shimanoumi(1) v Kiribayama)
Shortest Match: 0.5 (Midorifuji(1) v Hoshoryu(1))
Average (21 matches): 6.5
Time/Matches (Day 1)
0-4.9 seconds: 13
5-9.9 seconds: 4
10-19.9 seconds: 4
---
Top Rank Wins--Maegashira v San'Yaku Results and Standings;
Juryo Substitute Results and Standings
Top Rank Wins
Hakuho (Y1e) 1-0, Asanoyama (O1w) 1-0, Takakeisho (O2e) 1-0, Terunofuji (S1e) 1-0, Takanosho (S1w) 1-0, Mitakeumi (K1w) 1-0
Shodai (O1e) 0-1, Takayasu (K1e) 0-1, Daieisho (K2w (0-1)
Total: 6-3 (.667)
Maegashira v San'yaku
Day 1
Meisei (M3e) 1-0
Takarafuji (M1e) 0-1
Onosho (M1w) 0-1
Hakutofuji (M2e) 0-1
Wakatakakage (M2w) 0-1
Total: 1-4 (.200)
Juryo substitutes
Kakuryo (O1w) pulled out of the tournament before it began due to a thigh injury.
Day 1
M16w Daiamami (1-0) oshidashi J1e Tokushoryu (0-1)
Tokoshoryu (J1e) 0-1; 0-1
Total: 0-1 (.000)
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Video: Note: NHK videos will be available on demand until 2 weeks after the end of the Basho. After that, they will be removed from the site. They are usually available for on demand viewing about 1 day after the matches.
Chris Sumo Youtube (filmed at the venue)
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Results
Basho Cumulative Win-Loss Martrix (Sumo Reference)
Juryo Cumulative Win-Loss Matrix (Sumo Reference)
Basho Cumulative Win-Loss Matrix (Makuuchi and Juryo--all salaried rikishi)
Day 1: (Japanese Sumo Association) (click on rikishi name for relevant data including percentage of each Kimarite (finishing) move used, rank and full results of last 5 tournaments, all on one page)
Day 1 Time of Each Match: (nikkansports.com) (in Japanese,use Google Translate) Matches are in order from lowest rank to highest.
Absent rikishi information (Japanese Sumo Association)
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Nikkansports.com carries the most exhaustive coverage of Sumo that I have seen. It publishes multiple daily articles about the Basho.
All coverage is in Japanese and can be accessed from the Nikkansports Sumo Wrestling News Page. It can be easily (if not well) translated by Google Translate, which can be easily attached to your browser for seamless "translation." It is the next best thing to being able to read Japanese.
Google Translate (directly or in a separate window/tab)
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Photos:
Nikkan Sports Day 1Photo Feature: Photos from selected matches. In Japanese (Google Translate) Today's photos show selected Juryo and most Makuuchi matches. Some are accompanied by quotes from the rikishi
Sumo Forum Bulletin Board Day 1 photos (a fantastic collection of "stop motion" renderings of daily matches. And a great way to study the contours of what these great rikishi do).
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