# Ozeki Kotozakura powers through 15 practice bouts in full-scale training return, displaying strong forward pressure

Ozeki Kotozakura officially kicked off full-scale training on September 3 at Sadogatake stable in Matsudo City, Chiba Prefecture. He engaged in 15 practice bouts against Komusubi Daieisho—who visited for joint practice (degeiko)—alongside top-division Makuuchi wrestlers Kotoshoho and Kotoeiho. Employing an aggressive forward-moving style, he delivered a strong performance with 11 wins and 4 losses.

Due to left ankle pain, he had abstained from bout practice during the August summer regional tour (natsu-jungyo). Despite the layoff from full contact, his responsiveness appeared sharp as he shared with a bright expression: "I moved better than I anticipated. My feet drove forward well, and I held my ground effectively at the edge of the dohyo."

At the previous tournament, where he fought as kadoban (facing demotion risk), he narrowly averted crisis by posting an 8-7 record. Looking to bounce back, the Ozeki expressed full fighting spirit: "Rather than just being in the title hunt, I approach every single tournament with the firm intention of winning the championship."

Source: Kyodo News

# Fujinokawa completes 15 practice bouts in first joint training session; 21-year-old new Sekiwake displays sharp movement

Ahead of the Grand Sumo Autumn Basho (opening September 13 at Ryogoku Kokugikan), newly promoted Sekiwake Fujinokawa visited Arashio stable in Chuo Ward, Tokyo, on September 3 for his first joint training session (degeiko) prior to the tournament. He engaged in 15 practice bouts against Makuuchi wrestler Wakamotoharu and others, posting a 9-6 record. Executing aggressive right arm-lock throws (kotenage), the lightweight wrestler—standing at 177 cm and weighing 125 kg—displayed excellent mobility and expressed his ambitions: "Since I will be competing as a new Sanyaku wrestler, I will do everything I can to firmly defend my rank."

On September 2, he trained at his alma mater's sumo club at Saitama Sakae High School and reported his promotion to the Sanyaku ranks to Director Michinori Yamada and his wife, Sanae. Savoring the home-cooked meals that supported his physical growth, he voiced his gratitude: "I entered high school weighing just 70 kg, so I never imagined I could climb to Sekiwake in professional sumo. Where I am today is entirely thanks to Coach Yamada and Sanae-san."

Source: Kyodo News

The last man from Kyoto to make San'yaku was Hiodoshi, all the way back in October 1828, who eventually rose to the rank of Ōzeki.

See if you remember all 42 rikishi in the top division for the next tournament. Hints: We have a returning ozeki, a new sekiwake, and a new komusubi in san'yaku. There are two top-division rookies and two returners from juryo. Best of luck!

Sumo Prediction Game is now open for Aki 2026! The questions were difficult to come up with this basho, but I think there's some intriguing options for many of them. I have made a change for Aki, and now require an email address for easier ranking and to allow people to get a copy of their entries, which has been requested many times. Make your prediction here: https://forms.gle/fKFXdT7vAbe6hAqD7

# Ozeki Kirishima resumes training with high intensity; Hakkaku Chairman encourages him on 3rd Yokozuna promotion bid: "Chances like this don't come easily"

Ozeki Kirishima (30, Otowayama stable), who is making his bid for Yokozuna promotion at the upcoming Autumn Basho (opening September 13 at Ryogoku Kokugikan), resumed training on September 2 at his stable in Sumida Ward, Tokyo.

He adjusted his condition through basic exercises including shiko, suri-ashi, and teppo. He also completed icho-oshi (continuous pushing practice) and training with an 11-kg heavy bat, wiping away sweat with a sense of fulfillment: "The muscle tension feels great. I kept up my training even during the regional tour."

On September 1, during a Japan Sumo Association workshop, he received words of encouragement from Chairman Hakkaku (former Yokozuna Hokutoumi): "A chance like this doesn't come around easily. Last tournament, your forward-moving sumo really stood out." Although he missed out on the Emperor's Cup for the second consecutive tournament at the Nagoya Basho, Kirishima remained in contention until the final day to secure 12 wins. "I believe that result was thanks to my training," he shared.

At the Autumn Basho, he will mount his third Yokozuna promotion run (tsunatori). Planning to build up his training through joint practice sessions (degeiko), he showed strong fighting spirit: "There's nothing to do but keep training relentlessly and build the right mindset. If you don't put in the training, your mind won't follow either. After all, training never lies."

Source: Sponichi Annex

I hope you enjoy!

https://www.instagram.com/albertomaibach?igsi=MXdncXdzZjR3cndwdg==

According to a Japanese media report, the former amateur yokozuna was still mulling over the decision right up until the deadline, but ultimately chose to forgo turning pro in favor of keeping his options open in other fields. Given Hanada’s career to date, the decision is probably the correct one on a personal level, even if it is a significant missed opportunity for sumo.

# Native of earthquake-devastated Yatsushiro, Umeta Kobayashi takes new apprentice physical exam on the 4th: "I want to bring courage and energy to my hometown"

The Japan Sumo Association announced on September 2 that three examinees, including Umeta Kobayashi (19, Nishonoseki stable)—a graduate of high school sumo powerhouse Tottori Johoku High School—will take the new apprentice physical exam on September 4 ahead of the Autumn Basho (opening September 13 at Ryogoku Kokugikan in Tokyo).

Kobayashi contributed as the anchor (taisho) to team titles at both the High School Inter-Hyuga and the National Sports Festival (Junior Division) last year. Initially hesitant about turning pro, he focused on physical conditioning after graduating in March by training alongside his former schoolmates. By strengthening his lower body, he gained the confidence to succeed in the professional ranks. In early August, he entered Nishonoseki stable in Ami Town, Ibaraki Prefecture, and has been training toward his debut. Blessed with an imposing frame measuring 186 cm and weighing 165 kg, he has been overwhelming his senior stablemates in practice bouts (moushii-geiko) with powerful force-outs and throws from a right-hand inside grip (migi-yotsu).

He notes receiving advice from his stablemaster, Nishonoseki Oyakata (former Yokozuna Kisenosato), to "drive forward more in your sumo." Appearing well-adjusted to life in the stable, he shared with enthusiasm: "While I'm excited, I'm also a bit nervous. Right now, I just want to make my debut as soon as possible."

On July 28 at 4:27 PM, a powerful earthquake measuring upper 6 on the JMA seismic intensity scale struck his hometown of Yatsushiro City, Kumamoto Prefecture. Earlier that day, Kobayashi had attended a press conference at his alma mater at 1:00 PM announcing his entry into Nishonoseki stable. While relaxing after the press conference ended, he learned of the Kumamoto earthquake through breaking news updates.

Yatsushiro suffered the heaviest damage of any municipality, with approximately 16,060 structures damaged. Extensive harm was inflicted upon numerous cultural properties and historical sites: the stone walls of the Yatsushiro Castle ruins collapsed, and the worship hall (haiden) at the Yatsushiro Shrine within the historical site caved in. Additionally, the main house of the nationally designated scenic spot Shohin-ken partially collapsed after tilting, and a large smokestack at the Nippon Paper Yatsushiro Mill violently collapsed. Seeing the spiritual anchor of Yatsushiro citizens, familiar to him since childhood, crumbled away broke his heart. "I was shocked. At my family's house, only the water was shut off, but Yatsushiro suffered the worst damage. The castle stone walls collapsing... I'm really worried," he recounted.

Though he has not been able to return to Kumamoto, his feelings for his hometown have only deepened. Praying for a swift recovery, the 19-year-old pledged: "My hometown is completely devastated. It made me feel that I need to work even harder. If I can succeed quickly and bring courage and energy back to my local community, that's what I want to do."

Source: Sponichi Annex

So much contrast between his smile so cute and those poor kids crying (TwT)

# Takayasu, who injured left leg during regional tour, remains positive for Autumn Basho: "Looks like I'll be fine"; Resuming shiko, he warns "not to get carried away"

The Rikishikai (wrestlers' meeting) gathering Grand Sumo sekitori was held on September 1 at Ryogoku Kokugikan in Tokyo, where East Maegashira 2 Takayasu (36, Tagonoura stable) disclosed regarding his left leg injury: "Looks like I'll be fine."

During butsukari-geiko (lending a chest) on the summer regional tour (natsu-jungyo) in Kumagaya, Saitama on August 24, he suffered a left leg injury while serving as the chest for Ura. Diagnosed with a "left adductor muscle injury," he had been absent from the tour since August 25.

Explaining that he has resumed training, he noted: "I can stomp shiko now." Looking ahead to the Autumn Basho (opening September 13 at Ryogoku Kokugikan), he revealed: "Looks like I'll be fine," while tightening his focus by adding, "I just need to be careful not to get carried away."

Source: Nikkan Sports

Hochi News and NikkanSports

- Yokozuna Hoshoryu (Tatsunami stable) attended a meeting of sumo wrestlers, comprised of those ranked in the Juryo division and above, at the Ryogoku Kokugikan in Tokyo on the 1st.

Hoshoryu underwent surgery on his right knee after the Nagoya tournament in July. It is unlikely that he will be able to participate in the Autumn tournament (starting on the 13th at Ryogoku Kokugikan in Tokyo), but he revealed that he has started doing sumo stomping exercises again during morning practice that day. "It felt a little strange because it's been a while since I did sumo stomping (shiko), but my muscles have deteriorated quite a bit, so I have to get them back," he said, describing his current condition.

About a month has passed since the surgery, and his recovery has surprised his doctors. He has regained the 15 kilograms he lost after the surgery, and at a health checkup in mid-August, he weighed 148 kilograms. Regarding the opening day on the 13th, he said, "I won't really know until the last minute. I want to participate," but only said that he would "discuss it with my stablemaster and decide" about the Yokozuna Deliberation Council's practice session on the 4th. -

Helloooo, I’ve been a fan of sumo for about a year now and I still can’t seem to find any sumo merch other than bigSUMOfan which is official match as far as I know. I was just wondering if there are any other brands that might have clothing or something.
If there’s not why do you think that’s aren’t any other merch sites or brands that cater to sumo?

# New Juryo Tanji holds first practice following banzuke release, debuts white mawashi: "I want to train hard enough to turn the mawashi brown"

Heading into the Grand Sumo Autumn Basho (opening September 13 at Ryogoku Kokugikan in Tokyo), new Juryo Tanji (Arashio stable) took part in his first practice following the banzuke announcement at his stable in Chuo Ward, Tokyo. Wearing the white mawashi permitted only for sekitori for the first time, he went through basic exercises. "It hits me that I've truly become a sekitori. I want to train hard and give it my all at the Autumn Basho," he expressed with renewed focus.

The white mawashi was presented to him as a gift pooled together by the stable's behind-the-scenes staff (urakata). "I want to train hard so that this white mawashi turns brown," he declared enthusiastically. Last tournament, he secured his promotion from the top Makushita rank (Makushita Tsukigashira) by posting a 4-3 record.

◆ Jun Tanji: Real name identical. Born June 5, 2006, in Fukushima City. Started sumo in 3rd grade of elementary school and joined Arashio stable. Made his dohyo debut at the 2022 Spring Basho. Serves as a tsukebito (attendant) for Wakatakakage. Preferred techniques are migi-yotsu (right-hand inside grip) and yori (force-out). Stands 185 cm tall and weighs 144 kg.

Sports Hochi

# Autumn Basho favorite Aonishiki, prime contender Atamifuji—Hidenoyama Oyakata points out the two wrestlers' "strengths"

The Grand Sumo Autumn Basho kicks off on September 13 at Ryogoku Kokugikan in Tokyo. In this tournament, Aonishiki (22, Ajigawa stable)—who completed his return to the Ozeki rank—aims for back-to-back championships. Meanwhile, Ozeki Kirishima (30, Otowayama stable) mounts a Yokozuna promotion bid (tsunatori), and Sekiwake Atamifuji (23, Isegahama stable) embarks on his first Ozeki promotion run. On the other hand, what are the chances that the two Yokozuna, currently experiencing a championship drought, reclaim dominance...? Former Ozeki Kotoshogiku, now Hidenoyama Oyakata (42, columnist for this paper), analyzed the prospects of the "Autumn Battle" in his running series "Gaburi Talk."

[Hidenoyama Oyakata / Gaburi Talk] Hello to all readers! We are less than two weeks away from the opening day of the Autumn Basho. Looking back at the July Nagoya Basho, I would like to project how this upcoming tournament will unfold. Last tournament, Aonishiki accomplished his Ozeki return and championship victory at the same time. Even after injuring his left foot along the way, he continued to step onto the dohyo, and his mental fortitude in fighting through to the very end truly shone. If his injury recovery progresses smoothly, I see him remaining the central pillar of the title race this tournament as well.

As his primary contender, I strongly recommend Atamifuji. Since making his Sanyaku debut, he posted 9 wins in two consecutive tournaments, followed by 12 wins at the Nagoya Basho. Although he lost to Aonishiki in the playoff, he defeated him during the regular regulation bout. The impression is that he has been gaining power at a remarkable speed. I have a hunch he will prove to be a dark horse once again, and there is even a possibility he could secure an Ozeki promotion in one fell swoop. These two wrestlers share a common strength.

Aonishiki can charge forward while maintaining a low center of gravity, while Atamifuji can exert forward pressure utilizing his large frame and horse-like power. Ultimately, wrestlers who can establish their own form while moving forward rarely have their sumo broken down. Conversely, wrestlers who rely on reactive maneuvering experience ups and downs because their performance gets swayed by their own or their opponent's condition at any given moment. In the Autumn Basho, we may very well see a scenario where these two clash for the Emperor's Cup once again.

And there is one more wrestler who reached last tournament's playoff who cannot be left off the list of championship contenders: Kirishima. His strength lies in his tenacity—leveraging lower-body power and physical flexibility to endure until he gets his desired grip. Over the past year, he has delivered more consistent results than anyone. On the other hand, he occasionally drops bouts to lower-ranked opponents, and his sumo turns difficult if his attack gets forced onto the back foot. Whether he can take the initiative right from the tachi-ai will be the key to winning the title and securing Yokozuna promotion.

I would also like to touch upon the two Yokozuna, who have been away from championship glory for some time. I heard Hoshoryu underwent surgery on his right knee, so his participation might be difficult. This is where we would like Onosato to lead the pack, but his sumo performance last tournament felt somewhat lacking. He appeared somewhat lacking in confidence, and the impression is that the grand-scale sumo he displayed when charging all the way up to Yokozuna has quieted down.

To regain his confidence, he should actively go on training visits (degeiko) and grapple with various types of wrestlers. Simply experiencing their pressure in training will make it much easier to respond when facing them in official bouts. If you face someone cold in an official bout without preparation, you tend to panic and fall behind. If he catches as many wrestlers as possible during practice and integrates those feelings into his own body mechanics, he should be able to reclaim his true sumo.

Time flies, and this will be the final tournament of the year in Tokyo. I hope the wrestlers fight their sumo without regrets and bring tremendous excitement to the dohyo. Until next time!

Hidenoyama Oyakata

Source: Tokyo Sports Web

# Mongolian-born Toshinofuji makes Makuuchi debut: "The master's training paid off even in Juryo"; Stablemaster former Yokozuna Terunofuji: "I knew he would blossom eventually"... Autumn Basho banzuke released

The Japan Sumo Association announced the new banzuke on August 31 for the upcoming Grand Sumo Autumn Basho (opening September 13 at Ryogoku Kokugikan in Tokyo). Mongolian-born Toshinofuji (Isegahama stable) earned his promotion to the top Makuuchi division (Shin-Nyumaku). He attended a press conference in Tokyo alongside his stablemaster, Isegahama Oyakata (former Yokozuna Terunofuji).

Fixing a serious gaze upon his ring name printed a size larger on the banzuke sheet, Toshinofuji stated, "I'm happy. Since this was where I was aiming, I'm glad I could earn promotion." Reflecting on his rapid rise in just three tournaments since his Juryo debut, he savored the joy: "The training my stablemaster taught me paid off even in the Juryo division. I was able to reach Makuuchi faster than I expected."

Utilizing his tall 195 cm frame in his sumo, he posted stable winning records of 10 and 9 wins following his Juryo promotion. Seeking further growth, however, he corrected his habit of keeping his hips too high: "I trained to hit low and fast right at the tachi-ai." At the Nagoya Basho, he showed steady progress by posting a career-best 11-4 record in Juryo and advancing all the way to the championship playoff (yusho-kettsosen).

His motivation to begin sumo stemmed from the influence of his father, a legendary Grand Yokozuna in Mongolian wrestling. Although he has steadily climbed the ranks to reach Makuuchi, he reflected: "I don't think I've gotten close to him at all." His next goal is holding a championship celebration party, mirroring the ones he admired for his father during his childhood. "I want to have one too," he shared. He has now stood on the starting line to realize that dream.

Isegahama Oyakata, who sat alongside him at the press conference, offered high praise: "I had high expectations that he would blossom grandly one day." The stable houses five other active Makuuchi wrestlers, to which Toshinofuji remarked: "I'm blessed with practice partners because there are so many different types of wrestlers. I get inspiration from everyone and receive advice from them every day." His goal for his Makuuchi debut is double-digit wins. Holding gratitude toward his stable in his heart, he aims for even greater leaps forward.

Sports Hochi

I took a look at the Banzuke and how the rankings will impact the basho. This tournament in particular has stablemates ranked around each other. Sadogataka, Isegahama, and Takasago stables in particular have clusters of rikishi. (Isegahama has multiple clusters, because they have a ton of rikishi.)

# [Former Yokozuna Kisenosato Column] I want my disciples to treasure their shikona—Expectations for "new strength" Umeta Kobayashi

A new addition has joined Nishonoseki stable: Umeta Kobayashi, hailing from high school sumo powerhouse Tottori Johoku High School. He has been training at the stable since early August and will take the new apprentice physical exam on the 4th of this month. His high school track record is more than solid, and he is blessed with an impressive frame measuring 186 cm in height and weighing 163 kg. I expect him to energize the stable in the future. Since there is currently an active wrestler competing under the surname "Kobayashi," we are preparing a fitting shikona for him.

This time, I would like to touch upon the topic of "shikona" (ring names). From my debut, I competed under my real name, Hagiwara, and changed it to "Kisenosato" at the timing of my top-division Makuuchi debut. I was told it was infused with the wish to "create a rare momentum," and while it looked and sounded very cool, when I received it from my stablemaster (former Yokozuna Takanosato), I honestly wondered, "Will everyone be able to read this? Is this going to be okay?" (laughs). Even so, it is true that it made me feel like I would grow alongside my ring name. It was at age 18 that I resolved to become a wrestler recognized by everyone.

Now that I have become a stablemaster, I am on the side that bestows shikona upon disciples. Speaking of shikona, many are easily recognizable by stable origin—whether traditional names passed down through generations, names derived from the master's own shikona, or character elements symbolic of the stable. At Nishonoseki stable, starting with Onosato at the top, distinctive shikona like Shirokuma and Kirinryu are inscribed on the wooden name-plaques in the training room. Personally, I prefer not to set rigid rules, but rather think up names tailored to each individual wrestler. "Onosato" was a name I had been saving for when a truly exceptional wrestler emerged, and true to the name, he charged all the way up to Yokozuna with his grand-scale sumo. It might not strictly be a case of "the name reflects the person," but it certainly felt like a perfect fit.

Listening to the disciple's own wishes while preparing something suitable for them is also a master's duty. Furthermore, I place great importance on elements that evoke their hometowns. At our stable, we have names like "Onbashira," taken from a famous festival in Nagano Prefecture; "Seiseigo," hailing from Nishigo Village in Fukushima Prefecture; and "Amidaishin," representing Ami Town in Ibaraki Prefecture, where our stable is located. When a ring name tied to a beloved local area appears on the banzuke or gets announced over the loudspeakers, the local support surely grows even stronger.

Timing a name change is important, and I try to reflect the disciple's intentions as much as possible. Nishihara changed his to "Nio," then "Takamashido," but upon his own request, we returned it to "Nio." There are still many wrestlers competing under their real names, but I intend to bestow a shikona when inspiration strikes me. I want my disciples to treasure their ring names, and I hope they devote themselves daily to earning one as soon as possible. (Yutaka Nishonoseki = former Yokozuna Kisenosato)

Source: Sponichi Annex