u/Brncrdm

# Yokozuna Hoshoryu joins Autumn Jungyo tour: "They welcomed me so warmly, I feel deeply grateful" — Missed last basho following right knee surgery

The Grand Sumo Autumn regional tour (Aki Jungyo) made its stop on October 10 at Air Water Arena Matsumoto in Matsumoto, Nagano Prefecture, where Yokozuna Hoshoryu (Tatsunami stable) joined the tour.

Hoshoryu underwent right knee surgery in late July and missed the entirety of the Autumn Basho. He was also absent from the opening days of the Autumn tour, but received clearance from his doctor following an examination on October 8. Smiling during his first tour appearance since the Spring tour in March-April, he remarked, "It feels nostalgic." Upon entering the training area, he was greeted with applause from the spectators, expressing his gratitude: "They welcomed me so warmly, and I felt that people were truly waiting for my return. I feel deeply grateful."

While he did not participate in exhibition matches (torikumi) today, he carefully performed shiko stamping on the dohyo and engaged in contact drills (butsukari-keiko) with fellow Yokozuna Onosato (Nishonoseki stable). "I just did what needed to be done. I'm not sure if I'm in top condition yet, but I think I'll get a better feel for it bit by bit." He indicated plans to adjust his training moving forward from October 11 while monitoring his physical condition.

Sports Hochi

# How will Asahifuji and Ryuho fare? Recent new Juryo wrestlers struggle across the board… The wall that stands right after promotion

■ **Grabbing new Juryo status with unstoppable momentum**

The final official basho of the year, the Grand Sumo Kyushu Basho (Fukuoka International Center), is scheduled for November 8–22. Entering this tournament as newly promoted Juryo wrestlers are Asahifuji and Ryuho.

Asahifuji (24), who joined Isegahama stable as a trainee in spring 2021, took roughly 4.5 years to make his official career debut (hatsu-dohyo) at the 2025 Kyushu Basho due to the JSA rule limiting foreign-born wrestlers to one per stable. However, starting from the very next tournament, he won four consecutive divisional championships (yusho). Entering the last basho as West Makushita 1, he posted a commanding 6-1 record to secure his Juryo promotion in style.

Meanwhile, 19-year-old former Middle School Yokozuna Ryuho made his hatsu-dohyo at the 2025 Nagoya Basho and logged winning records (kachikoshi) for six consecutive basho through Nagoya 2026. Entering last tournament as East Makushita 4, he posted a 4-3 record, benefiting from banzuke movement to capture his new Juryo slot.

Given their momentum, both wrestlers seem poised to perform well at the upcoming Kyushu Basho. However, to do so, they must overcome a specific obstacle that recent Juryo debutants have run into.

■ **Does the second half of the 15-day basho become a roadblock...?**

Over the past year (2025 Kyushu Basho through 2026 Nagoya Basho), a total of 10 wrestlers stepped onto the dohyo as new Juryo. Their records, including the tournament prior to promotion, are as follows:

**2025 Kyushu**

* **Himukamaru:** West Makushita 2 (5-2) → East Juryo 13 (5-10) *(2-6, 3-4)*

* **Fujiryoga:** West Makushita 5 (6-1) → West Juryo 13 (13-2) *(8-0, 5-2)*

**2026 Hatsu (Jan)**

* **Dewanoryu:** West Makushita 3 (5-2) → West Juryo 13 (8-7) *(5-3, 3-4)*

* **Kazuma:** West Makushita 15 (7-0) → West Juryo 14 (8-7) *(4-4, 4-3)*

**2026 Haru (Mar)**

* **Toshinofuji:** West Makushita 2 (5-2) → West Juryo 11 (10-5) *(5-3, 5-2)*

* **Fujitensei:** West Makushita 3 (5-2) → West Juryo 13 (5-10) *(4-4, 1-6)*

**2026 Natsu (May)**

* **Okaryu:** West Makushita 2 (6-1) → East Juryo 13 (3-12) *(2-6, 1-6)*

**2026 Nagoya (Jul)**

* **Arashifuji:** East Makushita 2 (5-2) → East Juryo 13 (11-4) *(7-1, 4-3)*

**2026 Aki (Sep)**

* **Tanji:** East Makushita 1 (4-3) → West Juryo 10 (9-6) *(5-3, 4-3)*

* **Tokifudo:** West Makushita 2 (4-3) → West Juryo 13 (7-8) *(4-4, 3-4)*

With 6 wrestlers securing kachikoshi and 4 falling to makekoshi, there appears to be no obvious pattern at first glance. However, take a closer look at the figures in parentheses.

The figures in parentheses split each 15-day record into the first half (Days 1–8) and the second half (Days 9–15, Senshuraku). While the 10 wrestlers combined for a strong 46-34 record in the first half, their performance flipped in the second half to a negative 33-37. Wrestlers like Fujitensei and Tokifudo were even at .500 through Day 8, but suffered makekoshi after falling apart in the second half.

In sumo, wrestlers in Makushita and below fight roughly 7 bouts over 15 days. Salaried sekitori in Juryo and above fight 1 bout per day for a total of 15. More than doubling the number of bouts clearly leads to stamina fatigue running out of gas in the second half.

Furthermore, additional bouts mean opponents have far more film and data to analyze wrestling styles and exploit weaknesses. Overcoming this is necessary for growth, but navigating scouted matchups on a brand-new stage presents a formidable challenge.

■ **Blowing past uncertainty toward even greater strides**

At the previous tournament, Asahifuji suffered a defeat on Day 2 against East Juryo 14 Tochiohmi, while Ryuho was defeated on Day 4 by East Juryo 12 Tamashoho and on Day 7 by West Juryo 14 Nishikigi. With both Tochiohmi and Nishikigi virtually guaranteed demotion to Makushita for the upcoming Kyushu Basho, dropping bouts to wrestlers facing demotion serves as another lingering concern alongside the fatigue factor mentioned earlier.

Fortunately, neither wrestler has shown any signs of getting carried away by their promotion to Juryo. Regarding Asahifuji, it was reported that he maintained a stern expression during his promotion press conference, remarking that "the quality of my sumo was terrible." His relentless drive for improvement offers strong hope that he will blow these concerns away.

Having made lightning-fast ascensions since their debuts, will these two promising wrestlers deliver results in their Juryo debuts and continue their meteoric rise?

Masato Shibata

Source: The Sporting News

# Yokozuna Hoshoryu to join Autumn Jungyo tour on October 10 following right knee surgery; Hakunofuji leaves tour due to leg injury

It has been confirmed that Yokozuna Hoshoryu (27, Tatsunami stable) will join the ongoing Autumn regional tour (Aki Jungyo) midway, starting with the Matsumoto event in Nagano Prefecture on October 10 as scheduled. Jungyo Director Takadagawa Oyakata (former Sekiwake Akinoshima) stated: "He will arrive tonight and join the group starting tomorrow."

Hoshoryu underwent surgery on his right knee in late July and missed the entirety of the recent Autumn Basho. Having now missed three consecutive basho, his stablemaster Tatsunami Oyakata (former Komusubi Asahutaka) holds high hopes for him to win the championship (yusho) in his return basho.

Meanwhile, Komusubi Hakunofuji (Isegahama stable) departed from the tour starting today. Director Takadagawa explained the decision: "He reported feeling discomfort in his Achilles tendon. Rather than having him push through half-heartedly, we decided it was best for him to recover fully before coming back, so we sent him home."

Source: Daily Sports

# Inosuke promoted to Shonosuke and Konosuke to Inosuke starting Kyushu Basho; Unprecedented move accelerates tate-gyoji promotions by one basho

On October 1, the Japan Sumo Association held its regular board meeting at Tokyo's Ryogoku Kokugikan, approving promotions for referee (gyoji), caller (yobidashi), and hairdresser (tokoyama) personnel.

With the highest-ranking referee, the 39th Kimura Shonosuke (Kokonoe stable), reaching mandatory retirement age on October 30, it was decided that starting with the November Kyushu Basho, Shikimori Inosuke (63, Kasugano stable) will be promoted to become the 40th Kimura Shonosuke, while Sanyaku-rank referee Kimura Konosuke (61, Kokonoe stable) will be elevated to Shikimori Inosuke. While backroom staff promotions typically take effect once a year starting with the New Year Basho, an exception was made to move up the tate-gyoji promotions by one tournament. This ensures that both top tate-gyoji positions remain filled on the dohyo without interruption.

The following promotions were also confirmed to take official effect on December 21, coinciding with the Banzuke launch for the New Year Basho:

▽ **Gyoji (Referees)**

* **Kimura Motoki:** Makuuchi → Sanyaku

* **Kimura Yukihiro:** Juryo → Makuuchi

* **Kimura Satoshi:** Makushita → Juryo

* **Shikimori Seisuke:** Sandanme → Makushita

* **Kimura Hironosuke:** Jonokuchi → Jonidan

▽ **Yobidashi (Callers)**

* **Asahi:** Makuuchi → Sanyaku

* **Kunio:** Juryo → Makuuchi

* **Teruya:** Makushita → Juryo

* **Tsurutaro:** Sandanme → Makushita

* **Kenta:** Jonidan → Sandanme

* **Jin:** Jonokuchi → Jonidan

▽ **Tokoyama (Hairdressers)**

* **Tokotaka:** First Class → Special Class (Tokuto)

* **Tokohide:** Second Class → First Class

* **Tokosaku:** Second Class → First Class

* **Tokonao:** Third Class → Second Class

* **Tokoji:** Third Class → Second Class

Source: Nikkan Sports

# Japan Sumo Association amends Sumo Rules for first time in 71 years; Changes clause regarding hairknot (mage) touching the dohyo

On October 1, the Japan Sumo Association held a board meeting at Tokyo's Ryogoku Kokugikan and decided to partially amend the official Sumo Rules regarding instances where a wrestler's hairknot (mage) touches the ring during a bout.

Article 9 of the Judgment Rules (Shobu Kitei) in the Sumo Regulations previously stated: "When head hair touches the sand, the wrestler loses. However, if the hair touches the sand an instant earlier while executing a throw/downward technique against the opponent, it shall not be deemed a loss." Under the new decision, everything following the word "However" has been deleted.

PR Director Fujishima Oyakata (former Ozeki Musosayama) explained: "The rule stated that touching the mage first wasn't a loss if it happened while bringing down the opponent, but whether a technique was actively being executed was often ambiguous. It's a very old rule. The goal is to establish a unified standard that the mage is simply a part of the body."

This marks the first revision to the clause since the regulations were originally enacted 71 years ago in 1955.

Chunichi Sports

# Grand Sumo Bangkok Tour announced for June 2027; Marks 3rd consecutive year of overseas events following London and Paris

On October 1, the Japan Sumo Association held a board meeting at Tokyo's Ryogoku Kokugikan and announced that it will hold the "Grand Sumo Bangkok Tour: Celebrating 140 Years of Japan-Thailand Friendship" in June next year. This marks the third consecutive year of overseas events for the JSA, following London in October last year and Paris in June this year. In Southeast Asia, it will be the first sumo event since the Jakarta Jungyo tour (Indonesia) in 2013.

The venue will be the "One Bangkok Forum" (capacity 5,800) in the capital city of Bangkok. The event will run for three days, from June 11 to 13. Further details will be announced as they are finalized.

Source: Sponichi Annex

# 12 wrestlers ruled out of Autumn Jungyo tour, including Hoshoryu and Wakatakakage; Mitakeumi and Enho added as replacements / Full list

On October 1, the Japan Sumo Association held a board meeting at Tokyo's Ryogoku Kokugikan and announced that 12 wrestlers will miss the upcoming Autumn regional tour (Aki Jungyo), which begins on October 6.

The missing group includes Yokozuna Hoshoryu (27, Tatsunami stable) and Wakatakakage (31, Arashio stable), both of whom sat out the entirety of the recent Autumn Basho. To fill out the roster, Juryo wrestlers including Mitakeumi (33, Dewanoumi stable) and Enho (31, Isegahama stable) have been added as replacement participants.

The full breakdown of absences and replacements is as follows:

＜Autumn Jungyo Absentees＞

* **Hoshoryu**

* **Kotoshoho** (Concussion)

* **Kotoeiho** (Lumbar radiculitis)

* **Takanosho** (Left ankle ligament injury)

* **Shishi** (Heterotopic ossification of the left acromioclavicular joint)

* **Shodai** (Left subscapularis tendon injury)

* **Wakatakakage** (Post-operative recovery from left thigh compartment syndrome)

* **Chiyoshoma** (Lumbar intervertebral disc disease, bilateral knee osteoarthritis)

* **Asasuiryu** (Fracture of the left medial orbital wall)

* **Wakanosho** (Right patellar dislocation, right knee medial collateral ligament injury)

* **Tomokaze** (Right peroneal nerve palsy, left ankle sprain)

* **Tochitaikai** (Right knee anterior cruciate ligament and medial collateral ligament injuries)

＜Autumn Jungyo Replacements＞

* **Kazuma**

* **Mitakeumi**

* **Ryuden**

* **Enho**

Nikkan Sports

# How strong is Asahifuji? Kiriyama Oyakata testifies: "After 2 or 3 years, none of our sekitori could beat him anymore"

How strong is he really? On September 30, the Japan Sumo Association held its Banzuke meeting for the upcoming Kyushu Basho (opening November 8 at the Fukuoka International Center) at Tokyo's Ryogoku Kokugikan, officially confirming the Juryo promotion of Mongolian-born Asahifuji (24, Isegahama stable). Reaching the salaried ranks in just 6 tournaments since his career debut (hatsu-dohyo) ties the fastest record in modern sumo history (since the 6-basho-per-year system was introduced, excluding tsukedashi entrants). After four and a half years as an unregistered trainee (kenshusei), the promising star who has surged through the lower divisions is finally set to make his sekitori debut.

With some already touting him as a future Yokozuna candidate, how high is Asahifuji's current skill level? Assistant coach Kiriyama Oyakata (former Sekiwake Takarafuji) shared his perspective: "When he first arrived, Atamifuji was far stronger than him. But Asahifuji started winning midway through, and after 2 or 3 years, none of the sekitori in our stable could beat him anymore. Under normal circumstances, he will comfortably reach Sanyaku (Sekiwake/Komusubi). Beyond that, with his own dedication, I believe he can climb all the way to Ozeki and Yokozuna."

At the same time, he shows a grounded, youthful side. Asahifuji's 25-bout winning streak from his Jonokuchi debut was halted during the July Nagoya Basho. Kiriyama Oyakata revealed his genuine reaction: "The wrestler himself said, 'I felt like a burden was lifted off my shoulders'... He's human after all, so the pressure was bound to get to him. Remaining undefeated looks cool on paper, but losing that streak might actually have been a blessing in disguise. He's wrestling much more freely now."

Meanwhile, his former stablemaster Miyagino Oyakata (former Yokozuna Asahifuji), who passed down his historic shikona to him, pointed out areas for growth: "Right now, he hasn't unleashed his full potential at all. In Makushita and below, he was playing it far too safe, wrestling with a hesitant, back-weighted posture. Once he faces sekitori on the Juryo ring, he needs to shift to a style where he commits 100% of his power." He added high expectations for his namesake successor: "I gave him my shikona for a reason. I want him to reach the very top."

Speaking to reporters at his Tokyo stable on the same day, Asahifuji stated flatly: "My goal is to become Yokozuna." His stablemaster, Isegahama Oyakata (former Yokozuna Terunofuji), revealed that Asahifuji had suffered a fractured rib leading up to the Autumn Basho, praising his resilience: "Despite being unable to train properly, he fought through courageously to secure his wins." Will his meteoric rise continue? All eyes will be on his ring performances in the upcoming tournament.

Tokyo Sports Web

# Hoshoryu to join Autumn Jungyo tour midway; Expresses positive outlook for competing in Kyushu Basho

Regarding Yokozuna Hoshoryu, who underwent right knee surgery in late July and missed the entirety of the Grand Sumo Autumn Basho, his stablemaster Tatsunami Oyakata (former Komusubi Asahutaka) revealed on September 27 that the Yokozuna will join the Autumn regional tour (Jungyo) starting with the event in Matsumoto City, Nagano Prefecture, on October 10. Regarding his entry in the upcoming Kyushu Basho (opening November 8 at the Fukuoka International Center), Tatsunami Oyakata explained: "He is feeling quite motivated. The wrestler himself said, 'I'll be fine for the Kyushu Basho.'"

Following the Autumn Basho, Hoshoryu is scheduled to perform the Yokozuna ring-entering ceremony (Yokozuna Dohyo-iri) during former Makuuchi Hidenoumi's retirement/hair-cutting ceremony (Danbatsushiki) at Tokyo's Ryogoku Kokugikan on October 3. For the All-Japan Sumo Championship (Zen-Nihon Rikishi Senshuken) on October 5, he will refrain from competitive bouts and participate solely in the Yokozuna Dohyo-iri.

Source: Kyodo News

# Aiming for simultaneous Special Prizes as brothers, Asakoryu targets "double-digit wins" while newly promoted Makuuchi Asasuiryu is "excited to see how far I can go"; Fine-tuning for Autumn Basho

Makuuchi wrestler Asakoryu (27) and newly promoted Makuuchi wrestler Asasuiryu (26) prepared on September 8 at Takasago stable in Sumida Ward, Tokyo, ahead of the Autumn Basho (opening September 13 at Ryogoku Kokugikan).

Making up the 14th pair of brothers in sumo history to reach the top Makuuchi division, both expressed their ambition to claim simultaneous Special Prizes (Sansho)—a feat not achieved by brothers since Wakahanada (later Yokozuna Wakanohana III) and Takahanada (later Yokozuna Takanohana) at the 1992 New Year Basho.

Asakoryu worked up a sweat using resistance bands and solo thrusting drills (iccho-oshi). Having injured his lower back last tournament, he resumed practice bouts a week ago and completed roughly 10 bouts yesterday: "Both my lower back and my right knee [injured at the Summer Basho] have improved considerably," he shared. Heading into the Autumn Basho at East Maegashira 13, he expressed enthusiasm: "I want to reach double-digit wins. I want to win a Special Prize."

Meanwhile, Asasuiryu went through basic routines including shiko and suri-ashi. Although he received 8 stitches near his right eye during pre-tournament practice, he revealed: "I think I'll go get the stitches removed today. I'm completely fine." He continues preparing for his top-division debut. The 27-year-old, who was in the same university graduating class as Yokozuna Onosato, stated with focus: "I want to face everyone. I'm excited to see how far my sumo can take me. First, my goal is a winning record (kachikoshi). Since 10 wins often yield a Special Prize, I want to give it everything I've got."

Source: Sponichi Annex

# 36-year-old Takayasu announces intention to compete in Autumn Basho; Despite left leg injury on Summer Tour, vows "I've put in the work"; Opening Day on September 13

Makuuchi wrestler Takayasu (36, Tagonoura stable) declared on September 8 his intention to compete in the upcoming Autumn Basho (opening September 13 at Ryogoku Kokugikan in Tokyo). He sustained a left leg injury during morning practice on the Summer Tour (Natsu Jungyo) in Kumagaya City, Saitama Prefecture, on August 24. Diagnosed with a "left adductor muscle injury," he withdrew from the tour, which delayed his preparations. However, he stated: "I'm competing. Now it's just a matter of how close I can get my body to 100%."

On this day, he trained for about two hours at his stable in Edogawa Ward, Tokyo, completing 8 practice bouts against Sandanme and lower-division wrestlers. "Fatigue had built up and my movement was poor," he noted, dissatisfied with his performance. Nevertheless, having resumed practice bouts on September 4, he reportedly hasn't taken a single day off since the banzuke release.

Considering the state of his left leg, he bypassed both the Yokozuna Deliberation Council joint training session (Yokoshin Keiko Soken) on September 4 and the Nishonoseki Ichimon (clan) joint practice on September 7. With just five days remaining until the Autumn Basho, he plans to proceed with caution: "I've put in the work. What happens will happen. I want to adjust without rushing and do everything I can."

At the previous tournament, he secured 11 wins and earned the Fighting Spirit Award (Kanto-sho), propelling him to East Maegashira 2. Positioned to face the entire top tier, a return to the Sanyaku ranks is within reach, but he maintains a composed mindset: "First, I just hope to secure a winning record (kachikoshi). I want to enter the ring with that level of expectation. Since I'm older now, I'll take things as they come. My power and stamina are different from the younger wrestlers, so I want to stay focused and pace myself wisely." (Naofumi Hayashi)

Sports Hochi

# Hoshoryu states "My right knee has improved considerably"; Decision on Autumn Basho entry to be made by September 11

Yokozuna Hoshoryu, whose participation in the upcoming Grand Sumo Autumn Basho (opening September 13 at Ryogoku Kokugikan) remains in doubt, trained on September 8 at Tatsunami stable in Taito Ward, Tokyo, working up a sweat by offering his chest to Makushita and lower-division wrestlers. Without wearing a supporter on his right knee—which underwent surgery in late July—he explained his recovery status: "I wear the supporter when engaging in practice bouts, but for offering my chest, it's fine. It has improved considerably, and I can put power into my leg again."

During the Yokozuna Deliberation Council's joint training session (Yokoshin Keiko Soken) on September 4, he refrained from practice bouts but offered his chest for an extended period to Sekiwake Atamifuji during final contact drills (butsukari-geiko). The following day, swelling appeared in the affected area, forcing him to miss practice: "When I went to the hospital, they told me the muscle was just startled. I guess I really pushed it too hard," he reflected critically.

Following the conclusion of general practice, he eagerly advised his senior stablemate, Juryo wrestler Meisei, on footwork following the initial charge (tachiai). Plagued by injuries and facing two consecutive tournament withdrawals (kyujo), the 27-year-old Yokozuna aims to make a final determination on his participation by the morning of September 11, when the bout organization meeting (Torikumi Hensei Kaigi) convenes.

Source: Kyodo News

# 41-year-old Tamawashi stays vibrant, dominates former Sanyaku wrestlers in bid for Makuuchi return this year; Unfazed after practice: "Nobody was using their full power," vows to level up for honbasho

Grand Sumo's oldest active sekitori, 41-year-old East Juryo 3 Tamawashi (Kataonami stable), joined the Nishonoseki Ichimon (clan) joint practice on September 7 at Sadogatake stable in Matsudo City, Chiba Prefecture. In bout practice (moushii-geiko) among sekitori wrestlers, he posted a 6-2 record, including two separate 3-fight winning streaks. He demonstrated smooth preparation in his pursuit of returning to the top Makuuchi division before the end of the year.

Using his powerful thrusting style (oshi-zumo), he overwhelmed former Sanyaku wrestlers Kotoshoho (Sadogatake), Takanosho (Tokiwayama), and Oho (Otake). Nevertheless, he remained calm after training, remarking neutrally: "Nobody was using their full power." Keeping his focus strictly on the official tournament (honbasho), he pledged further growth: "Little by little, you know."

Tamawashi finished with a 2-13 record at the Summer Basho, which marked his 100th tournament in Makuuchi, leading to his first demotion to Juryo in 13 years for the Nagoya Basho. At that tournament, he posted a 9-6 winning record.

Chunichi Sports

# Yokozuna Onosato posts 16-4 record against Ozeki Kotozakura: "Back in Tokyo after a while, I want to win a tournament again"; Fine-tunes for Autumn Basho targeting title defense

Grand Sumo Yokozuna Onosato (26, Nishonoseki stable) took part in the Nishonoseki Ichimon (clan) joint practice held on September 7 at Sadogatake stable in Matsudo City, Chiba Prefecture. Engaging in extended head-to-head practice bouts (sanban-geiko), he recorded 16 wins and 4 losses against Ozeki Kotozakura (28, Sadogatake stable), stepping up his preparations for the upcoming Autumn Basho (opening September 13 at Ryogoku Kokugikan in Tokyo).

In their very first bout, Onosato was forced out (yorikiri) after a lengthy grapple, but bounced back with six consecutive wins immediately after. He showcased powerful sumo, driving his opponent backward with heavy forward thrusts.

"It wasn't good at first, but I managed to make adjustments. There were several moments where it felt really good," he reflected. Regarding completing 20 consecutive bouts, he showed a satisfied expression: "Today, I thought I'd push myself as far as I could go. I think it went pretty well."

During the Yokozuna Deliberation Council joint training session (Yokoshin Keiko Soken) on September 2, he fought a total of 15 bouts against Kotozakura, Ozeki Kirishima, and Sekiwake Atamifuji, posting a 10-5 record. Explaining his focus today, he shared: "I paid close attention to my lower body, as my balance was completely off during the Council training."

At the Nagoya Basho, he posted an 8-7 record. While not the result he desired, competing through all 15 days without withdrawal serves as a springboard for the Autumn Basho. "I now understand the physical stamina required to fight through 15 days. The rest comes down to minor details, so I want to stay focused," he expressed with determination.

Having won the Autumn Basho last year, he has been away from the Emperor's Cup since last September. Amid a challenging stretch that included missing the entire Summer Basho due to left shoulder pain, he confessed: "Being back in Tokyo after a while, I definitely have the desire to win a championship again." He added with expectation: "If I take it step by step and treat each day with care, I believe something good will happen." (Daiki Iioka)

Source: Nikkan Sports

# Newly promoted Makuuchi wrestler Asasuiryu reveals 8 stitches near right eye; Injured in practice against senior stablemate Asanoyama, but assures "Zero issues for Opening Day"

Preparing for the upcoming Grand Sumo Autumn Basho (opening September 13 at Ryogoku Kokugikan in Tokyo), newly promoted Makuuchi wrestler Asasuiryu (Takasago stable) trained at his stable in Sumida Ward, Tokyo. Abstaining from practice bouts, he focused on basic exercises and contact drills (butsukari-geiko). Wearing an adhesive bandage near his right eye, he shared: "About four days ago, I had to get about 8 stitches during practice with Asanoyama-seki. But physically, there are zero issues." Although he hasn't engaged in practice bouts since then, he confirmed that his participation in the Autumn Basho is completely unaffected.

Alongside his older brother Asakoryu (Takasago stable), the pair became the 14th set of brothers in sumo history to simultaneously reach the top Makuuchi division. From his brother, he received a simple push: "He just told me 'Do your best.' He didn't say anything cheesy like 'Let's work hard together,'" he laughed. At the Rikishikai (wrestlers' meeting), his weight was recorded at 120 kg, but as of last night, it had increased to 123 kg. "It feels good. I want to put on another 2 kg before the tournament starts," he nodded with satisfaction. While his ultimate targets are double-digit wins (10+) and a Special Prize (Sansho), he added: "First, I just want to secure a winning record (kachikoshi)." Going forward, he has no plans for joint practice (degeiko) and intends to fine-tune his condition at his own stable.

Sports Hochi

# Kirishima posts 13-2 record against Fujinokawa and others in joint practice; Expresses confidence for Autumn Basho: "Feeling good"

Ozeki Kirishima (30, Otowayama stable), who is making his Yokozuna promotion bid (tsunatori) at the upcoming Grand Sumo Autumn Basho (opening September 13 at Ryogoku Kokugikan), conducted joint practice (degeiko) on September 6 at Isenoumi stable in Bunkyo Ward, Tokyo. He fought 15 consecutive practice bouts against newly promoted Sekiwake Fujinokawa and others, delivering a strong performance with a 13-2 record. Displaying his signature tenacity on the edge of the dohyo and sharp head-first contact at the initial charge (tachiai), he expressed confidence: "It was great because I fought every single bout with solid execution. Fujinokawa is a wrestler with excellent movement, so I went straight into him with full force to make sure I didn't lose."

The previous day, he trained at Isegahama stable, famous for its grueling practice sessions. Keeping potential official tournament (honbasho) matchups in mind, he reportedly completed 18 practice bouts against Sekiwake Atamifuji, newly promoted Komusubi Hakunofuji, and others. Boasting remarkable consistency with 12 wins across each of his last three consecutive tournaments, the 30-year-old Ozeki plans to complete his fine-tuning through practice against sekitori wrestlers: "The feeling is great. I just want to keep crashing into opponents relentlessly."

Source: Sponichi Annex

# Newly promoted Sekiwake Fujinokawa sets sights on Ozeki promotion: "I will whip all of Japan into a frenzy," he declares at homecoming celebration in Kyoto

Newly promoted Sekiwake Fujinokawa (21, Isenoumi stable) attended a promotion celebration party on September 6 in his hometown of Kyoto City. Addressing nearly 300 guests—including Kyoto Prefecture Governor Takatoshi Nishiwaki—he expressed his determination to reach the Ozeki rank: "Even though I've reached the Sanyaku ranks, there are still higher spots on the banzuke." He powerfully pledged his intent for the upcoming Autumn Basho (opening September 13 at Ryogoku Kokugikan): "I want to display the kind of sumo that will whip all of Kyoto and all of Japan into a frenzy."

He rushed to the event on the same day after grinding through 19 practice bouts in Tokyo that very morning against Ozeki Kirishima (30, Otowayama stable) and others. Showing no signs of fatigue, he reflected on his path since entering professional sumo three and a half years ago—setting sequential targets of Juryo promotion while in Makushita, Makuuchi promotion while in Juryo, and Sanyaku promotion after reaching Makuuchi, hitting every single goal along the way. "I'm the type of person who always needs to have a target set. Establishing goals elevates my mindset and improves my sumo," he shared, staying true to his talk-the-talk, walk-the-walk style.

This marks his second party in Kyoto this year, following one held in February prior to the Spring Basho. At the Autumn Basho, his younger brother Ikarigata (19, Isenoumi stable) has climbed the banzuke to West Makushita 4, putting him in prime position to contend for a new Juryo promotion. "The next party will be for my brother's promotion. It might end up being back-to-back celebrations, but I ask for your continued support," he concluded to enthusiastic applause.

Source: Sponichi Annex

# 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

# 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

# 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