Grand Sumo: 2024 Natsu Basho: Final results, highlights and analysis
Jump to:
Preview
Sumo is back! The natsu basho (summer tournament) starts on Sunday, May 12 and runs until May 26. Across those 15 days, all of Japan’s senior sumo wrestlers will compete (if healthy) with hopes of scoring kachi-koshi (winning records) that advance them up the banzuke (ranking document).
This tournament follows the history March tournament which saw top division rookie Takerufuji win an improbable championship. He became the first man to accomplish that feat in over 90 years. He injured his ankle on the penultimate day of that tournament, though, and it seems that injury may force him out this competition entirely.
Fellow youngster Onosato finished second in March (in only his second top division tournament). He has been promoted to komusubi for this tournament, which will see him tested by the best of the best from Day 1.
Other wrestlers with high stakes in this tournament include Kirishima, Hoshoryu, Kotozukura and, of course, Terunofuji.
Kirishima must score eight wins this tournament to retain his ozeki rank (one below yokozuna). Ozeki Hoshoryu has an outside shot of yokozuna promotion should he do something phenomenal this tournament, like a zen-yusho (undefeated championship). Ozeki Kotozakura will be performing with his new ring name for the first time ever. The former Kotonowaka has adopted the ring name of his grandfather (who reached yokozuna rank under that name). And Terunofuji, our lone current yokozuna, is banged up but seemingly preparing to compete this month. He is desperate to win his 10th top division title to satisfy his life’s goal and give him an excuse to retire from the sport.
Banzuke
2024 Natsu Basho Banzuke (rankings), with records (wins-losses-absences).
How To Watch
You can stream this tournament via the Abema TV app. Live sumo on Abema comes only with a paid subscription, which costs around $8 a month. The Abema app is entirely in Japanese with no English version. Matches can also be viewed on the official Grand Sumo app. This is also entirely in Japanese with no English version. The Grand Sumo app also features unavoidable spoilers.
NHK World on YouTube broadcasts highlights of the makuuchi match-ups on a 24 hour delay. Some cable providers also carry NHK World.
NHK’s JME app will air two hour long streams of top division matches intermittently with English commentary. Those steams will air at 11 a.m., 2 p.m. 5 p.m., 8 p.m. and 11 p.m. ET. That service costs $25 a month.
Alternative methods to watch sumo, both live and on demand, can be found on Twitch and YouTube (if you need any help there, shoot me a DM on Substack).
Results, Highlights and Analysis
Day 1
Results
Takarafuji def. Tsurugisho via yorikiri (frontal force out)
Roga def. Tomokaze via uwatenage (over arm throw)
Oshoma def. Tokihayate via yorikiri
Ryuden def. Churanoumi via yorikiri
Nishikifuji def. Mitoryu via oshitaoshi (frontal push down)
Hokutofuji def. Ichiyamamoto via oshidashi (frontal push out)*
Kinbozan def. Sadanoumi via oshidashi
Shonannoumi def. Shodai via hatakikomi (slap down)*
Tamawashi def. Kotoshoho via oshidashi
Mitakeumi def. Takanosho via oshidashi
Midorifuji def. Nishikigi via yorikiri*
Meisei def. Onosho via katasukashi (under shoulder swing down)
Ura def. Oho via yorikiri
Tobizaru def. Abi via hikiotoshi (hand pull down)*
Takayasu def. Wakamotoharu via oshidashi*
Gonoyama def. Kirishima via oshidashi
Hiradoumi def. Takakeisho via oshidashi
Daieisho def. Kotozakura via oshidashi*
Atamifuji def. Hoshoryu via uwatenage*
Onosato def. Terunofuji via sukuinage (beltless arm throw)*
*Must see bouts!
Analysis
The summer tournament is underway and it’s picked up right where the spring tournament left off… with upsets. Lots of them.
Day 1 saw the yokozuna and all the ozeki and sekiwake take losses.
The most meaningful of those events was Terunofuji losing to Onosato in their second ever meeting. The first time they met, in January, Terunofuji withstood Onosato’s opening rush and then threw him thanks to a solid inside left grip. This time, Terunofuji withstood the rush and went for that same grip again (a grip a number of other rikishi have exploited on Onosato). However, when Terunofuji went for the throw he couldn’t pull it off. Part of that was due to Onosato’s defense and part was due to Teru not having the power in his legs to complete the move. Onosato was able to resist the throw and then slam the yokozuna down in front of him, earning the biggest win of his young career.
Hoshoryu’s loss to Atamifuji was the second most shocking of these results. Atamifuji did a wonderful job of blocking Hoshoryu’s judo throws, by twisting Hoshoryu’s belt as he tried to turn away and into his throw and making sure Hoshoryu didn’t get the leg position he needed. While defending the throws Atamifuji was able to stay very stable and hang with Hoshoryu as they moved to the boundary, where he could sling Hoshoryu down himself.
Takakeisho and Kirishima were both caught cold, by Hiradoumi and Gonoyama, and were pushed out without much fuss.
Kotozakura was blasted back by Daieisho, who finally seems to have gotten the memo that he needs to thrust with his feet down.
Other notable bouts were Tobizaru surviving Abi and scoring a nifty hand pull down and Midorifuji using brute force to get out Nishikigi (despite the 100 lbs weight difference).
Day 2
Results
Tsurugisho def. Tomokaze via sukuinage (beltless arm throw)
Takarafuji def. Tokihayate via yorikiri (frontal force out)
Oshoma def. Roga via okuridashi (rear push out)*
Ryuden def. Mitoryu via yorikiri
Churanoumi def. Nishikifuji via oshidashi (frontal push out)
Ichiyamamoto def. Sadanoumi via oshidashi
Kinbozan def. Hokutofuji via yorikiri
Shonannoumi def. Tamawashi via hatakikomi (slap down)*
Shodai def. Kotoshoho via oshidashi
Nishikigi def. Takanosho via amiuchi (fisherman’s throw)*
Mitakeumi def. Midorifuji via kotenage (arm lock throw)*
Onosho def. Oho via yorikiri
Ura def. Meisei via oshitaoshi (frontal push down)*
Takayasu def. Onosato via oshidashi*
Wakamotoharu def. Tobizaru via oshitaoshi
Abi def. Hoshoryu via oshidashi
Kirishima def. Hiradoumi via oshidashi*
Gonoyama def. Takakeisho via fusen (default)
Kotozakura def. Atamifuji via katasukashi (under shoulder swing down)
Daieisho def. Terunofuji via fusen (default)
*Must see bouts!
Analysis
Terunofuji and Takakeisho are out! Both were absent on Day 2 due to injuries both men have been carrying for months.
After defeating the yokozuna yesterday Onosato came up short against Takayasu on Day 2. The youngster, who finally has a top-knot, was stifled by Takayasu — who has looked fantastic in both his bouts in this tournament thus far. You can see below that Takayasu showed his strength off the tachiai, getting a great jump on Onosato and halting Onosato’s trademark blitz. Both men went for inside left grips, but Onosato quickly gave up on that game and decided to try and slap down Takayasu instead, perhaps because he feared he was close to giving Takayasu a grip on the belt. Onosato didn’t get enough force on his slap down attempt, though, and in jumping backwards to complete the move he ran out of real estate and gave Takayasu an easy opportunity to push him out. It looked like Onosato may have twisted his ankle on the straw at the end of this one. He seemed to be walking fine afterwards, though.
Last tournament we worried about Kirishima. Will we be worrying about Hoshoryu this tournament? He’s 0-2 now after another loss to someone he usually beats. Against Abi it’s crucial to brush off his opening thrust so he doesn’t get a land locked on across your throat. But Hoshoryu failed to swipe Abi’s hand away and was bull rushed out in about two seconds.
Our other two ozeki scored wins this day. Kirishima survived a very tough challenger in Hiradoumi, showing toughness and grit to withstand the younger man’s pushes and get him out when the opportunity presented itself. Kotozakura scored a quick katasukashi win on Atamifuji (just like he did when they met in March).
Other notable bouts included Wakamotoharu winning a wild one over Tobizaru, Shonannoumi with a sneaky good hatakikomi on Tamawashi (watch out for him this basho) and rookie Oshoma beating Roga off a beautiful shoulder check.
Day 3
Results
Takarafuji def. Roga via yorikiri (frontal force out)
Tsurugisho def. Tokihayate via sukuinage (beltless arm throw)*
Oshoma def. Tomokaze via okuridashi (rear push out)*
Chuanoumi def. Mitoryu via tsukiotoshi (thrust down)
Ryuden def. Nishikifuji via uwatenage (over arm throw)
Sadanoumi def. Hokutofuji via tsukiotoshi*
Kinbozan def. Ichiyamamoto via tsukiotoshi
Tamawashi def. Shodai via oshidashi (frontal push out)
Shonannoumi def. Kotoshoho via yorikiri
Mitakeumi def. Nishikigi via yorikiri
Midorifuji def. Takanosho via oshidashi*
Ura def. Onosho via katasukashi (under shoulder swing down)*
Meisei def. Oho via oshidashi
Onosato def. Tobizaru via yorikiri
Abi def. Takayasu via fusen (default)
Wakamotoharu def. Gonoyama via oshidashi*
Kotozakura def. Hiradoumi via oshidashi
Hoshoryu def. Daieisho via yorikiri*
Atamifuji def. Kirishima via oshitaoshi (frontal push down)*
*Must see bouts!
Analysis
The decimated san’yaku bounced back on Day 3 with all but Kirishima notching wins. Wakamotoharu took a hard fought victory over Gonoyama, Kotozakura out muscled Hiradoumi (in their first ever meeting), Hoshoryu withstood and then pushed out Daieisho and Abi got a default win over Takayasu (who is out due to back problems). Kirishima’s loss came to Atamifuji.
Against Atamifuji, Kirishima made a big miscalculation when he tried to side-step. He simply moved way too much, giving Atamifuji a glimpse of his back for a split second. That was enough for Atamifuji to gain a step on him and push him into the first row (where Kirishima took an awkward bounce). The win helps erase memories of the first bout between these two, where Kirishima owned an extremely nervous Atamifuji to all but claim the yusho in November. Being so highly ranked now, Atamifuji is benefiting from facing elite competition early and not during the business end of the basho (where his nerves seem to get the better of him).
It’s still very early, but there are a couple of wrestlers who are looking very sharp.
Ura is 3-0 after he took down Onosho with a beautiful katasukashi. Ura has looked a little meaner than usual this tournament. Will be interesting to see if that continues.
Top division rookie Oshoma is also 3-0 and he is looking very strong against the lower ranked maegashira. On Day 3 he used a very strong grip on Tomokaze’s belt to pull him through and out for an okuridashi. That’s the second time he’s utilized that pulling technique this tournament.
Mitakeumi, Ryuden, Shonnannoumi, Takarafuji and Kinbozan join those two with 3-0 records.
Though he’s not perfect, Onosato is looking great so far this tournament and doesn’t seem to have been affected by what looked like a rolled ankle on Day 2. On Day 3 he got his first exposure to The Flying Monkey. It looked as if Tobizaru was trying to henka Onosato. However, Onosato came so quick off the line that he was able to hit Tobizaru before Tobi could get completely out of the way. Once contact was made Onosato was able to stick with the very evasive Tobizaru and eventually shove him out.
Day 4
Results
Myogiryu def. Tsurugisho via yorikiri (frontal force out)
Takarafuji def. Tomokaze via hatakikomi (slap down)
Roga def. Ryuden via tsukiotoshi (thrust down)
Mitoryu def. Tokihayate via oshidashi (frontal push out)
Churanoumi def. Oshoma via hikiotoshi (hand pull down)
Ichiyamamoto def. Nishikifuji via oshidashi
Shonannoumi def. Hokutofuji via oshitaoshi (frontal push down)
Sadanoumi def. Tamawashi via yoritaoshi (frontal crush out)*
Shodai def. Kinbozan via tsukiotoshi*
Kotoshoho def. Takanosho via oshidashi
Mitkeumi def. Onosho via shitatenage (under arm throw)*
Meisei def. Nishikigi via okuridashi (rear push out)*
Ura def. Midorifuji via oshidashi*
Tobizaru def. Oho via okuridashi*
Onosato def. Wakamotoharu via tsukiotoshi*
Abi def. Atamifuji via uwatenage (over arm throw)
Daieisho def. Kirishima via oshidashi*
Kotozakura def. Gonoyama via uwatenage (over arm throw)*
Hoshoryu def. Hiradoumi via yoritaoshi*
*Must see bouts!
Analysis
Our group of undefeated rikishi has shrunk to four, with Ura, Mitakeumi, Shonannoumi and Takarafuji leading the way. Any of those men winning this tournament would be a huge shock. The joy that would erupt in both the Kokugikan and the internet should Ura win is something I can’t even fathom and I’m really trying to manage my expectations here since we are only four days in.
Ura scored his fourth win this day with a powerful showing against Midorifuji. Midorifuji false started twice in this match, showing that he was desperate to get a good jump on Ura and force him back off the tachiai. Ura was too strong for him, though, and was able withstand Midorifuji’s rush and then pivot and answer back with a winning push out.
Mitakeumi (who would also provoke a lot of joy with a yusho) won against Onosho in one of many bouts that resembled wild bar brawls and ended up in the first row. Other bouts that looked like this included Sadanoumi’s win over Tamawashi (would you expect anything else from these two?) and the incredibly fun tilt between Hoshoryu and Hiradoumi.
Hiradoumi has had a real baptism of fire in this tournament, facing the four ozeki in a row. Against Hoshoryu he did well to defend the throw on a number of occasions, but then ran out of room as Hoshoryu was able to lever him over and down (almost crushing head gyoji Inosuke in the process).
Kotozakura beat Gonoyama this day and he’s looking like a real contender for the yusho. He took all of what Gonoyama could give and was almost pushed out. However, at the last second, he was able to deftly raise his foot and balance on the boundary as Gonoyama crashed down and out. An incredible, and graceful, win for the newest ozeki.
Kirishima continued to struggle on Day 4. He faced off with Daieisho, someone who he’s done very well against in the past. Last year he bamboozled Daieisho to win a play-off match to lift his first ever Emperor’s Cup. In this bout Kirishima executed the same move he always does against Daieisho, where he plays matador and has Daieisho charge out the ring. However, this time Daieisho was able to put on the brakes. Inexplicably, Kirishima did not follow up, though. Daieisho was then able to turn and push Kirishima out. That’s far too casual for Kirishima, especially when he is fighting for his rank.
Day 5
Results
Takarafuji def. Daiamami via yorikiri (frontal force out)
Roga def. Tsurugisho via yorikiri
Ryuden def. Tomokaze via yorikiri
Tokihayate def. Churanoumi via yorikiri
Oshoma def. Mitoryu via yorikiri
Hokutofuji def. Nishikifuji via oshidashi (frontal push out)
Ichiyamamoto def. Shonannoumi via oshidashi*
Sadanoumi def. Shodai via yorikiri*
Kotoshoho def. Kinbozan via oshidashi
Takanosho def. Tamawashi via tsukiotoshi (thrust down)
Mitakeumi def. Meisei via yorikiri*
Ura def. Nishikigi via katasukashi (under shoulder swing down)*
Oho def. Hiradoumi via oshidashi
Daieisho def. Abi via tsukidashi (frontal thrust out)*
Wakamotoharu def. Atamifuji via uwatenage (over arm throw)*
Hoshoryu def. Gonoyama via yorikiri*
Onosato def. Kirishima via yoritaoshi (frontal crush out)*
Kotozakura def. Tobizaru viia yoritaoshi
*Must see bouts!
Analysis
Ura remains undefeated! The Peach Prince is now 5-0 after a great victory over Nishikigi. Ura got the win by forcing Nishikigi back, which is very difficult, and then letting him come forwards while driving him into the dirt. Ura has looked flawless thus far this basho. Before we get too far ahead of ourselves, though, we must remember that Ura is yet to face a san’yaku opponent this tournament. Historically he has struggled against the elite (though in the last tournament he did beat three ozeki).
At 5-0 he’s joined by just Mitakeumi and Takarafuji. Mitakeumi won a fun battle with Meisei. He’s looked very powerful so far this tournament. Takarafuji pushed out Daiamami, who was on loan from juryo. Takarafuji has looked great against weak opposition thus far.
Though he’s already lost two bouts, Hoshoryu is definitely not out of this. On Day 5 he obliterated Gonoyama (who he has plenty of history with). See below how Hoshoryu decides he doesn’t want to risk letting Gonoyama push him back so he can set up a throw. Instead he ups to drive forwards himself and send his rival into the seats.
Hoshoryu’s other rival, Kirishima, continued to struggle. He’s now 1-4 and looks like a long shot to get kachi-koshi at this point. He met Onosato on Day 5. Onosato continued to show improvement against Kirishima, opting to secure a grab on Kirishima’s belt off the tachiai (probably fearing Kirishima’s judo skills). With that cautious approach, Onosato was able to force Kirishima back and bounce him out. Kirishima might feel hard done by on this one, since Onosato went out before he hit the ground. But Onosato deserved the judges’ approval, given he was the one executing a move when both went out.
Someone else who is looking impressive so far is Daieisho. He was demoted down to M1 for this tournament and he looks desperate to get back into the upper rankings. On Day 5 he went thrust for thrust with Abi and managed to power him out. In doing so, Daieisho took the lead in their head-to-head stats (12-11).
Other good bouts on the day include Sadanoumi’s blitz win over Shodai and Wakamotoharu’s battling win over Atamifuji.
Day 6
Results
Bushozan def. Tomokaze via oshidashi (frontal push out)
Ryuden def. Tsurugisho via yorikiri (frontal force out)
Oshoma def. Takarafuji via hatakikomi (slap down)
Churanoumi def. Roga via okuridashi (rear push out)*
Tokihayate def. Ichiyamamoto via hikiotoshi (hand pull down)*
Hokutofuji def. Mitoryu via oshidashi
Shonannoumi def. Nishikifuji via yorikiri
Kinbozan def. Tamawashi via oshidashi
Takanosho def. Shodai via oshidashi
Kotoshoho def. Sadanoumi via uwatenage (overarm throw)*
Onosho def. Nishikigi via yorikiri
Meisei def. Midorifuji via hatakikomi*
Ura def. Mitakeumi via uwatedashinage (pulling overarm throw)*
Gonoyama def. Atamifuji via tsukiotoshi (thrust down)*
Daieisho def. Wakamotoharu via tsukitaoshi (frontal thrust down)
Hiradoumi def. Abi via tsukiotoshi*
Onosato def. Kotozakura via yorikiri
Hoshoryu def. Tobizaru via yorikiri
Oho def. Kirishima via hikiotoshi (hand pull down)
*Must see bouts!
Analysis
Ura stands alone! Thanks to his win over Mitakeumi and Takarafuji’s loss to Oshoma, The Peach Prince is now the sole leader of this competition with a 6-0 record. This hot start has Ura continuing to extend his personal win streak record. He’s also got his six wins with five different kimarite.
During this run Ura has shown great poise and control (something he often lacks) and hasn’t rushed himself into attempting bizarre moves or changes of position. He’s instead been very solid in absorbing his opponents’ hits and then patiently finding the hold he needs for a finisher.
Against Mitakeumi today he focused on an arm and, when it was locked down, he activated a beautiful pulling over arm throw.
Onosato and Daieisho are our most serious contenders at 5-1. Onosato got a win over Kotozakura this day. This was another performance where Onosato opted to work on his opponent’s belt, instead of just trying to blast them backwards. Onosato has discovered that if he gets tight on a belt he can barge his opponents around the ring with more control. Against Kotozakura he was able to position his ozeki opponent towards the boundary and then lever him out (without nearly as much energy as he uses to thrust people out).
Daieisho got to 5-1 with a lucky win after Wakamotoharu appeared to slip.
Other, more under the radar, storylines that are worth noting include Sadanoumi going down under Kotoshoho and coming up with what looked like a leg injury, Hokutofuji improving to 3-3 with back-to-back wins, Nishikigi’s continued decline (he’s 1-5 after losing to Onosho), and Meisei, Shonannouni, Kinbozan, Oshoma, Ryuden and Churanoumi quietly putting together decent records over the first six days,
Day 7
Results
Daishoho def. Roga via yorikiri (frontal force out)
Tokihayate def. Ryuden via uwatenage (overarm throw)*
Churanoumi def. Tsurugisho via yorikiri
Takarafuji def. Mitoryu via koshikudake (inadvertent collapse)
Tomokaze def. Ichiyamamoto via hikiotoshi (hand pull down)
Hokutofuji def. Oshoma via oshidashi (frontal push out)
Nishikifuji def. Sadanoumi via hatakikomi (slap down)
Shonannoumi def. Kinbozan via uwatenage*
Shodai def. Mitakeumi via yorikiri
Nishikigi def. Tamawashi via yorikiri
Kotoshoho def. Midorifuji via yorikiri*
Meisei def. Takanosho via yorikiri
Onosho def. Gonoyama via oshidashi*
Daieisho def. Hiradoumi via oshidashi*
Onosato def. Atamifuji via shitatedashinage (pulling underarm throw)*
Abi def. Wakamotoharu via fusen (default)
Tobizaru def. Kirishima via fusen
Kotozakura def. Ura via oshitaoshi (frontal push down)*
Oho def. Hoshoryu via hikiotoshi*
*Must see bouts!
Analysis
Ura’s winning streak comes to an end at the hands of Kotozakura. Ura gave it his all in this one, but once both men were tied up, Kotozakura was able to use his strength and size advantage to block Ura’s attempts to latch on arm/shoulder holds and then drive him back and out when given the opportunity. Ura remains in the lead, though. He’s just joined by Daieisho (who is looking very inspired by his rank demotion), Takarafuji, Shonannoumi and Onosato (who looks like the favourite to win this right now).
Onosato got a win over Atamifuji on Day 7 in a really excellent bout, probably my favourite of the tournament thus far. These two could have a great rivalry for years to come with Atamifuji only 21-years-old and Onosato just a couple of years older. In this bout Onosato again showed that he is working on his yotsu-sumo (belt grabbing techniques). And he also showed that once he has your belt, it’s very hard to stop him doing what he wants to do. Atamifuji fought him tooth and nail in the clinch, but Onosato was very smart with his angles and leverage and was able to stay in bounds and execute a wonderful drag-down/throw as he stepped out of danger.
Sadly Hoshoryu’s chances of winning this tournament seem to be evaporating. He lost to Oho on Day 7, dropping his record to a very mediocre 4-3. This was another bout where Hoshoryu seemed to purposefully ignore his throwing arsenal and try to push/force out his opponent. He must be hurt, because shoving against Oho is not a good game-plan. The young Oho was able to power Hoshoryu back with thrusts and then use a very clever arm-lock to halt Hoshoryu’s attempts to do the same. After Hoshoryu was forced off balance by that lock, Oho then got in some good thrusts to bend Hoshoryu back. Oho then retreated, letting the recoil on Hoshoryu’s body send the ozeki to the ground.
The injury bug popped up again this day. Wakamotoharu and Kirishima are both out of the tournament. Wakamotoharu hurt his knee in a slip against Daieisho yesterday. And Kirishima has been dealing with neck problems (and maybe the yips) for months now. In backing out of the competition Kirishima has resigned himself to being demoted to sekiwake on the next banzuke.
We need to keep our eyes on Shonannoumi. He scored a slick uwatenage on Kinbozan this day. He’s 5-1 after competing with guys in the middle of the back. His technique has looked really smooth throughout, so he might have a chance of maintaining that momentum once he gets matched with higher level opponents.
Day 8
Results
Endo def. Tokihayate via shitatenage (under arm throw)*
Takarafuji def. Ryuden via yorikiri (frontal force out)
Tsurugisho def. Oshoma via yorikiri
Ichiyamamoto def. Roga via hatakikomi (slap down)
Nishikifuji def. Tomokaze via tsukidashi (frontal thrust out)
Sadanoumi def. Mitoryu via oshidashi (frontal push out)*
Hokutofuji def. Churanoumi via tsukiotoshi (thrust down)
Kinbozan def. Takanosho via oshidashi*
Nishikigi def. Shodai via kotenage (arm lock throw)*
Mitakeumi def. Shonannoumi via oshidashi*
Midorifuji def. Tamawashi via katasukashi (under shoulder swing down)*
Kotoshoho def. Meisei via yorikiri*
Tobizaru def. Onosho via hikiotoshi (hand pull down)*
Hiradoumi def. Atamifuji vis tsukiotoshi*
Onosato def. Daieisho via hatakikomi*
Abi def. Gonoyama via uwatedashinage (pulling overarm throw)*
Hoshoryu def. Ura via yoritaoshi (frontal crush out)*
Kotozakura def. Oho via oshidashi*
*Must see bouts!
Analysis
After beating Daieisho on Day 8 it feels like Onosato is in the driving seat for this basho. The youngster, who is only competing in his third top division tournament, is now 7-1. He shares the lead with Takarafuji (whose record will fall off once he starts facing hire ranked opponents next week).
Onosato’s win over Daieisho was intelligent. He braced for impact, withstood Daieisho’s thrusts and then zipped to the side to let Daieisho fall. Onosato is now showing smarts to go with his speed and strength. The rest of the division should be very afraid.
Ura fell off the pace this day, losing to Hoshoryu. Hoshoryu, who continues to avoid throws, opted to push/thrust again and was able to power Ura through and out of the ring.
Ura is now on 6-2, tied with Kotozakura, Daieisho, Shonannoumi and Mitakeumi.
Kotozakura got a win on Day 8, out shoving Oho in a war of attrition.
And Mitakeumi beat Shonannoumi in a bout which saw both men his the seats. Mitakeumi didn’t look great when they got back up.
One of the best bouts of the day was Midorifuji vs. Tamawashi. Tamawashi tried to keep Midorifuji at range, but eventually the smaller man was able to lock in on one of his shoulders and execute the katasukashi.
Day 9
Results
Churanoumi def. Takarafuji via oshitaoshi (frontal push down)
Mitoryu def. Tsurugisho via yorikiri (frontal force out)
Tokihayate def. Nishikifuji via oshidashi (frontal push out)*
Oshoma def. Ichiyamamoto via hatakikomi (slap down)
Ryuden def. Hokutofuji via uwatedashinage (pulling overarm throw)*
Sadanoumi def. Tomokaze via yorikiri*
Shonannoumi def. Roga via oshidashi*
Mitakeumi def. Kinbozan via uwatenage (overarm throw)*
Kotoshoho def. Nishikigi via tsukiotoshi (thrust down)
Midorifuji def. Shodai via oshidashi*
Meisei def. Tamawashi via oshidashi
Takanosho def. Ura via oshitaoshi
Gonoyama def. Tobizaru via oshidashi
Atamifuji def. Daieisho via oshidashi
Hiradoumi def. Onosato via oshidashi*
Oho def. Abi via oshidashi*
Kotozakura def. Onosho via tsukiotoshi*
Takayasu def. Hoshoryu via sukuinage (beltless arm throw)
*Must see bouts!
Analysis
Onosato took a loss on Day 9 to pull him back to the chasing pack. His loss came to Hiradoumi (who is often overlooked among this golden generation of sumo talent). Hiradoumi benefited from an early jump on Onosato. Off the tachiai he went for the front of Onosato’s belt with his left hand. Onosato was too busy blocking/breaking the grip to thrust back or protect his chest from Hiradoumi’s forward pressure. After getting Onosato on his heels, Hiradoumi was able to get him all the way out. That’s a very big win for Hiradoumi, who is still yet to show us his full potential.
Onosato is joined at 7-2 by Shonannoumi, Takarafuji, Mitakeumi and Kotozakura.
Kotokazura, along with Onosato, looks like a threat to win this tournament. He beat Onosho and showed incredible grace when doing so. Onosho was able to move Kotozakura backwards (as he does most opponents). But Kotozakura showed amazing balance when going to one leg and pulling off a matador move along the boundary. When Kotozakura is in this kind of form he takes force outs completely off the table for his opponents.
Mitakeumi beat Kinbozan this day with a picture perfect henka. He likely did this because he’s still feeling the effects of the fall he took on Day 8. I have a feeling once he has his kachi-koshi he may back out of this basho.
Takayasu returned from injury this day. He met Hoshoryu and thoroughly schooled the current ozeki. After a long staredown, where Hoshoryu again showed he expects deference from lower ranked guys, Takayasu eventually obliged to his request to get set first. Hoshoryu tried to blitz Takayasu off the tachiai, but the bigger man showed off his elite defensive grappling in avoiding a throw and then thrashing Hoshoryu down with one of his trademark sukuinage.
Shodai vs. Midorifuji is another bout that is worth your time. Midorifuji was able to paralyze Shodai with the menace of his katasukashi move (something he got Shodai with in March). Midorifuji was able to weather Shodai’s strength during the stalemate and then explode for another push out win over a bigger opponent.
Day 10
Results
Oshoma def. Ryuden via hatakikomi (slap down)*
Roga def. Mitoryu via oshidashi (frontal push out)
Churanoumi def. Tomokaze via shitatedashinage (pulling underarm throw)*
Takarafuji def. Ichiyamamoto via yorikiri (frontal force out)
Nishikifuji def. Tsurugisho via tsukidashi (frontal thrust out)
Tamawashi def. Tokihayate via oshidashi (frontal push out)
Shodai def. Hokutofuji via tsukiotoshi (thrust down)
Takanosho def. Sadanoumi via hatakikomi (slap down)
Kinbozan def. Nishikigi via shitatenage (underarm throw)*
Kotoshoho def. Mitakeumi via oshidashi
Shonannoumi def. Midorifuji via oshidashi*
Meisei def. Hiradoumi via hatakikomi
Atamifuji def. Tobizaru via oshidashi*
Daieisho def. Oho via oshidashi
Onosato def. Gonoyama via oshitaoshi (frontal push down)*
Abi def. Ura via oshitaoshi
Hoshoryu def. Onosho via uwatedashinage (pulling over arm throw)
Takayasu def. Kotozakura via uwatenage (over arm throw)
*Must see bouts!
Analysis
Lots of thrills and spills on the dohyo on Day 10 and Onosato remains in the lead, after he bounced back with a win over Gonoyama. The Gonoyama match-up is a favourable one for Onosato, given both men fight the same way but with Onosato being much bigger and stronger. The komusubi didn’t mess around in this one, quickly thrusting Gonoyama back to the boundary and then dumping him into the first row.
Onosato would have been pleased to see one of his top rivals for the championship, Kotozakura, take a loss on Day 10, too. The ozeki was foiled by Takayasu, who claimed another san’yaku head since returning from injury a few days ago. Just like he did versus Hoshoryu, Takayasu demonstrated his unrivalled defensive grappling. Takayasu used thrusts to keep Kotozakura from pushing him back or getting a grip on his arms or shoulders. And then he locked on a firm grip on Kotozakura’s belt. Kotozakura returned in kind, but Takayasu was able to lever Kotozakura around before putting him down with the uwatenage.
Our only other active ozeki, Hoshoryu, rebounded from his loss to Takayasu with a win over Onosho. Desperate to not lose two in a row, Hoshoryu went for a henka against the reliably hard charging Onosho.
Our only other wrestlers currently tying Onosato for the lead are Takarfuji and Shonannoumi. Takarafuji got another easy-ish win this day, forcing out Ichiyamamoto. Shonannoumi got the W after a smart victory over Midorifuji. Midorifuji came out looking for his trademark katasukashi, but Shonannoumi was able to keep him at arm’s length and, when he saw an opening, power him back and off of the ring.
Shonannoumi and Takarafuji will face each other tomorrow. Then we’ll see whether the wile veteran or the unheralded relative newcomer will be a real challenger for the cup this month.
Another bout I want to draw attention to is Atamifuji vs. Tobizaru. Tobizaru has a very public feud with Terunofuji, stemming from him targeting the yokozuna’s knees in a bout he won last year. Since then Terunofuji has brutalized Tobizaru on the exhibition tour. In one of their bouts since then Tobizaru again targeted the knee. Terunofuji then tried to take Tobizaru’s head off and threw him into the seats with extra venom (which he followed up with a stare down). Against Atamifuji, Tobizaru attempted the same sweep (which was basically a kick to the knee). Atamifuji responded a little like Terunofuji did, powering Tobizaru into the seats. We didn’t see any reaction from Atamifuji after this. But I have a feeling this will have repercussions should Teru and Tobi meet in the ring soon (in competition or otherwise).
Day 11
Results
Chiyoshoma def. Tsurugisho via yorikiri (frontal force out)
Tomokaze def. Tokihayate via oshidashi (frontal push out)
Ichiyamamoto def. Mitoryu via fusen (default)
Ryuden def. Kinbozan via uwatenage (over arm throw)
Shonannoumi def. Takarafuji via kotenage (arm lock throw)*
Shodai def. Roga via yorikiri
Tamawashi def. Nishikifuji via oshidashi
Oshoma def. Kotoshoho via yorikiri*
Takanosho def. Hokutofuji via oshidashi*
Mitakeumi def. Churanoumi via yorikiri
Sadanoumi def. Nishikigi via yorikiri*
Midorifuji def. Tobizaru via hatakikomi (slap down)
Gonoyama def. Oho via oshidashi
Daieisho def. Ura via uwatenage*
Takayasu def. Atamifuji via yorikiri*
Abi def. Onosho via oshidashi
Hiradoumi def. Wakamotoharu via yoritaoshi (frontal crush out)
Kotozakura def. Meisei via uwatenage*
Hoshoryu def. Onosato via shitatenage (underarm throw)*
*Must see bouts!
Analysis
We have a tournament folks. With Onosato losing we now only have Shonannoumi in front with a 9-2 record. Shonannoumi has looked wonderful this tournament, but it’s likely he will fall back when he’s matched with san’yaku opponents. At 8-3 Onosato is now tied with Kotozakura, Daieisho, Mitakeumi, Oshoma and Takarafuji. Kotozakura and Daieisho feel like his closest rivals for the championship. Just behind them at 7-4 is Hoshoryu, who is not quite out of the title picture yet.
Onosato lost to Hoshoryu on Day 11 after the Mongolian ozeki hit a picture perfect underarm throw. Hoshoryu hasn’t been throwing this tournament, leading me to believe he may be struggling with an injury. However he was able to seize Onosato as the new komusubi came forwards and toss him with great effect. That’s 3-0 for him versus Onosato.
Kotozakura kept himself in second place with a very smart fight against Meisei. Meisei, who can be a real pest, tested Kotozakura with thrusts and got him all the way to the edge. However, when his heels touched the straw Kotozakura squatted down, made himself wide and prevented Meisei from being able to budge him any further. As Meisei exerted to push forwards, Kotozakura was able to lock onto his arm and drag him down, face first, into the clay.
Shonannoumi got his bahso leading ninth win in a victory over Takarafuji. He scored the win with an armlock throw and he did it in what is becoming his trademark lethargic style.
Wakamotoharu returned from a toe injury to compete on Day 11. Unfortunately for him his bout with Hiradoumi ended with a scary fall to the concrete. Wakamotoharyu looked OK when he got up, though.
One of the best bouts of the tournament took place when Takayasu met Atamifuji. Takayasu got revenge on Atamifuji this day, after outlasting him in a force out battle. Last year Atamifuji was able to stop Takayasu’s quest to get among the title contenders on two occasions. This time around Takayasu seems to be taking pride in playing spoiler, since returning from a short injury lay-off.
Day 12
Results
Ichiyamamoto def. Ryuden via oshitaoshi (frontal push down)*
Roga def. Nishikifuji via uwatedashinage (pulling over arm throw)*
Sadanoumi def. Churanoumi via uwatenage (over arm throw)*
Hokutofuji def. Tsurugisho via oshitaoshi
Tamawashi def. Tomokaze via oshidashi (frontal push out)
Oshoma def. Shodai via hatakikomi (slap down)*
Tokihayate def. Nishikigi via yorikiri (frontal force out)
Kinbozan def. Midorifuji via tsukidashi (frontal thrust out)*
Onosho def. Takanosho via tsukiotoshi (thrust down)
Kotoshoho def. Ura via kotenage (arm lock throw)*
Takayasu def. Tobizaru via hatakikomi
Hiradoumi def. Gonoyama via oshitaoshi
Atamifuji def. Oho via oshitaoshi
Meisei def. Daieisho via tsukidashi*
Onosato def. Takarafuji via oshidashi
Abi def. Shonannoumi via oshidashi*
Hoshoryu def. Mitakeumi via yorikiri*
Kotozakura def. Wakamotoharu via sukuinage (beltless arm throw)*
*Must see bouts!
Analysis
The summer tournament remains super competitive after Day 12 with around a dozen wrestlers with records of either 9-3 or 8-4. Shonannoumi had the chance to take a commanding 10-2 lead of the basho when he faced Abi, but he fell short of that and, as a result, is now stuck in a very large pack of contenders.
Abi was the first quasi-elite rikishi Shonannoumi had faced this tournament. Pace was the deciding factor in this one. Shonannoumi has a slow, even plodding, game. Whereas Abi has the fastest hands in the sport. Abi was able to quickly have Shonannoumi feeling uncomfortable and was able to back him up and thrust him out. Shonannoumi has some technical gifts and a cool demeanour, but he’s yet to show a killer instinct. That hole in his game will continue to be exposed by wrestlers in the san’yaku (and he has Kotozakura tomorrow).
Onosato and Takarafuji were matched together today. Takarafuji had done well out-foxing his competition in the lowest maegashira ranks. However, Onosato is just too much of an athlete for him to handle at this stage of his career. Onosato was easily able to push Takarafuji out and get him over the line with a gentle oshidashi.
Kotozakura and Hoshoryu both got wins on Day 12. Kotozakura got lucky when Wakamotoharu slipped during a throw attempt and Hoshoryu took a no nonsense force out win over a walking wounded Mitakeumi.
Other notable bouts were Meisei’s thrilling win over Daieisho (Meisei continues to show he’s one of the most fun fighters to watch in the division) and Kotoshoho’s slick throw of Ura. After starting the tournament with six wins, the ever-popular Ura has now lost six straight.
Day 13
Results
Ichiyamamoto def. Tsurugisho via tsukidashi (frontal thrust out)
Roga def. Hokutofuji via okuridashi (rear push out)
Sadanoumi def. Tokihayate via yorikiri (frontal force out)
Kinbozan def. Takarafuji via tsukidashi*
Ryuden def. Shodai via yorikiri
Churanoumi def. Kotoshoho via oshidashi (frontal push out)*
Takanosho def. Tomokaze via oshidashi
Tamawashi def. Oho via oshidashi
Tobizaru def. Nishikifuji via oshidashi
Nishikigi def. Gonoyama via yorikiri
Hiradoumi def. Takayasu via tsukiotoshi (thrust down)*
Daieisho def. Mitakeumi via oshidashi*
Atamifuji def. Onosho via hatakikomi (slap down)*
Onosato def. Ura via oshidashi*
Abi def. Meisei via tsukiotoshi
Wakamotoharu def. Oshoma via oshidashi*
Kotozakura def. Shonannoumi via uwatedashinage (pulling over arm throw)
Hoshoryu def. Midorifuji via kotenage (arm lock throw)*
*Must see bouts!
Analysis
Onosato and Kotozakura are now our joint leaders of the basho. Both went to 10-3 on Day 13 with pretty easy wins.
Onosato met Ura and handed him his seventh straight loss (which comes after Ura started the tournament with six straight wins). Onosato is a nightmare of a match-up for Ura and the young komusubi didn’t give the veteran any time or space to go to his back of tricks. Onosato tried to grapple with Hoshoryu yesterday and was rewarded with being thrown flat on his back. He was smarter this time around, though, and decided not to use his new belt grabbing attack against Ura (someone who, like Hoshoryu, could make him pay for that).
Kotozakura was perhaps feeling the pressure to keep pace with Onosato when he met Shonannoumi. He gave the surprising Shonannoumi a henka. A win is a win, but it was an odd choice for Kotozakura who was 3-1 versus Shonannoumi going into this one and had previously shown he is pretty capable of scoring force out victories over him.
Two names lurking behind the leaders, who might still have a shot at this tournament, are Hoshoryu and Daieisho. Hoshoryu threw down Midorifuji in brutal fashion. Last time these two met Midorifuji was able to fool Hoshoryu with a lightning quick katasukashi. And Daieisho powered out Mitakeumi.
Oshoma is also just behind the leaders. He’s looked great in his debut makuuchi tournament. On Day 13 he met his first elite opponent, and lost. Wakamotoharu was able to get his favourite grip on Oshoma and proved too strong for the rookie. Oshoma will see Hoshoryu tomorrow.
Day 14
Results
Sadanoumi def. Roga via uwatenage (over arm throw)
Tokihayate def. Hokutofuji via tsukiotoshi (thrust down)*
Tamawashi def. Churanoumi via oshidashi (frontal push out)*
Shodai def. Tsurugisho via yorikiri (frontal force out)
Takanosho def. Ichiyamamoto via oshidashi
Takarafuji def. Kotoshoho via okuridashi (rear push out)*
Nishikifuji def. Nishikigi via yoritaoshi (frontal crush out) after torinaoshi (rematch)*
Ryuden def. Mitakeumi via yorikiri
Onosho def. Tomokaze via oshidashi
Meisei def. Kinbozan via oshidashi*
Hiradoumi def. Tobizaru via oshitaoshi (frontal push down)*
Gonoyama def. Midorifuji via oshidashi
Atamifuji def. Ura via kotenage (arm lock throw)*
Daieisho def. Takayasu via oshidashi*
Onosato def. Shonannoumi via oshidashi*
Oho def. Wakamotoharu via yorikiri
Hoshoryu def. Oshoma via yorikiri*
Abi def. Kotozakura via oshidashi*
*Must see bouts!
Analysis
This tournament is now Onosato’s to lose. After finishing runner-up in his two first makuuchi tournaments, the short-haired rikishi can make it third time’s a charm tomorrow. He earned this chance today with a win over Shonannoumi. And it wasn’t that hard, either.
Shonannoumi had been over performing to this point. He was brought down to earth with a controversial henka (by Kotozakura) yesterday. However, on this day, Onosato was able to easily collect him, force him back and push him out with a drama-free oshidashi.
If Onosato wins tomorrow against Abi (not a given) he will lift his first ever Emperor’s Cup.
Onosato is in this position because Kotozakura lost on Day 14, falling to that man Abi. Kotozakura looked nervy heading into this one, knowing that he needed a win to keep pace with Onosato. He false started and then, when they did clash, Kotozakura tried to go thrust for thrust with Abi. However, he was too focused on the thrusting and let his defence slip. So when Abi pulled off one of this top tier boundary evasion moves, Kotozakura was unable to prevent himself from being dragged towards the straw. Abi was then able to score the perhaps championship deciding push out.
If Abi beats Onosato tomorrow, he won’t only play spoiler, but he’ll also give himself a shot of winning the cup. He’s on 10-4, along with Kotozakura, Hoshoryu and Daieisho.
Hoshoryu won on Day 14 with a slick half-henka and then rear push out on Oshoma. Daieisho survived Takayasu, beating him in a slap fest, to give himself a shot of winning on the final day.
So, if Onosato beats Abi, he is our champ with a 12-3 score. If Onosato loses he and Abi will be tied with 11-4. If Daieisho beats Kotoshoho he will also have 11-4. Kotozakura faces Hoshoryu tomorrow and the winner of that bout will also have 11-4. All those 11-4 wrestlers will go into a play-off to decide our winner.
If we have four play-off wrestlers there will be a random draw to determine who faces who in the semifinals. If we have three play-off wrestlers (which we will get if Onosato and Daieisho lose) the wrestlers will draw to see who fights who and who is the reserve (who will then face the winner of that first bout).
We have two Darwin matches tomorrow with Tamawashi vs. Ichiyamamoto and Atamifuji vs Takanosho.
Day 15
Results
Roga def. Tokihayate via yoritaoshi (frontal crush out)
Hokutofuji def. Takarafuji via oshidashi (frontal push out)
Ryuden def. Sadanoumi via yorikiri (frontal force out)
Oshoma def. Kinbozan via yorikiri*
Shodai def. Tomokaze via oshidashi
Ichiyamamoto def. Tamawashi via tsukiotoshi (thrust down)*
Nishikigi def. Tsurugisho via yorikiri
Meisei def. Shonannoumi via yorikiri*
Onosho def. Nishikifuji via yorikiri
Oho def. Midorifuji via tsukidashi (frontal thrust out)
Tobizaru def. Churanoumi via hikiotoshi (hand pull down)*
Takayasu def. Gonoyama via uwatedashinage (pulling over arm throw)*
Hiradoumi def. Mitakeumi via yorikiri
Daieisho def. Kotoshoho via hikiotoshi*
Takanosho def. Atamofuji via yorikiri*
Ura def. Wakamotoharu via yorikiri*
Onosato def. Abi via oshidashi*
Kotozakura def. Hoshoryu via kotenage (arm lock throw)*
*Must see bouts!
Analysis
And that’s a wrap! The 2024 summer basho is over and we have our winner. Onosato makes it third time’s a charm, taking home his first ever Emperor’s Cup in just his third top flight tournament. Onosato gets the win this month after two straight tournaments of finishing runner-up. He earned his first title (which will not be his last) with a smart and strong win over Abi.
If he had lost to Abi we would have had a four rikishi play-off involving Onosato, Abi, Daieisho (who beat Kotoshoho) and Kotozakura (who beat Hoshoryu). However, Onosato spared us all that chaos by smartly blocking Abi’s throat thrusts right off the tachiai and then rolling around Abi’s follow up thrusts. This gave him an angle to shoulder barge Abi back a step. Onosato considered grabbing Abi’s belt, but then realized how close they were to the edge and elected for a simple push out to seal the win. Onosato then held his tears as his accomplishment dawned upon him. That’s OK, though, his father wept enough in the stands for both of them.
Onosato also collected Outstanding Performance and Technique prizes. Oshoma, who managed 10 wins in his debut makuuchi tournament, received a Fighting Spirit prize.
Other notable results from Day 15 included Kotozakura throwing down Hoshoryu. He’s now 8-10 versus Hoshoryu. These two have a lot more bouts ahead of them, though.
Daieisho’s win over Kotoshoho is worthy of praise, too. Kotoshoho made it tough for him, but Daieisho showed how much he wanted to get that victory and earn a shot at a play-off. Daieisho was demoted from the san’yaku for this tournament (for the first time in over a year), but he’ll be heading back to komusubi next month thanks to those eleven wins.
Our only Darwin matches were Ichiyamamoto vs. Tamawashi and Atamifuji vs. Takanosho. Ichiyamamoto was able to outlast Tamawashi’s thrusts and score the big win. And Takanosho put on the gas versus Atamifuji and powered him out to claim his kachi-koshi.
On the last day we also saw Ura get a win. He beat Wakamotoharu after he was able to prevent the sekiwake from getting his favoured grip. With double-underhooks Ura was able to power him backwards and out for the yorikiri. Ura gave a big smile after that one. The win snapped an eight fight losing streak (which had followed a six bout winning streak to start off the basho).
That’s it for me now. I hope you enjoyed following this post throughout the 2024 Natsu Basho. If you want more sumo content between tournaments, please consider subscribing to my Substack. On Substack I’ll be doing report cards for every makuuchi wrestler. I’ll also be doing a deep dive on Onosato’s championship winning performance, analyzing how he was able to get those 13 wins.
In the meantime, take care.
Subscribe to Sumo Stomp!
If you’re enjoying this sumo coverage, please consider subscribing to Sumo Stomp! on Substack for free.