Sumo Hatsu Basho: Final results, recap

The 2023 Grand Tournament of Sumo begins this weekend with the Hatsu Basho (New Year Tournament), taking place from January 8th to the 22nd at the historic Ryogoku Kokugikan (sumo hall) in Tokyo.

Bloody Elbow is your home for all the news, highlights and updates as this year’s field of competitors face off for the first time in an attempt to hold or better their place on the banzuke (rankings document).

You can stream this tournament via NHK World, both live and on demand. This can be done on their website via your web browser or the NHK World app on Apple and Android products. The live shows happen around 3 a.m. ET. Highlights are often shown at 11:30 a.m and are then available on demand.

Banzuke (Pre-tournament rankings):

Note: This article will only cover the results from the Makuuchi division. Results for all divisions can be found here.

Day 1 Results

• Takarafuji (#16 East, 1-0) def. Chiyomaru (#16 West, 0-1) via hatakikomi (slap down)
• Tsurugisho (#15 East, 1-0) def. Mitoryu (#15 East. 0-1) via yorikiri (frontal crush out)
• Azumaryu (#14 East, 1-0) def. Kotoeko (#13 East. 0-1) via okuridashi (rear push out)
• Kotoshoho (#13 East, 1-0) def. Ichiyamamoto (#14 East, 0-1) via oshidashi (frontal push out)
• Kagayaki (#12 East, 1-0) def. Okinoumi (#12. 0-1) via oshidashi (frontal push out)
• Tochinoshin (#11 West, 1-0) def. Chiyoshoma (#11 East, 0-1) via yorikiri (frontal crush out)
• Aoiyama (#10 East, 1-0) def. Hiradoumi (#10 West, 0-1) via kotenage (arm lock throw)*
• Takanosho (#9 East. 1-0) def. Endo (#9 West, 0-1) via oshitaoshi (frontal push down)
• Onosho (#8 East, 1-0) def. Oho (#8 West, 0-1) via oshidashi (frontal push out)
• Myogiryu (#6 West, 1-0) def. Ura (#7 East, 0-1) via oshitaoshi (frontal push down)
• Hokutofuji (#6 East, 0-1) def. Nishikigi (#5 West, 0-1) via hatakikomi (slap down)
• Ryuden (#5 West, 0-1) def. Nishikifuhi (#4 East, 0-1) via isamiashi (forward step out)*
• Midorifuji (#3 West, 1-0) def. Sadanoumi (#4 East, 0-1) via uwatenage (over arm throw)*
• Abi (#3 East, 1-0) def. Kotonowaka (Komusubi West, 0-1) via tsukidashi (frontal thrust out)*
• Tamawashi (#2 West, 1-0) def. Kiribayama (Komusubi East, 0-1) via tsukiotoshi (thrust down)*
• Mitakeumi (#2 East, 1-0) def. Shodai (Sekiwake West, 0-1) via yorikiri (frontal force out)
• Daieisho (#1 West, 1-0) def. Takayasu (Sekiwake East, 0-1) via oshidashi (frontal push out)
• Hoshoryu (Sekiwake West, 1-0) def. Tobizaru (#1 East, 0-1) via yorikiri (frontal force out)
• Wakatakakage (Sekiwake East, 1-0) def. Meisei (Komusubi West, 0-1) via yorikiri (frontal force out)*
• Takakeisho (Ozeki West, 1-0) def. Wakamotoharu (Komusubi East, 0-1) via oshidashi (frontal push out)*

*Must see bouts!

Day 2 Results

• Tsurugisho (#15 East, 2-0) def. Chiyomaru (#16 West, 0-2) via yorikiri (frontal force out)
• Takarafuji (#16 West, 2-0) def. Ichiyamamoto (#14 East, 0-2) via hatakikomi (slap down)*
• Azumaryu (#14 West, 2-0) def. Mitoryu (#15 East, 0-2) via uwatenage (over arm throw)
• Kotoshoho (#13 West, 2-0) def. Kagayaki (#12 Eat, 1-1) via yorikiri (frontal force out)*
• Kotoeko (#13 East, 1-1) def. Okinoumi (#12 West, 0-2) via oshidashi (frontal push out)
• Aoiyama (#10 East, 2-0) def. Chiyoshoma (#11 West, 0-2) via kimedashi (arm barring force out)
• Hiradoumi (#10 West, 1-1) def. Tochinoshin (#11 East, 1-1) via uwatenage (over arm throw)
• Onosho (#8 East, 2-0) def. Takanosho (#9 West, 1-1) via oshidashi (frontal push out)*
• Endo (#9 East, 1-1) def. Oho (#8 West, 0-2) via shitatenage (underarm throw)
• Ura (#7 West, 1-1) def. Hokutofuji (#6 East, 1-1) via oshidashi (frontal push out)*
• Nishikigi (#5 West, 1-1) def. Myogiryu (#6 East, 1-1) via oshidashi (frontal push out)
• Nishikifuji (#4 East, 1-1) def. Sadanoumi (#4 West, 0-2) via hatakikomi (slap down)
• Midorifuji (#3 West, 2-0) def. Ryuden (#5 East, 1-1) via katasukashi (under shoulder swing down)*
• Abi (#3 East, 2-0) def. Wakamotoharu (Komusubi West, 0-2) via tsukiotoshi (thrust down)*
• Tamawashi (#2 West, 2-0) def. Meisei (Komusbi East, 0-2) via oshidashi (frontal push out)
• Mitakeumi (#2 East, 2-0) def. Wakatakakage (Sekiwake East. 1-1) via okuridashi (rear push out)
• Daieisho (#1 East, 2-0) def. Shodai (Sekiwake West, 0-2) via tsukidashi (frontal lift out)
• Kiribayama (Komusubi West, 1-1) def. Takayasu (Sekiwake East, 1-1) via oshitaoshi (frontal push down)*
• Hoshoryu (Sekiwake West, 2-0) def. Kotonowaka (Komusubi East, 0-2) via shitatenage (underarm throw)*
• Tobizaru (#1 East) def. Takakeisho (Ozeki West, 1-1) via hatakikomi (slap down)*

*Must see bouts!

Day 3 Results

• Tarakarfuji (#16 East, 3-0) def. Azumaryu (#14 West, 2-1) via yorikiri (frontal force out)
• Ichiyamamoto (#14 East, 1-2) def. Chiyomaru (#16 West, 0-3) via tsukidashi (frontal thrust out)
• Mitoryu (#15 East, 1-2) def. Kotoeko (#13 West, 1-2) via tsukiotoshi (thrust down)*
• Kotoshoho (#13 East, 3-0) def. Tsurugisho (#15 West, 2-1) via hikiotoshi (hand pull down)*
• Tochinoshin (#11 West, 2-1) def. Okinoumi (#12 East, 0-3) via yorikiri (frontal force out)*
• Kagayaki (#12 West, 2-1) def. Chiyoshoma (#11 East, 0-3) via oshidashi (frontal push out)*
• Endo (#9 West, 2-1) def. Hiradoumi (#10 West, 1-2) via tsukidashi (frontal force out)
• Aoiyama (#10 East, 3-0) def. Takanosho (#9 East, 1-2) via hatakikomi (slap down)
• Ura (#7 West, 2-1) def. Oho (#8 West, 0-3) via oshidashi (frontal force out)*
• Onosho (#8 East, 3-0) def. Myogiryu (#6 West, 1-2) via oshidashi (frontal push out)*
• Sadanoumi (#4 West, 1-2) def. Ryuden (#5 East, 1-2) via oshidashi (frontal push out)
• Hokutofuji (#6 East, 2-1) def. Nishikifuji (#4 East, 1-2) via oshidashi (frontal push out)*
• Nishikigi (#5 West, 2-1) def. Midorifuji (#3 West, 2-1) via oshidashi (frontal push out)
• Kiribayama (Komusubi East, 2-1) def. Wakamotoharu (Komusubi West, 0-3) via hatakikomi (slap down)*
• Abi (#3 East, 3-0) def. Meisei (Komusubi East, 0-3) via oshidashi (frontal push out)*
• Hoshoryu (Sekiwake West, 3-0) def. Mitakeumi (#2 East, 2-1) via yorikiri (frontal force out)*
• Wakatakakage (Sekiwake East, 2-1) def. Tobizaru (#1 East, 1-2) via okuridashi (rear push out)*
• Shodai (Sekiwake West, 1-2) def. Kotonowaka (Komusubi West, 0-3) via oshidashi (frontal push out)
• Tamawashi (#2 West, 3-0) def. Takayasu (Sekiwake East, 0-3) via oshidashi (frontal push out)*
• Takakaiesho (Ozeki West, 2-1) def. Daieisho (#1 East, 2-1) via tsukiotoshi (thrust down)*

*Must see bouts!

Day 4 Results

• Mitoryu (#15 West, 2-2) def. Takarafuji (#16 East, 3-1) via oshidashi (frontal push out)
• Azumaryu (#14 West, 3-1) def. Chiyomaru (#16 West, 0-4) via uwatenage (over arm throw)
• Koteoko (13 West, 2-2) def. Tsurugisho (15 East, 2-2) via yorikiri (frontal force out)*
• Ichiyamamoto (#14 East, 2-2) def. Okinoumi (#12 West, 0-4) via hatakikomi (slap down)
• Kotoshoho (#13 East, 4-0) def. Tochinoshin (#11 West, 2-2) via yorikiri (frontal force out)*
• Aoiyama (#10 East, 4-0) def. Kagayaki (#12 East, 2-2) via hikiotoshi (hand pull down)*
• Hiradoumi (#10 West, 2-2) def. Chiyoshoma (#11 East, 0-4) via sukuinage (beltless arm throw)*
• Onosho (#8 East, 4-0) def. Endo (#9 West, 2-2) via oshidashi (frontal push out)*
• Takanosho (#9 East, 2-2) def. Oho (#8 West, 0-4) via okuridashi (rear push out)
• Ryuden (#5 East, 2-2) def. Ura (#7 West, 2-2) via yoritaoshi (frontal crush out)*
• Nishikifuji (#4 East, 2-2) def. Myogiryu (#6 East, 2-2) via hatakikomi (slap down)
• Nishikigi (#5 West, 3-1) def. Sadanoumi (#4 West, 2-2) via oshidashi (frontal push out)
• Hokutofuji (#6 East, 3-1) def. Midorifuji (#3 West, 2-2) via kimedashi (arm barring force out)*
• Kiribayama (Komusubi East, 3-1) def. Kotonowaka (Komusubi West, 0-4) via sukuinage (beltless arm throw)*
• Wakamotoharu (Komusubi West, 1-3) def. Meisei (Komusubi East, 0-4) via oshidashi (frontal push out) after a torinaoshi (rematch) was called due to a no decision in the first bout.*
• Takayasu (Sekiwake East, 1-3) def. Tobizaru (#1 East, 1-3) via tsukidashi (frontal thrust out)
• Hoshoryu (Sekiwake East, 4-0) def. Tamawashi (#2 West, 3-1) via yorikiri (frontal force out)*
• Daiesho (#1 West, 3-1) def. Wakatakakage (Sekiwake East, 2-2) via oshidashi (frontal push out)*
• Abi (#3 East, 4-0) def. Shodai (Sekiwake West, 1-3) via tsukidashi (frontal thrust out)*
• Takakaeisho (Ozeki West, 3-1) def. Mitakeumi (#2 East, 2-2) via oshidashi (frontal push out)*

*Must see bouts!

Day 5 Results

• Ichiyamamoto (#14 East, 3-2) def. Tsurugisho (#15 East, 2-3) via katasukashi (under shoulder swing down)
• Koetoeko (#13 West, 3-2) def. Chiyomaru (#16 West, 0-5) via tsukidashi (frontal thrust out)
• Kotoshoho (#13 East, 5-0) def. Mitoryu (#15 West, 2-3) via yoritaoshi (frontal crush out)*
• Azumaryu (#14 West, 4-1) def. Okinoumi (#12 West, 0-5) via yorikiri (frontal force out)
• Takarafuji (#16 East, 4-1) def. Tochinoshin (#11 West, 2-3) by fusen (default)
• Hiradoumi (#10 West, 3-2) def. Kagayaki (#12 East, 2-3) via yorikiri (frontal force out)
• Endo (#9 West, 3-2) def. Chiyoshoma (#11 East, 0-5) via oshidashi (frontal push out)*
• Aoiyama (#10 East, 5-0) def. Oho (#8 West, 0-5) via uwatenage (over arm throw)*
• Takanosho (#9 East, 3-2) def. Ura (#7 West, 2-3) via hatakikomi (slap down)*
• Ryuden (#5 East, 3-2) def. Onosho (#8 West, 4-1) via yorikiri (frontal force out)*
• Sadanoumi (#4 West, 2-3) def. Hokutofuji (#6 East, 3-2) via oshidashi (frontal push out)*
• Nishikigi (#5 West, 4-1) def. Nishikifuji (#4 East, 2-3) via yoritaoshi (frontal crush out)*
• Midorifuji (#3 West, 3-2) def. Myogiryu (#6 East, 1-4) via uchimuso (inside leg trip)*
• Wakamotoharu (Komusubi West, 2-3) def. Mitakeumi (#2 East, 2-3) via yorikiri (frontal force out)
• Tobizaru (#1 East, 2-3) def. Kiribayama (Komusubi East, 3-2) via tsukiotoshi (frontal thrust out)*
• Mesei (Komusbi East, 1-4) def. Shodai (Sekiwake West, 1-4) via oshidashi (frontal push out)
• Kotonowaka (Komusubi West, 0-4) def. Takayasu (Sekiwake East, 1-4) via oshidashi (frontal force out)*
• Daieisho (#1 East, 4-1) def. Hoshoryu (Sekiwake West, 4-1) via tsukitaoshi (frontal thrust out)*
• Abi (#3 East, 5-0) def. Wakatakakage (Sekiwake East, 2-3) via tsukidashi (frontal thrust out)*
• Takakeisho (Ozeki West, 4-1) def. Tamawashi (#2 East, 3-2) via oshidashi (frontal push out)*

*Must see bouts!

**Bout of the day!

Analysis:

Abi continued to look excellent, bum rushing Wakatakakage to get the quick win. Abi won the last basho of 2021 with a 12-3 record and two play-off victories and he hasn’t slowed down. In this first basho of the year the #3 ranked Maegashira out of the East has beaten three Komusbi and now two Sekiwake. And, other than his day two win over Meisei, they haven’t been close. The man in form looks like the one to beat this month.

Bulgaria’s Aoiyama stayed perfect with a win over the struggling Oho with an uwatenage. The end came after a brutal clash and prolonged slapping duel. The over arm throw is yet another interesting finish from the 10th ranked Maegashira (East). In this tournament he’s already pulled off an armlock throw, and armbarring force out and a hand pull down. Last year he struggled, with only two winning records out of six tournaments.

Kotoshoho, who is only 23, improved to 5-0 with a yoritaoshi over Mitoryu (dropping him to 2-2). The young man looked anxious to get going in this one, causing two false starts before eventually getting the chance to clinch up with Mitoryu. After the larger Mitoryu slapped a hand onto his belt and went for a throw, Kotoshoho was able to hold his ground and clumsily dump his opponent out of the dohyo. Kotoshoho started last year’s campaign well, going 11-4 in the Juryu division last January to earn promotion to the Makuuchi. In the top division he struggled as the season went on, going 7-8 in both September and November.

Ozeki Takakeisho got another win this day, eventually. He and Tamawashi took a while to get in sync with multiple false starts and plenty of gamesmanship. When they did clash, Takakeisho was able to run through Tamawashi. The young Ozeki has had some of the more watchable bouts this basho. His day three clash with Daieisho is an absolute must-see!

Komusubi’s Kotonowaka and Meisei got their first wins of the basho. Kotonowaka got his after a long and arduous battle with Takayasu. Meisei earned his off a quick force out of Shodai.

Hoshoryu had looked excellent all basho, going 4-0, but he suffered his first loss opposite Daieisho. He couldn’t handle Daieisho’s pressure, who stormed forwards and evaded all of Hoshoryu’s attempts to lock on or set up some kind of throw on route to shoving him into the first row.

Tobizaru improved to 2-3 on the basho thanks to a ‘controversial’ henka move against Kiribayama, whose sterling 2021 season earned him Komusubi status last September. Tobizaru deftly sidestepped the younger and higher ranked riksihi and ushered him head first off the dohyo. Some detest this move and would rather see every bout begin with a frightening clash of shoulders and heads. However, the crowd in the arena didn’t mind. They cheered the win (and have been pretty raucous this entire basho).

Popular Georgian rikishi Tochinoshin did not compete on day five, leading to an automatic loss and a win for Takarafuji. On day four Tochonoshin lost to Kotoshoho and appeared to injure his shoulder badly during the force out.

Day 6 Results

• Chiyomaru (#16 West, 1-5) def. Akua (#1 East [Juryo], 0-6) via okuridashi (rear push out)
• Azumaryu (#14 West, 5-1) def. Tsurugisho (#15 East, 2-4) via. yorikiri (frontal force out)*
• Takarafuji (#16 East, 5-1) def. Kotoshoho (#13 East, 5-1) via hatakikomi (slap down)
• Kotoeko (#13 West, 4-2) def. Ichiyamamoto (#14 East, 3-3) via hikiotoshi (hand pull down)*
• Mitoryu (#15 West, 3-3) def. Okinoumi (#12 West, 0-6) via fusen (default)**
• Chiyosoma (#11 East, 1-5) def. Takanosho (#9 East, 3-3) via hansoku (disqualification — hair pulling)*
• Endo (#9 West, 4-2) def. Kagayaki (#12 East, 2-4) via hikiotoshi (hand pull down)
• Onosho (#8 East, 5-1) def. Aoiyama (#10 East, 5-1) via okuridashi (rear push out)*
• Hiradoumi (#10 West, 4-2) def. Oho (#8 West, 0-6) via sukuinage (beltless arm throw)*
• Myogiryu (#6 West, 2-4) def. Hokutofuji (#6 East, 3-3) via hatakikomi (slap down)
• Ryuden (#5 East, 4-2) def. Nishikigi (#5 West, 4-2) via yorikiri (frontal force out)**
• Ura (#7 West, 3-3) def. Sadanoumi (#4 West, 3-3) via yorikiri (frontal force out)
• Mitakeumi (#2 East, 3-3) def. Nishikifuji (#4 East, 2-4) via yorikiri (frontal force out)
• Daieisho (#1 West, 5-1) def. Kiribayama (Komusubi East, 3-3) via oshidashi (frontal push out)
• Kotonowaka (Komusubi West, 2-4) def. Meisei (Komusubi East, 1-5) via hatakikomi (slap down)*
• Wakatakakage (Sekiwake East, 3-3) via Tamawashi (#2 West, 3-3) via hatakikomi (slap sown)
• Shodei (Sekiwake East, 2-4) def. Tobizaru (#1 East, 3-3) via oshidashi (frontal push out)
• Wakamotoharu (Komusubi West, 3-3) def. Takayasu (Sekiwake East, 1-5) via fusen (default)
• Midorifuji (#3 West, 4-2) def. Hoshoryu (Sekiwake West, 4-2) via tsukiotoshi (thrust down)*
• Takakeisho (Ozeki West, 5-1) def. Abi (#3 East, 5-1) via oshidashi (frontal push out)*

*Must see bouts!

**Bout of the day!

**Okinoumi is expected to announce his retirement. He turns 38 in July. His highest ever rank was Sekiwake (2015). He has four gold stars for defeating Yokuzuna (Harumafuji x 3, Kakuryu). Okinoumi owns elder stock, meaning he is eligible to coach in and own a sumo table upon retirement.

Day 7 Results

• Bushozan (Juryu #1 West, 4-3) def. Takarafuji (#16 East, 5-2) via oshitaoshi (frontal push down)
• Ichiyamamoto (#14 East, 4-3) def. Mitoryu (#15 West, 3-4) via oshidashi (frontal push out)
• Kagayaki (#12 East, 3-4) def. Chiyomaru (#16 West, 1-6) via oshidashi (frontal push out)
• Chiyoshoma (#1 East, 5-2) def. Kotoeko (#13 West, 4-3) via hatakikomi (slap down)
• Aoiyama (#10 East, 6-1) def. Tsurugisho (#15 East, 2-5) via oshidashi (frontal push out)
• Kotoshoho (#13 East, 6-1) def. Endo (#9 West, 4-2) via yorikiri (frontal force out)
• Takanosho (#9 East, 4-3) def. Azumaryu (#14 West, 5-2) via oshidashi (frontal push out)
• Onosho (#8 East, 6-1) def. Hiradoumi (#10 West, 4-3) via yorikiri (frontal force out)
• Oho (#8 West, 1-6) def. Myogiryu (#6 West, 2-5) via okuridashi (rear push out)*
• Ura (#7 West, 4-3) def. Nishikigi (#5 West, 4-3) via hikkake (arm grabbing force out)
• Hokutofuji (#6 East, 4-3) def. Ryuden (#5 East, 4-3) via yoritaoshi (frontal crush out)
• Daieisho (#1 West, 6-1) def. Sadanoumi (#6 East, 2-5) via oshitaoshi (frontal push down)*
• Kiribayama (Komusubi East, 4-3) def. Mitakeumi (#2 East, 3-4) via yorikiri (frontal force out)
• Kotonowaka (Komusubi West, 3-4) def. Wakamotaharu (Komusubi West, 3-4) via yorikiri (frontal force out)
• Meisei (#Komusubi East, 2-5) def. Tobizaru (#1 East, 2-5) via oshitaoshi (frontal push down)*
• Hoshoryu (Sekiwake West, 5-2) def. Abi (#3 East, 5-2) via yorikiri (frontal push out)*
• Nishikifuji (#4 East, 3-4) def. Wakatakakage (Sekiwake East, 3-4) via hatakikomi (slap down)
• Tamawashi (#2 West, 4-3) def. Shodei (Sekiwake West, 2-5) via tsukidashi (frontal thrust out)
• Takakeisho (Ozeki West, 6-1) def. Midorifuji (#3 West, 4-3) via kotenage (arm lock throw)**

*Must see bouts!

**Bout of the day!

Day 8 Results

• Hokuseiho (Juryu #2 East, 6-2) def. Mitoryu (#15 West, 3-4) via yorikiri (frontal force out)
• Kotoshoho (#13 East, 7-1) def. Chiyomaru (#16 West, 1-7) via oshidashi (frontal push out)
• Takarafuji (#16 East, 6-2) def. Kotoeko (#13 West, 4-4) via hatakikomi (slap down)
• Ichiyamamoto (#14 East, 5-3) def. Chiyoshoma (#11 East, 2-6) via hatakikomi (slap down)
• Azumaryu (#14 West, 6-2) def. Aoiyama (#10 East, 6-2) via hatakikomi (slap down)
• Hiradoumi (#10 West, 5-3) def. Tsurugisho (#15 East, 2-6) via yorikiri (frontal force out)*
• Kagayaki (#12 East, 4-4) def. Takanosho (#9 East, 4-4) via tsukiotoshi (thrust down)*
• Ura (#7 West, 5-3) def. Endo (#9 West, 4-4) via oshidashi (frontal push out)
• Hokutofuji (#6 East, 5-3) def. Oho (#8 West, 1-7) via yorikiri (frontal push out)*
• Ryuden (#5 East, 5-3) def. Myogiryu (#6 West, 2-6) via kimedashi (arm barring force out)
• Nishikigi (#5 West, 5-3) def. Onosho (#8 East, 6-2) via yorikiri (frontal force out)
• Tamawashi (#2 West, 5-3) def. Mitakeumi (#2 East, 3-5) via yorikiri (frontal force out)
• Meisei (Komusubi East, 3-5) def. Daieisho (#1 West, 6-2) via okuridashi (rear push out)*
• Tobizaru (#1 East, 3-5) def. Kotonowaka (Komusubi West, 3-5) via kekaeshi (minor inner foot sweep)*
• Kiribayama (Komusubi East. 5-3) def. Abi (#3 East, 5-3) via oshidashi (frontal push out)
• Wakamotoharu (Komusubi West, 4-4) def. Shodei (Sekiwake West, 2-5) via yorikiri (frontal force out)
• Hoshoryu (Sekiwake West, 6-2) def. Sadanoumi (#4 West, 2-6) via okuritaoshi (rear push down)*
• Wakatakakage (Sekiwake East, 4-4) def. Midorifuji (#3 West, 4-4) via okuridashi (rear push out)
• Takakeisho (Ozeki West, 7-1) def. Nishikifuji (#4 East, 3-5) via hatakikomi (slap down)**

*Must see bouts!

**Bout of the day!

Day 9 Results

• Chiyomaru (#16 West, 2-7) def. Mitoryu (#15 West, 3-6) via oshidashi (frontal push out)
• Tsurugisho (#15 East, 3-6) def. Atamifuji (Juryo #3, 3-6) via yorikiri (frontal force out)
• Kagayaki (#12 East, 5-4) def. Azumaryu (#14 West, 6-3) via tsukidashi (frontal thrust out)
• Chiyoshoma (#11 East, 3-6) def. Takarafuji (#16 East, 6-3) via oshidashi (frontal push out)
• Hiradoumi (#10 West, 6-3) def. Kotoshoho (#13 East, 7-2) via shitatenage (underarm throw)*
• Ichiyamamoto (#14 East, 6-3) def. Aoiyama (#10 East, 6-3) via tsukidashi (frontal thrust out)
• Endo (#9 West, 5-4) def. Kotoeko (#13 East, 4-5) via shitatedashinage (pulling underarm throw)*
• Myogiryu (#6 West, 3-6) def. Takanosho ($9 East, 4-5) via oshidashi (frontal push out)
• Onosho (#8 East, 7-2) def. Hokutofuji (#6 East, 5-4) via oshidashi (frontal push out)
• Nishikigi (#5 West, 6-2) def. Oho (#8 West, 1-8) via yoritaoshi (frontal crush out)*
• Ura (#7 West, 6-3) def. Nishikifuji (#4 East, 3-6) via hatakikomi (slap down)
• Midorifuji (#3 West, 5-4) def. Abi (#3 East, 5-4) via okuridashi (rear push out)
• Tamawashi (#2 West, 6-3) def. Tobizaru (#1 East, 3-6) via oshidashi (frontal push out)
• Mitakeumi (#2 East, 4-5) def. Meisei (Komusubi East, 3-6) via yorikiri (frontal force out)
• Kotonowaka (Komusubi West, 4-5) def. Daieisho (#1 West, 6-3) via oshidashi (frontal push out)*
• Wakatakakage (Sekiwake East, 5-4) def. Ryuden (#5 West, 5-4) via hatakikomi (slap down)*
• Shodai (Sekiwake West, 3-6) def. Kiribayama (Komusubi East, 5-4) via hikiotoshi (hand pull down)
• Wakamotoharu (Komusubi East, 5-4) def. Hoshoryu (Sekiwake West, 3-6) via hikiotoshi (hand pull down)**
• Takakeisho (Ozeki West, 8-1) def. Sadanoumi (#4 East, 2-7) via oshidashi (frontal push out)*

*Must see bouts!

**Bout of the day!

Day 10 Results

• Azumaryu (#14 West, 7-3) def. Daiamami (Juryo #2 West, 2-8) via oshidashi (frontal push out)
• Kotoeko (#13 West, 5-5) def. Kagayaki (#12 East, 5-5) via tsukidashi (frontal thrust out)
• Chiyoshoma (#11 East, 4-6) def. Mitoryu (#15 West, 3-7) via yorikiri (frontal force out)
• Hiradoumi (#10 West, 7-3) def. Ichiyamamoto (#14 East, 6-4) via oshidashi (frontal push out)
• Endo (#9 West, 6-4) def. Takarafuji (#16 East, 6-4) via okuridashi (rear push out)*
• Tsurugisho (#15 East, 4-6) def. Oho (#8 East, 1-9) via uwatenage (over arm throw)
• Kotoshoho (#13 East, 8-2) def. Ura (#7 West, 6-4) via tsukiotoshi (thrust down) after a torinaoshi (rematch) was called due to a no decision in the first bout.**
• Hokutofuji (#6 East, 6-4) def. Aoiyama (#10 East, 6-4) via yorikiri (frontal force out)
• Myogiryu (#6 West, 4-6) def. Chiyomaru (#16 West, 2-8) via oshitaoshi (frontal push down)
• Nishikigi (#5 West, 7-3) def. Takanosho (#9 East, 4-6) via yorikiri (frontal force out)
• Onosho (#8 East, 8-2) def. Nishikifuji (#14 East, 3-7) via yorikiri (frontal force out)
• Abi (#3 East, 6-4) def. Ryuden (#5 East, 5-5) via hatakikomi (slap down)*
• Tamawashi (#2 West, 7-3) def. Daieisho (#1 West, 6-4) via tsukiotoshi (thrust down)*
• Wakamotoharu (Komusubi West, 6-4) def. Tobizaru (#1 East, 3-7) via oshidashi (frontal push out)
• Mitakeumi (#2 East, 5-5) def. Kotonowaka (Komusubi West, 4-6) via oshidashi (frontal push out)
• Kiribayama (Komusubi East, 6-4) def. Hoshoryu (Sekiwake West, 6-4) by fusen (default)
• Sadanoumi (#4 West, 3-7) def. Wakatakakage (Sekiwake East, 5-5) via yorikiri (frontal force out)*
• Shodai (Sekiwake West, 4-6) def. Midorifuji (#3 West, 5-5) bia kimedashi (arm barring force out)*
• Takakeisho (Ozeki West, 9-1) def. Meisei (Komusubi East, 3-7) via kotenage (arm lock throw)*

*Must see bouts!

**Bout of the day!

Analysis:

Ozeki Takakeisho has taken this basho by the scruff of its neck and used it to build another strong case for his candidacy for Yokozuna. He has looked incredible all tournament and has thrown down in some of the most exciting bouts this far (vs. Nishikifuji, Midorifuji and Daieisho). The round mound of rage has been a terrifying presence inside the dohyo and was the first to reach kachi-kochi (winning record). After pasting Meisei today he moved to 9-1. The only blemish was a hatakikomi loss to Tobizaru on day two.

The only other riskishi to achieve kachi-kochi is Kotoshoho, who did so today with a thrilling win over Ura. The bout was initially a draw, when Kotoshoho and Ura flung each other out the ring and touched down more or less at the same time. A rematch was called and Kotoshoho upped his intensity, a tonne, smashing Ura with palms before creating an opening for a thrust down. The 23-year-old had a hot start to last year before a string of make-kachi (losing records) saw his ranking slump over and over again. This tournament’s performance will see him promoted and on his path back to the higher Maegashira ranks (his highest was #3 back in January 2021).

Other wrestlers who were looking great on day five have had dissapointing runs since then. Abi, who looks dominant, lost four straight before rescuing a win today versus Ryuden (thanks to some slick footwork). Hoshoryu went 2-2 since our last check in and suffered an injury on day 9, spraining his ankle during an attempt to throw Wakamotoharu. He defaulted on his bout with Kiribayama today to drop his record to 6-3. If he’s out of the tournament it would be a massive blow to his hopes of progressing to Ozeki in the near future.

Tochinoshin and Takayasu, who were injured earlier on in the basho have now gotten make-kachi for all the bouts they have missed. Other rikishi with a confirmed losing record are Chiyomaru, Oho and Okinoumi (who retired from the sport on day six). Yokuzuna Teunofuji and Ichinojo also have losing 0-0-10 records for not attending this basho for injury and suspension respectively.

Day 11 Results:

• Ichiyamamoto (#14 East, 7-4) def. Oshoma (Juryo #3 West, 5-6) via okuridashi (rear push out)
• Chiyoshoma (#11 East, 5-6) def. Tsurugisho (#15 West, 4-7) via yorikiri (frontal force out)*
• Mitoryu (#15 East, 4-7) def. Hiradoumi (#10 West, 7-4) via abisetaoshi (backward force down)*
• Takarafuji (#16 West, 7-4) def. Aoiyama (#10 East, 6-5) via hatakikomi (slap down)
• Endo (#9 West, 7-4) def. Azumaryu (#14 East, 7-4) via uwatenage (over arm throw)*
• Chiyomaru (#16 East, 3-8) def. Oho (#8 West, 1-10) via oshidashi (frontal push out)
• Onosho (#8 East, 9-2) def. Kotoshoho (#13 West, 8-3) via sukuinage (beltless arm throw)*
• Kagayaki (#12 East, 6-5) def. Ura (#7 West, 6-5) via tsukidashi (thrust down)*
• Kotoeko (#13 East, 6-5) def. Myogiryu (#6 West, 4-7) via yorikiri (frontal force out)
• Takanosho (#9 West, 5-6) def. Hokutofuji (#6 East, 6-5) via oshitaoshi (frontal push down)
• Tamawashi (#2 West, 8-3) def. Nishikigi (#5 East) via tsukidashi (thrust down)*
• Ryuden (#5 West, 6-5) def. Mitakeumi (#2 East, 5-6) via oshidashi (frontal push out)
• Tobizaru (#1 East, 4-7) def. Abi (#3 East, 6-5) via isamiashi (forward step out)*
• Daieisho (#1 East, 7-4) def. Wakamotoharu (Komusubi West, 6-5) via tsukiotoshi (frontal thrust down)
• Meisei (Komusubi East, 4-7) def. Midorifuji (#3 West, 5-6) via yorikiri (frontal force out)
• Shodai (Sekiwake West, 5-6) def. Sadanoumi (#4 East, 3-8)via oshidashi (frontal push out)
• Hoshoryu (Sekiwake West, 7-4) def. Nishikirfuji (#4 East, 3-8) via yorikiri (frontal force out)*
• Kiribayama (Komusubi West, 7-4) def. Wakatakakage (Sekiwake East, 5-6) via tottari (arm bar throw)*
• Kotonowaka (Komusubi East, 5-6) def. Takakeisho (Ozeki, 9-2) via oshitaoshi (frontal push down)**

*Must see bouts!

**Bout of the day!

Day 12 Results

• Tohakuryu (Juryo #4 West, 8-4) def. Chiyomaru (#16 West, 3-9) via hansoku (disqualification due to hair pull)
• Kagayaki (#12 East, 7-5) def. Takarafuji (#16 East, 7-5) via oshidashi (frontal push out)
• Aoiyama (#10 East, 7-5) def. Kotoeko (#13 West, 6-6) via kotenage (arm lock throw)
• Azumaryu (#14 West, 8-4) def. Hiradoumi (#10 West, 7-5) via uwatenage (over arm throw)
• Tsurugisho (#15 East, 5-7) def. Takanosho (#9 East, 5-7) via okuridashi (rear push out)
• Endo (#9 West, 8-4) def. Ichiyamoto (#14 East, 7-5) via oshidashi (frontal push out)
• Mitoryu (#15 West, 5-7) def. Oho (#8 West, 1-11) via okuridashi (rear push out)
• Hokutofuji (#6 East, 7-5) def. Chiyoshoma (#11 East, 5-7) via oshidashi (frontal push out)
• Kotoshoho (#13 East, 9-3) def. Nishikigi (#5 West, 7-5) via sukuinage (beltless arm throw)*
• Abi (#3 East, 705) def. Ura (#7 West, 6-6) via hatakikomi (slap down)*
• Onosho (#8 East, 10-2) def. Tamawashi (#2 West, 8-4) via oshidashi (frontal push out)*
• Tobizaru (#1 East, 5-7) def. Myogiryu (#6 West, 4-8) via oshidashi (frontal push out)
• Daiesho (#1 West, 8-4) def. Mitakeumi (#2 East, 5-7) via oshidashi (frontal push out)
• Sadanoumi (#4 West, 4-8) def. Meisei (Komusubi East, 4-8) via hatakikomi (slap down)
• Midorifuji (#3 West, 6-6) def. Wakamotoharu (Komusubi West, 6-6) via oshidashi (frontal push out)*
• Wakatakakage (Sekiwake East, 6-6) def. Kotonowaka (Komusubi West, 5-7) via yorikiri (frontal force out)
• Shodai (Sekiwake West, 6-6) def. Nishikifuji (#4 East, 3-9) via yorikiri (frontal force out)
• Ryuden (#5 East, 7-5) def. Hoshoryu (Sekiwake West, 7-5) via yorikiri (frontal force out)**
• Kiribayama (Komusubi East, 8-4) def. Takakeisho (Ozeki West, 9-3) via sukuinage (beltless arm throw)*

*Must see bouts!

**Bout of the day!

Day 13 Results and Full Bout Replays:

• Enho (Juryo #4 West, 7-6) def. Mitoryu (#15 West, 5-8) via tsukidashi (frontal thrust out)*
• Ichiyamamoto (#14 East, 8-5) def. Kagayaki (#12 East, 7-6) via yorikiri (frontal force out)
• Azumaryu (#14 West, 8-5) def. Chiyoshoma (#11, 5-8) via uwatenage (over arm throw)*
• Aoiyama (#10 East, 8-5) def. Endo (#9 West, 8-5) via oshitaoshi (frontal push down)
• Takanosho (#6 East, 6-7) def. Chiyomaru (#16 West, 3-10) via yorikiri (frontal force out)
• Kotoeko (#13 West, 7-6) def. Ura (#7 West, 6-7) via yoritaoshi (frontal crush out)
• Tsurugisho (#15 East, 6-7) def. Myogiryu (#6 West, 4-9) via hatakikomi (slap down)
• Nishikigi (#5 West, 8-5) def. Takarafuji (#16 East, 7-6) via sukuinage (beltless arm throw)
• Oho (#8 West, 2-11) def. Sadanoumi (#4 West, 4-9) via hatakikomi (slap down)
• Kotoshoho (#13 East, 10-3) def. Abi (#3 East, 7-6) via tsukiotoshi (thrust down)
• Daieisho (#1 West, 9-4) def. Hiradoumi (#10 West, 7-6) via tsukidashi (frontal thrust out)**
• Tobizaru (#1 East, 6-7) def. Mitakeumi (#2 East, 5-8) via shitatenage (underarm throw)*
• Wakamotoharu (Komusubi West, 7-6) def. Hokutofuji (#6 East, 7-6) via yorikiri (frontal force out)
• Nishikifuji (#4 East, 4-9) def. Meisei (Komusubi East, 4-9) via sukuinage (beltless arm throw)
• Kiribayama (Koumusubi East, 9-4) def. Midorifuji (#3 West, 6-7) via yoritaoshi (frontal crush out)
• Wakaktakakage (Sekiwake East, 7-6) def. Hoshoryu (Sekiwake West, 7-6) bia sukuinage (beltless arm throw)*
• Ryuden (#5 East, 8-5) def. Shodai (Sekiwake West, 6-7) via yorikiri (frontal force out)
• Takakeisho (Ozeki West, 10-3) def. Onosho (#8 East, 10-3) via oshidashi (frontal push out)*

*Must see bouts!

**Bout of the day!

Day 14 Results and Full Bout Replays:

• Tsurugisho (#15 East, 7-7) def. Kinbozan (#5 Juryo East, 11-3) via yorikiri (frontal force out)
• Ichiyamamoto (#14 East, 9-5) def. Azumaryu (#14 West, 9-5) via oshidashi (frontal push out)
• Hiradoumi (#10 West, 8-6) def. Kotoeko (#13 West, 7-7) via yorikiri (frontal force out)*
• Mitoryu (#15 West, 6-8) def. Takanosho (#9 East, 6-8) via yorikiri (frontal force out)
• Takarafuji (#16 East, 8-6) def. Hokutofuji (#6 East, 7-7) via hatakikomi (slap down)*
• Ryuden (#5 East, 9-5) def. Chitoshoma (#11 East, 5-9) via yorikiri (frontal force out)*
• Nishikigi (#5 West, 9-5) def. Aoiyama (#10 East, 8-6) via oshidashi (frontal push out)
• Oho (#8 West, 3-11) def. Nishikifuji (#4 East, 4-10) via oshidashi (frontal push out)
• Sadanoumi (#4 West, 5-9) def. Chiyomaru (#16 West, 3-11) via oshidashi (frontal push out)
• Endo (#9 West, 9-5) def. Abi (#3 East, 7-7) via yorikiri (frontal force out)
• Mitakeumi (#2 East, 6-8) def. Ura (#7 West, 7-7) via okuridashi (rear push out)
• Tobizaru (#1 East, 7-7) def. Kagayaki (#12 West, 7-7) via oshidashi (frontal push out)
• Kotoshoho (#13 East, 11-3) def. Daiesho (#1 West, 9-5) via yorikiri (frontal force out)*
• Kiribayama (Komusubi East, 10-4) def. Onosho (#8 West, 10-4) via tsukiotoshi (thrust down)*
• Wakamotoharu (Komusubi West, 8-6) def. Tamawashi (#2 West, 8-6) via oshidashi (frontal push out)
• Myogiryu (#6 West, 5-9) def. Meisei (Komusubi East, 4-10) via hatakikomi (slap down)
• Kotonowaka (#Komusubi West, 7-7) def. Midorifuji (#3 West, 6-8) via tsukidashi (frontal thrust out)
• Wakatakakage (Sekiwake East, 8-6) def. Shodai (Sekiwake West, 6-8) via oshitaoshi (frontal push down)**
• Takakeisho (Ozeki West, 11-3) def. Hoshoryu (Sekiwake West, 7-7) via hatakikomi (slap down)*

*Must see bouts!

**Bout of the day!

Final Day Results and Full Bout Replays:

• Chiyomaru (#16 West, 4-11) def. Daiamami (#2 Juryo East, 5-10) via hikiotoshi (hand pull down)
• Oho (#8 West, 4-11) def. Kagayaki (#12 East, 7-8) via yorikiri (frontal force out)*
• Ura (#7 West, 7-8) def. Azumaryu (#14, 9-6) via oshidashi (frontal push out)
• Sadanoumi (#4 West, 6-9) def. Chiyoshoma (#11 East, 5-10) via yorikiri (frontal force out)
• Ichiyamamoto (#14 East, 10-5) def. Nishikifuji (#4 East, 4-11) via hatakikomi (slap down)
• Mitoryu (#15 West, 7-8) def. Midorifuji (#3, 6-9) via hatakikomi (slap down)
• Abi (#3 East, 8-7) def. Tsurugisho (#15 East, 7-8) via tsukidashi (frontal thrust out)*
• Tamawashi (#2 West, 9-6) def. Hiradoumi (#10 West, 8-7) via oshidashi (frontal push out)
• Mitakeumi (#2 East, 7-8) def. Takarafuji (#16 East, 8-7) via oshidashi (frontal push ouy)
• Daieisho (#1 West, 10-5) def. Aoiyama (#10 East, 8-7) via oshidashi (frontal push out)
• Tobizaru (#1 East, 8-7) def. Kotoeko (#13 West, 7-8) via tsukidashi (frontal thrust out)*
• Wakamotoharu (Komusubi West, 9-6) def. Endo (#9 East, 9-6) via yorikiri (frontal force out)
• Meisei (Komusubi East, 5-10) def. Takanosho (#9 West, 6-9) via okuridashi (rear push out)
• Kotonowaka (Komusubi West, 8-7) def, Hokutofuji (#6 East, 7-8) via yorikiri (frontal force out)
• Kiribayama (Komusubi East, 11-4) def. Ryuden (#5 West, 9-6) via yorikiri (frontal force out)*
• Myogiryu (#6 West, 6-9) def. Shodai (Sekiwake West, 6-9) via yorikiri (frontal force out)
• Hoshoryu (Sekiwake West, 8-7) def. Onosho (#8 East, 10-5) via hansoku (disqualification for hair pull)*
• Wakatakakage (Sekiwake East, 9-6) def. Nishikigi (#5 West, 9-6) via hatakikomi (slap down)*
• Takakaeisho (Ozeki West, 12-3) def. Kotoshoho (#13 East, 11-4) via sukuinage (over arm throw)**

*Must see bouts!

**Bout of the day!

Analysis

What a tournament! Incredible bouts from day one to fifteen with some fantastic performances and thrilling storylines. The lead story out of this one has to be Takekeisho, who was crowned tournament champion on the final day with a win over Kotoshoho, earning him a 12-3 record and giving him a slight chance of Yokuzuna status when the next banzuke rankings are released next month.

Takekeisho has had an impressive Ozeki career, but has yet to put his stamp on competition like he did this one. He got off to a 9-1 start before dropping a couple of matches. If he hadn’t slipped during a few bouts he may have gotten a better chance at a quick(er) promotion. However, he’s still in a great position to realize his goal of being Yokuzana. Winning two championships in a row is viewed as an ironclad case for promotion, so expect Takakeisho to be extremely motivated for the spring-time basho.

Takakeisho’s win came over his former highschool classmate, the 23-year-old Kotoshoho who was phenomenal this tournament and rightfully earned the kanto-sho (fighting spirit award) for his gutsy and bruising victories. Kotoshoho, who came into this one ranked 13th in the east, was also in line for the shukun-sho (outstanding performance award) had he managed to get past his former sempei.

The championship bout was a quick one. Takakeisho chose not to blitz with the brutal slaps we’d seen him bloody up plenty of opponents with this month, maybe that was a sign of his fondness for his opponent. After they locked up, Kotoshoho tried to get a hold of Takakeisho’s mawashi, but he just couldn’t reach. As soon as Takakeisho sensed Kotoshoho did not have a hold of him, he artfully pivoted and sent Kotoshoho to the ground with a beautiful over arm throw. When Kotoshoho made it to his feet, the Ozeki tapped him on the arm — a subtle gesture, but a rare one in sumo. It told Kotoshoho that he’d earned plenty of respect this month.

The only other award winner this basho was Kiribayama who earned the gino-sho (technique prize) after a yorikiri victory over Ryuden. Kiribayama, a Komusubi, was one of the few higher-ranks to get an impressive record in this tournement, going 11-4. Many of the other Komusubi and Sekiwake squeaked their ways to kachi-koshi.

With many san’yaku struggling, but ultimately holding fast there might not be too much action at the top of the next banzuke. That comes out on February 27. Bloody Elbow will be there to cover it and future bashos (this has been a blast).

About the author: Tim Bissell is a writer, editor and deputy site manager for Bloody Elbow (and lead sumo writer). He has covered combat sports since 2015. Tim covers news and events and has also written longform and investigative pieces. (full bio)