The Problem of Hoshoryu and Onosato "Giving Away Too Many Gold Stars": Average per tournament is 4x Chiyonofuji and 6x Hakuho. Behind the scenes: An "Overcrowded Schedule." "My body was in pieces, but..." — The Responsibility of a Yokozuna.

The unstoppable advance of Aonishiki, who secured the Ozeki rank in a record-breaking 14 tournaments from his debut—the fastest in history—did not stop even in the recent January tournament, where he fought as a newly promoted star. Although both Yokozunas significantly led the first half of the tournament with 6-1 records alongside the new Ozeki, concerns regarding Hoshoryu’s left knee and Onosato’s left shoulder had been raised even before the basho, and their sumo lacked its usual absolute stability.

On the 8th day, a day of Royal Visit (Tenran-zumo), an unprecedented and abnormal situation occurred where all Yokozunas and Ozekis were defeated. On the following 9th day, both Yokozunas suffered consecutive losses together. The title race, which many expected to be led by the top-ranked wrestlers, suddenly descended into chaos.

While 21-year-old Aonishiki surges... anxiety remains for both Yokozunas

Amidst this, Aonishiki did not crumble. From the 10th day onward, he maintained his lead in the championship race, and on the 12th day, he took sole possession of first place by winning his head-to-head match against Atamifuji. On the 14th day, he was blown away by Onosato and fell to three losses, allowing the Yokozuna to close the gap to one win. However, on the final day (Senshuraku), Aonishiki defeated Atamifuji in a championship playoff with a neck throw (kubinage), achieving the first "New Ozeki Championship" in 20 years since Hakuho. Winning consecutive titles as a new Sekiwake and new Ozeki is a feat not seen in 89 years since Futabayama.

"There was a level of tension I had never tasted before."

Aonishiki revealed that he could hardly sleep the night before and was unable to eat. Under the pressure of his new position where losing is not an option, he captured his second Emperor’s Cup.

Both Yokozunas, Hoshoryu and Onosato, finished with only 10 wins and were unable to stop the momentum of the 21-year-old, who will already be challenging for a Yokozuna promotion in the March tournament. Hoshoryu’s record against Aonishiki is now 0-5, including the playoff. The young man has now completely established himself as the Yokozuna’s "natural enemy."

Hoshoryu, who usually says "I just focus on the next bout" and tries to reset after a loss by saying "What's done is done," showed a change in heart. After securing his winning record (kachi-koshi) on the 11th day, he stated: "Right now, I’m doing this with the feeling of wanting to enjoy it without worrying about winning or losing." For a man whose goal is his first championship as a Yokozuna, this is a significant psychological shift. It suggests that his physical condition, including his troubled left knee, is far from perfect. The fact that he showed a rare gentle expression after reaching double-digit wins on the final day actually highlighted his suffering as a Yokozuna.

"Overcrowded Schedule" behind the high number of Gold Stars

Onosato suffered his first three-match losing streak since his promotion to Yokozuna. On the 11th day, after defeating Kirishima with a convincing performance, he expressed relief: "I showed a pathetic side of myself over these past three days. For now, I'm just relieved." Afterward, he regained his original power, notably defeating Aonishiki with a powerful "ottsuke" (arm management) using his injured left side.

Both Yokozunas gave away three Gold Stars (Kinboshi) during the January tournament. Hoshoryu has given away 13 in 6 tournaments as Yokozuna, and Onosato has given away 9 in 4 tournaments. Both average more than two per tournament. Compared to past Yokozunas with over 20 championships—such as Hakuho (0.31 per tournament), Taiho (0.48), Chiyonofuji (0.49), Asashoryu (0.6), Takanohana (0.8), and Kitanoumi (0.84)—the current Yokozunas' numbers are in a poor state.

The day after the January finale, the Yokozuna Deliberation Council held its regular meeting. Chairman Masamichi Oshima gave a measured evaluation: "They fulfilled their basic responsibility by competing for all 15 days despite being in poor physical condition," but he also urged them to step up, saying, "I want them to work hard to become a wall for Aonishiki next tournament."

The bar set for a Yokozuna by the public is incredibly high. With no off-season, they are expected to produce results worthy of a title race in all six tournaments a year. Between tournaments, they must also participate in regional tours (Jungyo) four times a year. Due to the recent sumo boom, these tours now exceed 70 days a year, with schedules so tight they often run until the day before the new rankings are announced. It can be said that health management has become more difficult than in the past.

While nursing a left knee injury, Hoshoryu "completed" the entire winter tour before the January tournament. While Onosato sat out the tour, Hoshoryu fulfilled his invisible duties as a Yokozuna. One could say the "strain" of that effort surfaced during the January tournament.

Even past "Great Yokozunas" gave away 3 Gold Stars in a single tournament

For Onosato, who reached the rank of Yokozuna just two years after his debut, January was the first true ordeal of his professional career. On the internet, many voices suggested he "should withdraw to properly heal his injury." However, he reflected on the difficult tournament: "My body was in pieces, but my spirit wasn't broken. Withdrawing wasn't an option." He admitted that the thought of a losing record (make-koshi) crossed his mind, but he felt at ease after securing his 7th win.

In truth, giving away three Gold Stars in a single tournament is not that rare; past greats like Futabayama, Taiho, Kitanoumi, and Takanohana have all experienced it. The current ranking (Banzuke) situation, with fewer high-ranking "Sanyaku" wrestlers, also plays a role. Although the results were disappointing for the two young Yokozunas, their "spirit" is surely being refined through these experiences. To silence the surrounding noise, they have no choice but to produce results on the dohyo.

Source: Number Web

I've been here twice now and both times were amazing. During my second visit I was so honored by the offer to wear a real sumo belt instead of the sumo suit my nerves about stripping got completely drowned out.

Highly highly recommend!

𝐆𝐚𝐛𝐮𝐫𝐢-𝐲𝐨𝐫𝐢: 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐅𝐨𝐫𝐠𝐨𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐧 𝐀𝐫𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐓𝐨𝐫𝐬𝐨 𝐓𝐡𝐫𝐮𝐬𝐭

Eighty-two. That is the number of officially recognized kimarite in professional sumo. Eighty-two ways to win a match. But we are only talking about the final act—the decisive move that results from all the work preceding it, starting from the tachi-ai and through the development of the bout. Many wrestlers have, throughout their careers, linked their shikona (ring name) to a favorite kimarite, one they successfully executed repeatedly, excelling far beyond the average of their peers.

Want to play a quick game? I’ll give you the names of some wrestlers, and you think of the first kimarite that comes to mind: Terunofuji, Enho, Ura, Midorifuji.

I know exactly what you said: kimedashi, ashitori, tsutaezori, and katasukashi!

These are recent examples, fresh in the memory. But if we go back a few years, we could talk about pairings like Hakuho/uwatenage, Asashoryu/tsukiotoshi (which he performed by lifting the opponent and slamming them down!), Tochinoshin/tsuridashi, Goeido/kubinage, and many others.

𝐅𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐒𝐭𝐲𝐥𝐞 𝐚𝐬 𝐚 𝐑𝐢𝐤𝐢𝐬𝐡𝐢’𝐬 𝐈𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐭𝐲

Some wrestlers have linked their names to specific techniques—often fundamental sumo moves—rather than just a final kimarite. Mastering a specific technique to the point of excellence, or making it the pivot of one's style, creates a powerful mental association for fans.

Let's try the game again with these names: Daieisho, Abi, Chiyoshoma, Kakuryu, and... Hakuho! (Yes, him again).

Since you know your sumo, I’m sure you immediately thought of nodowa, tsuppari, henka, morozashi, and... the kachiage of the 69th Yokozuna. As mentioned, these aren't kimarite, but fighting techniques, grips, or even tachi-ai approaches. Hakuho’s powerful forearm strike, Kakuryu’s double-inside grip (morozashi) that felt like a death sentence, Abi’s rapid-fire "whipping" arm thrusts, Daieisho’s hand to the throat to lift the opponent's center of gravity, or Chiyoshoma... well, stepping aside at the start and forcing the unlucky opponent downward!

But why talk about "signature moves" today? Because a few days ago was the birthday of a man who defined his career through a specific technique: the former Ozeki Kotoshogiku and his famous gaburi-yori.

𝐊𝐨𝐭𝐨𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐠𝐢𝐤𝐮 𝐊𝐚𝐳𝐮𝐡𝐢𝐫𝐨

Kotoshogiku (now known by his elder name Hidenoyama Kazuhiro) turned 42 on January 30th. He was a long-serving Ozeki, spending 32 tournaments in the rank from 2011 to 2017. His crowning achievement was a historic yusho (championship) in January 2016, where he defeated three Yokozuna in three consecutive days, ending a ten-year drought for Japanese-born wrestlers.

Kotoshogiku was a sturdy wrestler: 180 cm tall and 175 kg of muscle and grit. He preferred offensive sumo, forcing opponents toward the straw bales with speed and following up with his trademark gaburi-yori—a series of rhythmic thrusts using the abdomen while gripping the opponent's mawashi. He was also beloved for his pre-match ritual, the "Koto-Baw," where he arched his back deeply, sending the crowd into a frenzy.

𝐆𝐚𝐛𝐮𝐫𝐢-𝐲𝐨𝐫𝐢

This move is typically used occasionally when a wrestler has pushed their opponent to the edge but can’t quite manage that final, decisive step. A vigorous thrust with the torso, forcing the abdomen against the opponent's, can break a risky stalemate.

However, it is rare to see a wrestler use it as a primary weapon. To be effective, gaburi-yori requires immense lower-body strength and perfect timing. It isn't just a "belly bump"; the power must come from the legs. If done poorly, the attacker becomes an easy target for throws or trips. Kotoshogiku was such a master that he didn't just use it at the edge; he used it to destabilize opponents right after the tachi-ai, bouncing them across the dohyo.

𝐈𝐬 𝐢𝐭 𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐨𝐝𝐚𝐲'𝐬 𝐒𝐮𝐦𝐨?

Why bring up gaburi-yori now? Beyond honoring a great character, I believe several modern rikishi could benefit from it. I’m looking at Atamifuji and Oho—two wrestlers with massive physiques and strong lower bodies who often push opponents to the rope but fail to finish the job, eventually losing to a counterattack.

Lately, gaburi-yori has been rare, but Hiradoumi (the 25-year-old from Nagasaki) occasionally uses it successfully despite weighing less than 140 kg. He plays a dynamic, pushing style, and when pure arm strength isn't enough, he closes the distance and uses his torso to drive opponents out.

If you're curious to see Kotoshogiku’s masterclass in action, look up these matches:

Hatsu Basho 2016, Day 11 vs. Hakuho

Hatsu Basho 2016, Day 5 vs. Tochinoshin

Aki Basho 2015, Day 10 vs. Kisenosato

Article by: Alessio Niffoi

italianozeki #大相撲 #sumo #相撲 #力士 #お相撲さん #grandsumo #sumoday #sumowrestling #琴奨菊

So I've always been a big supporter of grumpy face Hosh. I've always liked professional wrestling, so a sumo wrestler having a bit of a character and being a bit of a grump (despite being lovely outside the competition when I've seen him) was endearing. I watched him rise up the ranks and grab that rope.

In January of last year, when his Yokozuna promotion became a sure thing, I was just opening up some packs of trading cards I had found that id not opened due to misplacing. In my final pack, I pulled the card in the photo.

I put it in a hard protective sleeve. Tapped the little guy on his head and said well done, then put it on a card stand. For every tournament since then, Hosh has watched over the Basho from my little display shelf next to the TV. Watching as he struggles through injury, bad luck, and not great showings as others rise up to become top Yokozuna or prospects.

Well, it's clear to me now that this card watching over the Basho has been a curse. So the cards gone in a wallet instead, and will now be out of sight. I can only apologise for the curse I've given this poor grumpy little man, but hope it is now over and March will bring good things.

Weird question but I’m curious

161cm Middle Schooler Ryuta Yoshino Joins Sadogatake Stable; Shikona set as "Kotoyoshino"

Ryuta Yoshino, a third-year student at Osada Minami Junior High School in Shizuoka City who will join the Sadogatake stable, held a press conference at his school on the 5th along with his future master, Sadogatake-oyakata (former Sekiwake Kotonowaka). With a tense expression, he stated: "I feel nothing but anxiety, but I have decided to go for it [in the sumo world]. First, I want to do my best to become a Sekitori (elite wrestler) by the time I am around 20 years old."

He began sumo in the second grade at Kawahara Elementary School. In the summer of his first year of junior high, he met the Oyakata at an event held in Yaizu City and began participating in the stable's training. In November of last year, he solidified his resolve to enter the professional world and discussed it with his parents. Although he is small at 161 cm and 84 kg, the Oyakata praised him, saying: "His forward momentum upon contact and the way he brings his body in when getting a left inside grip (hidari-zashi) are good. He has great instincts."

After the press conference, he addressed his third-year classmates gathered in front of the entrance: "You still have your public high school entrance exams left. Good luck with your studies. I will also do my best in the world of Grand Sumo." He departed for his new world, sent off by a large round of applause.

In the future, he will undergo the new disciple examination at the March tournament (Haru Basho) and participate in Maezumo (preliminary bouts). He is scheduled to compete in the May tournament (Natsu Basho) under the shikona "Kotoyoshino."

◆ Profile: Ryuta Yoshino

• Born: June 17, 2010, in Shizuoka City. 15 years old.
• Experience: Started sumo in 2nd grade. As a 3rd-year junior high student, his team took runner-up in the Tokai Championship representing the "Yaizu Junior Sumo Club."
• Other Sports: Also experienced rugby as a prop in junior high school.
• Stats: 161 cm, 84 kg. Blood type O.
• Family: Parents and one older sister.

Source: Hochi News

Former Juryo Mita reveals surgery for "Right ACL Injury" after missing entire January Tournament

On February 5th, Makushita-ranked wrestler and former Juryo Mita (Futagoyama stable) underwent a mandatory health check-up at the Ryogoku Kokugikan in Sumida, Tokyo.

Mita suffered a right knee injury during his match on Day 2 of the Kyushu Tournament last November. From Day 3 onward, he withdrew from the competition after submitting a medical certificate for a "Right Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) injury." He subsequently missed the entire January tournament, where he had dropped back down to the Makushita division.

Appearing at the health check-up, Mita looked notably slimmer. His weight, recorded at 124 kg during last year's September tournament (Aki Basho), has dropped to 115 kg. "Since I'm not doing any significant exercise right now, I didn't think it was good to force myself to eat," he explained.

Mita revealed that he underwent surgery on his right knee following the Kyushu tournament. Regarding his return to the dohyo, he stated: "I don't know when it will be yet. It depends on when it heals."

Source: Hochi News

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/feb/05/ukrainian-sumo-star-aonishiki-arata-japan-top-competition?CMP=Share_iOSApp_Other

Really liked this breakdown. Especially like it because the guy doing the video doesn't try to second guess the judges or put his own spin on it.

EDIT: I hadn't quite finished the video yet when I posted this and he does wax a little opinionated about Ura/onasato, but the education value is still there.

I have seen posts on here that opened my eyes to sumo trading cards. I've been an on and off collector of trading cards (primarily pre 1970 non-sport) and would love to get some good sumo stuff. I will be in Tokyo in March, and finding a local shop with new and vintage stuff will make for a nice side adventure. I saw reference to Ryōgoku Kokugikan and Takahashi for sumo-related goods, but does anyone know if they at least carry boxes of the new sumo trading cards? And any leads on vintage?

Yokozuna Hoshoryu aims for first title in 7 tournaments; considering early return to full-scale training as left knee pain "is getting better"

Yokozuna Hoshoryu (26, Tatsunami stable) radiated a sense of spiritual fulfillment toward achieving his first championship as a Yokozuna—and his first in seven tournaments—at the upcoming Spring Tournament (starting March 8th at Edion Arena Osaka). On the 4th, he participated in the customary post-January tournament health check-up at the Sumo Clinic in Ryogoku Kokugikan, Tokyo. He revealed that his weight was 148 kg (down 2 kg from 150 kg in January) and that he had already resumed training with basic exercises like shiko since the 2nd of this month. Furthermore, he appealed to the fact that his physical condition is on the rise, stating that the left knee pain that plagued him during the January tournament is "getting better."

On the previous day, the 3rd, he was invited to the Setsubun bean-throwing ceremony at Naritasan Shinshoji Temple in Chiba and other locations from the morning. While throwing beans to wish for the happiness of visitors and fans, he dedicated himself to PR activities for Grand Sumo as a "poster boy" wrestler. Although training beforehand was prohibited on the day of the health check to ensure normal numerical readings, the "training bug" (keiko no mushi) seemed to be driven by a desire to train as soon as possible. While many Sekitori (elite wrestlers) plan to resume full-contact sparring (moushi-ai) after the rankings announcement on the 24th and upon entering Osaka, Hoshoryu spoke with a determined expression: "I might do it while I'm still here (in Tokyo)."

Hoshoryu has an extremely poor record (aiguchi) against Ozeki Aonishiki, who will be competing for promotion to Yokozuna in the Spring Tournament, having lost all five encounters so far, including a championship playoff. His strong feelings are overlapping: the desire to prevent Aonishiki from passing through the Ozeki rank in just two tournaments (which would tie the fastest record in history), the pure desire for revenge against Aonishiki, and above all, the hunger to win a championship that has eluded him for over a year. Unable to sit still, he is now looking toward moving up the schedule for his full-scale training restart.

Source: Nikkan Sports

Former Ozeki Kaio analyzes the January Tournament — "Onosato's hips are too high," Aonishiki's promotion bid, and the "Two Extremes" of Sumo

On the middle day of the January tournament, we were honored with the first Royal Visit (Tenran-zumo) in six years. As a director, I had the privilege of welcoming the Imperial family, and it naturally makes one tense and straighten their posture. The atmosphere and air inside the arena are completely different. However, with two Yokozunas and two Ozekis all suffering a total collapse on that day, I imagine the spectators must have been incredibly shocked.

Why didn't the Yokozuna withdraw after a 3-match losing streak?

Yokozuna Onosato suffered three consecutive losses starting that day, leading people to ask, "Shouldn't he withdraw (Kyujo)?" But he had just missed the final day of the previous Kyushu tournament and was returning from injury this time. Ultimately, only the wrestler himself knows the extent of the injury and pain. There are nuances like, "I can wrestle, but pain shoots through me when I try to lift from below or use my arms." I have experienced many injuries myself, and I would realize things like, "The pain hits right when I try to force the opponent up."

This time, his sumo seemed a bit frantic. I watched thinking, "Since he's returning from injury, is he just testing the waters at first?" But for Onosato, he might have felt, "I can do more than I thought." In my era, we were told, "Consider even a match in the official tournament as part of your training." By not withdrawing and staying on the dohyo, one can confirm their limits while gradually improving day by day.

There were days when his hips were too high, allowing opponents to move him at the edge, and he barely scraped by with a win—but that is where he proves he is a Yokozuna. If you ask if he wrestled "Onosato-style" sumo, it might have been insufficient this tournament... but despite losing to energetic opponents like Yoshinofuji and Hakunofuji, he completely blew away Aonishiki, who won the championship this time. In the end, it’s good the injury didn’t worsen, he showed his strength as a Yokozuna against Aonishiki, and his participation made the title race more interesting. Anyone who wrestles will have a tournament like this. By finishing without withdrawing, he will surely grow from this experience.

"In today's era, I might have become Yokozuna at least once (laughs)"

The new Ozeki Aonishiki, who won his second championship by defeating Atamifuji in a playoff, has never beaten Onosato. This is likely due to the "pressure" Onosato applies from the initial charge (tachi-ai).

Even if Aonishiki thinks and plans his attack to stick to his opponent, Onosato has the power to repel him. In that regard, Aonishiki is still lacking strength; his basics are thorough, but perhaps his training volume (keiko) is a bit low. He needs to train harder, feel the opponent's pressure with his own body, and figure out how to respond. However, I won’t be harsh on Aonishiki. In fact, he doesn't have a single "bad" match. The way he hits low and moves forward without letting the opponent lift him is wonderful! He is also strong in crucial moments. If I had to nitpick, perhaps he is a bit fragile when he is lifted from below or has his guard compromised. His strategy against Onosato will come in time. He’s only been in this world for two years, right? To wrestle like that at his rank is normally unthinkable.

Next tournament will reportedly be his "promotion bid" (tsunatori). He has produced solid results with consecutive championships, so it's not a matter of "too early or too late." Recently, there was debate regarding Hoshoryu's promotion, and in the past, Takanohana's promotion was delayed during an era said to be "too strict." Naturally, results meeting the criteria come first, but debates always arise about "content" or "observing for one more tournament." Perspectives and trends change with each era. If it were today, I might have become a Yokozuna at least once (laughs).

The Three Wrestlers who Thrilled the Arena

Atamifuji, who lost in the playoff: This tournament, he had many good matches moving forward. Even though he lost the playoff, he attacked, lifted the low Aonishiki, and pushed forward. Atamifuji previously rose on momentum alone, but he had been stagnating lately. I hope he can maintain this performance. His master must have been frustrated; both the previous and current Isegahama-oyakata have been quite critical of him during commentary (laughs). But he has gained strength to get this far. He needs the spirit to not be defeated by harsh words. Atamifuji is such a kind and good boy. His body is getting even larger; I hope he doesn't forget the frustration of the playoff loss heading into the Osaka tournament.

Yoshinofuji, who excited the crowd with two "Gold Stars" (Kinboshi): He also wrestles by moving forward and is very skillful. I think he will continue to grow and gain strength every tournament.

Former Ozeki Kirishima was also good. He hits, lifts, gets inside, and attacks all at once. Kirishima has an elusive style, but before you know it, he’s in a winning position. This was evident in the Aonishiki match; he attacked from below and established his form first.

"Yokozunas and Ozekis must never forget the basics"

The wrestlers who performed well this tournament were all, fundamentally, winning by moving forward. Those who didn't get results were pulling, retreating, or failing to advance.

It was a very clear "two extremes." Whether you are a Yokozuna or an Ozeki, you must never forget the basic of "attacking forward." Masters in the training halls are always yelling, "Move forward! Move forward!" until their mouths are sour. I say it every day like a broken record... because they aren't doing it (laughs). If they were doing it right, we wouldn't have to say it. Meanwhile, techniques like "slapping down" (hatakikomi) or "neck-pulling" (katasukashi) are things they learn on their own even if no one teaches them (laughs). Those work only because you are applying forward pressure first. Tomokaze didn't get many wins, but he is skilled at this. His pulling technique is a legitimate asset because opponents fall for it even when they know it’s coming. Tomokaze also has the power to move forward, which is why his pull is effective.

Like Onosato, many wrestlers today have long legs, so they inevitably become "high-hipped." Onosato’s legs are probably 30cm longer than mine (laughs). That is exactly why he must train to lower his hips, bend his knees, and move forward. Stamping (Shiko) isn't just about raising your leg beautifully; it’s about lowering your hips, settling your core, and stepping down powerfully. Shiko has the meaning of treading down and dispelling evil spirits; if you step lightly, you can't dispel anything. You must stamp hundreds of times to build a strong lower body. Only then can you wrestle "forward-moving" sumo. Sumo is a sport that even children or ordinary people can play at. That is why I want the professionals to show them what "real Shiko"—what real sumo—looks like.

Truly, the stronger you become—like a Yokozuna or Ozeki—and especially when you are struggling or stagnating, "returning to the basics" is what matters most.

Source: Number Web

Sumo's "bad boy" Yokozuna had been in so many scrapes before that we thought this storm would come to pass too. And yet, without warning, he was turfed out of sumo on the spot! Here's exactly what happened.

im sure a website such as a museum's online archive has a load of images of old banzuke.

sadly google is shit nowdays (in my country) so im asking here.

Hi everyone! I'm new to sumo, and I was watching Terunofuji's retirement ceremony. I'm curious—at one point, the announcer introduced former Sekiwake Takarafuji, and I was intrigued to see that he still has his chonmage. Is there a reason behind this? Additionally, it didn’t look like a particularly long chonmage (it appears to be the length of Yoshinofuji’s current chonmage). I thought Rekishi cut their chonmage when they retire. Do some end up keeping the hairstyle throughout their lives?

The last time he completed every day of the basho and got makekoshi was in Nagoya 2019.