January 2022 Basho (Hatsu)--DAY 10--January 18, 2022

Links to selected Basho (Tournament) Blog Posts--March 2020--Present

===============================

January 2022 (Hatsu) Basho (Tournament)

Introduction and Previews (including 2 Fred Pinkerton height x weight scatter plots)--links to all player information (ranking, prefecture or country of origin, date of birth, stable height, weight)

Day 1; Day 2; Day 3; Day 4; Day 5

Day 6; Day 7; Day 8; Day 9; Day 10

Day 11; Day 12; Day 13; Day 14; Day 15 

Summary; Cumulative Statistics; Selected Comparisons with November 2021 Basho and Index to all Videos and Photos (Scroll to the bottom of the page)

===============================

Day 10--January 18, 2022

Recap and statistics

A. Video and Photos: 

Note: NHK videos will be available on demand until 2 weeks after the end of the Basho (Tournament). After that, they will be removed from the site. They are usually available for on demand viewing about 1 day after the matches. Note that "highlights" means complete full match video of all daily Makuuchi matches.

NHK match highlights (condensed, all matches in their entirety, the highlights are 27 minutes long).

All NHK Video Highlights from one link (latest day should be uploaded by about 12:30 am Central Daylight Time the next day, i.e. Day 10 video should by available by 12:30 the next day. It might be available before that, so check).

----

Japan Sumo Association Youtube offers selected full matches on its Youtube and Website  channel. They are usually Makuuchi (Top Division) bouts, but sometimes there are Juryo (2nd Division) bouts as well. There is no commentary.

1. Terunofuji (Y1e) (8-1--9-1) v Onosho (M5e) (6-3--6-4)  (Match Video) 

Terunofuji is on the left.

2. Mitakeumi (S1e) (9-0--9-1) v Hokutofuji (M4w) (3-6--4-6)  (Match Video) 

Mitakeumi is on the left. 

3. Daieisho (K1w) (3-6--3-7) v Ura (M2e) (4-5--5-5) (Match Video)

Daieisho is on the right.

4. Ishiura (M12e) (5-4--64) v Kotonowaka (M14e) (7-2--7-3) (Match Video)

Ishiura is on the left. 

5. Chiyaorashi (J13w) (2-7--?) v Atamifuji (Ms1w--Makushita Substitute) (2-3--?). (Match Video)

 (Chyoaorashi is on the right). You can tell he is a salaried Rikishi by observing his silk mawashi (belt), a beautiful dark blue, with ritual sagari (silk "sticks" that represent the aprons-- see the beginning of any NHK highlights to see what these aprons actually look like--that Rikishi traditionally wore centuries ago while fighting). As for Atamifuji, he is in the drab olive green cotton mawashi with drab, hardly visible sagari, that all lower division Rikishi wear.

This was a Juryo (2nd Division--salaried) match. Atamifuji, age 19, began his career in January 2021. He is in the same Stable as Yokozuna Terunofuji. He has rocketed up the Banzuke (rankings) from Jonokuchi (6th Division--non-salaried) to Makushita 1w (highest Division 3 ranking--non-salaried). He has passed somewhere around 300 Rikishi to get there this fast. Going into this Basho he had a career record of 36-6, with 2 lower division Yusho (Championships). A winning score (4-3 or better) from this rank will guarantee him a promotion to Juryo, a remarkable achievement for one so young and with so little experience. He easily won his first two matches in this Basho and seemed to be cruising to another Yusho and promotion. But then the wheels came off in a hurry and he lost his next 3 bouts. He had to win this match for a chance at promotion and a salary. 

Chiyoarashi is a 30 year old 14 and 1/2 year Sumo veteran who reached Juryo in September 2011, was injured in his 2nd Juryo Basho, was demoted, and then again in May 2013, was injured again in his 2nd Juryo Basho, missed 3 Basho, and was demoted back to the lower ranks again. He fought in the non-salaried ranks from March 2014, progressing from Sandamne (Division 4) 87e to Ms2e (May 2015). At that time he was injured again, missed 3 more Basho and was demoted to Jonidan (Division 5) 32w in January 2016. He fought his way all the way back and finally was promoted to Juryo 13w for this Basho. At that rank, he must achieve Kachi-koshi (a winning record--8-7 or better) or he will be demoted back to Makushita. Going into this match, he was 2-7, and so needed to win his last 6 consecutive matches. So for Chiyoarashi, this was also a crucial match. If he lost, he and his opponent would switch places, with the loser losing his salary after working 8 1/2 years since his last salaried bout , while the winner would have a chance to get a salary after one year in Sumo.

Matches like these happen all the time in Sumo in the lower divisions and carry just as much drama, exhilaration, and heartbreak, as any crucial Top Division match. Which is probably why JSA decided to film this one.   

----

Chris Sumo Youtube. Chris Gould is a long time free lance Sumo journalist and videographer. His videos are shot at the venue.

January 2022 Sumo, Day 10: Will Mitakeumi hold his nerve?

Includes footage from selected matches in Divisions 1 (Makuuchi), 2 (Juryo), and 3 (Makushita--non salaried).

---- 

Tachiai.org coverage of the Jonokuchi (Division 6--non salaried, lowest division) Basho. Note: The Japan Sumo Association links to all Jonokuchi Rikishi in its daily accounting of the Basho. (Under Banzuke, arrow to Jonokuchi). The Jonokuchi Basho, as with all Division 3-6 Basho, consist of 7 matches over the 15 Day Tournament.

Jonokuchi Match Days 5 and 6 (consisting of Day 9 and Day 10 matches). 

Match Day 5 (three matches between contenders--see scoreboard at top left of the video)

Match Day 6 (includes three matches, including matches between contenders--see scoreboard at top left of the video)

----

Photos:

Photo of the day: Mitakeumi's (S1e) first defeat after 9 consecutive wins. 

Nikkan Sports Day 10 Photo Feature here are photos today's Makuuchi matches, with selected Rikishi (wrestler) quotes. 

Sumo Forum's daily Photo Features are appearing on a one day delay at present

Sumo Forum Day 9 Photo Feature

++++

B. Notable and Quotable

Notable:

Mitakeumi was defeated handily by Hokutofuji and lost his 1 match lead, as Terunofuji defeated Onosho. Both Rikishi (wrestlers) are now 9-1 and, for the moment, Terunofuji has regained control of his own destiny. He needs no help if he wins all his remaining matches. Mitakeumi must put the defeat behind him quickly because he also still has his fate in his hands and needs no help if he wins out. 

Unfortunately, the same cannot be said for Ozeki Shodai. With his loss today he is now 4-6 and careening toward Kadoban (losing record and possible loss of rank if he does not have a winning record in the next Basho). At the moment, he simply does not look like an Ozeki. 

Congratulations to Abi (M6w)  and Takarafuji (M7w)  for earning their Kachi-koshi (winning record and rank promotion) today. Not only that, but they are both now 8-2 and just 1 match behind the leaders. 

Commiserations to Okinoumi (M4e)  and Akua (M10w), who are now 

Make-koshi (losing record and demotion) at 2-8. There still is a lot to fight for, as each victory can help make the demotion less severe.  

Today's matches were completed in 3 minutes 41.0 seconds of fighting time, making the total for the first ten days (199 matches) 33 minutes 48.6 seconds. At the same juncture in the November Basho (Tournament) the time was 42 minutes 25.2 seconds, also in 199 matches. 

There were 10 Kimarite (finishing moves) used today,  for a total of 24 winning Kimarite in the first ten days.  In November the number of Kimarite after ten days was 27. Of the first 199 matches 100 have been won by the two dominant Kimarite (Yorikiri--Frontal Force Out, and Oshidashi--Frontal Push Out). 93 were used in the 1st 199 matches in November. 27 throws, sweeps, and swings have been used so far in this Basho. 26 were also won by throws, sweeps, and swings in 199 matches in November.

Top Rankers were 2-4 today, slightly lowering their overall record to 36-28-6. In November they were 45-25 after ten days. The composition of the Top Rank (1 Yokozuna, 1 Ozeki, 2 Sekiwake, and 2 Komusubi) is now 6. In November it was 7.

Rank and Filers (Maegashira) had one of their best days--3-1 against san'yaku today  Their overall record is now 19-27 against their betters. In November it was 15-35 after ten days.

The two Rookies split their matches today, making them 12-8 overall.  

 

Today's Juryo Substitute, Shohozan (J3e) lost to Tochinoshin (M16w). The Juryo men are now 3-3 v the Top Division.

----

Quotable (all, except where specifically noted, are from Chris Sumo Youtube). 

"I'm not thinking about others losing or playing catch up. But simply on my own Sumo, and getting through these 15 days." 

Terunofuji (Y1e), a bit weary perhaps, at this point in the Basho. 

"Of course he is the ozeki, but maybe he isn't going as well (as usual). But I was still happy to beat him."(Kyodo News)

Takanosho (S1w) on his victory over Shodai (O1w). 

"Everything's OK and moving pretty freely right now.I'll just keep concentrating." (Kyodo News)

Abi (M6w), on his win over Okinoumi (M4e). 

"Coach Ito (Takarafuji's University coach who passed away 2 years ago) taught me how to use the right arm better. Before that I was all left side oblique stance. The important thing for this Tournament is not to let things slip now that I already have 8 wins (Kachi-koshi--winning record and promotion in rank). 

Takarafuji (M7w)  on today's win. He has rebounded very well from a 5-10 Basho at M4e in November. 

"His defense against the Under Arm Throw is superb. Hence the messy ending. But I persevered well."

Ishiura  (M12e) on his Shitatenage (Under Arm Throw) that defeated Kotonowaka  (M14e). He has used rare and well executed Kimarite (three throws and a foot sweep out of 6 wins) to defeat opponents far heavier than he. He has executed 2 of the 6 Shitatenage in the Top Division Basho so far, as well as the only Susoharai (Rear Foot Sweep) in all 6 Divisions, and one of only two Shitatenhineri (Twisting Under Arm Throw) in all 6 Divisions. 

Match video (Chris Sumo Youtube)

"I have to simply finish him off at the ring's edge. But there's no point on getting hung up on this."

Kotonowaka's take on the match.  

"An outside grip lift-out might look tricky, but I'm used to it, so no problem." 

Tochinoshin (M15w) on his win over Juryo Substitute Shohozan (J3w) . He won with a Tsuridashi (Frontal Lift Out), one of the great power Kimarite (finishing moves), in which a Rikishi lifts his opponent completely off the ground and walks him out of the dohyo (ring). Only the most powerful of Rikishi can execute this move. There have been 3 Tsuridashi in all 6 Divisions of this Basho so far. Tochinoshin has 2 of them. He has won by Tsuridashi 27 times in his 16 year career. They comprise 4.23% of all his wins. According to Sumo Reference, the overall rate of usage of the move is 0.23%. 

Match video (Chris Sumo Youtube)

++++

C. Condensed results (20 matches)

Key: Time of Match--s=seconds; Rank; Winner; Basho Record; Finishing Move;  Rank; Loser; Basho Record

Day 10

Partial or complete absences from this Basho

Wins-Losses-Absences

M7e---Takayasu  (0-0-15)

M8e---Hidenoumi (0-0-15)

O1e---Takakeisho (1-3-11) (including 1 forfeit loss)

50.7s M15w Tochinoshin (5-5)  tsuridashi  J3w  Shohozan (3-7)

05.2s M13e Chiyomaru (6-4)    oshidashi   M17e Kotoeko (7-3)

01.4s M16e Aoiyama (5-5)      hikiotoshi  M13w Yutakayama (4-6)

24.4s M12e Ishiura (6-4)      shitatenage M14e Kotonowaka (7-3)

26.5s M18e Oho (7-3)          hatakikomi  M12w Chiyotairyu (3-7)

02.9s M11e Sadanoumi (6-4)    yoritaoshi  M15e Wakamotoharu (5-5)

27.5s M10w Akua (2-8)         kekaeshi    M17w Kaisei (5-5)

12.4s M16w Tsurugisho (4-6)   yorikiri    M9e  Chiyonokuni (0-10)

01.9s M11w Terutsuyoshi (4-6) hatakikomi  M8w  Tobizaru (5-5)

08.8s M7w  Takarafuji (8-2)   oshidashi   M14w Ichiyamamoto (4-6)

08.8s M9w  Shimanoumi (5-5)   sukuinage   M6e  Hoshoryu (6-4)

07.6s M10e Myogiryu (5-5)     oshidashi   M5w  Chiyoshoma (4-6)

07.2s M6w  Abi (8-2)          oshidashi   M4e  Okinoumi (2-8)

04.4s M3e  Tamawashi (7-3)    oshidashi   M2w  Ichinojo (5-5)

02.6s M1w  Kiribayama (4-6)   hatakikomi  M1e  Wakatakakage (4-6)

05.1s M3w  Endo (3-7)         oshidashi   K1e  Meisei (4-6)

08.4s M2e  Ura (5-5)          oshitaoshi  K1w  Daieisho (3-7)

03.8s M4w  Hokutofuji (4-6)   oshidashi   S1e  Mitakeumi (9-1)

04.9s S1w  Takanosho (6-4)    yorikiri    O1w  Shodai (4-6)

06.5s Y1e  Terunofuji (9-1)   yorikiri    M5e  Onosho (6-4)

Source: Sumo Reference (text results) and Nikkansports.com length of bouts data (see result sources below)

++++

D. Finishing Moves (20 matches--199 total) Note: finishing move links below link to short NHK videos demonstrating the technique.  

Note: finishing move links below link to short NHK videos demonstrating the technique. 

Source: Sumo Ref. Bout Query.................D10;(All)(divide # by 2)

Frontal Push Out (Oshidashi).................7(55)

Slap Down (Hatakikomi).......................3(14)

Frontal Force Out (Yorikiri).................3(45)

Hand Pull Down (Hikiotoshi)..................1(9)

Minor Inner Foot Sweep (Kekaeshi)............1(1)

Frontal Push Down (Oshitaoshi)...............1(5)

Under Arm Throw (Shitatenage)................1(6)

Beltless Arm Throw (Sukuinage)...............1(4)

Frontal Lift Out (Tsuridashi)................1(2)

Frontal Crush Out (Yoritaoshi)...............1(7)

Totals for Basho

Thrust Down (Tsukiotoshi)....................15

Rear Push Out (Okuridashi)...................6

Frontal Thrust Out (Tsukidashi)..............6

Over Arm Throw (Uwatenage)...................5

Pulling Over Arm Throw (Uwatedashinage)......4

Under Shoulder Swing Down (Katasukashi)......3

Arm Lock Throw (Kotenage)....................2

Rear Push Down (Okuritaoshi).................2

Leg Pick (Ashitori)..........................1

Twisting Backward Knee Trip (Kirikaeshi).....1

Twisting Under Arm Throw (Shitatehineri).....1

Outside Leg Trip (Sotogake)..................1

Rear Foot Sweep (Susoharai)..................1

Frontal Thrust Down (Tsukitaoshi)............1

Non-Technique (Losing Technique)

Forward Step Out (Isamiashi).................1

Hand Touch Down (Tsukite)....................1

Fusen (Forfeit)..............................1

Out 12(121), Down 8(76), Non-technique 0(2), Forfeit 0(1)   

Frontal 13(114), Beltless 1(4), Minor Inner 1(1), Backward 0(1), Outside 0(1), Pulling 0(4)  Rear 0(7), Twisting 0(2)  

Push 8(68), Force 3(45), Slap 3(14), Throw 2(22), Crush 1(7), Lift 1(2), Pull 1(9), Sweep 1(2), Pick 0(1), Swing 0(3), Thrust 0(22), Trip 0(2)   

Under 1(9), Over 0(9)   

Arm 2(22), Foot 1(2), Hand 1(9), Knee 0(1), Leg 0(1), Shoulder 0(3),  

++++

E. Match Time

Day 10 (20 matches)

Total Time: 3 minutes 41.0 seconds (221.0)

Longest Match: 50.7s (Tochinoshin[3] v Shohozan [J3w]))

Shortest Match: 1.4 s (Aoiyama v Yutakayama[3])

Average (20 matches): 11.1 s

Total (199 Matches)

Total Time: 33 minutes 48.6 seconds (2028.6)

Longest Match: 98.8 s (Ichinojo[3]) v Ura[2]) (Day 9)

Shortest Match: 1.4 s (Kotoeko v Sadanoumi and Ura v Takanosho) (Day 8); Aoiyama v Yutakayama (Day 10)

Average (199 matches): 10.2 s 

Time/Matches Day 10(cumulative)

0-4.9 seconds:        7(70)  

5-9.9 seconds:        8(66)    

10-19.9 seconds:      1(39)

20-29.9 seconds:      3(16)

30-39.9 seconds:      0(4)

40-59.9 seconds:      0(1)

50-59.9 seconds:      1(2)

90-99.9 seconds:      0(1)

++++

F. Kachi-koshi/Make-koshi (8 or more wins--promotion in rank/8 or more losses--demotion)

Key: Basho Day on which the minimum record was achieved; Rikishi; Rank; Current Record

Kachi-koshi

Day 8: Mitakeumi (S1e) 9-1

Day 9: Terunofuji (Y1e) 9-1

Day 10: Abi (M6w) 8-2; Takarafuji (M7w) 8-2

Make-koshi

Day 8: Chiyonokuni (M9e) 0-10; Takakeisho (O1e) 1-3-11; Takayasu (M7e) 0-0-15; Hidenoumi (M8e) 0-0-15 

Day 9: Akua (M10w) 2-8

Day 10: Okinoumi (M4e) 2-8

++++

G1. Top Rank Wins (san'yaku--Yokozuna, Ozeki, Sekiwake, Komusubi)

G2. Maegashira v san'yaku Standings (Rank and File [M1-18] v san'yaku [Yokozuna, Ozeki, Sekiwake, Komusubi])

G3. Rookie

G4. Juryo Substitute Standings

G1. Top Rank Wins

9-1: Terunofuji (Y1e);  Mitakeumi (S1e)

6-4: Takanosho (S1w)

4-6: Shodai (O1w); Meisei (K1e)

3-7: Daieisho (K1w) 

1-3-6: Takakeisho (O1e) (including 1 forfeit loss) 

Day 10 Total: 36--28--6 (.563)

Day  9 Total: 34--24--5 (.586)

Day  8 Total: 30--22--4 (.577)

Day  7 Total: 27--19--3 (.587)

Day  6 Total: 23--17--2 (.575)

Day  5 Total: 21--13--1 (.618)

Day  4 Total: 17--11 (.607)

Day  3 Total: 14---7 (.667)

Day  2 Total:  9---5 (.643) 

Day  1 Total:  4---3 (.571)

----

G2. Maegashira v san'yaku 

Day 10(cumulative)

*=Kinboshi--Gold Star Win over Yokozuna

Tamawashi* (M3e)    0-0(4-2)

Ichinojo (M2w)      0-0(3-3)

Kiribayama (M1w)    0-0(3-4)(including 1 forfeit win)

Ura (M2e)           1-0(3-4)

Okinoumi (M4e)      0-0(1-3)

Wakatakakage (M1e)  0-0(2-5)

Endo (M3w)          1-0(2-3)

Hokutofuji (M4w)    1-0(1-1)

Onosho (M5e)        0-1(0-2)

Win and Loss by Days 

Maegashira 3, san'yaku 6, 1 tied

Day  10 Total 19-27 (.413)

Day   9 Total 16-26 (.381)

Day   8 Total 15-23 (.395)

Day   7 Total 13-21 (.382)

Day   6 Total 12-18 (.400)

Day   5 Total  9-17 (.346)

Day   4 Total  7-13 (.350)

Day   3 Total  4-11 (.267)

Day   2 Total  3--7 (.300)

Day   1 Total  2--3 (.400)

----

G3. Rookies

Wakamotoharu (M15e) (1-0; 1-1; 2-1; 2-2; 2-3; 2-4; 3-4; 4-4; 5-4; 5-5)

Oho (M18e) (1-0; 2-0; 3-0; 3-1; 3-2; 4-2; 4-3; 5-3; 6-3; 7-3)

----

G4. Juryo (2nd Division) Substitutes

Day 1: None

Day 2: None

Day 3: None

Day 4: None

Day 5: Kagayaki (J1e) (1-0; 3-2) defeated Oho (M18e) (3-2) 

Day 6: Kaisei (M17w) (4-2) defeated Bushozan (J1w) (0-1; 0-6)

Day 7: Kotoeko (M17e) (5-2) defeated Nishikigi (J2e) (0-1; 3-4)

Day 8: Kotoshoho (J2w) (1-0; 7-1) defeated Tsurugisho (M16w) (3-5) 

Day 9: Daiamami (J3e) (1-0; 5-4) defeated Aoiyama (M16e) (4-5)

Day 10: Tochinoshin (M15w) (5-5) defeated Shohozan (J3w) (0-1;3-7)

Total:

3-3

++++

H. Results

Day 10: January 18: (Sumo Reference)--includes Standings--see left side of the page

Makuuchi (Top Division) Basho Cumulative Win-Loss Martrix (Sumo Reference)

Juryo (Second Division) Basho Cumulative Win-Loss Matrix (Sumo Reference)

Sekitori  Basho Cumulative Win-Loss Matrix (Makuuchi and Juryo--all salaried rikishi)

Day 10:  (Japanese Sumo Association) (click on rikishi name for relevant data including percentage of each Kimarite (finishing) move used, rank and full results of last 5 tournaments, all on one page)

Day 10 Time of Each Match: (nikkansports.com) (in Japanese,use Google Translate) Matches are in order from lowest rank to highest. 

Day 10 Heya Watch  (wins by Stable) Cumulative daily; all Divisions added together (source: sumoforum.net Hatsu Heya Watch thread)

Day 10 Kensho (Cumulative bonus envelopes by Rikishi) (source: sumoforum.net Hatsu Kensho thread). 

Terunofuji (Y1e) added 23 envelopes and continues to lead with 236.  Mitakeumi (S1e) lost but remains in 2nd place with 86. Shodai (O1w) lost but remains in 3rd place with 56. Each envelope represents about $632 US, although it actually contains half that amount (See introduction for explanation).

Absent rikishi information (Japanese Sumo Association)

++++

I. Articles:

Tachiai.org Day 10 Preview

Tachiai.org Day 10 Recap

Kyodo News 

Mitakeumi takes 1st loss, Terunofuji regains share of lead

Nikkansports.com carries the most exhaustive coverage of Sumo that I have seen. It publishes multiple daily articles about the Basho.

All coverage is in Japanese and can be accessed from the Nikkan Sports News Page. It can be easily (if not well) translated by Google Translate, which can be easily attached to your browser for seamless "translation." It is the next best thing to being able to read Japanese.

Google Translate.

===============================

January 2022 (Hatsu) Basho (Tournament)

Introduction and Previews (including 2 Fred Pinkerton height x weight scatter plots)--links to all player information (ranking, prefecture or country of origin, date of birth, stable height, weight)

Day 1; Day 2; Day 3; Day 4; Day 5

Day 6; Day 7; Day 8; Day 9; Day 10

Day 11; Day 12; Day 13; Day 14; Day 15 

Summary; Cumulative Statistics; Selected Comparisons with November 2021 Basho and Index to all Videos and Photos (Scroll to the bottom of the page)

===============================