January 2022 Basho (Hatsu)--DAY 7--January 15, 2022

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

 

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January 2022 (Hatsu) Basho

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)

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Day 7--January 15, 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 7 video should by available by 12:30 the next day. It might be available before that, so check).

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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) (5-1--6-1) v Endo (M3w) (2-4--2-5) (Match Video) Terunofuji is on the left.

2. Shodai (O1w) (3-3--3-4) v Okinoumi (M4e) (1-5--2-5) (Match Video) 

Shodai is on the right. 

3. Mitakeumi (S1e) (6-0--7-0) v Tamawashi (M3e) (5-1--5-2) (Match Video) 

Mitakeumi is on the left. 

4. Ura (M2e) (2-4--3-4) v Hakutofuji (M4w) (3-3--3-4) (Match Video)

Ura is on the left.

5. Onosho (M5e) (4-2--5-2) v Abi (M6w) (6-0--6-1) (Match Video)

Onosho is on the left.

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

1. January 2022 Sumo, Day 7: How strong is a student Yokozuna?

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

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Photos:

Photo of the day: Ishiura (M12e--172 cm [5 feet 8 inches], 118 kg [260 pounds]) (4-3) executes a beautiful Susoharai (Rear Foot Sweep--see below for link to the technique) , to beat Akua (M10w--184 cm [6 feet 0 inches], 167 kg [368 pounds]) (1-6). This bout marks the first use of this Kimarite (winning technique) in any of the 6 Division Basho so far. (Nikkan Sports)

Nikkan Sports Day 7 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 6 Photo Feature

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B. Notable and Quotable

Notable:

On the anniversary of the end of 35th Yokozuna Futubayama's  record 63 match winning streak (still the longest in Sumo history) in 1939, Terunofuji began a new one today. He dominated Endo to remain in 2nd Place at 6-1 behind Mitakeumi, the only undefeated Rikishi (wrestler) in the Basho. Abi lost today when he overbalanced while executing his agricultural implement like pushing and thrusting as Onosho pivoted away and escorted him out. Five Rikishi are tied for 3rd Place as the Basho enters it's midpoint. 24 of the 39 Rikishi are either 4-3 or 3-4 at this point, signifying either parity or mediocrity among the Rank and Filers. Of those 24, Four are san'yaku (Top Rankers)--Takanosho (S1w) 4-3, and Shodai (O1w), Meisei (K1e) & Daieisho (K1w)--3-4. Not the best showing for 2/3 of the   Top Rankers. With most of the san'yaku v Maegashira (Rank and File) matches now finished, the san'yaku will be battling each other a lot next week. Hopefully, some will shine. 

At opposite poles are Mitakeumi, with some of his best Sumo and a determination to not let future goals (Yusho [Championship] and/or promotion to Ozeki) stand in the way of his focus on this Basho, and Shodai, with some of his worst.

Yesterday's Kinboshi (Gold Star Maegashira [Rank and File] winner over a Yokuzuna) Tamawashi (M3e) had no answer for Mitakeumi today. Tamawashi is now 3-26 in their career match ups. Mitakeumi is wrestling tremendously well right now, using only the two most used Kimarite (Finishing Moves). He is simply blasting right through each opponent. His match times thus far (seconds): 3.2; 7.6; 15.0; 2.4; 6.3; 2.3; and 5.1 for an average time of 5.5 and a median time of 5.1. If he wins the Basho, according to Nikkan Sports (via Chris Sumo Youtube), he has a chance to become the first Rikishi to win 3 Basho at below Ozeki rank and be promoted to Ozeki at the same time.

At the other end of the spectrum is Shodai. Today's lackluster performance put him under .500 and needing 5 wins in his last 8 matches to achieve the Kachi-koshi (winning record) he needs to maintain Ozeki rank. That's perhaps a bit under achieving for a Rikishi at a level where the minimum should be double figure wins in each Basho. Hopefully, he will soon leave this slump behind and show fans the Rikishi who was dominant a short time ago. 

Today's matches were completed in 3 minutes 37.0 seconds of fighting time, making the total for the first seven days (139 matches) 21 minutes 46.2 seconds. At the same juncture in the November Basho (Tournament) the time was 31 minutes 27.8 seconds, also in 139 matches. 

There were 11 Kimarite (finishing moves) used today,  for a total of 20 winning Kimarite in the first seven days.  In November the number of Kimarite after seven days was 22. Of the first 139 matches 68 have been won by the two dominant Kimarite (Yorikiri--Frontal Force Out, and Oshidashi--Frontal Push Out). 66 were used in the 1st 139 matches in November. 19 throws and swings have been used so far in this Basho. 18 were won by throws and scoops in November.

Top Rankers were 4-2 today, to improve their overall record to 27-19-3. In November they were 31-18 after seven 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) were 1-3 against san'yaku today  Their overall record is now 13-21 against their betters. In November it was 11-24 after seven days.

The two Rookies split their matches today, making them 7-7 overall.   

Today's Juryo Substitute, Nikshikigi (J2e) lost today to a resurgent Kotoeko (M17e)

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

"He's a guy who'll get the better of me if I don't get into groove. So I made sure to really impose my style. Being in the lead is not really related to my goal, which is double digits (10 wins or more). And I aim to be completely focused on that until I get there. And I will try to fulfull expectations".

Mitakeumi, keeping a laser focus on the next bout, and not letting thoughts of the possible fruits of the next few days, Yusho and/or Ozeki promotion, cloud his thoughts. 

"That's (Yusho, Ozeki promtion) irrelevant. The only thing I want to think about is wrestling the way I need to." (Kyodo News). 

Mitakeumi, driving home the point.

 

"Mitake gets his left inside well and sends Tamawashi's elbow so far up that he can't use it to push. I like Mitakeumi in that stance."

Chair of Japan Sumo Association Hakkaku, formerly 61st Yokozuna Hotukoumi .

"We're almost the same age and have a friendly rivalry. So I have plenty of motivation to beat him."

Onosho on his victory over previously undefeated Abi.

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C. Condensed results (20 matches)

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

Day 7

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)

19.2s M17e Kotoeko (5-2)      yorikiri    J2e  Nishikigi (3-4)

03.0s M16e Aoiyama (4-3)      oshidashi   M17w Kaisei (4-3)

04.3s M14e Kotonowaka (5-2)   katasukashi M18e Oho (4-3)

08.3s M15e Wakamotoharu (3-4) yorikiri    M13w Yutakayama (3-4)

07.9s M16w Tsurugisho (3-4)   yorikiri    M13e Chiyomaru (4-3)

06.6s M14w Ichiyamamoto (4-3) oshidashi   M12w Chiyotairyu (2-5)

03.7s M12e Ishiura (4-3)      susoharai   M10w Akua (1-6)

26.9s M15w Tochinoshin (3-4)  yoritaoshi  M10e Myogiryu (4-3)

10.5s M9w  Shimanoumi (4-3)   okuridashi  M11w Terutsuyoshi (3-4)

08.0s M11e Sadanoumi (4-3)    uwatenage   M8w  Tobizaru (3-4)

08.1s M6e  Hoshoryu (4-3)     shitatenage M9e  Chiyonokuni (0-7)

04.4s M7w  Takarafuji (5-2)   hikiotoshi  M5w  Chiyoshoma (3-4)

03.6s M5e  Onosho (5-2)       tsukiotoshi M6w  Abi (6-1)

33.6s M2e  Ura (3-4)          oshidashi   M4w  Hokutofuji (3-4)

33.5s M2w  Ichinojo (4-3)     yorikiri    M1w  Kiribayama (1-6)

05.8s K1w  Daieisho (3-4)     tsukidashi  M1e  Wakatakakage (2-5)

02.6s S1w  Takanosho (4-3)    tsukiotoshi K1e  Meisei (3-4)

05.1s S1e  Mitakeumi (7-0)    yorikiri    M3e  Tamawashi (5-2)

12.2s M4e  Okinoumi (2-5)     yorikiri    O1w  Shodai (3-4)

09.7s Y1e  Terunofuji (6-1)   yorikiri    M3w  Endo (2-5)

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

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D. Finishing Moves (20 matches--139 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.................D7;(All)(divide # by 2)

Frontal Force Out (Yorikiri).................7(30)

Frontal Push Out (Oshidashi).................3(38)

Thrust Down (Tsukiotoshi)....................2(12)

Hand Pull Down (Hikiotoshi)..................1(6)

Under Shoulder Swing Down (Katasukashi)......1(2)

Rear Push Out (Okuridashi)...................1(5)

Under Arm Throw (Shitatenage)................1(4)

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

Over Arm Throw (Uwatenage)...................1(5)

Frontal Thrust Out (Tsukidashi)..............1(5)

Frontal Crush Out (Yoritaoshi)...............1(5)

Totals for Basho

Slap Down (Hatakikomi).......................9

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

Frontal Push Down (Oshitaoshi)...............3

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

Beltless Arm Throw (Sukuinage)...............2

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

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

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

Frontal Lift out (Tsuridashi)................1

Non-Technique (Losing Technique)

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

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

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

Out 13(84), Down 7(53), Non-technique 0(2), Forfeit 0(1)   

Frontal 5(76), Rear 1(4), Backward 0(1), Beltless 0(2),  Outside 0(1), Pulling 0(4), Twisting 0(1) 

Force 7(30), Push 4(46), Thrust 3(18), Throw 2(17), Crush 1(5), Pull 1(6), Sweep 1(1), Swing 1(2), Lift 0(1), Slap 0(9), Trip 0(2)    

Under 2(6), Over 1(9)   

Arm 2(17), Foot 1(1), Hand 1(6), Shoulder 1(2), Knee 0(1), Leg 0(1)

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E. Match Time

Day 7 (20 matches)

Total Time: 3 minutes 37.0 seconds (217.0)

Longest Match: 33.6 s (Ura v Hokutofuji)

Shortest Match: 2.6 s (Takanosho v Meisei)

Average (20 matches): 10.0 s

Total (139 Matches)

Total Time: 21 minutes 46.2 seconds (1306.2)

Longest Match: 51.4 s (Yutakayama v Kotonowaka) (Day 3)

Shortest Match: 1.7 s (Yutakayama v Ishiura) (Day 4)

Average (139 matches): 9.4 s 

Time/Matches Day 7(cumulative)

0-4.9 seconds:        6(49)  

5-9.9 seconds:        8(46)    

10-19.9 seconds:      3(29)

20-29.9 seconds:      1(11)

30-39.9 seconds:      2(3)

50-59.9 seconds:      0(1)

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F1. Top Rank Wins (san'yaku--Yokozuna, Ozeki, Sekiwake, Komusubi)

F2. Maegashira v san'yaku Standings (Rank and File [M1-18] v san'yaku [Yokozuna, Ozeki, Sekiwake, Komusubi])

F3. Rookie

F4. Juryo Substitute Standings

F1. Top Rank Wins

7-0: Mitakeumi (S1e)

6-1: Terunofuji (Y1e)  

4-3: Takanosho (S1w)

3-4: Shodai (O1w); Meisei (K1e); Daieisho (K1w) 

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

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)

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F2. Maegashira v san'yaku 

Day 7(cumulative)

*=Kinboshi--Gold Star Win over Yokozuna

Tamawashi* (M3e)    0-1(4-2)

Ichinojo (M2w)      0-0(3-3)

Endo (M3w)          0-1(1-2)

Wakatakakage (M1e)  0-1(2-5)

Okinoumi (M4e)      1-0(1-1)

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

Ura (M2e)           0-0(1-4)

Win and Loss by Days 

Maegashira 2, san'yaku 5

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)

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F3. Rookies

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

Oho (M18e) (1-0; 2-0; 3-0; 3-1; 3-2; 4-2; 4-3)

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F4. 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)

Total:

1-2

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G. Results

Day 7: January 15: (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 7:  (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 7 Time of Each Match: (nikkansports.com) (in Japanese,use Google Translate) Matches are in order from lowest rank to highest. 

Day 7 Heya Watch  (wins by Stable) Cumulative daily; all Divisions added together (source: sumoforum.net Hatsu Heya Watch thread)

Day 7 Kensho (Cumulative bonus envelopes by Rikishi) (source: sumoforum.net Hatsu Kensho thread). 

Terunofuji (Y1e) added 31 envelopes and continues to lead with 165.  Mitakeumi (S1e) added 7 envelopes and remains in 2nd place with 66.  Shodai (O1w) lost and but is still in 3rd place with 37. Each envelope represents about $632 US, although it actually contains half that amount (See introduction for explanation).

Absent rikishi information (Japanese Sumo Association)

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H. Articles:

Tachiai.org Day 7 Preview

Tachiai.org Day 7 Recap

Kyodo News 

Unbeaten sekiwaki Mitakeumi takes sole New Year tourney 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.

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January 2022 (Hatsu) Basho

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)

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