May 2022 Basho (Natsu--Summer)--DAY 13--May 20, 2022
Links to selected Basho (Tournament) Blog Posts--March 2020--Present
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Makuuchi [Top Division] Basho Standings--8 wins or more (Kachi-koshi)
Key: Rikishi; Rank; Number of wins (* after the number=Fusen [Forfeit]) (Strike through=eliminated from contention) (Rikishi links link to their individual Basho, match by match, white circles= wins, black circles= losses, white or black squares=fusen. From the match by match link, simply click on Rikishi name for a link to career information)
Day 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15
Terunofuji (Y1e) 0 1 2 3 4 4 5 5 6 7 8 9 10
Takanosho (M4w) 0 1 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 10
Sadanoumi (M12w) 1 1 2 3 4 5 6 6 7 7 8 9 10
Daieisho (K1w) 1 1 2 3 4 4 5 5 5 6 7 8 9
Kiribayama (M2e) 1 1 1 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 8 9
Ura (M6e) 0 1 2 3 3 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 9
Aioyama (M11e) 1 2 3 4 5 6 6 6 7 7 7 8 9
Wakamotoharu (M6w) 1 1 2 3 4 4 4 5 5 6 6 7 8
Tochinoshin (M9w) 0 0 0 1 2 3 4 4 5 6 7 8 8
Ichiyamamoto (M15w) 1 2 3 4 5 5 5 6 7 8 8 8 8
FULL MAKUUCHI (TOP DIVISION) BANZUKE (RECORD BY RANK) (Source: Sumo Reference) See legend at the bottom of the link for key to abbreviation
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Juryo (Division 2) Basho Standings--8 wins or more (Kachi-koshi)
Key: Rikishi; Rank; Number of wins (* after the number=Fusen [Forfeit]) (Strike through=eliminated from contention) * after the number=Fusen (Forfeit)
Day 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15
Tsurugisho (J2w) 1 1 2 2 3 4 5 6 6 7 8 9 10
Daiamami (J6e) 0 1 1 2 2 3 4 5 6 6 7 8 9
Tokushoryu (J8e) 1 2 2 3 4 5 5 6 7 8 8 9 9
Nishikifuji(J6w) 1 2 3 3 4 5 6 6 7 7 7 8 9
Ryuden (M3w) 1 2 3 4 5 6*6 6 6 6 7 8 8
Daishoho (J5w) 1 1 1 1 2 3 4 5 5 6 7 7 8
Atamifuji (J12w) 1 1 2 3 3 4 5 6 7 7 7 8 8
Tochimaru (J13w) 1 1 2 3 4 4 5 5 6 6 6 7 8
Churanoumi (J14w) 1 2 2 3 4 4 4 5 5 6 6 7 8
FULL JURYO (DIVISION 2) BANZUKE (RECORD BY RANK) (Source: Sumo Reference) See legend at the bottom of the link for key to abbreviations.
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Recap and statistics
A. Video and Photo
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 13 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) (9-3--10-3) v Takakeisho (O2w) (6-5--6-7) (Match Video) Terunofuji is on the left. This was Terunofuji's 5th consecutive win.
Wakatakakage is on the left. Takanosho's 9 match winning streak came to an end.
4. Hoshoryu (K1e) (7-5--7-6) v Sadanoumi (M12w) (9-3--10-3) (Match Video) Hoshoryu is on the left. There was a mono-ii (Judges Conference) that upheld the gyoji (referee) original decision.
Juryo
Tochimaru, at age 29, after 65 Basho and 10 1/2 years toiling in lower division, non-salaried obscurity, finally reached Juryo (2nd Division--salaried) for this Basho. This win guaranteed his Kachi-koshi (winning record), meaning that in July he will be participating in his 2nd Juryo Basho. Kaisei, mostly due to the lingering effects of an ankle injury suffered in January 2022, is, unfortunately, going in the other direction. He was demoted from Makuuchi (Top Division) in March, only his sixth time out of the Top Division since January of 2011. In his 60 Top Division Basho, he has finished 2nd twice, and won 3 Special prizes. He has now finished Make-koshi in March and May, still obviously effected by the injury. His rank will probably save him from demotion to Division 3 and loss of salary, but even so, he will be fighting for his career in July. He is 35 and is a 16 year Sumo veteran.
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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.
We start with ALL key title bouts from the lower divisions and see how two of those titles were decided. We also meet sumo's newest salaried wrestlers before checking in on the top-tier title race, featuring Terunofuji v Takakeisho, Takanosho v Wakatakakage... and much more!
In the Lower Divisions: Note: Divisional Championships in Divisions 3-6 are always decided on Day 13, even though matches continue through Day 15. Playoffs, if necessary are contended on Day 15.
Jonokuchi--Division 6
Yamamoto (Jk10w) (5-1--6-1) v Kazekeno (Jk22e) (6-0--6-1) (Direct Link to Match Video)
"I was too pumped for this one, but I can still win this and believe that if I impose my style I can beat the others." Kazekeno, on his loss via Ashitori (Leg Pick) to Yamamoto. The loss, along with wins by Tanje (Jk14e) and Arise (Jk20e), throw the Division into a 4 way playoff, to be settled on Day 15.
Jonidan--Division 5
Hanafusa (Jd72e) (6-0--7-0) v Tosieryu (Jd80w) (6-0--6-1) (Direct Link to Match Video) Note: it Tosieryu's record was listed as 6-0 going into this match in the Japan Sumo Association link above. Chris Sumo has it listed as 5-1
Kototebakari (Jd21e) (6-0--7-0) v Daieseizan (Jd42w) (6-0--6-1) (Direct Link to Match Video)
Kototebakari is the younger brother of Kotoshoho (M9e)
The two winners will Play Off for the title on Day 15
Sandanme--Division 4
Kamitani (Sd29w) (6-0--7-0) v Hatsuyama (Sd65w)(6-0--6-1) (Direct Link to Match Video)
Kamitani is Champion of Division 4 and earns a promotion to Division 3.
"A tough one to take. I thought he'd come with arms out front, and tried to drag him into the grapple. With more care going forward, I wouldn't have fallen. Time to train and improve."
A disappointed Hatsuyama, on his loss.
Makushita--Division 3
Oshoma (Ms8e) (6-0--7-0) v Kitaharima (Ms30e) (6-0--6-1) (Direct Link to Match Video)
"I'd been tensing up since last night and felt stiff in training all morning. But once at ringside I became more defiant."
Oshoma, on his win.
Oshoma wins Division 3 and is promoted to Juryo (Division 2--salaried)
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Makuuchi (Top Division) Matches not covered by JSA
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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 Day 7, covering Day 13. Today's installment contains videos of the same Jonokuchi and Jonidan matches in the Chris Sumo Youtube above, but from different angles and with added print commentary.
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Photos:
Nikkan Sports Day 13 Photo Feature: There are photos of today's Makuuchi matches, with selected Rikishi quotes. (Japanese) (30 photos)
Mainichi Shimbun Day 13 photo feature (Japanese) (17 photos)
Japanese Sumo Association Twitter Feed provides a steady stream of great photos throughout the Basho. Look for the dates on the tweets for the latest ones. (Japanese)
Sumo Forum Day 12 Photo Feature: Note: these photographs are one day behind, but are certainly worth the wait. (English, from various sources) (151 photos)
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Notable:
Takanosho's (M4w) lead lasted two days, as he was dispatched by Wakatakakage (S1e), using a Hikiotoshi (Hand Pull Down). The match lasted all of 3 seconds. Meanwhile Terunofuji ground out another win, this time over Takakeisho (O2w) via Yoritaoshi (Frontal Crush Out). It's only the 2nd Kimarite he has used more than once in his 10 wins. The win, along with Sadanoumi's (M12w) win over Hoshoryu (K1e), left the Yokozuna, Takanosho, and Sadanoumi tied for the lead with 2 matches left. Four Rikishi are one off the pace, and three are within 2.
The Ozeki had another bad day at the office, losing 2 of their three matches and now all three are under water. One (Shodai--O1w) lost his 8th match today and is now Kadoban. He must produce a winning record in July or he will lose Ozeki rank. Terunofuji's final two matches are against Shodai and Mitakeumi (O1e). Given the Ozeki performance so far, the Yokozuna may have the easiest path to the Yusho (championship).
For the Day: (san'yaku)
Yokozuna: Terunofuji (Y1e)--(W) (10-3)
Ozeki: 17-22: Mitakeumi (O1e) (W) (6-7); Shodai (O1w) (L) (5-8); Takakeisho (O2w) (L) (6-7)
Sekiwake: 14-12: Wakatakakage (S1e) (W) (7-6), Abi (S1w) (W) (7-6)
Komusubi: 16-10 Hoshoryu (K1e) (L) (7-6); Daieisho (K1w) (W) (9-4)
Top Rankers finished 5-3 (.625) Today; In March they were 3-4 (.429).
Top Rankers are 57-47 (.548) through Day 13. In March they were 56-41 (.577).
Maegashira (Rank and File) were 1-3 (.250) against san'yaku today. In the Day standings Maegashira are 1-5-7 (.167--not counting ties)--against the Top Rankers. In March they were 3-2 (.600) in matches and 2-7-4 in the Day standings. (.222--not counting the ties). For the Basho they are 24-34 (.414). In March they were 26-40 (.394). One of the wins was a fusen (forfeit).
There were 9 Kimarite (finishing moves) used today, including 1 type of throw. In March there were 10, including 3 types of throws.
In Juryo (2nd Division), there were 6 Kimarite used today, including 1 type of throw. In March: 8, with 3 types of throws.
Fighting Time Today :
Makuuchi (Top Division)
Average: 9.0 seconds. In March: 10.6 seconds
Median Fighting Time: 4.7 seconds
Juryo (2nd Division) (see time-keeping caveats below)
Average: 6.8
Median: 6.5
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Quotable:
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"My sumo sense has gradually returned in recent days. Now to calmly see this one out."
Terunofuji (Y1e), on his win over Takakeisho (O2w). Never has a more ominous statement of intent been delivered with such understated calm. It seems we may not know who will take the Emporer's Cup, but he does.
"I wanted to settle things at the initial charge, but also knew it wasn't that simple.
Takakeisho
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"It was all over at the initial charge. I'd been tense all day you see. The thing is I'd slept OK but tensed up the moment I woke and kind of froze. I kind of let being in the lead get to me when I shouldn't have."
Takanosho (M4w) on his loss to Wakatakakage (S1e). Not only did end his winning streak, but it also knocked him out of undisputed possession of 1st Place, a position he held since Day 10.
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"I got up with the aim of watching him carefully and fighting at my preferred distance."
Abi (S1w), on his win over Ura (M6e), which knocked the latter out of a share of the lead. Ura appeared to be limping after the match, but claimed he was unhurt.
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C. Condensed results (20 matches--260 total)
Key: Time of Match--s=seconds; Rank; Winner; Basho Record; Finishing Move; Rank; Loser; Basho Record
Day 13
Makuuchi (Top Division)
Partial or complete absences from this Basho
Ichinojo (M1w) 0-0-13 (Covid)
Ishiura (M16e) 0-0-13 (Neck injury)
Onosho (M5e) 2-4-7 (including 1 forfeit loss) (Broken Rib)
09.1s J1w Hidenoumi (8-5) yorikiri M17w Kagayaki (5-8)
03.5s M14e Oho (6-7) katasukashi M12e Myogiryu (5-8)
04.6s M16w Midorifuji (7-6) katasukashi M10w Nishikigi (6-7)
02.9s M10e Okinoumi (7-6) oshidashi M17e Kotokuzan (2-11)
40.3s M13w Meisei (7-6) yorikiri M9e Kotoshoho (6-7)
02.8s M11w Chiyoshoma (6-7) hatakikomi M8w Terutsuyoshi (4-9)
07.0s M11e Aoiyama (9-4) oshidashi M8e Shimanoumi (7-6)
02.0s M14w Yutakayama (6-7) tsukiotoshi M7w Kotoeko (5-8)
03.1s M6w Wakamotoharu (8-5) yorikiri M15e Azumaryu (5-8)
02.6s M3w Tamawashi (7-6) oshidashi M13e Chiyotairyu (7-6)
03.9s M3e Hokutofuji (4-9) oshidashi M7e Takarafuji (2-11)
18.4s M2w Kotonowaka (7-6) oshitaoshi M5w Tobizaru (5-8)
32.4s M2e Kiribayama (9-4) yorikiri M9w Tochinoshin (8-5)
06.4s M4e Endo (6-7) uwatedashinage M1e Takayasu (4-9)
02.6s K1w Daieisho (9-4) hikiotoshi M15w Ichiyamamoto (8-5)
05.1s M12w Sadanoumi (10-3) yoritaoshi K1e Hoshoryu (7-6)
04.8s S1w Abi (7-6) oshidashi M6e Ura (9-4)
03.0s S1e Wakatakakage (7-6) hikiotoshi M4w Takanosho (10-3)
09.5s O1e Mitakeumi (6-7) yorikiri O1w Shodai (5-8)
16.6s Y1e Terunofuji (10-3) yoritaoshi O2w Takakeisho (6-7)
Source: Sumo Reference (text results) and Nikkansports.com length of bouts data (see result sources below)
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Juryo (Second Division--14 matches--177 total)
Partial or complete absences from this Basho
Kitanowaka (J5e) 1-6-5 (including 1 forfeit loss) (Thigh tendon injury)
He left the Basho on Day 6 and rejoined the Basho on Day 12
07.0s Ms1w Nishikawa (4-3) yorikiri J14e Takakento (6-7)
11.1s J13w Tochimaru (8-5) oshidashi J9w Kaisei (5-8)
02.8s J8w Asanowaka (8-5) yorikiri J13e Chiyoarashi (4-9)
06.0s J10w Bushozan (7-6) oshidashi J8e Tokushoryu (9-4)
10.3s J14w Churanoumi (8-5) hikiotoshi J7w Yago (4-9)
06.9s J6e Daiamami (9-4) yorikiri J9e Kaisho (7-6)
04.8s J5w Daishoho (8-5) hatakikomi J12e Shohozan (3-10)
02.9s J4w Tohakuryu (8-5) sukuinage J7e Enho (5-8)
04.1s J11w Daishomaru (4-9) yoritaoshi J4e Akua (4-9)
01.5s J6w Nishikifuji (9-4) hatakikomi J3w Ryuden (8-5)
09.6s J3e Mitoryu (5-8) hatakikomi J11e Hiradoumi (7-6)
02.9s J2w Tsurugisho (10-3) yoritaoshi J12w Atamifuji (8-5)
09.9s J10e Shimazuumi (6-7) sukuinage J2e Chiyonokuni (4-9)
15.8s J1e Chiyomaru (7-6) sukuinage J5e Kitanowaka (1-7-5)
Source: Sumo Reference (text results) and my own calculation of times using a stop watch app. (unofficial to say the least)
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D. Kimarite (Finishing Moves)
9 Finishing Moves Today, 25 Total (including 1 non-technique--losing technique, and 1 fusen [forfeit])
Frontal Push Out (Oshidashi).................5(71)
Frontal Force Out (Yorikiri).................5(49)
Hand Pull Down (Hikiotoshi)..................2(9)
Under Shoulder Swing Down (Katasukashi)......2(8)
Frontal Crush Out (Yoritaoshi)...............2(11)
Slap Down (Hatakikomi).......................1(18)
Frontal Push Down (Oshitaoshi)...............1(9)
Thrust Down (Tsukiotoshi)....................1(23)
Pulling Over Arm Throw (Uwatedashinage)......1(4)
Totals for Basho
Frontal Thrust Out (Tsukidashi)..............14
Rear Push Out (Okuridashi)...................9
Arm Lock Throw (Kotenage)....................8
Over Arm Throw (Uwatenage)...................6
Under Arm Throw (Shitatenage)................4