May 2022 Basho (Natsu--Summer)--DAY 2--May 9 2022

May 2022 (Natsu) Basho 


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Day 1Day 2Day 3Day 4Day 5




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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 2 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) (0-1--1-1) v Takayasu (M1e) (0-1--0-2)  (Match Video) Terunofuji is on the left. 

2. Mitakeumi (O1e) (1-0--1-1) v Hoshoryu (K1e (0-1--1-1)  (Match Video) Mitakeumi is on the left.

3. Takakeisho (O2w) (0-1--1-1) v Kiribayama (M2e) (1-0--1-1)  (Match Video) Takakeisho is on the right.

4. Wakatakakage (S1e) (1-0--1-1) v Tamawashi (M3w) (1-0--2-0)  (Match Video) Wakatakage 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. 


"We go from the novices fighting their first ever pro bouts (and not knowing where to stand) to the highest ranked man around: Yokozuna Terunofuji. A truly unique take on May 2022, Day 2 - the WHOLE day!"

Matches not covered by JSA links above

Shodai (O1w) (0-1--0-2) v Kotonowaka (M2w) (1-0--2-0)

Kotonowaka defeats his 2nd consecutive Ozeki, but did he? Watch closely.

Tochinoshin (M9w) (0-1--0-2) v Nishikigi (M10w) (0-1--1-1)

Tochinoshin takes a bad fall, seeming to injure both his bad knee and his neck. Hopefully he can come back. If not, it will mark the end of a 14 year run in the Top Division for the one time Ozeki.

Midorifuji (M16w) (0-1--1-1) v Kagayaki (M17w) (1-0--1-1) (Direct link to Match Video)

Watch and marvel as Mr. Katasukashi (Under Shoulder Swing Down) works his magic on yet another much larger Rikishi. Almost 25% of his wins have come via this stylish move, one that has an over all rate of slightly less than 1%. Today was his 45th.

Match of Interest: Juryo (Division 2)

Ryuden (J3w) (1-0--2-0) v Akua (J4e) (1-0--1-1)

This was an interesting bout between two veteran Rikishi (slightly less than 1,400 total bouts) who desperately want to get back to Makuuchi (Top Division). Ryuden, who was suspended for violating covid restrictions and dropped all the way to Makushita (Division 3--no salary) is 22-3 with two lower division Yusho (Championships) since he returned in November of 2021. Akua, who took 10 years to make the Top Division, dropped back to Juryo after successive 4-11 scores in January and March. Both are highly motivated to get back to the top, and from their rank, a kachi-koshi (winning score, at least 8 wins) is imperative.Today belonged to Ryuden, but not before an arduous 35+ second battle.

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Photos:

Nikkan Sports Day 2 Photo Feature: There are photos of today's Makuuchi matches, with selected Rikishi quotes. (Japanese).  (26 photos)

Mainichi Shimbun Day 2 photo feature (Japanese) (12 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 1 Photo Feature: Note: these photographs are one day behind, but are certainly worth the wait. (English, from various sources) (135 photos)

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B. Notable and Quotable

Note: Rikishi names that are not linked are those who are linked above in the videos.

Notable: 

Terunofuji (Y1e) shook off his opening day loss with a hard fought win over March Playoff runner-up Takayasu (M1e). It was the second longest bout of the day. Takayasu has now lost 5 consecutive matches going back to the end of the March Basho. It was another tough slog for the rest of the san'yaku (Top Rankers), as they were 3-4 on the day. Mitakeumi (O1e) was beaten by Hoshoryu (K1e), his first win over the Ozeki in four tries. Shodai (O1w) fell again, this time to Kotonowaka (M2w) in a bout that ended in controversy, but not a mono-ii (Judges Conference). The video shows (above--and even the winner conceded), that there was some justification for a rematch. Still here is Shodai, beginning a new Basho basking in the glow of a 9-2 finish in March that not only saved his rank, but showed evidence that he could be as dominant as anyone. And once again, he has flattered to deceive so far. However, he fought much better today than yesterday and it is still very early. Takakeisho (O2w) won his first match today in a very un-pusher thruster manner, the  unorthodox use of the most orthodox Kimarite (Finishing Move) in the tool box,the Yorikiri (Frontal Force Out). He has now used that move to win 5 career matches, 1.45% of his wins. Yorikiri has an over all rate of 25.21%. 

Ageless Tamawashi (M3w), 37 years old and still going strong, after his 1,423rd consecutive bout, 6th on the all time list and now only 2 behind Takamiyama, stopped the March Champion, Wakatakage (S1e), in his tracks. It was the veteran's first win in six tries against the rising Sekiwake. 

And at the other end of the Banzuke (Rankings), Ichiyamamoto (M15w) , who was 3-7 at M17w in March and was one win away from certain demotion to Juryo, ended up winning his last 5 matches to finish 8-7 and received  a small promotion. He has now followed that up with 2 wins, quietly amassing a 7 match winning streak. He seems quite determined to keep his place in the Top Division. It will be interesting to watch his progress.

For the Day: (san'yaku) 

Yokozuna: Terunofuji (Y1e)--(W) (1-1)

Ozeki: 2-4: Mitakeumi (O1e) (L) (1-1); Shodai (O1w) (L)  (0-2); Takakeisho (O2w) (W)  (1-1) 

Sekiwake: 2-2: Wakatakakage (S1e) (L) (1-1), Abi (S1w) (W)  (1-1)

Komusubi: 2-2 Daieisho (K1e) (L) (1-1); Hoshoryu (K1w) (W) (1-1)

Top Rankers finished 4-4 (.500) Today; In March they were 4-4. 
Top Rankers are 7-9 (.437) through Day 2. In March they were 8-8.

Maegashira (Rank and File) were 4-2 (.667) against san'yaku today. In the Day standings Maegashira are 1-0-1 against the Top Rankers. In March  they were 3-3 in matches and 0-0-1 in the Day standings. (.500).

There were 6 Kimarite (finishing moves) used today, including 1 swing. In March there were 10, including 3 types of throws.

In Juryo (2nd Division), there were 8 Kimarite (finishing moves) used today, no throws. In March: 8, with 1 swing and 1 type of throw.
   
Fighting Time Today :

Makuuchi (Top Division) 
Average: 8.6 seconds. In March: 10.5 seconds 
Median Fighting Time: 6.2 seconds

Juryo (2nd Division) (see time-keeping caveats below)
Average: 10.6
Median:  9.8

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Quotable: (Source for all, unless specifically stated, is Chris Sumo Youtube) 

"I aimed to fight this one entirely from the front and thought I did well. I'll just do all I can and do it well."
Terunofuji (O1e) on his difficult, nearly 25 second battle with the March Playoff runner up, Takayasu (M1e).

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"When you go against the Ozeki you better be sure of yourself and leave it all out there."
Hoshoryu (K1e) on his win over Mitakeumi (O1e).

"I feel more confident this tournament. I just want to win as many bouts as possible until the final day. "I just want to win as many bouts as possible until the final day." (Kyodo News)
Hoshoryu

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"I was making sure to keep my shape. A force out was unplanned but that's okay. I want to go with the flow of the bout. Push and shove alone can't win you everything. It would be good to get some other attacks going."
Takakeisho (O2w) on his win over Kiribayama (M2e).

"I want to impose my style but my end game was poor. I can do better than that."
A disappointed Kiribayama on the loss. 

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"I felt one leg stayed in but thought there'd by a rematch."
Kotonowaka (M2w), on his perhaps fortuitous win over Shodai (O1w)

"I wasn't sure (if I'd won) but I saw the official point in my direction. I am quietly confident and I just want to keep it going." 
Kotonowaka (Kyodo News)

"Oh if I'd just gotten tighter I might have stayed in, I suppose. Now it's just a case of re-setting for tomorrow."
Shodai's take on the match.

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"It was good I played it cool and used the entire ring well. I constantly tried to break that low stance of his. Which I think I did good and proper."
Ageless Tamawashi (M3w), on his win over Wakatakage (S1e). 

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"I'm so pleased with that. I dislike facing Kagayaki because it's just blow after blow until my face is ruined. After yesterday's loss I was really down, but this win has restored my motivation."
Midorifuji (M16w), elated with his win over Kagayaki (M17w).

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C. Condensed results (20 matches--40 total)

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

Day 2

Partial or complete absences from this Basho

Ichinojo (M1w) 0-0-2 (Covid)
Ishiura (M16e) 0-0-2 (Neck injury)


07.6s M16w Midorifuji (1-1)   katasukashi M17w Kagayaki (1-1)
16.9s M15w Ichiyamamoto (2-0) oshidashi   M17e Kotokuzan (0-2)
07.7s M14e Oho (1-1)          yorikiri    M15e Azumaryu (0-2)
24.9s M14w Yutakayama (2-0)   oshidashi   M13w Meisei (1-1)
02.4s M12e Myogiryu (2-0)     oshidashi   M13e Chiyotairyu (0-2)
03.5s M11w Chiyoshoma (1-1)   shitatenage M12w Sadanoumi (1-1)
12.4s M11e Aoiyama (2-0)      oshidashi   M10e Okinoumi (1-1)
07.0s M10w Nishikigi (1-1)    oshitaoshi  M9w  Tochinoshin (0-2)
03.8s M9e  Kotoshoho (1-1)    tsukidashi  M8e  Shimanoumi (0-2)
01.9s M7w  Kotoeko (2-0)      hatakikomi  M8w  Terutsuyoshi (1-1)

07.8s M6e  Ura (1-1)          oshidashi   M7e  Takarafuji (0-2)
02.3s M5w  Tobizaru (2-0)     hikiotoshi  M6w  Wakamotoharu (1-1)
03.5s M5e  Onosho (2-0)       oshidashi   M4e  Endo (1-1)
03.8s M4w  Takanosho (1-1)    tsukiotoshi K1w  Daieisho (1-1)
06.0s M3w  Tamawashi (2-0)    hikiotoshi  S1e  Wakatakakage (1-1)
03.6s S1w  Abi (1-1)          tsukidashi  M3e  Hokutofuji (0-2)
05.7s K1e  Hoshoryu (1-1)     oshidashi   O1e  Mitakeumi (1-1)
12.4s O2w  Takakeisho (1-1)   yorikiri    M2e  Kiribayama (1-1)
14.6s M2w  Kotonowaka (2-0)   tsukiotoshi O1w  Shodai (0-2)
24.8s Y1e  Terunofuji (1-1)   kotenage    M1e  Takayasu (0-2)


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Juryo (Division 2 (14 Matches--28 Total--times are approximate and unofficial--I used a stop watch app)

03.8s J14w Churanoumi (2-0)  hatakikomi       J13e Chiyoarashi (0-2)
07.7s J14e Takakento (1-1)   hatakikomi       J13w Tochimaru (1-1)
20.6s J11e Hiradoumi (2-0)   yoritaoshi       J12w Atamifuji (1-1)
02.3s J12e Shohozan (1-1)    yorikiri         J11w Daishomaru (0-2)
04.6s J10w Bushozan (1-1)    oshidashi        J9e  Kaisho (0-2)
02.6s J10e Shimazuumi (2-0)  yorikiri         J9w  Kaisei (1-1)
11.0s J8w  Asanowaka (1-1)   oshidashi        J7e  Enho (1-1)

18.1s J8e  Tokushoryu (2-0)  yorikiri         J7w  Yago (0-2)
09.9s J6e  Daiamami (1-1)    yorikiri         J5e  Kitanowaka (0-2)
01.4s J6w  Nishikifuji (2-0) hikiotoshi       J5w  Daishoho (1-1)
04.2s J3e  Mitoryu (1-1)     oshitaoshi       J4w  Tohakuryu (0-2)
35.7s J3w  Ryuden (2-0)      shitatedashinage J4e  Akua (1-1)
07.6s J1e  Chiyomaru (2-0)   oshidashi        J2w  Tsurugisho (1-1)
18.3s J1w  Hidenoumi (1-1)   oshidashi        J2e  Chiyonokuni (0-2)

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

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D. Kimarite (Finishing Moves)

D 1. Makuuchi (Top Division) Finishing Moves (20 matches--40 Total) 

Note: finishing move links below link to short NHK videos demonstrating the technique. Source: Sumo Reference Bout Query--D2All (Note: the query is for wins only)

10 Finishing Moves Today, 10 Total

Frontal Push Out (Oshidashi).................7(14)
Hand Pull Down (Hikiotoshi)..................2(3)
Frontal Thrust Out (Tsukidashi)..............2(5)
Thrust Down (Tsukiotoshi)....................2(4)
Frontal Force Out (Yorikiri).................2(8)
Slap Down (Hatakikomi).......................1(1)
Under Shoulder Swing Down (Katasukashi)......1(2)
Arm Lock Throw (Kotenage)....................1(1)
Frontal Push Down (Oshitaoshi)...............1(1)
Under Arm Throw (Shitatenage)................1(1)

Out 11(27), Down 9(13) 
Frontal 12(28), Lock 1(1) 

Push 8(15), Thrust 4(9), Force 2(8), Pull 2(3), Throw 2(2) Slap 1(1), Swing 1(2)

Under 2(2) 
Arm 2(2), Hand 2(3), Shoulder 1(2)

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D 2. Juryo (Second Division) Finishing Moves (14 matches--28 Total) 
Source: Sumo Reference Bout Query--D2All (Note: the query is for wins only) 

7 Finishing Moves Today, 9 Total

Frontal Push Out (Oshidashi).................4(5)
Frontal Force Out (Yorikiri).................4(7)
Slap Down (Hatakikomi).......................2(4)
Hand Pull Down (Hikiotoshi)..................1(2)
Frontal Push Down (Oshitaoshi)...............1(2)
Pulling Under Arm Throw (Shitatedashinage)...1(1)
Frontal Crush Out (Yoritaoshi)...............1(2)

Totals for Basho

Thrust Down (Tsukiotoshi)....................3
Frontal Thrust Out (Tsukidashi)..............2

Out 9(16) 7, Down 5(12) 
Frontal 9(17), Pulling 1(1)

Push 5(7), Force 4(7), Slap 2(4), Crush 1(2), Pull 1(2), Throw 1(1), Thrust 0(5)

Under 1(1)
Arm 1(1), Hand 1(2)  

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E. Match Time

Makuuchi (Top Division)

Day 2(20 matches) 

Total Time: 2 minutes 52.6 seconds (172.6)
Longest Match: 24.9 s (Yutakayama v Meisei)
Shortest Match: 1.9 s (Kotoeko v Terutsuyoshi)
Average (20 matches): 8.6 s
Median (20 matches): 6.5s

Total (40 Matches)
Total Time: 6 minutes 10.3 seconds (370.3)
Longest Match: 41.9 s (Tobizaru v Ura)
Shortest Match: 1.7 s (Endo v Hoshoryu)
Average (40 matches): 9.3 s
Median (40 matches): 6.2 s

Daily Total Average: (9.9, 9.3) 
Daily Total Median (6.1, 6.2)

Time/Matches Day 2(cumulative)

0-4.9 seconds:        8 (15)  
5-9.9 seconds:        6 (14)    
10-19.9 seconds:      4 (6)
20-29.9 seconds:      2 (4)
40-49.9 seconds:      0 (1)

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Juryo (2nd Division) Match Time (Estimates--I used a stop watch app.)

Day 2(14 matches) 

Total Time: 2 minutes 27.8 seconds (147.8)
Longest Match: 35.7 s (Ryden [2] v Akua)
Shortest Match: 1.4 s (Nishikifuji v Daishoho)
Average (14 matches): 10.6 s
Median (14 matches): 7.7 s

Total (28 Matches)
Total Time: 4 minutes 33.7 seconds (273.7)
Longest Match: 35.1 s (35.7 s (Ryuden v Akua) (Day 2)
Shortest Match: 1.4 s (Nishikifuji v Daishoho) (Day 2)
Average (28 matches): 9.8s
Median (28 matches): 7.5 s

Daily Total Average: (9.0, 10.6) 
Daily Total Median (7.2, 7.5)

Time/Matches Day 2(cumulative)

0-4.9 seconds:        6 (11)  
5-9.9 seconds:        3 (9)    
10-19.9 seconds:      3 (5)
20-29.9 seconds:      1 (1)
30-39.9 seconds       1 (2)

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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

FORTHCOMING--BEGINNING ON DAY 8

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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. Rookies--There are no Rookies in this Basho
G4. Juryo Substitute Standings

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G1. Top Rank Wins 

Makuuchi (Top Division)

1-1: Terunofuji (Y1e); Mitakeumi (O1e); Takakeisho (O2w) Wakatakakage (S1e); Abi (S1w); Hoshoryu (K1e); Daieisho (K1w)

0-2: Shodai (O1w)

Day 2: 7-9 (.437)
Day 1: 3-5 (.375)

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Juryo (Second Division) (Top 10 wins--J1-J5) 

*Demoted from Top Division after March Basho 

2-0: Chiyomaru* (J1e--M13e); Ryuden  (J3w)

1-1: Hidenoumi (J1w); Tsurugisho (J2w); Mitoryu (J3e);
Akua* (J4e--M15e); Daishoho (J5w)

0-2: Chiyonokuni* (J2e--M13w); Tohakuryu (J4w);   
Kitanowaka (J5e) 

Day 2: 9-11 (.450)
Day 1: 5-5 (.500)

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G2. Maegashira v san'yaku (defined as Komusubi, Sekiwake, Ozeki, and Yokozuna for these purposes) 

Day 2

*=Kinboshi--Gold Star Win over Yokozuna
#f=fusen (forfeit)

Kotonowaka (M2w)   1-0(2-0)
Tamawashi  (M3w)   1-0(2-0)
Takanosho  (M4w)   1-0(1-0)
Endo       (M4e)   0-0(1-0)
Kiribayama (M2e)   0-1(1-1)
Takayasu   (M1e)   0-1(0-2)
Hokutofuji (M3e)   0-1(0-2)

Win and Loss by Days 
Maegashira 1-0-1, san'yaku 0-1-1

Day  2 Total   7--5 (.583)
Day  1 Total   4--2 (.667)

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G4. Juryo Substitute Standings

Day 1-2: There were no Juryo Substitutes
 
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H. Results

Day 2: May 9(Sumo Reference)--includes Standings--see left side of the page
Sekitori  Basho Cumulative Win-Loss Matrix (Makuuchi and Juryo--all salaried rikishi)

Day 2: Time of Each Match: (nikkansports.com) (in Japanese,use Google Translate) Matches are in order from lowest rank to highest. (Note: there is no time listed for this match (see above).

Day 2 Heya Watch (wins by Stable) Cumulative daily; all Divisions added together (source: sumoforum.net Natsu Heya Watch thread) 

Day 2 Kensho: Daieisho (K1w) lost but remains in the lead with 38 envelopes. Mitakeumi is 2nd with 23. Kotonowaka (M2w) added 15 envelopes and moves into 2nd place with 29. Terunofuji (Y1e) added 23 envelopes and moves into a tie for 3rd place with Mitakeumi, who lost.

Absent rikishi information (Japanese Sumo Association)

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I. Articles:

Nikkansports.com carries the most exhaustive coverage of Sumo that I have seen. It publisles 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 browser for seamless "translation." 
Or try
Deepl Translate: Cut and Paste Stories into the Translate Box.

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