May 2022 Basho (Natsu--Summer)--DAY 5--May 12, 2022
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Recap and statistics
A. Video and Photo
NHK Hiro Morita Commentary on the four leader's Day 5 Bouts including match video from those bouts , along with a listing of the leaders. (2 minutes, 23 seconds)
Terunofuji (Y1e) (3-1--4-1) v Hokutofuji (M3e) (1-3--1-4) (See also below under JSA)
Tobizaru (M5w) (4-0--4-1) v Shimanoumi (M8e) (1-3--2-3)
Aiyoyama (M11e) (4-0--5-0) v Chiyoshoma (M11w) (2-2--2-3)
Ichiyamamoto (M15w) (4-0--5-0) v Oho (M14e) (2-2--2-3)
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 5 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) (3-1--4-1) v Hokutofuji (M3e) (1-3--1-4) (Match Video) Terunofuji is on the left.
Mitakeumi is on the left.
Juryo
5. Atamifuji (J12w) (3-1--3-2) v Tochimaru (J13w) (3-1--4-1) (Match Video) Atamifuji is on the right
Veteran Tochimaru, 29 years old, gets the best of young rising star Atamifuji, 19 years old, and in just his 2nd Juryo Basho after rocketing up the Banzuke [Rankings] with a 40-9 record and 2 Yusho (Championships) in his first 8 Basho. He was 7-8 in his Rookie Juryo Basho in March, and roared into this match just one win off the pace of joint leaders Ryuden (J3w) and Chyomaru (J1e)--both of whom are headed back to Makuuchi (Top Division) in July. And so did Tochimaru. This is Tochimaryu's Rookie Juryo bout after toiling for almost 11 years in the obscurity of the non-salaried ranks. And while Atamifuji is ticketed for eventual stardom, today the veteran taught the youngster a lesson about perseverance and desire.
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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.
"Bouts from every level again, including: ex-freestyle wrestler in pre-sumo, amazing move in division 6, teenage stars of division 5, slugfest in division 4, giants colliding in division 3, injury in division 2, and an upset in division 1."
Matches not covered by JSA or Special NHK Hiro Morita Commentary links above
Wakatakakage (S1e) (2-2--2-3) v Hoshoryu (K1e) (2-2--3-2) (Direct Link to Match Video)
March Champion Wakatakage is suddenly slumping as he has lost 3 of his last 4. Today, Hoshoryu beat him with what some analysts called a "Henka", i.e., when Wakatakakage charged at the tachiai (initial charge), the Komusubi side stepped him and then pushed him out as he flew by. This is perfectly legal in Sumo, but frowned upon by purists, especially when used by san'yaku (Top Rankers). However, all Rikishi should be aware of the possibility, and Wakatakage was quite simply caught "flat footed" today.
Makushita: Division 3--non salaried):
Hokuseiho (Ms2e) (2-0--3-0) v Kinbozan (Ms4w) (2-0--2-1) (Direct Link to Match Video)
Usually a lower division bout does not cause too many ripples in the Sumo sea, but this one was a bit different. Hokuseiho is a protoge of ex-Yokozuna Hakuho. The 21 year old is 200 cm (6'7"), 170 kg (375 pounds). He began his career in July 2020. He rocketed through three Divisions in three bosho, winning his first 21 matches and three Yusho (Championships). He then cruised through Makushita with an 18-3 record in 3 Basho with another Yusho. He became a salaried Rikishi in his 9th Basho, but was injured, missed most of it and the next,and was dropped back to Ms. Since then he has a 12-4 record in 3 Basho, going into today's match.
Kinbozan, a 24 year old University Star originally from Kazakhstan, 191 cm (6'3"), 165 kg (364 pounds), was fast tracked into Sandanme (Division 4--no salary), as is the recent tendency within Sumo. He has begun his career with 21 wins in his first 23 matches (2 lower Division Yusho) going into this match.
These are two big time "up and comers", and they put on a great match today. How long it will take for them to reach the Top Division is unknown, but barring injury, they both surely should do so.
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Photos:
Nikkan Sports Day 5 Photo Feature: There are photos of today's Makuuchi matches, with selected Rikishi quotes. (Japanese). (28 photos)
Mainichi Shimbun Day 5 photo feature (Japanese) (22 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 4 Photo Feature: Note: these photographs are one day behind, but are certainly worth the wait. (English, from various sources) (145 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.
Injury News:
Onosho (M5e) has dropped out of the Makuuchi (Top Division) Basho. He will be charged with a fusen (forfeit) on Day 6, and then absences will be charged to his record (counted as losses for purposes of record keeping) each day he misses after that. Sometimes Rikishi return to action before the end of the Basho.
Kitanowaka (J5e) has dropped out of the Juryo (2nd Division) Basho. He is treated exactly the same way as Onosho.
Notable:
Terunofuji (Y1e) won his 4th consecutive match, as he used a Kimetaoshi (Arm Barring Force Down) to dispose of Hokutofuji (M3e) in just less than 6 seconds. He has now won four matches with four different Kimarite.
There are now only two Rikishi left with perfect records: Aiyoyama (M11e) and Ichiyamamoto (M15w). They will meet on Day 6. For Ichiamamoto, today marked his 10th consecutive win going back to the March Basho.
Tamawashi (M3w) today fought his 1,426th consecutive match without an absence, moving into 4th on the all time list ahead of Takamiyama (Wikipedia). Taktoriki is next on the list at 1,456.
Two of the three Ozeki lost today, making their record a dismal 6-9. There may be more than one "Kadoban" (losing record, another losing record means demotion from Ozeki) Ozeki after this Basho.
For the Day: (san'yaku)
Yokozuna: Terunofuji (Y1e)--(W) (4-1)
Ozeki: 6-9: Mitakeumi (O1e) (L) (2-3); Shodai (O1w) (L) (1-4); Takakeisho (O2w) (W) (3-2)
Sekiwake: 5-5: Wakatakakage (S1e) (L) (2-3), Abi (S1w) (L) (3-2)
Komusubi: 7-3 Daieisho (K1e) (W) (4-1); Hoshoryu (K1w) (W) (3-2)
Top Rankers finished 4-4 (.500) Today; In March they were also 4-4.
Top Rankers are 22-18 (.550) through Day 5. In March they were also 22-18.
Maegashira (Rank and File) were 2-2(.500) against san'yaku today. In the Day standings Maegashira are 1-2-2 (.333--not counting ties)--against the Top Rankers. In March they were 2-2 (.500) in matches and 0-2-3 in the Day standings. (.000--not counting the tie). For the Basho they are 11-15 (.423). In March they were 12-16 (.429).
There were 8 Kimarite (finishing moves) used today, including 2 types of throws. In March there were 9, including 1 type of throw.
In Juryo (2nd Division), there were 9 Kimarite (finishing moves) used today, including 2 types of throws. In March: 5, with 1 type of throw.
Fighting Time Today :
Makuuchi (Top Division)
Average: 12.2 seconds. In March: nn seconds
Median Fighting Time: 9.0 seconds
Juryo (2nd Division) (see time-keeping caveats below)
Average: 13.2
Median: 5.5
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Quotable: (Source for all, unless specifically stated, is Chris Sumo Youtube)
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"I kept my cool, went for the arm block, and when the chance came believed in myself and drove forward. And as for my perfect attendance record...Look, I've got family, friends, and fans to fight for. So I can't just say it hurts and not turn up."
Tamawashi (M3w), on his victory over Mitakeumi (O1e), and his iron man streak.
"This feels awfully good,I tried to take it slowly and not panic, and executed a good thrusting attack"
Tamawashi (Kyodo News)
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"I just couldn't lose. I won through sheer spirit and perserverance. You might say he's an awkward one, both lighter and faster than my stablemate Ura (M6e)."
Shimanoumi (M8e), on his removal of Tobizaru (M5w) from the ranks of the undefeated.
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"I have been here before, though. The important stuff is yet to come. I'm not doing anything special this time. Today, for example, I just didn't want him cutting inside.
Aioyama (M11e) on his win over Chiyoshoma (M11w), leaving the big man as one of only 2 undefeated Rikishi left.
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"Let's just say it didn't go well. Why didn't I just stick to my usual style?
Kinbozan (Ms4w) on his ill fated attempt to lift out giant Hokuseiho (Ms2e), before losing an incredibly close match.
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C. Condensed results (20 matches--100 total)
Key: Time of Match--s=seconds; Rank; Winner; Basho Record; Finishing Move; Rank; Loser; Basho Record
Day 5
Makuuchi (Top Division)
Partial or complete absences from this Basho
Ichinojo (M1w) 0-0-5 (Covid)
Ishiura (M16e) 0-0-5 (Neck injury)
25.1s M15e Azumaryu (2-3) kotenage M16w Midorifuji (2-3)
01.1s M15w Ichiyamamoto (5-0) hikiotoshi M14e Oho (2-3)
06.5s M13w Meisei (2-3) oshidashi M17w Kagayaki (3-2)
08.4s M13e Chiyotairyu (2-3) okuridashi M17e Kotokuzan (0-5)
04.3s M12w Sadanoumi (4-1) yorikiri M14w Yutakayama (2-3)
07.5s M11e Aoiyama (5-0) kotenage M11w Chiyoshoma (2-3)
03.9s M12e Myogiryu (3-2) tsukiotoshi M10w Nishikigi (2-3)
03.3s M9w Tochinoshin (2-3) oshidashi M9e Kotoshoho (2-3)
07.6s M10e Okinoumi (2-3) yorikiri M8w Terutsuyoshi (2-3)
28.5s M7w Kotoeko (3-2) okuridashi M7e Takarafuji (0-5)
03.6s M6w Wakamotoharu (4-1) okuridashi M6e Ura (3-2)
29.1s M8e Shimanoumi (2-3) oshitaoshi M5w Tobizaru (4-1)
06.7s M4w Takanosho (3-2) yorikiri M2w Kotonowaka (3-2)
72.1s M2e Kiribayama (2-3) tsukiotoshi M1e Takayasu (1-4)
03.3s K1w Daieisho (4-1) oshidashi S1w Abi (3-2)
01.5s K1e Hoshoryu (3-2) okuridashi S1e Wakatakakage (2-3)
09.8s M3w Tamawashi (4-1) oshidashi O1e Mitakeumi (2-3)
11.9s O2w Takakeisho (3-2) oshitaoshi M5e Onosho (2-3)
04.1s M4e Endo (2-3) yorikiri O1w Shodai (1-4)
05.3s Y1e Terunofuji (4-1) kimetaoshi M3e Hokutofuji (1-4)
Source: Sumo Reference (text results) and Nikkansports.com length of bouts data (see result sources below)
Juryo (Second Division--14 matches--70 total)
01.9s J13w Tochimaru (4-1) hikiotoshi J12w Atamifuji (3-2)
55.6s J14e Takakento (2-3) uwatenage J12e Shohozan (2-3)
02.8s J14w Churanoumi (4-1) shitatedashinage J11w Daishomaru (1-4)
03.4s J10w Bushozan (3-2) oshidashi J11e Hiradoumi (4-1)
00.5s J13e Chiyoarashi (1-4) tsukiotoshi J10e Shimazuumi (3-2)
02.3s J8w Asanowaka (4-1) hatakikomi J9e Kaisho (1-4)
35.3s J8e Tokushoryu (4-1) tsukiotoshi J9w Kaisei (1-4)
08.6s J6w Nishikifuji (4-1) oshitaoshi J7e Enho (3-2)
35.4s J5w Daishoho (2-3) yorikiri J7w Yago (0-5)
01.1s J4w Tohakuryu (3-2) hatakikomi J6e Daiamami (2-3)
03.3s J2w Tsurugisho (3-2) yorikiri J5e Kitanowaka (1-4)
07.5s J4e Akua (2-3) yorikiri J2e Chiyonokuni (1-4)
13.4s J1w Hidenoumi (2-3) okuridashi J3e Mitoryu (1-4)
13.2s J3w Ryuden (5-0) yorikiri J1e Chiyomaru (4-1)
Source: Sumo Reference (text results) and my own calculation of times using a stop watch app. (unofficial to say the least)
8 Finishing Moves Today, 18 Total
Rear Push Out (Okuridashi)...................4(4)
Frontal Push Out (Oshidashi).................4(27)
Frontal Force Out (Yorikiri).................4(20)
Arm Lock Throw (Kotenage)....................2(6)
Frontal Push Down (Oshitaoshi)...............2(5)
Thrust Down (Tsukiotoshi)....................2(13)
Hand Pull Down (Hikiotoshi)..................1(5)
Arm Barring Force Down (Kimetaoshi)..........1(1)
Totals for Basho
Frontal Thrust Out (Tsukidashi)..............6
Under Arm Throw (Shitatenage)................3
Slap Down (Hatakikomi).......................2
Under Shoulder Swing Down (Katasukashi)......2
Twisting Backward Knee Trip (Kirikaeshi).....1
Pulling Under Arm Throw (Shitatedashinage)...1
Two Handed Head Twist Down (Tokkurinage).....1
Pulling Over Arm Throw (Uwatedashinage)......1
Over Arm Throw (Uwatenage)...................1
Frontal Crush Out (Yoritaoshi)...............1
Out 12(58), Down 8(42)
Frontal 10(47), Rear 4(4), Barring 1(1), Lock 1(5), Pulling 0(2), Two Handed 0(1), Twisting Backward 0(1)
Push 10(36), Force 5(21), Throw 2(12), Thrust 2(19), Pull 1(5), Slap 0(2), Twist 0(1), Crush 0(1), Swing 0(2), Trip 0(1)
Under 0(5), Over 0(1)
Arm 3(13), Hand 1(5), Head 0(1), Knee 0(1), Shoulder 0(2)
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D 2. Juryo (Second Division) Finishing Moves (14 matches--70 Total)
9 Finishing Moves Today, 15 Total
Frontal Force Out (Yorikiri).................4(17)
Slap Down (Hatakikomi).......................2(6)
Thrust Down (Tsukiotoshi)....................2(5)
Hand Pull Down (Hikiotoshi)..................1(6)
Rear Push Out (Okuridashi)...................1(2)
Frontal Push Out (Oshidashi).................1(13)
Frontal Push Down (Oshitaoshi)...............1(3)
Pulling Under Arm Throw (Shitatedashinage)...1(3)
Over Arm Throw (Uwatenage)...................1(1)
Totals for Basho