May 2022 Basho (Natsu--Summer)--DAY 15--May 22, 2022--Sensurako (Final Day)
===============================
===============================
===============================
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)
Y=Yusho (Championship); J=Jun Yusho (2nd Place); G=Special Prize--Gino Sho (Technique Prize); K=Special Prize--Kanto Sho (Fighting Spirit Prize) S=Special Prize--Shukun Sho (Outstanding Performance Prize). For Special Prize criteria see the Special Prize Wikipedia article. There was no Gino-Sho presented in this Basho. Note: the numbers next to Terunofuji are the number of Yusho he has won as a Top Division (Makuuchi) Rikishi, and how many of those as a Yokozuna
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 11 12 (Y--7--3)
Daieisho (K1w) 1 1 2 3 4 4 5 5 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 (J-S)
Takanosho (M4w) 0 1 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 10 11 11 (J-S)
Sadanoumi (M12w) 1 1 2 3 4 5 6 6 7 7 8 9 10 10 11 (J-K)
Kiribayama (M2e) 1 1 1 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 8 9 9 10
Aoiyama (M11e) 1 2 3 4 5 6 6 6 7 7 7 8 9 9 10
Wakatakakage (S1e) 1 1 2 2 2 3 3 3 4 5 6 6 7 8* 9
Kotonowaka (M2w) 1 2 3 3 3 3 3 4 5 6 6 6 7 8 9
Tamawashi (M3w) 1 2 3 3 4 5 5 6 5 5 5 6 7 8 9
Ura (M6e) 0 1 2 3 3 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 9 9* 9
Wakamotoharu (M6w) 1 1 2 3 4 4 4 5 5 6 6 7 8 9 9
Okinoumi (M10e) 1 1 1 1 2 2 3 4 4 4 5 6 7 8 9
Midorifuji (M16w) 0 1 1 2 2 3 4 4 5 6 6 6 7 8 9
Takakeisho (O2w) 0 1 1 2 3 3 5 5 5 5 6 6 7 7 8
Hoshoryu (K1e) 0 1 2 2 3 4 5 5 6 6 6 7 7 8 8
Tochinoshin (M9w) 0 0 0 1 2 3 4 4 5 6 7 8 8 8 8
Nishikigi (M10w) 0 1 1 2 2 3 3 4 4 4 5 6 6 7 8
Chiyotairyu (M13e) 0 0 0 1 2 3 4 5 5 6 7 7 7 8 8
Meisei (M13w) 1 1 1 1 2 2 3 4 5 5 5 6 7 8 8
Ichiyamamoto (M15w) 1 2 3 4 5 5 5 6 7 8 8 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
----
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)
Y=Yusho (Championship); J=Jun Yusho (2nd Place--in this case in a playoff)
Day 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 Playoff
Nishikifuji(J6w) 1 2 3 3 4 5 6 6 7 7 7 8 9 10 11 W (Y)
Daiamami (J6e) 0 1 1 2 2 3 4 5 6 6 7 8 9 10 11 L (J)
Tsurugisho (J2w) 1 1 2 2 3 4 5 6 6 7 8 9 10 10 10
Asanowaka (J8w) 0 1 2 3 4 4 4 5 6 7 7 7 8 9 10
Atamifuji (J12w) 1 1 2 3 3 4 5 6 7 7 7 8 8 9 10
Ryuden (M3w) 1 2 3 4 5 6*6 6 6 6 7 8 8 9 9
Tohakuryu (J4w) 0 0 1 2 3 4 4 4 5 6 7 7 8 8 9
Daishoho (J5w) 1 1 1 1 2 3 4 5 5 6 7 7 8 8 9
Tokushoryu (J8e) 1 2 2 3 4 5 5 6 7 8 8 9 9 9 9
Bushozan (J10w) 0 1 2 2 3 3 3 3 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
Churanoumi (J14w) 1 2 2 3 4 4 4 5 5 6 6 7 8 9 9
Chiyomaru (J1e) 1 2 3 4 4 4 5 5 5 5 6 6 7 8 8
Hidenoumi (J1w) 0 1 1 1 2 3 4 4 5 6 7 7 8 8 8
Hiradumi (J11e) 1 2 3 4 4 5 5 5 6 7 7 7 7 7 8
Tochimaru (J13w) 1 1 2 3 4 4 5 5 6 6 6 7 8 8 8
FULL JURYO (DIVISION 2) BANZUKE (RECORD BY RANK) (Source: Sumo Reference) See legend at the bottom of the link for key to abbreviations.
===============================
===============================
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 15 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.
TERUNOFUJI--3RD YOKOZUNA AND 7TH MAKUUCHI (TOP DIVISION YUSHO (CHAMPIONSHIP) (includes the championship winning match video from a different angle than below.
1. Terunofuji (Y1e) (11-3--12-3) v Mitakeumi (O1e) (6-8--6-9) (Match Video) Terunofuji is on the left. This was Terunofuji's 7th consecutive win and his 3rd Yusho (Championship) in 5 Basho as Yokozuna.
Takakeisho becomes the only Ozeki to avoid Kadoban.
3. Wakatakakage (S1e) (8-6--9-6) v Abi (S1w) (7-7--7-8) v (Match Video) Wakatakakage is on the left. Wakatakakage denies Abi a Kachi-koshi in one of the best matches of the Basho. Abi will drop to Komusubi in July.
4. Takanosho (M4w) (11-3--11-4) v Sadanoumi (M12w) (10-4--11-4) (Match Video) Takanosho is on the right. Sadanoumi puts a huge dent in Takanosho's Yusho (Championship) hopes while keeping his own alive.
THE THREE SPECIAL PRIZE WINNERS: DAIEISHO (K1W)--SHOKUN SHO (OUTSTANDING PERFORMANCE); TAKANOSHO (M4W)--SHOKUN SHO; SADANOUMI (M12W)--KANTO SHO--FIGHTING SPIRIT). (Includes match video from Daieisho's win over the Yokozuna, and Takanosho's Kinboshi (Gold Star Win by a Maegashira over the Yokozuna), one of the criteria of Shokun Sho, as well as Sadanoumi's Day 15 win over Takanosho that guaranteed him a Jun-Yusho (2nd Place) along with the other Special Prize winners with an 11-4 record, one match behind, Terunofuji, Yusho (12-3).
JURYO PLAYOFF
5. Daiamami (J6e) (10-4--11-4--L) v Nishikifuji (J6w) (10-4--11-4-W) (Match Video) Daiamami is on the left). Nishikifuji finishes with a flourish, winning the Playoff to cap a 5 match winning streak and ending Diamami's 5 match winning streak, to sweep the top 2 division championships for Isegahama Stable.
"It's great I could win this in the final meet before Coach Ajigama's (ex Rikishi Aminishiki--who was a 23 year veteran of Sumo, and fought in 97 Top Division Basho, reaching as high as Sekiwake, with 14 Special Prizes, 8 Kinboshi--Maegashira wins over Yokozuna, and 2 Jun-Yusho--2nd Place finishes. Of 1399 Top Division matches, he missed 45.)
----
Chris Sumo Youtube. Chris Gould is a long time free lance Sumo journalist and videographer. His videos are shot at the venue.
So, it all comes down to this: playoffs in divisions 6, 5 and 2, plus multiple key bouts in division one. All the action, all the interview, all the champions are here - and in one case up especially close!
There were no Top Division matches not covered by JSA today.
Lower Division (non-salaried) Playoffs:
Jonokuchi (Division 6)
1st Semi-final: Kanji (Jk14e) (6-1--L) v Kazekeno (Jk22e) (6-1--W) (Direct Link to Match Video)
"My student (University Sumo) results weren't enough to earn a fast track (to Division 5 or 4). So I've got to motor up this rankings chart. There are guys my age (22) on salaries (Division 2) already."
Kazakeno, motoring on up to Jonidan (Division 5) for the July Basho.
Jonidan (Division 5)
Kototebakari (Jd21e) (7-0--W) v Hanafusa (Jd72e) (7-0--L) (Direct Link to Match Video) Kototebakari (younger brother of Kotoshoho [M9e]) is now 14-0 in his first 2 Yusho and headed up to Sandanme (Division 4) in July. Chris Sumo notes that one of his opponents in that Basho may be ex Ozeki Asanoyama, who is coming back from a one year suspension due to breaking Covid restrictions (and then lying about it). Wouldn't that be an interesting bout?
"I focused too much on right grip and neglected to use my left. Sheer tenacity kept me in at the end. I want to use that going forward."
Kototebakari, analyzing his win, in one of the better matches in any Division in the Basho.
----
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 Playoff, covering Day 15. Today's installment contains videos of the same Jonokuchi and Jonidan playoffs in the Chris Sumo Youtube above, but from different angles and with added print commentary.
There is also a photo of all 5 Division Champions with their Championship papers. From left to right: Nishikifuji (Juryo--Division 2); Oshoma (Ms8e) Makushita--Division 3--non-salaried) ; Kamitani (Sd29w) Sandamne--Division 4--non-salaried), Kototebakari, and Kazekeno
----
Photos:
Nikkan Sports Day 15 Photo Feature: There are photos of today's Makuuchi matches, with selected Rikishi quotes. (Japanese) (30 photos)
Mainichi Shimbun Day 15 photo feature (Japanese) (14 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 14 Photo Feature: Note: these photographs are one day behind, but are certainly worth the wait. (English, from various sources) (186 photos)
Sumo Forum Day 15 Photo Feature: Note: these photographs are one day behind, but are certainly worth the wait. (English, from various sources) (231 photos)
++++
Notable:
In a Basho that had many twists and turns, Terunofuji (Y1e) emerged with his 7th Top Division Yusho (Championship), his 3rd in 5 Basho as a Yokozuna. At the half way point, it looked like he might not make it through the whole 15 Days, much less win it all. Beaten on Opening Day by Daieisho (K1w--January 2022 Champion), conceding two Kinboshi (Gold Star wins by a Maegashira [Rank and Filer] over a Yokozuna), he was clearly still feeling the effects of nagging heel and knee injuries that forced him out of the March Basho. Suggestions were made by some media and fans that he should drop out of this Basho in order to allow his injuries to heel.
He answered by winning his last 7 consecutive bouts to turn a 5-3 first half into a 12-3 Yusho. On the way there, he was 6-0 against the other san'yaku (Top Rankers), including commanding wins over the 3 Ozeki on the last three days. He used eight different Kimarite (finishing moves), .667 of all of his wins. Six of his wins came in over 10 seconds. Four of those came in over 20. It was not an easy Basho for him.
In the end, he did what all great athletes do. He won when he was not at his best. He won when it really counted, undefeated in the 2nd week, with theoretically the most difficult competition of all. It was the big story of the Basho. And while there is always the background noise about how long he is going to last on those knees, which were greatly responsible for his demise from Ozeki all the way to Jonidan (Division 5--non-salaried) before working his way back up, he is showing, with each Basho, that he is a worthy Yokozuna, an excellent technician with the heart of a lion.
The other big story of this Basho was not so inspiring. The three Ozeki put together a combined record of 19-26. Two of them (Mitakeumi--O1e and Shodai--O1w) finished Make-koshi (losing record--6-9 and 5-10 respectively). They enter the July Basho Kadoban (required to have a winning record or they will lose Ozeki rank). This is not good for a sport in which only Ozeki can become Yokozuna. An Ozeki must win consecutive Basho (in most cases) in order to become a Yokozuna. And when the present Yokozuna could easily retire with collapsed knees at any time, the sport faces a possible "Yokozunaless" future every time he steps into the ring. There are two san'yaku who are on "Ozeki" runs at this time. Wakatakakage (S1e), March Champion and winner of 9 matches this basho is one, and Daieisho (K1w), who won 11 matches in this Basho is the other. Although not set in stone, the basic rule is that a san'yaku Rikishi must win 33 times in 3 consecutive Basho to be promoted to Ozeki. If one or more of the present Ozeki lose rank, the roster may become quite threadbare at the top. And while there is much talent that is rising, it takes a long time to get to the top. This is the challenge that the sport faces in the post Hakuho era.
For the Day: (san'yaku)
Yokozuna: Terunofuji (Y1e)--(W) (12-3)
Ozeki: 19-26: Mitakeumi (O1e) (L) (6-9); Shodai (O1w) (L) (5-10); Takakeisho (O2w) (W) (8-7)
Sekiwake: 16-14: Wakatakakage (S1e) (W) (9-6), Abi (S1w) (L) (7-8)
Komusubi: 19-11 Hoshoryu (K1e) (L) (8-7); Daieisho (K1w) (W) (11-4)
Top Rankers finished 4-4 (.500) Today; In March they were 5-3 (.625).
Top Rankers finished 66-54 (.554). In March they finished 64-48 (.571).
Maegashira (Rank and File) were 1-1 (.500) against san'yaku today. In the Day standings Maegashira finished 1-6-8 (.143--not counting ties)--against the Top Rankers. In March they were 0-4 (.000) in matches and 3-8-4 in the Day standings. (.273--not counting the ties). For the Basho they finished 26-38 (.406). In March they finished 29-46 (.387). One of the wins was a fusen (forfeit).
There were 11 Kimarite (finishing moves) used today, including 4 types of throws. In March there were 9, including 4 types of throws (including the Playoff)
There were 27 Kimarite, including one non-technique (losing technique). There were 9 different types of throws and one swing down. In March there were 31 Kimarite, including one non-technique (losing technique). There were also 9 different types of throws and one swing down.
In Juryo (2nd Division), there were 8 Kimarite used today, including 4 types of throws. In March: 9, with 4 types of throws (including the Playoff) .
There were 20 Kimarite, including 9 different types of throws and one swing down. In March there were 26, also including 9 different types of throws and one swing down.
Fighting Time Today :
Makuuchi (Top Division)
Average: 10.5 seconds. In March: 11.5 seconds
Median Fighting Time: 7.0 seconds
Juryo (2nd Division) (see time-keeping caveats below)
Average: 7.2
Median: 4.8
----
Quotable:
=======================
=======================
"I have to say, (the tournament) felt longer than usual, but I came in determined to do strong sumo for 15 days straight, regardless of the results."
Terunofuji (Y1e) in the closing ceremony press interview. (Kyodo News)
"I was a little anxious before the tournament started...so maybe I felt rushed to show good results, but about halfway through I started to do better. Since I'm a yokozuna, I really feel obligated to put out good results, so I was really disappointed (withdrawing from) the last tournament. I wanted to make up for it."
Terunofuji (Kyodo News)
=======================
=======================
"I told myself I had to win (on the final day) but I ended up losing, so I really want to make up for it at the next tournament. I felt a lot of pressure being in the championship race. It was the first time for me, so I think it was a great experience."
Takanosho (M4w) on his loss to Sadanoumi (M12w) and the overall meaning of the Basho for him. (A win would have forced a playoff with the Yokozuna).(Kyodo News)
"Once that right got stuck, I panicked. The last three days took a mental toll, and my sumo was just laden with nerves."
Takanosho
++++
C. Condensed results (19 matches--299 total)
Key: Time of Match--s=seconds; Rank; Winner; Basho Record; Finishing Move; Rank; Loser; Basho Record
Day 15
Makuuchi (Top Division)
Partial or complete absences from this Basho
Ichinojo (M1w) 0-0-15 (Covid)
Ishiura (M16e) 0-0-15 (Neck injury)
Onosho (M5e) 2-4-9 (including 1 forfeit loss) (Broken Rib)
Ura (M6e) 9-5-1 (including 1 forfeit loss) (Ankle injury)
09.8s M10w Nishikigi (8-7) yorikiri M13e Chiyotairyu (8-7)
14.4s M10e Okinoumi (9-6) uwatenage M13w Meisei (8-7)
03.6s M16w Midorifuji (9-6) katasukashi M9w Tochinoshin (8-7)
06.4s M11e Aoiyama (10-5) hatakikomi M9e Kotoshoho (6-9)
02.8s M8w Terutsuyoshi (5-10) ashitori M15e Azumaryu (5-10)
02.2s M17w Kagayaki (6-9) tsukidashi M7w Kotoeko (6-9)
13.6s M7e Takarafuji (4-11) yorikiri M17e Kotokuzan (2-13)
11.5s M5w Tobizaru (7-8) oshidashi M14w Yutakayama (6-9)
05.3s M12w Sadanoumi (11-4) sukuinage M4w Takanosho (11-4)
24.3s M4e Endo (7-8) shitatedashinage M12e Myogiryu (6-9)
07.0s M3w Tamawashi (9-6) tsukidashi M15w Ichiyamamoto (8-7)
12.0s M3e Hokutofuji (5-10) yorikiri M14e Oho (6-9)
04.2s M2w Kotonowaka (9-6) yorikiri M6w Wakamotoharu (9-6)
02.6s M1e Takayasu (6-9) uwatenage M11w Chiyoshoma (6-9)
04.9s K1w Daieisho (11-4) hatakikomi M8e Shimanoumi (7-8)
23.5s M2e Kiribayama (10-5) uwatehineri K1e Hoshoryu (8-7)
32.2s S1e Wakatakakage (9-6) oshidashi S1w Abi (7-8)
13.1s O2w Takakeisho (8-7) tsukiotoshi O1w Shodai (5-10)
07.0s Y1e Terunofuji (12-3) yorikiri O1e Mitakeumi (6-9)
Source: Sumo Reference (text results) and Nikkansports.com length of bouts data (see result sources below)
----
Juryo (Second Division--17 matches (including Playoff--208 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
04.1s Ms3e Chiyosakae (5-2) tsukiotoshi J14e Takakento (7-8)
04.5s Ms4e Roga (4-3) yorikiri J13e Chiyoarashi (4-11)
13.5s Ms2w Tsushimanada (3-5) uwatedashinage J12e Shohozan (3-12)
10.3s J7e Enho (6-9) oshidashi J13w Tochimaru (8-7)
04.3s J6w Nishikifuji (11-4) tsukiotoshi J9e Kaisho (7-8)
06.0s J6e Daiamami (11-4) yorikiri J10e Shimazuumi (7-8)
01.5s J5w Daishoho (9-6) oshidashi J14w Churanoumi (9-6)
01.8s J5e Kitanowaka (3-7-5) tsukiotoshi Ms4w Kinbozan (5-2)
03.5s J4w Tohakuryu (9-6) hikiotoshi J8e Tokushoryu (9-6)
21.5s J4e Akua (5-10) kakenage J7w Yago (4-11)
07.9s J10w Bushozan (9-6) oshidashi J3w Ryuden (9-6)
14.4s J3e Mitoryu (7-8) yorikiri J9w Kaisei (6-9)
06.3s J11e Hiradoumi (8-7) oshidashi J2w Tsurugisho (10-5)
04.8s J2e Chiyonokuni (6-9) kubinage J11w Daishomaru (4-11)
03.5s J12w Atamifuji (10-5) yorikiri J1w Hidenoumi (8-7)
09.7s J8w Asanowaka (10-5) shitatenage J1e Chiyomaru (8-7)
Playoff:
04.2s J6w Nishikifuji (11-4-W)tsukiotoshi J6e Daiamami (11-4-L)
Source: Sumo Reference (text results) and my own calculation of times using a stop watch app. (unofficial to say the least)
++++
D. Kimarite (Finishing Moves)
11 Finishing Moves Today, 28 Total (including 1 non-technique--losing technique, and 2 fusen [forfeit])
Frontal Force Out (Yorikiri).................5(58)
Slap Down (Hatakikomi).......................2(21)
Frontal Push Out (Oshidashi).................2(76)
Frontal Thrust Out (Tsukidashi)..............2(17)
Over Arm Throw (Uwatenage)...................2(8)
Leg Pick (Ashitori)..........................1(1)
Under Shoulder Swing Down (Katasukashi)......1(9)
Pulling Under Arm Throw (Shitatedashinage)...1(2)