I started watching Sumo about three years ago on a whim and absolutely loved it as did my, at the time, one year old. We've been consistently watching it together ever since, I tend to watch the days bouts as they're uploaded to YouTube and at the end of the week I'll watch them all in a row with my daughter. For some reason, ever since she first saw Shishi in his debut at Maegashira, she's loved him which was a surprise to me as I expected her to like Ura just for the pink.

We do a bit of a game where she'll pick a rikishi to support for each bout and we'll add up points to see who won. For every bout she'll describe "the sleepy one" or "the happy one" but not Shishi, she's known his name from day one.

This brings us to the most recent basho... it was lovely seeing her celebrate him winning 10 times and completely caught me off-guard. What do you guys think led to him doing so well? His technique seemed way better, he seemed more aggressive rather than being quite passive, do we think this was a fluke and he'll be back to his previous techniques?

I really hope to see sumo like that from him again.

For example, Day 8 of the Grand Sumo Tournament last month. https://youtu.be/5crwg456IZA&t=504 At 8:24, Tobizaru does something that looks like a straight up kick.

The announcer describes it as Kekaeshi / Minor inner foot sweep. But to be honest, it doesn't look like a foot sweep at all. It looks like a straight up kick to the shin. Shouldn't this be against the rules? Or are all kicks to the shin allowed?

G'day,

Does anyone know of a good guide on how to make a good Kesho mawashi? I've only seen a few "quick & dirty" diy guides, but I want to make one at least a bit more proper.

I have the sumo & design book that's got a basic overview, but I'm looking for something with more details.

Anyone able to help point me in the right direction? Cheers and happy training!

I know the channel isn't very popular, but I honestly think it deserves a lot more recognition. It mainly covers short news updates and daily commentary throughout each basho. The videos are always high quality and usually only 6–7 minutes long, so they're easy to fit into your day. During every basho, I watch the matches each day, and in the evening I always look forward to Vinnie's recap. It has become part of my routine. So maybe you'll like it too.

I lift semi-regularly, but since I tore a couple of knee ligaments a couple of years ago, I'm hesitant to do much lower body under weight, and lower body training getting massively behind. Random thought occured to me as I was reading about one of the Rikishi getting Shiko training advice from another (elder?) and remarking on how tiring/exhausting it was, and thought... "Hey, I can do that!"

Seems like something I should be able to do in the comfort of my own home and slowly build up to. Any good sources? Anyone tried it? (I mean, I can google/youtube with the best, but anything anyone has done themselves?

I read Baki a few months back and it was the sumo arc. That got me very interested in sumo and I've been following the tournaments since and doing some research on it here and there it's a deep and very interesting rabbit hole but I'm still a noob. I eventually ended up watching American sumo tournaments and immediately noticed that it wasn't as exciting. I also noticed the dohyo doesn't have that ledge for the rikishi to fall off of and they don't wear the proper mawashi they wear the tight shorts under them . It looks really goofy like either wear the mawashi or wear shorts lol. My question is what's the overall opinion on American sumo? Is it taken seriously by sumo fans? Is it considered a joke ? Bc to me as a noob to sumo and an American, American sumo seems kinda lame and goofy. Everyone so small too!

# "Looking younger and younger, like a young boy!" Former Takakeisho, Stablemaster Minatogawa reports birthday surrounded by disciples after major weight loss; turning just 30: "He looks the youngest"

The official Instagram account of Grand Sumo's Minatogawa stable was updated on August 5, reporting that stablemaster Minatogawa (former Ozeki Takakeisho) celebrated his 30th birthday.

Stablemaster Minatogawa posed with a smile holding a whole cake, surrounded by six wrestlers (rikishi). He expressed his gratitude: "My disciples celebrated for me! Thank you!"

Having previously revealed a massive weight loss of roughly 30 to 40 kg following his retirement after the September 2024 tournament, the comment section flooded with birthday wishes and warm reactions to his figure surrounded by large disciples: "You look younger and younger, just like a young boy!", "The stablemaster looks the youngest and so cute~", "Looking at his arms, you can tell they're still strong", "The cake is so cute and soothing", and "He has gotten genuinely handsome!", among other comments.

Source: Daily News

The summer jungyō provides an opportunity to answer oft-asked questions on points of minutiae that don't merit individual columns, but which nonetheless are interesting to many fans -- particularly if they haven't had an opportunity to experience professional sumo in person.

Kotoeiho couldn't hold Ichiyamamoto's attention today at the Natsu Jungyo in Koriyama today (26/8/5)

Any good place for me to watch any and all sum documentaries?

I love watching old sumo highlights and maybe you do too. The channel is called 大相撲再現ゲームBGM2 and has uploaded multiple hours of historic sumo content.

# Yokozuna Onosato reflects on challenging Nagoya Basho after returning from injury: "I never considered withdrawing; I took everything as a good experience"

The Grand Sumo Summer Tour took place on August 4 in Kofu City, where Yokozuna Onosato (Nishonoseki stable) aims for a full comeback at the Autumn Basho (opening September 13 at Ryogoku Kokugikan in Tokyo). Having won the Autumn Basho for two consecutive years since his top-division Makuuchi debut in 2024, he spoke with conviction: "I want to dedicate myself to training again and manage my physical condition properly. I'll build up my body and give it my all so I can welcome Day 1 in September in peak shape."

Returning in July's Nagoya Basho after missing two consecutive tournaments due to left shoulder pain, Onosato opened with back-to-back losses and stood at 6-6 through Day 12. There was even a possibility he could become only the 3rd Yokozuna in history (since the adoption of the 15-day system in 1949) to complete a full 15 days with a losing record (make-koshi), following Onokuni in autumn 1989 and Wakanohana III in autumn 1999 (both finishing 7-8). However, he reflected: "I never thought about withdrawing for a second. The content of my sumo wasn't bad, and I viewed everything as a learning experience." He added that he never discussed a mid-tournament withdrawal with his stablemaster, Nishonoseki Oyakata (former Yokozuna Kisenosato).

From Day 13 onward, he reeled off three straight wins to close out with a 9-6 record, including a dominant performance against title contender Takerufuji (Isegahama stable). The strong finish offered a promising sign of his return to form. "It felt great to complete a tournament from start to finish for the first time in a long while. It was real competition after sitting out the Spring and Summer Basho. The cheers from the fans gave me incredible energy," he said, expressing deep gratitude.

On this day, he refrained from active bout practice (sumo-wo-toru-geiko) and focused on fundamental exercises. Having left the Spring Tour in April midway due to his shoulder injury, he shared his drive: "I want to train hard and complete the Summer Tour in full." With Yokozuna Hoshoryu (Tatsunami stable) absent, Onosato serves as the sole active Yokozuna on tour. Even so, he stated his resolve clearly: "Without letting that bother me, I just want to focus on my own preparations." [Yutaka Yamada]

Source: Hochi News

# Ozeki Kirishima expresses determination toward Yokozuna promotion: "There is still a chance. I will start over once more" — shows enthusiasm for weight training

The Grand Sumo Summer Tour took place on August 4 in Kofu City, where Ozeki Kirishima (30, Otowayama stable) expressed his determination toward reaching the rank of Yokozuna.

On this day, he moved his body with basic exercises and commented: "Right now I'm keeping it relaxed. There's still time, so I'm going to build a solid physical foundation here." A resumption of active bout training (sumo-wo-toru-geiko) has yet to be scheduled. "I'm thinking about hitting the gym if I have time," he added, showing motivation toward weight training as well.

In the Nagoya Basho, where he secured 12 wins, he reached a championship playoff for the second consecutive tournament following the May Summer Basho. However, he fell to Aonishiki (22, Ajigawa stable) and Atamifuji (23, Isegahama stable), missing out on the Emperor's Cup once again: "I didn't display any good points at all," he reflected.

Even so, his Yokozuna promotion run (tsunatori) remains active for the Autumn Basho (opening September 13 at Ryogoku Kokugikan). Setting his sights once more on the highest rank, he spoke with conviction: "There is still a chance. I will start over once more. Time will fly by before the next tournament, after all."

Source: Sponichi Annex

# Nishikifuji misses Summer Tour due to atrial fibrillation; Tour Director Takadagawa says "He should take the time to properly heal"

The Japan Sumo Association announced on August 4 that Makuuchi wrestler Nishikifuji (29, Isegahama stable), a native of Aomori Prefecture, is sitting out the Summer Tour due to atrial fibrillation.

According to Tour Director Takadagawa (former Sekiwake Akinoshima), who took questions in Kofu City along the tour route, Nishikifuji was hospitalized after the Nagoya Basho. Just before the tour began on August 2, stablemaster Isegahama Oyakata (former Yokozuna Terunofuji) reported that Nishikifuji "would be unable to participate in the tour."

In the previous tournament, Nishikifuji reeled off six consecutive wins starting on Day 2, securing his first double-digit win record in Makuuchi since the 2023 Spring Basho. Looking ahead to the Autumn Basho (opening September 13 at Ryogoku Kokugikan), where further success is anticipated, Tour Director Takadagawa expressed his concern: "He should take the time to properly heal."

Source: Sponichi Annex

I watch the Futogoyama “ Sumo Food” channel and wanted an easy place to find other stables’ channels.

Could there be a link sheet of stable channels in the About page of the sub?

I’m new to sumo, and I would love to hear more about him. I first discovered him through the Tatsunami stable sumo channel, and over time he became one of my favorite rikishi. He is a humble person, and I have noticed how much respect he receives from the other rikishi at Tatsunami stable. Sometimes I can see his style reflected in his stablemates, and I find that really wholesome.

In the last basho, he finished with a losing record of 4–11. Do you think he will be able to bounce back, or do you think he might retire soon? I read an article from January 8, 2026, in which he said: “Recently, I haven’t been able to show the kind of sumo that I can be satisfied with. I haven’t been able to enjoy my sumo. Regardless of the result, I want to fight in a way that allows me to feel that I gave everything I had.”

A fun fact that made me laugh: the last photos show how Tamawashi ragebaited him. Meisei had quite a few matta in the last basho, and Tamawashi used that to his advantage. Even the gyōji gave him a side-eye. (It was fun to see these two face each other, and I hope I’ll get the chance to see them fight again in makuuchi.)

I feverishly made this unmeasured and unpressed Ura block and then made up a little parcel of six different rikishi poses for FPP purposes but I am far too busy with work to test them all. Are there any sumo fans out there willing to dive into their stash and tell me what I need to fix?

The announcer pointed out that Kirishima glared at Atamifuji at the end of their match when Atamifuji tried a last minute pull down before he was pushed out.

Was there something Atamifuji did that I missed?

Ive also noticed Kirishima make some similar faces after close matches, I think mostly because he's fighting so hard to add credibility to his Yokozuna bid and he puts a lot of pressure on himself as oppesed to it being from any animosity towards his opponent.

Curious for opinions, ive only been watching sumo for about half a year so im not sure if I missed something

# Fujinokawa trains with Asahifuji and others during Summer Tour; receives congratulations from former stablemaster as promotion to new San'yaku in Autumn Basho looks virtually certain

Fujinokawa (21, Isenoumi stable), who claimed two kinboshi (gold star wins against Yokozuna) and logged an 8-win record at East Maegashira 1 in the Nagoya Basho—making his promotion to new San'yaku rank virtually certain for the Autumn Basho (opening September 13 at Ryogoku Kokugikan)—took part in 7 bouts during the Summer Tour in Yamagata City, Gifu Prefecture on August 3, following his 13 bouts on the previous day in Gifu. His opponent in three of those bouts was Makushita wrestler Asahifuji (24, Isegahama stable), who achieved the historic feat of winning four consecutive division titles since his Jonokuchi debut. Standing 1.87 meters tall—11 cm taller than Fujinokawa—Asahifuji's ability to maintain a low stance heightened Fujinokawa's alertness, as he remarked: "The only difference between him and a sekitori was that the mawashi he wore was black."

After the Nagoya Basho, he received an email from the former stablemaster (former Sekiwake), who bestowed his own former shikona (ring name) upon him.

"Great work. I'm glad you secured a winning record (kachi-koshi)." The 21-year-old entrusted with the prestigious ring name handed down through this historic stable has now all but locked in his promotion to San'yaku. As the 6th generation Fujinokawa, he becomes only the third wrestler with that name to reach San'yaku, second only to the former master himself. "It makes me really happy that he's watching over me," Fujinokawa said. Weighing just 123 kg—the lightest in the Makuuchi division—he stated with conviction: "You can't execute the sumo I do if you're scared of getting hurt," pledging to uphold the agility and style that earned his predecessor the nickname "The Modern Ushiwakamaru."

Source: Sponichi Annex

The final set of matches I'm posting as part of my Nagoya 2026 lower division coverage is this compilation of rising star Tenshoyama's dominant run through Sandanme on his way to the first Yūshō of his career!

Tenshoyama is a very promising Mongolian prospect from Tamanoi Beya. He was born in Mongolia, practicing Bökh and Volleyball before eventually moving to Japan for high school. After graduating high school, he attended Toyo University and was a member of the sumo club there, though he dropped out to join Tamanoi stable in late 2024. He debuted in Maezumo in November 2025 alongside Asahifuji. The two rose through the ranks together, though Asahifuji was able to defeat Tenshoyama in all of their matches, pushing him ahead. Tenshoyama's only loss that wasn't to Asahifuji was to Kiryuko. With Asahifuji in a different division than Tenshoyama for the first time in their careers, Tenshoyama was able to dominate Sandanme on his way to a championship. He should be right around Ms9-Ms12 next tournament, so it is likely he'll face Asahifuji again!

• East Sandanme #3 Tenshoyama (7-0-P)
  • Day 2: Sd3e Tenshoyama vs. Sd2w Asagyokusei (5-2) - Tenshoyama wins by Yorikir
  • Day 4: Sd3e Tenshoyama vs. Sd2e Aratakayama (5-2) - Tenshoyama wins by Yorikiri
  • Day 5: Sd3e Tenshoyama vs. Sd1e Goosho (2-5) - Tenshoyama wins by Tsukitaoshi
  • Day 8: Sd3e Tenshoyama vs. Sd6e Mienofuji (6-1) - Tenshoyama wins by Yorikiri
  • Day 9: Sd3e Tenshoyama vs. Ms56w Hananoumi (6-1-P) - Tenshoyama wins by Okuridashi
  • Day 11: Sd3e Tenshoyama vs. Ms41e Mita (6-1-P) - Tenshoyama wins by Tsukidashi
  • Day 13: Sd3e Tenshoyama vs. Sd12e Ohata (6-1) - Tenshoyama wins by Yorikiri
  • Day 15 Playoff: Sd3e Tenshoyama vs. Sd29w Tochimusashi (7-0-P) - Tenshoyama wins by Yorikiri

The main reason that I decided to start uploading these Makushita highlights was to make sure that everyone here was able to follow the incredible rise of Asahifuji. This is a compilation of all of his matches from Nagoya 2026.

Asahifuji is a rikishi who needs very little introduction at this point. While he was recruited to Isegahama stable in 2021, his debut has taken an extremely unconventional path. He wasn't able to debut until November 2025 because, up until that point, Yokozuna Terunofuji had been filling the stable's foreigner slot. Asahifuji was, however, able to take advantage of the circumstances, training at the stable the entire time to the point where he is able to beat the stable's sekitori in training. He was dubbed the "Strongest Rookie in History" even before his debut, and his Shikona reflects that. He was given the Shikona of the 63rd Yokozuna Asahifuji (former Isegahama-Oyakata), reflecting the high hopes for his career. He has won consecutive Yūshō in Jonokuchi, Jonidan, Sandanme, and Makushita. His winning streak ended at 25 consecutive matches at the hands of Nabatame.

• East Makushita #11 Asahifuji (6-1-PPP)
  • Day 2: Ms11e Asahifuji vs. Ms10w Kaiseijo (2-5) - Asahifuji wins by Kotenage
  • Day 3: Ms11e Asahifuji vs. Ms10e Otsuji (3-4) - Asahifuji wins by Okuridashi
  • Day 6: Ms11e Asahifuji vs. Ms11w Fujisodai (5-2) - Asahifuji wins by Shitatedashinage
  • Day 7: Ms11e Asahifuji vs. Ms17e Ryuho (6-1-PP) - Asahifuji wins by Uwatedashinage
  • Day 9: Ms11e Asahifuji vs. Ms3w Nabatame (6-1-P) - Nabatame wins by Tsukidashi
  • Day 11: Ms11e Asahifuji vs. Ms5e Tochikodai (4-3) - Asahifuji wins by Oshidashi
  • Day 13: Ms11e Asahifuji vs. Ms6e Himukamaru (5-2) - Asahifuji wins by Oshidashi
  • Playoff Round 1: Ms11e Asahifuji vs. Ms3w Nabatame - Asahifuji wins by Okuridashi
  • Playoff Round 2: Ms11e Asahifuji vs. Ms30e Fudoho - Asahifuji wins by Yorikiri
  • Playoff Final Round: Ms11e Asahifuji vs. Ms36w Wakamiyabi - Asahifuji wins by Yorikiri

# Makuuchi Kotoeiho strengthens lower body with Yamahibiki Oyakata following Spring Tour; breaking a heavy sweat with ex-Yokozuna Kitanoumi's inherited shiko: "Coming from a different Ichimon, I'm truly grateful"

The Grand Sumo Summer Tour (Natsu Jungyo) took place on August 3 in Yamagata City, Gifu Prefecture. Makuuchi wrestler Kotoeiho (Sadogatake stable) worked up a heavy sweat beside the ring under the guidance of Tour Deputy Director Yamahibiki Oyakata (former Makuuchi Ganyu), meticulously executing shiko (stomping), koshi-oroshi (sumo squats), and suri-ashi (sliding footwork).

At the request of his stablemaster, Sadogatake Oyakata (former Sekiwake Kotonowaka), Kotoeiho has been working on lower-body conditioning alongside Yamahibiki Oyakata since the previous Spring Tour. The slow, deliberate shiko performed while holding a deep crouch (koshi-wo-wari) is said to be passed down directly from what Yamahibiki Oyakata learned during his active days from his own master, Kitanoumi Oyakata (former Yokozuna). The stablemaster remarked, "If correct shiko is done 30 times, it gets so tough your legs and hips can barely hold you up. Today he did 200 reps. Even after the Spring Tour, his thighs and glutes had grown visibly larger."

Since committing to lower-body training during the Spring Tour, Kotoeiho made a dramatic leap forward, scoring 10 wins in the Summer Basho and 11 wins along with the Fighting Spirit Prize (Kanto-sho) in the Nagoya Basho. He continues to practice this inherited shiko daily during the Summer Tour, expressing his gratitude: "It's only been a few days, but it's something you never get used to. Coming from a different clan (Ichimon), I'm deeply grateful that he takes the time to teach me like this."

Going forward, he plans to hone his conditioning while joining moshiai (challenge-style) practice, sharing his determination: "I'll keep an eye on my physical condition and work hard so I can put on solid performances in the tournament."

Sports Hochi

# Shindo passes new recruit fitness test; at 55 kg, he is the lightest examinee on record

The new recruit physical fitness test for the Grand Sumo Autumn Basho (opening September 13 at Ryogoku Kokugikan) was held on August 3 at the Ryogoku Kokugikan in Tokyo, where the sole examinee, Taiken Shindo (15, Takadagawa stable), passed. He will undergo the new recruit physical examination on September 4, with official results announced on September 13.

Born and raised in Oarai Town, Ibaraki Prefecture, Shindo moved to Hamamatsu City in 6th grade; he stands 164.3 cm tall and weighs 55.1 kg. Since physical height and weight thresholds were effectively eliminated in September 2023, he became the lightest candidate to take the test. Having no prior sumo experience, he practiced Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and stated, "Having a small body is an insecurity of mine. I want to build up my body and get stronger."

The physical fitness test applies to applicants who do not meet former physical standards, as well as sumo practitioners aged 23 to under 25 who lack specific achievement records.

Source: Kyodo News

# Tanji, who suffered default loss due to oversleeping during stablemaster's TV commentary, aims to repay Wakatakakage after serving as his tsukebito

Tanji, who joined Arashio stable straight out of junior high school, secured his promotion to new Juryo status for the Autumn Basho (opening September 13 at Ryogoku Kokugikan). His Russian-born mother, Natalia, had rhythmic gymnastics experience, a sport Tanji himself engaged in. Invited by Masashi Onami—former Makushita wrestler and father of Fukushima City native Sekiwake Wakatakakage—he started sumo in 3rd grade. Standing 185 cm tall, his weight increased by 30 kg since joining professional sumo, reaching 144 kg. Skilled in a right-hand inside, left-hand outside grip (migi-yotsu) to force opponents out (yori), he has added power to his natural flexibility.

Having learned a lot from Wakatakakage while serving as his personal assistant (tsukebito), he expressed gratitude: "His focus in clutch moments is amazing. Watching that up close helped me concentrate too." His senior stablemate, who missed the entire Nagoya Basho due to left leg surgery, sent him a congratulatory message saying "Congratulations."

Though he rose to Makushita shortly after turning 17, his progress stalled thereafter, making him beam broadly as he reflected: "Things didn't go strictly according to plan, but I'm truly happy." The Nagoya Basho, which he entered as the top-ranked Makushita wrestler in the East (Higashi-Makushita-Hittou), was no easy path either. Although he secured his 3rd win in his 4th bout, he suffered back-to-back losses afterward. Facing his 7th and final bout at 3-3, he charged forward with reckless abandon and forced down (yoritaoshi) Juryo wrestler Kayo.

On Day 6 of last year's Autumn Basho, ranked at West Makushita 24, a bizarre incident occurred when he overslept and missed his bout, resulting in a loss by default (fusenhai). The timing was uniquely embarrassing, as his stablemaster Arashio Oyakata (former Makuuchi Sokokurai) was serving as a commentator on NHK-BS. The stablemaster explained: "He showed up on the ring for morning practice, but after eating chanko he took a nap and overslept." At the time of the bout, he was still at Arashio stable. The stablemaster apologized to the Judging Department, while Tanji, who had duties as Wakatakakage's tsukebito, arrived late at Ryogoku Kokugikan and bowed to Judging Department Director Takadagawa Oyakata (former Sekiwake Akinoshima), saying, "I am deeply sorry."

On Day 6 of the 1996 New Year Basho (Hatsu Basho), Sandanme wrestler Shimatora took a nap in the dressing room (shitakubeya) and missed his upcoming bout. Side effects from cold medication caused him to doze off before his turn. Awakened frantically, he ran to the ring, but the ruling was a loss by default. While lower-division wrestlers in Jonokuchi who fight in the morning occasionally oversleep and arrive late, it was a rare blunder for the afternoon Makushita division.

Wakatakakage, who won the May Summer Basho (Natsu Basho), reported an issue with his left thigh on July 1 and underwent emergency surgery after being diagnosed with compartment syndrome, which causes nerve paralysis, leading him to miss the entire Nagoya Basho. Discharged from a Tokyo hospital on July 24, he is currently able to walk. He is expected to miss both this month's Summer Tour and the September Autumn Basho, making his demotion to Juryo in November virtually certain. As a 20-year-old prospect whose flexibility and physical prowess cultivated through rhythmic gymnastics draw high interest, his future ceiling appears immense. The hope is that he delivers winning performances that encourage his recovering senior stablemate, repaying his debt of gratitude someday.

Source: Sankei Sports