GRAND SUMO: Day 10 of the January 2026 Tournament - GRAND SUMO Highlights

Key Concepts

• Kachi-koshi: Achieving a winning record (more wins than losses) in a tournament.
• Make-koshi: Achieving a losing record (more losses than wins) in a tournament.
• Yokozuna: The highest rank in sumo wrestling.
• Ozeki: The second-highest rank in sumo wrestling.
• Kimarite: The specific technique used to win a bout (e.g., Oshi-dashi, Yori-kiri).
• Tachi-ai: The initial charge and clash between wrestlers at the start of a bout.
• Mono-i: A review by judges when a bout result is unclear, often involving video replay.
• Kimboshi: A win against a Yokozuna.
• Basho: A sumo tournament.
• Makuchi: The top division in sumo wrestling.
• Shiko: A leg-raising exercise performed by sumo wrestlers.
• Mawashi: The belt worn by sumo wrestlers.

Hatsubasho Day 10: Detailed Highlights & Analysis

Tournament Overview & Leaderboard

Day 10 of the Hatsubasho tournament in Tokyo featured a tightly contested leaderboard. Kishima initially led with eight wins and two losses, but a loss later in the day resulted in a five-way tie for the lead at eight wins each, including Alsi, Atami Fuji, Abi, and Shishi. Several wrestlers were battling to avoid make-koshi (losing record) while others aimed for kachi-koshi (winning record). The tournament is characterized by its unpredictable nature, with the leaderboard shifting significantly since day four.

Notable Bouts & Results

1. Uden vs. Tobyu: Tobyu secured his third win (3-6) with a yori-kiri (thrust out) victory over Uden (6-4). Tobyu had a historical advantage in their previous encounters, winning four out of five bouts. Uden’s knee injury was a factor, but Tobyu’s consistent oske (defensive stance) and inside attack proved effective.

2. Tommo Kaz vs. Mitakumi: A controversial bout initially awarded to Mitakumi was overturned after a mono-i (review). The judges determined Tommo Kaz (4-6) stayed within the ring, resulting in a reversal and his fourth win. Mitakumi also remains at four wins and six losses (4-6).

3. Hatsuyama vs. Midori Fuji: Midori Fuji (4-6) won his fourth bout with a kimidashi (arm grabbing) technique against Hatsuyama (1-9). This was their first-ever encounter. Hatsuyama demonstrated aggressive pushing and thrusting but was ultimately unable to withstand Midori Fuji’s grip.

4. Abi vs. Oshomi: Abi (7-3) achieved kachi-koshi with an oshi-dashi (push out) victory over Oshomi (3-7). Oshomi’s attempt at a thrusting attack was unsuccessful, and Abi’s quick sidestep and powerful push secured the win. Abi expressed a desire to continue performing well despite achieving a winning record.

5. Asahakadu vs. Chio Shoma: Chio Shoma (4-6) defeated rookie Asahakadu (5-5) with a kuri-dashi (rear push out). Chio Shoma utilized veteran experience to exploit Asahakadu’s positioning.

6. Kim Bzan vs. Asanoyama: Asanoyama (7-3) dominated Kim Bzan (3-7) with a quick yori-kiri (thrust out) after securing his preferred grip. Asanoyama is now one win away from kachi-koshi.

7. Kotto Sho vs. Oshoma: Kotto Sho (6-4) maintained his winning record with a hataki-komi (slap down) victory over Oshoma (6-4). This win extended Kotto Sho’s dominance over Oshoma in their previous encounters.

8. Fujino Kar vs. Shishi: Shishi (8-2) achieved kachi-koshi with a powerful oshi-dashi (thrust out) victory over Fujino Kar (7-3). This was Shishi’s 100th top division bout and his fastest kachi-koshi to date. He emphasized his focus and concentration during the bout.

9. Hadumi vs. Tokihite: Hadumi (7-3) won by oshi-dashi (push out) against Tokihite (5-5) in his 600th career bout.

10. Onokatu vs. Roger: Onokatu (4-6) secured his fourth win with a yori-kiri (thrust out) against Roger (3-7).

11. Shoddai vs. Tamawashi: Tamawashi (4-6) defeated Shoddai (4-6) with an oshi-dashi (push out) in their 30th encounter, maintaining his historical advantage in the rivalry (17-2).

12. Chironi vs. Gonoyama: Gonoyama (4-6) defeated Chironi (6-4) with an oshi-dashi (push out).

13. Datio vs. Uda: Datio (4-6) won by hataki-komi (slap down) against Uda (1-9) after a mono-i (review).

14. Wakatag vs. Hakon Fuji: Wakatag (5-5) defeated Hakon Fuji (5-5) with a yori-kiri (pulling win).

15. Wakamoto vs. Ichiyamamoto: Wakamoto (4-6) defeated Ichiyamamoto (1-9) with a kamari-oshi-dashi (throttle push out).

16. Takayasu vs. Yoshino Fuji: Takayasu (7-3) defeated Yoshino Fuji (5-5) with a series of powerful thrusts.

17. Kirishima vs. Kotoshogiku: Kotoshogiku (7-3) defeated Kirishima (8-2) with a yori-kiri (thrust out), ending Kirishima’s sole lead and creating a five-way tie for first place. The bout hinged on Kotoshogiku denying Kirishima his preferred grip.

18. Alsi vs. Takeno: Alsi (8-2) achieved kachi-koshi with an oshi-dashi (push out) victory over Takeno (1-9).

19. Oho vs. Shyu: Shyu (7-3) defeated Oho (4-6) with a dashinage (lifting throw). There were concerns about Shyu’s knee, but he appeared to compete without significant hindrance.

20. Onos vs. Atami Fuji: Atami Fuji (8-2) achieved back-to-back kimboshi (wins against Yokozuna) defeating Onos (6-4) in a dramatic bout that required a mono-i (review) and a rematch (naoshi). Atami Fuji ultimately won the rematch with a hataki-komi (slap down).

Yokozuna Performance

Both Yokozuna, Ono and Shyu, competed despite recent injuries. Ono, with a shoulder injury, and Shyu, with a knee concern, both participated in their scheduled bouts. Shyu secured a win, while Ono suffered another loss. The decision for Ono to compete despite his injury was questioned, especially after his subsequent defeat.

Synthesis & Conclusion

Day 10 of the Hatsubasho was marked by upsets, close calls, and a crowded leaderboard. The tournament remains highly competitive, with five wrestlers tied for the lead. The performance of the Yokozuna is under scrutiny, particularly Ono’s decision to compete while injured. The tournament’s unpredictable nature suggests that any of the leading wrestlers could emerge victorious in the remaining days. The day highlighted the importance of securing kachi-koshi and the impact of technique, experience, and physical condition on the outcome of each bout.