GRAND SUMO: Day 2 of the January 2026 Tournament - GRAND SUMO Highlights

Grand Sumo Highlights - January Tournament Day Two

Key Concepts:

• Yokozuna (横綱): The highest rank in professional sumo wrestling.
• Ozeki (大関): The second-highest rank in professional sumo wrestling.
• Sekiwake (関脇) & Komusubi (小結): The third and fourth-highest ranks, respectively.
• Makunouchi (幕内): The top division in sumo wrestling.
• Shinyaku (新入): A rookie wrestler entering the top division.
• Kachi-koshi (勝ち越し): Winning record (more wins than losses) in a tournament.
• Make-koshi (負け越し): Losing record (more losses than wins) in a tournament.
• Hatsu Basho (初場所): The January tournament, the first of the year.
• Dojo (土俵): The sumo wrestling ring.
• Mono (物): A conference by the judges to review a controversial call.
• Kimarite (決まり手): A winning technique or move. (e.g., Toshi Katu, Kotag, Kubinag, Tsukio Toshi)
• Nodua (野太): A pushing technique.
• Hidaritu (左手): Left hand.
• Moroashi (両足): Double inside grip.
• Kote-nage (小手投げ): Armlock throw.
• Tsukio Toshi (突き落とし): Thrust down.
• Katasukashi (肩投げ): Under shoulder swing down.

I. Tournament Overview & Top Ranker Performance

Day two of the January (Hatsu Basho) tournament saw the return of Onosato after an injury, with the question of whether he could quickly regain championship form. All four wrestlers holding the highest ranks – two Yokozuna and two Ozeki – secured wins on both day one and day two, demonstrating early dominance. The broadcast focused on individual matches, analyzing techniques and outcomes.

II. Notable Match Analyses & Results

A. Asanoyama vs. Hatsuyama: Asanoyama, returning to the Makunouchi division after nine tournaments and a severe knee injury, defeated Shinyaku (rookie) Hatsuyama. Asanoyama’s victory marked his first Makunouchi win in approximately one and a half years. The key to his success was maintaining a tight grip and preventing Hatsuyama from establishing distance for his thrusting attack. Hatsuyama was unable to effectively utilize his pushing and thrusting style.

B. Asahakuryu vs. Oshoi: Another Shinyaku, Asahakuryu, defeated Oshoi. Asahakuryu’s strong charge and grip proved decisive, driving Oshoi out of the dojo. This win brought Asahakuryu’s record to 2-0.

C. Shishi vs. Asakoru: Shishi defeated Asakoru despite Asakoru gaining an advantageous Moroashi (double inside grip). Shishi countered with a powerful Kotag (armlock throw), showcasing his strength and technique. The commentator highlighted the beauty of Shishi’s execution.

D. Mitakeumi vs. Umi: Veteran Mitakeumi defeated Umi, demonstrating agility and a strong inside position. Mitakeumi’s attack from a favorable angle proved too much for Umi, who was slow to recover. Mitakeumi displayed good sportsmanship assisting Umi.

E. Tommoazu vs. Midorifuji – Controversial Decision: This match resulted in a mono (judges’ conference) after both wrestlers appeared to step out simultaneously. The judges ultimately ruled in favor of Tommoazu, confirming his foot remained within the dojo. The decision hinged on whether Tommoazu’s foot touched the straw bales before stepping out.

F. Abi vs. Tobizaru: Abi decisively defeated Tobizaru with aggressive, all-out offense, including a successful slap-down technique. Tobizaru was unable to mount a defense.

G. Nishikifuji vs. Tokihayate: Nishikifuji achieved a significant upset, defeating Tokihayate for the first time in their history. Tokihayate had previously held a perfect record against Nishikifuji. Nishikifuji’s strong right-hand grip and attack were key to his victory.

H. Chioshoma vs. Koto: Chioshoma secured his first win by aggressively attacking Koto from the start, executing a Sukyotoi (thrust down) victory.

I. Shodai vs. Loga: Shodai continued his dominance over Loga, winning their match and improving to 5-0 overall against him. Loga’s pulling attempt proved unsuccessful, allowing Shodai to apply pressure and execute a Hiko Tohi (hand pull down).

J. Kimbo vs. Gonoyama: Kimbo defeated Gonoyama despite Gonoyama initially pushing him to the edge. Kimbo countered with a left-hand overarm grip, securing a win.

K. Fujino vs. Hiadi: Fujino defeated Hiadi in their first-ever meeting, showcasing a high-octane offense. Fujino’s powerful attack overwhelmed Hiadi.

L. Onosato vs. Oho: Yokozuna Onosato defeated Oho, remaining undefeated at 2-0. Onosato recovered from a precarious moment near the edge of the dojo to drive Oho out.

M. Chiranomi vs. Daio: Chiranomi defeated Daio, extending his perfect record to 2-0 and improving to 6-0 overall against Daio.

N. Tamawashi vs. Atamifuji: 41-year-old Tamawashi defeated Atamifuji, demonstrating agility and breaking Atamifuji’s timing.

O. Hakunofuji vs. Wakamoto Haru: Hakunofuji defeated Wakamoto Haru with a strong thrust down, utilizing a sequence of techniques.

P. Kirishima vs. Takanosho: Kirishima defeated Takanosho, remaining undefeated at 2-0. Kirishima effectively shut down Takanosho’s offense.

Q. Wakatakage vs. Takayasu: Wakatakage defeated Takayasu in a seesaw battle, utilizing a Katasukashi (under shoulder swing down) to secure the win.

R. Kotozakura vs. Ura: Ozeki Kotozakura decisively defeated Ura, demonstrating the performance expected of a top-ranked wrestler.

S. Aishki vs. Yoshuji – Another Controversial Decision: Aishki defeated Yoshuji after a mono (judges’ conference). The decision hinged on whether Aishki’s hand touched down before Yoshuji’s body was completely turned over by Aishki’s Kubinag (headlock throw). The judges ultimately upheld the initial call in favor of Aishki.

T. Ichiyamoto vs. Hoshu: Yokozuna Hoshu defeated Ichiyamoto, securing his second win. Hoshu regained control after an initial charge by Ichiyamoto, utilizing a double inside grip and attack.

III. Synthesis & Conclusion

Day two of the January tournament was marked by the continued dominance of the top-ranked wrestlers, with all four Yokozuna and Ozeki securing victories. Several exciting matches featured impressive techniques and controversial decisions, highlighting the intensity and complexity of sumo wrestling. The performances of rookies like Asahakuryu and established veterans like Tamawashi added to the tournament’s dynamic. The broadcast emphasized the importance of grip strength, agility, and strategic timing in achieving success. The tournament continues to build anticipation as the wrestlers strive for kachi-koshi (winning records).