GRAND SUMO: Day 4 of the January 2026 Tournament - GRAND SUMO Highlights

Key Concepts

• Makunouchi: The top division of sumo wrestling.
• Kachi-Koshi: A winning record (more wins than losses) in a tournament.
• Make-Koshi: A losing record (more losses than wins) in a tournament.
• Kimarashi: A technique where a wrestler steps over his opponent’s raised foot, causing them to fall.
• Hataki-ki: A slap-down technique where a wrestler slaps his opponent down to the dohyo (ring).
• Oshidashi: A pushing-out technique where a wrestler forces his opponent out of the dohyo.
• Yori-kiri: A force-out technique where a wrestler grips his opponent’s mawashi (belt) and forces them out of the dohyo.
• Uwa-te-nage: A pulling overarm throw.
• Suku-nage: A beltless arm throw.
• Kimoshi: A victory over a Yokozuna (grand champion).
• Yokozuna: The highest rank in sumo wrestling.
• Ozeki: The second-highest rank in sumo wrestling.
• Sekiwake: The third-highest rank in sumo wrestling.
• Dohyō: The sumo wrestling ring.
• Tachi-ai: The initial charge and clash between wrestlers.
• Mawashi: The belt worn by sumo wrestlers.
• Basho: A sumo tournament.

Day Four of the January Tournament – Grand Sumo Highlights

Opening Bouts & Early Upsets

The fourth day of the January tournament at the Kokugikan featured several notable bouts, with eight rikishi (wrestlers) remaining undefeated. The opening match pitted Duden against Omi, with Omi securing his third win through a spectacular backward pivot throw (uchari). Despite controlling the match initially, Duden was unable to finish, allowing Omi to capitalize with a deep double hand grip and a twisting maneuver. This victory marked Omi’s third win in his second top division tournament, following a strong finish with six consecutive wins in his previous appearance.

The bout between Hatsuyama and Asakoru saw Asakoru achieve an oshidashi victory, pushing Hatsuyama out of the ring. Asakoru, utilizing his speed, evened his record to 2-2, while Hatsuyama remained winless in the top division. The match between Shishi and Asanoyama resulted in Asanoyama ending Shishi’s undefeated streak with a suku-nage throw, demonstrating his pedigree as a former ozeki.

Rookie Performances & Veteran Resilience

Asahakuru, a promising rookie, suffered his first loss in makunouchi against veteran Mitakeumi, who secured an easy yori-kiri victory, bringing his record to 2-2. Midori Fuji, despite a poor start to the tournament (0-3), managed to secure his first win against Tobizadu with a beautiful sku-nage (beltless arm throw), showcasing his unpredictable skill.

Tommo Kaz lost to Abby via a hataki-ki slap-down, marking his third loss of the tournament. Abby, despite a less-than-impressive technique, maintained his perfect 4-0 record. Toki Hayate defeated Chio Shoma after a controversial review regarding a potential top knot pull, ultimately being confirmed as a uwa-te-nage (pulling overarm throw) victory.

Notable Victories & Emerging Contenders

Nishiki Fuji lost to Koto Sho by hataki-ki, both wrestlers now at 2-2. Shai defeated Gonoyama with a tokyo-toshi (thrust down), improving to 3-1. Roga continued his dominance over Kim Bosan, achieving his fifth consecutive win against him in makunouchi with a strange ending where Kim Bosan bent a knee.

Oho upset Shin Ooi, the previously undefeated ozeki, with a powerful abisi-toshi (backward forced down). This marked Shin Ooi’s first loss of the tournament and his first loss as an ozeki. Oho stated his intention was to be the first to defeat the undefeated ozeki, and he executed a strategy of applying steady pressure.

Yokozuna Bouts & Yoshino Fuji’s Rise

The Yokozuna bouts concluded the day. Hoshouyu defeated Uda with a uwa-te-nage (twisting overarm throw) after Uda got caught too low during the tachi-ai (initial charge). The final and most anticipated bout saw Yoshino Fuji achieve his third career kimoshi (victory over a Yokozuna) by defeating Onosato for the second consecutive tournament. Yoshino Fuji, at his highest career rank, utilized a quick tachi-ai and a left-hand outside grip to execute a powerful throw. Yoshino Fuji commented that his body reacted naturally and the throw worked, and he adapted his plan to utilize a throw when Onosato got inside. He has now beaten both Yokozuna on back-to-back days.

Data & Statistics

• Undefeated Rikishi: Eight wrestlers started the day undefeated.
• Yoshino Fuji’s Kimoshi: Yoshino Fuji has now secured three career kimoshi.
• Roga vs. Kim Bosan: Roga has a 5-0 record against Kim Bosan in makunouchi.
• Tamawashi’s Basho: This is Tamawashi’s 98th tournament in makunouchi, placing him fourth all-time.

Logical Connections

The broadcast followed a logical progression, starting with lower-ranked bouts and building towards the matches featuring higher-ranked wrestlers, culminating in the Yokozuna bouts. The commentary consistently linked current performances to past records and rivalries, providing context and highlighting the significance of each match. The discussion of rookie performances was often contrasted with the resilience of veteran wrestlers.

Conclusion

Day four of the January tournament delivered several upsets and showcased the dynamic nature of sumo wrestling. Yoshino Fuji’s continued success against Yokozuna is a major storyline, while the struggles of some established wrestlers, like Shin Ooi, add to the tournament’s intrigue. The day highlighted the importance of both technique and strategy, as well as the unpredictable nature of the tachi-ai. The tournament continues to be highly competitive, with several wrestlers vying for a winning record.