GRAND SUMO: Day 6 of the January 2026 Tournament - GRAND SUMO Highlights

Key Concepts

• Makuuchi: The top division of Sumo wrestling.
• Yusho: The championship or tournament victory in Sumo.
• Oshidashi: A winning technique where a wrestler pushes their opponent out of the ring.
• Yori-kiri: A winning technique involving a forceful grip and lifting/toppling the opponent.
• Tuki-dashi: A winning technique involving a thrusting attack that forces the opponent out.
• Hataki-komi: A slap-down technique used by a wrestler to win by forcing the opponent out of the ring.
• Tati: The initial charge or clash between wrestlers at the start of a bout.
• Dohyō: The Sumo ring.
• Basho: A Sumo tournament.
• Ozaki: A rank in Sumo wrestling.
• Migashida: A rank in Sumo wrestling.
• Mayitsu: A strong grip on the opponent’s mawashi (belt).
• Uchari: A backward pivot throw.
• Igi: Grips on the opponent’s mawashi.

Day Six of the January Sumo Tournament – Grand Sumo Highlights

Introduction & Early Bouts

The broadcast covers Day Six of the January Sumo tournament held at the Kokuan. Two wrestlers currently lead with undefeated records of 5-0: Myōgiryū and Ōnosho. The initial bouts featured Shishi (celebrating his 29th birthday) against Hatsuyama, a debutant. Shishi secured a quick victory (4-2) using Oshi-dashi, shoving Hatsuyama (0-6) out of the ring. The commentator noted Shishi’s strong start. Following this, Ōmi (4-1) faced Mitakeumi (3-2), with Ōmi demonstrating promising potential in the top division and winning with a Yori-kiri force out, improving to 5-1. The commentator highlighted the age difference between the two, with Mitakeumi being nine years older. Ōmi’s leverage and Deashi (footwork) were key to his success.

Mid-Tournament Matches & Rising Stars

Toby Zadu (four straight losses) battled Asa Hakuryū (3-2), another debutant. The match was characterized by a prolonged grappling exchange with both wrestlers attempting to establish a grip. Asa Hakuryū ultimately won by Yori, lifting and pinning Tobizaru at the edge of the dohyō, improving to 4-2. Asanoyama (4 straight wins after an opening day loss) faced Tomokazu (2-3). Tomokazu unexpectedly defeated Asanoyama with a Tsuiki-toshi (thrust down), evening his record at 3-3. The commentator emphasized Asanoyama’s shaky footwork.

Co-Leaders & Notable Performances

Abi, a co-leader, met Asakōru for the first time. Abi, who won the Yusho in November 2022 while ranked at Migashida 9, secured his sixth straight win with a Tsuki-dashi (thrust out). He now holds at least a share of the lead. Nishiki Fuji (3-2) defeated Duden (four straight losses) with a Yori-kiri, ending Duden’s losing streak and improving to 2-4. Midori Fuji and Kōtoshō competed with a controversial ending initially favoring Midori Fuji, but a review revealed Kōtoshō won by Yori-taoshi (crush out), improving to 4-2 while Midori Fuji fell to 2-4. The judges initially awarded the win to Midori Fuji, but a review showed he was thrown out first.

Weight & Technique Considerations

Chiyo and Roga (both 2-3) clashed, with Roga winning by Yori-kiri. The average weight of the wrestlers was 158kg, with Roga weighing 159kg. Toki Hayate (light at 132kg) faced Kim Bzan, who utilized his reach advantage to win with a Yori-kiri and a Tsunidashi (lift out). Fujinoyama (5-1) demonstrated impressive speed and agility against Gonoyama, winning with a pushing attack. The commentator praised Fujinoyama’s exciting style.

Yokozuna & Veteran Performances

Onō and Shai competed, with Onō winning by Oshi-dashi, evening his record at 3-3. Ō and Chiyonomi (4-2) battled, with Chiyonomi winning by Oshi-dashi. A review was needed to confirm the result, as it was close at the edge. Ō suffered his first loss, falling from the co-lead. Hiad Umi (3-2) faced Atami Fuji, with Atami Fuji winning by Yori-kiri. Tamawashi (born 1984) lost to Hakunō Fuji (born 2003) by Yori-kiri. The commentator highlighted Hakunō Fuji’s speed.

Late Tournament Bouts & Controversial Calls

Uda (winless) lost to Yoshino Fuji (4-2) by Oshi-dashi. Ōhō (2-3) faced Wakamoto Haru (winless), with Wakamoto Haru winning by Uchari (backward pivot throw) in a surprising upset. The commentator noted the judges’ initial call favored Ōhō, but the result stood after review. Kirishima (4-1) defeated Ichiyamamoto (1-4) by Oshi-dashi, but the initial call was overturned after a mono (review) confirmed Kirishima stayed within the ring. Kotozakura (4-2) defeated Daisho (1-5) by Tsuki-dashi.

Highlight Bout: Anishki vs. Takayasu

The highlight bout featured Anishki (4-1) against Takayasu (35 years old), with Anishki winning by Yori-kiri. The commentator praised Anishki’s low stance and ability to overcome Takayasu’s size.

Final Bout & Tournament Standings

The final bout pitted Ōnosho against Waka Takakage. Ōnosho secured a Hataki-komi (slap-down) victory, improving to 5-1. After six days, Abi leads with seven wins, followed by the two Yokozuna (Myōgiryū and Ōnosho) with five wins each.

Conclusion

Day Six of the January Sumo tournament saw several upsets and notable performances. Abi maintains a strong lead, while the Yokozuna remain contenders. The tournament continues to showcase both veteran experience and the emergence of promising new talent. The broadcast will continue with live coverage of Day Eight on January 18th.