Tachiai
49 FOLLOWERS
The Tachiai is the initial charge of two sumo wrestlers at the beginning of a bout. This blog is intended to be my way of sharing my enjoyment of sumo - as well as my way of reaching out to an international community of sumo fans.
Tachiai
1d ago
Last bashō, I documented four newcomers to the Third Division (Makushita). Three of the four managed to get kachi-koshi (majority of victories). Only Āron, from Nishonoseki, had a losing record of 2-5. Shiroma’s 4-3 record did not come as a surprise, and Takashōki also had demonstrated an ability that would allow him to succeed in ..read more
Tachiai
1w ago
Death of Akebono This past week, we learned of the passing of Akebono. He was 54 years old. Known as Chad Rowan, he was recruited by former Takamiyama to join his Azumazeki-beya in 1988. His maezumo class famously included Takanohana and Wakanohana, both of whom rose to the rank of Yokozuna and with whom he ..read more
Tachiai
3w ago
Sumo action is NOT over so Tachiai does not hibernate until Natsu basho. Jungyo (巡業) means tour in Japanese. In the sumo world, the jungyo refers to off-season promotional tour events, usually sponsored by local corporate sponsors and supporter groups. Sometimes there will be visits to important local shrines, like tomorrow’s visit to Ise Jingu ..read more
Tachiai
1M ago
At its board meeting on 3/28, the Nihon Sumo Kyokai approved a plan to shutter Miyagino-beya and move its wrestlers and oyakata to Isegahama-beya in time for the May tournament. Hakuoho and other Miyagino-beya wrestlers will be introduced at the upcoming tournament as being from Isegahama-beya and they will not be able to fight against ..read more
Tachiai
1M ago
The sekitori promotions have been announced. After a one-basho absence, Chiyomaru returns to the salaried ranks he occupied for over a decade. The others are new: Ms15TD starter Onokatsu, who makes it after 3 basho in Makushita with a combined 16-5 record, yusho winner Kazekeno, who started at the bottom two years ago and rose ..read more
Tachiai
1M ago
The stormy basho certainly lived up to its nickname! We’ve just witnessed a historic yusho by the rookie Takerufuji; may he heal fully from his injury and give us the kind of career that this brief glimpse suggests is possible. Now that all the hardware has been handed out, let’s take our customary preliminary look ..read more
Tachiai
1M ago
No new kyujo today. Takerufuji and Onosato both locked up two special prizes (Fighting Spirit and Technique) today before they entered the stadium. The yusho winner will receive the Outstanding Performance prize. Makuuchi Action Churanoumi (7-8) defeated Kitanowaka (3-12). Churanoumi quickly secured a left-hand inside hold on Kitanowaka’s belt and pressed forward until Kitanowaka was ..read more
Tachiai
1M ago
Konbanwa to our friends and readers! The final day of the basho is upon us. Thanks to those who might have enjoyed, or at least entertained or even tolerated the match previews earlier in the basho. Unfortunately I have been entertaining business associates the last few days in Tokyo, and while some of you might ..read more
Tachiai
1M ago
Late-breaking news from the infirmary is that Takakeisho is kyujo. Eagle-eyed readers had noticed Takakeisho favored his arm after yesterday’s bout, and winced a bit. Kirishima will thank his lucky stars and savor this fusen victory. A raft of folks are up for kachi-koshi or make-koshi today. But all eyes are on Takerufuji because he ..read more
Tachiai
1M ago
Earlier in the night the lower division yusho races concluded. We will have at least one playoff for the Jonidan title on senshuraku between Ryuo and Tochimaru. That will take place right before the Makuuchi dohyo-iri on the final day. Kazekeno won in Makushita, Nagamura defeated Aonishiki in Sandanme, and Chiyooga defeated his third Jonidan ..read more