Nagoya 2026 Day One
The July sumo tournament is upon us, and here is how the first day has shaken out.
If you’re wondering where to watch all the action, check out NHK World’s Grand Sumo highlights or with the Grand Sumo App (App Store and Google Play).
Public League Leaderboard
Scores from Fantasizr
Notable Maneuvers
Uwatenage. Aonishiki read Hiradoumi’s overeager tachiai perfectly, reached around his belt with his left, and threw the Maegashira around and over for a decisive win.
Match of the Day
09 Komusubi East Yoshinofuji versus 02 Yokozuna West Onosato
These two needed three tries to start, although every single one was because Yoshinofuji was raring to go and Onosato seemingly didn’t want to start. When they were forced to engage, Onosato tried to bottle up Yoshinofuji. Something about Yoshinofuji’s physiology perfectly unbalances Onosato, and the Yokozuna was sent reeling. This could be a worrying sign he isn’t healthy, or Yoshinofuji is just impossible for some reason for Onosato. Yoshinofuji is now 4-0 against the Yokozuna.
Recap
The top men mostly held firm on Day One of the Nagoya basho. The notable exception was Yokozuna Onosato, who dropped his match to Komusubi Yoshinofuji. The only other competing Sanyaku man (get well soon, Wakatakakage) that lost was Oho, who was facing Yokozuna Hoshoryu. Upsets were not on offer for the opening day of this basho.
That does not mean we can’t learn anything, although overreacting to Day One can always lead to trouble. Hoshoryu certainly looked healthy with a watashikomi (thigh-grabbing push down) over old rival Oho. Kirishima plain outmuscled Fujinokawa. Kotozakura looked a little more like his better self in handling Takanosho’s thrusting. Atamifuji reined in Gonoyama and waited for him to wear out. Kotoshoho never gave Churanoumi an opening. Aonishiki out-strategized and out-wrestled Hiradoumi.
All those winners are legitimate contenders. The only one who has never won a yusho is Atamifuji, who is 23 and on the up. It feels like his time will come, perhaps this month. Any of them could rack up 12 or 13 wins, and they all will have to do it by beating each other if they stay healthy. A reinvigorated Aonishiki needs 10 to return to Ozeki, while Kotozakura has to go for 8 to remain at Ozeki. This will be competitive.
Perhaps that’s trouble for Onosato after his opening-day loss, but an early defeat doesn’t guarantee he can’t manage 10. Yoshinofuji is just his bad opponent, with a particular bend and forward thrust that knocks the Yokozuna off balance. A long winning streak by Onosato should surprise nobody. And surprise losses by any of the Sanyaku should be expected. Zensho yusho are exceedingly rare because winning 15 straight is extremely tough.
Outside Sanyaku there were some good performances. Takerufuji looked somewhat like his old self. Abi looked to have his old athleticism and resultant chaos. Wakanosho didn’t let Chiyoshoma get into any complicated mawashi battle and shoved him out. Fujiryoga handled Roga with the kind of force and assurance that speaks well of his future. Hakunofuji withstood Daieisho’s best in impressive fashion. But the strength of Sanyaku means the main points of concern will likely lie in the later matches. Despite questions coming in for many, the top rankers are here to play.