Natsu 2026 Day Two

The May sumo tournament moves forward into second matches for every rikishi and keeps itself wide open.

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

Shitatenage. Kotoeiho was going backwards against Shishi, but had his arms under the Big Ukrainian’s. So he planted his left foot hard, twisted, and flipped Shishi over with an underarm throw that any elementary sumo coach could point his charges to model their technique on.

Match of the Day

05 Ozeki #2 East Kirishima versus 12 Maegashira #2 East Yoshinofuji

Kirishima was in the spotlight on Day Two thanks to Hoshoryu’s injury and withdrawal. He began his now final match against Yoshinofuji looking like he would easily shove Yoshinofuji back and out. Then Yoshinofuji did a heavy spin. That naturally upset the balance of the match. Kirishima was now on his heels, and Yoshinofuji had an opening. Kirishima tried a throw or two, but he couldn’t find any purchase and instead desperately moved around the dohyo. Oddly, Kirishima’s new form shined brightest as he sensed Yoshinofuji was off balance and knocked the Maegashira to the side and down.

Recap

In one of the least surprising kyujo announcements you’ll ever see, Hoshoryu withdrew from the basho with a hamstring injury. Considering the Yokozuna was on the ground clutching his thigh, Fujinokawa could have foreseen the fusensho victory before the action technically ended yesterday. What this means for the rest of the basho and everyone else is that we’re now in a nokozuna basho. No one is going to get a Kinboshi this tournament, and the list of contenders is much smaller than it seemed a week ago.

In particular, Kirishima seems to be showing he can assert himself in this environment. He took Yoshinofuji’s most interesting—if not best—sumo and shoved him aside after a tough match. He slapped down Takanosho on Day One, and possibly the most dangerous place at the Kokugikan this month is being slightly sideways to Kirishima. He’s still his crafty throwing self while also adding a shade of stablemaster Otowoyama (former Yokozuna Kakuryu) in taking down anyone who isn’t coming head on.

Kirishima is also shining in the first two days of this basho because no one else is in Sanyaku is. Fellow Ozeki Kotozakura got his mawashi grabbed deep at the tachiai by Wakatakakage, then could do basically nothing despite a lot of effort. Kotozakura should have an opportunity to standout this basho. Yet he is adding his own 0’s on the Banzuke so far to join Hoshoryu, Onosato, and Aonishiki’s permanent 0. As the longest serving Ozeki now, he should be shining.

The Sekiwake are both 0-2 as well. Atamifuji let Hiradoumi get low with his head in his chest, which meant Hiradoumi could control the bigger man. Kotoshoho was plain railroaded by Takanosho in a way that looked like he just wasn’t ready to start. At least the Komusubi are each 2-0, although neither Wakatakakage or Takayasu have been able to maintain momentum over the second week of a basho recently.

There are some Maegashira who are doing well after just two matches. Daieisho has been using his veteran skills to knock away competitors. Asakoryu is looking like he can easily handle mid-Maegashira. Kinbozan is using skill as well as size. Kotoeiho appears locked in and able to use all of his techniques. Fujiryoga looks like he wants to stay up. Still, even after two days, Kirishima’s in control of this basho and everyone needs to measure up to him.

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