Asanoyama, a Makuuchi wrestler and former ozeki who has sparred with Ura on this tour, expressed his respect, saying,
“Ura-san is the one man who’s been wrestling daily. His physique is incredible and so is his strength.
He’s really impressive.”
END
Clearly, his 4 wins and 11 losses in Hatsu, followed by 5 wins and 10 losses in Haru shook him so severely-- he's going all out to assure a solid kachikoshi in May.
Said Jungyo director Takadagawa, "He's really determined to make a comeback in Natsu. I can't help but admire his work ethic." ...
completed 27 bouts versus his Makuuchi confreres in an effort to restore his winning status and fight himself back to the san'yaku.
Asked by the press about his impressive match output, he replied in his usual politeness, "Really? Twenty-seven rounds? That's better than I expected." ...
April 21. Suffering double-digit losses in two consecutive tournaments (Jan and March) jolted URA who never imagined he'd hit such a low--not yet, not at 33, not at the height of his popularity, not when he still loves sumo so.
Therefore, today, at the Tokyo Budokan Jungyo, sumo's fan-favorite...
Life throughout post-war Japan was incredibly brutal and miserable.
What is it about being self-destructive directly after having your teeth cleaned? I go directly for a decaf soy latte.
But a poppyseed and everything bagel? Evil.
THIS was at 15? Barbara Carr was ahead of the game.
include footballer Harry Kane, Morgan Freeman, Franklin D Roosevelt, Dame Judi Dench, Cate Blanchett and nearly all members of the House of Windsor.
Hakkaku has a soft spot for London for it was there in 1991 that he, as Yokozuna Houkutomi, was declared champion of sumo's exhibition tournament.
END
In recognition for sumo's successful October 2025 London tour, Chairman Hakkaku has been selected to receive the Freedom of the City of London award at London's Guild Hall on April 24.
Given each year to 2,000 individuals for contributions to public life, business, or arts--previous awardees ...
former Sekiwake Kotonowaka (Sadogatake Oyakata); Sekiwake Oho and his father, former Sekiwake Takatoriki; and Maegashira Fujinokawa and his father, former Maegashirawrestler Oikari (Kabutoyama Oyakata).
It's a short list so Ikazuchi has good reason to smile.
Congratulations to father and son.
END
and former All-Japan Women's Sumo Champ mom, Emi, who acts not just as Okamisan but assistant coach who has taught the stable's star, Shishi, how to throw a dashinage like a san'yaku.
Other active sumo father and sons are Ozeki Kotozakura and his father ...
Former Komusubi Kakizoe (Ikazuchi Oyakata) whose furrowed brows seem permanently knitted together, actually unfurled his eyebrows and mustered a smile as his son officially joined sumo as Ikazuchi Beya's newest deshi.
Haruku Kakizoe is another sumo "thoroughbred" thanks to his Komusubi dad...
Darn it--another correction.
Wakanosho completed Juryo in seven tournaments (not three as I posted) --including a demotion to Makushita in May 2025 due to injury.
This is bleak news--a tiki bar closing.
I have TWO different neighbors in Amsterdam today. I'll try to let them know ... by coconut wire express.
for the opportunity," he said after going seven rounds with Hoshoryu, winning one.
"The yokozuna is very strong, but I was able to wrestle my own style, and I think it went well."
And, from the yokozuna came a nod.
"He wrestled hard and had his moments.
He'll make a strong sparring partner."
END
rikishi since Takagenji in 2019, although loftier aspirations are Wakanosho's, who at age 22, has blown through the Juryo in only three tournaments.
Nevertheless, facing a yokozuna for the first time as he did on Sunday is nervewracking.
"I was nervous but grateful,"
Pic: Jungyo bouts vs Kirishima
It was a triumph for local boy WAKANOSHO--the March Juryo Division Champion--who's been invited to participate in the regional tournaments and on April 19th, in his hometown of Utsunomiya.
Almost certain to be promoted to the premier division in May, he will be his prefecture's first Makuuchi ...
I was expecting Curtis Mayfield! Surprise, surprise.
Because you're a Japanophile, you'll be lifted, moved and re-inspired by Japan's cultures and practices--while and after watching this wonderful short film (24 mins) "Itadakimasu."
And, don't click off before the end credits!
www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nglb...
Not to overly focus on Fujiseiun, but on his 2nd day back from nasal surgery, he was selected by Ozeki Kirishima for 12 rounds, finishing w a score of 4 wins, 8 losses.
Midway in the sanban-geiko, his nose began to bleed.
Time out was called to stuff tissue in his nostril--and the games went on.
You’re right—it’s common for a first time opponent of a Yokozuna to say something similar. Even Hakuho said upon his initial tachiai vs Asashoryu—“ I never felt power like that “
* sorry--correction:
"I've NEVER been pulled like that," said a taken aback Fujiseiun.
"Since he (the yokozuna) weighs 186kg, I shouldn’t be pulled so easily as I was.
"There's a reason he's at the top of the sumo world--
and, he's cool.
"This was a tremendous opportunity for me."
END
Pic: Fujishima-Beya stablemates: Fujiseiun and Fujiryoga--both Haru '26 Makuuchi debutants.
In the final bout, he was pulled by the yokozuna’s massive frame and slammed to the ground.
“ I’ve been pulled like that," said a taken aback Fujiseiun.
"The Yokozuna's power is astonishing." ...
Yokozuna Hoshoryu who Fujiseiun said, "selected me for three bouts.
I've never in my life wrestled a yokozuna,
so I was intimidated ... and honored."
In their first match, Haru's Kanto-sho winner, was pushed out, and in the next, he was thrown with a shitenage underarm throw...
Fujiseiun who, after three-weeks post-op rest, has returned to active status after having nasal surgery to correct a badly deviated septum that, for more than a year, had him struggling just to take a breath.
At the April 17 Jungyo , the Haru '26 Makunouchi debuntant, was chosen by ...
If the JSA insists on six tournaments a year, it must put an end to its regional tours.
Fans outside of Tokyo, Osaka and Kyushu then are relegated to viewing top-division sumo on TV--like all the rest of us do. We haven't dropped the sport bc we don't see the stars in person!
listed as 'allergic rhinitis,'" he says quizzically.
"With so many others injured, I don't want people to think I've been sitting out because of hay fever."
Not yet 100%, the 28-year-old is returning to practice today, and sparring tomorrow with his only fear being "getting my nose hit."
END
Haru's Kanto-Sho (fighting spirit prize) winner, Fujiseiun, is returning to the Jungyo after undergoing surgery to correct a deviated septum that affected his air flow and breathing, and which caused headaches, chronic congestion and sleep issues.
"What puzzles me is that the official cause is ...
That’s probably the intent; Don’t let them even THINK they have a voice in this.