Featured Rikishi - Kisenosato

[Rijicho 6]

Kisenosato!

[Andreas 0]

Ill do a first overview, although Im totally unqualified for this...

Kisenosato from Naruto Beya is the youngest rikishi in Makuuchi. He was (and still is) the biggest Japanese hope in recent Ozumo (since Takanohana maybe), but he got stuck for a while in the the mid-maegashira ranks, disappointing some of his fans. Meanwhile, he has established himself as Komusubi, but is still waiting for the big breakthrough.

His big advantages: Good sumo body (about 188 cm 155 kg), good reach, young age, ambitious.

The press made up a rivalry between him and Kotooshu.

His sumo is very straightforward: mostly oshidashi and yorikiri wins.

His trademark is the butt-shaking at the tachiai. I wonder if he would still do that as Ozeki or Yokozuna.

Edited October 30, 2006 by Andreas

[Shimpu 0]

Ill do a first overview, although Im totally unqualified for this...

Hmm, I think everybody is a little bit tongue-tied because of Kaikitsune's declaration concerning little overview about Kise. I was prepering myself to post some stuff too but after I learned about Kaikitsune's really deep and complex posts about Kaio who is also one of his favourite I've just chicken out (Holiday feeling...)

[Kaikitsune Makoto 209]

Kisenosato is the best 20-year old rikishi in the universe. Equipped with big and

powerful body and exceptinally good athletic characteristics and reflexes. Said to be the

great Japanese hope, he also carries high expectations on his shoulders. His debut in

juryo was in Natsu 2004 and he went through juryo in three basho without make-koshi. In

Kyushu 2004 he made his makuuchi debut with a fine 9-6 result. He had his relative

stagnation in 2005 when he looked awkwardly unstable in his performance and voices of

doubt started to emerge both on forum and even Takanohana expressed his worry about

Kisenosato's apparent inability to get to middle maegashira.

Despite that period of concern, Kisenosato has shown quite steady progress on all levels.

My opinion is that Kisenosato has increased his power by taking small steps and at the

same time honed his sumo so that every section has improved. Not always so conspicuously

but even in basho where he had bad records, he has shown improvement. This is one of the

key elements of why he has now established himself fast at komusubi level going 4 times

in a row 8-7 in M1-komusubi rank.

He always hated losing and always shows spirited bouts against anyone. In fact, when he

did feeble henka against Taikai in Kyushu basho, it was such a contrast to his usual

fighting spirit that it really seemed odd. Furious attacks and genuine nirami-ai

approach. One of the rikishi who show no fear, no matter who he is up against. You will

never hear "I doubt I win this bout" from his mouth. He is already beating many of the

top rankers in sumo and even when losing, he always shows he is very capable of beating

anyone in any bout.

Kisenosato masters both oshi and yotsu. He has always been very strong at hidari-yotsu

and continues to be so. The only difference now is that his power level has gone up

steadily causing higher and higher caliber foes major problems dealing with Kisenosato's

hidari-yotsu. For some reason he almost never goes for grasping move ala KaioU or

Tochinohana but mainly just tries to reach the belt with his right hand.

He often goes for left hand ottsuke at the tachi-ai and accompanies that with right hand

on the throat (right nodowa). He has strong ottsuke and he has had that style since his

makushita days. With the right hand he usually targets opponent's throat.

Excellent reactions at tachi-ai. Tachi-ai has been improving too but he does have one of

his biggest weaknesses at the tachi-ai as sometimes he lets his upper body float and his

centre of gravity gets very unoptimal. He leads with the right leg but could get lower

especially against low charging rikishi.

Hip drop at the tawara is his trademark although naturally it is a standard sumo move.

Kisenosato does that very often and has the principle of "drop your hips!" well grained

into his innate sumo.

He doesn't go much for throws. Only few uwatenage and sukuinage so far and it just

doesn't seem to be his style. Of course it is one area he could refine his sumo but his

style is quite straightforward so throws really don't play that big a role in his sumo.

He doesn't do much henka either. Then again it must be stated that in Kyushu basho he did

that feeble one against Taikai, granted he had injured his elbow the day before but

still. Also against Kotomitsuki he moved aside trying to find a better way to attack

without giving in morozashi and that could be classified as semi-henka at least. On basic

level Kisenosato is a forward going rikishi and these occasions are not common for him.

Hopefully he won't go for henka in 2007 at all. In 2006 he did 4 henka altogether winning

50% of those. He himself was henkaed twice, winning one of those.

I made a bit more detailed analysis on all his bouts in 2006 as in 2006 his sumo has

matured up and he has become a better rikishi with more horse power and hence reflects

his current sumo the best. The results are below. For the ones who want more condense

reports, the statistics of his ways of winning and losing are compiled (small errors may

have sneaked into the stats but not big ones)

In 2006 Kisenosato had the following records:

Yearly record: 50 wins 40 losses

Hatsu basho 8-7 at M9

Haru basho 10-5 at M7

Natsu basho 8-7 at M1

Nagoya basho 8-7 at komusubi

Aki basho 8-7 at komusubi

Kyushu basho 8-7 at komusubi

Winning ways in 2006:

24 bouts: hidari-yotsu ie. left hand inside, right hand outside or both.

17 bouts: oshi-attacks ie. oshizumo

3 bouts: oshi-attack followed by pull/slapdown

2 bouts: henka

1 bout: dohyo tawara dance and tsukiotoshi against Hakuho

1 bout: sukuinage against Kokkai

1 bout: fusensho

Losing ways in 2006

10 bouts: hidari-yotsu

8 bouts: oshi-attack

6 bouts: morozashi (3 against Kotomitsuki)

5 bouts: oshi-attack + pull/slapdown

2 bouts: as a result of own henka of bad pull

1 bout: hikkake by Shuzan

1 bout: concussion at the tachi-ai

1 bout: ketaguri by Shoryu

1 bout: isamiashi against Aminishiki

1 bout: kotenage against Dejima

1 bout: one own henka

1 bout: one henka by foe (Ama)

1 bout: swing by Roho

The total duration of his bouts in 2006: to be added

The average duration of his bouts in 2006: to be added

Hatsu basho 2006 8-7 at M9

Day 1 O maegashira Futeno uwatenage

Even tachi-ai where both charged out hard. Short grip duel which went into Kisenosato's

favour and he got his right hand outside and threw Futeno down with uwatenage.

Key to victory: gaining right hand outside grip

Day 2 X maegashira Takamisakari yorikiri

At the tachi-ai Kisenosato was sluggish and aimed for right hand outside grip. However,

he never reached it and at the same time was careless with his left arm letting

Takamisakari get morozashi immediately. Kisenosato tried kotenage but Sakke was very

solidly close and easily blocked and drove Kisenosato out:

Key to loss: Bad tachi-ai giving Sakke morozashi.

Day 3 O maegashira Dejima yorikiri

Quite even tachi-ai, Dejima got in but Kisenosato seized full hidari-yotsu and drove

Dejima steadily back and out. Kisenosato did hip drop at the edge.

Key to victory: Stopped Dejima and got hidari-yotsu.

Day 4 X maegashira Kotoshogiku watashikomi

Kotoshogiku's tachi-ai was extremely good and came from below. Kisenosato was immediately

way too upright and was at the receiving end of Shogun's xcellent start. Kisenosato tried

a little pull and then got left hand inside but Shogun had powerful right hand outside

grip while Kisenosato was partly sideways and had no grip with neither hand due to

Shogun's hip pull. When Shogun drove, Kisenosato tried a couple of decent sukuinage and

tsukiotoshi twist at the tawara but Shogun grabbed his thigh and won with a splendid

watashikomi.

Key to loss: Completely lost the tachi-ai and let Shogun run the show.

Day 5 X maegashira Kakizoe oshidashi

Tachi-ai was again the problem point for Kisenosato. Kakizoe attacked from below and

seized morozashi very easily while Kisenosato had slow tachi-ai and found himself to be

all upright again much the same way on previosu day against Shogun. Kisenosato did well

to shake himself off by using kubihineri and twist down but Kakizoe had such a superior

position that he was able to maintain momentum and finish Kisenosato with well-timed

pushes.

Key to loss: Badly lost the tachi-ai and let Kakizoe inside.

Day 6 X maegashira Ama yorikiri Duration 20 seconds.

Kisenosato tried to go with left ottsuke and right nodowa but Ama was very fast and got

close leaving Kisenosato without any grip. Ama had deep left hand inside and right hand

on the front part of the mawashi. Kisenosato could only try kotenage but had no leverage.

Ama stayed in close and calmly ousted wriggling Kise out. This was the first win by Ama

against Kisenosato.

Key to loss: Unable to get any grip at the tachi-ai while yielding strong grip to Ama.

Day 7 O maegashira Aminishiki oshidashi Duration 6 seconds

Right nodowa worked and was aided by static left ottsuke. Kisenosato kept Ami away and

pushed him out after establishing an advantegous position at the tachi-ai.

Key to win: Good nodowa and subsequent oshi-attack worked well.

Day 8 X maegashira Kyokushuzan hatakikomi

Odd tachi-ai by Shuzan reaching for Kisenosato's head while Kise had not even got up yet.

No matta and Shuzan pulled Kise down. Peculiar bout and the strangest loss of the year

for Kisenosato.

Key to loss: Shuzan's tachi-ai gimmick worked well.

Day 9 O maegashira Tosanoumi hatakikomi Duration 6 seconds

Kisenosato stopped Tosanoumi's tachi-ai and started his own oshiattack before slapping

leaning Tosanoumi down with force.

Key to win: Decent tachi-ai not giving in ground there.

Day 10 X maegashira Wakatoba shitatenage Duration 5.5 seconds

Kisenosato came out with a right hand harite and ended up in migi-yotsu having left hand

outside grip while Wakatoba only had right hand inside. Kisenosato advanced but then

appeared to be floating and Wakatoba pivoted, guided out of control Kisenosato out. Weak

sumo by Kisenosato.

Key to loss: Getting lost in migi-yotsu.

Day 11 O maegashira Toyozakura yorikiri Duration 9 seconds

Rather even tachi-ai where Toyozakura attacked with left hand nodowa while Kisenosato

attempted to swing Toyo's extended arm aside. He succeeded after a couple of failures and

then charged forward with oshi, gaining hidari-yotsu in the process. From there on he

easily escorted Toyo out and did hip drop again.

Key to loss: Broke Toyozakura's left hand nodowa and went forward.

Day 12 O maegashira Tochisakae oshidashi Duration 2 seconds

Tochisakae did henka to the left, Kisenosato survived it, turned to face Tochisakae and

pushed him out.

Key to win: Henka survival

Day 13 O maegashira Kasuganishiki yorikiri Duration 41 seconds

Kisenosato won the tachi-ai and bout went into hidari-yotsu. Kisenosato tried a couple of

drives but Kasuganishiki held on before the final surge.

Key to win: Good tachi-ai and hidari-yotsu form.

Day 14 X maegashira Yoshikaze oshidashi Duration 6 seconds

Good tachi-ai by Kise attacking with oshi but as Yoshikaze was retreating Kisenosato's

push went over his head and gave Yoshikaze the opening f ro counter attack. Kisenosato

was steadily pummeled backewards and couldn't get back into the bout again. Yoshikaze got

into his favourite form attacking with rapid oshi/tsuki against slightly uproght foe.

Key to loss: One push went over opponent's head.

Day 15 O maegashira Toyonoshima oshidashi Duration 10 seconds

Kisenosato was his back against the wall going 7-7 before his last bout. Tachi-ai was

strong but Toyonoshima got morozashi despite of that. Moreover. Kisenosato lost his right

hand outside grip. As Toyonoshima advanced Kisenosato wriggled wildly trying to shake

Toyo off. Eventually he succeeded and got to the side and pushed Toyonoshima out. Good

effort from bad position. Kisenosato finished with kachi koshi.

Key to win: Wild wriggling escape.

Haru basho 2006 10-5 at M9.

Day 1 O maegashira Tokitenku shitatenage Duration 7 seconds.

Oshi tachi-ai by Kise, pushed many times and then got a deep left hand inisde and right

mae-mawashi. Tokitenku tried kubinage with leg trip but Kise stayed on his feet and

pushed Tokitenku down.

Key to win: Strong tachi-ai.

Day 2 O maegashira Kakizoe oshidashi Duration 3 seconds

Good calm tachi-ai. Kise got his pushing attack targeted perfetcly on Kakize's chest and

easily drove him out.

Key to win: Balanced oshi-attack.

Day 3 X maegashira Tochinohana yorikiri Duration 17 seconds

Kisenosato had a strong tachi-ai, he got left hand inside and drove Tochi back but didn't

reach with his right hand on the belt. Tochi got right hand outside grip and groped his

way to mae-mitsu grip. Kise lost also his left hand inside grip. Tochi got deep left

inside and right mae-mawashi while Kise didn't have a grip. Kise tried chongake and had a

kubi grip but Tochi had major advantage and escorted Kise out.

Key to loss: Unable to get right hand outside before Tochi showed his groping skills.

Day 4 O maegashira Kotoshogiku yoritaoshi Duration 25 seconds

Tachi-ai even, hidari-yotsu ensued. Shogiku broke Kise's grip momentarliy with a yanking

move but Kise regained the grip and Koto didn't have right hand outside anymore. After

few seconds Kise powered Koto to the edge where Koto collapsed.

Key to win: Beat Shogun in grip duel. Decisive factor in their mutual bouts.

Day 5 X Dejima maegashira kotenage Duration 3 seconds

Even tachi-ai, No deashi for Dejima. As Kise went forward Dejima backed up and yanked

Kise down with a kotenage.

Key to loss: Couldn't follow with his legs fast enough when Dejima did retreating

kotenage.

Day 6 O maegashira Futeno hatakikomi Duration 0,5 seconds

Henka like slap down with both hands right at the tachi-ai. Henka was performed to the

left.

Key to win: Henka.

Day 7 O maegashira Jumonji yorikiri Duration 4 seconds

Strong tachi-ai and immediate right hand outside and fast yori drive + hip drop.

Key to win: Tachi-ai followed with hidari-yotsu power.

Day 8 O maegashira Toyonoshima yorikiri Duration 5 seconds

Kisenosato moved a bit to a side at the tachi-ai in order to block Toyonoshima's

morozashi attempt. It worked and after a brief tussle, Kise reached for right uwate and

drove Toyo out.

Key to win: Morozashi block at the tachi-ai.

Day 9 X maegashira Takekaze hatakikomi Duration 4 seconds

Takekaze hit Kise's midsection well and Kise had to take support of the tawara at which

point Takekaze vanished with a pull and Kise dived down. At the tachi-ai Kisenosato gave

Takekaze all the tools to push him back.

Key to loss: Letting cannon ball pusher to attack from below.

Day 10 O maegashira Asasekiryu yoritaoshi Duration 1min 12 seconds

Left cheek aim at the tachi-ai again. Hidari-yotsu bout ensued. Sekiryu tried a throw to

no avail. Kise tried a drive but Sekiryu pivoted him around, another drive by Kise and

again Sekiryu tried a pivot. Then Sekiryu tried shitatehineri but Kise stayed on his feet

well. Sekiryu had a low stance and went for a drive while Kise didn't have left hand

inside grip. Kise used left hand sukuinage move. The right hand of Kise had a duel with

Sekiryu's left hand and it ended with Kise's mae-mawashi and Sekiryu collapsed at the

tawara while trying the last kubihineri or tsukiotoshi turn. Excellent bout by both.

Key to win: Hidari-yotsu

Day 11 O maegashira Takamisakari yoritaoshi Duration 10 seconds

Left cheek nodowa again, then right hand outside while Sakke had left hand inside and

circled away. Kise maintained pressure and Sakke collapsed at the tawara. Good

hidari-yotsu pressure.

Key to win: Tachi-ai lead to hidari-yotsu.

Day 12 X maegashira Kyokutenho shitatenage Duration 12 seconds

Good tachi-ai by Kise, got left hand inside and kept Tenho's right hand off the belt for

a while. When Tenho got that, Kise adjusted his left hand so that he tried to push with

it, evidently having also right hand outside grip. Tenho changed to sudden shitatenage

and Kise went down. Rare loss by Kise despite hidari-yotsu fully.

Key to loss: Tenho's fast shitatenage which surprised Kise.

Day 13 O maegashira Hakurozan oshidashi Duration 5 seconds

Hakurozan tried nodowa and pushing and pulling but Kise never took steps back, kept close

and pushed Haku out. Excellent follow up sumo.

Key to win: Good balance and posture.

Day 14 X maegashira Kyokushuzan hikkake Duration 3 seconds

Calm tachi-ai, Kise went forward but Shuzan yanked his arm and Kise stepped out before

turned to continue the bout. This was the remmatch after close doutai in the first bout.

Day 15 O maegashira Tochinonada yorikiri Duration 3-7 seconds

Kise went forward with migi-uwate and Nada couldn't do anything with his left shitate.

Great finish to the basho.

10-5 record with good sumo throughout.

Natsu basho 2006 8-7 at M1. In Natsu basho Kisenosato had basically very solid tachi-ai

almost in every bout giving him good grounds for competitive sumo. He was close to

winning many more than 8 bouts losing once with isamiashi and having close bouts against

Taikai and others. First kachi koshi at high maegashira rank though.

M1 career highest rank. Devoted keiko intensity at soken impressed many. Keiko before the

basho was of high quality. Power level had gone up and sumo style honed, rough edges

polished off a bit more again.

Day 1 O ozeki Kotooshu sukuinage Duration 8 seconds

Tachi-ai: Good tachi-ai by both. Kotooshu got left hand inside and right hand outside.

Kisenosato seized right hand outside grip and went forward breaking Kotooshu's right hand

outside in the process with series of hip yanks. He used left hand sukuinage to throw

down Kotooshu while Kotooshu tried kakenage and fought until the end.

Key to win: Good tachi-ai and hidari-yotsu.

Day 2 X sekiwake Kotomitsuki yorikiri Duration 35 seconds

Kisenosato started with left ottsuke attempt combined with right nodowa. Kotomitsuki was

bent but neither the ottsuke or nodowa hit the target well. Kotomitsuki had both hands

quite close together and got right hand in and then slided his left hand in into a deep

morozashi. Kisenosato had no grip and very high center of gravity. Kotomitsuki was

cautious and took his time before driving Kisenosato out.

Key to loss: Kotomitsuki's skill in getting to morozashi against Kise.

Day 3 O maegashira Takekaze oshidashi Duration 8 seconds

Kisenosato had lost three times to Takekaze never defeating him. Tachi-ai was high but

Takekaze was stopped, then as Takekaze tried to push from the below Kisenosato held on

well, easily survived pulldown and firmly kept his footing not giving an inch. Good

reflexes and hand to Takekaze's face. Firm turn and ousted Takekaze with authority.

Excellent win. Hip drop at the end again.

Key to win: Stopping Takekaze's initial charge and not letting upper body float.

Day 4 X ozeki Hakuho shitatenage Duration 10 seconds

First time meeting. At the tachi-ai Kisenosato hit Hakuho's throat and shoulder with both

hands blocking Hakuho's left hand outside attempt. He used that grip to slide Hakuho to

the edge where Hakuho stopped and got left hand inside. Kisenosato also had left hand

inside. As he tried to get the right hand outside, Hakuho blocked that with hip moves and

then launched a rapid shitatenage. Kisenosato almost got hold of Hakuho's belt but didn't

quite reach. Hence Hakuho's throws was undeniable. Good tactics and power shown by

Kisenosato though. Two of the youngtest rikishi in makuuchi showed vigour.

Key to loss: Not reaching the belt with right hand when he had Hakuho on the edge

Day 5 O maegashira Kyokushuzan oshidashi Duration 3 seconds

Kisenosato was clearly cautious at the tachi-ai simply standing up and observing what

Shuzan would come up with. Shuzan started with morotetsuki but Kise got his right hand on

Shuzan's left cheek immediately and exerted a lot of power taking Shuzan back and while

Shuzan tried to swing Kise's right arm aside, Kise followed through and pushed Shuzan out

easily. Hip drop at the end.

Key to win: Didn't let Shuzan yank him.

Day 6 O maegashira Roho oshidashi Duration 5 seconds

Tachi-ai was even. Roho tried to get left hand outside and Kise blocked that. Kise used

left ottsuke and right nodowa to get advantage. As Roho was more upright Kise pushed him

and Roho pivoted twice on his way out. One-sided win by Kisenosato.

Key to win: Good tachi-ai forcing Roho into pure oshi.

Day 7 O ozeki Chiyotaikai hikiotoshi Duration 6 seconds

Taikai came out fast and did his tsuppari. Kisenosato was firm and didn't budge. Taikai

pulled but Kise regained balance and Taikai started another surge and then pulled twice

and hovered on tawara with one foot while Kisenosato went down hard. Good sumo by both.

Perfect timing by Taikai with the pull.

Key to loss: Did everything well but Taikai's immaculate timing was the deciding factor.

Day 8 X sekiwake Miyabiyama yorikiri Duration 49 seconds

Miyabiyama attacked with straight forward oshi and Kisenosato held his hip low,

persevared and received the blows. Miyabiyama had the initiative and pummeled a lot but

Kisenosato held his ground and then grabbed Miya'a arm, swang it aside and got into

yotsu. Both had left hand inside and right hand high up while both blocked the right

outside grip of the foe by lifting their own left hand high. Miya had better stance and

groped for mawashi from more optimal posture. Finally got hang of the sagari and marched

forward. Kise's left hand was quite pinched and he couldn't launch an efficient throw.

Miya escorted him to the edge and out. Excellent sumo by both.

Key to loss: Despite valiant effort couldn't get right hand on the belt while Miya got

his.

Day 9 X maegashira Kotoshogiku yorikiri Duration 24 seconds

Nodowa tachi-ai by Kise and both in hidari-yotsu without right hand outside grip. Some

twisting and turning before Shogun got sagari grip and had the advantage. Some waiting

and then a drive and Kise had to step out. Shogun is good at keeping Kise in

uncomfortable position during grip duels.

Key to loss: Kotoshogiku's good tactics keeping Kise sideways when both had left hand

inside.

Day 10 X komusubi Kyokutenho oshitaoshi Duration 5.5 seconds

Hidari-yotsu stance right after tachi-ai but Kise couldn't reach the belt. Tenho changed

grips and yanked Kise down with katasukashi move and finished with a push resulting in

oshitaoshi.

Key to loss: Too slow reaction to Tenho's grip change and katasukashi move.

Day 11 X maegashira Aminishiki isamiashi Duration 11 seconds

Kise started with good tachi-ai and oshi attack bending Ami backwards, then into

hidari-yotsu stance, Kise only had left hand inside which he used to keep the pressure on

and force gripless Ami back. Ami tried kotenage , uchigake a couple of times and Kise

held on. Then as Kise pushed Ami out, Ami had a last ditch kotenage going and Kise

accidentally stepped out before Ami went down.

Key to loss: Carelessness

Day 12 O ozeki Kaio oshidashi Duration 4 seconds

Brilliant tachi-ai by Kise hitting Kaio hard from below and almost taking him straight

out, Kaio had no time to recover and Kise kept the pressure on and vanguished Kaio with

oshidashi.

Key to win: Great tachi-ai while KaioU had bad one.

Day 13 O komusubi Ama oshitaoshi Duration 3 seconds

Ama was very fast at the start and Kise just received his charge. Kise began his usual

forward going attack and while Ama tried to do some gimmicks, his legs got tangled and he

lost by oshitaoshi.

Key to win: Good tachi-ai flow.

Day 14 O maegashira Kakizoe oshidashi Duration 9 seconds

Kisenosato made the mistake of standing up high when Kakizoe attacked but Kise stepped

aside a bit and pulled Kaki, then attacked rather recklessly but outpowered Kakizoe in a

sloppy bout.

Key to win: Good reactions.

Day 15 O maegashira Kokkai yorikiri Duration 39 seconds

First time meeting between Kise and Kokkai. Kokkai tried to keep Kise off the belt with

his trademark two-handed tsuki, Kise bounced back once but then delivered a big push of

his own. When Kokkai approached for the second time, Kise maneuvred to get the right hand

outside grip. Stalemate ensued. Kise took his time before launching a new attack taking

Kokkai first back and then as Kokkai tried a throw, continued the assault with ottsuke

and took Kokkai out.

Key to win: Good defence against Kokkai's tsuki and then hidari-yotsu.

Nagoya basho 2006: 8-7 as shin-komusubi.

Day 1 X yokozuna Asashoryu oshidashi Duration 4 seconds

Kisenosato was totally late at the tachi-ai and Shoryu was all over him from the start.

Kise tried to establish left hand inside but Shoryu kept his elbow tight and without a

break exerted power and pushed Kise out.

Key to loss: Completely late tachi-ai.

Day 2 X ozeki Chiyotaikai hatakikomi Duration 3 seconds

Kise withstood Taikai's barrack of attacks but Taikai interrupted his tsuki and withdrew

from the game letting Kise fall down forwards. Kise didn't quite catch up with Taikai but

rather easily resists the forward force.

Key to loss: Withheld but couldn't move fast enough when Taikai withdrew.

Day 3 O ozeki Kotooshu oshidashi Duration 7 seconds

Kise started with high oshi and kept Osh at bay, he used solely oshizumo today when

chasing Osh around the dohyo delivering right-left combination to the upper body.

Kotooshu tried to pull Kise down at the edge but stepped out before Kise fell.

Key to win: Kept the bout solely in oshi dominating Osh in that.

Day 4 X sekiwake Kotomitsuki yorikiri Duration 5 seconds

Kise tried to start the bout with right hand nodowa but the attack failed and he ended up

upright while Koto got inside. He tried again to push Koto back with right hand push but

couldn't straighten his arm and Koto slipped fully inside and morozashied Kise out. Kise

has problems with Kotomitsuki's inside surge.

Key to loss: Inability to defend against Kotomitsuki's morozashi surge.

Day 5 X sekiwake Miyabiyama hatakikomi Duration 2 seconds

Kise was slightly late at the tachi-ai and Miya caught him well pushing once and then

yanking him down.

Key to loss: Bad tachi-ai, late.

Day 6 X ozeki Tochiazuma oshidashi Duration 5 seconds

Kise lost the battle of ottsuke and was outclassed by Azuma in Azuma's game. Couldn't get

any attack going while Azuma came in as a package. Unusually one-sided loss in oshisumo

for Kisenosato

Key to loss: Inability to match Tochiazuma's ottsuke game.

Day 7 O ozeki Kaio yorikiri Duration 45 seconds

Immediately into hidari-yotsu where neither rikishi had their right hand outside grip.

Kaio tried his usual grasping moves in order to get the belt but never succeeded. At the

end when Kaio went for another graping move, Kise reached for the belt and got it,

immediately forced Kaio back beating Kaio in his own game. Great exhibition of

hidari-yotsu power sumo and blocking the right handed grasps by Kaio.

Key to win: Blocking Kaio from getting right hand outside and seizing the opportunity to

get his own grip when Kaio did his hip moving grasp.

Day 8 X ozeki Hakuho yorikiri Duration 8.5 seconds

Kise got the advantage at the beginning with right hand outside but as he tried to

progress, Hakuho performed two shitatenage attempts while pivoting around. Simultaneously

Hakuho pulled his hips back and broke Kise's grip, then managed to get deep morozashi and

escorted wringling Kise out.

Key to loss: Hakuho's hip magic.

Day 9 O maegashira Kyokushuzan oshidashi Duration 2 seconds

Calm tachi-ai and when Shuzan pulled, Kise pushed him out easily.

Key to win: Not letting Shuzan do tricks

Day 10 O maegashira Kotoshogiku sukuinage Duration 6 seconds

Hidari-yotsu from the start, Shogun initiated a drive but Kise dropped him with a

sukuinage. Neither had right hand outside grip.

Key to win: Well timed powerful throw when Shogun didn't have right hand grip.

Day 11 O maegashira Kyokutenho oshidashi Duration 6 seconds

Kise kept Tenho away with two-handed nodowa. Tenho tried to close in but Kise stayed

away, when Tenho tried a pull, Kise was all over him and pushed him out. Good oshizumo.

Key to win: Good oshizumo from the start keeping Tenho away.

Day 12 O maegashira Hakurozan O oshidashi Duration 7 seconds

Calm tachi-ai by Kise making sure he got into his favourite hidari-yotsu, Hakurozan tried

a shitatenage but Kise was strong and disabled that.

Key to win: Hidariyotsu.

Day 13 O maegashira Kakizoe hatakikomi Duration 4 seconds

Both pushed from below. Kise yanked Kakizoe down after few thrusts.

Key to win: Solid tachi-ai.

Day 14 O maegashira Roho oshidashi Duration 40 seconds

Excellent bout. Kisenosato got into hidari-yotsu at the tachi-ai but Roho tried an

all-out left hand shitatenage turning Kise towards the edge, Kise held his ground and

blocked another shitatenage attempt by Roho. Then Roho got into full hidari-yotsu too but

Kise broke his right hand outside grip . A short stalemate ensued. Kise had a solid right

hand outside grip and Roho had only left hand inside. When Kise went forward Roho tried

shitatenage for the last time but Kise's grip was tight and Roho was pushed out.

Key to win: Solid hidari-yotsu establishment.

Day 15 X maegashira Baruto oshitaoshi Duration 5 seconds?

Kise was surprised by Baruto's tsuki attack and took time before settling down at all but

at that point he was already close to edge and lost balance there resulting in oshitaoshi

loss.

Key to loss: Surprised by the oshi-attack, didn't get time to regroup despite good effort.

In Nagoya basho Kisenosato continued his good defence against oshi-attacks and had many

great wins although he did lose couple bouts with morozashi again. Kotomitsuki is really

difficult foe for him. Also Tochiazuma taught him ottsuke brilliance but all in all a

solid komusubi debut.

Aki 2006: 8-7 as komusubi. Fusensho win at senshuraku.

Day 1 O ozeki Hakuho tsukiotoshi Duration 4 seconds

Tachi-ai with left ottsuke, right nodowa by Kise. Hakuho surged in close though and was

in morozashi position going forward. Kise grabbed Hakuho's head and pressed it down while

pivoting. Kise fell off the dohyo and Hakuho was slammed hard on the dohyo. Hakuho

touched down first. First win over Hakuho by Kise.

Key to win: Good dohyo sense and press down worked well.

Day 2 X ozeki Kotooshu yoritaoshi Duration 5 seconds

Cautious tachi-ai, hidari-yotsu ensued immediately. Kise got right hand out but Osh

initiated a power pull-drive move which caused Kise's body to float. Not having solid

ground contact anymore, Kise could only hop backwards and was crushed. Excellent

initiative by Osh before Kise got his centre of gravity down and hidari-yotsu pressure

going.

Key to loss: Kotooshu's excellent initiative lifting Kise before hidari-yotsu was

launched by Kise.

Day 3 O sekiwake Kotomitsuki oshidashi Duration 4 seconds

Kisenosato had good tachi-ai and hit Koto hard, Koto thought it was a false start and

didn't get back into the bout before Kise had pushed him out.

Key to win: Good tachi-ai and Kotomitsuki's confusion

Day 4 X ozeki Chiyotaikai oshidashi Duration 8 seconds

Taikai got his attack going, Kise never got his foothold solid and was at the receiving

end, then his foot slipped and Taikai continued the assualt. Kise turned sideways and

Taikai relentlessly drove Kise out. Good sumo by Taikai but Kisenosato's defense was not

bad at all, only couldn't get close to launch his own attack.

Key to loss: Couldn't get close nor break Taikai's rhytm.

Day 5 X ozeki Tochiazuma oshidashi Duration 15 seconds

Right nodowa by Kise was effective and he got right hand outside grip, some seconds after

that Azuma did a neat grip change move which broke Kise's right hand grip. Azuma got

advantage and went with nodowa and hazu-oshi. Kise defended strongly but was getting to

worse position and Azuma managed to push him out as Kise tried to yank Azuma's head down

with force.

Key to loss: Azuma could break the right hand grip and it was then full ottsuke duel

which Azuma won.

Day 6 O yokozuna Asashoryu yoritaoshi Duration 8 seconds

Kisenosato had powerful tachi-ai immediately seizing a solid hidari-yotsu. Shoryu

couldn't get his right hand on the belt and was left only with left hand inside. Kise

drove forward and while Shoryu tried yanks and twists, the grip was too strong and Kise

escorted him to the edge and out without problems. Superb bout by Kisenosato.

Key to win: Perfect tachi-ai and hidari-yotsu flow.

Day 7 X sekiwake Miyabiyama oshitaoshi Duration 2 seconds

Kisenosato hit his head hard at the tachi-ai, saw stars and Miyabiyama dropped him down

easily. Concussion loss.

Key to loss: Concussion

Day 8 O maegashira Tokitenku oshidashi Duration 2.5 seconds

Kisenosato stepped aside at the tachi-ai and pushed Tokitenku out. Henka win.

Key to win: Henka worked.

Day 9 O maegashira Dejima hatakikomi Duration 3 seconds

Dejima hit hard, Kisenosato didn't budge. Dejima's foot slipped a bit and Kise slapped

him down.

Key to win: Solid tachi-ai and Dejima's too much leaning stance.

Day 10 O maegashira Tamanoshima tsukiotoshi Duration 1 second

Tamanoshima's foot slipped at the tachi-ai and he fell down. Another easy win for Kise

due to opponent's slip.

Key to win: Slip by foe.

Day 11 X maegashira Ama okuridashi Duration 2 seconds

At the impact Ama moved to left fast, grabbed the belt and used Kisenosato's forward

momentum against him and lead him past and out.

Key to loss: Henka worked.

Day 12 O komusubi Kokkai yorikiri Duration 5 seconds

Kokkai didn't get his two-handed thrust going and bout was immediately a hidari-yotsu

bout. Kisenosato drove Kokkai back and out without problems.

Key to win: Hidari-yotsu stance.

Day 13 X maegashira Iwakiyama yorikiri Duration 3 seconds

Iwakiyama had a perfect tachi-ai getting left hand in and without a break, continued the

forward charge. Kisenosato got right hand outside but had no time to establish any solid

posture as Iwakiyama went forward leaving Kisenosato floating. Ideal bout by Iwakiyama

and another example of Kisenosato's problem sometimes with high raising balance.

Key to loss: Iwakiyama made Kisenosato's body float at the tachi-ai and just utilized

kinetic energy.

Day 14 X maegashira Aminishiki sotogake Duration 6 seconds

Aminishiki didn't give in to Kisenosato's right hand nodowa and ottsuke. As Kisenosato

was trying to fend off Ami, he also pulled which doomed him. Aminishiki followed the move

and did a neat sotogake when Kise tried a twisting move at the edge.

Key to loss: Bad pull

Day 15 O maegashira Futeno fusensho

Kisenosato got his kachi koshi without a fight as Futeno pulled out of the basho due to

injury suffered on day 14.

Kyushu basho 2006 at komusubi, 8-7

Day 1 O maegashira Tokitenku yorikiri Duration 11 seconds

Hidari-yotsu immediately and Kisenosato took charge taking Tenku backwards and out with

energetic sumo.

Key to win: hidari-yotsu as a result of successful tachi-ai.

Day 2 X ozeki Tochiazuma hatakikomi Duration 13 seconds

Ottsuke start and then hidari-yotsu shallow stance before Azuma packaged himself and took

some distance. More ottsuke and pushing before Kise's feet slid and Azuma slapped him

down.

Key to loss: Azuma's superiority in ottsuke-oshi duel.

Day 3 O komusubi Aminishiki yorikiri Duration 5 seconds

Hidari-yotsu at the tachi-ai and power sumo win.

Key to win: Hidari-yotsu immediately

Day 4 X komusubi Roho tsukiotoshi Duration 3 seconds

Kisenosato started well with ottsuke and oshi, Roho went backwards and then swang with

his right arm strongly. This swing caused Kisenosato to move aside and step out of the

dohyo.

Key to loss: Roho's massive swing worked well while Kise was attacking

Day 5 O komusubi Kokkai sukuinage Duration 1 minute

At the tachi-ai, immediate hidari-yotsu but Kisenosato only had one layer of Kokkai's

belt and when Kokkai leaned strongly forward with deep left hand inside grip, a stalemate

ensued. After a while Kisenosato tried to drive forward but one layer only caused

Kokkai's belt to get upwards and Kokkai tried to drive Kise out. Despite being in upright

position, Kise pivoted and threw Kokkai down with sukuinage.

Key to win: Hidari-yotsu and good sukuinage pivot

Day 6 X sekiwake Kotomitsuki yorikiri Duration 7 seconds

Kisenosato had new tactics going with oshi against Koto avoiding the morozashi. It worked

as Kise started with a slight move to aside and then started pushing. Kotomitsuki tried

two-handed hatakikomi which didn't work and Kise got close but then as Kise pushed Koto

found a way to morozashi again against Kise and beat him with yorikiri. This was the 3rd

bout in a row where Kotomitsuki beats Kisenosato by getting morozashi.

Key to loss: morozashi to Koto

Day 7 O sekiwake Miyabiyama yorikiri Duration 23 seconds

Tachi-ai was followed by hidari-yotsu. Neither had right hand outside grip at first but

Kise gained that and powered Miya out.

Key to win: hidari-yotsu with right hand outside

Day 8 X yokozuna Asashoryu ketaguri Duration 1 second

Asashoryu shifted aside to the left and kicked Kise's leg with ketaguri.

Key to loss: Wasn't ready for that move.

Day 9 X ozeki Chiyotaikai tsukidashi Duration 3 seconds

Kisenosato went for henka which didn't work at all and Taikai pushed him out easily.

Key to loss: Bad henka

Day 10 O maegashira Ama yoritaoshi Duration 10 seconds

Ama got morozashi at the start but Kisenosato broke free and got left hand inside. Using

that he strongly surged forward and while Ama stopped at the edge and guided the bout

along tawara, Kise got right hand outside and showing superior power, slammed Ama down.

Great bout between enthusiastic keiko partners.

Key to win: Power sumo after escaping the morozashi

Day 11 X ozeki Kotooshu uwatenage Duration 29 seconds

Kisenosato got into hidari-yotsu but only had one layer of Kotooshu's loose mawashi. He

did get deep left hand inside grip and stalemate was the business for a while. Then

Kotooshu did a fast grip change getting right hand inside. Kise countered by trying to

press Kotooshu out with right hand outside pressure but with loose mawashi couldn't

generate enough leverage. Kotooshu drove Kise back and when Kise went for shitanage

Kotooshu leaned with uwatenage. Kise fell down first so the victory was Kotooshu's.

Key to loss: Too shallow grip on Kotooshu's loose mawashi

Day 12 O maegashira Futeno yorikiri Duration 36 seconds

Hidari-yotsu as both favour that. Kisenosato had right hand outside grip and Futeno just

couldn't reach his own. Kisenosato was in control and Futeno fought well but couldn't

resist forever and Kisenosato final charge was powerful and tsukiotoshi attempt didn't

help Futeno.

Key to win: Hidari-yotsu where the hidari-yotsu expert foe was left without right hand

outside grip

Day 13 X maegashira Kotoshogiku yorikiri Duration 9 seconds

Both aimed for hidari-yotsu at the tachi-ai. Genki Shogun kept his hips back and got

right hand outside while Kise couldn't reach one. When Shogun went forward Kise tried a

desperate move by grabbing Shogun's neck but no effect and yorikiri win for Shogun.

Key to loss: Unable to get right hand on the belt while Shogun did

Day 14 O ozeki Kaio uwatenage Duration ca. 14 seconds

Moved slightly at the tachi-ai and gained firm right hand outside grip. Kaio was sideways

and when Kise drove and Kaio defended, Kise turned the drive to uwatenage.

Key to win: Hidari-yotsu without giving Kaio a chance to get right hand on the belt.

Day 15 O maegashira Kakizoe yorikiri Duration 5 seconds?

Secured kachi koshi with a solid win over Kakizoe.

Year 2006 head to heads:

Futeno 3-0

Kakizoe 4-1

Kaio 3-0

Kokkai 3-0

Tokitenku 3-0

Hakurozan 2-0

Toyonoshima 2-0

Dejima 2-1

Roho 2-1

Ama 2-2

Aminishiki 2-2

Kotooshu 2-2

Takamisakari 1-1

Takekaze 1-1

Kotoshogiku 2-3

Hakuho 1-2

Kyokutenho 1-2

Iwakiyama 0-2

Asashoryu 1-3

Kotomitsuki 1-3

Miyabiyama 1-3

Against Miyabiyama the record could as well be 2-2 and Miya doesn't have special

advantage over Kise but Kotomitsuki is a true nigate for Kisenosato. He appears to know

the way to break Kisenosato's sumo and totally morozashi him. This will be the biggest

challenge to Kisenosato for 2007 to learn to do sumo against Kotomitsuki.

Tochiazuma 0-3

Chiyotaikai 0-4

Tochiazuma has been very genki against Kisenosato. Kisenosato has put in good efforts to

beat him but so far hasn't found the last gear to finish Azuma. The problem is that Azuma

likes Kisenosato's ottsuke style and is the best in sumo in that. Also Azuma managed to

break Kise's right hand outside grip in one bout with technical skill. Should be a good

future in this head to head too as Kisenosato is not far from unlocking the secrets of

beating Azuma too.

Even more so against Taikai, the times when Taikai can't win by hikiotoshi or keep Kise

out of the rhytm are not far. Certainly one benchmark for Kise is that when can he start

beating Taikai so that the winning ration between them closes to 50-50. Kisenosato's oshi

defence is good but Taikai has still managed to keep him at bay.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Here are some posts about Kisenosato/Hagiwara earlier on. Good background info etc.

Joe Kuroda's post on Sunday 3rd of August in 2003 to SML about Hagiwara:

Just turning 17 years old, Hagiwara of Naruto Beya possesses such a great potential and

promise that he is already touted to be the next Takanohana.

Since his dohyo debut nine bashos ago, Hagiwara has rapidly progressed to a Makushita

ranking. As a Junior High graduate, his quick ascension is comparable to Takanohana's

eight bashos since the dohyo debut.

"You gotta be kidding. Takanohana-zeki is someone I have been watching on TV and

idolizing since I was a little kid," said Hagiwara when asked to comment on his progress

with that of Yokozuna Takanohana.

Using his well balanced 185 cm tall, 136 kg body, he excels in staying in the dohyo ring

and is known to possess enormous strength. He is always moving and always going after his

opponent without resting. "I try to constantly moving forward," Hagiwara says. His leg

and back strenth, natural ability are already been compared to those of great yokozunas.

At Makushita East 25 he had 3 wins and 2 losses after five bouts at this past Nagoya

Basho. But then he lost two straight bouts and finished with 3 wins and 4 losses, a close

Makekoshi. For a first time Makushita rikishi, the record was not necessarilly a bad one,

but after his seventh bout, with his eyes turning red, he did not even say one word

showing more than anyone else he hates to lose.

While attending Nagayama Junior High School in Ibaraki Prefecture, he beloged to Baseball

club but he had "Wanpaku Sumo" (Kids Sumo Championships) experience as well and he had no

question in his mind what he wanted to do when he graduated. "By Grade 8, I've already

made up my mind (to join)," Hagiwara said.

It's been a year and half since he joined Ozumo. Now he is training with Makuuchi

stalwart, Wakanosato daily. "I still don't know a lot. But I am having so much fun doing

something I enjoy so much every day," Hagiwara says.

http://www.banzuke.com/03-5/msg00018.html

---

Kintamayama's report on Hagiwara in September 2003:

17 year old Makushita west 35 Hagiwara is making waves in the lower division. He met

Bulgarian giant (2.02 metre,6.6 foot) Kotooushuu on the dohyo yesterday, and beat him

with a "hearty" oshitaoshi, getting his KK in the process. He pushed strongly with his

left at the tachi-ai, then powerfully pushed the forward-leaning 18 centimeter taller

Bulgarian's shoulder with his right, sending him flying "like a ping pong ball", as it

were.. He is aiming to become the second youngest rikishi in history (after Takanohana)

to reach Juryo, amidst all the college champions and foreigners filling up the Makushita

ranks. It was a match between two rikishi who will have a serious future role in Sumo, it

seems. People were heard saying that it was the number one match of the day. Like

Takanohana, he reached Makushita at the age of 16. Kotoushuu has four straight KKs and

reached Makushita very quickly as well. Hagiwara won the battle of the two rising stars.

"It was a battle for the 'money'- a spirited battle of 'heavyweights' ", said Hagiwara,

cheeks red. His "stocks" have been rising lately.. He left high school after two years to

join Sumo. In his spare time he used to run with his ex-boxer father in the neighborhood.

"We used to do all kinds of sports,like baseball and swimming and that help build up my

physical strength", he said. When he turned 15 , he decided that high school was "a waste

of time", so he joined Naruto-beya. He gets long letters from his father every Basho, and

treasures them. "Do 1000 push ups in one day!", said one of the letters. He reads and

re-reads them, giving him the incentive to go all out at keiko. After going MK last

basho, he trained three hours a day and increased his weight by 6 kilos to 132 (291

pounds). "I aim to use my failure last Basho as a springboard for the future!!", he said,

and got his first KK in Makushita on his way to greater things.

http://www.sumoforum.net/forums/index.php?showtopic=1425

--

Kintamayama's post in April 2004:

Narutobeya's 17 years 9 months old wonder boy Hagiwara, the new Juryo promotee, gave an

interview at the heya yesterday. He is the second youngest promotee to Juryo after

Takanohana. "I'm really happy. I'll be doing my usual forward- going Sumo in order to get

a Kachi koshi in Juryo. I'll do my best!", he said. As a rikishi who is expected to be

very successful in the future, some people thought he should get a new shikona on this

occasion. "I have a special shikona for him, but seeing as ' Hagiwara' was the name that

brought him all this success so far, there is no need for that just yet", said Naruto

Oyakata, former Yokozuna Takanosato. "At this time, I'd like to continue using my real

name", added Hagiwara himself. "He should take great care with what he eats. Is he the

second Wakanosato? Well, I'd like him to surpass my own achievements", said Naruto

Oyakata, showing the scope of his expectations.

http://www.sumoforum.net/forums/index.php?showtopic=2682

----

Part of Le Monde du Sumo article from April 2004:

http://www.lemondedusumo.com/english/MDS3_...a_kotooshu.html

So why do we talk about Hagiwara and Kotooshu together? At first glance there could not

be two more different rikishi. Hagiwara, Japanese like the vast majority of wrestlers,

has the typical rikishi body 1,85 metres tall, and already 141 kg when he was only 17 (he

was born on July 3, 1986). When he met him for the first time, Naruto oyakata (former

yokozuna Takanosato, who enlisted him in his heya) was struck by his legs: "What did

strike me were his unbelievably athletic legs. Considering his age. I felt that I was

looking at a tall oak strongly planted in the ground"

However as early as the next tournament (2003 Haru), Hagiwara's progress was stopped. In

fact he ended up make-koshi (3-4), losing for the second time to Miyamoto (only two other

rikishi, Tamaryoma and Nadatsukasa had, up until that point succeeded in defeating

Hagiwara twice). In May, he caught up again and only narrowly missed out on the title in

a play-off against Kagaya. So by July 2003 he was in the makushita division and had only

needed three Basho with one make-koshi to reach the third highest division in

professional sumo.

Hagiwara was showing that in spite of his age, he was a rikishi to be taken seriously.

Naruto oyakata had had an inkling of this, as he spent two hours daily with Hagiwara in

private, giving him advice, which is very rare for a wrestler at that level "I told him

[as soon as he came to Naruto beya] that I expected him to become the tenth wrestler I

brought to Makuuchi", said the former yokozuna, who further adds on another occasion : "I

realized at once that he had enormous potential and that I had to personally hand down my

knowledge to him".

Hagiwara, becomes the second youngest sekitori ever, just behind Takanohana. If both

rikishi follow in the footsteps of their glorious predecessors, one can expect them to

become, at the very least ozeki. They probably already have had occasion to discuss that

with the rikishi they were tsukebito of : Kotooshu was Kotomitsuki's tsukebito and

Hagiwara Wakanosato's "I hope I become as powerful as Wakanosato-zeki".

Hagiwara and Kotooshu, like all the great rikishi, are furious fighters . Hagiwara

prefers to practise oshi-sumo (thrusting sumo ), and uses all his leg strength . But he

knows too, how to go and seek his opponent's mawashi when he needs to. What strikes you

when watching him wrestle is the high technical level he has already reached, despite

being so young.

Hagiwara and Kotooshu have now begun to train with their new sekitori partners. In their

first training session with Juryo wrestlers Hagiwara won 5 of 12 fights, and Kotooshu 4

of the 7 he contested . These were good results , which point to kachi-koshi in May.

However, we shouldn't expect miracles, and we will still need to watch a lot of basho

before these two outstanding fighters can really fight against the greatest. Asashoryu

should have two years yet before he has to worry. Or does he have to wait? During this

first training as sekitori, both young men were taken by surprise when they saw Asashoryu

coming out of the dark to give them some advice "Don't decrease your strength on the

dohyo's edges, or you will get hurt!". Then he offered his chest to Kotooshu and let him

practice some thrusts (butsugari-geiko). It's very unusual to see a yokozuna giving

advice to Juryo wrestlers who don't belong to his heya. "I'm very grateful" said

Hagiwara. Just like the great yokozuna Taiho (32 yusho) in the 60s, Asashoryu keeps an

eye on the newcomers improvements.

Kisenosato's interview in summer 2004:

http://www.sumoforum.net/forums/index.php?showtopic=3323

1. Your good points from last basho?

"That I was constantly moving forward. But the last half of the basho felt somewhat

'different' "

2. Anything you regret about last basho?

"I should have done tachiai much harder"

3. How did you spend days after Natsu Basho?

"I didn't go out but just hanged around in the heya and rested"

4. What was the first sport you played?

"I started baseball when I was a third grader"

5. What were you like when you were a child?

"I was rarely at home but playing around outside"

5. When was your first time to see sumo? How did you like it?

"Because my father liked sumo a lot, I was watching it too since I can remember. I

thought it was interesting."

6. What brought you to sumo?

"My first tournament was when my father told me to participate in a local sumo tournament"

7. Do you have any rikishi you liked before joining sumo?

"Takanohana-zeki desu"

8. Do you have any favorite sports besides sumo?

"I like combat sports overall"

9. What do you think of Tokitenku?

"I think he's grown even bigger than before"

10. Roho?

"He's really strong when he gets uwate. I couldn't move an inch when he got it on me"

11. Kotooshu?

"He's strong when he has uwate. I try not to give him one"

12. Toyonoshima?

"He is so skillfull.."

13. Kotoshogiku?

"I do keiko a lot with him, and so I want to say 'ganbatte' "

14. Ama?

"He's so small but powerful - he can push and shove bigger guys with tsuppari... just

great."

15. Who has effected you most. Who would you look up to most?

"About 'someone who'd effect me', I expect to meet him/her. And as for 'someone I look up

to', it's my Oyakata. "

16. What do you do when you have some spare time?

"I'd sleep, or watch TV. I don't go out so often"

17. Do you see movies? What programs do you watch on TV?

"Well, I only watch movies on TV. I like 'action movies'. I'd just watch any show on TV. "

18. What is the most delightful ( tanoshii )memory?

"My most delightful time was when I was at junior high"

18. What is the happiest ( ureshii ) event in your life?

"When I won Makushita-Yusho"

19. What's the age you assume to get married?

"I have no idea. Never have I thought about that. I'm too young just yet.. Hopefully I'll

meet someone special in the future, and I hope I'll be matured enough by then. "

20. Could you tell me what type of woman you'd care for? Do you have any female TV

personality you like?

"I'd like a nice person. And I wouldn't be too assertive about her outlook. [ if

literally translated: "As for face, it'll be okay if it's not beyond critical point.. :)

] I don't have any TV person I overly like. "

21. Do you have anything you treasure?

"I think I treasure my amulets"

22. Are you particularly concerned about anything?

"Yes, about ( my ) sumo, especially tachiai "

23. Do you think you're a keiko-enthusiast?

"Well, I don't think it's something I can judge ( but someone who has objective eye ).

But I do like keiko."

24. What do you think is your problem to solve ( in sumo )?

"I've lost too much by hataki. I want to gain more power to the impact so my opponent

can't thrust me down"

25. What kind of sumo are you aiming to achieve?

"As of now, I wouldn't care too much about yotsu but just want to concentrate on

tsuki-oshi"

26. Who's your #1 rival?

"No one particular, to me everyone is a rival"

26. Are you receiving greater number of fan-letters or presents from fans now?

"I don't get fan letters. My fans would send me pictures"

----

Here is his career in 2004 and some basho from 2005. Still some gaps but will complete later.

Natsu 2004:

Juryo debut.

Day 1: Dewanofuji X hikiotoshi

Left ottsuke failed, leaning, Dewa slapped him down. Positional error.

Day 2: Kotooshu O abisetaoshi

Left ottsuke - hidari-yotsu for Hagi- Osh slipped - abisetaoshi

Day 3 Tamarikido O yoritaoshi

Left ottsuke - hidari-yotsu - Tamarikido collapsed. Foreard sumo.

Day 4 Bushuyama O yorikiri

Oshi - hidari-yotsu - relentless drive - positional win.

Day 5 Hamanishiki X hikiotoshi

Left ottsuke - tried to turn Hama over - Hama slipped away and Hagi fell to emptyness.

Day 6 Wakakosho O oshidashi

Inside oshi without backing up.

Day 7 Daishodai O oshidashi

Solid pressure right from the tachi-ai, no steps back, oshi-business from close range.

Day 8 Tokitenku X hatakikomi

Tenku got his right hand onto Hagi's cheek and pressed back while Hagi came forward.

Tenku yanked strongly when Hagi's head was bent backwards.

Day 9 Toyonoshima O tsukiotoshi

Toyonoshima immediate morozashi, Hagi twisted him aside and down with a strong left side

half-kime hold. Close call.

Day 10 Wakanoyama O oshidashi

Oshi oshi - maintain pressure - always forward.

Day 11 Kasugao O okuridashi

Left ottsuke strong at the tachi-ai, inside oshi attack,. hazuoshi - okuridashi as Kasu

turned around.

Day 12 Tamakasuga O yorikiri

Left ottsuke - Tama aside - nimble footwork - attack - tsukotoshi block - easy yorikiri.

Day 13 Roho X yorikiri

Great tachi-ai - morozashi - two drives - Roho tried powerful throws - Roho got left hand

outside - Hagi lost the morozashi and Roho drove with left hand outside grip - great bout.

Day 14 Wakatoba X tsukiotoshi

Impact - step aside - Hagi down.

Day 15 Toyozakura X sukuinage

Hagi was late at the tachi-ai - Toyo nodowa and yank - Hagi followed well but didn't get

into good position hands high up, Toyo flipped him down with sukuinage.

Debut as a 17 year old at Juryo 12w 9-6 kk. He lost all but one bout with a slapdown or

thrust down. Only against Roho he lost with yorikiri. Youthful start in juryo and only

problem was when his foes managed to distance themselves a bit and yank him down. Left

ottsuke in play a lot and right hand outside belt sumo. A lot of strong basic oshi-sumo.

Nagoya 2004:

Day 1 Chiyotenzan O oshidashi

Oshi oshi, lazy Tenzan went out.

Day 2 Hamanishiki O yorikiri

Oshiattack, no room for slapdowns, Hama went back and tried to put his arm around Hagi's

neck but Hagi drove him out easily.

Day 3 Kitazakura X yorikiri

Tachi-ai ok, tried left ottsuke, Kita got left hand outside though and Hagi had no grip,

Kita drove Hagi out.

Day 4 Juzan O yorikiri

Tachi-ai, going forward, Juzan went back but tried tottari well, Hagi was pivoted around

but had left hand inside, held on, got left hand outside (or side) and drove Juzan back

and on the tawara Juzan tried to twist Hagi down but stepped out before Hagi fell.

Day 5 Toyonoshima O okuridashi

Toyo tried to get morozashi again, Hagi moved aside a bit and shook off Toyo who stumbled

past and was beaten easily by okuridashi.

Day 6 Gojoro X hatakikomi

No feed, no eye witness account.

Day 7 Oikari O yorikiri

No feed, no eye witness account.

Day 8 Kotooshu X yoritaoshi

After tachi-ai Kotooshu got morozashi and dived forward, Hagi tried a tsukiotoshi at the

edge but fell down while Osh kept his balance enough to stay on his feet not touching

down.

Day 9 Tamakasuga X oshitaoshi

Lost the tachi-ai, was pummeled by Tama, fought back well turning into offensive but

never fully getting his hands in appropriate fighting position anymore. Tama kept his

good stance and pushed Hagi out and won.

Day 10 Katayama X oshidashi

Tachi-ai impact - absorbed - went forward - Katayama's tsuki reflection was successful

and Kise went past and Kata finished with oshidashi when Hagi pivoted back to face him.

Day 11 Roho O yorikiri

Strong tachi-ai, left hand inside, right hand outside, Roho only had left hand inside,

Hagi kept on jerking forward and defended against Roho's twists and turns. Good solid

yorikiri.

Day 12 Bushuyama O yorikiri

Hagi lost tachi-ai, Bushu hidari-yotsu drive, Hagi got the belt then and had his

hidari-yotsu, some pivoting and turning, Hagi kept the grip and marched him out. Hip drop

again at the tawara.

Day 13 Yotsukasa X oshidashi

Yotsukasa tried slapdown twice, Hagi survived but Yotsu then got into good attacking

position and static Hagi went

Edited December 2, 2006 by Kaikitsune Makoto

[Kaikitsune Makoto 209]

Day 14 Kaido X hatakikomi

Henka loss.

Day 15 Kotonomine O yoritaoshi

Right hand outside for Hagi, drove forcibly while Koto defended with sideways stance.

Hagi's pressure made Koto's knee give in. ACL injury. Good tachi-ai in this bout.

Second sekitori basho at juryo 6e resulted in 8-7 kachi koshi. The classic hip drop was

more in the spotlight already and all wins were forward going. Good payback against Roho

in power sumo but still couple of henka losses too. He got his sumo disrupted more than

in Natsu basho and had to succumb to superior oshi-stances by some of his foes. He

avoided losing record though.

Aki 2004 - 9-6 at J3 and promotion to makuuchi

Three losses due to tachi-ai move to aside. One loss due to deep morozashi, one loss due

to perfect oshi and one against Kaido after getting outskilled. 5 wins with strong

forward sumo. Twice against clumsy rikishi without going backwards. Once defeated Toyo

who had morozashi with a dynamic tsukiotoshi and also beat Kinki the same way. Hagiwara

had a nice 8 bout winning streak in only his 3rd basho in juryo from day 3 to day 11. On

day 2 he was thrown for the first time at sekitori level by Ama. Lot of hidari-yotsu

prowess in his belt sumo although he lost once even with that right hand outside grip.

Gojoro did the second henka on him.

Day 1 X Wakanoyama oshidashi

Wakanoyama did a neat arm inashi at the tachi-ai which caused Kise to wander to the edge

where he didn't have time to get back into the game and yielded to oshidashi.

Day 2 X Ama shitatenage

Good tachi-ai, hidari-yotsu and drove Ama back but Ama pivoted and did a superb grip

change getting a deep morozashi breaking Kise's grip too. Long stalemate after which Ama

went for uchigake and then turned it into an explosive shitatenage. Kise had no grip and

went down in spectacular fashion.

Day 3 O Kinkaiyama sukuinage

Tachi-ai loss while left ottsuke didn't find its target well. Kinka forward while Kise

changed into left hand inside, weathered and backed up and circled twisting Kinka down.

Day 4 O Kotoshogiku yorikiri

Good fast tachi-ai into hidari-yotsu. Shogun tried to get right outside too but failed

and Kise started a drive which was enough to take Koto out despite efforts to twist and

yank Kise aside.

Day 5 O Wakatoba yoritaoshi

Tachi-ai was good, left hand in and soon right hand outside. Drove Waka back and while

Waka tried utchari, the result was yoritaoshi.

Day 6 O Yotsukasa katasukashi

Standing tachi-ai with henka thought. Yotsu noticed it and cautiously came up, Kise

defended and then moved aside and twisted Yotsu down with katasukashi

Day 7 O Kasugao yorikiri

Good tachi-ai, right nodowa, left ottsuke, got inside well and had deep left hand inside,

easily defended against Kasugao's uchigake and dropped his hips at the tawara ousting

Kasu.

Day 8 O Toyonoshima tsukiotoshi

Lost the tachi-ai letting Toyo get morozashi, yanked Toyo's head once and then twisted

the small guy down with a dynamic retreating tsukiotoshi.

Day 9 O Toki yorikiri

Didn't mind Toki's nodowa and harite but simply forced his way forward, got the belt and

nudged Toki out.

Day 10 O Harunoyama hikiotoshi

Slow tachi-ai by both, sort of leaning and arm duel, Haru off balance and Kise just let

him fall basically aiding a bit.

Day 11 X Kaido yorikiri?

Even tachi-ai, Kise got better stance first but Kaido fought back . Both left hand

inside, Kaido used that sukuinage grip to pivot Kise around and forced him to the edge.

Kise had right hand outside but couldn't use it as Kaido's big stomach was keeping him on

the tawara in strenuous position.

Day 12 X Gojoro oshidashi

Gojoro henka, Kise to edge and Gojoro then chased him over the edge while Kise did some

good nebaru stuff in desperate situation.

Day 13 O Hakurozan yorikiri

Tachi-ai even, Kise got hidari-yotsu, Haku tried two times left hand inside yanking throw

but to no avail.Good yorikiri win.

Day 14 X Wakakirin oshidashi

Wakakirin good tachi-ai, lead with oshi from optimal angle and legs well backing up the

surge, Kise was upright and couldn't disturb the oshi enough to get back into the bout.

Excellent sumo by Wakakirin.

Day 15 X Kobo katasukashi

Kobo moved aside once and then again and Kise couldn't keep up but went down.

Kyushu 2004 makuuchi debut at M16 - 9-6 kachi koshi. Excellent start and some big bouts

against Roho and Kotooshu again. He had big seesaw battle with Roho but lost at the end

and was sloppy against Kotooshu despite a clear advantage in the attack. Nevertheless, a

solid debut in makuuchi and fine career prospects for 2005.

Day 1 O Toki yorikiri

Fast tachi-ai, immediate hidari-yotsu and yorikiri with force.

Day 2 X Kasugao kotenage

Tachi-ai, left hand inside for Kise, Kasugao jumped up a bit and got right kotenage

position. When Kise went forward with deep left inside, Kasugao did his magic and

kotenage was the result.

Day 3 X Tokitsuumi yorikiri

Odd arm fencing tachi-ai with no forward component. Kise got left hand outside, then all

of a sudden had hidari-yotsu but Tsuumi did fast change of grips to morozashi. Kise lost

his right hand grip and his balance was shaken. He tried to get left hand in but no

chance, Tsuumi had hidari-yotsu and positional advantage. Tsuumi went forward while Kise

tried to hang on without a grip. Tsuumi used his elbows well to block belt seizing

attempts and gabburi-yorikiried Kise out.

Day 4 O Tamakasuga yorikiri

Ottsuke, hazuoshi duel, Kise was stronger and went forward and took Tama to the edge. He

just pushed steadily and dropped his hips after Tama was out.

Day 5 O Tokitenku okuridashi

At the impact Kise moved to left and helped stumbling Tenku past, followed him and pushed

him out.

Day 6 O Kaiho yorikiri

Kaiho was totally late at the tachi-ai and Kise got easily hidari-yotsu and outpowered

hapless Kaiho back and out. Little hip drop at the edge again.

Day 7 O Hokutoriki yorikiri

Held his ground against Hokutoriki's usual assault and ousted him.

Day 8 O Asasekiryu yorikiri

Good tachi-ai leading with left leg, hidari-yotsu and straight back and out went Sekiryu.

Strong yorikiri.

Day 9 X Roho shitatenage

Great bout. Both had left hand inside after tachi-ai, Kise pushed forward but Roho

circled and made a nice grip change into morozashi, Kise countered with his own grip

change into left hand inside again. Roho lost his right hand outside grip. Kise then

pivoted and and turned Roho 's back to the edge where he got right hand outside, Roho had

left hand insde. When Kise went for yorikiri, Roho threw Kise down with shitatenage as

both fell off the dohyo.

Day 10 X Kotooshu sukuinage

At the tachi-ai Kise yanked Koto's right arm and moved aside, then attacked rather

erratically while Koto was off balance and hobbled to the edge. Kise's arm was pushing

Koto's head but was not in optimal position and Osh moved aside and Kise lost balance

after which Koto aided with leaning sukuinage.

Day 11 O Futeno yorikiri

At the tachi-ai Kise got left hand inside and then right hand outside. Futeno only had

left hand inside. Kise rocked and powered Futeno back and out with yorikiri.

Day 12 X Kotoryu sukuinage

Slow tachi-ai by Kise, Kotoryu got right outside and blocked Kise'a attempt to get his

own right hand outside with a hip move, then tried to force Kise out but changed the

movement into left sukuinage which caused Kise to fall.

Day 13 O Takamisakari yoritaoshi

Fast tachi-ai, immediate hidari-yotsu and forwards. Sakke tried to circle away but Kise

was all over him and pressure was substantial. Sakke tried a sacrifize throw at the edge

but Kise leaned on him and slammed him down with yoritaoshi.

Day 14 X Hayateumi tsukiotoshi

Tachi-ai good, left ottsuke but Haya pulled back and Kise fell forward in two phases.

Day 15 O Kisenosato oshidashi Ama

Tsuki-ottsuke start, Kise was stronger and got left hand deep inside, Ama couldn't escape

and was dispatched out with oshidashi.

---

Hatsu 2005 6-9 at M12. First make-koshi as sekitori. Kisenosato lost some long bouts

after good effort against Asasekiryu, Kotoryu and Hayateumi at least. He looked good in

his wins but lost a few despite leading the way in the bout. Somewhat shaky start for the

year 2005 but a lot of valuable experience in form of painful losses. He had 4 wins

thanks to very solid tachi-ai and had a superior tachi-ai also in some of the bouts he

lost with tsukiotoshi or due to his own overeagerness and impatience.

Day 1 O Ama oshidashi

Left ottsuke by Kise, then left hand inside, blocked Ama's uwatenage and shoved Ama twice

into the crowd.

Day 2 X Buyuzan tsukiotoshi

Left hand ottsuke start again, then pummeled Buyuzan back with good power, Buyuzan held

his ground close to edge and when Kise's deashi stopped Buyuzan twisted him down with

tsukiotoshi. A bit overeager sumo by Kise.

Day 3 X Dejima oshidashi

Kisenosato tried to get left hand outside grip at the tachi-ai but Dejima found his way

inside and used an optimal angle to push Kise back and out.

Day 4 X Toyonoshima yoritaoshi

Kisenosato kept his left elbow tucked in in order to prevent Toyonoshima from getting

morozashi. The tactics worked well and Toyonoshima didn't get there. But then Toyo moved

and got into morozashi, Kisenosato used power to force Toyo to the edge but he didn't

have leverage anymore and was pivoted around. Kise then seized right hand outside grip

but Toyo had good morozashi, When Kise went for uwatenage, he lost the right hand outside

grip and Toyo dropped his hips and won with counter shitatenage at the edge. It was

registered as yoritaoshi though.

Day 5 O Tokitsuumi yorikiri

Very good tachi-ai with left ottsuke + right nodowa combination working well. Kise drove

Tsuumi straight back, got right hand outside grip and easily won with yorikiri.

Day 6 X Shimotori sukuinage

Kisenosato attacked well from the tachi-ai using hazuoshi to push Shimotori upright and

back but again hasty footwork and Shimotori managed to slip aside a bit while Kise lost

balance and sukuinage from the brink of defeat was the result. Annoying loss to

Kisenosato.

Day 7 O Tokitenku uwatenage

Left ottsuke resulted in hidari-yotsu, Kise drove Tenku to the edge where Tenku tried

shitatenage but Kise fell on top of him and won with uwatenage.

Day 8 X Kasugao tsukiotoshi

Henka loss.

Day 9 X Kyokushuzan yoritaoshi

Shuzan fooled Kise at the tachi-ai and some dancing ensued. Kise got left hand inside but

couldn't reach the belt at all with the right hand. Shuzan had superior position and once

Kise tried left hand shitatenage with right hand head twist aid, Shuzan closed in and

Kise collapsed at the edge.

Day 10 X Hayateumi yorikiri

Long bout where Hayateumi had the superior stance all the time using arm fencing to block

all Kise's attempts to surge for the belt or get any kind of good pushing attack going.

Kise defended as long as he could before ending up without having any grip or even

freedom of expression with his arms. Haya launched his classic lightning attack and Kise

went out. Kisenosato was disarmed in this bout totally.

Day 11 O Tamakasuga yorikiri

Kisenosato went for ottsuke again but Tama blocked, moved aside and slapped Kise to the

edge where Kise withheld againstnodowa, dived in to get deep left hand inside grip and

escorted Tama out. Good recovery.

Day 12 O Kotoshogiku yorikiri

Hidari-yotsu battle where Kise had firm right hand outside grip. Good power duel which

Kise won and rocked Koto to edge and out.

Day 13 O Kaiho yoritaoshi

Strong tachi-ai by Kise took Kaiho back to the edge where Kise got right hand outside

grip, maintained pressure and crushed Kaiho with yoritaoshi.

Day 14 X Kotoryu yorikiri

Long bout where Kotoryu established a deep left hand inside and also gains right hand

outside grip while Kise is in awkwardly high posture despite right hand outside grip.

Kotoryu breaks Kise's left hand inside grip and eventually rockes the youngsters into

first make-koshi as sekitori.

Day 15 X Asasekiryu abisetaoshi

Another long bout which took over 1 minute. Immediate hidari-yotsu bout where both tried

some moves but neither gave in an inch. After 1 minute Kise went for a drive but

Asasekiryu countered with uchigake/abisetaoshi move and Kise fell to 6-9 final record.

Haru basho 2005 8-7 at M15. In Haru basho Kisenosato lost all his 7 bouts to experience

and skill. It certainly showed well how immature Kisenosato's sumo can still be against

veteran foes with plenty of skill. Tsuumi, Aminishiki, Tamanoshima, Takamisakari all

outsmarted Kise and taught him lessons. Power-wise Kisenosato was strong and didn't look

wasted at all. He had a 4 bout losing streak from 7-3 to 7-7 but that was against strong

foes to which he lost after good efforts. Learning process was there for all to see.

Valuable basho in this sense.

Day 1 X Tokitsuumi yorikiri

Left ottsuke by Kise at the start. Bout goes into migi-yotsu which is very rare for Kise.

Tsuumi establishes his favourite migi-yotsu and rocks Kise back and out outskilling him.

Day 2 O Toyozakura yoritaoshi

Toyozakura started with good nodowa and tsuki, Kisenosato held his ground well and

sturdily advanced, grabbed the belt and slammed Toyo down with yoritaoshi.

Day 3 O Kotoryu yorikiri

Ailing Kotoryu tried morotsuki but Kise easily handled that, got the belt and ousted

hapless Kotoryu out. Easy win.

Day 4 O Kasuganishiki fusensho

Day 5 O Kaiho oshidashi

Kisenosato was all over Kaiho from the start, solid forward advance with steady pushes

resulted in oshidashi.

Day 6 X Aminishiki yoritaoshi

Lazy tachi-ai by Kise, Aminishiki kept at the center forming a tight package, Kise didn't

have grip nor could get close to getting one as Ami advanced from low position easily

blockingh kotenage attempt. Yoritaoshi loss for Kise. He was outskilled.

Day 7 X Buyuzan oshidashi

Buyuzan started well but Kise used left ottsuke to get better ground. Yet, Buyuzan was in

charge and attacked with oshi and ecclipsed Kise.

Day 8 O Ama yorikiri

Marathon bout in hidari-yotsu. Ama tried shitatenage when Kise advanced, no success.

Kisenosato didn't quite have left hand inside grip as Ama leaned forward strongly.

Kisenosato then used his left arm to lift Ama upwards and gained left hand inside, went

for a drive which Ama countered with big shitatenage double attack. Kise hung on well and

another stalemate ensued. More attempts by both and 3 minute mark passes. Ama tried

sotogake but Kise stood firm, launched a drive and final shitatenage attempt was futile

resulting in Kisenosato win after over 3 minute bout.

Day 9 O Tamakasuga yorikiri

Kisenosato handled Tamakasuga's oshi attack, got left hand inside and escorted Tama out

with cautiousness.

Day 10 O Otsukasa yorikiri

Otsukasa blocked Kisenosato's favourite yotsu but Kise exerted power from migi-yotsu

position even without belt grip and Otsupotsu went out.

Day 11 X Kotonowaka tsukitaoshi

First meeting between the youngster and the veteran. Age difference of almost 20 years.

Kisenosato swung Koto arm aside and attacked with oshi, Koto held on and did little

hataki and got into offensive. Luckily for Koto, he slipped and that slip gave him

massive momentum in his oshi and Kise found himself on the edge where Koto pummeled some

thrusts and Kise lost by tsukitaoshi!

Day 12 X Tamanoshima tsukiotoshi

First encounter. Kise advanced in hidari-yotsu although didn't have right hand outside

grip. Tamanoshima went back but twisted Kise down with a beautiful tsukiotoshi. Lesson

for the youngster.

Day 13 X Takamisakari yorikiri

Kisenosato went for hidari-yotsu and immediately got it, Sakke did his special pivot and

Kise was facing the center of the dohyo all of a sudden. Kisenosato tried to hang on but

Sakke added power and Kise stepped out. Classic pivot win by Sakke.

Day 14 X Asasekiryu oshidashi

Kisenosato tried a henka. Sekiryu followed well and when Kise tried to come strong with

oshi, Sekiryu yanked his arm and finished the job with simple oshidashi.

Day 15 O Ishide yorikiri

Immediate hidari-yotsu and Kisenosato won the power battle clinching his kachi koshi

after a bad 4 bout losing streak before senshuraku.

Natsu 2005: 5-10 at M11. Miserable result at M11 but sumo contents was not so miserable.

In many of his losing bouts he was well in the match but always seemed to lose the

advantage at some point. Wins were strong but definitely a worrysome chapter in his

career. He was beaten twice by a migi-yotsu specialist in migi-yotsu and let his foes

inside in some bouts. Technically unsound basho.

Day 1 X Aminishiki uwatenage

Kise started well with left ottsuke, Aminishiki was put off balance and he even had to

make a pirouette. During the pirouette Kisenosato surged forward but Ami stepped aside

just in time to get a hold of Kise's belt while Kise stormed forward. Aminishiki won with

a defensive uwatenage. Annoying loss to Kise.

Day 2 X Futeno yoritaoshi

Hidari-yotsu specialists tried to get right hand outside grip but both blocked it well.

Kisenosato was able to get one layer of Futeno's belt with his right hand and went for

uwatenage three times, Futeno defended and used the opening to seize morozashi during the

last throwing attempt by Kise. Kise tried one more uwatenage and both fell off the dohyo.

Kisenosato lost by yoritaoshi. Genki start despite two early losses.

Day 3 O Kotonowaka oshidashi

Another left ottsuke by Kise and good follow-up sent Kotonowaka out.

Day 4 O Toyozakura oshidashi

Toyozakura came out with tsuppari, Kisenosato stood firm and didn't budge, turned the

wave and pushed Toyo straight out.

Day 5 O Tokitsuumi yorikiri

Immediately crowding Tsuumi gaining right hand outside and muscling him out.

Day 6 X Tokitenku yorikiri

Arm fencing and shoving before the bout settled for Tokitenku's favourite migi-yotsu.

Kisenosato couldn't get a grip nor he is comfortable in migi-yotsu and was outskilled by

Tenku who powered him out in businesslike manner.

Day 7 O Jumonji uwatenage

Kisenosato got right hand outside right away but Jumonji stands sideways and defends well

but never got anything going. Kisenosato took his time before launching the final drive

and turning yori drive into uwatenage.

Day 8 X Takekaze oshidashi

Cannonball oshi from Takekaze.

Day 9 X Shimotori yorikiri

Again Kisenosato ended up in migi-yotsu against a migi-yotsu speciliast. Tachi-ai went

wrong and flow was fully on Shimotori's side.

Day 10 O Katayama oshidashi

Katayama had a good tachi-ai but Kise didn't give up an inch and Katayama went for a pull

which backfired and Kise pushed him out easily.

Day 11 X Buyuzan oshidashi

Very fast tachi-ai by Kise gaining momentum well but Buyuzan circled around and got into

offensive position. Kise tried to hang on on the edge and managed that for 3 seconds

before the inevitable loss.

Day 12 X Kotoshogiku yorikiri

Kotoshogiku won the initial oshi/arm fencing test, got inside and had unbalanced Kise out

in few seconds. Optimal Kotoshogiku sumo.

Day 13 X Dejima yorikiri

Dejima kept his deashi going and while Kise tried to circle away Deji simply followed and

ran Kise out.

Day 14 X Tamakasuga tsukiotoshi

Kise blocked Tama's oshi and got left hand inside. Still when Kise grasped for right hand

outside grip, Tama took a step back and twisted Kise down with a well-timed tsukiotoshi.

Day 15 X Toyonoshima shitatenage

Toyo got morozashi from the start, Kise got right hand outside grip trying to drive Toyo

out and throw him but Toyo countered with shitatenage.

[Jakusotsu 6,037]

Hatsu basho 8-7

Haru basho 8-7

Natsu basho 8-7 at M1

Nagoya basho 8-7 at komusubi

Aki basho 8-7 at komusubi

Kyushu basho 8-7 at komusubi

Perhaps we should start a "Guess The Kisenosato" game... (Laughing...)

[Kaikitsune Makoto 209]

QUOTE(Kaikitsune Makoto @ Dec 2, 2006, 20:28) *

Hatsu basho 8-7

Haru basho 8-7

Natsu basho 8-7 at M1

Nagoya basho 8-7 at komusubi

Aki basho 8-7 at komusubi

Kyushu basho 8-7 at komusubi

Perhaps we should start a "Guess The Kisenosato" game... cool.gif

At Haru basho he went 10-5 at M7. Mistake now corrected in the original article.

[Kaikitsune Makoto 209]

It is of great importance that we all share our valuable views on Kisenosato at this time because 2007 has not yet arrived and 2007 is full of surprises in life and oozumo. I have analyzed over 95% of Kisenosato's bouts as sekitori and like the prospects. 2007 comes and youth doesn't vanish. Will he stay genki? Will he continue his step by step progress? Will he fall into decadence with booze rampage, prostitutes, gambling, yakuza? Will he lose the habit of having bad tachi-ai's every now and then?

Kisenosato and Ama did so harsh keiko prior to Kyushu basho that those sessions were the topic on various levels. Ama is a rival of a kind, also Kotooshu is one rival and one could imagine Kise and Osh will do keiko together in 2007 too due to Naruto-Sadogatake-keiko relations.

My wishes for him for 2007:

1. Silent flowing tachi-ai prowess he often does but which he could do more

2. Learn to get rid of the habit of high stance pull which sometimes gets him into bad trouble

3. More keiko with Kotomitsuki

Hai. Sono toori.

What was your favourite Kisenosato-bout in 2006? Of course he had many great ones like the one against Shoryu where he beat him fully. I liked Natsu day 5 bout against Miyabiyama a lot and Roho bout on day 14 in Nagoya basho. Both have special atmosphere and very solid defense. You can check the first one here:

http://www.banzuke.com/~movies/natsu2006/d...seno_miyabi.wmv

[kaiguma 0]

What was your favourite Kisenosato-bout in 2006?

Shonichi Aki 2006 v. Hakuho

This was Hakuho's extended Tsunatori bid, no? And quite an upset again on day 1, as Hakuho had the forward momentum and lost at the edge via an impressive Tsukiotoshi. You might put it on Hakuho's blooper reel rather than Kisenosato's highlight reel, but it was a solid performance in my book. Yes, it was a very similar loss to Miyabiyama that kept Hakuho from a zensho yusho and forced the kettei-sen in Natsu. And Kisenosato certainly derailed the yokozuna hopeful, who we remember only achieved 8-7 in Aki. I think it highlights very fast reflexes and a steady stance at the tawara which are very important for a sanyaku who plans to stick around. Not to mention that tawara/sacrifice bouts are a big favorite, bringing out the height of suspense when there is a clear winner and they are called fairly.

Thank you Kaikitsune for the wealth of knowledge you've brought to us in this thread. (Laughing...)

[Jonosuke 28]

A mouthless cat? Aren't all characters except one in Dilbert comics are mouthless? It's possible that Kisenosato is a character to be named later in Dilbert cartoon.

[Fay 1,677]

Aren't all characters except one in Dilbert comics are mouthless?

I see beautiful new mawashi coming to us soon

Tamanoshima

Kotoshogiku

and Asashoryu

Sorry (Laughing...) , but I couldn't resist.

And for Kisenosato, I don't know, he is a rikishi I couldn't care less and that is the worst I can say about someone. I even don't dislike him. And what is even worse my feeling is not justified through anything. He certainly deserves to be watched closer, so next time I'll try again and we will see ...

[Iwagakki 0]

Kisenosato... :-P

He seems consistent. There is something about him I just don't get. Is he at his peak? He seems rather well suited to be Komosubi/Sekiwake, but I have a hard time envisioning his sumo as Ozeki. It just doesn't have that "pop" yet. Fundamentally, he is sound, I guess, but his aura on the dohyo does not seem extraordinary. Much like Kotomitsuki, perhaps more like Wakanosato. Recognizably strong, and technically sound, but just not the type that inspires awe.

he is so young, it is impossible to tell. He has come so far in such a short time, that we haven't had a great sense of his true potential.

I think he is heating the wall. His level is higher than many, but not as high as some. And perhaps he is perennial Sekiwake. I just don't see his level rising that much anytime soon. It is a big jump to go from continuous 8-7 at this level, to 11-3.

Surly attitude notwithstanding, he is no Ama in fighting spirit, and is not Yokozuna's level in power and skill. Needs momentum, and doesn't have any now. Consecutive 8-7 records are not momentum.

he goes easily better than 98% of rest of sumo. but last 2% is not his. Generally seems to lose lately to anyone ranked at or above his own rank. This is not a good sign.

Very young, but soon will be 21, and then 22. Needs to get better soon.

[kaiguma 0]

Kisenosato... (First prize...)

Very young, but soon will be 21, and then 22. Needs to get better soon.

He's got enough pressure already! He's still a kid so give him a break. He'll make ozeki rank before turning 24, no sweat.

[Iwagakki 0]

Kisenosato... (First prize...)

Very young, but soon will be 21, and then 22. Needs to get better soon.

He's got enough pressure already! He's still a kid so give him a break. He'll make ozeki rank before turning 24, no sweat.

It's not meant as additional pressure.

Time goes by, is all I'm saying, and it goes by faster than anyone thinks it does, or should. I remember Kaio, when he was in Kisenosato's current position, like it was yesterday. Now he's an old Ozeki. Just overnight, like that.

Time flies, and in sumo, time is the most difficult opponent of them all. Sumo is a young man's game, and there is a tiny, tiny window of opportunity. When the moment is lost, it is lost, and you can't go back in time to find it.

I said this several years ago, now, about Asashoryu. He charged in, and just raced straight to the top, before he ever had a moment to think about what he was doing. He didn't have the time, stalled out at Komosubi, or Ozeki, to start thinking about how he wanted to "make it". He just did it, and there was no time when he could think about what he was doing wrong.

It is often the same for other Yokozuna. Not all of them, certainly, but many. It isn't that time just grinds on their body. It's that time gives them enough rope to hang themselves with.

Now Kisenosato is stalled out at Komosubi, thinking so hard about his technique, and about what he needs to do to "make it" that it becomes the biggest barrier to him actually doing it.

He needs the wave, to just push him right into yokozuna, and he doesn't have it at this moment. Time rolls on. Like I said, I remember "golden boy" Kaio, and it never came true. His window went by, and time let him think about it. He just never got the wave he needed. And each successive one was smaller and less powerful.

Sure he's young, but so was Asashoryu. So was Takanohana, so was Akebono, etc. 21 isn't so far from 23. And 23 isn't so far from 26. And 26 is closer to 30 than 20. Time rolls on.

If not now, then when?

[Asashosakari 19,606]

Time goes by, is all I'm saying, and it goes by faster than anyone thinks it does, or should. I remember Kaio, when he was in Kisenosato's current position, like it was yesterday. Now he's an old Ozeki. Just overnight, like that.

Time flies, and in sumo, time is the most difficult opponent of them all. Sumo is a young man's game, and there is a tiny, tiny window of opportunity. When the moment is lost, it is lost, and you can't go back in time to find it.

I said this several years ago, now, about Asashoryu. He charged in, and just raced straight to the top, before he ever had a moment to think about what he was doing. He didn't have the time, stalled out at Komosubi, or Ozeki, to start thinking about how he wanted to "make it". He just did it, and there was no time when he could think about what he was doing wrong.

Kisenosato is pretty much a victim of his own success though, by that line of thinking. He's 20 years and 6 months old now. Let's take a look at how Asashoryu did between his 20th and 21st birthday:

2000.11 J3w 11-4

2001.01 M12w 9-6

2001.03 M6e 9-6

2001.05 Kw 8-7

2001.07 Ke 7-8

2001.09 M1w 10-5

Look familiar there at the end? He followed up with Ke 10-5, Sw 8-7, in effect spending a year "stalled in lower sanyaku", before he broke out into his run to the Ozeki rank, reaching it shortly before his 22nd birthday. If Kisenosato is still putting up 7-8's and 8-7's at Komusubi in a year, let's talk again. Time may fly in sumo, but not quite as quickly as you're trying to make it out here.

Edited January 22, 2007 by Asashosakari

[Iwagakki 0]

Time goes by, is all I'm saying, and it goes by faster than anyone thinks it does, or should. I remember Kaio, when he was in Kisenosato's current position, like it was yesterday. Now he's an old Ozeki. Just overnight, like that.

Time flies, and in sumo, time is the most difficult opponent of them all. Sumo is a young man's game, and there is a tiny, tiny window of opportunity. When the moment is lost, it is lost, and you can't go back in time to find it.

I said this several years ago, now, about Asashoryu. He charged in, and just raced straight to the top, before he ever had a moment to think about what he was doing. He didn't have the time, stalled out at Komosubi, or Ozeki, to start thinking about how he wanted to "make it". He just did it, and there was no time when he could think about what he was doing wrong.

Kisenosato is pretty much a victim of his own success though, by that line of thinking. He's 20 years and 6 months old now. Let's take a look at how Asashoryu did between his 20th and 21st birthday:

2000.11 J3w 11-4

2001.01 M12w 9-6

2001.03 M6e 9-6

2001.05 Kw 8-7

2001.07 Ke 7-8

2001.09 M1w 10-5

Look familiar there at the end? He followed up with Ke 10-5, Sw 8-7, in effect spending a year "stalled in lower sanyaku", before he broke out into his run to the Ozeki rank, reaching it shortly before his 22nd birthday. If Kisenosato is still putting up 7-8's and 8-7's at Komusubi in a year, let's talk again. Time may fly in sumo, but not quite as quickly as you're trying to make it out here.

It doesn't look like a years worth of 8-7's followed by a 7-8.

I say heats the wall.

I think he might break out, but he just isn't showing it at the moment. He's still learning. Sure, he's got some skills, but he's certainly not living up to the hype lately. He's just better than Kokkai and such. Not better than Osh (sadly), Mitsuki, Hakuho, and such.

In a couple years he can be different. I don't think he will be so different this year. 7-8, 8-7, 9-6 It's better if he doesn't though, because it creeps up, and all of a sudden he's Wakanosato Redux.

[Asashosakari 19,606]

In a couple years he can be different. I don't think he will be so different this year. 7-8, 8-7, 9-6 It's better if he doesn't though, because it creeps up, and all of a sudden he's Wakanosato Redux.

You're certainly pessimistic. Do you predicate your thoughts on the assumption that Kisenosato "should" make it all the way to Yokozuna? I don't, maybe that's why I'm not as worried. Wakanosato wasn't even in sanyaku until he was 24. If Kisenosato becomes Ozeki at age 24, I'll feel perfectly content about his career path.

At any rate, so far his Makuuchi career has been one of sticking around for a bit at one level, then breaking out in one basho and not looking back:

2004.11 M16w 9-6

2005.01 M12w 6-9

2005.03 M15w 8-7

2005.05 M11w 5-10

2005.07 M15w 7-8

2005.09 M16w 12-3

I recall people saying the exact same things you are saying right up to that 12-3. Next stop mid-Makuuchi:

2005.11 M5e 5-10

2006.01 M9e 8-7

2006.03 M7e 10-5

A shorter stay that time around, and now he didn't even struggle in his first basho at the new level:

2006.05 M1e 8-7

2006.07 Kw 8-7

2006.09 Ke 8-7

2006.11 K1e 8-7

2007.01 Ke 7-8

Maybe he's the next Kaio, hanging around sanyaku for years until everybody forgets he's supposed to become an Ozeki sometime; maybe he'll post an 11-4 in Haru or Natsu and move up to "Wakanosato in his prime" level where he'll spend another year, prompting the same worries to crop up yet again, right up until he gets 35 wins in three basho shortly afterwards. Not everyone needs to shoot up the banzuke like Asashoryu and Kotooshu did (and it's not like the latter has gotten much out of it lately). Wake me when he's 25 and still just a joi-jin. (First prize...)

[Jakusotsu 6,037]

Splendid analysis by Iwagakki-san, and I agree that Kisenosato's future prospect looks very much Wakanosatoish to me as well. And that's not a bad thing at all, mind you, just lacking the extra oomph to climb the great barrier. There have been many great rikishi before who didn't make it, and I don't see why Kisenosato should be any different. One can rely on one's youth only for a very short time - ask Kintamayama!

[Kotoseiya Yuichi 3]

The guy's barely out of his teens, for Chris's sake... (Holiday feeling...)

[Iwagakki 0]

The guy's barely out of his teens, for Chris's sake... (Shaking head...)

So that means we are not allowed to have opinions or concerns? Perhaps we should keep our thoughts to ourselves, regarding all rikishi? This is a discussion about Kisenosato. I think it is noteworthy that he is at a point in his career where he posts many consecutive 8-7's. I think it is worth discussing that the sumo world expects a lot from him, and at the moment, he is kind of mediocre.

For the record, I am very much a fan of Kisenosato. I look forward to the time when he, Hakuho, Homasho, and Kotoshogiku are right in the thick of it with Asashoryu. 2-4 years? Until then, he is what he is, and what he is, for now, is worth talking about.

What I think he is, is a young hopeful with loads of potential, who has problems with overtraining, balance, and concentration. he also has a serious lack of flow and rhythm in his sumo, but that will come around. he needs to get to a point where he can move without thought, and "use the force". but he isn't there yet. He is out-thinking himself.

Don't tell me I can't think it, or talk about it. Or even infer such with your righteous indignation. (Annoyed...)

Edited January 22, 2007 by Iwagakki

[Kotoseiya Yuichi 3]

Think and talk how much you wish. What disturbs me is the fact that barring injuries the guy has 10-15 years ahead to prove his worth, whatever that may be, and yet it seems he's already more or less condemned by some to stall at perennial sekiwake at most.

You can read whatever you wish inbetween my lines. That doesn't mean anything exists there.

EDIT: Typo.

Edited January 22, 2007 by Kotoseiya Yuichi

[Jakusotsu 6,037]

I thought it was obvious we are stating personal opinions here. We are talking about the future, and that's the realm of fiction, not facts. Your guess is as good as Iwagakki's, or Kaikitsune's, or anybody's. Mine is that there won't be an Ozeki Kisenosato, but I will gladly wait and see to be proven wrong.

[Shimpu 0]

I think it is worth discussing that the sumo world expects a lot from him, and at the moment, he is kind of mediocre.

He is a serious threat for everyone above him - it isn't mediocrity. If someone can beat Asa and all top rankers (ok... Chiyo exluded) this means something more then mediocrity. He isn't in stagnation - every basho he learn something abouts his opponents - the good example is his personal record against Miyabiyama. When Kaio, Miyabiyama, Tochiazuma and Chiyotaikai will retire he will stand in the first line for an ozeki slot. Who will stop him? Ama, Kotooshu, Kotomitsuki? He is absolutely capable to win 11 wins per basho and I believe he will. Soon.

[Kotoseiya Yuichi 3]

Your guess is as good as Iwagakki's, or Kaikitsune's, or anybody's.

If you're referring to me, I'm not guessing anything. Fiction is of no interest to me in the context of sumo. We can speculate idly ad nauseam and yet this guy can end up at practically anything. Dai-yokozuna. Early blossomer who succumbed to juryo soon after hitting his peak, even without injuries. Or most likely something in between.

The data to construct any truly meaningful predictions about his career does not exist yet. Why condemn him already to relative mediocrity? I can understand speculations about what is needed from him to achieve his true potential and what are the things he needs to avoid but to make prophecies about his fate a decade from now on is simply too early.

Then again, whatever rocks anyone's boat...

[Kaikitsune Makoto 209]

Surly attitude notwithstanding, he is no Ama in fighting spirit, and is not Yokozuna's level in power and skill. Needs momentum, and doesn't have any now. Consecutive 8-7 records are not momentum.

Only quoting one part of your messages but very interesting approach. What strikes me is his constant development. Doesn't have to show in the numbers yet as long as he gains power and skill. Already he has better defense than 1 year ago, more momentum and definitely above all maegashira. He is as successful as Kotomitsuki now and that isn't a bad result. Hard to understand the claim he is inferior to someone in fighting spirit. Kisenosato's one upside is his boundless fighting spirit. Crying after losses, staring down yokozuna, getting all worked up during shikiri and so on. Definitely the poster boy for self confidence and fighiting spirit. Ama considers his as his main rival and their keiko and honbasho bouts are full of fire.

No doubt he will achieve his goal of getting to sekiwake and scoring double digts at sanyaku as soon as possible in 2007. I have said this before but repeating is good so the most conspicuous feature in Kisenosato is his step by step progress. There is certain ridiculously logical pattern in his sumo. He has a winning record against rikishi below him in banzuke and turns the tide against higher ranked rikishi with his progress. Good example indeed is Miyabiyama, another one was Kyokutenho. He already has good records against 3/5 ozeki and is only a step away from starting to defeat Chiyotaikai. He still has nemesis in Azuma against whom he had his worst bout in Hatsu basho too.

He is only 20 and already has a goal of aiming for ozeki. He never belittles himself in interviews and has certain arrogance and drive to rule the dohyo. Good grounds for building up the career and honing skill, gaining power and continuing to pass new obsctales.