Heisei Hopefuls - prospect watch

[Andreas21 184]

Kawabata is only one win away from a sure Sekitori promotion! Great start at 3-0, being on a 9 bout winning streak, he seems to be on a mission.

[Asashosakari 19,357]

Lots of catching-up to do here... First off for completeness, the very belated Hatsu results:

Tier 1:

The blank phase only lasted this one basho, as the newest Taka twins achieved a lockstep promotion into makushita:

Rikishi	Heya	DOB	Debut	HiRk	2014.03	2014.05	2014.07	2014.09	2014.11	2015.01
Takayoshitoshi	Takanohana	1997/05/13	2013.03	Sd6	Jd26w 5-2	Sd92w 3-4	Jd9e 5-2	Sd74e 6-1	Sd19e 4-3	Sd6w 5-2
Takagenji	Takanohana	1997/05/13	2013.03	Sd10	Sd83e 4-3	Sd65w 3-4	Sd78w 6-1	Sd21e 4-3	Sd10e 3-4	Sd23w 5-2

Not much to say about these two, just getting into makushita before they're 18 marks them as extremely worth watching.

Tier 2:

Our first of three juryo debutants emerged here with Horikiri (now Abi), capping off a very steady two-year rise that saw him win two divisional yusho and no scores worse than 3-4 in any basho. There aren't any more immediate promotion candidates here now so this could be it for Tier 2 in 2015.

7 rikishi were at a new career-high rank in Hatsu, but besides Horikiri only Tochinobori also managed to KK again. (However, Daishoho did go 5-2 while repeating at his career-best Ms18.) Unsurprisingly Shinohara was hit the hardest with a 1-6 record following his fluky zensho yusho in November.

Heisei Hopefuls for Hatsu 2015 - Tier 2: Promising Youngsters - Age 21 and under
Rikishi	Heya	DOB	Debut	HiRk	2014.03	2014.05	2014.07	2014.09	2014.11	2015.01
Horikiri	Shikoroyama	1994/05/04 (12)	2013.05	Ms2	Ms13w 3-4	Ms18e 5-2	Ms11w 5-2	Ms7e 3-4	Ms11e 6-1	Ms2w 5-2
Hakuyozan	Takadagawa	1995/04/13 (6)	2011.05	Ms11	Ms57e 5-2	Ms43e 4-3	Ms34w 4-3	Ms27e 4-3	Ms21w 5-2	Ms11w 3-4
Daishoho	Oitekaze	1994/08/28 (9)	2013.03	Ms18	Ms44w 5-2	Ms31w 4-3	Ms24w 4-3	Ms18w 3-4	Ms23w 4-3	Ms18e 5-2
Meisei	Tatsunami	1995/07/24 (5)	2011.05	Ms13	Ms58w 3-4	Sd14e 6-1	Ms38e 6-1	Ms16e 4-3	Ms13w 3-4	Ms18w 5-2
Terutsuyoshi	Isegahama	1995/01/17 (7)	2010.03	Ms9	Ms24e 3-4	Ms32e 5-2	Ms22e 5-2	Ms15e 5-2	Ms9e 2-5	Ms22e 6-1
Mitoyutaka	Nishikido	1993/04/08 (22)	2009.03	Ms16	Ms23e 4-3	Ms17e 2-5	Ms31w 5-2	Ms19e 4-3	Ms16e 3-4	Ms23e 0-0-7
Ohara	Shikoroyama	1993/12/14 (16)	2009.03	Ms27	Sd21w 6-1	Ms41e 3-4	Ms49e 4-3	Ms41e 4-3	Ms33w 4-3	Ms27e 3-4
Haguroho	Tatsunami	1993/07/08 (20)	2009.03	Ms20	Sd31w 4-3	Sd17w 5-2	Ms55w 6-1	Ms25e 4-3	Ms20e 3-4	Ms27w 4-2-1
Shinohara	Onomatsu	1993/08/21 (19)	2012.01	Ms28	Ms41e 3-4	Ms49e 3-4	Ms58e 2-5	Sd22e 3-4	Sd39e 7-0 Y	Ms28w 1-6
Kotodaigo	Sadogatake	1993/01/14 (24)	2011.05	Ms24	Ms36w 4-3	Ms31e 3-4	Ms39e 5-2	Ms24e 2-5	Ms41e 4-3	Ms34e 4-3
Tsurubayashi	Kise	1993/12/31 (15)	2009.03	Ms12	Ms17e 4-3	Ms12w 2-5	Ms27e 3-4	Ms35w 2-4-1	Ms53w 5-2	Ms34w 2-5
Rikishin	Tatsunami	1995/10/07 (4)	2011.05	Ms6	Sd65w 6-1	Sd11e 5-2	Ms50e 7-0 Y	Ms6e 2-5	Ms16w 2-5	Ms36e 5-2
Kotaro	Fujishima	1995/12/06 (3)	2014.01	Ms36	Jk15w 6-1	Jd25e 5-2	Sd87e 6-1	Sd27w 6-1	Ms45w 4-3	Ms36w 3-4
Tochinobori	Kasugano	1993/09/01 (18)	2009.03	Ms38	Sd28e 3-4	Sd47w 4-3	Sd34e 5-2	Sd7w 5-2	Ms47e 4-3	Ms38e 4-3
Mizuta	Takanohana	1996/02/10 (2)	2014.01	Ms38	Jk13w 5-2	Jd52w 6-1	Sd83e 6-1	Sd24e 5-2	Ms60e 5-2	Ms38w 2-5
Masunosho	Chiganoura	1994/11/14 (8)	2010.03	Ms18	Ms53e 4-3	Ms46e 4-3	Ms38w 3-4	Ms48e 2-5	Sd11e 5-2	Ms48e 6-1
Nishiyama	Onoe	1994/04/27 (13)	2010.03	Ms49	Sd35e 5-2	Sd10e 4-3	Ms59e 4-3	Ms49w 3-4	Sd2w 4-3	Ms54e 3-4
Goshi	Arashio	1993/10/05 (17)	2011.11	Ms7	Ms43w 4-3	Ms37e 4-3	Ms29w 3-4	Ms37w 3-4	Ms46w 3-4	Ms55w 3-4
Kaito	Asakayama	1996/06/19 (1)	2012.05	Ms28	Sd21e 5-2	Ms59e 6-1	Ms28w 2-5	Ms47e 2-5	Sd9w 4-3	Ms58e 4-2-1
Kotokuzan	Arashio	1994/03/11 (14)	2009.09	Ms51	Sd48e 4-3	Sd35e 4-3	Sd22w 4-3	Sd11w 5-2	Ms51e 3-4	Sd1w 3-4
Daichi	Shikoroyama	1994/07/15 (10)	2010.03	Ms51	Sd44w 6-1	Ms57e 3-4	Sd9w 4-3	Ms59w 4-3	Ms51w 3-4	Sd2w 4-3
Aonosho	Dewanoumi	1993/06/03 (21)	2009.03	Ms38	Ms38e 2-5	Sd1e 2-5	Sd26w 3-4	Sd40w 5-2	Sd14e 3-4	Sd26w 6-1
Takakasuga	Kasugayama	1993/03/06 (23)	2011.07	Ms30	Sd42w 7-0 D	Ms30e 2-5	Ms45e 3-4	Ms55e 1-6	Sd24e 3-4	Sd38e 5-2
Baraki	Shikihide	1994/05/10 (11)	2013.01	Ms58	Sd34e 3-4	Sd51w 1-6	Sd83w 4-3	Sd64e 2-5	Sd91w 5-2	Sd57w 4-3

Kotodaigo turned 22 in January and was shifted to Tier 3. In turn we had three new admissions to Tier 2:

Rikishi	Heya	DOB	Debut	HiRk	2014.03	2014.05	2014.07	2014.09	2014.11	2015.01
Fukuyamato	Kasugayama	1994/07/22	2013.01	Sd5	Sd17w 4-3	Sd5w 2-5	Sd32e 3-4	Sd47e 3-4	Sd63e 6-1	Sd8w 5-2
Hamayutaka	Tokitsukaze	1995/11/17	2011.05	Sd23	Sd75e 4-3	Sd59e 5-2	Sd33e 3-4	Sd48w 4-3	Sd36e 4-3	Sd23e 5-2
Aomihama	Dewanoumi	1994/10/27	2010.03	Sd22	Sd70w 5-2	Sd40w 2-5	Sd65w 4-3	Sd46e 3-4	Sd62e 5-2	Sd32w 6-1

Rather different levels of experience among this trio (between 2 and 5 years), but their birthdates are only 16 months apart. (And the last one to join happens to be the oldest...)

Fukuyamato is of course the latest deshi to dazzle with speed and technique, though as usual in these cases it remains to be seen how that will play against well-developed makushita rikishi. By contrast, Hamayutaka is a prototypical pushing machine, scoring over 60% of his wins with oshidashi/oshitaoshi, and Aomihama prefers to fight on the mawashi and win a lot with yorikiri and basic throws. In any case, all three are likely to be long-term projects as their potential sekitori futures are concerned.

Edited April 14, 2015 by Asashosakari

[Asashosakari 19,357]

Tier 3:

Kawanari (now Amakaze) starred in this prospect section, securing his promotion to juryo at the third time of asking (following Haru and Kyushu 2013 which ended in makekoshi). Sasanoyama's first foray into the promotion zone resulted in a not entirely unexpected 2-5, while Abiko bounced back from his own MK and Kawabata posted strong 6 wins.

The recent rookie duo Takagi and Shodai continued to race up the banzuke, and after lagging behind for a bit Shodai scored the makushita yusho this time to earn a big jump up the rankings.

Heisei Hopefuls for Hatsu 2015 - Tier 3: Still Worth Watching - Age 23 and under
Rikishi	Heya	DOB	Debut	HiRk	2014.03	2014.05	2014.07	2014.09	2014.11	2015.01
Kawanari	Oguruma	1991/07/07 (50)	2007.03	Ms1	Ms46w 6-1	Ms20w 6-1	Ms7w 3-4	Ms12e 4-3	Ms9w 6-1	Ms1e 4-3
Sasanoyama	Kise	1992/12/30 (25)	2011.05	Ms3	Ms23w 4-3	Ms17w 4-3	Ms13w 2-5	Ms28w 6-1	Ms10w 5-2	Ms3e 2-5
Abiko	Oitekaze	1991/07/27 (46)	2014.01	Ms4	Jk12w 7-0 Y	Jd11w 7-0 Y	Sd21e 6-1	Ms42e 7-0 Y	Ms4e 3-4	Ms8e 5-2
Kawabata	Oitekaze	1991/07/10 (49)	2014.03	Ms4	Ms15Td 5-2	Ms8w 4-3	Ms6e 4-3	Ms4e 3-4	Ms7e 3-4	Ms12e 6-1
Takagi	Kise	1992/03/18 (35)	2014.03	Ms12	Mz 2-0	Jk5w 5-2	Jd53w 7-0 D	Sd54w 7-0 Y	Ms31w 6-1	Ms12w 5-2
Chiyoshoma	Kokonoe	1991/07/20 (47)	2009.05	Ms8	Ms18w 5-2	Ms10e 4-3	Ms8e 3-4	Ms13e 4-3	Ms11w 3-4	Ms16w 2-5
Masunoumi	Chiganoura	1991/11/12 (43)	2010.01	Ms6	Ms21e 4-3	Ms14w 3-4	Ms21e 6-1	Ms8w 4-3	Ms6w 2-5	Ms17e 3-4
Akinokawa	Takadagawa	1992/11/30 (26)	2008.03	Ms17	Ms50e 4-3	Ms42e 6-1	Ms17e 3-4	Ms23e 3-4	Ms30w 5-2	Ms17w 1-6
Matsumoto	Shikoroyama	1992/03/10 (36)	2007.03	Ms16	Ms25w 3-4	Ms34e 5-2	Ms23w 2-5	Ms40w 5-2	Ms25e 4-3	Ms20e 2-5
Tochimaru	Kasugano	1992/08/26 (29)	2011.05	Ms21	Ms48w 3-4	Sd3e 4-2-1	Ms53w 3-4	Sd3e 5-2	Ms43e 6-1	Ms21e 4-3
Onami	Arashio	1991/12/29 (39)	2009.11	Ms20	Ms37w 5-2	Ms23w 4-3	Ms20e 3-4	Ms27w 3-4	Ms37e 5-2	Ms22w 3-4
Hakunishiki	Kasugayama	1992/01/13 (38)	2007.03	Ms24	Ms42w 4-3	Ms35w 3-4	Ms43w 4-3	Ms36w 4-3	Ms30e 4-3	Ms24e 4-3
Sasakiyama	Kise	1991/06/12 (52)	2010.01	Ms19	Ms30e 4-3	Ms26w 3-4	Ms35e 3-4	Ms43e 3-4	Ms52w 6-1	Ms26e 5-2
Wakayama	Onomatsu	1992/04/26 (31)	2011.07	Ms31	Sd10w 3-4	Sd28e 5-2	Sd4e 3-4	Sd17w 4-3	Sd5w 6-1	Ms31w 5-2
Shodai	Tokitsukaze	1991/11/05 (44)	2014.03	Ms37	Mz 2-1	Jk12w 7-0 Y	Jd10e 6-1	Sd48e 6-1	Ms59e 5-2	Ms37w 7-0 Y
Ikeru	Onomatsu	1992/11/26 (28)	2010.11	Ms18	Sd12e 5-2	Ms53e 4-3	Ms44e 5-2	Ms28e 5-2	Ms18w 2-5	Ms39e 4-3
Shiba	Kise	1991/12/24 (41)	2014.03	Ms40	Mz 2-0	Jk6w 6-1	Jd27w 7-0 Y	Sd29w 6-1	Ms47w 4-3	Ms40e 2-5
Kotokobai	Sadogatake	1991/03/31 (53)	2006.03	Ms7	Ms17w 6-1	Ms7e 2-5	Ms18e 4-3	Ms15w 4-3	Ms13e 1-6	Ms40w 4-3
Koba	Kise	1991/03/12 (54)	2013.03	Ms25	Ms25e 3-4	Ms33e 4-3	Ms25w 2-5	Ms42w 4-3	Ms36e 3-4	Ms46w 5-2
Hokutowaka	Hakkaku	1992/06/20 (30)	2008.03	Ms44	Sd40w 5-2	Sd13w 5-2	Ms53e 4-3	Ms44e 3-4	Ms56e 4-3	Ms49e 3-4
Akinoyama	Takadagawa	1992/11/30 (26)	2008.03	Ms21	Ms39e 4-3	Ms33w 4-3	Ms27w 4-3	Ms21e 3-4	Ms28e 2-5	Ms50w 5-2
Tomisakae	Isegahama	1992/04/11 (32)	2008.03	Ms38	Sd13e 4-3	Sd3w 4-3	Ms54e 4-3	Ms46w 4-3	Ms38w 2-5	Ms57e 2-5
Kotofukuju	Sadogatake	1991/12/14 (42)	2007.03	Ms17	Sd13w 5-2	Ms54w 2-5	Sd15e 5-2	Ms56w 3-4	Sd8w 4-3	Ms57w 4-3
Kototsubasa	Sadogatake	1992/02/23 (37)	2007.03	Ms59	Sd33w 2-5	Sd62e 5-2	Sd35e 4-3	Sd21w 2-5	Sd48w 6-1	Ms59w 1-6
Matsubayama	Kasugayama	1991/06/13 (51)	2007.03	Ms36	Sd1e 5-2	Ms45w 4-3	Ms36w 1-6	Sd6e 4-3	Ms56w 2-5	Sd18e 6-1
Daijo	Takadagawa	1991/07/19 (48)	2007.03	Ms53	Sd63w 4-3	Sd51e 5-2	Sd27w 4-3	Sd15w 1-6	Sd53e 5-2	Sd24e 1-6
Aiyama	Kitanoumi	1992/03/23 (34)	2007.03	Ms52	Ms56w 3-4	Sd11w 4-3	Ms60w 3-4	Sd14e 2-5	Sd40w 4-3	Sd26e 4-3
Yoshifuji	Isegahama	1991/12/25 (40)	2010.01	Ms52	Sd37e 6-1	Ms52w 3-4	Sd3w 2-5	Sd29e 4-3	Sd15w 3-4	Sd27w 3-4
Kainoryu	Tomozuna	1991/09/03 (45)	2007.03	Ms55	Sd23e 3-4	Sd41e 5-2	Sd14e 4-3	Sd4w 4-3	Ms55e 0-7	Sd30w 3-4
Aoi	Shikoroyama	1992/04/02 (33)	2008.03	Ms49	Sd60w 5-2	Sd32w 6-1	Ms49w 2-5	Sd10e 3-4	Sd26e 3-4	Sd42w 3-4
Kotokensei	Sadogatake	1991/01/06 (55)	2006.03	Ms40	Sd4e 5-2	Ms47w 4-3	Ms40e 2-5	Sd1w 2-5	Sd27w 0-0-7	Sd87w 0-0-7

Former top prospect Kotokensei turned 24 and saw his prospect status expire, somewhat fittingly while being absent from the dohyo... Only one newcomer here - incoming makushita tsukedashi Mitakeumi got placed in Tier 3.

[Asashosakari 19,357]

Tier 4:

And promotee #3, Ishiura - I must admit I thought he'd struggle a bit more. Higoarashi, however, wasn't able to capitalize on his second makushita yusho and will have to regroup once again. Things went better for long-time prospect Nishikigi who scored his first kachikoshi in the single-digit ranks, his only previous trip into the promotion zone having come off a low-ranked 7-0 two years ago.

Kansei returned to action after almost a year, scoring the customary jonokuchi yusho.

Heisei Hopefuls for Hatsu 2015 - Tier 4: Last Chance Saloon - Ms15+ Age 25 and under
Rikishi	Heya	DOB	Debut	HiRk	2014.03	2014.05	2014.07	2014.09	2014.11	2015.01
Higoarashi	Kise	1989/08/20 (66)	2006.05	Ms2	Ms2e 3-4	Ms5w 3-4	Ms9w 1-6	Ms30e 2-2-3	Ms49e 7-0 Y	Ms6e 2-5
Ishiura	Miyagino	1990/01/10 (63)	2013.01	Ms2	Ms5e 4-3	Ms2w 2-5	Ms11e 5-2	Ms6w 3-4	Ms10e 4-3	Ms6w 6-1
Nishikigi	Isenoumi	1990/08/25 (58)	2006.03	Ms3	Ms10w 2-5	Ms22w 4-3	Ms18w 3-4	Ms24w 5-2	Ms15w 5-2	Ms7w 5-2
Akua	Tatsunami	1990/11/06 (56)	2010.11	Ms8	Ms28w 2-5	Ms48e 6-1	Ms20w 4-3	Ms17w 5-2	Ms12e 4-3	Ms8w 3-4
Kairyu	Dewanoumi	1990/03/01 (61)	2005.03	Ms3	Ms8e 2-5	Ms19w 3-4	Ms26e 5-2	Ms18e 5-2	Ms12w 4-3	Ms9e 3-4
Chiyosakae	Kokonoe	1990/07/12 (60)	2009.01	Ms11	Ms18e 3-4	Ms26e 2-5	Ms41w 4-3	Ms34w 4-3	Ms27w 6-1	Ms11e 1-6
Hokaho	Miyagino	1989/06/21 (70)	2007.03	Ms11	Ms29e 3-4	Ms38e 5-2	Ms26w 4-3	Ms20e 3-4	Ms26w 5-2	Ms15w 4-3
Daishoryu	Oitekaze	1989/12/29 (64)	2005.09	Ms12	Ms31e 5-2	Ms18w 5-2	Ms12w 2-5	Ms26w 4-3	Ms20w 4-3	Ms16e 3-4
Daishoiwa	Oitekaze	1990/10/29 (57)	2006.03	Ms11	Sd2e 3-4	Sd20e 7-0 D	Ms14e 4-3	Ms11e 1-6	Ms36w 5-2	Ms21w 4-3
Asabenkei	Takasago	1989/02/12 (71)	2007.03	Ms15	Ms20e 3-4	Ms27w 5-2	Ms15w 3-4	Ms20w 4-3	Ms17w 3-4	Ms25e 4-3
Tochinosato	Kasugano	1989/07/07 (69)	2008.03	Ms4	Ms16e 3-4	Ms23e 1-6	Ms48e 5-2	Ms32e 5-2	Ms21e 3-4	Ms29w 3-4
Byakko	Azumazeki	1989/07/11 (67)	2005.03	Ms13	Ms40w 2-5	Sd4w 5-2	Ms44w 3-4	Ms53w 2-5	Sd18w 6-1	Ms41e 4-3
Hamaguchi	Kise	1989/07/11 (67)	2012.05	Ms4	Sd98e 0-0-7	Jd58w 0-0-7	Jk18e 7-0 Y	Jd13e 7-0 Y	Sd22w 6-1	Ms45e 6-1
Mankajo	Kasugayama	1990/02/10 (62)	2005.03	Ms6	Ms6e 2-5	Ms16w 3-4	Ms24e 3-4	Ms33e 3-4	Ms42e 2-5	Ms60w 3-4
Nogami	Oguruma	1990/08/15 (59)	2009.01	Ms15	Ms35w 2-5	Ms55e 2-5	Sd16e 2-5	Sd42e 5-2	Sd16w 3-4	Sd30e 6-1
Kansei	Sakaigawa	1989/08/25 (65)	2008.03	Ms3	Ms6w 0-3-4	Ms41w 0-0-7	Sd21w 0-0-7	Sd81w 0-0-7	Jd42e 0-0-7	Jk15e 7-0 Y

Asabenkei's 26th birthday in February means he's also had to leave us.

[Asashosakari 19,357]

And now the Haru basho results:

Tier 1:

A very good start for both twins, though from 3-3 they went opposite ways. Takagenji's last-bout makekoshi means he'll be dropping back to sandanme for now.

Heisei Hopefuls for Haru 2015 - Tier 1: Top Talents - current yardstick: Onosho (1996/07/04, debut 2013.01, shin-juryo 2015.01)
Rikishi	Heya	DOB	Debut	HiRk	2014.05	2014.07	2014.09	2014.11	2015.01	2015.03
Takayoshitoshi	Takanohana	1997/05/13 (1)	2013.03	Ms42	Sd92w 3-4	Jd9e 5-2	Sd74e 6-1	Sd19e 4-3	Sd6w 5-2	Ms42w 4-3
Takagenji	Takanohana	1997/05/13 (1)	2013.03	Ms58	Sd65w 3-4	Sd78w 6-1	Sd21e 4-3	Sd10e 3-4	Sd23w 5-2	Ms58w 3-4

We're slowly re-expanding here:

Rikishi	Heya	DOB	Debut	HiRk	2014.05	2014.07	2014.09	2014.11	2015.01	2015.03
Sato	Takanohana	1996/08/05	2014.09	Sd18	[/td2][td2]	Mz 3-0	Jk18w 7-0 Y	Jd10e 7-0 Y	Sd18e 5-2

He's arriving to makushita much faster than the twins, but of course Sato does have an age advantage over them. Still, with multiple national and international junior championships under his belt it's probably safe to say that he'll be taking over the Tier 1 pole position before too long. For reference, it took Onosho seven basho to get through makushita - I wouldn't be too surprised if Sato beats that.

Tier 2:

It looks like Meisei may be the next one to break out here - the first two years after his makushita debut were spent bouncing around the Ms/Sd border, but in the last 6 basho he has steadily moved up and posted a 28-14 combined record. In any case, he'll be leading this tier on the next banzuke, thanks to the 3-4's by Terutsuyoshi and Daishoho at their career-high ranks. Masunosho may have turned the corner as well with three big scores in a row after he struggled through most of 2013 and 2014. Small Ohara continued his somewhat improbable rise with his first 5-win record in makushita, and Tochinobori posted his 6th straight kachikoshi.

Recent high schooler Kotato posted another 3-4 and appears to have hit the wall in mid-makushita, while Mizuta from the same class year bounced back strongly from his own setback.

The trio of division debutants didn't have an easy time in Haru basho, with Fukuyamato and Hamayutaka posting just 2 wins and Aomihama even one fewer than that. All three will be heading back to sandanme for now.

Heisei Hopefuls for Haru 2015 - Tier 2: Promising Youngsters - Age 21 and under
Rikishi	Heya	DOB	Debut	HiRk	2014.05	2014.07	2014.09	2014.11	2015.01	2015.03
Terutsuyoshi	Isegahama	1995/01/17 (10)	2010.03	Ms8	Ms32e 5-2	Ms22e 5-2	Ms15e 5-2	Ms9e 2-5	Ms22e 6-1	Ms8e 3-4
Daishoho	Oitekaze	1994/08/28 (13)	2013.03	Ms10	Ms31w 4-3	Ms24w 4-3	Ms18w 3-4	Ms23w 4-3	Ms18e 5-2	Ms10w 3-4
Meisei	Tatsunami	1995/07/24 (8)	2011.05	Ms11	Sd14e 6-1	Ms38e 6-1	Ms16e 4-3	Ms13w 3-4	Ms18w 5-2	Ms11e 4-3
Hakuyozan	Takadagawa	1995/04/13 (9)	2011.05	Ms11	Ms43e 4-3	Ms34w 4-3	Ms27e 4-3	Ms21w 5-2	Ms11w 3-4	Ms18e 4-3
Masunosho	Chiganoura	1994/11/14 (11)	2010.03	Ms18	Ms46e 4-3	Ms38w 3-4	Ms48e 2-5	Sd11e 5-2	Ms48e 6-1	Ms20e 5-2
Haguroho	Tatsunami	1993/07/08 (24)	2009.03	Ms20	Sd17w 5-2	Ms55w 6-1	Ms25e 4-3	Ms20e 3-4	Ms27w 4-2-1	Ms24e 0-0-7
Rikishin	Tatsunami	1995/10/07 (7)	2011.05	Ms6	Sd11e 5-2	Ms50e 7-0 Y	Ms6e 2-5	Ms16w 2-5	Ms36e 5-2	Ms24w 3-4
Tochinobori	Kasugano	1993/09/01 (22)	2009.03	Ms30	Sd47w 4-3	Sd34e 5-2	Sd7w 5-2	Ms47e 4-3	Ms38e 4-3	Ms30e 4-3
Ohara	Shikoroyama	1993/12/14 (20)	2009.03	Ms27	Ms41e 3-4	Ms49e 4-3	Ms41e 4-3	Ms33w 4-3	Ms27e 3-4	Ms35e 5-2
Kotaro	Fujishima	1995/12/06 (5)	2014.01	Ms36	Jd25e 5-2	Sd87e 6-1	Sd27w 6-1	Ms45w 4-3	Ms36w 3-4	Ms45e 3-4
Fukuyamato	Kasugayama	1994/07/22 (14)	2013.01	Ms45	Sd5w 2-5	Sd32e 3-4	Sd47e 3-4	Sd63e 6-1	Sd8w 5-2	Ms45w 2-5
Aonosho	Dewanoumi	1993/06/03 (25)	2009.03	Ms38	Sd1e 2-5	Sd26w 3-4	Sd40w 5-2	Sd14e 3-4	Sd26w 6-1	Ms46e 4-3
Aomihama	Dewanoumi	1994/10/27 (12)	2010.03	Ms49	Sd40w 2-5	Sd65w 4-3	Sd46e 3-4	Sd62e 5-2	Sd32w 6-1	Ms49w 1-6
Kaito	Asakayama	1996/06/19 (3)	2012.05	Ms28	Ms59e 6-1	Ms28w 2-5	Ms47e 2-5	Sd9w 4-3	Ms58e 4-2-1	Ms50w 0-0-7
Tsurubayashi	Kise	1993/12/31 (19)	2009.03	Ms12	Ms12w 2-5	Ms27e 3-4	Ms35w 2-4-1	Ms53w 5-2	Ms34w 2-5	Ms52w 5-2
Shinohara	Onomatsu	1993/08/21 (23)	2012.01	Ms28	Ms49e 3-4	Ms58e 2-5	Sd22e 3-4	Sd39e 7-0 Y	Ms28w 1-6	Ms53w 4-3
Daichi	Shikoroyama	1994/07/15 (15)	2010.03	Ms51	Ms57e 3-4	Sd9w 4-3	Ms59w 4-3	Ms51w 3-4	Sd2w 4-3	Ms55e 3-4
Mizuta	Takanohana	1996/02/10 (4)	2014.01	Ms38	Jd52w 6-1	Sd83e 6-1	Sd24e 5-2	Ms60e 5-2	Ms38w 2-5	Ms57w 6-1
Hamayutaka	Tokitsukaze	1995/11/17 (6)	2011.05	Ms58	Sd59e 5-2	Sd33e 3-4	Sd48w 4-3	Sd36e 4-3	Sd23e 5-2	Ms58e 2-5
Mitoyutaka	Nishikido	1993/04/08 (26)	2009.03	Ms16	Ms17e 2-5	Ms31w 5-2	Ms19e 4-3	Ms16e 3-4	Ms23e 0-0-7	Sd3w 0-0-7
Nishiyama	Onoe	1994/04/27 (17)	2010.03	Ms49	Sd10e 4-3	Ms59e 4-3	Ms49w 3-4	Sd2w 4-3	Ms54e 3-4	Sd5w 6-1
Goshi	Arashio	1993/10/05 (21)	2011.11	Ms7	Ms37e 4-3	Ms29w 3-4	Ms37w 3-4	Ms46w 3-4	Ms55w 3-4	Sd6w 6-1
Takakasuga	Kasugayama	1993/03/06 (27)	2011.07	Ms30	Ms30e 2-5	Ms45e 3-4	Ms55e 1-6	Sd24e 3-4	Sd38e 5-2	Sd9w 4-3
Kotokuzan	Arashio	1994/03/11 (18)	2009.09	Ms51	Sd35e 4-3	Sd22w 4-3	Sd11w 5-2	Ms51e 3-4	Sd1w 3-4	Sd14e 5-2
Baraki	Shikihide	1994/05/10 (16)	2013.01	Ms58	Sd51w 1-6	Sd83w 4-3	Sd64e 2-5	Sd91w 5-2	Sd57w 4-3	Sd39e 4-3

A lot of comings and goings - Mitoyutaka and Takakasuga are being sent off to Tier 3, and three more talents are about to make it into makushita:

Rikishi	Heya	DOB	Debut	HiRk	2014.05	2014.07	2014.09	2014.11	2015.01	2015.03
Kaiseio	Asakayama	1995/01/28	2013.03	Sd7	Jd65e 6-1	Sd92w 3-4	Jd13w 6-1	Sd51w 5-2	Sd22w 4-3	Sd7e 4-3
Kirinofuji	Michinoku	1994/07/28	2011.01	Sd19	Sd80w 4-3	Sd61e 5-2	Sd33e 4-3	Sd19w 3-4	Sd33w 4-3	Sd19w 5-2
Kotonoshu	Sadogatake	1994/07/01	2010.03	Sd12	Sd85w 5-2	Sd56e 4-3	Sd38w 5-2	Sd12w 2-5	Sd40w 4-3	Sd24e 5-2

Already the second makushita rikishi for ex-Kaio's upstart Asakayama-beya. (However, his heya mate Kaito appears to be out injured right now.) Depending on your perspective, his kimarite profile is either pretty basic or pretty well-rounded, with yorikiri leading his win table ahead of oshidashi and a bunch of throwing techniques. Still quite early doors for him though so that may well still change as he matures.

The other duo has already been around the blocks a few times. Kirinofuji's younger brother Yato just retired after Haru basho - back when the latter made his debut, we didn't quite seem able to puzzle out whether their family background is Brazilian or Filipino. Anybody happen to have new info? In any case, other than that the most noteworthy thing about him might be his propensity for 4-3 records which constitute more than half his career - in fact he's never scored below 2-5 or above 5-2. Tall and lanky and apparently favouring rushing techniques (his yoritaoshi rate is three times the average), I suspect he'll struggle against makushita competition.

By contrast Kotonoshu is a big burly pusher who has finished more than half his bouts with oshi techniques. That may not bode too well for his chances of makushita success either; at his size he probably should have gone through sandanme a bit more quickly than he did.

[Asashosakari 19,357]

Geez, time flies...the long overdue remaining Haru results, with the two graduates:

Tier 3:

It wasn't the most straight-forward run to the sekitori ranks, but after 7 basho Kawabata has made it after all. He looked pretty steady throughout, and while he may not rival the likes of Myogiryu, Chiyotairyu and Endo going forward I'm pretty sure we're looking at a makuuchi regular.

Fellow collegiates Shodai and Abiko also achieved a KK in the promotion zone but fell victim to the numbers game and will have to take another stab from slightly higher positions in Natsu. They'll be joined by new tsukedashi Mitakeumi who impressed with 6 wins in his debut. Takagi, on the other hand, will have to regroup after posting the first makekoshi of his young career. (I hope he's not the new Takunishiki...)

Elsewhere in this section Wakayama appears to be on a break-out...after struggling for about a year he has turned things up by several notches and posted a 19-9 combined record since September, advancing from upper sandanme to high makushita. Kotodaigo, fresh off his transfer from Tier 2, also had a strong tournament with 5 wins near his career-high position. Unheralded recent university entrant Shiba almost dropped out of makushita after January, but bounced back well with a 5-2.

Unfortunately that already concludes the list of noteworthy results here.

Heisei Hopefuls for Haru 2015 - Tier 3: Still Worth Watching - Age 23 and under
Rikishi	Heya	DOB	Debut	HiRk	2014.05	2014.07	2014.09	2014.11	2015.01	2015.03
Kawabata	Oitekaze	1991/07/10 (54)	2014.03	Ms1	Ms8w 4-3	Ms6e 4-3	Ms4e 3-4	Ms7e 3-4	Ms12e 6-1	Ms1w 5-2
Shodai	Tokitsukaze	1991/11/05 (49)	2014.03	Ms3	Jk12w 7-0 Y	Jd10e 6-1	Sd48e 6-1	Ms59e 5-2	Ms37w 7-0 Y	Ms3w 4-3
Abiko	Oitekaze	1991/07/27 (51)	2014.01	Ms4	Jd11w 7-0 Y	Sd21e 6-1	Ms42e 7-0 Y	Ms4e 3-4	Ms8e 5-2	Ms4e 4-3
Takagi	Kise	1992/03/18 (40)	2014.03	Ms5	Jk5w 5-2	Jd53w 7-0 D	Sd54w 7-0 Y	Ms31w 6-1	Ms12w 5-2	Ms5e 3-4
Mitakeumi	Dewanoumi	1992/12/25 (30)	2015.03	Ms10	[/td2]

Ms10Td 6-1SasanoyamaKise1992/12/30 (29)2011.05Ms3Ms17w 4-3Ms13w 2-5Ms28w 6-1Ms10w 5-2Ms3e 2-5Ms12w 4-3SasakiyamaKise1991/06/12 (56)2010.01Ms15Ms26w 3-4Ms35e 3-4Ms43e 3-4Ms52w 6-1Ms26e 5-2Ms15e 2-5TochimaruKasugano1992/08/26 (34)2011.05Ms16Sd3e 4-2-1Ms53w 3-4Sd3e 5-2Ms43e 6-1Ms21e 4-3Ms16w 2-5WakayamaOnomatsu1992/04/26 (36)2011.07Ms19Sd28e 5-2Sd4e 3-4Sd17w 4-3Sd5w 6-1Ms31w 5-2Ms19w 4-3HakunishikiKasugayama1992/01/13 (43)2007.03Ms20Ms35w 3-4Ms43w 4-3Ms36w 4-3Ms30e 4-3Ms24e 4-3Ms20w 1-6MasunoumiChiganoura1991/11/12 (48)2010.01Ms6Ms14w 3-4Ms21e 6-1Ms8w 4-3Ms6w 2-5Ms17e 3-4Ms23w 2-5KotodaigoSadogatake1993/01/14 (28)2011.05Ms24Ms31e 3-4Ms39e 5-2Ms24e 2-5Ms41e 4-3Ms34e 4-3Ms28e 5-2OnamiArashio1991/12/29 (44)2009.11Ms20Ms23w 4-3Ms20e 3-4Ms27w 3-4Ms37e 5-2Ms22w 3-4Ms28w 3-4KobaKise1991/03/12 (58)2013.03Ms25Ms33e 4-3Ms25w 2-5Ms42w 4-3Ms36e 3-4Ms46w 5-2Ms29w 3-4ChiyoshomaKokonoe1991/07/20 (52)2009.05Ms8Ms10e 4-3Ms8e 3-4Ms13e 4-3Ms11w 3-4Ms16w 2-5Ms30w 5-2IkeruOnomatsu1992/11/26 (33)2010.11Ms18Ms53e 4-3Ms44e 5-2Ms28e 5-2Ms18w 2-5Ms39e 4-3Ms31e 3-4MatsumotoShikoroyama1992/03/10 (41)2007.03Ms16Ms34e 5-2Ms23w 2-5Ms40w 5-2Ms25e 4-3Ms20e 2-5Ms31w 4-3AkinoyamaTakadagawa1992/11/30 (31)2008.03Ms21Ms33w 4-3Ms27w 4-3Ms21e 3-4Ms28e 2-5Ms50w 5-2Ms32w 3-4KotokobaiSadogatake1991/03/31 (57)2006.03Ms7Ms7e 2-5Ms18e 4-3Ms15w 4-3Ms13e 1-6Ms40w 4-3Ms33e 2-5AkinokawaTakadagawa1992/11/30 (31)2008.03Ms17Ms42e 6-1Ms17e 3-4Ms23e 3-4Ms30w 5-2Ms17w 1-6Ms37w 4-3MatsubayamaKasugayama1991/06/13 (55)2007.03Ms36Ms45w 4-3Ms36w 1-6Sd6e 4-3Ms56w 2-5Sd18e 6-1Ms40e 2-5KotofukujuSadogatake1991/12/14 (47)2007.03Ms17Ms54w 2-5Sd15e 5-2Ms56w 3-4Sd8w 4-3Ms57w 4-3Ms50e 3-4HokutowakaHakkaku1992/06/20 (35)2008.03Ms44Sd13w 5-2Ms53e 4-3Ms44e 3-4Ms56e 4-3Ms49e 3-4Ms59w 3-4ShibaKise1991/12/24 (46)2014.03Ms40Jk6w 6-1Jd27w 7-0 YSd29w 6-1Ms47w 4-3Ms40e 2-5Ms60w 5-2AiyamaKitanoumi1992/03/23 (39)2007.03Ms52Sd11w 4-3Ms60w 3-4Sd14e 2-5Sd40w 4-3Sd26e 4-3Sd13w 3-4TomisakaeIsegahama1992/04/11 (37)2008.03Ms38Sd3w 4-3Ms54e 4-3Ms46w 4-3Ms38w 2-5Ms57e 2-5Sd19e 4-3KototsubasaSadogatake1992/02/23 (42)2007.03Ms59Sd62e 5-2Sd35e 4-3Sd21w 2-5Sd48w 6-1Ms59w 1-6Sd26w 3-4YoshifujiIsegahama1991/12/25 (45)2010.01Ms52Ms52w 3-4Sd3w 2-5Sd29e 4-3Sd15w 3-4Sd27w 3-4Sd42w 4-3KainoryuTomozuna1991/09/03 (50)2007.03Ms55Sd41e 5-2Sd14e 4-3Sd4w 4-3Ms55e 0-7Sd30w 3-4Sd45e 6-1AoiShikoroyama1992/04/02 (38)2008.03Ms49Sd32w 6-1Ms49w 2-5Sd10e 3-4Sd26e 3-4Sd42w 3-4Sd55e 5-2DaijoTakadagawa1991/07/19 (53)2007.03Ms53Sd51e 5-2Sd27w 4-3Sd15w 1-6Sd53e 5-2Sd24e 1-6Sd59e 4-3

Two rikishi are departing from us here, one of them leaving altogether - collegiate Koba hasn't done too much in his two professional years and while he might still work his way back into Tier 4 down the line, I'm very doubtful of his sekitori chances. Kotokobai does make the trip to Tier 4 for the next two years, but after being on the verge of regular top 15 appearances not so long ago, his last three tournaments have been pretty dreadful and he'll need to rebuild from low makushita first.

Edited May 1, 2015 by Asashosakari

[Asashosakari 19,357]

Tier 4:

And here's our other promotee, as Nishikigi finally took the last step towards sekitorihood after featuring in the upper half of makushita for the last 4 years and spending no less than 12 basho in the extended promotion zone. (Not to mention winning a makushita yusho back in late 2012.) I'm actually not sure what the future holds for him - at 24 years of age he's still young enough to have a very lengthy and successful career in the paid ranks, but my impression is that even young rikishi who take this long to get through makushita (29 basho for Nishikigi) rarely show major short-term improvement after moving up to juryo. Guys like Toyozakura (24 years / 32 basho), Dairaido (25 / 34) and Hakuba (23 / 24) come to mind as comparisons. In other words, chances are it's going to be another while before he makes it to makuuchi for the first time.

Hokaho and Akua posted 5-2 records in the top 15 ranks to make themselves the most follow-worthy Tier 4 rikishi for the next little while. However, I suspect Hamaguchi will be the one to provide the next credible assault on juryo as his post-injury rise continued unabated, this time with 5 wins and losses only to the ex-sekitori pair of Chiyoarashi and (eventual yusho winner) Dewahayate.

Down in jonidan Kansei surprised exactly nobody with another 7-0 record in his own return from injury. Given how much time he missed I suspect he's recovered enough that he'll also dominate in high sandanme for at least 6 wins in Natsu.

Heisei Hopefuls for Haru 2015 - Tier 4: Last Chance Saloon - Ms15+ Age 25 and under
Rikishi	Heya	DOB	Debut	HiRk	2014.05	2014.07	2014.09	2014.11	2015.01	2015.03
Nishikigi	Isenoumi	1990/08/25 (61)	2006.03	Ms2	Ms22w 4-3	Ms18w 3-4	Ms24w 5-2	Ms15w 5-2	Ms7w 5-2	Ms2w 5-2
Hokaho	Miyagino	1989/06/21 (72)	2007.03	Ms11	Ms38e 5-2	Ms26w 4-3	Ms20e 3-4	Ms26w 5-2	Ms15w 4-3	Ms12e 5-2
Akua	Tatsunami	1990/11/06 (59)	2010.11	Ms8	Ms48e 6-1	Ms20w 4-3	Ms17w 5-2	Ms12e 4-3	Ms8w 3-4	Ms13w 5-2
Kairyu	Dewanoumi	1990/03/01 (64)	2005.03	Ms3	Ms19w 3-4	Ms26e 5-2	Ms18e 5-2	Ms12w 4-3	Ms9e 3-4	Ms14w 3-4
Daishoiwa	Oitekaze	1990/10/29 (60)	2006.03	Ms11	Sd20e 7-0 D	Ms14e 4-3	Ms11e 1-6	Ms36w 5-2	Ms21w 4-3	Ms17e 3-4
Higoarashi	Kise	1989/08/20 (68)	2006.05	Ms2	Ms5w 3-4	Ms9w 1-6	Ms30e 2-2-3	Ms49e 7-0 Y	Ms6e 2-5	Ms17w 4-3
Hamaguchi	Kise	1989/07/11 (69)	2012.05	Ms4	Jd58w 0-0-7	Jk18e 7-0 Y	Jd13e 7-0 Y	Sd22w 6-1	Ms45e 6-1	Ms19e 5-2
Daishoryu	Oitekaze	1989/12/29 (66)	2005.09	Ms12	Ms18w 5-2	Ms12w 2-5	Ms26w 4-3	Ms20w 4-3	Ms16e 3-4	Ms22w 4-3
Chiyosakae	Kokonoe	1990/07/12 (63)	2009.01	Ms11	Ms26e 2-5	Ms41w 4-3	Ms34w 4-3	Ms27w 6-1	Ms11e 1-6	Ms32e 2-5
Byakko	Azumazeki	1989/07/11 (69)	2005.03	Ms13	Sd4w 5-2	Ms44w 3-4	Ms53w 2-5	Sd18w 6-1	Ms41e 4-3	Ms33w 3-4
Tochinosato	Kasugano	1989/07/07 (71)	2008.03	Ms4	Ms23e 1-6	Ms48e 5-2	Ms32e 5-2	Ms21e 3-4	Ms29w 3-4	Ms37e 0-0-7
Nogami	Oguruma	1990/08/15 (62)	2009.01	Ms15	Ms55e 2-5	Sd16e 2-5	Sd42e 5-2	Sd16w 3-4	Sd30e 6-1	Ms48e 3-4
Mankajo	Kasugayama	1990/02/10 (65)	2005.03	Ms6	Ms16w 3-4	Ms24e 3-4	Ms33e 3-4	Ms42e 2-5	Ms60w 3-4	Sd12e 5-2
Kansei	Sakaigawa	1989/08/25 (67)	2008.03	Ms3	Ms41w 0-0-7	Sd21w 0-0-7	Sd81w 0-0-7	Jd42e 0-0-7	Jk15e 7-0 Y	Jd10e 7-0 Y

[Asashosakari 19,357]

Natsu 2015, Tier 1:

The talented Takanohana teen trio tries to trek towards the top.

Heisei Hopefuls for Natsu 2015 - Tier 1: Top Talents - current yardstick: Onosho (1996/07/04, debut 2013.01, shin-juryo 2015.01)
+/-	Rikishi	Heya	DOB	Debut	HiRk	2014.07	2014.09	2014.11	2015.01	2015.03	2015.05
● 0	Takayoshitoshi	Takanohana	1997/05/13 (1)	2013.03	Ms37	Jd9e 5-2	Sd74e 6-1	Sd19e 4-3	Sd6w 5-2	Ms42w 4-3	Ms37e
New	Sato	Takanohana	1996/08/05 (3)	2014.09	Ms55	(xx 0-0)	Mz 3-0	Jk18w 7-0 Y	Jd10e 7-0 Y	Sd18e 5-2	Ms55e
▼ 1	Takagenji	Takanohana	1997/05/13 (1)	2013.03	Ms58	Sd78w 6-1	Sd21e 4-3	Sd10e 3-4	Sd23w 5-2	Ms58w 3-4	Sd11w

Natsu 2015, Tier 2:

They're not up for promotion yet, but as mentioned in the Haru summary the two tier leaders Meisei and Masunosho may bear closer attention as both are riding a wave of recent success.

Heisei Hopefuls for Natsu 2015 - Tier 2: Promising Youngsters - Age 21 and under
+/-	Rikishi	Heya	DOB	Debut	HiRk	2014.07	2014.09	2014.11	2015.01	2015.03	2015.05
▲ 2	Meisei	Tatsunami	1995/07/24 (9)	2011.05	Ms8	Ms38e 6-1	Ms16e 4-3	Ms13w 3-4	Ms18w 5-2	Ms11e 4-3	Ms8w
▲ 3	Masunosho	Chiganoura	1994/11/14 (13)	2010.03	Ms12	Ms38w 3-4	Ms48e 2-5	Sd11e 5-2	Ms48e 6-1	Ms20e 5-2	Ms12e
▲ 1	Hakuyozan	Takadagawa	1995/04/13 (10)	2011.05	Ms11	Ms34w 4-3	Ms27e 4-3	Ms21w 5-2	Ms11w 3-4	Ms18e 4-3	Ms13w
▼ 3	Terutsuyoshi	Isegahama	1995/01/17 (12)	2010.03	Ms8	Ms22e 5-2	Ms15e 5-2	Ms9e 2-5	Ms22e 6-1	Ms8e 3-4	Ms14w
▼ 3	Daishoho	Oitekaze	1994/08/28 (15)	2013.03	Ms10	Ms24w 4-3	Ms18w 3-4	Ms23w 4-3	Ms18e 5-2	Ms10w 3-4	Ms18e
▲ 3	Ohara	Shikoroyama	1993/12/14 (24)	2009.03	Ms23	Ms49e 4-3	Ms41e 4-3	Ms33w 4-3	Ms27e 3-4	Ms35e 5-2	Ms23e
▲ 1	Tochinobori	Kasugano	1993/09/01 (26)	2009.03	Ms24	Sd34e 5-2	Sd7w 5-2	Ms47e 4-3	Ms38e 4-3	Ms30e 4-3	Ms24e
▲ 10	Mizuta	Takanohana	1996/02/10 (5)	2014.01	Ms26	Sd83e 6-1	Sd24e 5-2	Ms60e 5-2	Ms38w 2-5	Ms57w 6-1	Ms26e
▲ 11	Nishiyama	Onoe	1994/04/27 (21)	2010.03	Ms31	Ms59e 4-3	Ms49w 3-4	Sd2w 4-3	Ms54e 3-4	Sd5w 6-1	Ms31w
▲ 11	Goshi	Arashio	1993/10/05 (25)	2011.11	Ms7	Ms29w 3-4	Ms37w 3-4	Ms46w 3-4	Ms55w 3-4	Sd6w 6-1	Ms33e
▼ 4	Rikishin	Tatsunami	1995/10/07 (8)	2011.05	Ms6	Ms50e 7-0 Y	Ms6e 2-5	Ms16w 2-5	Ms36e 5-2	Ms24w 3-4	Ms34e
▲ 3	Tsurubayashi	Kise	1993/12/31 (23)	2009.03	Ms12	Ms27e 3-4	Ms35w 2-4-1	Ms53w 5-2	Ms34w 2-5	Ms52w 5-2	Ms36w
▼ 1	Aonosho	Dewanoumi	1993/06/03 (29)	2009.03	Ms38	Sd26w 3-4	Sd40w 5-2	Sd14e 3-4	Sd26w 6-1	Ms46e 4-3	Ms39w
▲ 2	Shinohara	Onomatsu	1993/08/21 (27)	2012.01	Ms28	Ms58e 2-5	Sd22e 3-4	Sd39e 7-0 Y	Ms28w 1-6	Ms53w 4-3	Ms44w
▲ 8	Kotokuzan	Arashio	1994/03/11 (22)	2009.09	Ms51	Sd22w 4-3	Sd11w 5-2	Ms51e 3-4	Sd1w 3-4	Sd14e 5-2	Ms52e
▼ 6	Kotaro	Fujishima	1995/12/06 (6)	2014.01	Ms36	Sd87e 6-1	Sd27w 6-1	Ms45w 4-3	Ms36w 3-4	Ms45e 3-4	Ms55w
New	Kirinofuji	Michinoku	1994/07/28 (16)	2011.01	Ms56	Sd61e 5-2	Sd33e 4-3	Sd19w 3-4	Sd33w 4-3	Sd19w 5-2	Ms56e
New	Kaiseio	Asakayama	1995/01/28 (11)	2013.03	Ms56	Sd92w 3-4	Jd13w 6-1	Sd51w 5-2	Sd22w 4-3	Sd7e 4-3	Ms56w
New	Kotonoshu	Sadogatake	1994/07/01 (19)	2010.03	Ms59	Sd56e 4-3	Sd38w 5-2	Sd12w 2-5	Sd40w 4-3	Sd24e 5-2	Ms59e
▼ 14	Haguroho	Tatsunami	1993/07/08 (28)	2009.03	Ms20	Ms55w 6-1	Ms25e 4-3	Ms20e 3-4	Ms27w 4-2-1	Ms24e 0-0-7	Sd4w
▼ 4	Daichi	Shikoroyama	1994/07/15 (18)	2010.03	Ms51	Sd9w 4-3	Ms59w 4-3	Ms51w 3-4	Sd2w 4-3	Ms55e 3-4	Sd6e
▼ 11	Fukuyamato	Kasugayama	1994/07/22 (17)	2013.01	Ms45	Sd32e 3-4	Sd47e 3-4	Sd63e 6-1	Sd8w 5-2	Ms45w 2-5	Sd13w
▲ 3	Baraki	Shikihide	1994/05/10 (20)	2013.01	Ms58	Sd83w 4-3	Sd64e 2-5	Sd91w 5-2	Sd57w 4-3	Sd39e 4-3	Sd24e
▼ 11	Aomihama	Dewanoumi	1994/10/27 (14)	2010.03	Ms49	Sd65w 4-3	Sd46e 3-4	Sd62e 5-2	Sd32w 6-1	Ms49w 1-6	Sd27w
▼ 6	Hamayutaka	Tokitsukaze	1995/11/17 (7)	2011.05	Ms58	Sd33e 3-4	Sd48w 4-3	Sd36e 4-3	Sd23e 5-2	Ms58e 2-5	Sd28w
▼ 12	Kaito	Asakayama	1996/06/19 (4)	2012.05	Ms28	Ms28w 2-5	Ms47e 2-5	Sd9w 4-3	Ms58e 4-2-1	Ms50w 0-0-7	Sd34e

Aonosho is turning 22 and will be dropping to Tier 3.

[Asashosakari 19,357]

Natsu 2015, Tier 3:

No shortage of promotion contenders here! It's not often that Tier 3 provides us with the most excitement, but this basho it certainly should.

Heisei Hopefuls for Natsu 2015 - Tier 3: Still Worth Watching - Age 23 and under
+/-	Rikishi	Heya	DOB	Debut	HiRk	2014.07	2014.09	2014.11	2015.01	2015.03	2015.05
● 0	Shodai	Tokitsukaze	1991/11/05 (53)	2014.03	Ms2	Jd10e 6-1	Sd48e 6-1	Ms59e 5-2	Ms37w 7-0 Y	Ms3w 4-3	Ms2w
▲ 2	Mitakeumi	Dewanoumi	1992/12/25 (34)	2015.03	Ms3	[/td2]			Ms10Td 6-1	Ms3e
▼ 1	Abiko	Oitekaze	1991/07/27 (55)	2014.01	Ms3	Sd21e 6-1	Ms42e 7-0 Y	Ms4e 3-4	Ms8e 5-2	Ms4e 4-3	Ms3w
▲ 1	Sasanoyama	Kise	1992/12/30 (33)	2011.05	Ms3	Ms13w 2-5	Ms28w 6-1	Ms10w 5-2	Ms3e 2-5	Ms12w 4-3	Ms9w
▼ 2	Takagi	Kise	1992/03/18 (44)	2014.03	Ms5	Jd53w 7-0 D	Sd54w 7-0 Y	Ms31w 6-1	Ms12w 5-2	Ms5e 3-4	Ms10e
▲ 2	Wakayama	Onomatsu	1992/04/26 (40)	2011.07	Ms15	Sd4e 3-4	Sd17w 4-3	Sd5w 6-1	Ms31w 5-2	Ms19w 4-3	Ms15w
▲ 4	Kotodaigo	Sadogatake	1993/01/14 (32)	2011.05	Ms17	Ms39e 5-2	Ms24e 2-5	Ms41e 4-3	Ms34e 4-3	Ms28e 5-2	Ms17w
▲ 5	Chiyoshoma	Kokonoe	1991/07/20 (56)	2009.05	Ms8	Ms8e 3-4	Ms13e 4-3	Ms11w 3-4	Ms16w 2-5	Ms30w 5-2	Ms20w
▲ 6	Matsumoto	Shikoroyama	1992/03/10 (45)	2007.03	Ms16	Ms23w 2-5	Ms40w 5-2	Ms25e 4-3	Ms20e 2-5	Ms31w 4-3	Ms25w
▼ 4	Sasakiyama	Kise	1991/06/12 (59)	2010.01	Ms15	Ms35e 3-4	Ms43e 3-4	Ms52w 6-1	Ms26e 5-2	Ms15e 2-5	Ms30w
▼ 4	Tochimaru	Kasugano	1992/08/26 (38)	2011.05	Ms16	Ms53w 3-4	Sd3e 5-2	Ms43e 6-1	Ms21e 4-3	Ms16w 2-5	Ms32w
▲ 5	Akinokawa	Takadagawa	1992/11/30 (35)	2008.03	Ms17	Ms17e 3-4	Ms23e 3-4	Ms30w 5-2	Ms17w 1-6	Ms37w 4-3	Ms33w
▼ 1	Onami	Arashio	1991/12/29 (48)	2009.11	Ms20	Ms20e 3-4	Ms27w 3-4	Ms37e 5-2	Ms22w 3-4	Ms28w 3-4	Ms37w
▼ 4	Masunoumi	Chiganoura	1991/11/12 (52)	2010.01	Ms6	Ms21e 6-1	Ms8w 4-3	Ms6w 2-5	Ms17e 3-4	Ms23w 2-5	Ms39e
▲ 6	Shiba	Kise	1991/12/24 (50)	2014.03	Ms40	Jd27w 7-0 Y	Sd29w 6-1	Ms47w 4-3	Ms40e 2-5	Ms60w 5-2	Ms40w
▼ 2	Ikeru	Onomatsu	1992/11/26 (37)	2010.11	Ms18	Ms44e 5-2	Ms28e 5-2	Ms18w 2-5	Ms39e 4-3	Ms31e 3-4	Ms42w
▼ 1	Akinoyama	Takadagawa	1992/11/30 (35)	2008.03	Ms21	Ms27w 4-3	Ms21e 3-4	Ms28e 2-5	Ms50w 5-2	Ms32w 3-4	Ms45w
▼ 9	Hakunishiki	Kasugayama	1992/01/13 (47)	2007.03	Ms20	Ms43w 4-3	Ms36w 4-3	Ms30e 4-3	Ms24e 4-3	Ms20w 1-6	Ms48w
▲ 9	Kainoryu	Tomozuna	1991/09/03 (54)	2007.03	Ms55	Sd14e 4-3	Sd4w 4-3	Ms55e 0-7	Sd30w 3-4	Sd45e 6-1	Ms57e
▲ 3	Takakasuga	Kasugayama	1993/03/06 (31)	2011.07	Ms30	Ms45e 3-4	Ms55e 1-6	Sd24e 3-4	Sd38e 5-2	Sd9w 4-3	Ms58w
▼ 3	Matsubayama	Kasugayama	1991/06/13 (58)	2007.03	Ms36	Ms36w 1-6	Sd6e 4-3	Ms56w 2-5	Sd18e 6-1	Ms40e 2-5	Sd2w
▼ 3	Kotofukuju	Sadogatake	1991/12/14 (51)	2007.03	Ms17	Sd15e 5-2	Ms56w 3-4	Sd8w 4-3	Ms57w 4-3	Ms50e 3-4	Sd3e
▲ 2	Tomisakae	Isegahama	1992/04/11 (41)	2008.03	Ms38	Ms54e 4-3	Ms46w 4-3	Ms38w 2-5	Ms57e 2-5	Sd19e 4-3	Sd7e
▼ 4	Hokutowaka	Hakkaku	1992/06/20 (39)	2008.03	Ms44	Ms53e 4-3	Ms44e 3-4	Ms56e 4-3	Ms49e 3-4	Ms59w 3-4	Sd15e
▲ 2	Yoshifuji	Isegahama	1991/12/25 (49)	2010.01	Ms52	Sd3w 2-5	Sd29e 4-3	Sd15w 3-4	Sd27w 3-4	Sd42w 4-3	Sd25w
▲ 3	Aoi	Shikoroyama	1992/04/02 (42)	2008.03	Ms49	Ms49w 2-5	Sd10e 3-4	Sd26e 3-4	Sd42w 3-4	Sd55e 5-2	Sd27e
▼ 3	Aiyama	Kitanoumi	1992/03/23 (43)	2007.03	Ms52	Ms60w 3-4	Sd14e 2-5	Sd40w 4-3	Sd26e 4-3	Sd13w 3-4	Sd35e
▲ 2	Daijo	Takadagawa	1991/07/19 (57)	2007.03	Ms53	Sd27w 4-3	Sd15w 1-6	Sd53e 5-2	Sd24e 1-6	Sd59e 4-3	Sd42w
▼ 3	Kototsubasa	Sadogatake	1992/02/23 (46)	2007.03	Ms59	Sd35e 4-3	Sd21w 2-5	Sd48w 6-1	Ms59w 1-6	Sd26w 3-4	Sd48e
▼ 8	Mitoyutaka	Nishikido	1993/04/08 (30)	2009.03	Ms16	Ms31w 5-2	Ms19e 4-3	Ms16e 3-4	Ms23e 0-0-7	Sd3w 0-0-7	Sd64e

Sasakiyama's 24th birthday will be next month, and while I don't have much hope of him making juryo anymore, he does get two more years in Tier 4 to prove his mettle. Matsubayama will be exiting altogether, however.

[Asashosakari 19,357]

Natsu 2015, Tier 4:

Last call for Hokaho, and even if he will no longer be a prospect, I'm still holding out hope that the Fay favourite will reach juryo eventually.

Recently danpatsu'ed Tochinosato is still on the banzuke so I'm also listing him here one last time, even though his departure is of course already assured.

Heisei Hopefuls for Natsu 2015 - Tier 4: Last Chance Saloon - Ms15+ Age 25 and under
+/-	Rikishi	Heya	DOB	Debut	HiRk	2014.07	2014.09	2014.11	2015.01	2015.03	2015.05
● 0	Hokaho	Miyagino	1989/06/21 (73)	2007.03	Ms7	Ms26w 4-3	Ms20e 3-4	Ms26w 5-2	Ms15w 4-3	Ms12e 5-2	Ms7w
● 0	Akua	Tatsunami	1990/11/06 (61)	2010.11	Ms8	Ms20w 4-3	Ms17w 5-2	Ms12e 4-3	Ms8w 3-4	Ms13w 5-2	Ms8e
▲ 3	Hamaguchi	Kise	1989/07/11 (70)	2012.05	Ms4	Jk18e 7-0 Y	Jd13e 7-0 Y	Sd22w 6-1	Ms45e 6-1	Ms19e 5-2	Ms11e
▲ 1	Higoarashi	Kise	1989/08/20 (69)	2006.05	Ms2	Ms9w 1-6	Ms30e 2-2-3	Ms49e 7-0 Y	Ms6e 2-5	Ms17w 4-3	Ms13e
▲ 2	Daishoryu	Oitekaze	1989/12/29 (67)	2005.09	Ms12	Ms12w 2-5	Ms26w 4-3	Ms20w 4-3	Ms16e 3-4	Ms22w 4-3	Ms19e
▼ 3	Kairyu	Dewanoumi	1990/03/01 (65)	2005.03	Ms3	Ms26e 5-2	Ms18e 5-2	Ms12w 4-3	Ms9e 3-4	Ms14w 3-4	Ms22e
▼ 3	Daishoiwa	Oitekaze	1990/10/29 (62)	2006.03	Ms11	Ms14e 4-3	Ms11e 1-6	Ms36w 5-2	Ms21w 4-3	Ms17e 3-4	Ms24w
▲ 2	Byakko	Azumazeki	1989/07/11 (70)	2005.03	Ms13	Ms44w 3-4	Ms53w 2-5	Sd18w 6-1	Ms41e 4-3	Ms33w 3-4	Ms46w
▲ 4	Mankajo	Kasugayama	1990/02/10 (66)	2005.03	Ms6	Ms24e 3-4	Ms33e 3-4	Ms42e 2-5	Ms60w 3-4	Sd12e 5-2	Ms49w
▼ 2	Chiyosakae	Kokonoe	1990/07/12 (64)	2009.01	Ms11	Ms41w 4-3	Ms34w 4-3	Ms27w 6-1	Ms11e 1-6	Ms32e 2-5	Ms50w
▼ 2	Kotokobai	Sadogatake	1991/03/31 (60)	2006.03	Ms7	Ms18e 4-3	Ms15w 4-3	Ms13e 1-6	Ms40w 4-3	Ms33e 2-5	Ms52w
● 0	Nogami	Oguruma	1990/08/15 (63)	2009.01	Ms15	Sd16e 2-5	Sd42e 5-2	Sd16w 3-4	Sd30e 6-1	Ms48e 3-4	Ms60e
▲ 1	Kansei	Sakaigawa	1989/08/25 (68)	2008.03	Ms3	Sd21w 0-0-7	Sd81w 0-0-7	Jd42e 0-0-7	Jk15e 7-0 Y	Jd10e 7-0 Y	Sd18w
▼ 3	Tochinosato	Kasugano	1989/07/07 (72)	2008.03	Ms4	Ms48e 5-2	Ms32e 5-2	Ms21e 3-4	Ms29w 3-4	Ms37e 0-0-7	Sd20w

[Sumozumo 240]

A good field. Let's go for new promotees!

[Asashosakari 19,357]

The incredibly overdue updates...I'll try to condense things as much as possible to avoid a flood of obsolete tables:

Tier 1:

Nobody new here; this section continues to consist of the tremendous Takanohana trio only. However, where the twins have mostly struggled to establish themselves in lower makushita since Natsu basho, Sato has blasted through the division without looking back.

Heisei Hopefuls for Aki 2015 - Tier 1: Top Talents - current yardstick: Onosho (1996/07/04, debut 2013.01, shin-juryo 2015.01)
Rikishi	Heya	DOB	Debut	HiRk	2014.11	2015.01	2015.03	2015.05	2015.07	2015.09
Sato	Takanohana	1996/08/05 (3)	2014.09	Ms21	Jk18w 7-0 Y	Jd10e 7-0 Y	Sd18e 5-2	Ms55e 6-1	Ms27w 4-3	Ms21w 6-1 D
Takayoshitoshi	Takanohana	1997/05/13 (1)	2013.03	Ms37	Sd19e 4-3	Sd6w 5-2	Ms42w 4-3	Ms37e 2-5	Ms57e 4-3	Ms47w 5-2
Takagenji	Takanohana	1997/05/13 (1)	2013.03	Ms35	Sd10e 3-4	Sd23w 5-2	Ms58w 3-4	Sd11w 6-1	Ms35e 2-5	Ms50w 2-5

Edited November 1, 2015 by Asashosakari

[Asashosakari 19,357]

Tier 2:

Four newcomers were added here after Nagoya:

Rikishi	Heya	DOB	Debut	HiRk	2014.09	2014.11	2015.01	2015.03	2015.05	2015.07
Nagao	Kasugano	1995/04/26	2014.03	Sd6	Sd63e 5-2	Sd35e 2-5	Sd59e 5-2	Sd29w 4-3	Sd16e 4-3	Sd6e 4-3
Fukamiyama	Onoe	1994/11/12	2010.03	Sd5	Sd5w 3-4	Sd20e 3-4	Sd34w 2-5	Sd56e 4-3	Sd38w 5-2	Sd9w 4-3
Tamakongo	Kataonami	1995/09/19	2014.03	Sd19	Sd90e 4-3	Sd71e 3-4	Sd84e 5-2	Sd50w 4-3	Sd32w 4-3	Sd19w 5-2
Kakehashi	Hakkaku	1994/08/15	2013.03	Sd25	Sd44w 4-3	Sd31w 2-5	Sd55w 5-2	Sd25w 3-4	Sd47w 4-3	Sd31e 6-1

Strong 8-basho runs to makushita for high school newcomers Nagao and Tamakongo, with just one makekoshi apiece. Especially Tamakongo can probably be classed as a high potential guy as he's 187 cm in height and still has lots of potential on the physical side. He's very focused on oshi-zumo, so for now he looks like he's on the Toyohibiki path in physique and style.

Kakehashi is also out of high school but on the opposite end in size at just 170 cm and fairly low weight, but he's also won more than half his bouts with oshidashi thus far. His lack of physical strength certainly contributed to him taking a year longer to makushita, and I suspect he'll find the third division fairly tough going. Nagao isn't very tall either but sports a very balanced kimarite selection, which should play better in the long run.

Last not least Fukamiyama, who's in the same age bracket as the others but has already been active for 5 years. One advantage that middle school joinees tend to have is three extra years for building their body in the professional environment, and in his case that has already led to adding some 50 kg on top of his debut weight of just 100 kg. On the other hand that does mean he's already much closer to his optimal physical size than the others, but he's still only a makushita debutant just like them, so there's probably less upside here.

Now for the most recent results:

No juryo debuts out of this tier since Natsu, although Mongolian Daishoho got close in September and looks likely to make it soon. He's also the only incumbent who posted three straight kachikoshi since the last update, so it's hard to highlight any other recent breakout rikishi.

Heisei Hopefuls for Aki 2015 - Tier 2: Promising Youngsters - Age 21 and under
Rikishi	Heya	DOB	Debut	HiRk	2014.11	2015.01	2015.03	2015.05	2015.07	2015.09
Daishoho	Oitekaze	1994/08/28 (18)	2013.03	Ms4	Ms23w 4-3	Ms18e 5-2	Ms10w 3-4	Ms18e 5-2	Ms9e 5-2	Ms4w 4-3
Hakuyozan	Takadagawa	1995/04/13 (12)	2011.05	Ms6	Ms21w 5-2	Ms11w 3-4	Ms18e 4-3	Ms13w 5-2	Ms6w 3-4	Ms12w 4-3
Masunosho	Chiganoura	1994/11/14 (15)	2010.03	Ms12	Sd11e 5-2	Ms48e 6-1	Ms20e 5-2	Ms12e 2-5	Ms29w 5-2	Ms14w 2-5
Terutsuyoshi	Isegahama	1995/01/17 (14)	2010.03	Ms8	Ms9e 2-5	Ms22e 6-1	Ms8e 3-4	Ms14w 4-3	Ms12w 3-4	Ms18w 4-3
Meisei	Tatsunami	1995/07/24 (10)	2011.05	Ms7	Ms13w 3-4	Ms18w 5-2	Ms11e 4-3	Ms8w 4-3	Ms7e 2-5	Ms19w 5-2
Goshi	Arashio	1993/10/05 (29)	2011.11	Ms7	Ms46w 3-4	Ms55w 3-4	Sd6w 6-1	Ms33e 3-4	Ms44e 5-2	Ms28w 2-5
Kaiseio	Asakayama	1995/01/28 (13)	2013.03	Ms29	Sd51w 5-2	Sd22w 4-3	Sd7e 4-3	Ms56w 4-3	Ms46e 5-2	Ms29w 2-5
Tsurubayashi	Kise	1993/12/31 (27)	2009.03	Ms12	Ms53w 5-2	Ms34w 2-5	Ms52w 5-2	Ms36w 5-2	Ms19w 2-5	Ms34e 4-3
Rikishin	Tatsunami	1995/10/07 (8)	2011.05	Ms6	Ms16w 2-5	Ms36e 5-2	Ms24w 3-4	Ms34e 4-3	Ms26w 3-4	Ms36e 6-1 D
Nishiyama	Onoe	1994/04/27 (25)	2010.03	Ms31	Sd2w 4-3	Ms54e 3-4	Sd5w 6-1	Ms31w 1-6	Ms60w 5-2	Ms40e 5-2
Mizuta	Takanohana	1996/02/10 (5)	2014.01	Ms26	Ms60e 5-2	Ms38w 2-5	Ms57w 6-1	Ms26e 2-5	Ms49w 4-3	Ms42w 4-3
Tochinobori	Kasugano	1993/09/01 (30)	2009.03	Ms24	Ms47e 4-3	Ms38e 4-3	Ms30e 4-3	Ms24e 3-4	Ms34w 3-4	Ms43w 3-4
Kakehashi	Hakkaku	1994/08/15 (19)	2013.03	Ms47	Sd31w 2-5	Sd55w 5-2	Sd25w 3-4	Sd47w 4-3	Sd31e 6-1	Ms47e 3-4
Fukuyamato	Kasugayama	1994/07/22 (21)	2013.01	Ms45	Sd63e 6-1	Sd8w 5-2	Ms45w 2-5	Sd13w 4-3	Sd2e 4-3	Ms52e 0-2-5
Tochiseiryu	Kasugano	1995/04/26 (11)	2014.03	Ms55	Sd35e 2-5	Sd59e 5-2	Sd29w 4-3	Sd16e 4-3	Sd6e 4-3	Ms55e 2-5
Tamakongo	Kataonami	1995/09/19 (9)	2014.03	Ms56	Sd71e 3-4	Sd84e 5-2	Sd50w 4-3	Sd32w 4-3	Sd19w 5-2	Ms56w 3-4
Fukamiyama	Onoe	1994/11/12 (16)	2010.03	Ms58	Sd20e 3-4	Sd34w 2-5	Sd56e 4-3	Sd38w 5-2	Sd9w 4-3	Ms58e 4-3
Kotokuzan	Arashio	1994/03/11 (26)	2009.09	Ms51	Ms51e 3-4	Sd1w 3-4	Sd14e 5-2	Ms52e 3-4	Sd1w 3-4	Sd16e 5-2
Daichi	Shikoroyama	1994/07/15 (22)	2010.03	Ms51	Ms51w 3-4	Sd2w 4-3	Ms55e 3-4	Sd6e 4-3	Ms55e 2-5	Sd16w 3-4
Kirinofuji	Michinoku	1994/07/28 (20)	2011.01	Ms56	Sd19w 3-4	Sd33w 4-3	Sd19w 5-2	Ms56e 0-7	Sd31w 4-3	Sd18e 3-4
Kotaro	Fujishima	1995/12/06 (6)	2014.01	Ms36	Ms45w 4-3	Ms36w 3-4	Ms45e 3-4	Ms55w 4-3	Ms45w 0-7	Sd20w 5-2
Aomihama	Dewanoumi	1994/10/27 (17)	2010.03	Ms49	Sd62e 5-2	Sd32w 6-1	Ms49w 1-6	Sd27w 2-5	Sd50w 5-2	Sd22e 4-3
Shunjin	Shikoroyama	1993/12/14 (28)	2009.03	Ms23	Ms33w 4-3	Ms27e 3-4	Ms35e 5-2	Ms23e 1-6	Ms54w 0-0-7	Sd34w 3-4
Kotonoshu	Sadogatake	1994/07/01 (23)	2010.03	Ms59	Sd12w 2-5	Sd40w 4-3	Sd24e 5-2	Ms59e 2-5	Sd23w 3-4	Sd39e 6-1
Baraki	Shikihide	1994/05/10 (24)	2013.01	Ms58	Sd91w 5-2	Sd57w 4-3	Sd39e 4-3	Sd24e 3-4	Sd40e 3-4	Sd57e 3-4
Hamayutaka	Tokitsukaze	1995/11/17 (7)	2011.05	Ms58	Sd36e 4-3	Sd23e 5-2	Ms58e 2-5	Sd28w 3-4	Sd43w 3-4	Sd61w 5-2
Kaito	Asakayama	1996/06/19 (4)	2012.05	Ms28	Sd9w 4-3	Ms58e 4-2-1	Ms50w 0-0-7	Sd34e 0-0-7	Sd94w 0-0-7	Jd55e 0-0-7

Shunjin was known as Ohara until Natsu, Tochiseiryu is Nagao's new shikona for his makushita debut.

Goshi and Tochinobori have turned 22 and will be moving to Tier 3.

A newcomer will be joining for the Kyushu tournament:

Rikishi	Heya	DOB	Debut	HiRk	2014.11	2015.01	2015.03	2015.05	2015.07	2015.09
Onojo	Takadagawa	1996/01/31	2011.05	Sd7	Sd47w 3-4	Sd62e 6-1	Sd7w 1-6	Sd50e 4-3	Sd37w 5-2	Sd10e 4-3

Another rikishi out of middle school, Onojo's gone through the lower divisions one year quicker than aforementioned Fukamiyama and without packing on as much weight (while still developing though, so he's no Takanoyama type). Decent height at 182 cm as well, and he's coming in as the 6th-youngest current prospect, so he definitely bears following. Rather classic kimarite profile with yorikiri and yoritaoshi accounting for more than half his victories, the rest being split between oshi and throwing techniques, with very few pulldown-type wins.

Edited November 1, 2015 by Asashosakari

[Asashosakari 19,357]

Tier 3:

...saw five departures from the prospect list in Natsu and Nagoya, 3 by promotion and 2 by age:

Rikishi	Heya	DOB	Debut	HiRk	2014.09	2014.11	2015.01	2015.03	2015.05	2015.07
Mitakeumi	Dewanoumi	1992/12/25 (34)	2015.03	Ms3	[/td2]			Ms10Td 6-1	Ms3e 6-1
Takagi	Kise	1992/03/18 (44)	2014.03	Ms5	Sd54w 7-0 Y	Ms31w 6-1	Ms12w 5-2	Ms5e 3-4	Ms10e 7-0 Y
Shodai	Tokitsukaze	1991/11/05 (52)	2014.03	Ms1	Sd48e 6-1	Ms59e 5-2	Ms37w 7-0 Y	Ms3w 4-3	Ms2w 4-3	Ms1e 5-2

Nothing that needs to be said about Mitakeumi, I guess, who has certainly justified his Ms10 start. Shodai had to go the hard way from maezumo, but also managed to get through to the paid ranks without a makekoshi. The yusho and fast juryo promotion for Takagi (now Takaryu) came as a bit of a surprise back in May, and amid injury problems he hasn't been able to back it up so far, going 5-10 in juryo and 2-5 after dropping back to makushita.

Rikishi	Heya	DOB	Debut	HiRk	2014.09	2014.11	2015.01	2015.03	2015.05	2015.07
Matsubayama	Kasugayama	1991/06/13 (58)	2007.03	Ms36	Sd6e 4-3	Ms56w 2-5	Sd18e 6-1	Ms40e 2-5	Sd2w 5-2
Daijo	Takadagawa	1991/07/19 (56)	2007.03	Ms53	Sd15w 1-6	Sd53e 5-2	Sd24e 1-6	Sd59e 4-3	Sd42w 3-4	Sd59e 5-2

Neither guy managed to demonstrate much upside in their two years in the prospect club (Daijo never even made it back to makushita following his debut that ended in makekoshi), so a future juryo stint of any length looks very unlikely for both.

Only one new arrival during these two tournaments, which happened in Natsu basho:

Rikishi	Heya	DOB	Debut	HiRk	2014.07	2014.09	2014.11	2015.01	2015.03	2015.05
Tochinokuni	Kasugano	1992/02/21 ()	2007.03	Sd23	Sd54e 5-2	Sd25w 3-4	Sd42e 3-4	Sd56e 4-3	Sd37e 4-3	Sd23e 5-2

We've seen this shikona before, albeit not in this thread: Tochinokuni is the younger brother of a rikishi who topped out in high sandanme and retired four years ago. An age of 23 years at your makushita debut generally doesn't portend much of a future unless you joined out of college, and it's unlikely to be different here to be honest.

Fast forwarding to (almost) present day:

The only recent collegiate entrant still left here is Shiba now, and as the early part of the year already indicated he's unlikely to follow in the footsteps of the higher-potential guys with a fast ascent to juryo. The recent top performer in this section is almost certainly Tochimaru who has scored 6 KK in his last 7 tournaments and gone from the low makushita ranks to single digits. Also noteworthy is Aiyama, who himself was merely a borderline makushita rikishi and then achieved what seemed like a fluke sandanme yusho in May. However, he has managed to back it up with two decent results in mid-makushita, so it looks like he found a new level.

Heisei Hopefuls for Aki 2015 - Tier 3: Still Worth Watching - Age 23 and under
Rikishi	Heya	DOB	Debut	HiRk	2014.11	2015.01	2015.03	2015.05	2015.07	2015.09
Sasanoyama	Kise	1992/12/30 (37)	2011.05	Ms3	Ms10w 5-2	Ms3e 2-5	Ms12w 4-3	Ms9w 2-5	Ms22w 6-1	Ms8e 3-4
Tochimaru	Kasugano	1992/08/26 (41)	2011.05	Ms9	Ms43e 6-1	Ms21e 4-3	Ms16w 2-5	Ms32w 5-2	Ms18e 5-2	Ms9e 4-3
Shiba	Kise	1991/12/24 (53)	2014.03	Ms14	Ms47w 4-3	Ms40e 2-5	Ms60w 5-2	Ms40w 5-2	Ms21w 4-3	Ms14e 2-5
Irodori	Shikoroyama	1992/03/10 (47)	2007.03	Ms16	Ms25e 4-3	Ms20e 2-5	Ms31w 4-3	Ms25w 3-4	Ms37e 5-2	Ms20e 3-4
Onami	Arashio	1991/12/29 (51)	2009.11	Ms20	Ms37e 5-2	Ms22w 3-4	Ms28w 3-4	Ms37w 3-4	Ms48e 6-1	Ms21e 3-4
Masunoumi	Chiganoura	1991/11/12 (55)	2010.01	Ms6	Ms6w 2-5	Ms17e 3-4	Ms23w 2-5	Ms39e 4-3	Ms31e 4-3	Ms24e 4-3
Hakunishiki	Kasugayama	1992/01/13 (50)	2007.03	Ms20	Ms30e 4-3	Ms24e 4-3	Ms20w 1-6	Ms48w 3-4	Ms58e 6-1	Ms27w 2-5
Akinokawa	Takadagawa	1992/11/30 (38)	2008.03	Ms13	Ms30w 5-2	Ms17w 1-6	Ms37w 4-3	Ms33w 6-1	Ms13w 2-5	Ms28e 5-2
Aiyama	Kitanoumi	1992/03/23 (46)	2007.03	Ms24	Sd40w 4-3	Sd26e 4-3	Sd13w 3-4	Sd35e 7-0 Y	Ms24w 3-4	Ms32e 4-3
Kotofukujuno	Sadogatake	1991/12/14 (54)	2007.03	Ms17	Sd8w 4-3	Ms57w 4-3	Ms50e 3-4	Sd3e 4-3	Ms52w 5-2	Ms33e 0-7
Kainoryu	Tomozuna	1991/09/03 (56)	2007.03	Ms33	Ms55e 0-7	Sd30w 3-4	Sd45e 6-1	Ms57e 3-4	Sd7w 6-1	Ms33w 3-4
Tomisakae	Isegahama	1992/04/11 (44)	2008.03	Ms37	Ms38w 2-5	Ms57e 2-5	Sd19e 4-3	Sd7e 5-2	Ms44w 4-3	Ms37e 3-4
Aonosho	Dewanoumi	1993/06/03 (33)	2009.03	Ms31	Sd14e 3-4	Sd26w 6-1	Ms46e 4-3	Ms39w 4-3	Ms31w 3-4	Ms38w 4-3
Akinoyama	Takadagawa	1992/11/30 (38)	2008.03	Ms21	Ms28e 2-5	Ms50w 5-2	Ms32w 3-4	Ms45w 4-3	Ms36e 3-4	Ms45e 4-3
Wakayama	Onomatsu	1992/04/26 (43)	2011.07	Ms15	Sd5w 6-1	Ms31w 5-2	Ms19w 4-3	Ms15w 2-5	Ms36w 3-4	Ms45w 5-2
Kotodaigo	Sadogatake	1993/01/14 (36)	2011.05	Ms8	Ms41e 4-3	Ms34e 4-3	Ms28e 5-2	Ms17w 5-2	Ms8e 0-0-7	Ms48w 1-2-4
Mitoyutaka	Nishikido	1993/04/08 (34)	2009.03	Ms16	Ms16e 3-4	Ms23e 0-0-7	Sd3w 0-0-7	Sd64e 4-3	Sd48w 6-1	Ms57w 3-4
Takakasuga	Kasugayama	1993/03/06 (35)	2011.07	Ms30	Sd24e 3-4	Sd38e 5-2	Sd9w 4-3	Ms58w 3-4	Sd11e 4-3	Ms59w 4-3
Yoshifuji	Isegahama	1991/12/25 (52)	2010.01	Ms52	Sd15w 3-4	Sd27w 3-4	Sd42w 4-3	Sd25w 4-3	Sd14w 4-3	Sd4e 1-6
Aoi	Shikoroyama	1992/04/02 (45)	2008.03	Ms49	Sd26e 3-4	Sd42w 3-4	Sd55e 5-2	Sd27e 4-3	Sd15w 4-3	Sd5e 4-3
Shinohara	Onomatsu	1993/08/21 (31)	2012.01	Ms28	Sd39e 7-0 Y	Ms28w 1-6	Ms53w 4-3	Ms44w 3-4	Ms55w 3-4	Sd6e 4-3
Hokutowaka	Hakkaku	1992/06/20 (42)	2008.03	Ms44	Ms56e 4-3	Ms49e 3-4	Ms59w 3-4	Sd15e 4-3	Sd5e 3-4	Sd19e 2-5
Tochinokuni	Kasugano	1992/02/21 (49)	2007.03	Ms58	Sd42e 3-4	Sd56e 4-3	Sd37e 4-3	Sd23e 5-2	Ms58w 1-6	Sd32e 3-4
Kototsubasa	Sadogatake	1992/02/23 (48)	2007.03	Ms59	Sd48w 6-1	Ms59w 1-6	Sd26w 3-4	Sd48e 4-3	Sd32w 3-4	Sd50w 4-3
Ikeru	Onomatsu	1992/11/26 (40)	2010.11	Ms18	Ms18w 2-5	Ms39e 4-3	Ms31e 3-4	Ms42w 0-0-7	Sd22w 0-0-7	Sd83e 0-0-7
Haguroho	Tatsunami	1993/07/08 (32)	2009.03	Ms20	Ms20e 3-4	Ms27w 4-2-1	Ms24e 0-0-7	Sd4w 0-0-7	Sd64w 0-0-7	Jd25e 0-0-7

Aonosho was still a member of Tier 2 until Natsu, Haguroho and Shinohara until Nagoya. We've had two shikona changes here as well, both after Natsu basho: Matsumoto finally got a proper one in the 9th year of his career and is now known as Irodori, while Kotofukuju apparently thought his shikona needed to become just a little more complicated by adding -no at the end.

Kainoryu has turned 24 and not having satisfied the Tier 4 entry standard, he's on the outs now. I wouldn't be too surprised to see him get in there during the next two years (while he's still eligible by age), but a future sekitori career looks fairly doubtful.

And as though this post isn't long enough yet, I can also report no less than five new entries for Kyushu:

Rikishi	Heya	DOB	Debut	HiRk	2014.11	2015.01	2015.03	2015.05	2015.07	2015.09
Azumasato	Tamanoi	1992/05/22	2008.03	Sd4	Sd17e 4-3	Sd4e 3-4	Sd16w 4-3	Sd5w 2-5	Sd30w 5-2	Sd5w 4-3
Iwasaki	Oitekaze	1992/04/24	2015.01	Sd11		Mz 3-2	Jk17w 6-1	Jd30w 6-1	Sd66w 6-1	Sd11w 6-1
Rao	Tatsunami	1993/03/30	2011.01	Sd3	Sd30w 4-3	Sd18w 3-4	Sd30w 3-4	Sd53e 5-2	Sd25w 4-3	Sd13e 5-2
Ura	Kise	1992/06/22	2015.03	Sd18			Mz 2-0	Jk9w 7-0 Y	Jd10e 7-0 D	Sd18w 5-2
Daiki	Hakkaku	1992/07/15	2015.03	Sd36		Mz 2-0	Jk11e 6-1	Jd36e 7-0 Y	Sd36e 7-0 Y

Not much to say about Iwasaki, Ura and Daiki - as usual with collegiate rikishi who are at least decently good, the lowest three divisions didn't present much of a challenge, and the real test only starts now. Rao's a high school grad and he sliced through jonokuchi/jonidan in just three tournaments, as above average high schoolers tend to do, but he really took his sweet time with sandanme. It probably didn't help that his physical development hasn't gone anywhere; at currently 123 kg he's only 5 kg above his debut weight of nearly five years ago. Unless that changes I doubt he's going to go much further, as there's only so much you can do as a low-weight yori expert who isn't blessed with massive amounts of talent. Azumasato is in almost the same boat with nearly identical height/weight stats, although he did come up from 15 kg less. However, he also had three more years so it's not very encouraging either. His somewhat more rounded style will probably not be sufficient to give him a better outlook than Rao.

Edited November 1, 2015 by Asashosakari

[Gurowake 4,062]

I thought this was gone forever. Thank you for updating it!

[Asashosakari 19,357]

Tier 4:

Lots of departures in the lowest tier in Natsu and Nagoya, none of them in the direction of the paid ranks:

Rikishi	Heya	DOB	Debut	HiRk	2014.09	2014.11	2015.01	2015.03	2015.05	2015.07
Hokaho	Miyagino	1989/06/21 (73)	2007.03	Ms7	Ms20e 3-4	Ms26w 5-2	Ms15w 4-3	Ms12e 5-2	Ms7w 2-6	[/td2]
Tochinosato	Kasugano	1989/07/07 (72)	2008.03	Ms4	Ms32e 5-2	Ms21e 3-4	Ms29w 3-4	Ms37e 0-0-7	Sd20w 0-0-7
Hamaguchi	Kise	1989/07/11 (68)	2012.05	Ms4	Sd22w 6-1	Ms45e 6-1	Ms19e 5-2	Ms11e 4-3	Ms8w 3-4
Higoarashi	Kise	1989/08/20 (67)	2006.05	Ms2	Ms30e 2-2-3	Ms49e 7-0 Y	Ms6e 2-5	Ms17w 4-3	Ms13e 4-3	Ms10w 3-4
Byakko	Azumazeki	1989/07/11 (68)	2005.03	Ms13	Ms53w 2-5	Sd18w 6-1	Ms41e 4-3	Ms33w 3-4	Ms46w 4-3	Ms37w 2-5
Kansei	Sakaigawa	1989/08/25 (66)	2008.03	Ms3	Sd81w 0-0-7	Jd42e 0-0-7	Jk15e 7-0 Y	Jd10e 7-0 Y	Sd18w 6-1	Ms41w 5-2

Tochinosato would have had one more basho of eligibility after Natsu, but retired of his own accord. I do think we're ultimately going to see at least one sekitori out of this bunch, with Hamaguchi the leading candidate.

Mentioning the only by-performance newcomer here is slightly pointless, but I don't want to shortchange him so here goes:

Rikishi	Heya	DOB	Debut	HiRk	2014.07	2014.09	2014.11	2015.01	2015.03	2015.05
Aokishin	Kasugano	1989/06/10	2008.03	Ms19	Sd2e 5-2	Ms44w 5-2	Ms28w 4-3	Ms23w 3-4	Ms29e 5-2	Ms19w 5-2

Aokishin was previously with us in Tier 3 for about a year, which he unfortunately spent almost entirely out injured. His Tier 4 participation will be even more obscure as his qualifying performance in Natsu basho was also the last tournament before he turned 26, so he didn't actually get to be added to the listing for Nagoya.

And the Aki results:

Abiko has been ranked in the promotion zone for four straight basho and scored three kachikoshi, but he still won't be in juryo for Kyushu. He almost certainly will be soon enough, though. Kairyu also achieved a small milestone, as his 4-3 was his first kachikoshi at a single-digit rank (in 7 attempts!). Chiyoshoma took advantage of top prospect Sato's inability to close out the yusho race and walked away with the 6-1 playoff yusho on senshuraku.

Heisei Hopefuls for Aki 2015 - Tier 4: Last Chance Saloon - Ms15+ Age 25 and under
Rikishi	Heya	DOB	Debut	HiRk	2014.11	2015.01	2015.03	2015.05	2015.07	2015.09
Abiko	Oitekaze	1991/07/27 (57)	2014.01	Ms2	Ms4e 3-4	Ms8e 5-2	Ms4e 4-3	Ms3w 4-3	Ms2w 3-4	Ms5w 5-2
Kairyu	Dewanoumi	1990/03/01 (65)	2005.03	Ms3	Ms12w 4-3	Ms9e 3-4	Ms14w 3-4	Ms22e 4-3	Ms16w 5-2	Ms7w 4-3
Chiyoshoma	Kokonoe	1991/07/20 (58)	2009.05	Ms8	Ms11w 3-4	Ms16w 2-5	Ms30w 5-2	Ms20w 4-3	Ms15w 4-3	Ms11e 6-1 Y
Akua	Tatsunami	1990/11/06 (61)	2010.11	Ms6	Ms12e 4-3	Ms8w 3-4	Ms13w 5-2	Ms8e 4-3	Ms6e 2-5	Ms17e 5-2
Kotokobai	Sadogatake	1991/03/31 (60)	2006.03	Ms7	Ms13e 1-6	Ms40w 4-3	Ms33e 2-5	Ms52w 5-2	Ms33e 4-3	Ms26w 4-3
Nogami	Oguruma	1990/08/15 (63)	2009.01	Ms15	Sd16w 3-4	Sd30e 6-1	Ms48e 3-4	Ms60e 5-2	Ms38e 4-3	Ms30w 5-2
Daishoryu	Oitekaze	1989/12/29 (67)	2005.09	Ms12	Ms20w 4-3	Ms16e 3-4	Ms22w 4-3	Ms19e 2-5	Ms39w 4-3	Ms31w 4-3
Mankajo	Kasugayama	1990/02/10 (66)	2005.03	Ms6	Ms42e 2-5	Ms60w 3-4	Sd12e 5-2	Ms49w 5-2	Ms29e 3-4	Ms37w 3-4
Sasakiyama	Kise	1991/06/12 (59)	2010.01	Ms15	Ms52w 6-1	Ms26e 5-2	Ms15e 2-5	Ms30w 3-4	Ms39e 3-4	Ms48e 4-3
Daishoiwa	Oitekaze	1990/10/29 (62)	2006.03	Ms11	Ms36w 5-2	Ms21w 4-3	Ms17e 3-4	Ms24w 2-5	Ms43w 3-4	Ms51e 1-6
Chiyosakae	Kokonoe	1990/07/12 (64)	2009.01	Ms11	Ms27w 6-1	Ms11e 1-6	Ms32e 2-5	Ms50w 2-5	Sd14e 5-2	Ms51w 5-2

Sasakiyama came down from Tier 3 after Natsu, Abiko and Chiyoshoma did after Nagoya.

Edited November 1, 2015 by Asashosakari

[Asashosakari 19,357]

Unless there's a huge outpouring in support of them, I'm going to streamline the thread a bit by foregoing the pre-basho table versions from now on and just providing DB versions of the lineups instead. So without further ado, Kyushu 2015:

Tier 1 (Q): He's too low to make it with a 6-1 and it's doubtful he'll go zensho, so this probably won't be Sato's first run at the promotion, but there's a good chance he'll put himself into contention for Hatsu.

Tier 2 (Q): Daishoho goes for the kesho and to end the longest gap without a new Mongolian sekitori since 2005 (9 basho).

Kakehashi has renamed himself to Hokutokawa, and starts off the new chapter of his career in the worst possible way, by being kyujo. Tsurubayashi and Shunjin will drop to Tier 3 after the basho.

Tier 3 (Q): Once again nobody is in the promotion zone here, so the biggest stories of the basho will probably be the five makushita debutants, especially back-to-back jonidan and sandanme yusho winner Daiki who's getting a very high introduction to the third division at Ms25.

It's been two and a half years since we last had as many as 32 rikishi in this section, but the cleanout is coming - Yoshifuji is definitely departing, while Kotofukujuno (needs 7-0) and Onami (needs at least 5-2, probably 6-1) still have a chance to fulfill the Tier 4 transfer criteria at the last minute. Masunoumi and Shiba have already achieved that and will get two more years as prospects.

Tier 4 (Q): Abiko achieves the rare (and somewhat unfortunate) feat of 5 straight appearances in the promotion zone and takes another stab at promotion from the best possible position. Chiyoshoma and Kairyu join him in the top 5 ranks to make this a stacked basho for our prospect best-agers.

Daishoryu will have to hand in his prospect badge, however. It's been a rather disappointing time as he failed to reach another high rank since qualifying a year and a half ago.

---

In case it's not immediately apparent, the Q links point to lists of all the rikishi who can newly qualify for the respective tiers.

Edited November 7, 2015 by Asashosakari

[Yamasanzan 93]

I was curious about the tiers for Hatsu-16 so a looked them up. Hope nobody mind me posting here.
(Any mistakes are entirely my fault, and there might be a few)

Tier 1 (Q) born after Onohso, 4th of July-96
Tier 2 (Q) born between Jan-94 and 4th of July-96
Tier 3 (Q) born between Jan-92 and Dec-93
Tier 4 (Q) born between Jan-90 and Dec-91

Q's may qualify to the tier with a good result this basho.

Edited January 17, 2016 by Yamasanzan

[Gurowake 4,062]

Sato gets his 7th win and will take the mantle of youngest sekitori from Onosho (who might not stay a sekitori anyway).

[Tenshinhan 1,607]

And the other two from Takanohana-beya, Takagenji and Takayoshitoshi were 3-2 and both failed to achieve KK (especially the latter one will be very disappointed after his bout today).

[Yamasanzan 93]

Results for May:
Tier 1 (Q)
Tier 2 (Q)
Tier 3 (Q)
Tier 4 (Q)

[Asashosakari 19,357]

Catching up once again...many thanks to those who've kept the Hopefuls flag flying. :-)

Covering Kyushu to Haru, with Natsu to follow as a regular update. Part 1, recent juryo promotees:

Kyushu / Tier 4:

Rikishi	Heya	DOB	Debut	HiRk	2015.01	2015.03	2015.05	2015.07	2015.09	2015.11
Abiko	Oitekaze	1991/07/27 (62)	2014.01	Ms1	Ms8e 5-2	Ms4e 4-3	Ms3w 4-3	Ms2w 3-4	Ms5w 5-2	Ms1e 5-2
Chiyoshoma	Kokonoe	1991/07/20 (63)	2009.05	Ms3	Ms16w 2-5	Ms30w 5-2	Ms20w 4-3	Ms15w 4-3	Ms11e 6-1 Y	Ms3w 6-1

Two debutants born within a week of one another, but with very different career progression. Ex-collegiate Abiko (now Tsurugisho) had a lighting-fast rise up to high makushita, starting off his career 27-1, but needed another year to crack the promotion zone. His juryo results since then have shown he belongs, but they've been far from spectacular. Chiyoshoma had the more organic rise through the rankings, having started at age 17, and his roughly four years spent in makushita aren't unusual for talented rikishi. His push into juryo came a bit out of nowhere with a five-KK streak totalling 25-10, but the clinching back-to-back 6-1's made it clear he'd outgrown that level of competition, and it's arguably not a surprise that he's holding his own in high juryo now six months later.

Haru / Tier 1:

Rikishi	Heya	DOB	Debut	HiRk	2015.05	2015.07	2015.09	2015.11	2016.01	2016.03
Sato	Takanohana	1996/08/05 (3)	2014.09	Ms7	Ms55e 6-1	Ms27w 4-3	Ms21w 6-1 D	Ms7w 3-4	Ms13w 4-3	Ms9e 7-0 Y

Haru / Tier 3:

Rikishi	Heya	DOB	Debut	HiRk	2015.05	2015.07	2015.09	2015.11	2016.01	2016.03
Ura	Kise	1992/06/22 (53)	2015.03	Ms2	Jk9w 7-0 Y	Jd10e 7-0 D	Sd18w 5-2	Ms54w 7-0 D	Ms8w 6-1 D	Ms2w 6-1

These two guys I probably don't need to say much about anymore. :-) Sato's promotion has seen him take over as the youngest active sekitori, ending Onosho's reign as the Tier 1 Hopefuls yardstick after 8 basho.

Edited May 31, 2016 by Asashosakari

[Asashosakari 19,357]

Part 2, recently decommissioned or retired prospects:

Kyushu / Tier 3:

Rikishi	Heya	DOB	Debut	HiRk	2015.01	2015.03	2015.05	2015.07	2015.09	2015.11
Masunoumi	Chiganoura	1991/11/12 (61)	2010.01	Ms6	Ms17e 3-4	Ms23w 2-5	Ms39e 4-3	Ms31e 4-3	Ms24e 4-3	Ms16w 1-6
Onami	Arashio	1991/12/29 (57)	2009.11	Ms20	Ms22w 3-4	Ms28w 3-4	Ms37w 3-4	Ms48e 6-1	Ms21e 3-4	Ms30e 4-3
Kotofukujuno	Sadogatake	1991/12/14 (60)	2007.03	Ms17	Ms57w 4-3	Ms50e 3-4	Sd3e 4-3	Ms52w 5-2	Ms33e 0-7	Sd8w 6-1
Yoshifuji	Isegahama	1991/12/25 (58)	2010.01	Ms52	Sd27w 3-4	Sd42w 4-3	Sd25w 4-3	Sd14w 4-3	Sd4e 1-6	Sd41e 4-3

Masunoumi retired, the others turned 24 without having made the Tier 4 ranking cutoff. (Masunoumi himself would have gone to Tier 4 after the basho.)

Masunoumi might have eventually made it to juryo for a short spell if he had stuck with it for a few more years (24 is hardly the typical peak age after all), but his career has to rate as a disappointment all things considered, as he came in as one of the top high-schoolers of the time when he made his debut in 2010. After getting to high makushita as quickly as can be expected of high school debutants, he just never managed to break out in the following four years. Perhaps a cautionary tale about talents who arrive with a very good physique already in place, as he sported essentially the same build at the end as he did on debut.

Spoiler: We haven't seen the last of Onami ;-) although his lack of weight will continue to make things difficult for him. Kotofukujuno looked like a very credible prospect for a while, reaching the upper half of makushita at age 20, but whatever injury he had three years ago has seemingly turned him into little more than a Ms-Sd elevator rikishi. As time moves on it's becoming less and less likely that he'll recapture the magic, so I wouldn't bet on him even making a Tier 4 appearance, let alone reaching juryo. Last not least, Yoshifuji never really went anywhere after his makushita debut, which itself came at the pretty advanced age of 22, so no real prospect lost here.

Kyushu / Tier 4:

Rikishi	Heya	DOB	Debut	HiRk	2015.01	2015.03	2015.05	2015.07	2015.09	2015.11
Daishoryu	Oitekaze	1989/12/29 (72)	2005.09	Ms12	Ms16e 3-4	Ms22w 4-3	Ms19e 2-5	Ms39w 4-3	Ms31w 4-3	Ms22e 4-3

Now, not making it to juryo before turning 26 isn't a complete career death sentence (Asabenkei demonstrated that recently), but in general it becomes quite hard as the performance peak isn't far off anymore at that age. Consequently I'd be quite surprised if Daishoryu gets to put on the kesho in the future, especially as he isn't even established in the makushita-joi area; his sole appearance above Ms15 (which qualified him for inclusion here) is now almost two years in the past.

Hatsu / Tier 3:

Rikishi	Heya	DOB	Debut	HiRk	2015.03	2015.05	2015.07	2015.09	2015.11	2016.01
Hakunishiki	Kasugayama	1992/01/13 (61)	2007.03	Ms20	Ms20w 1-6	Ms48w 3-4	Ms58e 6-1	Ms27w 2-5	Ms45w 2-5	Sd6e 4-3
Kototsubasa	Sadogatake	1992/02/23 (59)	2007.03	Ms59	Sd26w 3-4	Sd48e 4-3	Sd32w 3-4	Sd50w 4-3	Sd33w 1-6	Sd66w 4-3
Tochinokuni	Kasugano	1992/02/21 (60)	2007.03	Ms58	Sd37e 4-3	Sd23e 5-2	Ms58w 1-6	Sd32e 3-4	Sd51w 0-0-7	Jd11w 2-5

Can't imagine we'll see anything more of these three guys. (Tochinokuni has since retired anyway.) Kototsubasa is another Yoshifuji-type rikishi with a pretty late makushita debut that he then failed to build upon - for a short guy who weighed only 71 kg on his debut he's made it quite far, so no shame in the career he's had, but I doubt he'll get much further as he just doesn't have the physique for it (current weight 108 kg according to his Kyokai profile). Tochinokuni had a similarly unspectacular career, and was apparently felled by injury in recent months, leading to his retirement after Natsu basho. He did finish his career with a slightly better career-high rank than his older brother.

Hakunishiki's the clear top guy from this bunch, having reached the makushita ranks back as a 19-year-old, but other than a brief peak in late 2014/early 2015 he's been having the quintessential look of a career makushita guy since then. Weight is arguably the issue here as well as 122 kg just doesn't cut it in upper makushita if you're not a technical marvel.

Hatsu / Tier 4:

Rikishi	Heya	DOB	Debut	HiRk	2015.03	2015.05	2015.07	2015.09	2015.11	2016.01
Mankajo	Kasugayama	1990/02/10 (70)	2005.03	Ms6	Sd12e 5-2	Ms49w 5-2	Ms29e 3-4	Ms37w 3-4	Ms48e 3-4	Ms55w 4-3

Ah, Mankajo. For a guy who was blessed with weight and not much else, he's arguably managed to go as far as he could. It's probably okay to assume by now that the goat is safe, as he has clearly fallen back from his makushita-joi peak two years ago and looks unlikely to stage another assault on the high ranks.

Haru / Tier 2:

Rikishi	Heya	DOB	Debut	HiRk	2015.05	2015.07	2015.09	2015.11	2016.01	2016.03
Daichi	Shikoroyama	1994/07/15 (27)	2010.03	Ms51	Sd6e 4-3	Ms55e 2-5	Sd16w 3-4	Sd35e 4-3	Sd19e 5-2	Ms56w 0-0-7

A rare Tier 2 departure courtesy of Daichi's retirement. Not a clue what prompted the 21-year-old's intai as he was doing well right until his exit. He was no blue-chip prospect though, having been only a couple of months away from dropping to Tier 3, so chances are Ozumo hasn't missed out on a future sekitori here.

Haru / Tier 3:

Rikishi	Heya	DOB	Debut	HiRk	2015.05	2015.07	2015.09	2015.11	2016.01	2016.03
Tomisakae	Isegahama	1992/04/11 (59)	2008.03	Ms37	Sd7e 5-2	Ms44w 4-3	Ms37e 3-4	Ms46w 3-4	Ms53e 4-3	Ms46e 3-4
Aoi	Shikoroyama	1992/04/02 (60)	2008.03	Ms49	Sd27e 4-3	Sd15w 4-3	Sd5e 4-3	Ms55w 3-4	Sd7e 4-3	Ms58e 1-6
Mitozakura	Azumazeki	1992/04/16 (58)	2008.03	Ms55	Sd43e 3-4	Sd59w 3-4	Sd77e 5-2	Sd44e 6-1	Ms55e 3-4	Sd7w 4-3

Another couple of rikishi who are unlikely to be making further waves. Tomisakae is an interesting watch as an undersized oshi machine (168 cm / 118 kg / nearly 75% wins by oshidashi/taoshi), but he'll find it hard to get much further than he has. Mitozakura only reached makushita in January (and will also appear as a "newcomer" in part 3 because of that) and just doesn't look like much of a prospect, nor does Aoi with his combined makushita record of 6-15 to date.

Haru / Tier 4:

Rikishi	Heya	DOB	Debut	HiRk	2015.05	2015.07	2015.09	2015.11	2016.01	2016.03
Kairyu	Dewanoumi	1990/03/01 (70)	2005.03	Ms2	Ms22e 4-3	Ms16w 5-2	Ms7w 4-3	Ms5e 4-3	Ms2e 1-6	Ms21w 4-3

And finally, one of the more frustrating prospects to watch over the last few years. A makushita yusho winner at age 22 four years ago, Kairyu has been a steady presence in the top ranks ever since, and has even been nearly in juryo once - in Aki 2013 he lost his final bout to a juryo opponent to finish 3-4 at Ms3w, with a lower-ranked rikishi eventually getting promoted with 4 wins. His results have been up and down since then, with the latest upswing just half a year ago (4-3 at Ms5e, albeit from 1-3 down so not really in the promotion race). Outside of Aoiyama he's the best rikishi from the former Tagonoura-beya which was closed after the unexpected death of its shisho in early 2012, and it would be nice to see him make good on his career, but I'm increasingly losing hope.

[orandashoho 720]

Thank you for your report. I have a banzuke now thanks to John, and I am trying to read it, but there are many guys of whose progress I know nothing at all, so all information is welcome!

[Yubinhaad 11,701]

There was an article about Onami during the Natsu basho, which said that after the Hatsu basho he employed the services of a "mental trainer" (which I presume means a sports psychologist in this context) at his own expense. The effect was felt in the Haru basho where, after losing his opening two bouts, he won the next five.

Obviously I really hope he makes it as a sekitori since he's in my heya of supported rikishi, but also because upon reaching Juryo he wants to revive the shikona of his grandfather, former Komusubi Wakabayama. As mentioned by Asashosakari, what is holding him back is gaining weight - that was noted as far back as 2011 when there were articles about Fukushima-born rikishi in the aftermath of the tsunami and nuclear crisis which affected the prefecture.