Live- 33rd all Japan Senior High school selection something

[Kintamayama 44,499]

It's live and from Aomori. The winner of the finals was Hanada (Wakayama Shougyou)- I wonder if he is related to THE Hanadas.. Loser was Dawarninj(?) from Tottori Jouhoku, of course, probably Mongolian. Ichinojou won this tournament 7 years ago.

Team finals: Minoshima - Tottori  Jouhoku. Winners- Tottori by 2-1. They have a massive guy who looks like Musashimaru-and this kid is still in high school - we may have another Ichinojou joining soon.. He looks easily 180 kilos.

 

Edited February 9, 2019 by Kintamayama

[Katooshu 3,144]

Hanada hasnt won either of the major tournaments but he's been cleaning up these other national ones, with this being his 4th yusho after winning Kochi, Kanazawa, and Usa (plus the junior world championships and the Kansai title). I think Towada is the only national tournament he hasn't won other than the major 2. We may see him pro this time next year, as he's stated he wants to be the first yokozuna from Wakayama. No relation to the Taka/Wakas I believe but still a good pedigree, with both parents excelling at grappling sports.

The huge guy is Shingo Mukainakanao, who was already 165kg in middle school and is still in his first year of high school. His teammate Dawarinji (or however it's spelt) also looks like a giant, though in a different respect. I've never seen a height listing for him, but he looks like he could be 195cm+. His sumo I find highly unattractive but it's been working well against generally much shorter opponents he can still get good leverage on with a double overarm grip.

Edited February 10, 2019 by Katooshu

[mikawa 1,794]

This tournament doesn't usually feature any final year high school students, so it's a good chance to see what the high school sumo scene might be like for the next year.

Hanada is probably the best high school rikishi now that Saito Daisuke is about to graduate, and Tottori Johoku are now an even stronger team without their current captain Toma Tsuguto. In fact, I'd even go as far as to say that Tottori Johoku are now a stronger team than Saitama Sakae.

Mukainakano Shingo is easily the strongest rikishi in his year group, though I've not seen much of him technique-wise. Dawaaninji might be of Mongolian descent, but he grew up in Hokkaido.

[mikawa 1,794]

That leaves only 2 tournaments remaining on the amateur calendar for Heisei 30, with the 9th Hakuho Cup being held tomorrow (yes, it's a Monday, but it's also a national holiday in Japan because of Foundation Day). There will be live coverage on YouTube, link available in Akinomaki's post.

[El Buen Rikishi 1]

I would keep an eye on Dawaaninji... This kid has flown a little bit under the radar but this year his sumo looks very very solid. It will be very exciting to follow him next year.

Thank you for the posts!!