Haru 2023 discussion (results)

[Akinomaki 40,348]

Osaka local Fujigane presented the quite creative Haru basho poster on the 14th, his 58th birthday

General sales start on Feb. 5th, 10a.m. JST on the web and 7/11 convenience stores

Edited March 11, 2023 by Akinomaki

[sahaven111 176]

Would that be Wakatakakage v. Ura?

[Morning 78]

Ura is fitting very well with cherry blossom season.

[Benihana 1,929]

Beautiful artwork. I hope this becomes a trend.

[Akinomaki 40,348]

The gomen fuda for the basho was put in place today - the Osaka team with head Isenoumi, left Takasaki and  Fujigane, right Onomatsu

o o o o

vid

After 4 years a basho without specatator limitations in Osaka again - 7200 of a possible 7400 can come, reductions only due to the usual special tickets o

Edited February 15, 2023 by Akinomaki

[Akinomaki 40,348]

After 662 days J1 Asanoyama will appear in makuuchi again, on day 1 vs. Mitoryu, thanks to Terunofuji being kyujo. Last time he faced Mitoryu was as amateur, in the sf of the 2015 All Japan championships, which then Turbold won.  o

dohyo matsuri tomorrow

Most days are completely sold out, only a few tickets left for the other 5 days, another step back back to normal

Grand Front Osaka symbol character Ted Hyber in sumo style again for the basho - no Umekita basho extra event like last year though

On 26/02/2022 at 15:44, Akinomaki said:

dai-yokozuna Ted Hyber(t) テッド・イベール (tedd-y-bear)

o o

there was a chanko PR event with oyakata a month ago in Toyonaka, Osaka

  o o o

 

Basho PR goods at the Otori-taisha in Sakai, where Arashio-beya has its lodgings, showing Wakatakakage

o o o

Edited March 10, 2023 by Akinomaki

[Akinomaki 40,348]

After 4 years in Osaka the dohyo matsuri was open to the public again - but still without the sanyaku rikishi  - about 150 came to watch

o o o o o o o o o o oo

o

Osaka team top Isenoumi  interviewed afterwards

o

 

The basho is almost back to normal after 4 years again, from day 2 on masks are voluntary, as the government proposed, cheering is allowed, all 15 days are expected to have the man-in onrei banners down o

Edited March 12, 2023 by Akinomaki

[Akinomaki 40,348]

On 10/03/2023 at 10:44, Akinomaki said:

After 662 days J1 Asanoyama will appear in makuuchi again, on day 1 vs. Mitoryu, thanks to Terunofuji being kyujo. Last time he faced Mitoryu was as amateur, in the sf of the 2015 All Japan championships, which then Turbold won.  o

The bout in addition to the standard kensho for the first bout by Mochikichi has 3 kensho from Nagatanien https://www.sumo.or.jp/pdf/honbasho/kansen/torikumi/2303_01.pdf

Some extra incentive for Asanoyama and another sign for his popularity

 

Anideshi Asadaimon and ex-tsukebito Asakishin root for him in Asadaimon's restaurant Jingis Khan Hitsuji in Toyanaka, Osaka

o

 

A giant chirashi-zushi cake as support for Asanoyama (and others) by the locals o

[Kaninoyama 1,777]

The biggest story of this basho will be seeing what percentage of attendees choose to go maskless from Monday. 

Edited March 11, 2023 by Kaninoyama

[Yamanashi 3,836]

1 hour ago, Kaninoyama said:

The biggest story of this basho will be seeing what percentage of attendees choose to go maskless from Monday. 

 ... and I guess Which heya will he choose? will be second.  Does Will Takakeisho make Yokozuna? make the top 10?

[since_94 650]

We’re already well underway in Osaka, and  Abema camera operators seem particularly keen to show foreign spectators, none of whom are wearing masks. I’m not reading anything into this as it’s nothing new and the crowd is predictably sparse for jonokuchi morning bouts.

Super excited for this basho. Don’t think Takakeisho is going to take it. Would like to see Kiribayama or Hoshoryu yusho. Also hope Tochinoshin can battle his way back into Makuuchi. Here’s hoping for an energized and safe tournament!

[Akinomaki 40,348]

Tochinoshin is not looking good in the dohyoiri, both feet taped and not walking steady.

Ochiai with a hairstyle probably never seen in a dohyoiri 

[Kaninoyama 1,777]

Kitanofuji will NOT be on on the mic for NHK commentary duties for Day 1 as he always is. Ex-Tochiozan will take his place. 

That doesn't sound good. Hope he's OK.

Update: Kitanofuji will be kyujo for the entire Osaka basho. No reason given. 

Edited March 12, 2023 by Kaninoyama

[maglor 122]

2 hours ago, Akinomaki said:

Tochinoshin is not looking good in the dohyoiri, both feet taped and not walking steady.

Ochiai with a hairstyle probably never seen in a dohyoiri 

Endo, Mitakeumi, and Ichinojo all made it to Juryo in their 3rd bashos, so it's not so crazy

[Kaninoyama 1,777]

The entire venue thought their hometown hero Ura had lost--and then erupted in a surprised cheer when the gyoji turned and pointed the war fan at him for the win. 

Edited March 12, 2023 by Kaninoyama

[WAKATAKE 2,655]

7 hours ago, since_94 said:

We’re already well underway in Osaka, and  Abema camera operators seem particularly keen to show foreign spectators, none of whom are wearing masks. I’m not reading anything into this as it’s nothing new and the crowd is predictably sparse for jonokuchi morning bouts.

Super excited for this basho. Don’t think Takakeisho is going to take it. Would like to see Kiribayama or Hoshoryu yusho. Also hope Tochinoshin can battle his way back into Makuuchi. Here’s hoping for an energized and safe tournament!

I did notice last basho from video that there were Japanese spectators not wearing masks either. That must mean it's not being enforced now

[Thorbjarn 215]

Who had Shodai bulldozing out Hoshoryu like it was nothing? Whoever you are, I hope you did put some money down for that one. 

Ochiai winning... I think I heard a collective sigh of relief from the GSB guys. 

[Kaninoyama 1,777]

1 hour ago, WAKATAKE said:

I did notice last basho from video that there were Japanese spectators not wearing masks either. That must mean it's not being enforced now

Those in the masu-seki where eating is permitted may have had their masks down while eating and drinking, which was ostensibly permitted. 

I expect far fewer masks tomorrow compared to today in the crowd, though many will still continue masking out of caution and habit, not to mention pollen allergy avoidance. 

[Hankegami 532]

Good Haru basho and Day 1 to everyone!

First of all, a word about our veterans down in Juryo. At a first glance, both Asanoyama and Ichinojo appear in good shape and the single favorites to grab the Juryo yusho. Tochinoshin was helpless against Snorlax, but we have yet to see him against your average Juryo contender. He's likely out of yusho contention, anyway. Perhaps Ochiai can insert himself into contention, but he was virtually still in Makushita today so it's difficult to predict. He's against longtime Makushita Tamashoho even tomorrow, so we will have to wait a few days to understand how good he can fare in the second division.

Up to Makuuchi, my rule of the thumb is that, if a wrestler wins despite a unfavorable record, he's in a good shape. This description today suited Tsurugisho, who rag-dolled Chiyoshoma despite a 4-6 precedent; Daishoho, who jeeted out Kotoeko despite a 6-8 record; Nishikifuji, coming with a 2-3 record against Myogiryu; Midorifuji, who turned tables on an unfavorable 1-5 against Kotohoho; our Lord and Savior Shodai, who uplifted the meek defying his 3-6 record against Hoshoryu; and the Ironman himself, Tamawashi, who grabbed his win in a hard-fought match against Wakatakakage and their 2-7 record. Of course I don't expect all of them to go 10+, but Tsurugisho appears certainly determined to get his KK and keep his Maakuchi spot (really, I was impressed by the way he handled Chiyoshoma), and also the others could bounce up nicely.

Anyway, both Shodai and Tamawashi appeared really warlike, although in both cases there are a couple big ifs. Shodai, for one, was against Hoshoryu, the guy who injured his ankle last basho. I assume he's ok now, but I wait until tomorrow to be sure. Anyway, Shodai was really on the offensive today. Must have realized that a Maakuchi pay is not enough for his luxurious lifestyle  Tamawashi is actually a bad client for Wakatakakage, who lost principally because Tamawashi broke his belt grip on the rope and pulled him down. His unwillingness to walk out was however remarkable. Even though it's really too soon to predict Yusho candidates, both M1 looked on their good way up to San'yaku for May.

Who is NOT doing great is Takakeisho, who got Monkey'd for the second third* time in a row. The Hamster had to win this bout, and he knew that. In Hatsu he lost three bouts: against Tobizaru on Day 2, Kotonowaka on Day 11, and Kiribayama on Day 12. Of those three, the only one fully excusable is Kiribayama, while he once used to own both the Monkey and Four Tits. Even worse, the other two both looked good and could be fully capable to own the Hamster once again. Also, there are other bothersome contenders, such as Tamawashi, against whom Takakeisho will go tomorrow. If good 'ole Ironman will refuse to go out like he did today, Takakeisho could end up out of gas - and lose.

To resume, Yusho-wise I'd name a few good perspectives (sure, it's Day 1, so take it with a Terutsuyoshi-sized pinch of salt): Shodai, who has to pay his bills; Kiribayama, who really wants his Ozeki rank; and Takayasu, clearly on his way to plow through the middle Makuuchi. Takakeisho can still pull it off, but if anyone puts the Yusho bar at 13-2 he's in trouble. Outside chances, IMHO, can be opened for Kotonowaka, who for a change started out with a win; Wakatakakage, who looked solid despite his loss; and Hoshoryu, if his ankle is healed. Well, not like I predicted the unpredictable, isn't it?

Last note, a few guys worried me. Takarafuji today won but seemed out of gas, he basically danced on the ropes all the time until he managed to turn the tables somehow. Meisei was literally ran over by Onosho, nowhere to be seen. And Mitakeumi just gave up after his first charge failed. Not looking good at all.

*Many thanks to @Jakusotsu

Edited March 12, 2023 by Hankegami

[Jakusotsu 5,953]

15 minutes ago, Hankegami said:

Who is NOT doing great is Takakeisho, who got Monkey'd for the second time in a row.

*cough cough* - make that third time in a row!

[Hankegami 532]

2 minutes ago, Jakusotsu said:

*cough cough* - make that third time in a row!

Damn Hamster, I think too good of him. Or perhaps Tobizaru is his lucky charm to get 12-3. Good for the Monkey, though.

[Akinomaki 40,348]

No spectator limit this time after 4 years, with full capacity of 7190 today, full house banners down also after 4 years again

o

 

Nishonoseki in his Sponichi column this morning called for caution towards the difficult opponent - Hatsu basho:

o

this time:

o

[hakutorizakura 628]

Hey it's basho time again! Are we going to see Shodai in beast mode throughout the basho? The Hamster cannot make anymore mistake, although I'm worried he's spent after the last two basho... We'll see.

[Kaioshoryu 63]

Pretty terrible day of sumo this was.

[The Fat Cyclist 31]

Better than a day with no sumo though. Also I noticed quite a few people not bothering with masks. As others have said it will be interesting to see how that goes during the basho