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Grand Sumo 2025 January Tournament Day4

 It was an excellent bout and very enjoyable to watch. 

TAKANOSHO - HOSHORYU 


Hoshoryu had a strong tachi-ai (initial charge) and maintained good flow throughout the match. However, Takanosho showed remarkable determination, refusing to back down even when in a disadvantageous position.

The pivoting movement he made when he was cornered against the tawara (bales on the edge of the dohyo) on the far side was particularly impressive. This turned the tide of the match in Takanosho’s favor.

In the end, though, Hoshoryu secured the victory with his incredible athleticism and the exceptional strength of his lower body, snatching the win in dramatic fashion.


TAKAYASU - URA


Wow, that was surprising! A tsutaezori (Under arm forward body drop)—and not just any tsutaezori, but one executed so beautifully! Watching the match, it was clear that Ura was aiming for a sori-waza (Backwards body drop). Still, I thought, “There’s no way this will work against Takayasu.” But this was truly a display of Ura’s mastery as a waza-shi (a technician of sumo techniques).

That said, I can’t help but wonder—was this really a sori-waza? It looked more like a nage-waza (throwing technique) to me. Either way, it was an incredible move that thrilled the crowd.

As for Takayasu, I think his morote-tsuki (double-hand thrust) at the tachi-ai was an attempt to keep Ura from getting inside, where he could unleash his array of techniques. However, Ura’s low tachi-ai rendered it ineffective, causing Takayasu to miss entirely.

Using a kachi-age (upward forearm thrust) at the tachi-ai, followed by a strong thrust to push Ura away, might have been more effective. I hope to see such a strategy in their next matchup.


TAMAWASHI - TAKERUFUJI


Over the past three days, both rikishi have delivered outstanding performances, so I was really looking forward to this bout. And once again, it was a surprising match.

Tamawashi, at 40 years old, continues to show incredible aggression, securing four straight wins since the opening day. It’s truly impressive. Takerufuji, on the other hand, challenged Tamawashi—known as a tsuki-oshi (thrusting and pushing) specialist—by engaging in a tsuki-oshi duel. However, it was Takerufuji who ultimately backed away from the pressure of Tamawashi’s thrusts.

Although Takerufuji suffered his first loss, I still expect him to stay in the yusho (championship) race until the final stages of the tournament.


Kotozakura lost to his nemesis, Kirishima, putting his Yokozuna promotion bid in a very difficult position. With 11 bouts remaining, I hope he can reset his mindset and deliver bold, aggressive sumo.

Onosato suffered a defeat against Abi, marking a losing streak against him. Each time, Onosato loses in a similar manner, being sidestepped after leaning too far forward. In their next encounter, I’d like to see a strategy that makes us think, “He’s come prepared this time.”

Terunofuji was also defeated by Tobizaru. It was a clash between Terunofuji, who was determined to get a grip, and Tobizaru, who absolutely refused to be caught. Although Tobizaru came close to being locked in several times, he kept moving and never allowed it. 


In the end, when Terunofuji almost managed to trap Tobizaru’s right arm, Tobizaru used his elbow to push , which proved to be decisive.




Written by 小柳公寿


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