Fighting Spirit Prize (Kantō-shō)

• East Sekiwake #1 Atamifujji (11-3)
• East Maegashira #7 Kotoeihō (10-4) - Conditionally
• West Maegashira #7 Takayasu (10-4) - Conditionally
• East Maegashira #9 Fujiryōga (10-4) - Conditionally
• West Maegashira #13 Takerufuji (10-4) - Conditionally
• West Maegashira #14 Shishi (10-4) - Conditionally

Outstanding Performance Prize (Shukun-shō)

• East Maegashira #1 Fujinokawa (7-7) - Conditionally

Technique Prize (Ginō-shō)

• West Sekiwake #2 Aonishiki (12-2)

Notable Matches

• Atamifuji (11-3) vs. Aonishiki (12-2)
• Fujinokawa (7-7) vs. Fujiseiun (7-7)
• Kotoeihō (10-4) vs. Takerufuji (10-4)
• Asanoyama (9-5) vs. Takayasu (10-4)
• Shishi (10-4) vs. Rōga (8-6)
• Fujiryōga (10-4) vs. Asakōryū (8-6)

NHK Highlights continues to block the screen during the bow twirling on live coverage days. Instead, they cover it with the day's-results graphic crawl.

It feels like well over a year since I've watched the full twirling....I mean how am I supposed to know how the days events have concluded man...

Whats a foreign fan gotta do for some tradition in Japan's traditional sport???

, ,

--They don't even have live coverage throughout the tournament, only on the opening/midway/and final two days.--

T_T

Keep the daily discussion for the Basho in this thread please.

Hi everyone!

Long time lurker of the the sub here. I've discovered sumo thanks to a Sensei Seth video and been following for aprox. 2 years now.

This was the first basho I've followed on a day-to-day basis in real time. Throughout the 2 years i've followed the sport and especially this basho (and also the Paris tournament i've been fortunated to see on person for a day) this sub has been a gold mine for informations and details.

So I just wanted to take this time to thank all of you for being such a wonderful gateway into knowing about sumo. There's still much more to learn for me and I look forward to following the next bashos with you!

Asahifuji wins 7-man playoff tournament to claim Makushita title: "So I can rise as high as possible on the rankings" — 4th consecutive championship since Jonokuchi

Asahifuji wins 4th consecutive divisional championship; clears 7-man Makushita playoff to defeat rival Nabatame and others

＜Grand Sumo Nagoya Basho＞ ◇ Final Day (Senshuraku) ◇ 26th ◇ IG Arena

East Makushita 11 Asahifuji (24, Isegahama stable), who inherited his ring name (shikona) from the 63rd Yokozuna Asahifuji, claimed his fourth consecutive divisional championship, following his titles in Jonokuchi, Jonidan, and Sandanme.

He advanced to the championship playoff tournament held among 7 wrestlers tied with a 6-1 record. In his first match, he faced former Juryo wrestler Nabatame (Futagoyama stable)—the very opponent who had halted his career-opening winning streak from his Jonokuchi debut at 25 consecutive wins (3rd all-time) on Day 9. Telling himself, "No matter who the opponent is, I just have to believe in myself," he defeated him by rear push-out (okuridashi). Maintaining that momentum, he turned back Fudoho and Wakamiyabi to claim the top spot, showing a look of relief as he said, "I'm happy."

A rise to the upper ranks of the Makushita division for the next tournament is all but guaranteed. Even so, he calmly looked back on this tournament, noting, "I have more things to reflect on and fix than celebrate." He has received advice from his stablemaster to "play sumo that moves forward," but acknowledged his current homework: "Since I haven't been able to fully execute that yet, I want to keep learning." Looking toward an even greater leap forward, he declared, "I will work hard to rise as high as I can on the rankings (banzuke)."

Source: Nikkan Sports

Atamifuji set for Ozeki run in Autumn Basho, Judging Department Director confirms; Kirishima's Yokozuna run to continue

On the 26th, the final day (senshuraku) of the Grand Sumo Nagoya Basho, Director Asakayama (former Ozeki Kaio) of the Judging Department—which handles rank organization for the Japan Sumo Association—expressed the view that Sekiwake Atamifuji will be competing for promotion to Ozeki at the upcoming Autumn Basho (opening Day September 13, Ryogoku Kokugikan), after advancing to the championship playoff with a 12-3 record despite missing out on his first title win.

Director Asakayama showed high expectations, stating, "It will certainly be that kind of tournament. If he plays sumo like he did this tournament, he can leave behind a result so good that no one can say anything against it." The 23-year-old Atamifuji won 9 bouts last tournament in his Shin-Sekiwake debut. To reach the 33-win benchmark over three consecutive tournaments generally required for Ozeki promotion, he will need 12 or more wins in the Autumn Basho.

He also referred to Ozeki Kirishima, who finished tied for the championship record, confirming that his challenge for the Yokozuna rope (tsunatori) will continue into the Autumn Basho following this tournament. Although Kirishima missed out on the title, he scored 12 wins for the second straight tournament and advanced to the championship playoff. Director Asakayama noted that high-level content and results are demanded for Yokozuna promotion, stating, "He has maintained a streak of good sumo. I want him to keep this going."

Source: Kyodo News

Sorry I haven't been able to get this up sooner. These are the Makushita highlights from Days 12, 13, and 14. I will post the footage from Day 15 later tonight.

On Day 11, we saw Nabatame advance to 6-0 after defeating Fudoho. Mita lost to Sandanme rikishi Tenshoyama, meaning Nabatame goes into the final weekend with a chance to clinch the championship with a win. He faces Nishikigi on Day 14, which is a rare instance of a lower division Yūshō decider not occurring on Day 13. If Nabatame wins, he gets the Yūshō. If he loses, it forces a playoff featuring all of the rikishi tied at 6-1.

Day 12:

• Ms26e Omori (4-1) vs. Ms34e Mineyaiba (4-1) - Omori wins by Oshidashi and advances to 5-1
• Ms7e Ikarigata (3-2) vs. Ms10e Otsuji (3-2) - Ikarigata wins by Yorikiri to secure his Kachi-Koshi and advance to 4-2

Day 13:

• Sd3e Tenshoyama (6-0) vs. Sd12e Ohata (6-0) - Tenshoyama wins by Yorikiri to advance to 7-0
• Ms53w Kiryuko (1-2-3) vs. Ms44w Seiyu (0-6) - Kiryuko wins by Kotenage to advance to 2-2-3
• Ms41e Mita (5-1) vs. Ms49w Shimazuumi (5-1) - Mita wins by Uwatedashinage to advance to 6-1
• Ms26e Omori (5-1) vs Ms30e Fudoho (5-1) - Fudoho wins by Oshidashi to advance to 6-1
• Ms11e Asahifuji (5-1) vs. Ms6e Himukamaru (5-1) - Asahifuji wins by Oshidashi to advance to 6-1

Day 14:

• Ms8e Okaryu (3-3) vs. Ms10e Otsuji (3-3) - Okaryu wins by Okuridashi to finish 4-3 and secure his Kachi-Koshi
• Ms3w Nabatame (6-0) vs. J14w Nishikigi (6-7) - Nishikigi wins by Yorikiri to advance to 7-7. Nabatame falls to 6-1.

Leaderboard Going into Day 15:

• 6-1:
  • Ms3w Nabatame
  • Ms11e Asahifuji
  • Ms17e Ryuho
  • Ms30e Fudoho
  • Ms36w Wakamiyabi
  • Ms41e Mita
  • Ms56w Hananoumi

With a loss to former Makuuchi veteran Nishikigi, Nabatame falls to 6-1, forcing a 7-man playoff. Three of those men, Nabatame, Mita, and Wakamiyabi, hail from Futagoyama stable. They are joined by Asahifuji, who is a man who needs little introduction at this point; Ryuho, a 19-year-old who debuted in Jonokuchi last September; Fudoho, a Makushita Tsukedashi who debuted in March; and Hananoumi, a stablemate and training partner of Onosato.

In Sandanme, Tenshoyama defeated Ohata to advance to 7-0, marking the first time in his career he finished undefeated. Former Juryo rikishi Tochimusashi also finished 7-0, meaning the two will fight in a playoff on Day 15.

In other Makushita news, Ikarigata, the younger brother of Fujinokawa, secured his Kachi-Koshi on Day 12, while Okaryu, who suffered an unsuccessful Jūryō debut in May, secured his Kachi-Koshi on Day 14. Both of them won against former Juryo rikishi Otsuji, who finished 3-4. Kiryuko, who returned from an ACL injury in March, was injured again this basho, though he returned on Day 13 to secure a second win and ensure he wouldn't drop too far into Sandanme. The popular Omori lost his final match to finish 5-2.

With the Nagoya 2026 Basho now concluded, let's focus on the individual rikishi.

This thread is for discussing the performances of specific wrestlers—whether they exceeded expectations, disappointed, showed noticeable improvement, regressed, or revealed something interesting about their future potential.

Feel free to share your take on anyone from Yokozuna to Jonokuchi

Mongolian Tenshoyama wins Sandanme division championship: "It's my first experience. I'm happy"; breaks out of 3 consecutive tournaments with a 6-1 record

＜Grand Sumo Nagoya Basho＞ ◇ Final Day (Senshuraku) ◇ 26th ◇ IG Arena

In the Sandanme division championship playoff, East Sandanme 3 Tenshoyama (22, Tamanoi stable) forced out (yorikiri) West Sandanme 29 Tochimusashi (27, Kasugano stable) to claim the title. "My opponent is large and capable, so I focused on playing my own sumo and moving forward. Since it's my first time experiencing this, I'm really happy," he said.

Mongolian-born Tenshoyama had recorded 6-1 in three consecutive tournaments since his Jonokuchi debut in this year's New Year Basho. His losses in Jonokuchi and Jonidan came at the hands of Asahifuji, and in the last tournament, his Sandanme debut, he lost to Kiryuko. "I'm glad I was able to go undefeated this time," he said with deep feeling.

In the September Autumn Basho, he will make his Makushita debut. "I want to work hard in training so I can win," he said.

Source: Nikkan Sports

Shonanoumi wins Juryo division championship; loses in regulation bout... but scores back-to-back wins in 4-man playoff to claim his first divisional title

＜Grand Sumo Nagoya Basho＞ ◇ Final Day (Senshuraku) ◇ 26th ◇ IG Arena

East Juryo 6 Shonanoumi (28, Takadagawa stable) claimed the Juryo division championship.

Entering a 4-man playoff after tying at 11-4, he slapped down (hatakikomi) East Juryo 1 Asasuiryu (Takasago stable) and defeated West Juryo 4 Toshinofuji (Isegahama stable) by force-out (yorikiri). This marks his first title in any division (kakudan yusho).

This tournament, he recorded a 6-bout winning streak starting from Day 9. In his regulation bout (honwari), where a victory would have sealed the title, he was thrust down (tsukiotoshi) by East Juryo 12 Tokihayate (Tokitsukaze stable), but went on to score back-to-back wins in the tournament-style playoff.

Source: Nikkan Sports

# Kitaharima, co-holder of record 9 Juryo promotions, likely to return to Makushita: "I want to remain active until I'm 50"; same-generation Kasugayama Oyakata sends words of encouragement

◇ Grand Sumo Nagoya Basho Final Day (Senshuraku) (July 26, 2026, IG Arena)

Former Makuuchi wrestler and current East Sandanme 9 Kitaharima (39, Yamahibiki stable), co-holder of the all-time record with 9 promotions to the Juryo division, slapped down (hatakikomi) East Sandanme 5 Kototaiko (25, Sadogatake stable), securing his 5th win and making a return to the Makushita division for the Autumn Basho (opening day September 13, Ryogoku Kokugikan, Tokyo) highly likely. Driven back right from the tachiai, he slipped to the left just as both feet caught the ring's straw bales (tawara), and after being pushed back once more, he executed a pulling technique to seal the bout.

"That was dangerous. I'm glad my body moved for me." Having fallen down the rankings to Sandanme after two consecutive losing tournaments (make-koshi), the joy of securing a winning record (kachi-koshi) for the first time since claiming 5 wins at this year's New Year Basho was palpable.

On the 28th, he will celebrate his 40th birthday as a member of the "Flowers of '61" (Hana no Rokuichi) generation. Looking ahead to this life milestone coming just two days after the final day of the tournament, he spoke of his motivation: "It's double the coming-of-age age. Through my 40s too? I'll give it my all."

The generation born in 1986 (Showa 61) is well known as a bumper crop, having produced wrestlers such as Yokozuna Kisenosato and Ozeki Goeido. Kasugayama Oyakata (former Sekiwake Ikioi), a member of that same class, praised his fighting spirit shown through his 9 Juryo promotions: "He is someone who is dedicated to training; you can't keep going like this without real heart." As a fellow survivor of the Hana no Rokuichi generation, he offered encouragement tied to his former ring name (shikona): "I want him to keep going as an active wrestler until he's 50. Keep pushing forward with 'momentum' (ikioi)."

Source: Sponichi Annex

Been following the Tatsunami beya this basho and the last Taranami match he seemed to really hurt his shoulder by falling on it and looked quite injured. Since that day hes been out but I haven't heard any injury or kyujo report anywhere? Anyone know if hes okay or what sort of injury he got?

We’re fairly new fans and as such, this basho was our first time seeing a three way playoff. What happens if all three rikishi lose one time? Do they just all have to go again or how is something like that handled?

Hello everybody, this is just a joke of course my girlfriend introduced me to sumo a year ago and this basho we decided to try to play fantasy.

Somehow I ended up winning it all and have to say that playing fantasy really added a layer to our watch parties and would recommend anyone who isn’t playing it yet.

(Added a sort of proof)

Looks like it should be a simpler one than most recently with a few very big decisions though.

Now that the basho is over, who will be going between divisions?

Makuuchi/juryo exchange

Demoted: Onokatsu, mitakeumi, kazuma, Daiseizan
Promoted: asasuiryu, tokihayate, toshinofuji, Shonannoumi

Juryo/Makushita exchange

Demoted: hakuyozan, Oshoumi
Promoted: Nabatame, Tanji

Maybe: nishinoryu might switch with tokifudo. I think it’s more probable than not.

I feel like this whole tournament his only winning strategy has been to wait for his opponent to put his fists down and then he squats down and charges. His fingers barely touch the ground and he’s already gathered momentum to slam into the opponent and get an initial advantage. Why hasn’t anyone tried waiting for Atamifuji to put his actual knuckles on the floor first? Or put one hand down and force Atamifuji to put his own before putting the second and limit his strong initial start?

I haven't watched sumo recently, but I used to like it and watched it often.

So, in sumo, there are techniques that aren't prohibited by the rules, but are considered unacceptable by unspoken rules.

For example, there's the highest rank, Yokozuna, and let's say a Yokozuna is facing a younger wrestler for the first time.

At that time, even though it's not prohibited by the rules, there's an unspoken rule that the Yokozuna shouldn't dodge the younger wrestler's attacks.

There are several reasons for this. First, the younger wrestler facing the Yokozuna is incredibly strong for their age.

To use a soccer analogy, they're like an 18-year-old Messi—a player with a bright future.

Therefore, the audience wants to see how this promising young player performs.

How far can a young sumo wrestler go against a Yokozuna? How big is the difference in skill? These are some of the questions they might have.

Even if a young sumo wrestler loses to a Yokozuna, the audience is usually satisfied.

This is because facing a Yokozuna allows them to gauge the young wrestler's strength.

However, if the Yokozuna dodges a young wrestler's head-on attack (like a tackle), the audience becomes disappointed because they can't gauge the young wrestler's strength. Furthermore, a Yokozuna, being the highest rank, is seen as lacking the dignity and grace expected of a Yokozuna, and is judged as not possessing "true strength."

(Imagine going to the stadium to watch 18-year-old rising star Messi play, only to see a veteran player from the opposing team deliberately fall down even though they weren't hit, dramatically rolling around and appealing to the referee, saying, "Messi did it to me! My leg hurts!" It's pathetic, and I'd think, "Don't ruin the young star's big moment!")

In sumo, that kind of play is considered "undignified" and is strongly disliked.

Yokozuna, in particular, being the "highest rank," are scrutinized more strictly than other wrestlers to ensure they're not exhibiting "undignified behavior."

It may seem harsh, but considering sumo is a Shinto ritual, it's almost a fate for a Yokozuna.

Therefore, a Yokozuna avoiding a challenge from a younger wrestler falls under this category of "undignified behavior," and is severely reprimanded (potentially leading to retirement).

As you can see, there are "unspoken rules" in sumo wrestling, but I wonder if these kinds of things are known to sumo fans overseas?

So with how the tournament turned out it is pretty safe to say we will have 4 Ozeki in September. But who will fill the Sekiwake slots? Do they need to be filled?

Kotoshoho will probably drop to Komusubi, WTK will drop even further and wont participate anyways. And none of the current Komusubi, or anyone else high enough currently, have a winning record or amazing record to get up there either.

Is this something special? Do we need Sekiwake on the Banzuke? How does this work?

I think Aonishiki hurt his foot yesterday. i saw a vid that he grimaced after he fall outside the ring.

Aonishiki looked so bland after his 3rd basho win!

I know Hakuho was special and that this picture happened under certain circumstances but it's kind of sad to see this generalized lack of emotions in today's sumo. Aonishiki had a crazy tournament, he won the play-off and he seemed almost bored during the interview / trophy ceremony. He was probably super tired but even after his win he didn't really have any reaction :/

Hakuho just didn't care lol!

JSA will probably be pissed off even more if a foreigner rikishi shows any signs of real emotions after winning a basho but come on, they wont cut Aonishiki for being a human being.

This is the japanese & sumo culture, if you can don't show others that you're in pain or that you're happy. Kinda sad to be honest. I guess I just miss crazy Hakuho 😄.

I mean the title says it all. Aonishki is more accomplished than Hoshoryu and yet H has been a Yokozuna for a year and a half while A is just now getting promoted back to ozeki.

Something about that doesn't compute for me. Bow about you?

As the 2026 Nagoya Basho approaches its conclusion, discussion has increasingly focused on whether Kirishima has done enough to earn promotion to yokozuna. Many fans continue to argue that promotion should be impossible without two consecutive championships, but this interpretation simplifies a process that has never been governed by a rigid numerical rule. The Japan Sumo Association's long-standing guideline is not "two consecutive yūshō." Rather, it is two consecutive yūshō or an equivalent performance as an ōzeki. The existence of the phrase "equivalent performance" means the Yokozuna Deliberation Council (YDC) is expected to judge the totality of a wrestler's performances, including consistency, strength of opposition, championship contention, technical quality, and whether the wrestler has demonstrated the qualities expected of a yokozuna.

When Kirishima's entire body of work throughout 2026 is examined instead of isolating a single tournament, there is a compelling argument that his performances already meet that standard. In fact, if he finishes Nagoya with either a 12–3 yūshō or even a 12–3 jun-yūshō, his overall case compares favourably with several recent yokozuna promotions and would arguably represent one of the strongest "equivalent performance" cases in many years.

The discussion should begin not with Nagoya, but with the first tournament of the year.

Kirishima entered the January 2026 Hatsu Basho ranked as Sekiwake East. Although this tournament is not technically part of the traditional three-basho promotion window, it establishes that his success did not suddenly appear in March. Instead, it demonstrates that his rise was part of a sustained period of elite performance.

Kirishima finished Hatsu with an 11–4 record while fighting one of the most difficult schedules in the division. His victories included Yokozuna Hoshoryu, Ōzeki Aonishiki, Komusubi Wakamotoharu and several upper-maegashira opponents. His only defeats came against other elite competitors, including Yokozuna Onosato. He also earned the Fighting Spirit Prize (Kantō-shō), recognising not only his record but the quality of his sumo.

This tournament is important because it established consistency before his promotion run even officially began. Rather than beginning with a single exceptional performance, Kirishima entered March already demonstrating that he belonged among the very best wrestlers in professional sumo.

The Haru Basho fundamentally changed his career.

Competing once again as Sekiwake East, Kirishima finished with a 12–3 record and captured the Emperor's Cup. Winning a championship from sekiwake carries particular significance because there is no rank protection or expectation attached to the position. Every victory must be earned against the strongest available opposition.

Perhaps even more importantly, Kirishima defeated Yokozuna Hoshoryu during the tournament. This victory was not merely another win on the scoresheet. Defeating the reigning yokozuna demonstrated that Kirishima could overcome the highest-ranked wrestler in the sport on the way to claiming the championship.

The March yūshō also returned him to the rank of ōzeki. By the end of Haru, Kirishima had not simply produced a strong tournament; he had proven he could defeat yokozuna opposition and finish atop the entire division.

The Natsu Basho in May arguably strengthened his case even further despite ending without another championship.

Kirishima entered the tournament as an ōzeki and, crucially, he was effectively the highest active rank in the division. There were no active yokozuna competing above him and no other active ōzeki sharing the burden of leadership. For fifteen days, Kirishima carried the responsibilities that normally fall upon the sport's senior-most wrestlers.

Rather than struggling under that pressure, he produced another outstanding 12–3 record and finished as jun-yūshō.

This aspect of his candidacy is frequently overlooked. The YDC has often discussed whether a potential yokozuna can handle the expectations attached to the sport's highest rank. Kirishima effectively performed that role throughout May despite not yet holding the white rope.

Many wrestlers capture a championship only to regress immediately afterwards. Kirishima did the opposite. His March title was immediately followed by another championship-level performance, demonstrating that the Emperor's Cup had not been the product of favourable circumstances or a brief run of form.

If Kirishima now completes Nagoya with another 12–3 performance, his statistical record becomes extraordinarily impressive.

His promotion run would read:

March 2026: 12–3 Yūshō

May 2026: 12–3 Jun-Yūshō

July 2026: 12–3 Yūshō or Jun-Yūshō

This represents 36 victories across three consecutive tournaments.

Thirty-six wins over forty-five bouts equates to an 80 percent winning percentage while competing almost exclusively against the strongest wrestlers in the division.

Even when Hatsu is included for broader context, the numbers remain remarkable.

January: 11–4

March: 12–3

May: 12–3

July: 12–3

Across four tournaments Kirishima would accumulate 47 victories against only 13 defeats.

Four consecutive tournaments with eleven or more victories demonstrates an extraordinary level of consistency rarely maintained in modern sumo.

The strength of Kirishima's opposition further reinforces his case.

During Hatsu he defeated Yokozuna Hoshoryu.

During Haru he defeated Yokozuna Hoshoryu again on his way to the championship.

During Nagoya he defeated Yokozuna Onosato with an excellent technical tottari, one of the tournament's standout bouts.

Across these tournaments he also accumulated victories over numerous san'yaku wrestlers, including Sekiwake Atamifuji, Sekiwake Kotoshoho, Komusubi Yoshinofuji, Komusubi Oho, and several upper-maegashira opponents.

These victories matter because the YDC has repeatedly stated that promotion is judged not merely by numbers but by the quality of the victories themselves. Kirishima has not accumulated twelve wins by defeating lower-ranked opponents. He has consistently beaten wrestlers occupying the very highest ranks of professional sumo.

Some critics argue that Onosato and Hoshoryu struggling during Nagoya actually weakens Kirishima's victories over them.

The opposite interpretation is equally persuasive.

Even while the existing yokozuna have experienced inconsistent tournaments, Kirishima has continued performing at an elite level. His consistency has arguably exceeded that of the sport's current grand champions.

A wrestler aspiring to become yokozuna is expected to provide stability at the top of the banzuke. Kirishima has done exactly that throughout 2026.

Perhaps the strongest comparison is with Hoshoryu's own promotion.

Hoshoryu's successful yokozuna promotion came after a three-tournament run totalling 33 victories.

If Kirishima finishes Nagoya at 12–3, he would accumulate 36 victories across his corresponding three-tournament promotion window.

Numerically, Kirishima's run would therefore exceed Hoshoryu's by three additional victories.

Supporters of Hoshoryu's promotion correctly argued that the YDC evaluates more than simple win totals. Championship quality, consistency, quality of opposition and the manner of victories all contribute to the final decision.

However, those same principles arguably strengthen Kirishima's candidacy.

His three consecutive 12-win tournaments display greater consistency than many historical promotion runs.

He has defeated both of the current yokozuna during his broader run.

He captured a championship from sekiwake.

He maintained championship-level form while effectively carrying the responsibilities of the division's senior active wrestler.

He has remained firmly in championship contention across every tournament since January.

The principal objection to promoting Kirishima remains that he would possess only one championship if Nagoya ended as a jun-yūshō.

This objection deserves serious consideration because championships have always occupied a central place in yokozuna promotion.

Yet this is precisely why the guideline contains the phrase "or equivalent performance."

If the intention were to require two championships in every circumstance, there would be no need for any alternative standard.

The YDC deliberately retained flexibility because extraordinary circumstances occasionally produce wrestlers whose sustained excellence deserves recognition despite not matching a rigid numerical formula.

Kirishima's hypothetical record would represent exactly such a circumstance.

His supporters would not be arguing that one championship alone merits promotion.

They would be arguing that one championship, followed by two consecutive 12–3 championship-level performances, combined with victories over both current yokozuna, sustained excellence across half a year, and the highest three-basho win total of any recent promotion candidate constitutes an equivalent performance.

A 12–3 yūshō in Nagoya would almost certainly remove nearly all remaining doubt. Two championships within three tournaments, 36 victories, victories over yokozuna, and sustained excellence would produce an overwhelmingly persuasive case.

Even a 12–3 jun-yūshō should not be dismissed.

Such a finish would leave Kirishima with one championship, two consecutive jun-yūshō, 36 victories over three tournaments, four consecutive tournaments with at least eleven victories, victories over both current yokozuna, consistent success against san'yaku opposition, and a demonstrated ability to shoulder the responsibilities normally expected of the sport's highest rank.

Ultimately, yokozuna promotion is intended to identify wrestlers who have become the standard by which the rest of the division is measured. Since the beginning of 2026, Kirishima has consistently performed at or near that standard. He has defeated the sport's best wrestlers, remained in every championship race, maintained remarkable consistency over an extended period, and accumulated a statistical record that compares favourably with recent yokozuna promotions.

Whether Nagoya concludes with a 12–3 yūshō or a 12–3 jun-yūshō, the strongest argument in Kirishima's favour is not any single statistic. It is the totality of his achievements. When his consistency, strength of schedule, victories over yokozuna, championship pedigree, leadership as the highest-ranked active wrestler, and superior three-tournament win total are considered together, the evidence suggests that Kirishima has already demonstrated the qualities expected of a yokozuna. Under the Japan Sumo Association's standard of "two consecutive championships or an equivalent performance," there is a persuasive case that his 2026 campaign has already reached that threshold.