March 2025 Grand Sumo Tournament, Day 4 (Wednesday 12 March 2025)

(Looking for a different day? Try the master list!)

Compiled from: JSA's postings for makuuchi, juryo, makushita, sandanme, jonidan and jonokuchi; JSA's absence list, JSA's tournament leader list, JSA's tournament champions list and JSA's Day 4 program in Japanese.

There are 156 bouts listed on the schedule today. It's an even-numbered day which means the west side is first to get called.

3 of today's 156 bouts are fusensho or fusenpai because of kyujo rikishi. This may change over the course of the day!

Check the appendices at the end of the schedule for more useful information!

Results by stable

Powered by SumoDB. These links may not load on occasion when SumoDB goes down.

Results for day 4 only

Ajigawa, Arashio, Asahiyama, Asakayama, Dewanoumi, Fujishima, Futagoyama, Hakkaku, Hanaregoma, Hidenoyama, Ikazuchi, Isegahama, Isenoumi, Kasugano, Kataonami, Kise, Kokonoe, Minato, Musashigawa, Nakamura, Naruto, Nishiiwa, Nishikido, Nishonoseki, Oitekaze, Onoe, Onomatsu, Oshima, Oshiogawa, Otake, Otowayama, Sadogatake, Sakaigawa, Shibatayama, Shikihide, Shikoroyama, Tagonoura, Takadagawa, Takasago, Takekuma, Tamanoi, Tatsunami, Tokitsukaze, Tokiwayama, Yamahibiki

Results for entire tournament

Ajigawa, Arashio, Asahiyama, Asakayama, Dewanoumi, Fujishima, Futagoyama, Hakkaku, Hanaregoma, Hidenoyama, Ikazuchi, Isegahama, Isenoumi, Kasugano, Kataonami, Kise, Kokonoe, Minato, Musashigawa, Nakamura, Naruto, Nishiiwa, Nishikido, Nishonoseki, Oitekaze, Onoe, Onomatsu, Oshima, Oshiogawa, Otake, Otowayama, Sadogatake, Sakaigawa, Shibatayama, Shikihide, Shikoroyama, Tagonoura, Takadagawa, Takasago, Takekuma, Tamanoi, Tatsunami, Tokitsukaze, Tokiwayama, Yamahibiki

What our fave toriteki are doing today

If you want a toriteki (non-salaried rikishi from divisions 3 to 6) added to this watch list, get in touch!

Appearing on day 4: Amakaze, Arise, Asakiryu, Asanowaka, Asanoyama, Asasorai, Chiyomaru, Daigozakura, Dewanojo, Enho, Fujimusashi, Goshima, Goshimaru, Hananoumi, Harunishiki, Hikarumusashi, Hokuyozan, Ikarigata, Ikazuchido, Kaihiryu, Kaiseijo, Kamito, Kawamura, Kawazoe, Kazeeidai, Kazeyuki, Kazuto, Keiga, Kitanosho, Koki, Kokuryunami, Kosei, Kototsubasa, Kuwae, Matsui, Mishima, Najima, Nikko, Nishikinoryu, Obara, Okada, Okaryu, Raiho, Satsumao, Sawayaka, Shoji, Shoran, Shotaimu, Soma, Souga, Tenrosei, Tokunomusashi, Toshunryu, Tsukioka, Tsurunoumi, Ujiie, Yago, Yoshii

Having a rest on day 4: Agora, Asonoyama, Chiyooga, Denuma, Fubu, Furanshisu, Furuta, Gojinyu, Hagane, Hayashiryu, Hinataryu, Hogasho, Ishizaki, Kakuho, Kenho, Kitadaichi, Koga, Kotakiyama, Kotokuzan, Mabuchi, Mita, Miyagi, Miyatani, Moriurara, Naniwamusashi, Nobehara, Rinko, Ryubumaru, Sachinofuji, Satonofuji, Sazanami, Shimizuumi, Shoketsu, Shunrai, Suyama, Suzaki, Tanji, Taranami, Tochimaru, Toramusashi, Tsukubayama, Uchiumi, Urutora, Wakamiyabi, Wakatakamoto, Yamato, Yokomaru, Yukiamami, Yuma

Kyujo on day 4: Jokoki, Kikuchi, Mineyaiba, Nakashima, Osanai, Tatsuosho, Tsushimanada

Note: Each division also has its own mini-report for who's on the schedule and who's kyujo!

Kyujo rikishi

The following 38 rikishi are kyujo on day 4: Bushozan, Daibasho, Fujihara, Fukutsuumi, Gonowaka, Goseiryu, Higohikari, Inaba, Jokoki, Kaizen, Kawabuchi, Kazuma, Kikuchi, Kitanowaka, Kotokenryu, Kumanohana, Kyoda, Mineyaiba, Nabatame, Nakashima, Nihonyanagi, Nishikifuji, Nishikimaru, Okuniiwa, Okuniiwa, Osanai, Osanai, Sadanojo, Sanukiryu, Satsumasho, Shimazuumi, Shinhakuho, Sonoshun, Taiga, Takanoryu, Tappa, Tatsuosho, Tsushimanada

Salary promotions and demotions

Congratulations to new juryo promotees Wakanosho (Tokiwayama), Kusano (Isegahama) and Otsuji (Takadagawa) and re-promotees Kazekeno (Oshiogawa) and Hitoshi (Oitekaze).

Congratulations also to our new yokozuna, 74th yokozuna Hoshoryu!

Retirements

Best of luck to retiring rikishi Kainoshima (Fujishima), Tsunekawa (Arashio), Honma (Naruto), Shunkaku (Shikoroyama), Mori (Tamanoi), Shimamura (Arashio), Okanojo (Dewanoumi), Shosei (Sakaigawa) and Wakayamanaka (Hanaregoma) and last but not least outgoing yokozuna Terunofuji (Isegahama).

Taiga (Arashio) is reported to have retired (arashio.net)

We wish all retirees the best in their future endeavours!

Absences

Kitanowaka was absent from day 1. Nishikifuji was absent from day 2 due to neck pain (Nikkan Sports). Nabatame went absent from day 4 with a knee injury and may return mid-tournament, according to Futagoyama Twitter.

Non-rikishi absences

Fan favourite gyoji Kimura Kankuro is still absent for disciplinary reasons. This Japanese forum post suggests he may have been suspended after an incident, and this Nikkan Sports article confirms that he pinched a junior gyoji's arm to the point that it bruised. He'll continue to be suspended for the March tournament.

Gyoji Shikimori Komei was absent on day 1.

Start at 9:15AM

Maezumo 前相撲

Maezumo is for unranked rikishi who are debuting in sumo or have been absent so long they've fallen off the banzuke. Maezumo involves a series of lightning quick matches over a few days. The results of these matches are used to determine their starter ranks for the next tournament.

Maezumo competitors are not listed on the program.

Jonokuchi 序ノ口 (Division 6)

Official JSA fixtures, results and winning techniques for jonokuchi

Coming up: Hikarumusashi, Satsumao, Tenrosei

Shimpan are Tamagaki (komusubi Tomonohana) facing us left, Futagoyama* (ozeki Miyabiyama) facing us right, Tokitsukaze* (maegashira #1 Tosayutaka) right of dohyo, Hidenoyama* (ozeki Kotoshogiku) facing away on mic, Takekuma* (ozeki Goeido) left of dohyo

Yobidashi is Katsuki (Ajigawa stable); Gyoji is Kimura Yunosuke (Tagonoura stable)

Jonidan 序二段 (Division 5)

Official JSA fixtures, results and winning techniques for jonidan

Coming up: Arise, Asasorai, Daigozakura, Fujimusashi, Goshimaru, Hokuyozan, Kaihiryu, Kazeyuki, Keiga, Kokuryunami, Kosei, Najima, Nishikinoryu, Okada, Sawayaka, Shoran, Shotaimu, Souga, Tsukioka, Tsurunoumi, Ujiie

Gyoji is Shikimori Kazenosuke (Oshiogawa stable)

Gyoji is Shikimori Kisaburo (Tokitsukaze stable)

Sanukiryu is kyujo! Anzakura picks up the fusensho

Gyoji is Kimura Shunta (Shikoroyama stable)

Shimpan shift change

Shimpan are Onaruto (ozeki Dejima) facing us left, Hanaregoma* (sekiwake Tamanoshima) facing us right, Tanigawa (sekiwake Hokutoriki) right of dohyo, Ajigawa* (sekiwake Aminishiki) facing away on mic, Otowayama* (the 71st yokozuna Kakuryu) left of dohyo

Gyoji is Kimura Ryunosuke (Kokonoe stable)

Gyoji is Kimura Keitaro (Musashigawa stable)

Gyoji is Kimura Katsunosuke (Oshima stable)

Sandanme 三段目 (Division 4)

Official JSA fixtures, results and winning techniques for sandanme

Coming up: Amakaze, Asakiryu, Asanowaka, Asanoyama, Dewanojo, Harunishiki, Ikarigata, Kawamura, Kazeeidai, Kitanosho, Koki, Kototsubasa, Kuwae, Nikko, Raiho, Shoji, Soma, Yago

Gyoji is Kimura Narimasa (Ikazuchi stable)

Gyoji is Shikimori Kainosuke (Isenoumi stable)

Shimpan shift change

Shimpan are Tatekawa (sekiwake Tosanoumi) facing us left, Azumazeki (komusubi Takamisakari) facing us right, Ikazuchi* (komusubi Kakizoe) right of dohyo, Naruto* (ozeki Kotooshu) facing away on mic, Tateyama (maegashira #6 Homarefuji) left of dohyo

Gyoji is Shikimori Tatsunosuke (Takadagawa stable)

Gyoji is Shikimori Seisuke (Isegahama stable)

Fukutsuumi is kyujo! Kotohaguro picks up the fusensho

Gyoji is Kimura Sakuranosuke (Shikihide stable)

Gyoji is Shikimori Seiichiro (Isegahama stable)

Gyoji is Kimura Kintaro (Nishikido stable)

Gyoji is Kimura Kazuma (Nishiiwa stable)

Makushita 幕下 (Division 3)

Official JSA fixtures, results and winning techniques for makushita

Coming up: Enho, Goshima, Hananoumi, Ikazuchido, Kaiseijo, Kamito, Kawazoe, Kazuto, Matsui, Mishima, Obara, Tokunomusashi, Toshunryu, Yoshii

Shimpan shift change

Shimpan are Urakaze (maegashira #1 Shikishima) facing us left, Oshima* (sekiwake Kyokutenho) facing us right, Takasago* (sekiwake Asasekiryu) right of dohyo, Nishonoseki* (the 72nd yokozuna Kisenosato) facing away on mic, Kiyomigata (sekiwake Tochiozan) left of dohyo

Gyoji is Shikimori Kinosuke (Sadogatake stable)

Gyoji is Shikimori Tomokazu (Oshima stable)

Gyoji is Kimura Ennosuke (Nishonoseki stable)

Yobidashi is Soichi (Yamahibiki stable)

Yobidashi is Yohei (Dewanoumi stable); Gyoji is Kimura Satoshi (Takasago stable)

Yobidashi is Keisuke (Shibatayama stable)

Yobidashi is Fujio (Isegahama stable); Gyoji is Shikimori Kazuki (Arashio stable)

Yobidashi is Shigetaro (Kokonoe stable)

Yobidashi is Tasuke (Yamahibiki stable); Gyoji is Kimura Hideaki (Tokiwayama stable)

Juryo dohyo-iri at 2:15PM

Makushita Joi 幕下上位 (Division 3)

Official JSA fixtures, results and winning techniques for makushita

Coming up: Chiyomaru, Okaryu

Shimpan are Takadagawa* (sekiwake Akinoshima) facing away on mic, Onaruto (ozeki Dejima), Hanaregoma* (sekiwake Tamanoshima), Ajigawa* (sekiwake Aminishiki), Otowayama* (the 71st yokozuna Kakuryu)

Yobidashi is Satoru (Hanaregoma stable); Gyoji is Kimura Kozaburo (Hakkaku stable)

Yobidashi is Masao (Nishiiwa stable); Gyoji is Kimura Zennosuke (Kasugano stable)

Yobidashi is Rokuro (Nishonoseki stable); Gyoji is Kimura Chishu (Dewanoumi stable)

Juryo 十両 (Division 2)

Official JSA fixtures, results and winning techniques for juryo

Yobidashi is Hiroyuki (Nishiiwa stable); Gyoji is Kimura Kichijiro (Shibatayama stable)

Yobidashi is Matsuo (Hanaregoma stable); Gyoji is Shikimori Shinnosuke (Hanaregoma stable)

Yobidashi is Kunio (Takasago stable); Gyoji is Kimura Yukihiro (Tamanoi stable)

Yobidashi is Mitsuaki (Tagonoura stable); Gyoji is Kimura Mitsunosuke (Takadagawa stable)

Nabatame is kyujo! Hidenoumi picks up the fusensho

Yobidashi is Rikinojo (Takasago stable); Gyoji is Kimura Shozaburo (Tagonoura stable)

Yobidashi is Koji (Asakayama stable); Gyoji is Kimura Asanosuke (Takasago stable)

Intermission at 3:40PM: Makuuchi dohyo-iri and yokozuna dohyo-iri.

Makuuchi 幕内 (Division 1)

Official JSA fixtures, results and winning techniques for makuuchi

Shimpan are Kokonoe* (ozeki Chiyotaikai) facing away on mic, Tatekawa (sekiwake Tosanoumi), Azumazeki (komusubi Takamisakari), Naruto* (ozeki Kotooshu), Tateyama (maegashira #6 Homarefuji)

Yobidashi is Teruki (Isegahama stable); Gyoji is Shikimori Kiichiro (Oitekaze stable)

Yobidashi is Daikichi (Hakkaku stable)

Gyoji is ❤️ Kimura Yonosuke ❤️ (Hakkaku stable)

Yobidashi is Kotoyoshi (Sadogatake stable)

Gyoji is Kimura Ginjiro (Shibatayama stable)

Yobidashi is Kotozo (Sadogatake stable)

Gyoji is Shikimori Kindayu (Hanaregoma stable)

Yobidashi is Ryuji (Isegahama stable)

Gyoji is Kimura Akijiro (Kasugano stable)

Yobidashi is Akira (Oshima stable)

Gyoji is Kimura Motoki (Minato stable)

Shimpan shift change

Shimpan are Kumegawa (komusubi Kotoinazuma) facing away on mic, Urakaze (maegashira #1 Shikishima), Oshima* (sekiwake Kyokutenho), Nishonoseki* (the 72nd yokozuna Kisenosato), Kiyomigata (sekiwake Tochiozan)

Yobidashi is Kokichi (Oshima stable)

Gyoji is Shikimori Kandayu (Asahiyama stable)

Yobidashi is Goro (Otake stable)

Gyoji is Kimura Hisanosuke (Oshima stable)

Yobidashi is Shigeo (Kokonoe stable)

Gyoji is Kimura Konosuke (Kokonoe stable)

Yobidashi is Shiro (Otake stable)

Gyoji is 43rd Shikimori Inosuke (Kasugano stable)

Yobidashi is Katsuyuki (Shibatayama stable)

Gyoji is 39th Kimura Shonosuke (Kokonoe stable)

Bow-twirling with Hananoumi

Appendices

General knowledge

Wikipedia has a list of winning techniques like oshidashi, yorikiri, etc and a sumo glossary, the heaviest grand sumo competitors ever, and an English-language page for just about every sekitori there is or was.

SumoDB has the entire banzuke in both Japanese and English. SumoDB also contains information about historical results and head to head matchups.

Nihon Sumo Kyokai (Japan Sumo Association) links: current rankings Japanese/English; yobidashi (ushers & attendants) Japanese/English; gyoji (referees) Japanese/English; oyakata (coaches) Japanese/English; heya (training stables) Japanese/English. NSK homepage in English; retirees - Japanese only but only requires hiragana knowledge; changes of name - Japanese only but only requires hiragana knowledge.

Fred Pinkerton's promotion/demotion charts show who's moving where in top division.

News sources and blogs: Tachi-Ai sumo blog (in English); Japan Times sumo coverage (in English); Nikkan Sports sumo articles (in Japanese); Sponichi sumo articles (in Japanese); Chunichi sumo articles (in Japanese). Hochi.news sumo articles (in Japanese). Useful Japanese terms to search in the highlights page for: 休場 (kyujo, absence); コロナ (korona, COVID).

Japanese language resources: DeepL for translating entire articles; Jisho for looking up specific words and kanji; the 10ten extension for Firefox lets you mouse over particular Japanese text of interest on websites.

Curiosities: that time half a stable went AWOL because the stablemaster's wife was being too harsh on them; interview with a yobidashi; countdown until Onokuni reaches mandatory retirement age

And finally a list of amateur sumo events around Japan (in Japanese).

Videos

Miscellaneous

A comprehensive gallery featuring head shots and bios of rikishi, oyakata, gyoji, yobidashi and more (correct to the beginning of 2023). Pre-bout rituals explained; What do the gyoji say?

Sumo match announcements

  1. Yobidashi sings the names of the rikishi about to bout in turn, then rikishi ascend the dohyo
  2. Once rikishi are on the dohyo, gyoji hollers their names in turn while gesturing their way
  3. Announcer clearly announces each rikishi's starting side (nishi/higashi-gata rikishi), name, place of origin (-shusshin) and training stable (-beya) as they perform shikiri and throw salt
  4. Once timekeeper judge says to begin, gyoji commands rikishi into position, then officiates the match
  5. (optional) If the outcome is unclear or in dispute by a judge, a mono-ii is called and head judge reports on their findings; gyoji announces a rematch if that's what the judges want
  6. Gyoji announces winner's name turning to them and possibly giving them envelopes full of sponsor cash.
  7. Once winner is decided, announcer says who won and what the kimarite (deciding technique) was (technique de rikishi name no kachi) - this can be delayed by up to a few matches if the technique is hard to determine!

Understanding the judges' reports

Mono-ii reports are very formulaic! They're usually a couple of long run-on sentences that go something like this:

  1. Now we're going to explain our conference. Tadaima wa kyogi ni tsuite setsumei itashimasu or similar
  2. The gyoji pointed (one way or another), but.. Gyoji gunbai wa higashigata/nishigata/(rikishi name) arimashita ga..
  3. We had a conference about (something that affects the outcome of the match), the result of that conference was.. (???) mono-ii ga tsuki, kyougi shita kekka..
  4. (The findings of that discussion) (???)-te ori/orazu
  5. (The outcome of that discussion and the rightful winner of the bout if one was determined.)

Matters for discussion and findings may include a touchout (te ga dete ori/orazu..), a simultaneous landing for both rikishi (doutai or ryousha), or even a disqualification (hansoku).

Helpful words to listen out for to get the gist of the report:

Body parts

Actions and other stuff

Verdicts

The outcome can go three ways:

Who's that shimpan (ringside judge)?

Click the name of the shimpan to see what they look like. Thanks to the maintainer of this page for providing these images! Our new shimps this month are Otowayama, Tateyama and Kiyomigata.

Shimpan groups

Stablemasters have * after their name; everyone else is a coach.

Senior shimpan

Members of this senior group join up with other shimpan groups to act as head shimpan after the juryo ring entrance ceremony & intermission. This month's senior shimps are Takadagawa* (sekiwake Akinoshima), Kokonoe* (ozeki Chiyotaikai) and Kumegawa (komusubi Kotoinazuma).

Who's that yobidashi

The official program only lists juryo-ranked yobidashi and above from Soichi onwards. Even after their match-calling shifts, these guys work throughout the day as attendants, minding the salt during salaried matches, etc.

There's a slightly outdated gallery of yobidashi headshots with bios at Heyaaz - it's missing Kumajiro because he debuted during 2023.

To help spot them, here's links to screencaps of the lower ranked yobidashi in their order of appearance, including onscreen bios in Japanese:

jonokuchi yobidashi

jonidan yobidashi

sandanme yobidashi

makushita yobidashi

What does the gyoji say?