Congratulations to Asanoyama (Takasago), Asasuiryu (formerly Ishizaki, Takasago), Asahakuryu (Takasago), Kyokukaiyu (Oshima) and Nishinoryu (Sakaigawa) for their promotions into the salaried ranks!
So long to Fujinotani (Hakkaku), Ginseizan (Otake), Kototaisei (Sadogatake), Wakayahara (Nishiiwa), Uchiumi (Musashigawa), Nakaie (Yamahibiki), Hashimoto (Dewanoumi) and Fujihara (Tokutsukaze). (retirements list)
Beloved “Baby Gyoji” Shikimori Kazenosuke left the JSA on 28 July. (Nikkan Sports)
We wish all departing JSA employees the best of luck in their future endeavours!
Former sekiwake Kotofuji passed away at the age of 60 in August (Nikkan Sports).
Aonishiki sustained a shoulder injury during the July tournament; this was picked up on by the press during the August regional tour in Gifu when Aonishiki refrained from training. (Sponichi)
The following rikishi missed at least part of the regional tour in August: Hoshoryu (sprained left toe), Daieisho (calf injury), Meisei, Takerufuji (injured elbow), Tobizaru (also injured elbow), Endo (post-knee surgery), Ura (right femoral contusion), Chiyoshoma, Kayo, Shishi, Hidenoumi and Tomokaze (Sanspo).
Hoshoryu rejoined the tour midway through on 7 August (Tatsunami stable Instagram, Nikkan Sports). Takayasu pulled out of the tournament around the same time citing lumbar disc issues and lower back pain (Sponichi).
Shirokuma rejoined the tour on on 20 August. (Nishonoseki stable X). On the same day, Tamawashi submitted a medical certificate claiming “deformed lumbar vertebrae and acute back pain” and left the tour (Sporting News).
Kiryuko is likely to be absent until November while he recovers from surgery due to a ruptured ACL in his right knee sustained during the July tournament. (Hochi Shimbun via Yahoo! JP). Wakatakakage’s ozeki run appears to be in doubt with an ankle injury resulting in him missing matches during the August regional tour on or around 23rd August (Sponichi via Yahoo! JP).
Takayasu, Tobizaru and Kirishima all rejoined the tour by 25 August. Kirishima has confirmed a fractured wrist but is pressing on with the regional tour anyway so as not to “make excuses”. (Sportsbull) Hoshoryu is also having issues with his left shoulder and is missing practice bouts; he’s reported that his shoulder is “loose” but that it is improving. (Sportsbull)
Tamawashi has confirmed he is a “go” for September. (Sportsbull) Takerufuji has had surgery for his injured right bicep and is in doubt for September (Nikkan Sports).