Patriciajaydee
@patriciajaydee.bsky.social
Retired editor and writer of online design, fine arts and features magazines. Japanophile, always curious, but usually the last to know.
Says Takakeisho about Enho.
"His was an injury that 99 out of 100 people would have given up on. Amid endless pressure for him to retire, he followed the faintest glimmer of hope, was the only one who believed in himself, and never gave up."
On Day 13, he's one win away from a miraculous comeback.
"His was an injury that 99 out of 100 people would have given up on. Amid endless pressure for him to retire, he followed the faintest glimmer of hope, was the only one who believed in himself, and never gave up."
On Day 13, he's one win away from a miraculous comeback.
January 23, 2026 at 3:14 AM
Says Takakeisho about Enho.
"His was an injury that 99 out of 100 people would have given up on. Amid endless pressure for him to retire, he followed the faintest glimmer of hope, was the only one who believed in himself, and never gave up."
On Day 13, he's one win away from a miraculous comeback.
"His was an injury that 99 out of 100 people would have given up on. Amid endless pressure for him to retire, he followed the faintest glimmer of hope, was the only one who believed in himself, and never gave up."
On Day 13, he's one win away from a miraculous comeback.
It's sunny and 45-degrees F in Tokyo today, but only rikishi in the top three divisions are permitted to wear haori (short jackets), with Juryo and Makuuchi men given the privilege of overcoats.
Kirishima's lower division tsukebito here are resigned to thin cotton yukata regardless of the cold.
Kirishima's lower division tsukebito here are resigned to thin cotton yukata regardless of the cold.
January 23, 2026 at 12:25 AM
It's sunny and 45-degrees F in Tokyo today, but only rikishi in the top three divisions are permitted to wear haori (short jackets), with Juryo and Makuuchi men given the privilege of overcoats.
Kirishima's lower division tsukebito here are resigned to thin cotton yukata regardless of the cold.
Kirishima's lower division tsukebito here are resigned to thin cotton yukata regardless of the cold.
What's with these guys who definitely know better?
On Day 11, Kirishima folds like a cheap suit with his half-hearted tachiai versus (what we assume is) a wounded Onosato.
On Day 12, Abi forgets all about his best initial attack--the double-hand thrust, which results in his falling into the
On Day 11, Kirishima folds like a cheap suit with his half-hearted tachiai versus (what we assume is) a wounded Onosato.
On Day 12, Abi forgets all about his best initial attack--the double-hand thrust, which results in his falling into the
January 22, 2026 at 10:33 PM
What's with these guys who definitely know better?
On Day 11, Kirishima folds like a cheap suit with his half-hearted tachiai versus (what we assume is) a wounded Onosato.
On Day 12, Abi forgets all about his best initial attack--the double-hand thrust, which results in his falling into the
On Day 11, Kirishima folds like a cheap suit with his half-hearted tachiai versus (what we assume is) a wounded Onosato.
On Day 12, Abi forgets all about his best initial attack--the double-hand thrust, which results in his falling into the
Beginning on Day 10, the torikumi guys begin to thin the rankings by pairing up evenly-scored rikishi.
One such matchup was on Day 11--and resulted in M12 Abi defeating M16 Shishi by a classic henka.
Before the tachiai, Abi saw Shishi touch down with both hands and then withdraw his right.
(1/5)
One such matchup was on Day 11--and resulted in M12 Abi defeating M16 Shishi by a classic henka.
Before the tachiai, Abi saw Shishi touch down with both hands and then withdraw his right.
(1/5)
January 22, 2026 at 2:38 AM
Beginning on Day 10, the torikumi guys begin to thin the rankings by pairing up evenly-scored rikishi.
One such matchup was on Day 11--and resulted in M12 Abi defeating M16 Shishi by a classic henka.
Before the tachiai, Abi saw Shishi touch down with both hands and then withdraw his right.
(1/5)
One such matchup was on Day 11--and resulted in M12 Abi defeating M16 Shishi by a classic henka.
Before the tachiai, Abi saw Shishi touch down with both hands and then withdraw his right.
(1/5)
Kirishima has never come close to defeating Onosato, but yesterday was his best chance. As Day 9's sole leader and still tied for second place, Kirishima's biggest obstacle was not Onosato but his lost confidence and self-doubt brought about by a neck injury on which, while not healed, he
(1/3)
(1/3)
January 21, 2026 at 7:16 PM
Kirishima has never come close to defeating Onosato, but yesterday was his best chance. As Day 9's sole leader and still tied for second place, Kirishima's biggest obstacle was not Onosato but his lost confidence and self-doubt brought about by a neck injury on which, while not healed, he
(1/3)
(1/3)
When I first saw this photo of the colossal Atamifuji and his just as jumbo oyakata, what came to my mind was the jingle:
ARBY's. WE GOT THE MEATS!
Anyway, here's Atamifuji gifting the sum total of his kensho award money to his oyakata Terunofuji on the event of Atami's first kinboshi.
ARBY's. WE GOT THE MEATS!
Anyway, here's Atamifuji gifting the sum total of his kensho award money to his oyakata Terunofuji on the event of Atami's first kinboshi.
January 21, 2026 at 2:17 AM
When I first saw this photo of the colossal Atamifuji and his just as jumbo oyakata, what came to my mind was the jingle:
ARBY's. WE GOT THE MEATS!
Anyway, here's Atamifuji gifting the sum total of his kensho award money to his oyakata Terunofuji on the event of Atami's first kinboshi.
ARBY's. WE GOT THE MEATS!
Anyway, here's Atamifuji gifting the sum total of his kensho award money to his oyakata Terunofuji on the event of Atami's first kinboshi.
Winner of a fierce Day 11 tsuppari battle vs M1 Yoshinofuji, former Ozeki and current Sekiwake Takayasu is determined to give it his all for a chance to fight for the yusho on senshuraku.
And, with Hatsu going as it has, his goal is not inconceivable.
(1/2)
And, with Hatsu going as it has, his goal is not inconceivable.
(1/2)
January 20, 2026 at 6:33 PM
Winner of a fierce Day 11 tsuppari battle vs M1 Yoshinofuji, former Ozeki and current Sekiwake Takayasu is determined to give it his all for a chance to fight for the yusho on senshuraku.
And, with Hatsu going as it has, his goal is not inconceivable.
(1/2)
And, with Hatsu going as it has, his goal is not inconceivable.
(1/2)
From Moti Dichne.
Makushita 11 ENHO is undefeated at 5-0.
As the caption reads, "Two more wins and he's back in Juryo."
Incredible, a near miracle, and absolutely marvelous.
I was one of those naysayers who honestly believed he should have quit in 2023.
See his Day 9 match:
youtu.be/wSiNSMNN9FI
Makushita 11 ENHO is undefeated at 5-0.
As the caption reads, "Two more wins and he's back in Juryo."
Incredible, a near miracle, and absolutely marvelous.
I was one of those naysayers who honestly believed he should have quit in 2023.
See his Day 9 match:
youtu.be/wSiNSMNN9FI
January 20, 2026 at 4:00 AM
From Moti Dichne.
Makushita 11 ENHO is undefeated at 5-0.
As the caption reads, "Two more wins and he's back in Juryo."
Incredible, a near miracle, and absolutely marvelous.
I was one of those naysayers who honestly believed he should have quit in 2023.
See his Day 9 match:
youtu.be/wSiNSMNN9FI
Makushita 11 ENHO is undefeated at 5-0.
As the caption reads, "Two more wins and he's back in Juryo."
Incredible, a near miracle, and absolutely marvelous.
I was one of those naysayers who honestly believed he should have quit in 2023.
See his Day 9 match:
youtu.be/wSiNSMNN9FI
Hatsu has evolved into a most interesting basho.
With Onosato's wrestling a shadow of its usual self, and Hoshoryu plainly goofing up (a lack of concentration that is costing him), the Makuuchi sallies forth into Week 2 with only two san'yaku men remaining in striking position for the yusho:
(1/5)
With Onosato's wrestling a shadow of its usual self, and Hoshoryu plainly goofing up (a lack of concentration that is costing him), the Makuuchi sallies forth into Week 2 with only two san'yaku men remaining in striking position for the yusho:
(1/5)
January 20, 2026 at 3:12 AM
Hatsu has evolved into a most interesting basho.
With Onosato's wrestling a shadow of its usual self, and Hoshoryu plainly goofing up (a lack of concentration that is costing him), the Makuuchi sallies forth into Week 2 with only two san'yaku men remaining in striking position for the yusho:
(1/5)
With Onosato's wrestling a shadow of its usual self, and Hoshoryu plainly goofing up (a lack of concentration that is costing him), the Makuuchi sallies forth into Week 2 with only two san'yaku men remaining in striking position for the yusho:
(1/5)
Both of our yokozuna are said to be injured.
Clearly, Onosato's left shoulder is causing him grief, and Hoshoryu's injured knee has stuck a spoke in the wheel to his first yusho as a yokozuna.
In an exquisitely polite and measured conversation with Their Royal Majesties, Emperor Naruhito ...
Clearly, Onosato's left shoulder is causing him grief, and Hoshoryu's injured knee has stuck a spoke in the wheel to his first yusho as a yokozuna.
In an exquisitely polite and measured conversation with Their Royal Majesties, Emperor Naruhito ...
January 19, 2026 at 7:51 PM
Both of our yokozuna are said to be injured.
Clearly, Onosato's left shoulder is causing him grief, and Hoshoryu's injured knee has stuck a spoke in the wheel to his first yusho as a yokozuna.
In an exquisitely polite and measured conversation with Their Royal Majesties, Emperor Naruhito ...
Clearly, Onosato's left shoulder is causing him grief, and Hoshoryu's injured knee has stuck a spoke in the wheel to his first yusho as a yokozuna.
In an exquisitely polite and measured conversation with Their Royal Majesties, Emperor Naruhito ...
Day 8. With Hoshoryu and Onosato proving yokozunae can produce horrible sumo, the probability for a No-kozuna yusho is greater than ever.
Hoshoryu never looked more wretched than he did vs Daieisho w both his body and feet out of position throughout the match. Ka-ching. Yet another kinboshi.
Hoshoryu never looked more wretched than he did vs Daieisho w both his body and feet out of position throughout the match. Ka-ching. Yet another kinboshi.
January 19, 2026 at 3:47 AM
Day 8. With Hoshoryu and Onosato proving yokozunae can produce horrible sumo, the probability for a No-kozuna yusho is greater than ever.
Hoshoryu never looked more wretched than he did vs Daieisho w both his body and feet out of position throughout the match. Ka-ching. Yet another kinboshi.
Hoshoryu never looked more wretched than he did vs Daieisho w both his body and feet out of position throughout the match. Ka-ching. Yet another kinboshi.
I'm rushing off to have lunch with my sister, so I'll be brief.
About Kirishima's splendid Day 8 victory vs Aonishiki,
Hochi Sports writes:
OZEKI AONISHIKI FAILS TO SECURE A WIN
What? Where's Kirishima?
Anyway, more about Aonishiki: He was thrown by Kirishima in a match of excellent sumo ...
About Kirishima's splendid Day 8 victory vs Aonishiki,
Hochi Sports writes:
OZEKI AONISHIKI FAILS TO SECURE A WIN
What? Where's Kirishima?
Anyway, more about Aonishiki: He was thrown by Kirishima in a match of excellent sumo ...
January 18, 2026 at 7:24 PM
I'm rushing off to have lunch with my sister, so I'll be brief.
About Kirishima's splendid Day 8 victory vs Aonishiki,
Hochi Sports writes:
OZEKI AONISHIKI FAILS TO SECURE A WIN
What? Where's Kirishima?
Anyway, more about Aonishiki: He was thrown by Kirishima in a match of excellent sumo ...
About Kirishima's splendid Day 8 victory vs Aonishiki,
Hochi Sports writes:
OZEKI AONISHIKI FAILS TO SECURE A WIN
What? Where's Kirishima?
Anyway, more about Aonishiki: He was thrown by Kirishima in a match of excellent sumo ...
Guess who's coming to the honbasho tonight (Jan 18), Nakabi Sunday?
His Imperial Majesty the Emperor Naruhito and his wife Empress Masako (perhaps with their daughter Princess Aiko) who haven't attended a sumo tournament in six years, that's who.
It's not easy being the Emperor or family ...
His Imperial Majesty the Emperor Naruhito and his wife Empress Masako (perhaps with their daughter Princess Aiko) who haven't attended a sumo tournament in six years, that's who.
It's not easy being the Emperor or family ...
January 18, 2026 at 3:09 AM
Guess who's coming to the honbasho tonight (Jan 18), Nakabi Sunday?
His Imperial Majesty the Emperor Naruhito and his wife Empress Masako (perhaps with their daughter Princess Aiko) who haven't attended a sumo tournament in six years, that's who.
It's not easy being the Emperor or family ...
His Imperial Majesty the Emperor Naruhito and his wife Empress Masako (perhaps with their daughter Princess Aiko) who haven't attended a sumo tournament in six years, that's who.
It's not easy being the Emperor or family ...
Look what they did to my Golden Boy.
In his first bout versus the hot with two consecutive big wins (Kotozakura & Tamwashi) HAKUNOFUJI,
HOSHORYU suffered a cut on his right forehead about which in his dressing room he muttered, "It hurts and worse yet, my hair got thinner."
Reporters liked that.
In his first bout versus the hot with two consecutive big wins (Kotozakura & Tamwashi) HAKUNOFUJI,
HOSHORYU suffered a cut on his right forehead about which in his dressing room he muttered, "It hurts and worse yet, my hair got thinner."
Reporters liked that.
January 17, 2026 at 9:22 PM
Look what they did to my Golden Boy.
In his first bout versus the hot with two consecutive big wins (Kotozakura & Tamwashi) HAKUNOFUJI,
HOSHORYU suffered a cut on his right forehead about which in his dressing room he muttered, "It hurts and worse yet, my hair got thinner."
Reporters liked that.
In his first bout versus the hot with two consecutive big wins (Kotozakura & Tamwashi) HAKUNOFUJI,
HOSHORYU suffered a cut on his right forehead about which in his dressing room he muttered, "It hurts and worse yet, my hair got thinner."
Reporters liked that.
Hoshoryu is sumo's Joe Cool--for now.
Without breaking a sweat, the yokozuna swiftly knocked down the strong but inconsistent Takanosho to remain at one loss off the leader M12 Abi.
The Golden Boy says he's concentrating well which he believes allows his body to react more naturally. ...
Without breaking a sweat, the yokozuna swiftly knocked down the strong but inconsistent Takanosho to remain at one loss off the leader M12 Abi.
The Golden Boy says he's concentrating well which he believes allows his body to react more naturally. ...
January 16, 2026 at 7:00 PM
Hoshoryu is sumo's Joe Cool--for now.
Without breaking a sweat, the yokozuna swiftly knocked down the strong but inconsistent Takanosho to remain at one loss off the leader M12 Abi.
The Golden Boy says he's concentrating well which he believes allows his body to react more naturally. ...
Without breaking a sweat, the yokozuna swiftly knocked down the strong but inconsistent Takanosho to remain at one loss off the leader M12 Abi.
The Golden Boy says he's concentrating well which he believes allows his body to react more naturally. ...
It's not just us.
私たちは盗まれた！(We was robbed!) is heard throughout the streets of Japan.
私たちは盗まれた！(We was robbed!) is heard throughout the streets of Japan.
Aftermath of Ura vs Onosato day 3 match.
Tokyo this afternoon
Tokyo this afternoon
January 15, 2026 at 6:57 PM
It's not just us.
私たちは盗まれた！(We was robbed!) is heard throughout the streets of Japan.
私たちは盗まれた！(We was robbed!) is heard throughout the streets of Japan.
Day 5.
Yokozuna Onosato survived a scare from a forceful Takanosho who lifted and rushed the yokozuna from the tachiai to the tawara's edge.
Onosato managed to hold his ground just before being thrown out of the ring, and pushed his opponent down to the clay.
In his dressing room, he conceded, ...
Yokozuna Onosato survived a scare from a forceful Takanosho who lifted and rushed the yokozuna from the tachiai to the tawara's edge.
Onosato managed to hold his ground just before being thrown out of the ring, and pushed his opponent down to the clay.
In his dressing room, he conceded, ...
January 15, 2026 at 6:29 PM
Day 5.
Yokozuna Onosato survived a scare from a forceful Takanosho who lifted and rushed the yokozuna from the tachiai to the tawara's edge.
Onosato managed to hold his ground just before being thrown out of the ring, and pushed his opponent down to the clay.
In his dressing room, he conceded, ...
Yokozuna Onosato survived a scare from a forceful Takanosho who lifted and rushed the yokozuna from the tachiai to the tawara's edge.
Onosato managed to hold his ground just before being thrown out of the ring, and pushed his opponent down to the clay.
In his dressing room, he conceded, ...
On Day 5, only one san'yaku man remains unbeaten.
Sekiwake Kirishima at 4-0 is flawless after clinching a tightly contested battle vs Komusubi Wakamotoharu.
Fans of the former ozeki have kept the faith for nearly three years for the return of Kirishima's confidence.
That day just might be now.
Sekiwake Kirishima at 4-0 is flawless after clinching a tightly contested battle vs Komusubi Wakamotoharu.
Fans of the former ozeki have kept the faith for nearly three years for the return of Kirishima's confidence.
That day just might be now.
January 15, 2026 at 2:54 AM
On Day 5, only one san'yaku man remains unbeaten.
Sekiwake Kirishima at 4-0 is flawless after clinching a tightly contested battle vs Komusubi Wakamotoharu.
Fans of the former ozeki have kept the faith for nearly three years for the return of Kirishima's confidence.
That day just might be now.
Sekiwake Kirishima at 4-0 is flawless after clinching a tightly contested battle vs Komusubi Wakamotoharu.
Fans of the former ozeki have kept the faith for nearly three years for the return of Kirishima's confidence.
That day just might be now.
For defeating both Hoshoryu and Onosato on Days 3 and 4,
M1 Yoshinofuji takes home ¥6.66 Million in Kensho Prize Money.
That's about $42,000 US.
Not too shabby, no?
M1 Yoshinofuji takes home ¥6.66 Million in Kensho Prize Money.
That's about $42,000 US.
Not too shabby, no?
January 15, 2026 at 2:29 AM
For defeating both Hoshoryu and Onosato on Days 3 and 4,
M1 Yoshinofuji takes home ¥6.66 Million in Kensho Prize Money.
That's about $42,000 US.
Not too shabby, no?
M1 Yoshinofuji takes home ¥6.66 Million in Kensho Prize Money.
That's about $42,000 US.
Not too shabby, no?
Hakkaku is being especially tough on Ozeki Kotozakura, and he doesn't mince words on Zakura's failures in his match vs Ichiyamamoto on Day 4.
“What the hell was he doing?," Hakkaku exclaimed upon leaving the Association's executive room where he watched the bout.
"He needs to cut the belt ...
“What the hell was he doing?," Hakkaku exclaimed upon leaving the Association's executive room where he watched the bout.
"He needs to cut the belt ...
January 15, 2026 at 2:24 AM
Hakkaku is being especially tough on Ozeki Kotozakura, and he doesn't mince words on Zakura's failures in his match vs Ichiyamamoto on Day 4.
“What the hell was he doing?," Hakkaku exclaimed upon leaving the Association's executive room where he watched the bout.
"He needs to cut the belt ...
“What the hell was he doing?," Hakkaku exclaimed upon leaving the Association's executive room where he watched the bout.
"He needs to cut the belt ...
After forgettable performances on Days 1 and 2 of Hatsu, Yoshinofuji electrified everything and person in sumo by defeating Yokozuna Onosato in a stunning match that came with the cream of his second kinboshi from Onosato, and his second kinboshi of the tournament itself.
January 14, 2026 at 7:07 PM
After forgettable performances on Days 1 and 2 of Hatsu, Yoshinofuji electrified everything and person in sumo by defeating Yokozuna Onosato in a stunning match that came with the cream of his second kinboshi from Onosato, and his second kinboshi of the tournament itself.
Did Onosato receive special accommodation in his first bout with Ura?
Here's the story:
In their initial match, Ura attacked Onosato and followed up with an ashitori (leg grab), knocking the yokozuna off his feet and onto his hands.
Replays show both of Onosato's hands on the clay ...
Here's the story:
In their initial match, Ura attacked Onosato and followed up with an ashitori (leg grab), knocking the yokozuna off his feet and onto his hands.
Replays show both of Onosato's hands on the clay ...
January 14, 2026 at 12:29 AM
Did Onosato receive special accommodation in his first bout with Ura?
Here's the story:
In their initial match, Ura attacked Onosato and followed up with an ashitori (leg grab), knocking the yokozuna off his feet and onto his hands.
Replays show both of Onosato's hands on the clay ...
Here's the story:
In their initial match, Ura attacked Onosato and followed up with an ashitori (leg grab), knocking the yokozuna off his feet and onto his hands.
Replays show both of Onosato's hands on the clay ...
"I've dreamed of this moment all my life," said Yoshinofuji about standing victorious among purple cushions flying around him--a fantasy actualized on Day 3 by his defeat of Yokozuna Hoshoryu.
Originally a Hakuko recruit who, like all Hakuho disciples, was forced-absorbed by Isegahama-beya,
Originally a Hakuko recruit who, like all Hakuho disciples, was forced-absorbed by Isegahama-beya,
January 13, 2026 at 6:25 PM
"I've dreamed of this moment all my life," said Yoshinofuji about standing victorious among purple cushions flying around him--a fantasy actualized on Day 3 by his defeat of Yokozuna Hoshoryu.
Originally a Hakuko recruit who, like all Hakuho disciples, was forced-absorbed by Isegahama-beya,
Originally a Hakuko recruit who, like all Hakuho disciples, was forced-absorbed by Isegahama-beya,
Former ozeki and the only rikishi to have returned to the top division twice after falling twice to the third division--Asanoyama claimed his first Makuuchi-division victory in 545 days by defeating M17 Hatsuyama on Day 2.
"Employing power and getting the deed done quickly, ...
"Employing power and getting the deed done quickly, ...
January 12, 2026 at 11:06 PM
Former ozeki and the only rikishi to have returned to the top division twice after falling twice to the third division--Asanoyama claimed his first Makuuchi-division victory in 545 days by defeating M17 Hatsuyama on Day 2.
"Employing power and getting the deed done quickly, ...
"Employing power and getting the deed done quickly, ...
Ozeki Aonishiki will be tested in his Day 2 match versus his nemesis, M1 Yoshinofuji who holds a 3-0 record over the mighty Ukrainian.
Since their first match last summer when they were in the Makushita, Aonishiki has succumbed to Yoshinofuji in three straight tournaments.
Since their first match last summer when they were in the Makushita, Aonishiki has succumbed to Yoshinofuji in three straight tournaments.
January 12, 2026 at 5:48 AM
Ozeki Aonishiki will be tested in his Day 2 match versus his nemesis, M1 Yoshinofuji who holds a 3-0 record over the mighty Ukrainian.
Since their first match last summer when they were in the Makushita, Aonishiki has succumbed to Yoshinofuji in three straight tournaments.
Since their first match last summer when they were in the Makushita, Aonishiki has succumbed to Yoshinofuji in three straight tournaments.