Asahifuji led off 2026 today with a victory against Tenshoyama in sumo’s lowest division, Jonidan. Asahifuji is hailed as being the greatest rookie to ever debut, a title which I’m sure Onosato isn’t so sure about. Speaking of Onosato, he and Aonishiki received special prizes at the beginning of the basho today; he received the “rikishi of the year” award, which was given to Kotozakura last year (look how well that turned out!). Aonishiki got the “best newcomer” award, which Onosato, obviously, won last time around.

MATCH OF THE DAY: I would love to award this to Takakento and Fukuzaki, but they’re in Makushita, so this is just advice to go watch that bout. Hakunofuji and Oho are the runner-ups with a very strong showing from both large young rikishi. Sporting the new shikona or ring name, Hakunofuji (ex-Hakuho) tried his best to get the hidari-yotsu (left hand inside) grip on Oho’s belt and Oho was not having it. Oho very nearly pushed Hakunofuji out, but the young man from Isegahama-beya rallied and somehow swung Oho to the clay with an uwatenage victory. Very calm and very efficient sumo today from both rikishi; Oho put up a great fight, but Hakunofuji gets the win.

KIMARITE OF THE DAY: Losing techniques are rare, but when they do happen, I usually cover them for Kimarite of the Day. We often see mono-ii, or judges’ conferences, to check who fell our stepped out first, but it’s rare that we see one for the losing technique we saw employed by Asakoryu today: hansoku, or hair-grabbing. In sumo, you’re not allowed to pull your opponent by their topknot (or chonmage). As such, it’s banned and considered to be very dirty fighting. Asakoryu was originally awarded the win against Ryuden, but upon review, it was revealed that Asakoryu had his hand in Ryuden’s hair and had pretty clearly used that grip to pull him. Therefore, Asakoryu forfeited the match by hansoku and looked pretty embarrassed as he hurried off the dohyo.

PINK MAWASHI DAY ONE: Anyone who looked at the torikumi was dreading this match–or, if they’re an optimist, were hoping for a fun one. Ura didn’t seem to have a plan for this one, which is understandable, and was pretty much just overpowered by the shin-Ozeki, who did win his debut match… regrettably. Ura tried some kind of crazy throw that would have required him to throw Aonishiki forward over both of their heads–naturally, that did not work. But it was a good effort! These two both face strong opponents tomorrow, with Aonishiki up against Yoshinofuji and Ura taking on senior Ozeki Kotozakura.

OVERALL SUMMARY: Both the Yokozuna won, though I will say that–though he won in what can only be described as an extremely decisive fashion–Onosato looked nervous or uncomfortable after his match today, which is not something we usually see from him. It’s Shonichi and he’s already worried about his shoulder; that’s not usually an indicator for a good tournament. But he did win, which is a relief. Time will tell if his shoulder is healthy. Wakamotoharu put up a far better fight than poor Ichiyamamoto, almost nearly defending from Hoshoryu’s attacks, but he ended up on the floor with a frontal crush out victory by Hoshoryu. They held hands as they got up, which was cute. Aonishiki, obviously, beat Ura, and Kotozakura beat Yoshinofuji. Both Sekiwake won their bouts and both Komusubi lost; not an atypical day one. Our debutants fought in the first match of the day and Hatsuyama was obliterated. And Asanoyama lost!

I admit that I have basically nothing interesting to say about Day One; san’yaku performed exactly how san’yaku should have performed and nobody did anything very interesting. I’d say the only upset was Asanoyama, but he’s pretty low-ranked, so it’s not exactly anything earth-shattering for him to screw up on Day One. He will fight Hatsuyama tomorrow, and I have both of them on both of my sumo fantasy teams. It’s a cruel world.

Down in Juryo, early favorites and ex-Makushita tsukedashi, Fujiryoga and Kazuma, both lost their bouts, which I certainly did not have on my nonexistent Hatsu bingo card. It’ll be an interesting tournament in the second-highest division, and potential–but not exactly successful–Makuuchi promotees Daiseizan and Fujiseiun might have something to say to the younger tsukedashi. Down in Makushita, my personal favorite Shimazuumi had a very good victory; as I mentioned above, the last few bouts were pretty exciting. No Enho yet, but he’ll fight fellow Makushita 11 Toseiryu tomorrow.

Sorry for posting one day late; I was too preoccupied with Ura’s loss to focus on anybody else or how they did. In fun news, popular rikishi from Futagoyama-beya Nabatame is on the mend and returning to sumo in Sandanme tomorrow, so he and Enho will be making a lot of people get up early to come watch their bouts. Good luck to them both.

May the best Ura win. And don’t forget to leave a comment!