Banzuke Preview
Looking at the tournament banzuke before the beginning of a basho.
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Nagoya 2026: Banzuke Preview
As my loyal readers may know, the Banzuke Preview is one of my favorite posts to write–perhaps my favorite, though Senshuraku, the final day of a tournament, is often lots of fun as well. I covered the Paris koen and inter-basho events in the Basho Wrap-Up, so let’s get into the previews, starting with the…
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Natsu 2026: Banzuke Preview
I do think that my excitement is always evident in the Banzuke Preview, but just in case, I will inform my readers that I am very, very hyped for the May basho. A warning in advance: my coverage of this basho will probably be inconsistent at best and missing some parts at worst, because May…
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Haru 2026: Banzuke Preview
So. I just said some pretty positive things about ex-Terunofuji, and now I’m rueing my words. Ex-Terunofuji (current Isegahama-oyakata), a few days ago, underwent questioning by the JSA for acts of violence against a younger wrestler. The wrestler in question was recent transfer from Miyagino-beya, Hakunofuji, and Nishikifuji is also being questioned due to being…
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Hatsu 2026: Banzuke Preview
It’s that time again! January 2026 is set up to be a superb tournament. The bottom of the banzuke is unusually strong, and the top is, of course, much more exciting–and aesthetically even–than it has been for a while, thanks to Shin-Ozeki Aonishiki. He’ll be looking for a strong debut and maybe even a yusho…
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Kyushu 2025 Banzuke Preview
It’s already November and the last basho of the year is kicking off! Onosato narrowly won the last yusho over Hoshoryu, and the two Yokozuna are sure to fight again in this month’s Fukuoka tournament. The biggest recent news between the basho was the retirement of popular (but injured) ex-Makuuchi Endo. He will be staying…
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Aki 2025 Banzuke Preview
It’s September 14th, and the 2025 Aki basho is about to kick off. My name is Emma, and I’ve been a sumo fan for several years. This is Pink Mawashi Sumo, and we’re about to get into the action for the very first time. But before we do, let’s take a look at the banzuke…