As predicted, the only kyujo announcement heading into the March basho was Maegashira 15 Midorifuji. Obviously, something is wrong with his heart, which is very worrying. He got to Osaka for the banzuke announcement but had trouble sleeping and consulted a doctor, where he discovered (according to Japanese press) that fluid had built up in his heart and lungs. NHK’s commentator said the issue was cardiac arrest and his stablemaster said the issue was heart failure; I don’t know if this is a translation issue or if they just don’t know. Whatever it is, obviously, I hope Midori is okay; he is very popular, very skillful, and young as well, at 29. If he retires, I hope that’s the best decision for him and that he prioritizes his health over his sumo career. Heal well & much love, Midorifuji.

Midorifuji is the only kyujo now, but after watching Makuuchi today, he may well have some friends joining him. With that said, let’s get into Haru 2026!

MATCH OF THE DAY: Kinbozan and Fujiryoga was, I will say, an excellent decision by the matchmaking committee. Kinbozan is not usually this far down the banzuke, and I was so confident in him that I actually drafted him in my most important fantasy sumo league. He and rookie Fujiryoga shared a powerful pusher-thruster exchange with Kinbozan escorting the younger rikishi out by oshidashi. Welcome to the big leagues, kiddo! His beautiful hair is probably long enough for a chonmage, but the JSA has let him keep it down, and I’m here for it. I wonder if he’ll put it up if he keeps losing. The honorary mention for this is definitely Takayasu vs Churanoumi, but I can’t bear to see Chu-Chu lose.

KIMARITE OF THE DAY: Aonishiki had no gifts for me in the kimarite department, but he did, by the way, win. We’ll give it to what was also a fun match, though not so good for my fantasy team: Kotozakura vs Yoshinofuji. Yoshinofuji really looked like he was going to win, but Kotozakura had surprisingly good footing and took him out by uwatenage. Kotozakura continues to squeak depressingly by, and Yoshinofuji will have the super fun opponent of Aonishiki tomorrow. Zaku will fight Henkamaster Wakamotoharu.

PINK MAWASHI DAY ONE: Every Ura win is a good win, though the Shodai ones always do make me a little sad. I love Shodai dearly, but of course, Ura’s wins are my priority. Shodai was a little bit stronger at the tachiai but Ura rallied for some very un-Ura sumo. He powered Shodai out by oshidashi and skipped away to collect his conisderable prize money. We will always take the oshidashi, Ura. 1/15 of the way to the zensho yusho.

OVERALL SUMMARY: Abi looks exhausted, Hakunofuji looks like a toe and leg issue, and Onokatsu looks like an MCL injury. I suspect Onokatsu will be absent tomorrow and the other two will keep fighting, but who knows? Prioritize your health, boys. You have futures. Anyway, the top of the banzuke did pretty well, except, of course, for Wakatakakage’s win over Onosato. I truly have a lot of admiration and respect for Onosato, but I mean, what was that? Overpowered by Wakatakakage? Stupid Onami brothers, man. Always beating the people I don’t want them to beat. Well, I can’t exactly blame them. Atamifuji gets a very honorable mention for a brilliant bout, but ultimately a loss, against Hosh. Amidst all of this Isegahama drama (Isegadrama?), he and Yoshinofuji remain iconic.

Sumo is back! And Ura is genki.