Tokyo International News Agency

The Grand Sumo Hatsu Basho (January Tournament) concluded on the 25th with a thrilling playoff, where the newly promoted Ozeki Anseikin defeated Atamifuji in a championship decider, securing his second consecutive title and second overall with a record of 12 wins and 3 losses. This victory marks the first time in 20 years a newly promoted Ozeki has lifted the Emperor's Cup, and his achievement of winning consecutive championships from the Sekiwake rank is a historic feat, not seen since legendary Yokozuna Futabayama 89 years ago. The final day of the tournament saw both wrestlers tied at 12-3, leading to a championship playoff. Social media buzzed with comments like "The Grand Sumo playoff gave me chills!" and "What a heated decider!" as fans watched with bated breath. In the highly anticipated playoff, Atamifuji relentlessly attacked, trying to lift Anseikin's upper body. However, Anseikin showed tenacity at the edge of the ring, ultimately bringing down At...

The Reiwa 8 (2026) January Grand Sumo Tournament has opened, and former Hakuoho, now competing under his new ring name Hokunofuji, delivered a thrilling performance from day one, fulfilling the audience's high expectations with a winning start. In his bout against Komusubi Oho, Hokunofuji was pushed to the very edge of the ring but showed incredible tenacity. He ultimately delivered a stunning overarm throw (uwatenage) to defeat Oho in a dramatic reversal. This spectacular victory marked his first win against Oho, whom he had faced three times previously without success, and the venue erupted in excitement. Hokunofuji's victory in his first bout after changing his ring name immediately sparked a flurry of praise on social media, with comments such as "Hokunofuji, that reversal from the edge was amazing!" "What a great start!" and "So excited by that last-second comeback!" Fans even declared, "Today's MVP is undoubtedly Hokunofuji," ex...