The following are the events in professional
sumo during 2020.
Tournaments
Hatsu basho
Ryōgoku Kokugikan,
Tokyo
Tokyo (; ja, 東京, , ), officially the Tokyo Metropolis ( ja, 東京都, label=none, ), is the capital and List of cities in Japan, largest city of Japan. Formerly known as Edo, its metropolitan area () is the most populous in the world, ...
, 12 January – 26 January
Haru basho
Osaka Prefectural Gymnasium
is an indoor sporting arena located in Namba, Osaka, Japan. It first opened in 1952 and the current building was constructed in 1987. It is the venue of a professional sumo tournament ( honbasho) held in March every year. The capacity of the ...
,
Osaka
is a designated city in the Kansai region of Honshu in Japan. It is the capital of and most populous city in Osaka Prefecture, and the third most populous city in Japan, following Special wards of Tokyo and Yokohama. With a population of ...
, 8 March – 22 March
Natsu basho
Originally scheduled to be held on 10–24 May at the Ryōgoku Kokugikan in Tokyo, the tournament was cancelled due to
COVID-19
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a contagious disease caused by a virus, the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). The first known case was identified in Wuhan, China, in December 2019. The disease quickly ...
following Japan's state of emergency in April.
[
]
Nagoya basho
Ryōgoku Kokugikan, Tokyo, 19 July – 2 August[
Originally scheduled to take place at ]Aichi Prefectural Gymnasium
, also known as , is a multi-purpose gymnasium in Nagoya, Japan, built in 1964.
Overview
Located on the site of the secondary enclosure of Nagoya Castle, it is host to numerous concerts and events.
The gymnasium has 4,375 fixed seats, and can ...
in Nagoya
is the largest city in the Chūbu region, the fourth-most populous city and third most populous urban area in Japan, with a population of 2.3million in 2020. Located on the Pacific coast in central Honshu, it is the capital and the most po ...
on 5–19 July due to avoid scheduling conflict with the 2020 Summer Olympics
The , officially the and also known as , was an international multi-sport event held from 23 July to 8 August 2021 in Tokyo, Japan, with some preliminary events that began on 21 July.
Tokyo was selected as the host city during the 1 ...
, the tournament was moved to Tokyo by the Sumo Association due to the coronavirus pandemic. The tournament was limited to 2,500 spectators per day, which is less than one-fourth of the Kokugikan's capacity. The banzuke originally issued for the cancelled Natsu basho was used.
Olympic exhibition
Ryōgoku Kokugikan, Tokyo, 12 August – 13 August[https://tokyo2020.org/en/news/notice/20200204-01.html ] – cancelled
Aki basho
Ryōgoku Kokugikan, Tokyo, 13 September – 27 September
Kyushu basho
Ryōgoku Kokugikan, Tokyo, 8 November – 22 November
Originally scheduled to be held at the Fukuoka Kokusai Center in Kyushu, the Sumo Association moved the tournament to Tokyo due to the coronavirus pandemic.
News
January
*9: Ishiura is docked 20 percent of one month's salary by the Japan Sumo Association
The is the body that operates and controls professional sumo wrestling (called ''Ōzumō'', 大相撲) in Japan under the jurisdiction of the Japanese Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT). '' Rikishi'' (active ...
following an incident in training at Miyagino stable
is a stable of sumo wrestlers, part of the Isegahama '' ichimon'' or group of stables. It was founded by the 43rd ''yokozuna'' Yoshibayama as ''Yoshibayama dōjō'' while he was still an active wrestler, before changing to its current name in 19 ...
when he came to blows with a junior ranked wrestler, Hokahō, after a series of heated bouts, leading to them having to be separated by Hakuhō. Hokahō is warned, while stablemaster Miyagino Oyakata is docked 20 percent of his salary for three months.
*25: Emperor Naruhito
is the current Emperor of Japan. He acceded to the Chrysanthemum Throne on 1 May 2019, beginning the Reiwa era, following the abdication of his father, Akihito. He is the 126th monarch according to Japan's traditional order of succession.
...
, Empress Masako
is as the consort of Emperor Naruhito, who ascended to the Chrysanthemum Throne in 2019. Masako, who was educated at Harvard and Oxford, had a prior career as a diplomat.
Early life and education
was born on 9 December 1963 at Toranomon ...
and their daughter Princess Aiko (an avid sumo fan since the age of five) watch the final nine matches of Day 14 of the Hatsu basho, the first time they have attended sumo since the Emperor ascended to the throne in May 2019.
*26: The final day sees two ''maegashira
, or , is the top division of the six divisions of professional sumo. Its size is fixed at 42 wrestlers ('' rikishi''), ordered into five ranks according to their ability as defined by their performance in previous tournaments.
This is the o ...
,'' Shōdai and Tokushōryū, in contention for the championship. Shōdai defeats Mitakeumi
is a Japanese professional sumo wrestler from Agematsu, Nagano. He is in the Dewanoumi stable. He is a pusher thruster-type wrestler. A former amateur champion at Toyo University, he made his professional debut in March 2015, reaching the top '' ...
to finish on 13–2, but in the final match Tokushōryū defeats '' ōzeki'' Takakeishō to win the yūshō with a 14–1 record, avoiding the need for a playoff with Shōdai. He only returned to the ''makuuchi
, or , is the top division of the six divisions of professional sumo. Its size is fixed at 42 wrestlers ('' rikishi''), ordered into five ranks according to their ability as defined by their performance in previous tournaments.
This is the o ...
'' division this tournament at the very bottom rank of west ''maegashira
, or , is the top division of the six divisions of professional sumo. Its size is fixed at 42 wrestlers ('' rikishi''), ordered into five ranks according to their ability as defined by their performance in previous tournaments.
This is the o ...
'' 17, and he is the first to win the championship at the lowest rank since Takatōriki in March 2000. He is also the first winner from Nara Prefecture
is a prefecture of Japan located in the Kansai region of Honshu. Nara Prefecture has a population of 1,321,805 and has a geographic area of . Nara Prefecture borders Kyoto Prefecture to the north, Osaka Prefecture to the northwest, Wakayam ...
in 98 years. Visibly emotional after the championship-winning bout, Tokushōryū at 33 is the third oldest first-time ''yūshō'' winner since the six tournaments per year era began in 1958, after Kyokutenhō and Tamawashi. He also receives his first ever special prizes, for Fighting Spirit and Outstanding Performance. Shodai also gets a share of the Fighting Spirit Prize, as does ''makuuchi'' debutant Kiribayama who scores 11–4. Hokutofuji
is a Japanese professional sumo wrestler from Tokorozawa, Saitama. His debut in '' maezumō'' was in March 2015, and his first ''makuuchi'' division ''honbasho'' was the Kyūshū tournament in November 2016. His highest rank has been ''komusub ...
is awarded the Technique Prize and also finishes on 11–4. Endō receives a share of the Outstanding Performance Prize for beating both ''yokozuna
, or , is the top division of the six divisions of professional sumo. Its size is fixed at 42 wrestlers (''rikishi''), ordered into five ranks according to their ability as defined by their performance in previous tournaments.
This is the on ...
,'' Hakuhō and Kakuryū, although both end up dropping out of the tournament with injuries. ''Ōzeki'' Gōeidō can only score 5–10 and faces demotion from the rank after 33 straight tournaments at ''ōzeki'', the tenth highest in history. The ''jūryō
Professional sumo as administered by the Japan Sumo Association is divided into six ranked divisions. Wrestlers are promoted and demoted within and between these divisions based on the merit of their win–loss records in official tournaments. Fo ...
'' division championship is won by former ''ōzeki'' Terunofuji
, lead=yes), is a Mongolian-born naturalised-Japanese professional sumo wrestler. Wrestling for the Isegahama stable, he entered professional sumo in January 2011 and took the second division ''jūryō'' championship in his debut as a ''sekitori ...
with a 13–2 record, continuing his comeback from injury. Former ''maegashira'' Arawashi
is a former professional sumo wrestler from Ulan Bator, Mongolia. He made his professional debut in November 2002. He is the 21st Mongolian to reach the top ''makuuchi'' division, which he achieved in May 2014. His 68-tournament rise through the ...
retires.
*28: Gōeidō's retirement is announced, leaving sumo with only one ''ōzeki'' for the first time in 38 years. Gōeidō is the first ''ōzeki'' to retire at that rank since Kaiō in 2011. He is staying in sumo as a coach under the elder name of Takekuma.
*29: The promotions to ''jūryō'' are announced. There is one newcomer, Midorifuji, a Kindai University
is a private non-sectarian and coeducational university based in Higashiosaka, Osaka, Japan with campuses in five other locations: Nara, Nara; Ōsakasayama, Osaka; Uchita, Wakayama; Higashihiroshima, Hiroshima; and Iizuka, Fukuoka.
The Eng ...
graduate from Isegahama stable
Isegahama stable was a heya or stable of sumo wrestlers, part of the Tatsunami-Isegahama ''ichimon,'' or group of stables.
It was founded in 1859 by former ''komusubi'' Arakuma. It was led from 1929 by former ''sekiwake'' Kiyosegawa. His dau ...
. The other four are all returning: Wakamotoharu
is a Japanese professional sumo wrestler from Fukushima (city), Fukushima. He wrestles for the Arashio stable, where he is a heya (sumo), stable mate of his brothers Wakatakakage Atsushi, Wakatakakage and Wakatakamoto. His highest rank to date ha ...
, , former ''maegashira'' Akiseyama (his 7th jūryō promotion), and .
*30: Furiwake Oyakata, the former Takamisakari
Takamisakari Seiken (born May 12, 1976 as Seiken Katō) is a former sumo wrestler from Aomori Prefecture, Japan. A former amateur champion, he turned professional in 1999 and established himself in the top division in 2002 after a brief appearance ...
, is announced as the new head coach of Azumazeki stable
was a stable of sumo wrestlers, part of the Takasago group of stables. It was founded in February 1986 by the Hawaiian born Takamiyama of the Takasago stable in Higashi–Komagata, Sumida, Tokyo. It was the first stable ever to be run by a fo ...
. Its future had been in doubt following the death of the previous Azumazeki Oyakata, ex- Ushiomaru, last December.
February
*1: The retirement ceremony ''(danpatsu-shiki
The following words are terms used in sumo wrestling in Japan.
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...
)'' of former ''sekiwake'' Takekaze
Takekaze Akira (born June 21, 1979 as Akira Narita) is a former professional sumo wrestler from Akita Prefecture, Japan. A former amateur sumo champion, he turned professional in 2002, reaching the top ''makuuchi'' division the following year. He ...
(now Oshiogawa Oyakata) is held at the Ryōgoku Kokugikan.
*3: A number of top wrestlers take part in the soy bean-throwing at the Setsubun
is the day before the beginning of spring in the old calendar in Japan. The name literally means 'seasonal division', referring to the day just before the first day of spring in the traditional calendar, known as ; though previously refer ...
festival at Narita-san Shinshō-ji Temple in Narita, Chiba.
*4: The Sumo Association announces that it will hold an exhibition tournament from August 12 to 13, shortly after the 2020 Tokyo Olympics
The , officially the and also known as , was an international multi-sport event held from 23 July to 8 August 2021 in Tokyo, Japan, with some preliminary events that began on 21 July.
Tokyo was selected as the List of Olympic Games h ...
, to show sumo to an international audience. Dubbed the "Grand Sumo Tournament Rooting for the Tokyo 2020 Games", it will be part of the larger Nippon Festival, a nationwide collaboration focused on showing Olympic visitors Japan's culture and arts.
*4: Chairman Hakkaku and head of public relations Shibatayama tell a meeting of wrestlers and stable masters that the ban on individual wrestlers posting on social media, introduced after an image uploaded by Abi showed another wrestler tied up as a prank, is to be continued indefinitely. "One person’s mistake can cause trouble for everyone. Fans have been driven away by scandals in the past" says Hakkaku.
*9: The 44th Fuji TV one day tournament is held at the Kokugikan. Takayasu defeats Myogiryu in the final.
*17: ''Sandanme'' Wakaichirō Ken, a wrestler of mixed African-American
African Americans (also referred to as Black Americans and Afro-Americans) are an ethnic group consisting of Americans with partial or total ancestry from sub-Saharan Africa. The term "African American" generally denotes descendants of ensl ...
and Japanese ancestry who grew up in Houston, Texas, retires. With his retirement, there are no active rikishi from North America.
*23: The Sumo Association says the March tournament in Osaka will go ahead despite the current coronavirus outbreak, although it urges those attending to take suitable anti-viral measures.
*24: The banzuke for March is released, with Tokushōryū rising from ''maegashira'' 17 to ''maegashira'' 2 in the rankings. Shodai returns to sekiwake for the first time since January 2017. The retirement of Gōeidō creates room for a ''maegashira'' 18, with Kotonowaka Masahiro
is a Japanese professional sumo wrestler from Chiba Prefecture. He made his debut in November 2015 and reached the top ''makuuchi'' division in March 2020. He wrestles for Sadogatake stable. His highest rank has been ''komusubi''. He is the so ...
making his ''makuuchi'' debut at the expense of his injured stablemate Kotoyuki, who drops to ''jūryō''. Kotonowaka is the son of his stablemaster, ex-''sekiwake'' Kotonowaka Terumasa
Kotonowaka Terumasa (born May 15, 1968, as Mitsuya Konno) is a former sumo wrestler from Obanazawa, Yamagata prefecture, Japan. He made his professional debut in 1984 and after reaching the top ''makuuchi'' division in 1990 he remained there for ...
, and it is the ninth time that a father and son have both reached the top division. Returning to ''makuuchi'' are Nishikigi and Daiamami
is a Japanese professional sumo wrestler from Tatsugō, Kagoshima. After a successful amateur career, he turned professional in January 2016, making the top ''makuuchi'' division in November of the following year. His highest rank has been ' ...
.
*26: Coming under increasing pressure to cancel the March tournament, the Sumo Association says it will make a decision on March 1. The J.League has postponed all matches until March 15, the Tokyo Marathon
The is an annual marathon sporting event in Tokyo, the capital of Japan. It is a World Athletics Platinum Label marathon and one of the six World Marathon Majors. The latest edition of the race took place on . It is sponsored by Tokyo Metro.
H ...
organizers have restricted entry to elite runners only, and Olympic organisers have cancelled training events.
*28: The Sumo Association admits that the tournament is unlikely to be held in a "regular fashion".
March
*1: The Sumo Association confirms that the March Basho in Osaka will be held behind closed doors. The tournament will be broadcast, but will be cancelled if any wrestler is found to have contracted the coronavirus. This will be the first closed door basho since a June 1945 tournament where only injured World War II
World War II or the Second World War, often abbreviated as WWII or WW2, was a world war that lasted from 1939 to 1945. It involved the vast majority of the world's countries—including all of the great powers—forming two opposing ...
veterans were invited to attend.[
*8: With the tournament underway several wrestlers remark on how odd it is to fight in a virtually empty arena, with Enhō commenting, "It’s like I can’t raise my fighting spirit...It made me wonder what I’m fighting for."
*15: ]Chiyomaru
is a Japanese professional sumo wrestler from Shibushi, Kagoshima. He made his professional debut in May 2007. He took the second division ''jūryō'' championship in his third tournament in the division in January 2014 and was promoted to the ...
withdraws from the tournament with a fever. After two straight days with a temperature of above 37.5 °C he undergoes a test
Test(s), testing, or TEST may refer to:
* Test (assessment), an educational assessment intended to measure the respondents' knowledge or other abilities
Arts and entertainment
* ''Test'' (2013 film), an American film
* ''Test'' (2014 film), ...
for the coronavirus, which comes back negative on March 17. He re-entered the tournament on March 18.
*22: The tournament ends with both Yokozuna on identical scores deciding the championship in the last bout, the first time this has happened since 2013. Hakuho wins the match to take his 44th yūshō with a 13–2 record. Kakuryū is runner up on 12–3 alongside maegashira Takanoshō, who wins the Fighting Spirit prize. Aoiyama who had been sole leader only to lose his last three matches and finish on 11–4, gets the Technique Award. Ōnoshō wins the Outstanding Performance prize for his victory over Hakuhō on Day 10. Asanoyama finishes on 11–4, his fourth straight double-digit score, and the judging committee recommend his promotion to ōzeki (although with 32 wins over three tournaments he is one win short of the traditional standard).
*25: Asanoyama's promotion to ''ōzeki'' is officially announced. It is also announced that three wrestlers are returning to the ''jūryō'' division – former ''maegashira'' Fujiazuma and , plus Asanoyama's stablemate Asabenkei. There are no wrestlers making their ''jūryō'' debut this time.
*26: Former ''maegashira'' Sōkokurai retires to take over Arashio stable
is a stable of sumo wrestlers, part of the Tokitsukaze '' ichimon'' or group of stables. It was set up in June 2002 by former ''komusubi'' Ōyutaka, who branched off from Tokitsukaze stable. At the end of 2009 the stable produced its first ''s ...
.
April
*3: The May 2020 and July 2020 tournaments are both postponed two weeks due to the coronavirus outbreak; the July tournament was previously moved forward a week to avoid conflict with the 2020 Summer Olympics
The , officially the and also known as , was an international multi-sport event held from 23 July to 8 August 2021 in Tokyo, Japan, with some preliminary events that began on 21 July.
Tokyo was selected as the host city during the 1 ...
in Tokyo, which have since been postponed to a year.
*10: The Sumo Association confirmed the sport's first coronavirus case. ''Sandanme
Professional sumo as administered by the Japan Sumo Association is divided into six ranked divisions. Wrestlers are promoted and demoted within and between these divisions based on the merit of their win–loss records in official tournaments. For ...
'' 11 wrestler Shobushi of Takadagawa stable
is a stable of sumo wrestlers, one of the Nishonoseki ''ichimon'' or group of stables. It was formed in 1974 by former '' ōzeki'' Maenoyama, and was originally in the Takasago group of stables before joining the Nishonoseki ''ichimon''. A serie ...
, whose identity was not disclosed at the time, tested positive after developing a fever some six days earlier. All sumo wrestlers and officials were ordered to stay indoors until further notice. The Sumo Association's communications director, Shibatayama, told reporters that the situation around the world had become more serious and that the JSA needed to decide the direction they would be going in with regard to the already-postponed May ''basho''.[
*17: Former sekiwake ]Toyonoshima
Toyonoshima Daiki (born June 26, 1983 as Daiki Kajiwara) is a former professional sumo wrestler from Sukumo, Kōchi, Japan. He made his professional debut in January 2002, reaching the top ''makuuchi'' division in September 2004. He was a runner ...
retires.
*25: The Sumo Association announced that stablemaster Takadagawa and five wrestlers tested positive for the coronavirus. One of the affected wrestlers was Hakuyozan, a ''jūryō
Professional sumo as administered by the Japan Sumo Association is divided into six ranked divisions. Wrestlers are promoted and demoted within and between these divisions based on the merit of their win–loss records in official tournaments. Fo ...
'' wrestler in Takadagawa stable
is a stable of sumo wrestlers, one of the Nishonoseki ''ichimon'' or group of stables. It was formed in 1974 by former '' ōzeki'' Maenoyama, and was originally in the Takasago group of stables before joining the Nishonoseki ''ichimon''. A serie ...
, while the other four were lower-division wrestlers whose identities and stables were not disclosed. Shibatayama from the Sumo Association said that the ''banzuke
A , officially called is a document listing the rankings of professional sumo wrestlers published before each official tournament (''honbasho''). The term can also refer to the rankings themselves. The document is normally released about two w ...
'' for the May tournament would be published on 27 April as scheduled, but noted that the tournament could still be closed to the public or cancelled depending on the situation.
*27: The ''banzuke'' for the Natsu ''basho'' is released. Asanoyama makes his debut at ''ōzeki'', and Kotoshōhō makes his top division debut. Okinoumi
is a retired Japanese professional sumo wrestler from Okinoshima, Shimane. He joined professional sumo in 2005, reaching the top division in 2010. He was runner-up in ''makuuchi'' three times in the January 2011, March 2013, and November 2017 t ...
returns to the ''sanyaku
The following words are terms used in sumo wrestling in Japan.
A
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'' ranks for the first time since November 2016, and Terunofuji
, lead=yes), is a Mongolian-born naturalised-Japanese professional sumo wrestler. Wrestling for the Isegahama stable, he entered professional sumo in January 2011 and took the second division ''jūryō'' championship in his debut as a ''sekitori ...
returns to ''makuuchi'' after a 14 tournament absence during which he fell to ''jonidan
Professional sumo as administered by the Japan Sumo Association is divided into six ranked divisions. Wrestlers are promoted and demoted within and between these divisions based on the merit of their win–loss records in official tournaments. Fo ...
.''
May
*1: The Sumo Association said it would review the schedule for the May ''basho'' if Prime Minister
A prime minister, premier or chief of cabinet is the head of the cabinet and the leader of the ministers in the executive branch of government, often in a parliamentary or semi-presidential system. Under those systems, a prime minister i ...
Shinzo Abe
Shinzo Abe ( ; ja, 安倍 晋三, Hepburn: , ; 21 September 1954 – 8 July 2022) was a Japanese politician who served as Prime Minister of Japan and President of the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) from 2006 to 2007 and again from 2012 to 20 ...
follows through with plans to extend Japan's state of emergency due to the coronavirus pandemic.
*4: Following the extension of Japan's national state of emergency until 31 May, the Sumo Association officially cancels the May Grand Sumo Tournament. It is the second cancellation of a ''basho'' since 1946, and the first since March 2011 amidst a match-fixing scandal. The Sumo Association also announced it was making plans to move the 2020 July ''basho'' from Nagoya to Tokyo, with the meet likely to be conducted behind closed doors.
*13: The Sumo Association announced the death of ''sandanme'' wrestler Shobushi (Takadagawa stable
is a stable of sumo wrestlers, one of the Nishonoseki ''ichimon'' or group of stables. It was formed in 1974 by former '' ōzeki'' Maenoyama, and was originally in the Takasago group of stables before joining the Nishonoseki ''ichimon''. A serie ...
) from multiple organ failure after contracting the coronavirus one month earlier. The 28-year-old was the first sumo wrestler to die from the virus, and is also thought to be the first person in their 20s to die from the virus in Japan.[ He suffered from ]diabetes
Diabetes, also known as diabetes mellitus, is a group of metabolic disorders characterized by a high blood sugar level ( hyperglycemia) over a prolonged period of time. Symptoms often include frequent urination, increased thirst and increased ...
and in 2016 had to withdraw from a bout because of hypoglycemia
Hypoglycemia, also called low blood sugar, is a fall in blood sugar to levels below normal, typically below 70 mg/dL (3.9 mmol/L). Whipple's triad is used to properly identify hypoglycemic episodes. It is defined as blood glucose bel ...
. JSA chairman Hakkaku says, "We cannot find any words to say when we think about the broken hearts of his family. I can only imagine how hard it must have been, battling illness for over a month, but like a wrestler he endured it bravely and fought the disease until the end. I just want him to rest peacefully now."
*18: COVID-19 antibody testing is made available to all Sumo Association members, including wrestlers and stablemasters.
June
*22: Sumo Association spokesman Oguruma confirms that although the Japanese government will allow events with up to 5000 spectators from July 10, the aim is to hold the next tournament in an empty arena. The ban on wrestlers visiting other stables for training (''degeiko'') may be lifted two weeks before the start of the tournament if it is medically safe to do so.
July
*6: The Sumo Association announce the results of their antibody testing. Of the 891 personnel tested, five came up positive for antibodies. Four were cleared after PCR testing, while one was believed to have been infected in May and already cured. The Association does not confirm whether any were wrestlers or if they were other members.
*10: The Sumo Association confirm that the July tournament will go ahead, with a decision on whether to admit spectators to be made at a later board meeting.
*13: Nakagawa stable Nakagawa stable (中川部屋 ''Nakagawa-beya'') was a stable of sumo wrestlers, part of the Tokitsukaze ''ichimon'' or group of stables. It was founded on January 26, 2017 with nine wrestlers, all of whom were previously members of Kasugayama stab ...
is closed down after three wrestlers complain of physical and verbal abuse by its head coach, the former Asahisato
Asahisato Kenji (born 9 November 1965 as Kenji Masuda) is a former sumo wrestler from Ikeda, Osaka, Japan. His active career spanned 17 years and 102 tournaments from 1981 until 1998, and his highest rank was ''maegashira'' 14. Upon his retirement ...
. Nakagawa Oyakata is demoted two rungs in the Sumo Association's hierarchy and transferred to Tokitsukaze stable
The is a stable of sumo wrestlers in Japan, one of the Tokitsukaze group of stables. It was founded in 1769 and was dominant during the Taishō period.
In its modern form it dates from 1941 when it was established by Futabayama, who was still ...
. Nakagawa stable's wrestlers and personnel are divided up amongst seven different stables.
*13: Former ''maegashira'' Seirō retires after a 15-year career due to health problems.
*13: The Sumo Association announces its decision to open the July ''basho'' in Tokyo to a maximum of 2,500 spectators per day, which is less than one-fourth the total capacity of the Kokugikan.[ It is also announced that the November tournament will be switched from Fukuoka to Tokyo, and that all remaining ''jungyo'' tours this year are cancelled.][
*15: Former ''sekiwake'' Tochiōzan retires. He is staying in sumo as a coach under the name Kiyomigata Oyakata.
*19: The July tournament opens with the limited number of spectators required to wear masks, have their temperature taken, and sit apart with only one person in the four-seat ''masu'' boxes. Fans have been instructed to applaud and not cheer, and not approach any wrestlers for autographs.
*26: Abi is removed partway through the July tournament by his stablemaster Shikoroyama for violations against the JSA's coronavirus containment guidelines. He had been spotted dining out with friends. JSA chairman Hakkaku described Abi's actions as "unpardonable".
*28: Tagonoura Oyakata, the former ]Takanotsuru
Takanotsuru Shinichi (born 18 June 1976 as Shinichi Sekiyama) is a former sumo wrestler from Izumi, Kagoshima, Japan. He made his professional debut in March 1992, and reached the top division in January 2003. His highest rank was ''maegashir ...
, is warned by the Sumo Association after a photo emerges showing him apparently drunk and passed out at a restaurant. He tests negative for COVID-19.
August
*2: On the final day of the tournament, Terunofuji
, lead=yes), is a Mongolian-born naturalised-Japanese professional sumo wrestler. Wrestling for the Isegahama stable, he entered professional sumo in January 2011 and took the second division ''jūryō'' championship in his debut as a ''sekitori ...
defeats Mitakeumi
is a Japanese professional sumo wrestler from Agematsu, Nagano. He is in the Dewanoumi stable. He is a pusher thruster-type wrestler. A former amateur champion at Toyo University, he made his professional debut in March 2015, reaching the top '' ...
(11-4) to win his second top division championship with a 13–2 record, five years after his first. It is a remarkable comeback as Terunofuji had only just returned to ''makuuchi'' following a fall to ''jonidan'' through injury to both his knees and illnesses such as hepatitis and diabetes. His victory on Day 15 avoided the need for a playoff with the winner of the day's final match, new ''ōzeki'' Asanoyama
is a Japanese professional sumo wrestler from Toyama Prefecture. He wrestles for Takasago stable. He debuted in sumo in March 2016 and made his ''makuuchi'' debut in September 2017. His highest rank has been ''ōzeki''. He has earned six spec ...
, who defeats ''sekiwake'' Shodai (11-4). Asanoyama finishes sole runner-up on 12–3. Terunofuji is also awarded his first Technique Prize, and shares the Outstanding Performance Award with Mitakeumi and ''komusubi'' Daieisho (11-4). Shodai receives the Fighting Spirit Award. In the ''jūryō'' division there is an unusual six-way playoff for the championship, with Meisei eventually emerging victorious after defeating two of his Tatsunami stablemates, Hōshōryū and Akua. Veteran , who was promoted to ''jūryō'' a record nine times but never managed a winning record there, announces his retirement.
*4: Nine unidentified ''rikishi'' flee from Shikihide stable claiming abuse from the wife of the stablemaster, the former Kitazakura
, born December 15, 1971 as is a former sumo wrestler from Asakita ward, Hiroshima City, Japan. His highest rank was ''maegashira'' 9. He is the elder brother of Toyozakura, also a top division wrestler. He was a popular figure with sumo fans. ...
, after she took over training due to her husband falling ill.
*4: The Sumo Association announce that the Nagoya tournament in the year 2021 will start a week earlier than normal to avoid clashing with the rescheduling of the 2020 Summer Olympics
The , officially the and also known as , was an international multi-sport event held from 23 July to 8 August 2021 in Tokyo, Japan, with some preliminary events that began on 21 July.
Tokyo was selected as the host city during the 1 ...
in Tokyo on July 23, 2021. The sumo will now conclude on July 18.
*5: Reports emerge that Abi has submitted his resignation to the Sumo Association over his violation of the coronavirus rules.
*5: Promotions to the ''jūryō'' division are announced. There are two newcomers, of the Shikoroyama stable
is a stable of sumo wrestlers, formerly part of the Tokitsukaze ''ichimon'' or group of stables. It was established in its current form in February 2004 by former ''sekiwake'' Terao Tsunefumi, who branched off from the Izutsu stable. He did no ...
and of the Isegahama stable
Isegahama stable was a heya or stable of sumo wrestlers, part of the Tatsunami-Isegahama ''ichimon,'' or group of stables.
It was founded in 1859 by former ''komusubi'' Arakuma. It was led from 1929 by former ''sekiwake'' Kiyosegawa. His dau ...
. Returning are former ''maegashira'' Kitaharima (his eighth ''jūryō'' promotion) and Chiyonokuni
is a Japanese professional sumo wrestler from Iga, Mie. Making his professional debut in May 2006, he reached the top ''makuuchi'' division for the first time in January 2012. He has a highest rank of ''maegashira'' 1, but he has also been rest ...
.
*6: The Japan Sumo Association rejects the resignation of Abi, and instead bans him for three tournaments and reduces his pay by 50% for five months for violating coronavirus rules. His stablemaster Shikoroyama is also given a salary cut of 20% for six months. The wrestler who accompanied Abi, ex-''jūryō'' of the Nishikido stable
Nishikido stable (Japanese: 錦戸部屋, ''Nishikido-beya'') is a stable of sumo wrestlers, one of the Takasago group of stables. It was founded in 2002 by Mitoizumi of the Takasago stable.
It was home to the only Kazakh wrestler in professio ...
, is suspended for two tournaments and his stablemaster warned.
*7: The Sumo Association lifts the ban on wrestlers going out on their own, but issues 16 "strict compliance rules," including " Do not go to clubs where hosts and hostesses entertain customers" and " Do not drink too much."
*14: It is announced that a unidentified ''makushita'' wrestler tested positive for the virus, but with a low viral load, bringing sumo's total known wrestler infections to 13. Additionally, former ''maegashira'' Tamarikidō, who now coaches at Nishonoseki stable Nishonoseki stable may refer to:
* Nishonoseki stable (1911–2013)
(1911–2013) was a stable of sumo wrestlers, part of the Nishonoseki group of stables (''ichimon'') named after it. It first appeared in the late eighteenth century and was re-e ...
under the name Matsugane, was also announced to have tested positive but was not working at the July tournament.
*27 August: Former ''juryo'' 3 retires at age 25 due to a persistent neck injury.
*31: The ''banzuke'' for the September tournament is released. After his yusho in July Terunofuji rises to ''maegashira'' 1. Daieishō makes his debut at ''sekiwake
, or , is the top division of the six divisions of professional sumo. Its size is fixed at 42 wrestlers ('' rikishi''), ordered into five ranks according to their ability as defined by their performance in previous tournaments.
This is the o ...
.'' There are three ''sekiwake'' listed, none of whom had previously been an ''ōzeki'', the first time this has happened since September 2011. There are two newcomers to the top division, Hōshōryū who is former ''yokozuna'' Asashōryū's nephew, and Tobizaru, who is former ''maegashira'' Hidenoumi
is a Japanese professional sumo wrestler for Kise stable. A former amateur sumo competitor at Nihon University, he made his professional debut in 2012 and was promoted to the top ''makuuchi'' division in July 2015. His highest rank to date is ...
's brother. They become the eleventh pair of brothers to reach ''makuuchi''.
September
*10: The whole of the Tamanoi stable
is a stable of sumo wrestlers, part of the Dewanoumi ''ichimon'' or group of stables. It was set up in 1990 by former ''sekiwake'' Tochiazuma Tomoyori, who branched off from Kasugano stable. He coached his son, who also wrestled under the name T ...
are withdrawn from the forthcoming tournament due to a coronavirus outbreak. There are 19 confirmed cases, with 12 hospitalized with minor symptoms, and seven without symptoms are isolating at the stable. The Sumo Association says the tournament will still go ahead. Fujiazuma, one of two current ''sekitori
A ''sekitori'' (関取) is a '' rikishi'' (力士, sumo wrestler) who is ranked in one of the top two professional divisions: '' makuuchi'' and ''jūryō''.
The name literally translates to having taken the barrier, as only a relatively small fra ...
'' at the stable (the other being Azumaryu) is among those who test positive.
*11: Both ''yokozuna
, or , is the top division of the six divisions of professional sumo. Its size is fixed at 42 wrestlers (''rikishi''), ordered into five ranks according to their ability as defined by their performance in previous tournaments.
This is the on ...
'', Hakuhō and Kakuryū, withdraw from the September tournament prior to Day 1. Both suffered injuries in the July tournament that forced their withdrawals mid-tournament and Hakuhō underwent endoscopic surgery
An endoscopy is a procedure used in medicine to look inside the body. The endoscopy procedure uses an endoscope to examine the interior of a hollow organ or cavity of the body. Unlike many other medical imaging techniques, endoscopes are inser ...
on his right knee in August. Kakuryu's stablemaster, former ''ozeki'' Kirishima, indicated that Kakuryu would consider retirement if he could not return to healthy competition in November. It is the first time since 1983 that a tournament with two ''yokozuna'' on the ''banzuke'' has seen both absent from Day 1.
*27: ''Sekiwake'' Shōdai clinches his first ''yūshō'', winning the September 2020 ''basho'' with a record of 13–2. Shōdai, who also took home the Outstanding Performance Prize and the Fighting Spirit Prize, defeated Tobizaru on the final day. Tobizaru was also awarded the Fighting Spirit Prize, finishing his first tournament in ''makunouchi'' with a record of 11–4. The runner-up was Takakeishō, who defeated fellow ''ōzeki'' Asanoyama
is a Japanese professional sumo wrestler from Toyama Prefecture. He wrestles for Takasago stable. He debuted in sumo in March 2016 and made his ''makuuchi'' debut in September 2017. His highest rank has been ''ōzeki''. He has earned six spec ...
in the last match of the ''basho'' to finish with a 12–3 record. The Sumo Association later announced that an extraordinary meeting would take place on 30 September, where Shōdai is expected to be promoted to the second-highest rank of ''ōzeki''. The ''jūryō'' division championship is won by Chiyonokuni
is a Japanese professional sumo wrestler from Iga, Mie. Making his professional debut in May 2006, he reached the top ''makuuchi'' division for the first time in January 2012. He has a highest rank of ''maegashira'' 1, but he has also been rest ...
with a 14–1 record, his second straight ''yūshō
is the term for a championship in Japanese. This article focuses on championships in the sport of professional sumo.
It is awarded in each of the six annual '' honbasho'' or official tournaments, to the wrestler who wins the most bouts. ''Y ...
'' after winning the ''makushita'' championship in the previous tournament. By contrast, new ''sekitori
A ''sekitori'' (関取) is a '' rikishi'' (力士, sumo wrestler) who is ranked in one of the top two professional divisions: '' makuuchi'' and ''jūryō''.
The name literally translates to having taken the barrier, as only a relatively small fra ...
'' Oki, who has an arm injury, becomes the first wrestler since 15 day tournaments began in 1949 to lose every one of his bouts in his ''jūryō'' debut.
*30: Shōdai's promotion to the ''ōzeki'' rank is unanimously approved by the Sumo Association. In his acceptance speech, Shōdai said that he would devote himself to the way of sumo "with the spirit of utmost sincerity so as not to disgrace the name of ''ōzeki''." He later told reporters that he was "relieved" and that he was "in a position where you are expected not to lose."
*30: It is announced that all 28 Tamanoi stable wrestlers who were forced to quarantine and miss the September tournament will not suffer any fall in rank for the next tournament.
*30: The promotions to ''jūryō'' are announced. There are no debutants, but four are returning: Takagenji
is a Japanese mixed martial artist and former professional sumo wrestler from Ibaraki Prefecture. He made his debut in March 2013 and reached the top ''makuuchi'' division in July 2019. He wrestled for the Takanohana and Tokiwayama stables. Hi ...
, Jōkōryū, , and Ura. Ura was last ranked in ''jūryō'' in January 2018, falling all the way to ''jonidan
Professional sumo as administered by the Japan Sumo Association is divided into six ranked divisions. Wrestlers are promoted and demoted within and between these divisions based on the merit of their win–loss records in official tournaments. Fo ...
'' 106 on the ''banzuke'' through injury before making a successful comeback beginning last November.
October
*18: The Sumo Association announced that it would raise the daily spectator limit to 5,000 people - or about half the capacity of the Kokugikan - for the upcoming November ''basho'' in Tokyo. A limit of 2,500 daily spectators had been put into place since the July tournament due to the coronavirus pandemic.
*26: The ''banzuke'' for the November tournament is released. One wrestler, Akua, is making his top division debut and among those making their return to the top division, after more than a year away, are Chiyoshōma and Chiyonokuni
is a Japanese professional sumo wrestler from Iga, Mie. Making his professional debut in May 2006, he reached the top ''makuuchi'' division for the first time in January 2012. He has a highest rank of ''maegashira'' 1, but he has also been rest ...
. Two former ''ōzeki'', Terunofuji
, lead=yes), is a Mongolian-born naturalised-Japanese professional sumo wrestler. Wrestling for the Isegahama stable, he entered professional sumo in January 2011 and took the second division ''jūryō'' championship in his debut as a ''sekitori ...
and Takayasu, return to the ''sanyaku
The following words are terms used in sumo wrestling in Japan.
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
...
'' ranks at ''komusubi
, or , is the top division of the six divisions of professional sumo. Its size is fixed at 42 wrestlers ('' rikishi''), ordered into five ranks according to their ability as defined by their performance in previous tournaments.
This is the o ...
.'' Takanoshō makes his ''sanyaku'' debut, at ''sekiwake
, or , is the top division of the six divisions of professional sumo. Its size is fixed at 42 wrestlers ('' rikishi''), ordered into five ranks according to their ability as defined by their performance in previous tournaments.
This is the o ...
.'' Shōdai makes his ''ōzeki'' debut. He is the seventh oldest since 1958 to make the ''ōzeki'' rank at 28 years and ten months, and the first from Kumamoto Prefecture
is a prefecture of Japan located on the island of Kyūshū. Kumamoto Prefecture has a population of 1,748,134 () and has a geographic area of . Kumamoto Prefecture borders Fukuoka Prefecture to the north, Ōita Prefecture to the northeast, M ...
since Tochihikari in July 1962.
November
*5: ''Yokozuna'' Kakuryū announces his withdrawal from the final tournament of 2020, citing a lower back injury; this is Kakuryū's third withdrawal in a row.
*6: ''Yokozuna'' Hakuho also withdraws from the November 2020 tournament due to complications from his knee surgery that kept him out of the previous tournament; this is the first time Hakuho has ever missed back-to-back tournaments.
*12: New ''ōzeki'' Shodai withdraws from the tournament with an ankle injury, following fellow ''ōzeki'' Asanoyama two days previously. This leaves Takakeishō as the only ''ōzeki'' or ''yokozuna'' still in the tournament.
*14: Former ''ōzeki'' Kotoshogiku retires from sumo mid-tournament after a 1–5 start.
*17: Former ''komusubi'' Gagamaru
), lead=yes is a Georgian former professional sumo wrestler from Tbilisi. The third Georgian national after Kokkai Futoshi, Kokkai and Tochinoshin to make the top ''makuuchi'' division, he made his professional debut in November 2005, reaching th ...
retires from sumo after being absent from 5 consecutive tournaments.
*22: ''Ozeki'' Takakeisho wins the November tournament with a 13–2 record, his second career top division ''yusho'', after losing to challenger ''komusubi'' Terunofuji in the final regular match but besting him in the subsequent playoff bout; the championship puts Takakeisho within reach of promotion to ''yokozuna''. Takakeishō's victory ensures that for the first time since 1991, every top division tournament of the year has had a different winner. Terunofuji is awarded the Technique sanshō, Chiyonokuni (10–5) and Shimanoumi
is a Japanese professional sumo wrestler from Shima, Mie. He debuted in sumo wrestling in July 2012 and made his ''makuuchi'' debut in May 2019. His highest rank has been ''maegashira'' 3. He wrestles for Kise stable.
Background
Hamaguchi Koyo ...
(11–4) are both awarded a Fighting Spirit sanshō, and the Outstanding Performance sanshō goes unawarded. Midorifuji claims the ''yusho'' in the second division, also in a playoff bout, defeating Kyokushūhō having lost to him in their regulation match. Both wrestlers had 10–5 records. The ''makushita'' division championship is won by with a perfect 7–0 score, ensuring his return to ''jūryō''. In addition to Kotoshōgiku and Gagamaru, former ''jūryō'' retires.
*24: The Sumo Association's issues warnings to ''yokozuna'' Hakuhō and Kakuryū over their lack of participation in recent sumo tournaments. This is the middle of three notices that the council can issue to ''yokozuna'' whose performance is contrary to what is expected of the rank (between a notice of encouragement and a recommendation for retirement). It is the first time in history that warning notices have been issued.[
*25: The promotions to ''jūryō'' for January 2021 are announced. There are two newcomers, ]Ōhō
was a after ''Eiryaku'' and before ''Chōkan.'' This period spanned the years from September 1161 through March 1163. The reigning emperor was .
Change of era
* January 28, 1161 : The new era name was created to mark an event or a number of ...
, formerly known as Naya who is the son of former ''sekiwake'' Takatōriki and the grandson of former ''yokozuna'' Taihō, and Tōhakuryū, formerly Shiraishi. Returning to ''jūryō'' are Ryūkō and Yago.
*27: As he is approaching the mandatory retirement age of 65, the head coach of Takasago stable
is a stable of sumo wrestlers, one of the Takasago group of stables. It is correctly written in Japanese as "髙砂部屋", but the first of these ''kanji'' is rare, and is more commonly written as "高砂部屋".
History
The stable was establi ...
(former ''ōzeki'' Asashio) passes control of the stable over to the former ''sekiwake'' Asasekiryū, swapping elder names with him and becoming Nishikijima Oyakata. He will stay in the Sumo Association for a further five years as a consultant.
December
*10: ''Yokozuna'' Kakuryu acquires Japanese citizenship, allowing him to eventually become coach and sumo elder upon retirement.
*12: A coronavirus outbreak occurs at the Tatsunami stable
Asahiyutaka Katsuteru (born 10 September 1968) is a former sumo wrestler from Kasugai, Aichi, Japan. His highest rank was ''komusubi''. He is now the head coach of Tatsunami stable.
Career
He joined Ōshima stable and made his professional debu ...
, infecting ''maegashira'' Akua and 9 others.
*24: The Sumo Association releases the ''banzuke'' for the January 2021 tournament. Midorifuji, the November winner in ''jūryō'', is promoted to the top division for the first time at ''maegashira'' 14. Also promoted to ''maegashira'' is Akiseyama, who returns to ''makuuchi'' for the first time in almost five years. Terunofuji, the top division runner-up in November, is elevated to ''sekiwake'', while Mitakeumi drops from ''sekiwake'' to ''komusubi''.
*31: The Sumo Association announces that top division wrestler Wakatakakage
is a Japanese professional sumo wrestler from Fukushima. He made his debut in March 2017 and reached the top ''makuuchi'' division in November 2019. He wrestles for Arashio stable, where he is a stablemate of his older brothers Wakatakamoto and ...
has tested positive for COVID-19, and that everyone in his family and Arashio stable
is a stable of sumo wrestlers, part of the Tokitsukaze '' ichimon'' or group of stables. It was set up in June 2002 by former ''komusubi'' Ōyutaka, who branched off from Tokitsukaze stable. At the end of 2009 the stable produced its first ''s ...
will be tested for the virus. It is uncertain whether Wakatakakage will be cleared in time to compete in the January 2021 ''basho'', which starts on 10 January.
Deaths
*12 Jan: Former ''makushita
Professional sumo as administered by the Japan Sumo Association is divided into six ranked divisions. Wrestlers are promoted and demoted within and between these divisions based on the merit of their win–loss records in official tournaments. Fo ...
'' 13 Midiorimine, better known as professional wrestler Kazuo Sakurada, aged 71, from arrhythmia.
*28 Feb: Former ''makushita'' 15 Daishōchi, aged 35, from an unspecified illness.
*28 March: Former ''jūryō
Professional sumo as administered by the Japan Sumo Association is divided into six ranked divisions. Wrestlers are promoted and demoted within and between these divisions based on the merit of their win–loss records in official tournaments. Fo ...
'' 2 , elder brother of Terao
is a Japanese former sumo wrestler. He was born in Tokyo, but brought up in Kajiki, Aira District, Kagoshima, Japan. He fought out of Izutsu stable. The highest rank he reached was ''sekiwake.'' Despite his relatively light weight he had an ...
and Sakahoko
Sakahoko Nobushige (born Yoshiaki Fukuzono; 18 June 1961 – 16 September 2019) was a Japanese sumo wrestler. The son of Tsurugamine, he made his professional debut in 1978, reaching the top ''makuuchi'' division in 1982. His highest rank w ...
, aged 60, from heart failure. His death was not disclosed until 16 May.
*13 May: ''Sandanme'' 11 Shobushi, aged 28, from multiple organ failure caused by COVID-19
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a contagious disease caused by a virus, the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). The first known case was identified in Wuhan, China, in December 2019. The disease quickly ...
.[
*9 August: Former ''maegashira'' 1 Zaōnishiki, aged 67, from multiple myeloma.
*26 August: Former ''makushita'' 3 ]Maeta
The following is a list of the heaviest professional sumo wrestlers. Only wrestlers weighing or over are included.
Wrestlers shown in bold are still active as of May 2021.
{, class="sortable wikitable"
!width="20", Rank
! Ring name
!width= ...
, aged 38, heart attack.
*19 September: Former ''komusubi'' Yutakayama, former Minato Oyakata, aged 72, from pancreatic cancer.
See also
*
*List of active sumo wrestlers
The following is an alphabetical list of all active professional sumo wrestlers in the top ''makuuchi'' division, and all those currently in lower divisions who have a Wikipedia article. Please refer to professional sumo divisions for more informa ...
* List of years in sumo
References
{{Years in sumo
Sumo by year
Sumo
2020 sport-related lists
Sumo