Sumo Update: January Basho (Hatsu Basho 2026)

Man, it’s an interesting tournament so far! My man Takayasu is doing decently (6-3); Wakatakakage not so much…; his injuries seem to be holding him back still. But the big news is that Kirishima (Sekiwake, lieutenant regional leader) is leading the tournament so far at 8 wins and 1 loss. Both the yokozunas (top fighters) are 2 wins behind him. The newest Ozeki (top regional fighter), Aonishiki (Ukrainian!), is in pole position at 7-1; so is the baby, Fujinokawa. it’s anyone’s tournament at this point.