Kinboshi Sumo

Nick is back! And we're here to breakdown some news, the banzuke, bounceback performances for our 2 Yokozuna Onosato and Hoshoryu as well as the potential for Aonishiki to 3-peat and punch his own Yokozuna ticket. We'll also give an update on our 2026 Yung-zeki Sweepstakes and pick out darkhorses and favorites for the Osaka Stormy Basho: 2026 Edition. 0:00 Intro 1:38 News 7:55 Preview: Onosato and Hoshoryu 12:27 Preview: Aonishiki 17:33 Preview: San'yaku Talk 24:00 Preview: Joijin & High Rankers 29:00 Preview: Middle Maegashiras 32:00 Preview: Low Maegashiras 34:20 Yung-zeki Update 44:45 Dark Horses 46:35 Favorites Sound Effect by Breakz Studios from Pixabay https://pixabay.com/sound-effects/musical-breaking-news-intro-logo-2-314321/ Music by ReneSchulze1984 from Pixabay https://pixabay.com/music/search/preview/ Sound Effect by Paweł Spychała from Pixabay https://pixabay.com/sound-effects/household-whistling-kettle-302354/ Music by Mikhail Smusev from Pixabay https://pixabay.com/music/build-up-scenes-tense-suspense-background-music-376385/ Sound Effect by freesound_community from Pixabay https://pixabay.com/sound-effects/nature-boiling-water-61271/ Music by Dvir Silverstone from Pixabay https://pixabay.com/music/main-title-heroic-glory-200752/Sound Effect by freesound_community from Pixabay https://pixabay.com/sound-effects/musical-virtual-koto-shamisen-and-shakuhachi-vst-by-shamikoto-festa-in-autumn-folk-okinawa-30255/

Phil hopped on to join me for some discussion of new recruits, both big and small, bodytypes in sumo, and some This or That with our banzuke predictions for March! Questions, Comments, Concerns: Email us! kinboshiproduction@gmail.com 0:00 Intro 0:35 Corrections 2:00 News - Daishoho, Ryouma, and Middle Shool Recruits 7:40 Bodytypes in Sumo and BMI 25:20 This or That - Banzuke Edition 25:50 Atamifuji vs Yoshinofuji 31:50 Ryuden vs Fujiryouga 34:08 Kotoeiho vs Asasuiryu vs Wakanosho 39:08 Outro Music Cues: Breaking News Intro - https://pixabay.com/sound-effects/breaking-news-intro-logo-2-314321/ Sergio's Magic Dustbin - https://incompetech.com/music/royalty-free/index.html?isrc=USUAN2300012&Search=Search INPULSMUSIC - https://pixabay.com/music/trap-cuban-latin-trap-beat-469610/   Syntheway - Virtual Koto Shamisen - https://pixabay.com/sound-effects/musical-virtual-koto-shamisen-and-shakuhachi-vst-by-shamikoto-festa-in-autumn-folk-okinawa-30255/

Sean stops by to chat about the recently finished Hakuho Cup which, in its 18th year included an adult division (high school, college, and above amateur sumo) and a women's division (hosted in the newly constructed Toyota Arena to get around the JSA's limitation on women in the dohyo) and Hakuho's quotes on wanting sumo in the Olympics by 2036. We also play a little Good Cop / Bad Cop with potential changes to sumo (instant replay, pay the rikishi, lower the dohyo) 0:00 Intro 0:28 News: Hakuho Cup 15:18 Sumo Olympics 2036? 35:25 Good Cop / Bad Cop 45:28 Outro Music Credits:   Breaking News Intro - https://pixabay.com/sound-effects/breaking-news-intro-logo-2-314321/ Moodmode - Medal - https://pixabay.com/music/main-title-medal-223931/ Nakaradaalexander - Jökull (Metal Version) - https://pixabay.com/music/rock-j%c3%b6kull-metal-version-138992/ https://pixabay.com/sound-effects/film-special-effects-police-siren-sound-effect-240674/ Syntheway - Virtual Koto Shamisen - https://pixabay.com/sound-effects/musical-virtual-koto-shamisen-and-shakuhachi-vst-by-shamikoto-festa-in-autumn-folk-okinawa-30255/  

This week JJ from the Sunday Morning Sumo Show joins me to talk about Takakeisho (now Minatogawa Oyakata) taking over his old stable and what that means for Takanosho, Wakanosho, and the evolution of sumo leadership. Then we talk about what kinds of stories we like seeing in sumo and fantasy book some movies we want to see made in sumo. 0:00 Intro 0:41 Takakeisho the Stablemaster 12:00 Storytelling and Sumo 42:41 Hollywood Fantasy Booking 53:45 Outro   Outro Music & Sound Effects: Sound Effect by ⁠freesound_community⁠ from ⁠Pixabay⁠ Artists: syntheway [Outro Music] ⁠https://pixabay.com/sound-effects/breaking-news-intro-logo-2-314321/⁠ https://pixabay.com/sound-effects/film-special-effects-001276-video-movie-shoot-on-set-director-talking-voices-setting-up-equipment-loud-crane-camera-film-joydrop-53516/ https://pixabay.com/music/beats-good-night-lofi-cozy-chill-music-160166/

Phil joined me to give some final thoughts on the January Tournament that was. We cover the passing for former Maegashira Sentoryu (Henry Armstrong Miller) and what it means for amateur sumo and American sumo. We discuss a couple new recruit’s on sumo’s horizon. Give some thoughts on what we still want to see from Ozeki Aonishiki before we think he should be Yokozuna and round up with thoughts on a potential Kirishima Ozeki return and play a little “This or That” with the futures of Ozeki Kotozakura, Yoshinofuji, Hakunofuji, Atamifuji and more! 0:00 Intro 0:47 Sentoryu’s Passing 8:43 New Recruits 12:48 Aonishiki’s Yokozuna Push 21:41 Kirishima Ozeki Repromotion Run? 27:26 Atamifuji’s Future 31:03 This or That (Kotozakura vs Atamifuji) 33:05 This or That (Yoshinofuji vs Kirishima) 35:03 This or That (Aonishiki vs Hakunofuji) 38:12 Outro

Phil hopped back on to join me for a discussion of the final day of the January 2026 basho. Aonishiki, Atamifuji, Kirishima, and a pair of Yokozunas... so much to discuss! We covered the final day match highlights, injury status after 15 days for the likes of Onosato, Hoshoryu, and more, and played over/under with how many wins is a true yusho and the minimum wins for an Ozeki and Yokozuna. 0:00 Intro 1:07 News (Final Day Match Reactions) 9:48 Injury Updates (Onosato, Hoshoryu) 24:10 Over/Under (Yushos, Ozekis, Yokozunas) 39:08 Outro Outro Music & Sound Effects: Sound Effect by freesound_community from Pixabay Artists: syntheway [Outro Music] https://pixabay.com/sound-effects/breaking-news-intro-logo-2-314321/ https://pixabay.com/sound-effects/ambulance-6399/ https://pixabay.com/music/metal-intense-black-metal-instrumental-304729/ "Holiday Weasel" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ 

Larry and Sean stopped by to join me in breaking down the first half of the basho, their hot takes on the dead body rule, Enho's last shot at elder stock and some new predictions for the yusho after 8 days! 0:00 Into 1:00 Basho So Far 21:26 Enho Undefeated, How's the Neck? 36:35 Buy or Sell Yusho Contenders 50:19 Outro

With all the Yokozuna and pals injury talk it was time to call Phil back up and get the lowdown on what these means for their physical performance in the January Tournament. 0:00 Intro 0:40 News 5:26 Injury Report: Onosato's Dislocated Shoulder 13:27 Injury Report: Hoshoryu's Partial Meniscus Tear 22:28 Injury Report: Asanoyama's ACL Surgery Recover 26:17 Injury Report: Kotozakura's MCL Damage 32:08 Buy or Sell, Yusho Chances 40:45 Outro Outro Music & Sound Effects: Sound Effect by freesound_community from Pixabay Artists: syntheway [Outro Music] https://pixabay.com/sound-effects/breaking-news-intro-logo-2-314321/ https://pixabay.com/sound-effects/ambulance-6399/ https://pixabay.com/music/metal-intense-black-metal-instrumental-304729/ https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Autioneer.ogg      

A new year, a new basho! The Big 3 Era begins with Aonishiki at Ozeki, challenging Yokozunas Hoshoryu and Onosato while Ozeki Kotozakura waits in the wings. Nick is back to discuss it all, pick dark horses and predict winners along with the 2026 edition of the "Yung-zeki Sweepstakes" ... who stands a chance of doing what Onosato and Aonishiki did in 2024 and 2025 and racing to Ozeki next? 0:00 Intro 0:50 Big 3 Era (Can Kotozakura challenge??) 7:42 Yung-zeki Sweepstakes 11:55 Takerufuji 13:30 Kotoshoho 11:47 Hiradoumi 16:26 Onokatsu 18:37 Oho 21:11 Yoshinofuji 24:12 Atamifuji 27:06 Hakunofuji (Hakuoho) 31:44 Fujiryoga 34:24 Dark Horse Picks and Yusho Predictions 42:48 Outro Outro Music & Sound Effects: Sound Effect by freesound_community from Pixabay Artists: Exchanger, FunWithSound, oldedgar, and Mondschein90 [SFX] & syntheway [Outro Music]

Sean hops on to discuss 2025 year end awards: Heya of the Year, Narrative of the Year, and Burning Question of the Year. Goodbye to an amazing 2025 in sumo and hello 2026! Happy new year all!

Sean returns to talk Hollywood Sumo with a pair of Jean-Claude Van Damme classics in 1988's Bloodsport and 1994's Street Fighter: The Movie. Would sumo benefit from a "Drive to Survive" clone? (If the JSA would ever allow it.) Or would expanded interest exacerbate existing problems like the ticket crunch? Gunning, John. The Japan Times. "When it comes to sumo in popular media, style reigns over substance." Published April 19, 2023. https://www.japantimes.co.jp/sports/2023/04/19/sumo/sumo-media-problems/ Accessed 12/21/2025. Gunning, John. The Japan Times. "Can sumo avoid becoming another soulless corporate sport?" Published March 5, 2025. https://www.japantimes.co.jp/sports/2025/03/05/sumo/sumo-soulless-sport/ Accessed 12/21/2025. Outro Music: Sound Effect by freesound_community from Pixabay

Goose from the Sunday Morning Sumo Show joined me to discuss his ground level view of the Sumo World Championships in Thailand this year and how international sumo federations can work to grow the sport locally (until hopefully we're all churning out Aonishikis like Ukraine).

Minatogawa (former Takakeisho) will be taking over his own stable after the January basho, which got Sean and I talking about what makes a good Oyakata vs what makes a good coach in other sports and which current rikishi we'd like to see leading stables. What do you think? Is there anyone you think is going to make a particularly good leader in sumo?

Aonishiki wins his first championship and a promotion to Ozeki! The two Yokozunas faulter with Onosato leaving injured on before the final day and Hoshoryu's record against the Ukrainian widening to 0-4. Big things keep on coming in the sumo world!

We're a week into the November basho and at least 2 clear contenders have revealed themselves after the first week. Fellow Yokozuna Hoshoryu is certainly lurking in the background but who do you think comes out of this and what do you think is the best outcome for sumo where you're at in your community?

A pair of dueling Yokozunas, a newly minted Aonishiki Sekiwake waiting in the wings, a bevvy of former sekiwakes all over the banzuke feasting on low rankers? Who will win November 2025, join us as we make some assuredly incorrect predictions! 0:00 Intro 0:49 News: Endo Retires 4:14 Sanyaku Talk: Aonishiki & Oho 10:29 Sanyaku Talk: Takayasu, Takanosho, Wakamotoharu 15:05 Joijin: Hakuoho & Kusano (Yoshinofuji) 19:19 Mid Maegashiras and Atamifuji 23:09 Dark Horse Picks 28:06 Favorites to Win 34:46 Outro Email us! kinboshiproduction@gmail.com If you want to help me save up for a new mic, we have a Patreon but honestly we're just happy you're here! https://www.patreon.com/KinboshiSumo Thanks for listening!

Apologies for the delayed drop but thank you for sticking with me as I got through some travel and related sickness. ANYWAY in the world of sumo the London Expo is done, sans Kotozakura. What does that mean for our Ozeki in November? Isegahama's next monster is about to debut and we may be witnessing the beginning of the end for the last generation of young up and comers (Kirishima and Wakatakakage) and even one of this generation (Takerufuji). What do you think? In honor of Halloween if you have some "treats" to counteract my negative "tricks" on these 3 I'm all ears and would love to hear them at: kinboshiproduction@gmail.com Otherwise thanks for listening! If you wanna contribute to the "Rick needs a new mic and headset" fund you can check out our Patreon, but honestly we're happy you're here and sharing our show with friends who like sumo! Thank you! patreon.com/kinboshisumo Sound Effect by PostadordeMusica from Pixabay Intro via wikimedia commons Outro Music Sound Effect by freesound_community from Pixabay

Dueling Yokozunas Onosato and Hoshoryu! Heartbreak for Wakatakakage's Ozeki bid! The continued rise of Aonishiki! Nick and Rick are back to talk about the September Tournament that was and look forward what should be a stellar finale in November. 0:00 Intro 0:14 Yokozuna Battle: Hoshoryu and Onosato 8:14 Wakatakakage's Ozeki Dreams 12:27 Veteran Carousel Daieisho Kirishima Asanoyama Takayasu Abi 15:46 Aonishiki 26:21 Outro

Sean is with me to discuss the first week of the 2025 September Basho! We start off discussing where most fans attention is focused currently (spoiler, its the Wakatakakage Ozeki push) then pivot to recap the basho so far (Ura, Takanosho, Shodai oh my!) before discussing our favorites to win this thing (dueling Yokozunas, but what is this Aonishiki in the distance?) and end with some over/under predictions for some finishes in week 2.

Nick is back to talk Wakatakakage to Ozeki, Aonishiki's Komusubi Debut, Dark Horse Contendors and Yusho favorites! Email us! kinboshiproduction@gmail.com If you want to help me save up for a new mic, we have a Patreon but honestly we're just happy you're here! https://www.patreon.com/KinboshiSumo Thanks for listening!