Basho Simplified: A Sumo Discussion

With the March Basho just around the corner, excitement is building as the sumo world braces for another thrilling tournament. Will the newly promoted Yokozuna live up to expectations? Which Ozeki are fighting to keep their rank, and who might be on the rise?

Konishiki wasn’t just a dominant force in sumo—he was a trailblazer. As the first foreign-born wrestler to reach the rank of Ozeki, he shattered expectations and paved the way for the international rikishi who followed. But his career was also marked by controversy, with speculation over whether he was denied a Yokozuna promotion due to his foreign roots. In this episode of Basho Simplified: A Sum...

The title of Yokozuna is more than just sumo’s highest rank—it is a symbol of strength, honour, and tradition. But what does it truly mean to hold this title? How is a Yokozuna chosen, and what expectations come with the rank? In this episode of Basho Simplified: A Sumo Discussion , we explore the origins of the Yokozuna rank, the symbolism behind the sacred rope, and the immense pressure that com...

In this episode of Basho Simplified: A Sumo Discussion , we review all the excitement and drama from the January 2025 Basho—a tournament filled with thrilling upsets, standout performances, and pivotal moments that set the stage for a new era in sumo.

In this special deep dive episode of Basho Simplified: A Sumo Discussion , we celebrate the incredible career of Terunofuji, who recently announced his retirement. From his early days as a promising young rikishi in Mongolia to his rise to sumo’s highest rank, Terunofuji’s journey has been nothing short of extraordinary. We’ll recount the triumphs that defined his dominance on the dohyo, the devas...

In this pre-tournament episode of Basho Simplified: A Sumo Discussion , we look ahead to the first Basho of 2025 and all the excitement it promises to bring. With intense rivalries brewing and top-ranked rikishi poised to make their mark, we analyze the banzuke and discuss the key storylines to watch as the tournament approaches. The biggest question on everyone’s mind: could this Basho see a hist...

In the second part of our deep dive into the career of Taiho, we explore the pinnacle of his legendary reign as Yokozuna and the enduring legacy he left behind. Beginning in 1968, Taiho solidified his position as one of the most dominant rikishi in sumo history, adding to his unprecedented yusho tally and setting records that would stand for decades. Join us as we discuss his unmatched consistency...

In the first installment of our two-part deep dive into the career of Taiho, one of sumo’s greatest Yokozuna, we explore the early years of his extraordinary journey. Born Koki Naya in 1940 on Sakhalin Island during a turbulent time in history, Taiho’s path to the dohyo was shaped by resilience, natural talent, and an unshakable determination to succeed. Join us as we trace his rise from a promisi...

In Episode 20 of Basho Simplified: A Sumo Discussion , we honor the life and career of Tamanoumi, the 51st Yokozuna, whose rise to greatness was as swift as it was unforgettable. Known for his exceptional technique, speed, and strategic brilliance, Tamanoumi captivated the sumo world during his time on the dohyo. We’ll recount his journey from his early days as a promising rikishi to his rapid asc...

In Episode 19 of Basho Simplified: A Sumo Discussion , we journey back in time to explore the remarkable career of Kotozakura, the 53rd Yokozuna. Born in Kurayoshi, Tottori Prefecture, Kotozakura climbed the ranks with sheer grit and unwavering determination, becoming one of the standout rikishi of his era. From his early days to his reign as Yokozuna, we’ll uncover the key moments that defined hi...

In Episode 18 of Basho Simplified: A Sumo Discussion , we unpack all the action from the November basho! From intense bouts and unexpected upsets to the wrestlers who dominated the dohyo, we’ll recap the most thrilling moments of the tournament and reflect on how it all played out. Join us as we analyze the final standings, discuss standout performances, and highlight the rikishi who exceeded expe...

In this episode of "Basho Simplified: A Sumo Discussion," we dive into our predictions for the November basho! With fresh rivalries brewing and exciting rikishi set to step into the ring, we’ll break down the wrestlers to watch, our expectations for top contenders, and who might surprise us in this month’s tournament. Join us as we analyze the current rankings, discuss how recent injuries and trai...

In Episode 16 of "Basho Simplified: A Sumo Discussion," we delve into the remarkable career of Kisenosato, a rikishi whose journey to the top captured the hearts of sumo fans across Japan and beyond. From his early days as a promising up-and-comer to his historic promotion as the first Japanese-born Yokozuna in nearly two decades, Kisenosato’s story is one of resilience, loyalty, and immense natio...

In this special "Sumo 101" episode of "Basho Simplified: A Sumo Discussion," we dive into the fascinating world of the gyoji , the referees of sumo who play a vital role in the ring. More than just officials, gyoji are guardians of tradition, steeped in ceremonial duties and a history as old as sumo itself.

In Episode 15 of "Basho Simplified: A Sumo Discussion," we turn our attention to the newly retired Ozeki, Takakeisho. Known for his explosive pushing-thrusting style and fierce competitive spirit, Takakeisho's rise to Ozeki was a testament to his resilience and determination. Join us as we explore the highs and lows of his career, from his meteoric rise through the ranks to his battles with injuri...

In Episode 14 of "Basho Simplified: A Sumo Discussion," we take a deep dive into the incredible career of Akebono, the first foreign-born rikishi to achieve the rank of Yokozuna. Join us as we explore the journey of this Hawaiian-born powerhouse, from his early struggles in Japan to his historic rise to the top of the sumo world. We’ll discuss Akebono’s unique style, his most iconic matc...

In Episode 13 of "Basho Simplified: A Sumo Discussion," we break down the thrilling conclusion of the September basho! Join us as we recap the final days of the tournament, spotlighting the most memorable moments, championship-deciding matches, and rikishi who left their mark. We’ll dive into the standout performances, from unexpected dark horses to the top contenders, and analyse how th...

In this episode of "Basho Simplified: A Sumo Discussion," we bring you a mid-tournament catch-up on the September Basho! With the action in full swing, we’ll recap the most exciting matches, unexpected upsets, and standout performances that have already defined the first half of the basho. Join us as we analyze the form of the top rikishi, the emerging storylines, and the wrestlers makin...

In Part 2 of our deep dive into the legendary career of Hakuho, we pick up in 2010, right as the sumo world faced one of its biggest scandals. Despite the turmoil surrounding the sport, Hakuho emerged stronger than ever, solidifying his reign as the most dominant Yokozuna in history. Join us as we discuss Hakuho’s unparalleled run throughout the 2010s—breaking records, setting new standards, and b...

In the first part of our deep dive into the career of sumo legend Hakuho, we explore the meteoric rise of a rikishi who would come to redefine the sport. Join us as we trace Hakuho’s journey from his humble beginnings in Mongolia to his early days in the sumo stables of Japan, where his extraordinary talent quickly became undeniable. We’ll cover his rapid ascent through the ranks, the fierce rival...

In Episode 9 of "Basho Simplified: A Sumo Discussion," we’re excited to bring you our first deep dive, focusing on the extraordinary career of one of sumo’s most controversial and dominant figures, Yokozuna Asashoryu. Join us as we explore the life, legacy, and impact of the Mongolian-born rikishi who shook up the sumo world. From his rapid ascent through the ranks to becoming the first...

In Episode 8 of "Basho Simplified: A Sumo Discussion," we bring you our final reflections on the thrilling conclusion of the July basho. Join us as we analyse the last days of the tournament, celebrate the standout performances, and discuss the dramatic moments that defined this Basho. Additionally, we’ll tally our predictions from earlier episodes to see how well we did. Who had the mos...

Episode 7 of "Basho Simplified: A Sumo Discussion," we’re taking a more relaxed approach with a casual catch-up session to review the last three days of the July basho. Join us as we kick back and discuss the exciting developments and key moments from Days 5 to 7. We’ll share our thoughts on the standout performances, surprising upsets, and evolving narratives that have kept us on the ed...

In Episode 6 of "Basho Simplified: A Sumo Discussion," we come together to analyse and discuss the July Basho after an eventful Day 4. Join us as we review the standout moments, surprising upsets, and dominant performances that have defined the tournament so far. Despite some issues with internet connection and a slight delay, we're excited to bring you our insights and reflections o...

In Episode 4 of "Basho Simplified: A Sumo Discussion," Joe is flying solo to bring you an in-depth recap of the action-packed opening days of the July Basho! Join him as he reviews the highlights and key moments from Day 1 and Day 2 of the top division, offering blow-by-blow accounts of the most thrilling matches. From stunning upsets to dominant performances, Joe breaks down the bouts t...