The sun’s out, the salt’s flying, and it’s time to gear up for the Nagoya Basho! In this episode, we break down everything you need to know ahead of July’s tournament — who's hot, who's hurt, and who’s just here to make things very interesting.
Before the wrestlers step onto the dohyo and the gyoji raises his fan, someone has already been hard at work—building the ring, calling the names, beating the drum, and keeping the whole tournament running smoothly. In this Sumo 101 episode, we shine a spotlight on the Yobidashi: the heralds, craftsmen, and stagehands of the sumo world.
Step into the ring with Asahifuji—a Yokozuna whose career was marked by quiet strength, technical brilliance, and a reign that often gets overlooked. From his rapid rise through the divisions to the battles that defined his era, we break down what made Asahifuji a force to be reckoned with—and why his legacy still echoes today. Plus, we explore the transitions from wrestler to stablemaster and how he shaped the future of sumo long after hanging up the mawashi.
In this episode, we take a deep dive into the career of Harumafuji, one of the most dynamic and agile Yokozuna in modern sumo history. From his humble beginnings in Mongolia to his rapid ascent through the ranks, Harumafuji was known for his lightning speed, technique, and fighting spirit despite being one of the lightest rikishi at the top level. We explore his major victories, his time as Yokozuna, and the legacy he built in the ring—before discussing the shocking incident that abruptly ended his career and left the sumo world reeling.
The 2025 Natsu Basho is in the books, and history has been made. In this episode, we break down all the action from a thrilling May tournament that saw the birth of the 75th Yokozuna. From top division clashes to rising stars in the lower ranks, we cover the key moments, upsets, and standout performances that defined the basho. What does this promotion mean for the future of sumo? And who else made their mark this tournament?
The stage is set for the Natsu Basho, and the stakes couldn't be higher. With new faces climbing the banzuke, veterans clinging to their ranks, and the yusho race wide open, May promises fireworks on the dohyo.
Will the next Yokozuna contender emerge?
In this episode, we unravel one of the most infamous sagas in sumo history — the turbulent career of the 60th Yokozuna. From his rapid rise through the ranks to his historic and controversial downfall, we explore how the Japan Sumo Association’s most regretted Yokozuna promotion shook the foundations of the sport
The dust has settled, and the March Basho has delivered yet another thrilling tournament full of intense battles, unexpected upsets, and standout performances. In this episode, we break down all the key storylines—from the yusho winner’s path to victory to the wrestlers who exceeded expectations and those who fell short.
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 Sumo Discussion, we dive into the career of Konishiki, from his rise through the ranks to his lasting impact on the sport. Was he the best wrestler to never become a Yokozuna?
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 comes with the role. Join us as we break down the history, responsibilities, and legacy of sumo’s ultimate warriors!
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 devastating injuries that nearly ended his career, and his awe-inspiring comeback that saw him reclaim the rank of Yokozuna against all odds. With a legacy marked by resilience, determination, and an unyielding spirit, Terunofuji leaves behind an indelible mark on the sport.
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 historic Yokozuna promotion—or even a double promotion?
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, the challenges he faced both on and off the dohyo, and how injuries began to take their toll.
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 promising young rikishi to the cusp of his dominant reign.
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 ascent to Yokozuna, highlighting his most iconic matches and the rivalries that shaped his career. But Tamanoumi’s story is also one of heartbreak, as his untimely passing left the sumo world mourning a champion whose potential was never fully realized.
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 his career. Join us as we discuss his signature fighting style, his fierce rivalries, and the impact he left on sumo both on and off the dohyo.
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 expectations—or fell short. Did our predictions come true? Who claimed the yusho, and how will this basho impact the rankings heading into the next tournament?
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 training might impact each rikishi’s performance, and make our calls on who has the best shot at the yusho. We’ll also share our picks for dark horses, speculate on any potential shake-ups in the sanyaku ranks, and set a friendly wager on our predictions.
