Sumo Tournaments and Stable Politics — 2026-10-08

Top developments

Yokozuna Committee Issues Warning Over Hoshoryu’s Three-Tournament Absence

The Yokozuna Deliberation Committee (YDC) held its regular meeting on September 28, focusing on the status of Yokozuna Hoshoryu, who missed the entire September Grand Sumo Tournament (Aki Basho) due to injury. This marks his third consecutive tournament absence. YDC Chairman Toshimori Oshima stated that while no formal disciplinary resolution was adopted, the committee expressed strong concern, urging him to "show the appearance worthy of a Yokozuna" and return to the dohyo soon. The committee also acknowledged Yokozuna Onosato’s victory in September as a successful "revival" championship after a year without a title for the top rank.

Autumn Tour Begins with 12 Wrestlers Sitting Out

The 2026 Autumn Tour (Jungyo) officially began on October 6 in Tsukuba, Ibaraki Prefecture. Champion Onosato performed his ring-entry ceremony and addressed reporters, stating he had spent the week soaking in the aftermath of his victory but emphasizing that the next tournament is crucial. However, the tour is significantly depleted; on October 1, the Japan Sumo Association announced that 12 wrestlers would sit out the tour due to injuries or other reasons. This includes Yokozuna Hoshoryu and Ozeki Wakatakakage, along with Juryo division wrestlers Miyagino and Homarefuji, who were replaced by lower-ranked rikishi.

JSA Announces First-Ever Sumo Exhibition in Thailand

During the October 1 board meeting, the Japan Sumo Association announced plans to hold a three-day exhibition tournament in Bangkok, Thailand, starting June 11, 2027. This event will commemorate the 140th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Japan and Thailand. It marks the first time professional sumo has been staged in Thailand and is the association's third consecutive year of overseas exhibitions, following London (2025) and Paris (June 2026). It is also the first tour in Asia since Jakarta in 2013.

Referee Leadership Shake-up at Board Meeting

The October 1 board meeting also resulted in significant changes to the referee hierarchy. The 43rd Shikimori Ichinosuke was promoted to the 40th Kimura Shonohyoe, a rare and prestigious position. Concurrently, Kimura Akinosuke was promoted to become the 44th Shikimori Ichinosuke. These appointments reflect ongoing administrative adjustments within the association's officiating corps.

Local view

Local sports media, particularly Nikkan Sports and Sponichi Annex, have focused heavily on the contrast between Onosato's resurgence and Hoshoryu's prolonged absence. Sponichi reported Onosato's emotional press conference where he admitted to being surprised by his own concentration levels during the championship playoff, noting that tears flowed during his victory speech. Nikkan Sports highlighted the YDC's subtle pressure on Hoshoryu, framing it as a critical juncture for his legacy, noting that his "resolutions" regarding his return were not formally discussed by the committee, leaving the timeline uncertain.

Context & numbers

• Ticket Availability: Tickets for the upcoming November Kyushu Basho (starting November 8) are currently listed as sold out for all dates on the official ticketing site.
• Tour Participation: 12 wrestlers are sitting out the Autumn Tour, including two top-division stars (Hoshoryu, Wakatakakage). Four Juryo wrestlers are being called up as replacements to maintain match volume.
• Overseas Expansion: The Thailand tour will be the first in Southeast Asia since 2013, signaling a strategic pivot toward Asian markets after recent European successes.

On the radar

• November 8: Kyushu Basho begins in Fukuoka. With tickets sold out, attention will turn to how the depleted ranks from the Autumn Tour recover.
• Hoshoryu’s Return: Watch for official announcements regarding when Yokozuna Hoshoryu might resume training or competition. His absence from the Autumn Tour suggests he may not be ready for November.
• Thailand Tour Logistics: Details on ticket sales and participating wrestlers for the June 2027 Bangkok exhibition will likely be finalized in early 2027.