Asanoyama enters Kyushu at east maegashira No. 1, returning to the regular slate of top-ranked opponents for the first time since March 2024. In a November 6 report, he said he was ready to approach opening day without injury and commit fully to his sumo.
His November 8 bout with ozeki Aonishiki will be their first meeting. Asanoyama said they have not faced each other in practice either. Rather than forming an image of the opponent and overthinking it, he intends to focus on his own sumo.
On Day 2 he meets Hoshoryu, his first yokozuna opponent in 16 tournaments. He rose to maegashira No. 1 after going 10–5 at east maegashira No. 6 in September.
Shiori’s note: That commitment to his own style makes me curious about the opening charge.
Sources: Nikkan Sports, November 6, and the official JSA profile.