Practice guide
Sanban-geiko: repeat bouts with the same partner
Follow the changes from one bout to the next.
Digging Deeper · Research journal #002
Aonishiki has the grip. Now I’m curious about what happens next.
Four of Aonishiki’s eight straight wins came by yori-kiri. What happened after the grip? Fujinokawa’s right foot has caught my attention, too.
2026 AUTUMN TOUR
October: Time to Meet Sumo
With the September tournament over, the autumn tour is next. Tsukuba on October 6, Ebina on October 7 and Sayama on October 8: find the dates, venues and links to each local organiser’s official information.
Tour dates and venues checked: September 30, 2026
Research Journal #008
The men beside the yokozuna caught my eye.
Once I’d cleared away dinner, I opened the photos from today’s ceremonial ring-entering at Meiji Jingu.
Chair or Masu Seat for Fukuoka Sumo? Choose by Comfort, Group and Movement
Choose by posture, companions and movement as well as distance. Includes the official sold-out notice and resale guidance checked on 5 October.
Autumn Sumo Tour 2026: what to expect, plus Tsukuba and Ebina door tickets
Updated with Kitanowaka’s addition announced October 5, alongside Tsukuba and Ebina door-ticket information and checks before traveling.
How a Gyoji's Outfit Reveals His Rank: Colors, Tabi and Sandals
Research Journal #007
Fujinokawa, you won from there!
Shiori spends Sunday with Fujinokawa’s September wins over three ozeki, following the grips and changes of direction before each finish.
Research Journal #006
“Going forward” can look so different.
Staying low. Bringing an opponent upright. I started with Atamifuji, and somehow I was still at my notebook after dinner.
Research Journal #005
Atamifuji was moving forward, though.
He advanced in both bouts. Putting them side by side made me notice the wrestler being pushed back, too.
Diary #005
The blue one.
On Sunday evening, Shiori chooses between two handkerchiefs for Monday’s bag.
Sumo and Everyday Things
Just one slice first.
By the time I thought about dipping some in the soup, I’d eaten both little pieces.
Digging Deeper · Research journal #004
How did Atamifuji do against the same opponents?
Comparing the same ten opponents brought me back to Atamifuji’s win over Daieisho.
Digging Deeper · Research journal #003
Atamifuji recovered his position. I want another look.
Putting four of Atamifuji’s bouts side by side brought me back to his win over Takayasu. After Takayasu got a belt grip, how did Atamifuji get his own attack going again?
Updated
Futagoe: Why call a name twice?
The final juryo bout preserves a trace of an older bout order.
Updated
Fukuoka sumo with children
Updated nursing, diaper-changing and November 2026 ticket information.
Digging Deeper · Research journal #001
After Aonishiki's three straight losses.
The night after the September tournament, Shiori goes back through Aonishiki's results and remembers how it felt to follow each win.
Sumo and everyday life. · Diary 003
A new leaf.
I found a tiny new leaf by the window in the morning—and went back for another look after work. I rather like it still curled up.
Sumo and everyday life.
Pudding can wait.
A pudding from the morning shop. I hadn’t even started watching the final day’s sumo, and I was already a little sad. A look back at yesterday lunchtime.
Articles featured on October 1, 2026
How to Check a Sumo Kimarite After the Bout
What to Bring to Sumo in Japan
FROM INSTAGRAM · IN ENGLISH
A little more sumo, beyond the picture.
Choose the picture you saw on Instagram to read the full story in English. Start with the final-day results, or browse earlier stories by topic below.
Confirmed results
September 2026 · Day 15
· JST
September 27 final results: Onosato won the makuuchi championship at 12–3. Kitanowaka won the juryo title after a three-way playoff. All 19 makuuchi and 14 juryo bouts, final records and special prizes are included.
September 27, 2026 | Day 15 — final results
Final-day results and the close of fifteen days
Onosato won makuuchi and Kitanowaka won juryo. Start with all 33 results, then choose a bout or a question below.
Onosato vs AonishikiOnosato won by tsukidashi, finishing 12–3 and taking the makuuchi championship. Aonishiki finished 11–4.Read the article →
Takayasu vs FujiryogaFujiryoga beat Takayasu by sukuinage and finished 8–7. Takayasu finished 7–8.Read the article →
Atamifuji vs FujinokawaFujinokawa beat Atamifuji by sukuinage to finish 11–4. Atamifuji finished 8–7. Fujinokawa also received a Fighting Spirit Prize.Read the article →
Kitanowaka vs KagayakiKitanowaka beat Kagayaki by oshitaoshi in the regular bout, leaving both at 11–4.Read the article →
Tamawashi vs KayoKayo beat Tamawashi by hikiotoshi and finished 11–4. Tamawashi finished 10–5.Read the article →
Enho vs KyokukaiyuKyokukaiyu beat Enho by yorikiri to secure an 8–7 winning record. Enho finished 7–8.Read the article →
A title decider or a playoff?Onosato won in the scheduled closing bout. Kitanowaka won the additional three-way juryo playoff.Read the article →
The September special prizesFujinokawa and Churanoumi received Fighting Spirit Prizes. The other two categories had no recipients.Read the article →
From September to Fukuoka in NovemberThe next tournament runs November 8–22 at Fukuoka Kokusai Center. Check the dates and official ticket guidance.Read the article →The images are AI-created miniature illustrations, not photographs or reconstructions of the actual bouts or venues. Final records exclude playoff wins.
September 26, 2026 | Day 14 archive
Day 14 results and final-day traditions
September 26 results, six featured bouts and ceremony background. Records in this section are after Day 14.
September Day 14 results index: 19 Makuuchi and 14 Juryo boutsAll 33 confirmed September 26 results, with English text tables and notes on six featured bouts.Read the article →
Kotozakura × OnosatoKotozakura won by tsukiotoshi and stood at 9–5 after Day 14. Onosato was 11–3.Read the article →
Wakamotoharu × TakerufujiWakamotoharu won by yorikiri and stood at 10–4. Takerufuji was 8–6.Read the article →
Asakoryu × UraAsakoryu won by oshidashi. Both he and Ura stood at 9–5 after Day 14.Read the article →
Tamawashi × KagayakiTamawashi won by tsukiotoshi and stood at 10–4. Kagayaki was 11–3.Read the article →
Kitanowaka × KayoKitanowaka won by kotenage. Both he and Kayo stood at 10–4 after Day 14.Read the article →
Dewanoryu × EnhoDewanoryu won by yoritaoshi and stood at 9–5. Enho was 7–7.Read the article →
September 27 ring-entrance timetable archiveAn archive of the September 27 timetable: the makuuchi ring entrance was scheduled around 15:15 JST.Read the article →
“Koreyori sanyaku”: the final three bouts on senshurakuThe signal for the final three scheduled bouts, and the six-wrestler shiko ceremony that precedes them.Read the article →
The strips on the championship flag: from the final day to the next tournamentThe strips record the tournament and champion. Follow the flag from its presentation to its return at the next tournament.Read the article →The images are AI-created miniature illustrations, not photographs or reconstructions of the actual bouts or venues. The tournament ended on September 27; these Day 14 records are historical.
2026.09.23 · DAY 11
Day 11: follow a bout that catches your eye
Wednesday, September 23, 2026 — Day 11 of the September tournament. These notes were prepared before Day 11; the records shown here are through Day 10.
Kagayaki × Hitoshi
Kagayaki 10–0; Hitoshi 7–3
Enho × Tokifudo
Enho 4–6; Tokifudo 5–5
Tamawashi × Mitakeumi
Tamawashi 6–4; Mitakeumi 3–7
Ura × Toshinofuji
Ura 7–3; Toshinofuji 6–4
Kirishima × Atamifuji
Kirishima 5–5; Atamifuji 8–2
Onosato × Fujinokawa
Onosato 9–1; Fujinokawa 8–2
Plan your lower-division viewing for Days 11 and 12
The official fan club has posted the lower-division programme for Days 11 and 12. Check when the wrestlers you follow are scheduled to appear.
September tournament: later opening times on the final three days
Kokugikan opens later on the final three days. Check the official timetable before setting out.
Choose your memorable bout: official fan-club vote closes September 28
The official fan club’s memorable-bout vote is open to Makuuchi-tier members and above until noon on September 28.
The miniature illustrations interpret the viewing themes; they are not reconstructions of actual bouts.
September 21 — Day 9 posts
2026.09.21 · DAY 9
Day 9 recap: ten stories and complete results
September 21, 2026 · Day 9. All 20 Makuuchi and 14 Juryo results have been checked against official records. Updated on September 22; all win–loss records are through Day 9.
Kagayaki vs Kayo
Kagayaki defeated Kayo by oshidashi to extend his unbeaten start to 9–0. Kayo finished Day 9 at 7–2.
Tamawashi vs Kitanowaka
Tamawashi beat Kitanowaka by tsukiotoshi to move to 5–4. Kitanowaka fell to 7–2 and still needs one more win for kachikoshi.
Enho vs Shirokuma
Shirokuma defeated Enho by oshitaoshi. Both wrestlers ended Day 9 at 4–5.
Onosato vs Fujiryoga
Onosato beat Fujiryoga by hikiotoshi in the final bout. At 8–1, Onosato secured kachikoshi; Fujiryoga finished at 3–6.
Fujinokawa vs Kotozakura
Fujinokawa won the meeting of two 6–2 wrestlers, defeating Kotozakura by uwatenage. Fujinokawa moved to 7–2 and Kotozakura to 6–3.
Ura vs Oshoma
Oshoma defeated Ura by hatakikomi and moved to 5–4. Ura ended Day 9 at 6–3.
Onosato reaches 8–1: four wrestlers remain one win behind after Day 9
Onosato defeated Fujiryoga by hikiotoshi to secure a winning record at 8–1, remaining the sole Makuuchi leader after Day 9.
A visit to the Sumo Museum’s Chiyonoyama centenary exhibition
A cultural stop alongside our Day 9 coverage: the Sumo Museum’s “Chiyonoyama and His Disciples: 100 Years Since His Birth” exhibition runs from September 13 to December 17, 2026.
November sumo in Fukuoka: dates and the official resale link
The November tournament is scheduled for November 8–22, 2026, at the Fukuoka Kokusai Center.
All Day 9 results
Confirmed results from all 20 Makuuchi and 14 Juryo bouts.
AI-created artwork; these images are not photographs of actual bouts, venues or exhibits.
September 20 · Day 8 stories
2026.09.20 · DAY 8
Day 8: find the story behind each picture.
September 20, 2026 · Day 8. All 14 Juryo results have been verified. Makuuchi viewing notes retain records through Day 7. Complete Day 8 results will follow after verification.
Ura vs Ichiyamamoto
Ura enters at 5–2 and Ichiyamamoto at 1–6. Their meeting is tenth on the Day 8 Makuuchi card.
Kotozakura vs Hakunofuji
Ozeki Kotozakura enters at 6–1 and komusubi Hakunofuji at 1–6. The gap in their records does not determine the result of this bout.
Onosato vs Takanosho
The final bout pairs yokozuna Onosato, 6–1 through Day 7, with Takanosho, 3–4. Onosato begins Day 8 tied with Kotozakura for the Makuuchi lead.
Kagayaki secures a winning record at 8–0
Kagayaki beat Tokifudo by oshidashi to reach 8–0 and secure kachikoshi, a winning record. Tokifudo is now 4–4.
Ryuden beats Kayo to reach 5–3
Ryuden defeated Kayo by yorikiri and moved to 5–3. Kayo, unbeaten through Day 7, took his first loss and is now 7–1.
Tomokaze gives Kitanowaka his first loss
Tomokaze defeated Kitanowaka by oshitaoshi to move to 3–5. Kitanowaka’s seven-win opening streak ended, leaving him at 7–1.
Kagayaki stands alone at 8–0 in Juryo; Kayo and Kitanowaka take first losses
The Juryo race changed on Day 8: Kagayaki is 8–0, while Kayo and Kitanowaka are 7–1. A look at the standings and the meaning of kachikoshi.
Plan an October sumo outing: the 2026 autumn tour begins in Tsukuba on October 6
After the September tournament, the autumn regional tour offers another chance to see sumo. Start with the opening three stops and the official schedule.
A little sumo in next year’s plans: the official 2027 diary and calendar
The official 2027 sumo diary is listed at ¥1,000 and the calendar at ¥1,100, including tax. A short guide to their features and official purchase information.
September 19 · Day 7 stories and results
2026.09.19 · DAY 7
Follow Day 7 through ten pictures.
September 19, 2026 · Day 7. Results for all 20 Makuuchi and 14 Juryo bouts have been checked against the Japan Sumo Association. Onosato and Kotozakura lead Makuuchi at 6–1; Kayo, Kagayaki and Kitanowaka remain unbeaten in Juryo. The earlier Makuuchi viewing notes preserve pre-bout records through Day 6.
Day 7: all 34 results
Onosato and Kotozakura share the lead at 6–1; three Juryo wrestlers stay perfect at 7–0.
Kayo: seven straight wins
A hatakikomi win takes him to 7–0, one win from a winning record.
Kagayaki stays unbeaten
An oshidashi victory moves him to 7–0.
Kitanowaka reaches 7–0
A yorikiri win over Onokatsu keeps his record perfect.
Onosato vs Churanoumi
Both entered Day 7 at 5–1. A meeting in the final bout.
Aonishiki vs Atamifuji
An ozeki–sekiwake matchup, viewed through their pre-bout records.
Wakamotoharu vs Asakoryu
Two different rhythms meet on the Day 7 dohyo.
Seven leaders entering Day 7
The seven-way lead after Day 6 and the significance of the finale.
Planning for Fukuoka
The sale date, sold-out notice and official resale information.
Three unbeaten in Juryo
Kitanowaka, Kagayaki and Kayo each need one more win for kachikoshi.
Illustrations are AI-created miniature scenes, not photographs of actual bouts or venues.
September 18 · Day 6 stories and results
SEPTEMBER 18, 2026 · SEPTEMBER TOURNAMENT, DAY 6
A small detail can open up a whole bout.
A step after the charge. A hand reaching for the belt. The space between two wrestlers. Pick a picture to explore the Day 6 viewing notes, or start with the complete bout lists.
These previews were checked on the morning of September 18, before the Day 6 bouts. Records are through Day 5; these are viewing notes, not Day 6 results.
Day 6 results
Three bouts from Juryo
Kagayaki vs NishikigiAfter five straight wins, watch the first step.Read in English 
Kitanowaka vs ShirokumaWho finds a comfortable belt grip first?Read in English 
Dewanoryu vs TamawashiAt arm’s length or close in? Follow the distance.Read in English
Three bouts from Makuuchi
Asakoryu vs KinbozanThree wins apiece. How will they close the gap?Read in English 
Ura vs AsahakuryuBeneath the moving hands, watch the feet.Read in English 
Onosato vs GonoyamaIn the closing bout, who moves forward after the charge?Read in English
A return, the standings and a date to remember
Nabatame returns on Day 6His return bout is against Tokifudo.Read in English 
Nine wrestlers at 4–1Meet the Day 6 opponents of the Makuuchi leading group.Read in English 
Kyushu tickets: September 19General sales open Saturday at 10 a.m. JST.Read in English
All times are Japan Standard Time (JST, UTC+9). The pictures are AI-generated illustrations, not photographs of the bouts.
SEPTEMBER 17, 2026 · SEPTEMBER TOURNAMENT, DAY 5
Day 5 viewing notes · September 17
The first step. The height of a shoulder. A hand searching for the belt. Here are three Juryo and three Makuuchi bouts, with a few small things to watch for.
Archived pre-bout notes for September 17, Day 5. The records quoted are from the end of Day 4.
Three bouts from Juryo
Ryuden vs EnhoWhat happens after the low entry?Read in English 
Kitanowaka vs MidorifujiKeep an eye on shoulder height.Read in English 
Daiseizan vs MitakeumiFour wins so far. Watch the first step.Read in English Three bouts from Makuuchi
Ura vs WakamotoharuThe closer they get, the more there is to see.Read in English 
Asanoyama vs TakerufujiThe step before the belt grip.Read in English 
Churanoumi vs KotozakuraKotozakura is 4–0. How will they get a grip?Read in English Before you settle in to watch
When should I tune in?Juryo ring entrance: 2:15 p.m. / Makuuchi: 3:40 p.m. JSTRead in English 
Kyushu ticket sales open September 19General sales: Saturday, 10 a.m. JST.Read in English 
A look back at the Day 4 winsKotozakura and four Juryo wrestlers remain unbeaten.Read in English All times are Japan Standard Time (JST, UTC+9). Ring-entering ceremonies begin before the division’s first bout. The pictures are AI-generated illustrations.
Day 5 results
THE ARCHIVE
Follow your curiosity.
Earlier stories from our Instagram posts, collected by topic. Open a section to find the English article you are looking for. News articles retain their original dates.
News and tournament notes (8)
Meet the wrestlers (9)
Your first visit (8)
Life around the dohyo (14)
- Teppo practice: what to look for
- Suriashi: the sliding steps of sumo
- Inside the sumo training school
- Finding the yobidashi on the banzuke
- How the yobidashi call East and West
- The yobidashi’s clothing and trousers
- What is a sumo stable?
- Reading sumo win-rate data with care
- A day of sumo, from lower divisions to the bow-twirling ceremony
- The gyoji’s fan: following the referee’s decision
- Hakkeyoi and nokotta: listening to the referee
- What does a yobidashi do?
- Chonmage and oicho: the two sumo topknots
- What to notice on a kesho-mawashi
Thinking of seeing sumo in person?
Take your time with the practical details, from your first visit to where you will stay.