September 2026 profile. Ranks, measurements, announced pairings and the six-tournament breakdown below reflect the Japanese article’s source check on 11 September 2026.
His favourite word is “compassion”; what he names as his own standout trait is being “negative.” Shodai’s official questionnaire is a little different from the introduction I might have imagined for a former ozeki.
Thrust-downs at 23%: watch the moments just before
The Association’s preceding-six-tournament breakdown has tsukiotoshi, a thrust-down, first at 23%, followed by oshidashi, a frontal push-out, at 17%, and hikiotoshi, a hand pull-down, at 13%. Some bouts may finish before he reaches his preferred right-hand-inside grip; in others, the direction may change after the wrestlers grapple. When the opponent steps forward, does Shodai remain in front or move aside? I want to follow where the opponent was heading, not just the instant of the final technique.
July’s 5–10, then Wakamotoharu to open September
July ended 5–10 at East Maegashira 6. For September he was West Maegashira 11, with Wakamotoharu, who favours a left-hand-inside grip, announced as his opening-day opponent. Shodai became an ozeki in November 2020. His record includes one Makuuchi championship and six Fighting Spirit Prizes. Someday I would also like to hear about Dandadan and Macaroni Enpitsu, both named in his official questionnaire.
At a glance
| September 2026 rank | West Maegashira 11 |
|---|---|
| Stable | Tokitsukaze stable |
| From | Uto, Kumamoto |
| Height / weight | 184 cm / 168 kg |
| Listed strengths | Right-hand-inside grip and force-outs |
Compare him with Wakamotoharu and his left-hand-inside grip · Find a wrestler to follow
Source facts checked in the Japanese article on 11 September 2026: the Japan Sumo Association’s official profile (Japanese), including biographical details, tournament records, winning techniques and questionnaire answers. Percentages are the Association’s breakdown of winning finishes over the preceding six tournaments; they are not win rates across all bouts. The viewing suggestions are the writer’s interpretation. The official bout listings change with the tournament and day, so check the date shown there.