Kirishima’s hopes of earning promotion to sumo’s highest rank have effectively ended at the September Grand Sumo Tournament, while fellow star Onosato has emerged as a leading contender for the championship after a strong return to form.
Kirishima entered the 15-day autumn tournament with a realistic path toward yokozuna promotion after an outstanding run earlier in the year. But his inconsistent performance in Tokyo has left him unable to reach the kind of record needed to keep that promotion campaign alive.
The Mongolian-born ozeki had been one of the most successful wrestlers in the top division this year, posting four consecutive 12-3 records across the first four tournaments and winning one championship while finishing runner-up twice. That form had made the September meet particularly important for his bid to join the yokozuna ranks.
Instead, Kirishima struggled to maintain his momentum. After 10 days, he stood at 5-5, effectively ending his chances of winning the tournament and making a promotion from the current meet highly unlikely. His performance marks a sharp contrast with the results that had put him in contention for promotion in the first place.
Onosato, meanwhile, has produced a much different story. The sole competing yokozuna in the tournament has looked increasingly comfortable after returning from the injury problems that affected his performances earlier in the year.
Onosato reached 9-1 after 10 days and moved into the leading group, putting himself in position to challenge for another Emperor’s Cup. His powerful forward pressure and ability to win with slap-down techniques have been particularly effective during the tournament.
The September tournament also features a strong challenge from sekiwake Atamifuji, who has been pushing toward an ozeki promotion. A 10-win performance would strengthen his promotion case, with his results across the tournament cycle being closely watched by sumo officials and fans.
Fujinokawa has also emerged as one of the tournament’s notable performers. Despite being among the smaller wrestlers in the top division, he has continued to defeat higher-ranked opponents and remain within striking distance of the leaders.
The tournament began with considerable uncertainty after yokozuna Hoshoryu withdrew, leaving Onosato as the only yokozuna competing in the September meet. That changed the balance of the tournament and placed additional attention on the ozeki ranks and the wrestlers chasing promotion.
With the final days approaching, the championship race remains open. Onosato’s resurgence has put him in position to add another title to his career record, while Atamifuji and other contenders remain within reach.
For Kirishima, however, the immediate focus shifts from yokozuna promotion to rebuilding momentum for the November tournament. After entering September with one of the strongest records of the year, his sudden drop from promotion contention has become one of the defining developments of the autumn basho.
