The art of watching sumo – March 2022

The Spring Sumo Tournament: 13-27 March 2022 in Osaka

The health crisis cast doubt on the staging of the March tournament. Several high-ranking wrestlers were even infected recently, but it appears that the championship will take place now.

Mitakeumi has finally become an ozeki, just below the supreme rank of yokozuna. By winning his third title last January, the Nagano native finally met the minimum requirements for promotion after spending almost two years in the san’yaku.

If the ranking sees the arrival of a new ozeki, a sword of Damocles will hang over the other two. Whether it’s Takakeisho or Shodai, both rikishi (sumo wrestlers) are in the hot seat following their poor results in January. The former was withdrawn due to a new injury while the latter underperformed. If they don’t secure the majority of wins, the axe will fall.

The only yokozuna in the competition, Terunofuji, who finished third in January, will want to regain control of the situation and ensure he’s the only master on the board.  It was the first time since his promotion six months ago that the yokozuna had seen the cup slip from his fingers.

Particular attention will also be paid to Abi who has confirmed he’s in great form since returning to the competition. Promoted to sekiwake, the highest rank of his career, he could once again be a serious challenger for the title.

To ensure you miss none of the action, visit the NHK WORLD-JAPAN website from 13 March, which will broadcast edited highlights.

Yohann Valdenaire
Illustration: POSTICS