Sumo’s grandest stage returns to the Aichi Prefectural Gymnasium in Nagoya, Japan, for the 2023 July Basho. In May, sumo fans worldwide witnessed the thunderous return of Yokozuna Terunofuji in the capturing of his 8th Emperor’s Cup.
2023 July Grand Sumo Tournament Preview
After sitting out of action for three consecutive tournaments due to several injuries and medical complications, Terunofuji returned to action last tournament and proved once again why he is the sole yokozuna presently represented in Grand Sumo. Terunofuji secured his 8th Top Division championship on the 14th day of action when he knocked off the sekiwake Kiribayama via yorikiri (frontal force out).
Banzuke Breakdown
The July/Nagoya banzuke is out and ready for your perusal! #Nagoyabasho2023 https://t.co/KGNYztzQz9
— Sumo Soul 相撲魂 (@TheSumoSoul) June 25, 2023
The July Banzuke was revealed on June 25th. This month, sumo fans do not have much to review as there are very few updates of note. Most notably, Kiribayama was promoted to West Ozeki and will enjoy the highest ranking of his career. Along with the promotion, the Mongolian rikishi has decided to change his ring name to Kirishima in honor of his stablemaster Michinoku who used the ring name during his active career.
Nishikigi jumped in the rankings from West Maegashira #4 to East Maegashira #1 after an impressive May tournament. Hiradoumi, Hokuseisho, and Oho also saw jumps up the Maegashira ranks.
Gonoyama, Shonannoumi, and 19-year-old Hakuoho will make their Top Division debuts.
Tournament Standouts
Its hard to imagine that Terunofuji does not enter the July Honbasho as the favorite to leave the 15-day tournament with yet another Emperor’s Cup title. The newly promoted Kirishima must also be considered a very real threat as the Mongolian has finished the 2023 tournaments as the runner up (January), tournament winner (March) and double-digit victor (May) respectively.
Others like Takakeisho, Daieisho, Wakamotoharu, and Abi, consistently bubble amongst the top contenders of the tournament and any could find themselves as the leaders of the pack.
Fans across the globe can watch the July 2023 tournament, which begins on Sunday, July 9th, online at NHK Sumo.
