Top maegashira Yoshinofuji (left) manhandles yokozuna Onosato in a New Year Grand Sumo Match on January 14, 2026, at Tokyo's Ryogoku Kokugikan. (©KYODO)
The title hunt at the New Year Grand Sumo Tournament is well underway.
Top maegashira Yoshinofuji, one of sumo's rising young stars, overpowered yokozuna Onosato in the final bout on Wednesday, January 14. He clinched the hard-earned victory with a well-executed uwatenage (overarm throw).
At Tokyo's Ryogoku Kokugikan, 24-year-old Isegahama stable grappler Yoshinofuji (Naoya Kusano) improved to 2-2 in the 15-day tourney. Onosato slipped to 3-1.
"I was just moving naturally, and it worked out," Yoshinofuji said after beating Onosato, according to Kyodo News.
He then said, "I did notice that the yokozuna was a bit upright, and I tried to stay low. That gave me the advantage for the throw."
A day earlier, Yoshinofuji stunned the other yokozuna, Mongolian Hoshoryu, shoving him over the edge of the raised ring.
On Wednesday, Hoshoryu (3-1) bounced back with a twisting overarm throw against No 2 maegashira Ura, who slipped to 0-4.
Consecutive victories over sumo's top-ranked wrestlers have certainly raised Yoshinofuji's profile in the early stages of the New Year Basho.
In the final tournament of 2025, November's Kyushu Basho, Yoshinofuji competed as a fifth-ranked maegashira. He had a 9-6 win-loss record and earned the Technique Prize.
Heading into Day 5 of the New Year Basho, sekiwake Kirishima, seventh-ranked maegashira Oshoma and 12th-ranked Abi are the only remaining unbeaten wrestlers in the makuuchi (top) division.
Upcoming Sumo Matchups
In featured bouts on Day 5 of the sumo tournament, Onosato faces No 3 maegashira Takanosho (0-4), and Hoshoryu takes on rank-and-filer Wakatakakage (3-1).
Also Wednesday, Kirishima is set to face Oho, while Abi meets No 11 maegashira Chiyoshoma (2-2). Newly promoted Ukrainian Aonishiki takes on No 4 maegashira Daieisho (1-3), while Oshoma clashes against No 8 Kinbozan (1-3)
On the same day, Kirishima returns to action against komusubi Oho (1-3). And Yoshinofuji is penciled in to face the other top maegashira, Ichiyamamoto, who is 1-3.
RELATED:
Fencing
Emura Earns Silver Medal at World Cup Meet in Tunis
Two time women's sabre world champion Misaki Emura claimed a runner-up finish in her first competition of 2026.
Alina Mikhailova, a Russian participating in the Women's Sabre World Cup in Tunis as an athlete not officially representing her homeland, defeated Emura 15-10 in the final on Sunday, January 11.
Emura booked a spot in the title match by outpointing Spain's Maria Lucia-Portugues 15-7 in the semifinals.
"To everyone who stayed up late to cheer me on despite the time difference, thank you so much," Emura was quoted as saying by PR Times. "This tournament felt like one where I could finally enjoy myself again and express the kind of [performance] I wanted to do."
The world No 1 added, "While I didn't [win] the championship, looking back at my performance, I feel it was a tournament where I can give myself a little credit. However, it's also true that I feel a strong sense of regret. So, aiming even higher, I will continue to practice diligently. I sincerely appreciate your continued support."
In January 2025, Emura won the gold medal at the same competition in Tunisia.
Perhaps Emura's passion for fencing is best highlighted in a quotation featured on her profile page on the International Fencing Federation website.
"The attraction of fencing lies in the spectacle offered. Looking for perfectly precise movements and winning with impeccable technique is exhilarating."
Basketball
Hachimura Returns From Calf Injury
After missing seven games due to a right calf strain, Los Angeles Lakers forward Rui Hachimura played 18 minutes against the visiting Atlanta Hawks on Tuesday, January 13.
The Lakers (24-14) routed the Hawks 141-116.
Coming off the bench, Hachimura scored seven points on 3-for-7 shooting, including 1-for-3 from 3-point range. He snared two rebounds. It was the Toyama native's first NBA appearance since December 28, 2025.
Hachimura is averaging 12.5 points and 3.7 rebounds in 28 games.
Tennis
Nishikori Pulls Out of Australian Open Qualifying
Kei Nishikori withdrew from his Australian Open men's singles qualifying first-round match on Tuesday, January 13 due to a shoulder ailment.
The 36-year-old also retired from a match in the ATP Challenger Tour's Canberra International on January 6 because of the same physical issue.
Nordic Combined
Watabe Breaks Record for Most World Cup Appearances
Akito Watabe, a five time Olympian, rewrote the record for the most FIS Nordic Combined World Cup appearances on Saturday, January 10.
In Otepaa, Estonia, Watabe participated in his 296th World Cup event. He placed 36th overall.
A day earlier, the 37-year-old had moved into a tie with Austria's Wilhelm Denifl, who is now retired, for the most World Cup appearances.
For Watabe, chasing the record was a longtime objective.
"It feels like 20 years have passed while I was getting obsessed with it (the record)," Watabe said, according to Kyodo News. "It's a record anyone can achieve as long as they are still competing at events."
He added: "I'd like to get to 300 if I can. It'd be fun to reach that landmark. Ideally, I'd like to get on the podium and create a buzz."
Will Watabe, who earned a pair of Olympic bronze medals at the 2022 Beijing Games, reach 300? Stay tuned.
According to published reports, he plans to retire this year.
Author: Ed Odeven
Follow Ed's [Japan Sports Notebook] on Sundays, [Odds and Evens] during the week, and he can be found on X (formerly Twitter) ＠ed_odeven.
