iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Patriciajaydee @patriciajaydee.bsky.social · 27/09/2026

Tonight, September 27, is the last day of our tate gyoji's 49-year career. Sumo's 39th-generation Shonosuke Kimura will reach the mandatory age of 65 in October and, while I am not a rikishi or JSA board member (thank God), I know he will be greatly missed for his dedication to the fundamentals...

2252

Patriciajaydee @patriciajaydee.bsky.social · 26/09/2026

Aki has been a sneaky basho with it seeming humdrum and unimaginative until Day 14 when Onosato, who was leading throughout with his resurrected sumo, suffered homestretch losses on Days 13 and 14 to ozeki(s) Kirishima and Kotozakura. On Day 15, his once certain yusho is on the line and will be ...

1181

Patriciajaydee @patriciajaydee.bsky.social · 25/09/2026

The benchmark for ozeki consideration is 33 wins over three basho with an exception of 32 should there be an outstanding performance (like a yusho). Going into Day 13, ATAMIFUJI has 9 wins. He comes into Aki w 21 wins--no yusho. He needs to win both today and tomorrow for 32. Is he still in it?

2151

Patriciajaydee @patriciajaydee.bsky.social · 24/09/2026

Kotoshoho has suffered a concussion and will sit out for the remainder of Aki. In his Day 11 bout, Kotoshoho's legs collapsed and his lights cut out when hit in the chest by Churanoumi's hurling head. While being examined by a neurosurgeon at the sumo clinic, Kotoshoho told the doctor...

4251

Patriciajaydee @patriciajaydee.bsky.social · 23/09/2026

Photoed on his way to the Kokugikan for Day 10 of Aki, is former ozeki KIRISHIMA KAZUHIRO, who, in the 1980s earned the sobriquet of "The Alain Delon of Sumo" for being then, what he arguably is still today, the handsomest man in sumo. Reaching the mandatory retirement age of 65...

2231

Patriciajaydee @patriciajaydee.bsky.social · 21/09/2026

On Day 9, 21-year-old wonder boy, Fujinokawa, slayed another giant, Ozeki Kotozakura, to stand at 7-2, just one win to his kachikoshi. At the tachiai, the hulking ozeki thrusted the new sekiwake to the edge of the ring, which shifted Fujinokawa's game plan into circling around the ring...

1220

Patriciajaydee @patriciajaydee.bsky.social · 20/09/2026

One of these three stars of sumo --a yokozuna, an ozeki, and an esteemed commentator-- is a dead ringer for my estimable dentist, Dr. Bob Imagawa. It's an uncanny resemblance, really. Clue: Asashoryu would take one look at Bob and do a little randori with him.

190

Patriciajaydee @patriciajaydee.bsky.social · 19/09/2026

Even before yesterday's (Day 6) match between Kirishima and M2 Kusano (Yoshinofuji) there was a unsettling feeling going around that Kirishima would lose, which would be devastating to his quest for yokozuna promotion, but even more ruinous to his morale. Everyone by now knows of his being ...

2202

Patriciajaydee @patriciajaydee.bsky.social · 17/09/2026

After a grueling road back to the paid ranks, Juryo 10 Nabatame has been dealt another setback--the mumps. Though it hardly seems possible, but with a case of the mumps, Nabatame's chipmunk-like face might become more appealing than ever. On Day 5, Juryo newbie Tanji will receive a walkover win.

2190

Patriciajaydee @patriciajaydee.bsky.social · 16/09/2026

Everybody's a critic. About Onosato's Day 4 loss to Takayasu, Chairman Hakkaku says "The yokozuna's charge was weak," whereas Chief Judge Onoe's (ex-Komusubi Hamanoshima) review is, "The Yokozuna’s charge was good, but Takayasu's was even better," but Moti--on his Mordy Dunchy Youtube account-- ...

1151

Patriciajaydee @patriciajaydee.bsky.social · 15/09/2026

One wonders if Aonishiki's disregard and nonchalant expression as he walks past Dr. Takasu Katsuya are intentional? The kooky plastic surgeon has drawn international criticism for publicly claiming the Holocaust and the Nanking Massacre as fabrications--and merely "Allied Propaganda."

6100

Patriciajaydee @patriciajaydee.bsky.social · 15/09/2026

NHK has privileges over Abema such as having more cameras in the Kokugikan--even one under the tsuriyane (floating roof) and another in the hanamichi where on Day 1, NHK shared with viewers Onosato's prep for his wide-eyed "in-the-zone focus" that is now immortalized in art.

1345

Patriciajaydee @patriciajaydee.bsky.social · 13/09/2026

Asanoyama, whose certain-for-yokozuna trajectory was sundered by a foolish night out during the JSA's COVID prohibitions--wrestled for the first time in two years, Ichiyamamoto, his opponent in Nagoya 2024 when he seriously injured his left knee. He had a lot to prove, and he nailed it ...

2191

Patriciajaydee @patriciajaydee.bsky.social · 12/09/2026

Time will heal Hoshoryu's torn MCL for which he underwent surgery on July 29, but will he overcome the depression and anguish born from the pressure related to his now third consecutive tournament absence--his first from opening day? Stablemaster Tatsunami reports of ...

3211

Patriciajaydee @patriciajaydee.bsky.social · 11/09/2026

This is actually good news for Wakanosho's wholeness, but, in sumo, wellness comes at a price. Wakanosho's name is not listed in the JSA's matchups for Day 1 and 2 of Aki--so we know that he's kyujo for at least the first two days. Having suffered a right femur contusion in a match with ...

4200

Patriciajaydee @patriciajaydee.bsky.social · 10/09/2026

The Japanese papers are chock-o-block with news of Kirishima dominating every practice and training session--even squarely defeating Onosato who manhandled and hurled him out of the ring like a rag doll for ten straight tournaments--that is, until Day 12 of Nagoya 2026, when the ozeki executed...

2203

Patriciajaydee @patriciajaydee.bsky.social · 07/09/2026

When veteran sumo announcer Yasuo Fujii speaks, serious sumo fans listen. The man's been around and knows his stuff. On his latest Youtube show, Fujii discusses the wisdom in allowing Hoshoryu and/or Aonishiki to participate in the upcoming Autumn tournament. "I don't think Hoshoryu has...

2272

Patriciajaydee @patriciajaydee.bsky.social · 05/09/2026

Sept. 5 One day after lending his chest to Sekiwake Atamifuji in collision drills (butsukari-geiko) at the Yokozuna Deliberation Committee's pre-tournament practice session, Yokozuna Hoshoryu skipped practice and headed to the hospital complaining of pain. Fat chance he'll participate in Aki.

6261

Patriciajaydee @patriciajaydee.bsky.social · 04/09/2026

These are so cute--and I lament having so few photos of those Makuuchi rikishi-- selected by the JSA to pose with fans and their babies. Note how intuitive are the babies. They pick up and mimic the vibe of their star rikishi--every time. Photo: Wakamotoharu

1261

Patriciajaydee @patriciajaydee.bsky.social · 30/08/2026

A new sumo documentary, "Sumo: Spirit Weighs Nothing" will be screened at the Venice International Film Festival on its opening day, September 3, 2026. The film is a co-production between Japan, the United States, Denmark, and the United Kingdom, and is directed by Japanese-American ...

2303

Patriciajaydee @patriciajaydee.bsky.social · 28/08/2026

August 28, Tsukubamirai City, Ibaraki. Selected by Onosato for 11 consecutive practice bouts, Atamifuji put up a good fight, winning five and losing six. Despite his upper grip being cut by Onosato, the sekiwake managed to push the yokozuna out in the first of three consecutive Atomic victories...

1222

Patriciajaydee @patriciajaydee.bsky.social · 28/08/2026

From what we've seen in the past, Hoshoryu doesn't buck his master--so there's little-to-zero chance of our senior yokozuna taking part in the upcoming Aki basho. "He ruptured his medial collateral ligament and underwent surgery in late July," noted his oyakata Tatsunami, the former...

1182

Patriciajaydee @patriciajaydee.bsky.social · 26/08/2026

Reaching the Juryo makes a sumo wrestler a sekitori, granting him a professional salary, personal attendants, and higher social standing. With this status comes a strict code of dignified conduct, emotional restraint, and traditional etiquette adopted from lessons by an accomplished master--in this

1213

Patriciajaydee @patriciajaydee.bsky.social · 24/08/2026

The Makuuchi's oldest rikishi, TAKAYASU, has suffered another blow. Having recently returned to the jungyo after being sidelined with a diagnosis of “lumbar disc disease, facet joint arthritis, and acute exacerbation of lower back pain,” the 36-year-old former ozeki injured his thigh while ...

2222

Patriciajaydee @patriciajaydee.bsky.social · 21/08/2026

This is late coming, but it's yokozuna altering. Hoshoryu who withdrew on Day 14 of the July tournament, underwent a two-hour surgery on his right knee followed by a week'shospitalization. About opting for surgery, Hosh told the press, "I had no choice. The doctor advised that without ...

4304

Patriciajaydee @patriciajaydee.bsky.social · 20/08/2026

In only his second appearance in the Makuuchi, 22-year-old Wakanosho captivated sumo fans, not just in Nagoya but the world round, with his flawless first five matches, won with power and proficiency that seemed no bounds. His streak came to a hard stop on Day 6 with an injury to his right knee ...

2222

Patriciajaydee @patriciajaydee.bsky.social · 14/08/2026

Good things happen when your younger brother reaches the Makuuchi. Having his ototo, Kotoeiho, earn top tier status has motivated Kotoshoho to achieve san'yaku status. The Tebakari siblings have the notable distinction of being the 13th pair of brothers to simultaneously compete in the Makuuchi.

1271

Patriciajaydee @patriciajaydee.bsky.social · 13/08/2026

Poor Yoshi. Why couldn't he have Atami's tranquil, out-like-a-light, sweet baby? Ah, the travails of a san'yaku on the jungyo. To view the clip: x.com/elmontel_/st...

x.com

☼epsilon lambda☼ (@elmontel_) on X

poor Yoshi 😭😭😭

0182

Patriciajaydee @patriciajaydee.bsky.social · 12/08/2026

What's really wrong with Onosato? We know he sent word via his oyakata, the former Yokozuna Kisenosato, of withdrawing from the jungyo with a suggested return of August 16--based on, not a doctor's report, but a phone call from Kise to the jungyo director in which the stablemaster apprised ...

1190

Patriciajaydee @patriciajaydee.bsky.social · 10/08/2026

Holidaying in the Tokyo heat are Asashoryu and his current (and by all appearances, his last and forever) wife which has Japanese newspapers commenting on his peaceful and contented expression--vastly different from his earlier days. Pundits credit the change to true love from an adoring wife ...

2192

Patriciajaydee @patriciajaydee.bsky.social · 07/08/2026

Another jungyo absence. 30-year-old Nishikifuji (Isegahama) has pulled out of the August tour due to atrial fibrillation (AFib) a serious heart rhythm condition that greatly increases the risk of major health problems like strokes and heart failure. He will undergo treatment to control symptoms.

2262

Patriciajaydee @patriciajaydee.bsky.social · 06/08/2026

Should the jungyo land in Yamanashi, (now Juryo) Ryuden is called upon to act as sumo's most gracious ambassador, as he was again on August 4 in Kofu. Competing in seven bouts and winning six, the hometown wrestler earned enthusiastic cheers and roaring applause about which he commented,

2212

Patriciajaydee @patriciajaydee.bsky.social · 04/08/2026

There could never be too many, but there seems a profusion of cuties and downright dashing sumo recruits lately. Minato-beya's heartthrob is 17-year-old Eisei (Nicholas Tarasensko) from Hull, United Kingdom, the first British-born rikishi in 36 years (since Hidenokuni whose highest rank...

2212

Patriciajaydee @patriciajaydee.bsky.social · 02/08/2026

Injured ankle and foot notwithstanding, re-minted Ozeki Aonishiki appeared on Day One of the Gifu City jungyo. Wearing one of his many new kesho-mawashi--the costly ceremonial apron given to him by either his koenkai (club supporters) or tanimachi (highly influencial supporters), the ozeki took...

1250

Patriciajaydee @patriciajaydee.bsky.social · 01/08/2026

The JSA has released the medical diagnoses of the nine rikishi who are kyujo for the August jungyo. Although it's widely know that Takayasu wrestles on borrowed time with his chronic back troubles, fans in Japan were alarmed to read the severity of his condition: ...

1263

Patriciajaydee @patriciajaydee.bsky.social · 31/07/2026

The JSA has announced two new Juryo promotions--a rikishi's greatest and most celebrated career moment-- 22-year old TOKIFUDO (Tokitsukaze) and 20-year-old TANJI (Arashio), and the return of 24-year-old NABATAME (Futagoyama) after a severe left knee injury dropped him to Sandanme.

1190

Patriciajaydee @patriciajaydee.bsky.social · 30/07/2026

The following rikishi are injured and (are wisely) sitting out of the upcoming August jungyo which begins on the 2nd in Gifu City: Yokozuna Hoshoryu Sekiwake Wakatakakage Makuuchi: Oshoma Takayasu Tobizaru Wakanosho Shishi Asakoryu and Juryo invitee Tomokaze

2182

Patriciajaydee @patriciajaydee.bsky.social · 26/07/2026

About Aonishiki's glorious third yusho, Kenta Onishi of Hochi Sports writes: While dealing with concerns about his left ankle, Aonishiki also injured his left big toe on the eighth day. The pain was so great, he couldn't even walk to the bathroom in the middle of the night. ...

2278

Patriciajaydee @patriciajaydee.bsky.social · 25/07/2026

Is it already senshuraku? Per the makuuchi championship it's Aonishiki (12-2) vs Atamifuji (11-3). If Aonishiki wins, he collects his third yusho. IF Atamifuji wins, and IF Kirishima (11-3) defeats Kotozakura, we will have a tomoe-sen ...

3221

Patriciajaydee @patriciajaydee.bsky.social · 23/07/2026

One day after securing his 10th win and return to ozeki status, AONISHIKI suffered a painful loss to KOTOSHOHO which dropped from being the sole leader for the Emperor’s Cup. The mighty Aonishiki seemed unfazed and was fairly closed-mouthed with reporters who asked if his injuries precluded...

2130

Patriciajaydee @patriciajaydee.bsky.social · 22/07/2026

In a blink of an eye, Aonishiki has retained his ozeki rank AND is our sole leader at 10-1, breaking away from the swarm in second w 9-2: Kirishima, Kotoeiho, Takayasu, Takerfuji and still hanging in there, Shishi. Most seasoned of those coming down the home stretch is Takaysu who is notorious...

2260

Patriciajaydee @patriciajaydee.bsky.social · 19/07/2026

Two of sumo's most amiable rikishi, Kirishima and Atamifuji, displayed anger and indignation after a heated match in which Atami closed in on the ozeki who countered w his lower body strength followed by his hips and elbows to push the young sekiwake out. All clean and above board so far, but ...

4271

Patriciajaydee @patriciajaydee.bsky.social · 19/07/2026

Co-leading with seven wins is Sekiwake Aonishiki who needs 10 victories in Nagoya to return to ozeki. Still nursing a fractured left baby toe that has impacted his ability to maintain his signature low stance, he struggled but ultimately defeated Takanosho on Day Eight--but at a cost of ...

3171

Patriciajaydee @patriciajaydee.bsky.social · 18/07/2026

Kotozakura has suffered his 3rd consecutive and 4th loss of Nagoya. "He seems to be in a rut" opines Chief Shimpan Kokonoe about the kadoban ozeki who's teetering on demotion should he not convert five wins from his next eight matches. "He seems to be wandering in a maze of his own," says Kokonoe

3240

Patriciajaydee @patriciajaydee.bsky.social · 18/07/2026

Highly promising Wakanosho is out of Nagoya with a contusion of his right femur (thigh bone) suffered in his Day Six loss to Fujiryoga. A contusion of the right femur is the medical term for a deep bruise on or within the right thigh bone. It occurs when a direct, forceful impact compresses ...

1221

Patriciajaydee @patriciajaydee.bsky.social · 17/07/2026

July 17, Nagoya. Ranked near the cellar of the banzuke, M14 Shishi is Nagoya's sole leader--and arguably, deservedly so. No longer is he just a hulking, ponderous slapping pusher, but a wrestler who strategizes and can follow through. After his Day Six oshidashi victory of M15 Asakoryu-- ...

1190

Patriciajaydee @patriciajaydee.bsky.social · 16/07/2026

It didn't go as he expected, but Hoshoryu fended off charging bull Gonoyama (who was aiming for his second consecutive kinboshi) with a tottari arm bar throw. Hoping for good copy, the reporters pressed the yokozuna on his imperfect standing being one loss behind the leaders and tied with ...

1150

Patriciajaydee @patriciajaydee.bsky.social · 15/07/2026

Conditioning, training, massive strength and a drive equal to that of the invariably prevailing Sekiwake AONISHIKI are what gave the day to shin Komusubi Yoshinofuji (KUSANO) who pulled off a near-miraculous uwatenage from his reverse as Aonishiki attacked with massive force plus technique.

1161

Patriciajaydee @patriciajaydee.bsky.social · 14/07/2026

21-year-old Fujinokawa electrified the Nagoya crowd by adding another kinboshi to his portfolio when he solidly planted his foot to thrust out Yokozuna Hoshoryu--who should have know better, but that's another story. With his second sequential gold star in Nagoya, the Maegashira 1 Isenoumi man ...

2182