Grand Sumo returns to Tokyo for the Hatsu basho, held at the Ryogoku Kokugikan from January 8th to the 23rd.
Daily FTA coverage continues on NHK World Japan, all times BST:
Grand Sumo Review:
This was first shown around xmas and features a chat with Miyagino Oyakata (nee Hakuho).
Friday 6th January 0430, repeated at 0830, 1630 & 2330.
DOSUKOI Sumo Salon *NEW*
A new 50 minute programme promising "in-depth analysis and unique stats" featuring Musashigawa Oyakata.
Saturday 7th Jan at 0030, repeated at 0610, 1210 & 1810.
Daily Highlights:
Daily at 1630 from 8th January with repeats at 2330, 0430 & 0830.
Grand Sumo will be live:
Day 1 Sunday 8th Jan 0810
Day 8 Sunday 15th Jan 0810
Day 14 Saturday 22nd Jan 0810
Day 15 Sunday 23rd Jan 0730
NHK World Japan HD is available FTA in English
28.2° east 11225V 23000 2/3 Europe beam
13.0° east 11373H 27500 3/4
19.2° east 11229V 22000 2/3
The November tournament was won by Abi, after a three-way play-off (first in 28 years) with Takayasu and Takakeisho.
Terunofuji will probably be absent after undergoing surgery on both knees. Mitakeumi failed to return to ozeki after finishing with a 6-9 record, he drops to maegashira 2 east. Shodai lost his ozeki rank after also posting a 6-9 record and needs 10 wins from sekiwake 2 west to regain his ozeki status. Takayasu is expected to return after suffering a whiplash injury in the play-off against Abi.
Ichinojo will serve a one tournament ban after being found guilty of breaking covid rules. He will likely drop to juryo in March
Finally Demon Kakka recently featured on Newsline In Depth to talk about sumo in 2022 and looks forward to 2023. Available on the NHK World website:
Code:
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/videos/20230104122222916/
PS does anyone fancy a sumo picture quiz??