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ODDS and EVENS | Sumo Wrestler Kotoshoho Aiming for Sustained Success

After winning his first Emperor's Cup at the Nagoya Basho in July, Chiba Prefecture native Kotoshoho wants to continue climbing to the top in the sumo rankings.

by
Ed Odeven
September 12, 2025

Every sumo wrestler wants to ascend to the top. Or remain there if he's already reached the pinnacle of his chosen sport.

For instance, Kotoshoho, who celebrated his 26th birthday on August 26, was the 15th-ranked maegashira at the 2025 Nagoya Grand Sumo Tournament, which ended on July 27. He was the top wrestler at the 15-day meet, compiling a 13-2 record and winning his first Emperor's Cup.

Six weeks later, Kotoshoho is a fifth-ranked maegashira, a significant jump in the rankings. This comes just ahead of the Autumn Basho, which begins on Sunday, September 14 in Tokyo.

But the Chiba Prefecture native won't be satisfied to remain a No 5 maegashira. Call it a positive motivational factor for him as he trains and prepares for sumo matches.

"I'm still in a position where I need to challenge myself," Kotoshoho said on September 1, according to Kyodo News. "I'll aim higher from here."

On that day, the Autumn Basho rankings were released.

In addition, Kotoshoho shared thoughts on his mindset before the 15-day tournament.

"Since I've made it back into the upper ranks, I want to approach this with a challenging spirit," Kotoshoho added, according to NHK.

In his hometown of Kashiwa, Chiba Prefecture, Kotoshoho attended a victory parade on Sunday, September 7, and local residents celebrated his achievement at the Nagoya Basho. A crowd estimated at 12,000 lined the streets of Kashiwa for the parade.

It was a moving experience for the 190-cm wrestler.

"Having so many people come made me feel the victory most deeply," Kotoshoho was quoted as saying by NHK. "I will continue to energize Kashiwa, so please keep supporting me."

Kotoshoho Looks Ahead to the Upcoming Sumo Tournament

After having the best overall performance of his career in July, the Sadogatake stable wrestler recently spoke about the impact of countless folks heaping praise on him for his summer success.

"Since winning the tournament, during the [regional] tour [in August], many people have congratulated me and the applause has increased," stated Kotoshoho, NHK reported. "I feel I must try even harder and be inspired."

Recognizing his competitive approach helped him thrive at the Nagoya Basho, Kotoshoho is aiming for more of the same at Tokyo's Ryogoku Kokugikan.

"When the tournament starts, I naturally tend to tense up," he told the Japanese public broadcaster. "But last tournament, I found a good balance between tension and relaxation. And I want to bring that feeling to this tournament. I want to focus intensely each day and strive to surpass my highest rank."

At the 2021 New Year Basho, Kotoshoho had his highest-ever ranking (No 3 maegashira). But after a poor performance in that tourney ― he went 2-13 ― the sumo wrestler dropped to 11th-ranked maegashira for the next basho.

Keep an eye on Kotoshoho as he aims to replicate his July success during the Autumn Basho.

Onosato Gears Up for His 2nd Tournament as a Yokozuna

Yokozuna Onosato, who was promoted to the sport's highest rank in May, wrapped up a training session on Monday, September 8 with a positive assessment of his preparations.

"My condition is good," Onosato said at Nishinoseki stable in Ami, Ibaraki Prefecture, according to Nikkan Sports. "I'll focus on body care during the remaining period and aim to be in peak physical shape."

Onosato went 11-4 in his first basho as a grand champion in July. He won the two previous tournaments, which were held in March and May, to become a yokozuna, joining Mongolian Hoshoryu at the top rank.

The 25-year-old Ishikawa Prefecture native enjoyed the spotlight during a summer sumo tour event in Kanazawa, near his hometown.

"I'm happy I can take part in the Kanazawa tour as a yokozuna," he said on August 25, according to Kyodo News. "I hope to use the support I receive here as motivation to achieve good results in the next tournament."

Rising Sumo Star Aonishiki's Target for September

Ukrainian grappler Aonishiki was a top maegashira at the last meet in Nagoya, where he went 11-4. He's climbed one spot in the rankings, moving up to komusubi for the Autumn Basho.

The up-and-coming wrestler is fired up to have another excellent showing in the fifth of six sumo tourneys in 2025.

Looking ahead to the Autumn Basho, Aonishiki summed up his mood this way: "The overriding emotion is excitement," Kyodo News reported.

After a training session on Tuesday, September 9 at Tokyo's Ajigawa stable, the 21-year-old added: "I have a desire to go above 11 wins."

Indeed, having high standards and producing strong results go hand in hand in order to be recognized as a top sumo wrestler.

Author: Ed Odeven

Find Ed on JAPAN Forward's dedicated website, SportsLook. Follow his [Japan Sports Notebook] on Sundays, [Odds and Evens] during the week, and X (formerly Twitter) ＠ed_odeven.