Vocab lists: Under Community lists there is a set named: Sumo, it has lists containing Ranks, General Vocab, Sumo Techniques, and the list of the Grand Tournaments
I wasn't able to watch the May tournament while it was underway and could only catch up shortly before the beginning of the July one. So all the time I had the major spoiler that I already knew Onosato would make 横綱. But wow. Even knowing that already, it was amazing to see him win day after day. Being new to sumo, I realise I don't know enough to appreciate his style yet - for now I'm more drawn to the flashy fighters, since their moves are more obvious to my untrained eye. But still, it was impressive to watch.
Also, Aonishiki is fascinating! Somehow, all he does looks so unusual and so inspired. And thinking of how hard he struggled to get to where he is... admirable.
So far, I'm a bit sad at Tobizaru's lackluster performance of late. I know he's no major star, but I have a soft spot for the Flying Monkey.
The "small and scrappy" fighters are a delight to watch for me - I'm thinking Asakoryu, Midorifuji and the like. The Waka brothers sort of fit into this category when I first saw them in 幕内, but they've changed quite a bit meanwhile. (That 金星 by Wakamotoharu on day 2 of the current tournament! Actually, the whole series of them! @Anonymous123, you must have had a feeling - it's been raining cushions so far. )
Every time I see Ura's antics, I'm genuinely worried he'll break something and injure himself seriously. Did this man eat the ゴムゴムの実 as a kid?!
How are you all seeing the current tournament so far? Other than the general disappointment that we won't get to see Hoshoryu the Beast fight it to the end and face Onosato.
Yeah, I had a feeling we'd see some cushions flying. Hopefully, now that there's two Yokozuna, there won't be as much pressure on them to fight when injured, so they can heal up properly when they need to.
Aonishiki is putting in some very impressive performances. What's even more impressive, is that he's performing at this high level when he is soo young. Might win the Fighting Spirit Prize 敢闘賞 if he keeps this up.
On the other end of the age spectrum, we have "Iron Man" Tamawashi putting in a really solid performance so far this tournament.
Something does seem off with Tobizaru. He's losing fights that he probably should be winning, so he might be hiding an injury.
Ura's having a good tournament so far. Win or lose he always seems to have a big smile on his face. Maybe he did eat the ゴムゴムの実 as a kid.
Overall seems like a pretty good tournament so far.
I predict the favorite, Onosato, will take the tournament, but anything could happen.
True, Tamawashi is a hero. Over 1,600 bouts so far, and no debilitating injury! During the previous tournament I thought I was seeing him lose steam when bouts lasted longer than a few seconds, but he sure is looking good now, and I feel like I'm learning a lot from watching his matches. Today (day 6) he didn't give an inch against Gonoyama. Sadanoumi is close by in terms of experience, but hasn't been doing so well lately. Tamawashi seems to have this feel for what his opponent intends to do the next moment.
I read the Japanese Wiki entry for the 座布団の舞 (took me a looong time) and it turns out it's officially frowned upon, but can't be rooted out. For a while the organisers actually introduced larger, two-person cushions to try to prevent spectators from throwing them, but then resorted to just making smaller, lighter cushions that didn't risk causing as much harm when thrown. Apparently, in 2022, Shoudai accidentally took a cushion to the head. Same thing happened last year to Takanosho. (Does Takanosho have a wily tanuki face, or is it just me?)
