2018 Nagoya Basho.

[Swami]

Nagoya Day 9: Sole leader Mitakeumi speeds to 9th win
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Written by Kyodo
Category: News
Published: 16 July 2018
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Sekiwake Mitakeumi was a man in a hurry on Monday, when he needed just 1.8 seconds to remain unbeaten after nine days of the Nagoya Grand Sumo Tournament.

His win over No. 5 maegashira Daishomaru (3-6) left Mitakeumi one win ahead of his closest pursuer, No. 13 maegashira Asanoyama in the 15-day meet at Nagoya's Dolphins Arena.

Mitakeumi charged head on as Daishomaru slipped to his left and hooked his right forearm behind the sekiwake's neck. But Mitakeumi simply pivoted to his right and easily forced his off-balance opponent out of the ring.

Ozeki Takayasu remained two wins behind the leader by winning a bout he should have lost. Komusubi Tamawashi (5-4) forced the ozeki back, seized Takayasu's left arm and was dragging him out of the ring.

But the ozeki escaped his opponent's grasp and spun counterclockwise at the straw bales. Taken by surprise, Tamawashi lunged off-balance to shove Takayasu from the ring, but instead managed only to propel himself forward over the straw.

Goeido (6-3) matched his rival ozeki's great escape with one of his own. No. 4 maegashira Kagayaki (3-6) broke an early stalemate by shoving the ozeki to the straw. When Goeido escaped, Kagayaki pursued him to the other side of the ring. He attempted to tip the ozeki over at the straw with a throw that Goeido survived as the two wrestlers balanced on one leg apiece.

The ozeki, however, regained his footing first, got his left hand around on his opponent's belt and executed a much easier overarm throw to earn the win.

No. 6 maegashira Endo suffered his second loss, getting beaten on the initial charge before eventually being shoved out by No. 9 Yutakayama (6-3). Endo, long a fan favorite, made his opponent wait before starting the bout but made no headway and found himself sliding backward to the straw bales.

Endo countered with a barrage of slaps to his opponent's throat. Yutakayama, however, endured those blows, took a step back, lowered his head and bulldozed Endo out of the ring.

In addition to Takayasu and Endo, No. 13 maegashira Tochiozan is also two wins off the pace at 7-2.

In the day's first makuuchi-division bout, the 165-kilogram Asanoyama improved to 4-0 in his career against 116-kg dynamo Ishiura, who was pushed out to his fifth defeat.

Nagoya Basho: Day 9 Makuuchi Results

Asanoyama is now two wins from matching his best record in the top flight. His best result to date was his 10-5 mark last September in his makuuchi debut.

Swami

 

[Trick-or-Treat Stevens]

This is certainly an interesting basho. I'm looking to see how Mitakeumi, Takayasu, and Endo do in the coming days. I think one of those three will get the Emperor's Cup. At the beginning of this basho I was thinking it would be Hakuho, Kakuryu, or Tochinoshin as possible winners, no more. Good footwork by Takayasu today.

 

[Swami]

This is certainly an interesting basho. I'm looking to see how Mitakeumi, Takayasu, and Endo do in the coming days. I think one of those three will get the Emperor's Cup. At the beginning of this basho I was thinking it would be Hakuho, Kakuryu, or Tochinoshin as possible winners, no more. Good footwork by Takayasu today.

Of the three it looks like Mitakeumi will be the most likely winner.

Endo's loss yesterday was a setback.

Swami

 

[Swami]

Nagoya Day 10: Undefeated Mitakeumi plows to 10th straight win
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Written by Kyodo
Category: News
Published: 17 July 2018
Hits: 29

Sekiwake Mitakeumi remained in sole possession of the lead after earning his 10th straight win on Tuesday at the Nagoya Grand Sumo Tournament.

In their first career match-up, Mitakeumi and No. 4 maegashira Kagayaki (3-7) locked up after the initial charge and briefly held their ground. But in a surge of energy, Mitakeumi plowed Kagayaki clear over the straw to earn double-digit wins for the first time since joining the "sanyaku" ranks.

The 25-year-old, who was promoted back to sekiwake after going 9-6 as a komusubi at the Summer tourney in May, is seeking his first top division title at the 15-day meet which has seen all three yokozuna and ozeki Tochinoshin withdraw.

On Wednesday, Mitakeumi will face No. 4 Kaisei, whom he has yet to beat in four matches.

In the final bouts of Day 10, ozeki Takayasu (7-3) was thrown out by Kaisei (7-3), while ozeki Goeido (7-3) beat struggling komusubi Shohozan (2-8) to stay within three wins of the lead.

The two "kadoban" ozeki need at least eight wins to maintain their rank at the next grand tournament in September.

Sekiwake Ichinojo (4-6) handed another defeat to winless Yoshikaze despite a solid effort from the No. 5 maegashira, and komusubi Tamawashi (6-4) earned a win against No. 1 Kotoshogiku (3-7) after the Mongolian sent the former ozeki tumbling out of the ring with a strong armlock throw.

Fan-favorite Endo (7-3) was shoved to his third defeat by No. 2 Chiyonokuni (6-4). The No. 6 maegashira bounced back after being initially pulled off balance, but was forced out by an aggressive follow-up attack.

Chiyonokuni has benefited from two bonus rest days following his default wins on Day 4 and Day 6 against Hakuho and Kakuryu, respectively, who both pulled out with injuries.

Among other lower-ranked wrestlers, No. 13 Tochiozan (8-2) stayed in contention after beating No. 15 Ishiura (4-6) to earn a fourth straight win.

"I'm happy and relieved. I do pretty good at the Nagoya tournament," Tochiozan said. "My body is moving well, and I'm able to put pressure on my opponent in the initial charge. I'll do my best in every match going forward."

Tochiozan's best finish in the top division is 12-3 at the Summer tourney in 2012, when he lost to Mongolian Kyokutenho in an all-maegashira playoff.

In the day's second makuuchi division bout, Asanoyama (8-2) fell further off the pace after suffering a loss to No. 16 Hokutofuji (7-3). The No. 13 maegashira remains two wins away from tying his previous best record set in his makuuchi debut last September.

Earlier in the day, new ozeki Tochinoshin, who withdrew Saturday due to a right big toe injury, announced he does not anticipate returning to the 15-day meet in Nagoya.

"I want to wrestle but it's impossible in this condition," Tochinoshin said. "In order to compete at the next basho, I have to move a little at a time. I'm even walking without touching my toe to the ground."

The Georgian and his stablemaster Kasugano had indicated a possibility of returning to the tournament if Tochinoshin's condition improved sufficiently. The 30-year-old said he may take part in the next regional tournament "from the middle."

Tochinoshin was seeking a second makuuchi division title and to become the first wrestler since Hakuho in 2006 to win his debut tournament as an ozeki, the sport's second-highest rank.

Swami

 

[Trick-or-Treat Stevens]

Mitakeumi has gotten more breathing space on Tuesday with Takayasu and Endo losing. I can't see Tochiozan or Asanoyama being real contenders with their lower ranks, but what do I know.

Poor Yoshikaze, 0-10. I had so hoped he would beat Ichinojo but he just is not having a good basho. Takayasu looks to be in pain in recent days. Hokutofuji is having a good basho though. He needed a good tournament after his last poor showings and last basho's injury.

 

[Swami]

Mitakeumi has gotten more breathing space on Tuesday with Takayasu and Endo losing. I can't see Tochiozan or Asanoyama being real contenders with their lower ranks, but what do I know.

Poor Yoshikaze, 0-10. I had so hoped he would beat Ichinojo but he just is not having a good basho. Takayasu looks to be in pain in recent days. Hokutofuji is having a good basho though. He needed a good tournament after his last poor showings and last basho's injury.

I agree, unless Mitakeumi drops the ball in a big way, he has this one wrapped up.

Swami

 

[Swami]

Nagoya Day 11: Mitakeumi continues winning run
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Written by Kyodo
Category: News
Published: 18 July 2018
Hits: 30

Sekiwake Mitakeumi earned his 11th straight victory, retaining his two-win lead at the Nagoya Grand Sumo Tournament on Wednesday.

Mitakeumi claimed a solid win on Day 11 against No. 4 maegashira Kaisei (7-4), who had won all of their four previous match-ups. The undefeated sekiwake was pushed to his opponent's right on the initial charge but quickly regained the upper hand and forced the Brazilian over the straw.

The 25-year-old Mitakeumi, who regained his former sekiwake status after going 9-6 as a komusubi at May's Summer tourney, is closing in on his first top division title at the 15-day meet at Dolphins Arena.

In the day's final bouts, ozeki Goeido (8-3) earned a winning record after three straight losses, beating No. 5 Daishomaru (3-8), while Takayasu (7-4) was unable to overpower 225-kilogram sekiwake Ichinojo (5-6).

Both Goeido and Takayasu entered the tournament as "kadoban" ozeki, needing eight wins to maintain their rank at the next grand tournament in September. Takayasu faces Mitakeumi on Day 12, and has won nine of their 12 meetings.

Komusubi Tamawashi (6-5) suffered his fifth loss after being pulled down by No. 2 Ikioi (6-5). The pair were forced to fight a rematch after both fell out of the ring at the same time in their first bout.

Shohozan (3-8) got a much-needed win and improved to 7-1 against Chiyonokuni (6-5) when the komusubi got a solid belt grip and threw the No. 2 maegashira to the clay.

But with only four days remaining, Shohozan will likely lose the komusubi rank he regained for the first time since 2014 after going 8-7 at this year's Summer tourney, where he defeated yokozuna Kakuryu for his fifth "kinboshi" prize and earned the Outstanding Performance Award.

Among the rank-and-file maegashira, No. 13s Asanoyama and Tochiozan each secured his ninth win to remain the only wrestlers tied for second place, two wins off the pace.

Asanoyama forced out No. 10 Nishikigi (5-6), and is now one win away from tying his previous best record set in his makuuchi debut last September. Tochiozan, a former sekiwake who has yet to win a top division championship, bested No. 6 Chiyotairyu (7-4).

After two straight losses, fan-favorite Endo (8-3) was able to secure a winning record with a victory over No. 3 Takakeisho (7-4). After being driven to the straw, the No. 6 maegashira side-stepped to avoid a fatal charge from Takakeisho and slapped his opponent down.

No. 9 Yutakayama and No. 16 Hokutofuji also earned winning records.

Prior to the day's bouts, top-ranked maegashira Kotoshogiku withdrew from the tournament after suffering a tendon injury in his left elbow when he was thrown out of the ring by komusubi Tamawashi in their match on Day 10.

The 34-year-old former ozeki was diagnosed with having damaged a tendon attached to his left triceps and will require up to three weeks of rest and treatment.

His withdrawal, the fifth in the top division following all three grand champions and new ozeki Tochinoshin, has ensured Kotoshogiku a losing record for the tournament and a likely demotion to a lower rank.

Swami

 

[Swami]

Nagoya Day 12: Takayasu hands Mitakeumi first loss
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Written by Kyodo
Category: News
Published: 19 July 2018
Hits: 45

Sekiwake Mitakeumi suffered his first defeat at the Nagoya Grand Sumo Tournament on Thursday, losing to ozeki Takayasu.

In the final bout of Day 12, Takayasu went for a shoulder blast from the jump but conceded a belt hold to the tournament leader, who turned the ozeki around and moved him to the edge of the straw. As Mitakeumi attempted a final shove, Takayusu pushed him off balance, with both wrestlers appearing to tumble from the ring simultaneously. After conferring, the officials determined Mitakeumi's foot touched the outside of the ring first.

The victory ensures Takayasu (8-4) will leave Nagoya with a winning record and maintain hid ozeki status at the next tournament. Despite the loss, Mitakeumi (11-1) retains the sole lead at the 15-day tournament as he pursues his first top-level title.

Ozeki Goeido (9-3) remained in the hunt by pushing out No. 6 maegashira Endo (8-4) in the penultimate bout of the day. Endo tried to pull down the onrushing Goeido, but the ozeki kept driving low and hard to bulldoze the maegashira from the ring.

Three rank-and-file grapplers -- Tochiozan, Yutakayama and Asanoyama -- still have a chance to overtake Mitaekumi after also finishing the day with 9-3 records.

No. 13 Tochiozan lost his bout against ninth-ranked Myogiryu (8-4), while fellow No. 9 Yutakayama beat No. 16 Hokutofuji (8-4). No. 13 Asanoyama lost to Brazilian-born No. 4 Kaisei (8-4).

Sekiwake Ichinojo (6-6) kept his hopes of a winning record alive by beating No. 4 Kagayaki with an overarm throw. The maegashira thrusted into Ichinojo at the jump, but the 225-kilogram Mongolian kept his footing, patiently securing a belt hold before twisting Kagayaki to the clay.

Komusubi Tamawashi (7-5) moved within one victory of a winning record after dispatching No. 2 Chiyonokuni (6-6) with an arm throw.

Fellow komusubi Shohozan (3-9), who is set to drop from three "sanyaku" rankings beneath yokozuna, was dropped by No. 3 Abi (3-9).

The nightmare in Nagoya continued for No. 5 Yoshikaze, who remained winless at 0-12 after being pushed out by Chiyomaru (5-7).

Swami

 

[Trick-or-Treat Stevens]

That was a close match between Mitakeumi and Takayasu. Maybe they should have done a re-match but I was glad Takayasu got the win and can retain his ozeki rank.

Yoshikaze looks in danger of being demoted with his 0-12 record.

 

[Swami]

That was a close match between Mitakeumi and Takayasu. Maybe they should have done a re-match but I was glad Takayasu got the win and can retain his ozeki rank.

Yoshikaze looks in danger of being demoted with his 0-12 record.

It isn't done and dusted for Mitakeumi just yet, he faces Goeido today who after a very shaky start has got much better as the basho has went along.

Yoshikaze probably needs to win his last three bouts to stave off demotion.

Swami

 

[Swami]

Nagoya Day 13: Mitakeumi rebounds and defeats Goeido
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Written by Kyodo
Category: News
Published: 20 July 2018
Hits: 36

Sekiwake Mitakeumi beat Goeido at the Nagoya Grand Sumo Tournament on Friday to move within one win of his first top-level title.

Mitakeumi (12-1) holds the sole lead after the 13th day of the 15-day meet at Dolphins Arena, with two wrestlers sitting two wins back. The sekiwake will secure his first makuuchi division championship if he wins Saturday's bout against No. 13 Tochiozan (9-4).

A day after suffering his first defeat of the meet to Takayasu, Mitakeumi avoided consecutive losses to ozeki by pushing out Goeido (9-4) from behind.

In the day's penultimate bout, Takayasu (9-4) beat fan favorite Endo (8-5) to split their 14 career bouts against each other. Takayasu, who made his ozeki debut at this tournament last year, held onto Endo's belt with his right hand and bulldozed the No. 6 maegashira out for a quick victory.

Four wrestlers started the day two wins behind Mitakeumi, but only two -- No. 9 Yutakayama and No. 13 Asanoyama -- managed to improve to 10-3.

Yutakayama had a difficult bout against No. 13 Tochiozan (9-4). He resisted a last-minute slap while shoving out the maegashira, stepping out of the ring a second after his opponent.

Asanoyama was pushed back on the initial charge by No. 9 Myogiryu (8-5), but quickly regained his strength and forced him out of the straw for his 10th win.

Sekiwake Ichinojo (6-7) needs to clinch his final two bouts to secure a winning record after losing to No. 6 Chiyotairyu (8-5). The maegashira shoved the 225-kilogram Mongolian toward the edge of the ring and pushed him out as the sekiwake appeared to give up.

The tournament is being held without the three grand champions and newly promoted ozeki Tochinoshin, all of whom are missing due to injury.

Swami

 

[Trick-or-Treat Stevens]

Mitakeumi has this basho pretty much wrapped-up. Good for him.

Seems as if Yoshikaze will be joining Takekaze and Aminishiki in juryo in September. Broken and blooded on Day 13. One wonders if he's injured or just out of his flow.

 

[Swami]

Mitakeumi has this basho pretty much wrapped-up. Good for him.

Seems as if Yoshikaze will be joining Takekaze and Aminishiki in juryo in September. Broken and blooded on Day 13. One wonders if he's injured or just out of his flow.

To be fair Yoshikaze is 35 or 36 now, so retirement can't be far out. Depends on whether or not he has stock to become an oyakata, that may have some bearing on things.

Swami

 

[Swami]

Nagoya Day 14: Mitakeumi clinches Nagoya championship
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Written by Kyodo
Category: News
Published: 21 July 2018
Hits: 15

Sekiwake Mitakeumi secured his first top division title after maintaining his two-win lead by beating Tochiozan on Saturday, the penultimate day of the Nagoya Grand Sumo Tournament.

Mitakeumi, who made his makuuchi division debut in November 2015, claimed his title-winning bout against No. 13 maegashira Tochiozan (9-5), a former sekiwake who had won just one of their previous six career meetings.

As both wrestlers scrambled for a hold, it was Mitakeumi who first got a solid grip on Tochiozan's belt and wasted little time getting under his opponent's left shoulder and forcing him out.

Mitakeumi's undefeated run was broken by ozeki Takayasu on Day 12 of the 15-day meet at Dolphins Arena, which has seen grand champions Hakuho, Kakuryu and Kisenosato, new ozeki Tochinoshin, and former ozeki Kotoshogiku all withdraw due to injuries.

The win marks 22 victories for Mitakeumi during the last two tournaments, making an ozeki promotion a possibility in the near future.

The 25-year-old will become the first Dewanoumi stable wrestler in 38 years to win a makuuchi title. He fights No. 9 Yutakayama on the final day.

In other bouts, Yutakayama (11-3) quickly defeated ozeki Takayasu (9-5), while ozeki Goeido (9-5) succumbed to sekiwake Ichinojo (7-7).

Both komusubi also suffered losses on Day 14 as No. 6 Chiyotairyu (9-5) charged out Tamawashi (8-6) and No. 4 Kagayaki (6-8) beat Shohozan (3-11), who will likely forfeit his rank for September's grand tournament after failing to secure a winning record.

In the first half of bouts, Asanoyama earned an 11th win and his best-ever top division record since his makuuchi debut last September after beating No. 6 Endo (8-6).

The No. 13 maegashira got his right shoulder under his popular opponent during the initial charge and quickly charged out Endo, who has won just one bout in his last six.

Asanoyama, who along with Yutakayama was two wins off the pace going into Saturday's bouts, needed Mitakeumi to lose in order to remain in contention.

Among other lower-ranked wrestlers, No. 5 Yoshikaze finally earned his first win by defeating No. 16 Meisei. The former sekiwake, who had lost 13 straight bouts, depleted his energy powering his opponent to the edge and depositing him over the straw.

Swami

 

[Trick-or-Treat Stevens]

Congratulations to Mitakeumi. It’s good to see a fresh rikishi have the Emperors Cup.

I’m very glad Yoshikaze got his first win. The crowd cheered as loud for him as they did for Mitakeumi.

Hokutifuji has had a good basho as well as a few others.

 

[Swami]

Yes, Mitakeumi's performance was excellent although inevitably overshadowed by so many top-rankers having withdrawn.#

On that basis, I'd reckon he would need at least 12 -13 wins next time for promotion to ozeki, especially since there are three ozeki currently.

Swami

 

[Swami]

Nagoya Day 15: Final-day loss fails to dampen Mitakeumi's title celebration
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Written by Kyodo
Category: News
Published: 22 July 2018
Hits: 21

A loss on the final day of the Nagoya Grand Sumo Tournament on Sunday could not wipe the smile from the face of newly crowned champion Mitakeumi. The 25-year-old sekiwake, who clinched his first top-level title the previous day, finished with a 13-2 record after losing to No. 9 maegashira Yutakayama (12-3).

In a gripping bout, Mitakeumi nearly drove out Yutakayama before the maegashira fought his way back toward the middle. As the pair jostled for advantage, Mitakeumi attempted a throw at the edge of the ring, but Yutakayama's counter sent both men tumbling over the straw, with the new champion hitting the ground first.

After all three yokozuna and newly promoted ozeki Tochinoshin pulled out of the tournament due to injury, Mitakeumi seized the opportunity to lift his first Emperor's Cup. "It seems like (the tournament) almost flew past, but it also felt like a very long tournament," an elated Mitakeumi said in his champion's interview from the ring at Dolphins Arena. "It's simply awesome. I've never spoken in front of such a big crowd. I probably won't remember what I said here."

"I wanted to end on a good note with a win, but I think I still need to get stronger. I wasn't able to push my opponent out, so I think I'll have to go back and practice". After hearing that local newspapers in his native Nagano Prefecture had printed extra editions to herald his championship, he said, "I hope to do well enough to cause more extras to be printed."

Mitakeumi's efforts at the 15-day tournament were also recognized with a third career Outstanding Performance Prize, as well as his second Technique Prize.

With his final-day victory, Yutakayama took second place outright and finished with his best result in the top division. His performance throughout the tournament also earned him his first Fighting Spirit Prize.

In the tournament's final bout, Goeido (10-5) took just 2 seconds to beat Takayasu (9-6) in a battle of ozeki. As the pair collided at the jump, Goeido turned his opponent around and pushed him out from behind.

Sekiwake Ichinojo (8-7) secured a winning record and held onto his ranking with a quick victory over No. 6 Endo (8-7). Endo drove hard into Ichinojo from the jump but failed to budge the 225-kilogram Mongolian, who flung him backward onto the clay.

No. 3 Takakeisho (10-5) finished a second-consecutive tournament with double digits in wins by beating the other Fighting Spirit Prize-winner, No. 13 Asanoyama (11-4). With an impressive run of performances, 21-year-old former komusubi Takakeisho looks likely to return to the three "sanyaku" rankings below yokozuna at the next grand tournament in September.

Mongolian-born Takanoiwa will make his return to the top flight after finishing as juryo division champion with a 13-2 record. The former makuuchi was injured by Mongolian former yokozuna Harumafuji in an alcohol-fueled attack last November that led to the grand champion being forced to retire from the sport.

Swami

 

[Trick-or-Treat Stevens]

A great finish to the Nagoya Basho. The Mitakeumi vs Yutakayama match was one of my favourites this entire basho. Yutakayama deserves the Fighting Spirit Prize. Congrats again to Mitakeumi. He seems very modest and has great sumo spirit.

LOL, it's seems fitting that Ichinojo takes until the final day to secure his kachi koshi.

Now with Yoshikaze's 2-13 record and his current rank as Maegashira #5, is it possible he stays in the Makuuchi ranks in September? He did perform well on the last day against Shohozan.

 

[Swami]

A great finish to the Nagoya Basho. The Mitakeumi vs Yutakayama match was one of my favourites this entire basho. Yutakayama deserves the Fighting Spirit Prize. Congrats again to Mitakeumi. He seems very modest and has great sumo spirit.

LOL, it's seems fitting that Ichinojo takes until the final day to secure his kachi koshi.

Now with Yoshikaze's 2-13 record and his current rank as Maegashira #5, is it possible he stays in the Makuuchi ranks in September? He did perform well on the last day against Shohozan.

I'd say Yoshikaze should fall right to the bottom, those two wins probably have saved him from demotion to Juryo.

Swami

 

[Swami]

New champion Mitakeumi cherishes maiden tournament victory
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Written by Kyodo
Category: News
Published: 23 July 2018
Hits: 41

Sipping sake from a giant silver cup gives the drink a special taste, Nagoya Grand Sumo Tournament champion Mitakeumi said Monday.

A day after being crowned champion for the first time in his career, the 25-year-old sekiwake said he relished drinking from the ceremonial sake vessel awarded to tournament winners among a host of prizes.

"It tasted fantastic," a grinning Mitakeumi said at his Dewanoumi stable in Inuyama, Aichi Prefecture at the traditional morning-after press conference.

The Nagano Prefecture native, who entered the professional sumo world just three and a half years ago, capitalized on the absence of all three yokozuna and newly promoted ozeki Tochinoshin to win the 15-day tournament at Dolphins Arena.

This fall, Mitakeumi will make his first bid for promotion to ozeki, the second-highest rank.

"It's finally over. It was a gratifying 15 days. (In the past) I often stalled in the second half of tournaments, but this time I somewhat overcame that," said the wrestler, whose real name is Hisashi Omichi.

With his hometown of Agematsu in Nagano Prefecture a two-hour drive from Nagoya, Mitakeumi enjoyed strong crowd support during the tournament. Among the fans watching his every move was his mother Margarita, who is originally from the Philippines.

After going undefeated through his first 11 bouts, Mitakeumi secured the championship with his 13th victory, over rank-and-file wrestler Tochiozan, on the second-last day.

He lost his final-day bout against No. 9 maegashira Yutakayama to finish with a 13-2 record. Yutakayama, who finished 12-3, was Mitakeumi's closest rival at the tournament.

In addition to the Emperor's Cup, Mitakeumi's efforts throughout the meet earned him a third career Outstanding Performance Prize, as well as his second Technique Prize.

He became the first grand tournament winner from Nagano Prefecture, where local newspapers printed extra editions to herald the historic achievement. The support from his home prefecture had been overwhelming, Mitakeumi said.

"I am so happy. I will be smiling with pride when I return to Nagano. I can't wait to see everyone smiling there too," he said.

In the aftermath of his victory ceremony, the sekiwake said he had been too overcome with emotion to have a conversation with his stablemaster Dewanoumi.

"If I tried speaking for too long, I would have broken down in tears," he said.

The Nagoya tournament was Mitakeumi's ninth-straight meet among the three "sanyaku" rankings below yokozuna.

He was demoted to komusubi for finishing the spring grand tourney in March with a losing record, but regained sekiwake status after completing the following meet in May with nine wins and six losses.

At the upcoming Autumn Grand Sumo Tournament starting Sept. 9 at Tokyo's Ryogoku Kokugikan, he will aim to be promoted to ozeki.

Based on historical precedent, he will most likely need to string together consecutive tournaments with double digits in wins to reach the sport's second-highest ranking.

But first, the newly crowned champion has plans for some rest and relaxation.

"I want to go to the beach. Somewhere overseas would be fine. It doesn't need to be Japan, just somewhere quiet," he said.

Swami