One of sport’s best-known truisms is that often the most exciting and hard-fought contests can be found out of the spotlight in lower levels and divisions.
When such battles take place on the boundary between professional and amateur sport, the intensity gets ratcheted up to fever pitch.
That’s because for athletes the stakes are rarely greater than when the ability to make a living from the activity you spend most waking moments focused on, is on the line.
In sumo, it’s a situation found at the intersection of the second (jūryō) and third (makushita) tiers.
And in Japan’s national sport, it’s not just about money.
Commonly referred to as Heaven and Hell, the differences in lifestyle for jūryō and makushita wrestlers are stark.
In addition to moving from a small stipend to a yearly salary of roughly ¥13 million, those promoted to jūryō are usually allowed switch from communal rooms in a stable into a private space or to rent an apartment.
One or more of the lower-ranked wrestlers are also assigned as their attendants, taking care of menial tasks and chores, and allowing the jūryō division man to focus on training, or to socialize with members of his newly formed supporters groups.
Promotion to jūryō leads to a massive change in status, wealth and comfort, and, with the threat of all those perks being taken away hanging over the men at the bottom of the division, it’s consequently no surprise that some of sumo’s best action happens in the second tier.
With the small 28-man division normally being packed with a mixture of up-and-coming talent and former stars trying to hold on to the salaried life, those life-and-death contests are regularly a fascinating clash of generations.
One early example this upcoming tournament should see 33-year-old fan favorite Chiyomaru face off against an opponent in Wakaikari who was just 2 years old when Chiyomaru made his professional debut.
Other former high-ranked maegashira such as Kagayaki and Hidenoumi, who are into their second decades as professionals, could find themselves battling wrestlers who only made their debut in 2023 like Aonishiki and Hakuoho.
With all due respect to the veterans who have provided thrills and spills for years, it’s that latter pair who bears watching the closest this month.
Although injury took him out of the spotlight for most of the past year, it shouldn’t be forgotten that 15 months ago Hakuoho almost became the first top-division rookie in over a century to lift the Emperor’s Cup.
Longstanding shoulder issues have led some to speculate that Hakuoho will struggle to make an impact in the top division again, but, given that he only turned 21 in August, that’s wildly premature.
Lest it be forgot, those shoulder problems have existed since before he turned professional and didn’t prevent one of the greatest debut performances ever seen in makuuchi.
Hakuoho’s slower-than-expected return can also be attributed to a bicep tear, COVID-19 infection and the tumultuous closing down of his (Miyagino) stable following a scandal.
Such a significant series of setbacks would be challenge for even the most experienced of veterans, never mind a teenager suddenly thrust into the national spotlight.
At the rank of jūryō 2 west, Hakuoho likely needs nine wins to make it back to the top division, and that’s more than achievable for a young wrestler with his ability.
Should he make it, and get back to the form shown on that title charge last year, it would only benefit sumo.
As Onosato continues to rise to dominance it’s vital that there are young strong rivals on the rankings who can provide a challenge and prevent title races becoming a procession.
When healthy Hakuho is not only one of the most dynamic wrestlers in the sport, but a rare combination of a powerful pusher-thruster who is also adept on the mawashi.
All-rounders in sumo are generally belt specialists who have the ability to go toe-to-toe in thrusting matchups.
Rikishi with powerfully built chests and shoulders who come in low and hard like Hakuoho generally struggle when put on the defensive.
The Tottori Prefecture native’s incredible abilities were put on full display in July and September when facing the much larger Shishi. In Nagoya, Hakuoho pulled off a very difficult reversal throw at the edge and last time out swung Shishi around and to the clay like a rag doll.
Looking like he is on a path to join those big names in the top division before long is Shishi’s countryman (and jūryō division debutant) Aonishiki.
The 20-year-old Ukrainian is one centimeter taller than Hakuoho but roughly 30 kilograms lighter and lacks the latter man’s power moving forward.
Aonishiki is quite muscular however and doesn’t lack strength in the clinch. At the moment, his style has a lot of wrestling-like traits, and if prevented from getting a grip, can leave him exposed to being driven backward.
However, with a stablemaster in former sekiwake Aminishiki — who won far more than his smaller frame should have allowed — Aonishiki isn’t short on advice from someone who will know how best to maximize his talents.
With 41 wins in 45 fights thus far, Aonishiki has rapidly risen up the rankings.
He’ll face his biggest challenge to date in the juryo division, but is a good bet to be up to the task and continue progressing up the banzuke.
Sumo’s second tier is one of the sport’s most fascinating divisions, and with two young talents on their way to greater glory battling it out there this month, jūryō action is something fans of exciting sumo shouldn’t miss.
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