Aki Basho Day 13: Kirishima Stuns Onosato as Yusho Race Tightens
Yokozuna Onosato fell to Kirishima on Day 13 of the Aki Basho, cutting his lead to one win over Aonishiki and Asanoyama with two days left.
The September Grand Sumo Tournament has an unexpected twist heading into its final weekend. Yokozuna Onosato looked on course to wrap up the Emperor's Cup early at the Ryogoku Kokugikan in Tokyo, but he lost to Kirishima on Day 13 on Friday, 25 September. His record is now 11-2, and two chasers are just one win behind.
Kirishima's game plan pays off
Kirishima went straight for Onosato's right arm at the tachiai, the initial charge, and kept it isolated. Sumo analysis site Sumo Stomp described this as smart tactics, because Onosato's forward-pushing attack depends on getting that right arm into an inside position. Kirishima then finished the bout with a throw after a lively exchange on the dohyo.
Onosato came into the day with a two-win lead. That cushion is now down to one.
The chasers close in
Two wrestlers are now on 10-3.
- Ozeki Aonishiki: He beat fellow ozeki Kotozakura on Day 13 and has now won seven bouts in a row. The Ukrainian has recovered from a slow start to put himself firmly in the title race.
- Maegashira 6 Asanoyama: He showed his belt-grappling skill to beat the bigger Atamifuji for his 10th win. It is a remarkable run from so far down the rankings.
Sekiwake Fujinokawa lost to Churanoumi and dropped to 9-4, which leaves him needing help from others.
Leaderboard after Day 13
- Onosato (Yokozuna): 11-2
- Aonishiki (Ozeki): 10-3
- Asanoyama (Maegashira 6): 10-3
- Fujinokawa (Sekiwake), Churanoumi (M3), Ura (M9), Wakamotoharu (M11): 9-4
Day 14 matchups
Saturday's schedule sets up a big day for the title race:
- Onosato vs Kotozakura: The yokozuna faces an ozeki with an 8-5 record.
- Aonishiki vs Kirishima: Aonishiki takes on the man who just beat Onosato.
- Asanoyama vs Fujinokawa: A win keeps Asanoyama in the race.
Yusho scenarios
According to Fantasy Basho and Sumo Stomp:
- If Onosato wins on Day 14 and both Aonishiki and Asanoyama lose, Onosato clinches the yusho with a day to spare.
- If Onosato wins, he is guaranteed at least a place in a playoff.
- If Onosato loses and both chasers win, three wrestlers would be level on 11-3 going into the final day, and a three-way playoff would become possible.
The tournament finishes on Sunday, 27 September. After Onosato's 11-1 start, a win on Friday would have made the title almost certain. Instead, the race is open again.
Why it matters
The yokozuna, sumo's highest rank, is expected to contend for every title. The pressure is on Onosato to respond against Kotozakura. Aonishiki's winning streak and Asanoyama's comeback from the lower ranks give sumo fans in Malaysia and elsewhere plenty to follow this weekend.
Key takeaways
- Kirishima beat Onosato on Day 13, dropping the yokozuna to 11-2.
- Aonishiki (seven straight wins) and Asanoyama are both 10-3, one win behind.
- Day 14 has Onosato vs Kotozakura, Aonishiki vs Kirishima and Asanoyama vs Fujinokawa.
- The Aki Basho ends on Sunday, 27 September, and a playoff is still possible.
FAQ
Who leads the Aki Basho 2026 after Day 13? Yokozuna Onosato leads at 11-2, one win ahead of Aonishiki and Asanoyama.
Can Onosato win the title on Day 14? Yes. He clinches it if he beats Kotozakura and both Aonishiki and Asanoyama lose.
What is a yusho playoff? If wrestlers finish level on the best record after Day 15, they fight extra bouts on the final day to decide the champion.
Sources: Sumo Stomp, Fantasy Basho, Sumo Schedule