Basho Simplified: A Sumo Discussion

In this episode, we dive deep into the story of Tochinoshin, the Georgian titan who won fans worldwide with his sheer strength and unshakable spirit. From his early days on the dohyo to his rise to Ozeki, we revisit the unforgettable bouts, the iconic lifts, the struggles with injuries, and the resilience that defined his career.

The sun wasn’t the only thing scorching in Nagoya—this basho brought the fire! In this episode, we dive into all the drama, delight, and dohyo dominance from July’s tournament. From surprise contenders to injuries that shook the banzuke, we break down who rose, who fell, and who left us shouting “ZEN-SAIGAI!”

The sun’s out, the salt’s flying, and it’s time to gear up for the Nagoya Basho! In this episode, we break down everything you need to know ahead of July’s tournament — who's hot, who's hurt, and who’s just here to make things very interesting.

Before the wrestlers step onto the dohyo and the gyoji raises his fan, someone has already been hard at work—building the ring, calling the names, beating the drum, and keeping the whole tournament running smoothly. In this Sumo 101 episode, we shine a spotlight on the Yobidashi: the heralds, craftsmen, and stagehands of the sumo world.

Step into the ring with Asahifuji—a Yokozuna whose career was marked by quiet strength, technical brilliance, and a reign that often gets overlooked. From his rapid rise through the divisions to the battles that defined his era, we break down what made Asahifuji a force to be reckoned with—and why his legacy still echoes today. Plus, we explore the transitions from wrestler to stablemaster and how he shaped the future of sumo long after hanging up the mawashi.

In this episode, we take a deep dive into the career of Harumafuji, one of the most dynamic and agile Yokozuna in modern sumo history. From his humble beginnings in Mongolia to his rapid ascent through the ranks, Harumafuji was known for his lightning speed, technique, and fighting spirit despite being one of the lightest rikishi at the top level. We explore his major victories, his time as Yokozuna, and the legacy he built in the ring—before discussing the shocking incident that abruptly ended his career and left the sumo world reeling.

The 2025 Natsu Basho is in the books, and history has been made. In this episode, we break down all the action from a thrilling May tournament that saw the birth of the 75th Yokozuna. From top division clashes to rising stars in the lower ranks, we cover the key moments, upsets, and standout performances that defined the basho. What does this promotion mean for the future of sumo? And who else made their mark this tournament?

The stage is set for the Natsu Basho, and the stakes couldn't be higher. With new faces climbing the banzuke, veterans clinging to their ranks, and the yusho race wide open, May promises fireworks on the dohyo.

Will the next Yokozuna contender emerge?

In this episode, we unravel one of the most infamous sagas in sumo history — the turbulent career of the 60th Yokozuna. From his rapid rise through the ranks to his historic and controversial downfall, we explore how the Japan Sumo Association’s most regretted Yokozuna promotion shook the foundations of the sport

The dust has settled, and the March Basho has delivered yet another thrilling tournament full of intense battles, unexpected upsets, and standout performances. In this episode, we break down all the key storylines—from the yusho winner’s path to victory to the wrestlers who exceeded expectations and those who fell short.