TOKYO - The Japan Sumo Association announced the rankings for the Autumn Grand Sumo Tournament on August 31, with last tournament's champion Aonishiki returning to ozeki after two tournaments and taking the second position on the east side of the rankings.
The 15-day tournament will begin on September 13 at Ryogoku Kokugikan in Tokyo.
Aonishiki's return marks the first restoration to ozeki since Kirishima at this year's Summer Grand Sumo Tournament and the 14th such case since the start of the Showa era.
At a news conference following the rankings announcement, Aonishiki played down the significance of regaining the rank, saying his outlook had not changed. "I don't have any particularly special feelings about it," he said. "My desire to aim higher hasn't changed."
Reflecting on his dramatic championship at the previous tournament in Nagoya, Aonishiki said the victory was especially satisfying because he had competed while not in good physical condition. "My body wasn't in good shape, and it was that kind of tournament, but I was able to win just as I had talked about with my stablemaster, so I was really happy," he said.
He said the championship felt different from his previous titles because he had never before won a tournament under such difficult physical circumstances. He recalled taking the tournament one day at a time and said he had little clear memory of parts of the competition because his focus was simply on getting through each day.
Aonishiki subsequently joined the regional summer tour rather than devoting the entire period to treatment, saying he wanted to show himself to fans around the country. He said the tour allowed him to continue receiving treatment while interacting with spectators and drawing strength from their encouragement.
A visit to Aomori, including time at his stablemaster's family home, was the most memorable stop on the tour, Aonishiki said. He described eating at the family home as a particularly enjoyable experience.
His ankle and toe injuries are gradually improving, he said, although he did not take part in any actual sumo bouts during the regional tour. Aonishiki said he instead concentrated on doing everything his condition allowed and did not feel especially anxious about the lack of match practice.
He said he would discuss his training schedule with his stablemaster before deciding when to resume full sumo practice, with the goal of reaching the September 13 opening day in the best condition possible.
Looking ahead to the Autumn tournament, Aonishiki said he wants to produce his own style of sumo and put himself in position to challenge for an even higher rank.
The past year has brought a series of sharp changes in his career. Aonishiki noted that he had only recently reached the top makuuchi division at last year's Autumn tournament before experiencing promotion, demotion, championships and losing records over the following 12 months. "Too much has happened," he said, describing it as a period that hardly felt like only one year.
Aonishiki said his previous three tournaments as an ozeki had ultimately been valuable experience and that he does not intend to fundamentally change his approach following his injuries. "My sumo is what brought me this far," he said, adding that he trusts both himself and his style and sees no reason to alter it simply because he was injured.
He also remains focused on reaching sumo's highest rank, while acknowledging that promotion will not come easily. Aonishiki said he intends to listen closely to his stablemaster and continue working in training rather than becoming preoccupied with how quickly he might advance.
Elsewhere in the new rankings, 21-year-old Fujinokawa was promoted to sekiwake on the west side, becoming the first wrestler from Kyoto Prefecture in 198 years to make his debut in the sanyaku ranks, since Hiodoshi at the October 1828 tournament.
The 23-year-old Hakuoho also entered the sanyaku ranks for the first time, taking the east komusubi position.
At yokozuna, Onosato returned to the prestigious east position for the first time in five tournaments, while Hoshoryu, who withdrew during the previous tournament, moved to the west side.
Among the other ozeki, Kirishima retained the east position as he prepares to pursue promotion to yokozuna, while Kotozakura remained on the west side.
Source: Kyodo
