At the Spring Grand Sumo Tournament held on March 17, 2025, at the Edion Arena Osaka, newly promoted Yokozuna Hoshoryu faced yet another setback, losing to Ichiyamamoto with a sukuinage, which marked his fourth defeat of the tournament. This loss not only raised eyebrows but also added to the mounting pressure on Hoshoryu as he has now distributed three kinboshi (defeats against Yokozuna) at this tournament—an occurrence not seen since the 1964 Spring Tournament involving Tochinoumi.
Ichiyamamoto, on the other hand, celebrated his first kinboshi, making the day particularly significant for him as he triumphed over the highest-ranked wrestler.
Commentary surrounding Hoshoryu's performance has been scathing, with former Ozeki Kotokaze highlighting concerning elements of Hoshoryu's approach to the matches. "Hoshoryu’s issue is evident. His initial charge raises doubts, it’s too easy. If he’s choosing to slap down for quick wins, it shows he’s underestimatiing his opponents. He should abandon this misaligned pride of being ashamed to clash heads as yokozuna," Kotokaze stated, emphasizing the need for Hoshoryu to abandon any notions of pride and face opponents head-on.
The concern stems from Hoshoryu's repeated reliance on ineffective techniques, particularly his tachiai -- or initial charge. Observers noted how his choices during this aspect of the match seemed overly simplistic. Hoshoryu attempted to fend off Ichiyamamoto but found himself outmaneuvered and eventually faced the sukuinage, leading to his defeat.
This match has sparked concerns over Hoshoryu’s mindset; instead of relying on his usual strength and style, he seemed to opt for easier tactics, indicative of underestimations of his opponents. The fact he struggled to engage effectively during the tachiai raises questions about his preparation and focus.
Kotokaze's critique reflects broader worries within the sumo community. After winning six consecutive matches following his promotion, Hoshoryu's current performances draw significant attention since they may suggest weaknesses as the tournament nears its climactic end. With the tournament progressing, the intensity is expected to ramp up, leaving Hoshoryu to confront seasoned competitors who could exploit his recent vulnerabilities.
Given the nature of competition, Hoshoryu can't afford more losses; the bottom line is stark. If his rival, Daieisho, maintains stable performances, the chance of Hoshoryu participating significantly in the championship discussions appears slim. The expectation for him as Yokozuna is not just to compete but to dominate, and these recent displays prompt questions about his readiness and resilience.
Fans and commentators alike are left wondering—will Hoshoryu be able to bounce back from this tough stretch? With the pressure mounting and scrutiny intensifying, his next moves will be pivotal both for his legacy and for his position within the sumo world. The question remains: can he regain his footing and restore confidence as the tournament progresses?
