On March 18, 2025, during day ten of the Spring Grand Sumo Tournament held at Edion Arena Osaka, Kotoshogiku, currently ranked as Ozeki, faced a significant setback as he suffered his fifth loss against Ichiyamamoto, resulting in a 5-5 record. This result puts his standing and progression to escape the "kadoban" status at risk, which encompasses the precarious situation faced by rank holders. Kotoshogiku's opponent, Ichiyamamoto, who is ranked as West No. 4 Maegashira, demonstrated utmost skill and confidence during this match, which undoubtedly added to the pressure on Kotoshogiku.
Kotoshogiku began the bout with determination, but Ichiyamamoto's recent victory over the prestigious Yokozuna Hoshoryu the previous day gave him the necessary momentum to outmaneuver Kotoshogiku. Despite the Ozeki's effort to push forward, he found himself on the receiving end of Ichiyamamoto's skillful thrust-out maneuver, culminating the match with Kotoshogiku's defeat.
Reflecting on the loss, Kotoshogiku, visibly disappointed, remarked, "A loss is a loss. I'll keep doing what I always do." His resolve to stick to his routine underlines the spirit and discipline required to remain competitive at such high levels of the sport. It is particularly noteworthy as Kotoshogiku is vying to secure his position as he encounters the final five days of the tournament.
Ichiyamamoto, who now boasts a record of 6 wins and 4 losses, expressed his intent to keep pushing forward after his consecutive victories. "I will brace myself," the Maegashira stated, showcasing his readiness and competitive spirit as he continues to make strides during this tournament. This rising star is becoming increasingly resilient and gaining more confidence with each match.
The tournament atmosphere surrounding Kotoshogiku, also known for representing Chiba and being from the Sadogatake stable, remains tense as he faces hardships. This was his first experience as Ozeki under the pressure of kadoban status. With five matches remaining, including one against the formidable Osunaarashi, Kotoshogiku has stated his commitment to forge ahead. His next statement about battling through was, "Whatever happens, I will just go with it as always."
The complexity of Kotoshogiku's performance is amplified by the stakes involved—maintaining his rank as Ozeki. His achievements across prior tournaments have been inconsistent, but with recent event wins and losses, the current competition proves more challenging than ever.
With the looming matches against equally skilled adversaries, the pressure is on. The head referee Kumezawa, who also spoke to the situation, commented on Kotoshogiku’s apparent lack of lower body stability, emphasizing the mental and physical demands of the sport. "His mentality seems locked, yet physically he is not responding as he should. He can only go forward from here," Kumezawa noted, reflecting the broader expectations of Kotoshogiku's fans and the sumo community.
The forthcoming rounds are pivotal for Kotoshogiku as he seeks to gather momentum and quality wins to re-establish his footing. It is not just about winning matches; it's about showcasing perseverance and maintaining ranking credibility. With each match being potentially decisive, the sumo world watches intently as Kotoshogiku navigates through what could determine the future of his sumo career.
While competitors like Ichiyamamoto rise through the ranks, Kotoshogiku must confront his challenges head-on, demonstrating the ethos of sumo both on and off the ring. With grit and determination, he enters the latter half of the tournament not merely to compete but to reclaim his stature among sumo's elite.
