2024 SUMO FINALE LIVING UP TO THE HYPE

[@sumoprimetime7506]

Hello and welcome to SUMO PRIME TIME, your number one source for Japan's national sport, sumo! The final grand sumo tournament of the year, which wrapped up on November 24 in Fukuoka, was a nail-biter. On the final day, two Ozeki champions, Kotozakura and Hoshoryu, faced off in a thrilling showdown for the championship. When the dust settled, it was Kotozakura who emerged victorious, capturing his first title. We also have to give credit to Hoshoryu for his relentless effort, which helped create such an electrifying finale. For the first time in 28 years, every ticket for all 15 days of the Kyushu Basho was sold out, and we’re confident the fans got their money’s worth thanks to the incredible performances from all the wrestlers throughout the tournament. Looking ahead, both Kotozakura and Hoshoryu have positioned themselves as strong contenders for promotion to Yokozuna in the next tournament in January, based on their magnificent displays this time around. But before we shift our focus to what’s next, let’s take a moment to celebrate Kotozakura’s remarkable performance in the November Tournament. Join us as we review all 15 of his exciting bouts. “Arigato” for watching SUMO PRIME TIME, and we hope to see you again soon!

[@erikmurray3661]

I have a question.Can a retired Yokazuna return to Sumo competition? Is it permitted?

[@lusorkoeffizient]

I want more Sumo! Thanks for the work^^

[@Kain292]

Even though I was pulling for Hoshoryu, I'm happy for Kotozakura. They both had incredible tournaments, and I can't wait to watch them continue their careers. This was my first time watching Sumo, and I loved it.

[@pieterbassie85]

Welcome!

[@sneakthieve]

Indeed, welcome. It can be tricky finding English language coverage outside NHK that’s usually a day behind with no coverage on weekends. Been watching every tournament since Sept 2020

[@HeavyGee84]

Welcome! This is a beautiful sport with a lot of fighting spirit and respect

[@reedm7619]

He's so good

[@Kybroma]

Agreed! I was really pulling for Hoshoryu, but I'm so happy and proud of Kotozakura. I've only started to really follow Sumo this year. I had seen matches before, and appreciated the technique, but had never really followed it. This tournament was such a great way to cap off the year. What an exciting tournament! What was your favorite match? I think mine might've been the double rematch with Ura! @sneakthieve - Do you have any suggestions for places to follow outside of NHK, even if it's in a different language? I love NHK, but sometimes when they go through a dry spell of uploading Sumo, and I'm craving it it would be fun to find another channel to check in on. I've only follow Sumo Primetime and NHK for sumo currently.

[@Kaze_o]

I'm completely hyped for Kotozakura and very eager to watch his run for the top Yokozuna rank!

[@amphimixis]

About time we had another episode of sumo prime time!

[@jw-vx8im]

Need more

[@lolsson7]

So nice to see Kotozakura and Hōshōryū perform well - makes for very exciting tournaments. And now we add Onosato to the mix as well. Good sumo times :)

[@shinankoku2]

We should be in for some real fun sumo watching these three compete with each other for (hopefully) years to come.

[@Vaitamanu]

Don't forget Takerufuji. Some say he is wounded and will never be able to be dominant again, but he wasn't too bad this tournament...

[@samuctrebla3221]

Excellent balance for such a big rikishi. It made all the difference in many fights this basho.

[@Mermukhanov]

agree

[@emmaemse3348]

Kotozakura's game face is everything.

[@Kybroma]

This was such a fun tournament to watch from start to finish. So many wonderful competitions. I'm so happy for Kotozakura. He's always one of my favorites to watch for. I love his battle face! So fierce. He looked so relaxed during the matches though. You can tell he was really feeling confident, even if a little nervous.

[@LucidFlameX]

Kotozakura stood on business. Happy he finally got that first yusho, and may more follow in the future.

[@mxes5938]

very happy for Kotozakura for finally getting the yuusho. the current trio of Ozeki is just awesome

[@AkagamiPirateShanksWife]

My six year old who LOVES watching sumo matches, said the guy with green will win all the way because that’s his favorite color ❤❤❤

[@TheSaltedSalmon]

Koto looked like a man possesed this entire tournament so im thrilled to see his hard work and dedication finally pay off with the yusho. What a great basho!

[@luissalazar6279]

What a bout the last one was - greta sumo and congratulations to Kotozakura - Thanks for sharing as Sumo Prime Time is the best and looking forward to 2025!

[@PhillipCalvin627]

I'm really glad that Kotozakura stayed focused and was able to secure his first title. He's more than capable of nabbing more, the only thing stopping him a lot of the time is himself, especially against other bigger opponents like Onosato and Terunofuji but he handled the former beautifully in the Kyushu Basho.

[@CedricPiggory]

Glad Kotozakura can put a championship on his grandfather's name. I feel like now that he has that sigh of relief he will really shine in these upcoming basho's

[@TheGerogero]

Kotozakura in a yellow yukata is like a big ol' bumblebee. Congratulations to the Ozeki.

[@oysteivi]

Great performance by both of the senior Ozeki, and with Kotozakura so consistently delivering good results over time I was really happy to see him take the yusho!

[@Idtelos]

Let's go Baby face Ozeki, Kotozakura!!!

[@joannaedwards6325]

Looks like a pouting spoiled baby to me. idk why but I've never liked him. 🤔

[@N.C.C.1701]

@@joannaedwards6325 so we are two! ;-))

[@craigtheduck]

my whole family is very happy for kotozakura :)

[@disneyvideocollector9375]

I hope and pray the best for Kotozakura and hopefully he stay fit and healthy and injury-free and wins the January tournament and becomes Yokozuna

[@stoneform]

Kotozakura was able to overcome the mental barriers that made him cautious in previous tournaments. Was very glad to see him win this tournament as he had some huge hurdles to overcome. Reminds me of Kisenosato's rise before his promotion to Yokozuna. Also kudos to Wakatakakage, Takanosho, and Abi for their awards as well. Takanosho has been my chosen rikishi to root for and this was his best tournament that I can remember

[@tanyasimon595]

I agree about the mental barriers. I've been following him since he was first introduced as Kotonowaka, and I've remained a steadfast loyal supporter. I am so happy that he has 'embraced' the Emperor's Cup.

[@stoneform]

@ Indeed!

[@babyboo3236]

So happy for Kotozakura! Congratulations to him on winning his first title with hopefully many more to come 👏🏆🥳🍾

[@DynastyIcon]

its kinda crazy to think it's his first one with how well he's been competing since being promoted to Ozeki.. but it definitely wont be his last

[@mattiasseger9856]

Zak is awesome! Really happy he won!

[@hobbobgob3236]

best basho of the year! Thank you hiro and sumo prime time for all your hard work!!!

[@shinankoku2]

I’m stoked that my main rikishi Kotozakura got the win!!! Hoping that he gets that yokozuna-worthy performance next January!!!!

[@timothyroams2768]

I'm glad he won! Good to see victory grace a new face!

[@H_Creations]

Kotozakura has been so strong for so long, it's fantastic to finally see him secure a basho!

[@skritt]

I was rooting for Kotozakura throughout the tournament, especially after he handled Wakatakakage with such ease. As they say in football "you can't teach size" lol. Congratulations big dog!

[@thomasdowe5274]

I'm always glad to see and view your final Yusho wrap-up, Hiro! :)

[@SurinaBura]

My favourite Kotozakura won the yusho and I was so overjoyed 😭💕❤

[@badfelix007]

what a recapppppp!! LETS GAOOWWW

[@masonsudderth]

I’ve been looking forward to your coverage Hiro! Thank you as always! Uwatenage!

[@Kraffty808]

I attended the first 7 days of the Fukuoka Tournament. Many passionate fans cheered on their favorite sumo wrestlers as well as first timers who were curious and very respectful. It was a great time and I would highly recommend it if you ever visit Japan.

[@djl9919]

I have watched Sumo for 1 year now and I really enjoy watching from my lap top in Canada. My 1st is MLB and then boxing (go Naoya Inoue) and now Sumo is my 3rd favorite sport. I'm looking forward to the New Years tournament.

[@RDG99]

That thumbnail is golden lmao Anyway I wanna see a double Yokozuna promotion next basho! CMON HOSHORYU AND KOTOZAKURA!

[@Vaitamanu]

Can you really be promoted Yokozuna with only one basho??

[@RDG99]

@@Vaitamanu of course you can! If you want proof, the last two Yokozunas before Big Teru only had one basho championships on their belt before their promotions.

[@Vaitamanu]

@@RDG99 Ok ! So I root for Hoshoryu, that has been very consistent and enjoy us by wonderful technics. But Kotozakura has the stature.

[@Tzesar]

@@Vaitamanu Kotozakura and Hosh can both make it next tournament. Double Yokozuna promotion is possible

[@Lorijenken]

Ty for covering this for us love from Canada cheering for Onosato but all the champions are amazing.

[@garsox]

It was good to live it again...thanks for posting

[@pqfarren]

Can’t wait for January 12th!!❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥

[@AiDMostar]

Finally been waiting for this one. Next up is Hoshoryu

[@fishingnightmares]

I really like Kotozakura, his consistent sumo makes him worthy of the Yokozuna status.

[@JohnsonAthokpam-me9cb]

I. Really. Like. And. Full. Support. This channel 👍♥️♥️

[@sissoft]

Need more regular content please. :) Keep up the good work. U suddenly disappeared! social media is about consistency..... welcome back!

[@JohnsonAthokpam-me9cb]

Long. Live. JAPANESE. GAME SUMO. SPORTS. 👍👍👍

[@dertzbs]

Happy for ma boi's first win! The Raging Bull would have been very proud!

[@daschwah]

I thought Takakeisho’s “ozeki face” was the funniest thing ever, but KZ is already topping it. It seriously looks like he’s doing a kabuki mie.

[@friendoengus]

'must...project...toughness' well, we survived little 'keisho, and this too shall pass

[@TheDynamite333]

Did you notice most of the Kotozakura's opponents went down to clay while trying to push forward? It is really hard to push the guy, he stands like a boulder; likewise it is hard to stand against him when he trust towards you. You need very powerful and firm stand with extremely good balance. He did use that advantage very well. He must have never missed his "shiko" excercises!

[@plihal203]

Thank you for waiting a bit before posting!! Really good vid

[@custardo]

Congrats to Kotozakura! As I understand Hoshoryu's effort counts equivalent performance, so with any luck we could have two new yokozana's after January. Wouldn't that be a thing to see!

[@averageasian292]

Always fighting for the underhook!

[@colinmathie2710]

Hiro! i thought this channel had gone away, im glad it hasn't.

[@bryanskrantz]

This is not Hiro's main focus. It really should be.

[@colinmathie2710]

@@bryanskrantz I think the JSA might be involved somehow, and you know how much they like promoting Sumo to overseas fans, NOT!

[@bryanskrantz]

Kinda why I think stables are doing it themselves now. a lot of them are opening up youtube channels

[@colinmathie2710]

@@bryanskrantz Its the other way about, stables are coming off of social media cause of all the horrible comments that folk send, not sure if that includes youtube though.

[@xiaofha]

Thank you for the recap!

[@SM-gv9nf]

PRIME TIME ☝️

[@06000514]

🎉🎉🎉Hail Kotozakura. Happy he won

[@tanyasimon595]

Father's and Mother's faces are radiant with pride for their son, who worked so very hard in the past 5-6 years to achieve the Emperor's Cup. Most importantly, Kotozakura (formerly Kotonowaka) has remained steadfastly humble, and has never shown aggression or anger or unprofessionalism either within or without the dohyō. He has at all times proudly displayed the fine points of Sumo: "Dignity. Modesty. Humility."

[@Halasaar]

I was wanting Takanosho to win but Kotozakura is just the best Omedeto gozaimashita!

[@shadowzero4526]

damn the finale bout ozeki vs ozeki was, the 2 ozeki battle goes to final day was so crazy

[@nanogthumb]

Pulled for him day one when I saw his pre game warmup. Monster

[@matthewb8229]

It was an excellent November tournament! Kotozakura was on his top form, and Hoshoryu was amazing as well.

[@bigtimemaca]

awesome watching him all tournament. can't wait to see what he does next year.

[@Gelwain]

Congrats to the champ! I was pulling all the way for Hoshoryu, but an Ozeki won, so I'm happy. Its been long-since time that the Ozeki stepped up and showed the lesser ranks why they are where they are. As much as I love a good upset, I also like those at the top serving as an iron wall, so that upsets FEEL like such. I can't wait for the next tournament!!!

[@noahpendergrass9744]

Awesome way to end the year! I feel like we’re finally in a real Post-Hakuho era.

[@glemmstengal]

Kotozakura vs. Abi sounded like an explosion on the tachiai impact.

[@malapertfourohfour2112]

I'm so hyped for Kotozakura in January. I was really rooting for Takakeisho to be the next yokozuna, but I was never under any delusions regarding his health either. Kotozakura, on the other hand, spent so long being log jammed trying to ascend the sanyaku that I think a lot of Western fans have slept on how powerful and consistent he is. I'll be surprised if he isn't the next rikishi wearing a rope around his waist.

[@KenichiMitsuba9515]

I'm sure Kotozakura will promoted to Yokozuna if he earn one more yusho But i will make sure he doesn't get more injuries during tournament

[@foreverofthestars01]

Well deserved! Am I seeing Yokozuna potential or what?

[@pitgroove.37_66]

Now I know who I will be cheering for in the January tournament. It's about time that we get possibly another yokozuna

[@dangerdavefreestyle]

KotoZakura is such a beast and he gets me amped up before the match when he makes a mean face and gesture like a bear.

[@Kingpinboy50]

I think kotozakura can pull it off in January to become yokozuna #74.

[@construcaosocialambiental7505]

I guess that are need 3 win championships in a row to yokozuna

[@moritzhu1]

​@@construcaosocialambiental7505Usually it's expected from an Ozeki to win 2 Tournaments in a row or to deliver a comparable result to earn the Yokozuna promotion. The JSA already announced that even Hoshoryus 13-2 is a comparable result. So if wee se Hoshoryu winning the january basho und Kotozakura finishing close behind him with a 13+ win record we could see a double promotion. I think it's evident that the JSA is in desperate need of a new Yokozuna, but still exciting times

[@icemanespoo2977]

@@construcaosocialambiental7505Two wins or equilant, which has been 26+ wins jun-yusho. Both Kotozakura and Hoshoryu can reach yokozuna after January. Will be a great basho to follow. Hopefully Terunofuji can attend and fight to the final days so any yokozunahopeful will face the current yokozuna.

[@takaos7992]

体格は父譲り、顔はお爺ちゃんの初代琴櫻そっくり。 幼少時初めて相撲見た時の横綱が初代琴櫻と先日亡くなられた北の富士の二横綱の時代だったから 琴櫻には親近感を感じ応援したくなる。

[@docjoei2224]

thanks for posting this helpful background….from a sumo fan in Australia 😊

[@FreePlayGamingChannel]

I was so happy to see Kotozakura finally take his first yusho, it was only a matter of time this year. Hopefully both he & Hoshoryu can earn promotion to Yokozuna in January! A fantastic ending to the 2024 Tournaments!

[@Karmzilla6767]

Hello sumo friends

[@mndeg]

kotozakura is a technician!

[@christiangudmundsson8390]

Very nice recap. I was hoping for Hoshoryu, but Kotozakura deserved the win. Hope either, or both, of them will do well in January.

[@Deckr0mancer]

A masterclass in defense! This kid could be the full package

[@albertoalmeida3424]

Big trophy, big champagne cup, big convertible car for a big champ!

[@patricefauvette1651]

Bravo Kotozakura ! L'an prochain tu seras Yokozuna, je croise les doigts pour cela. 😉

[@jw-vx8im]

Hiro, we need more videos

[@sneakthieve]

Koto is too sweet for angry ozeki face. Congratulations champ!

[@MutualGambit]

I like hosh a lot but was so glad to see Kotozakura take down his first basho in makuuchi. :)

[@ita40200]

I believe Hoshoryu would be Yokozuna faster and longer than Kotozakura because he possess the Asashoryu mentality, but I'm rooting for Koto because he has so much potential to be one of the greatest! Time will tell...

[@reedm7619]

Sumo Prime Time!

[@jw-vx8im]

Kotozakura has a difficult body composition for his opponents. I like the man hope he does well

[@DrNaz]

Im digging the current ozeki trio. Im just sad kirishima hasn't been able to stay on top since his new shikona debut.

[@Albert33Draper]

THE LOOK by Kotozakura. Sounds like a fashion line...

[@elpred0]

Nooo Hoshoryu!!!! He almost had the tournament! But one bad step vs Kotozakura and he will profit the error very fast!

[@lumpa1987]

Second Takanosho's Fighting Spirit of the year!!!! Did he went back to sekiwake, or is he still down to komusubi? I like his sumo so much whenn he's in a good disposition!

[@marvinacklin792]

Love the gyoji

[@vincentlynellwalo4355]

I hope there will be a new Yokozuna next year

[@xyasdsamoanx6299]

Im so happy for him

[@samsuddinhussain1123]

I m hoping another kotozakura and hishoryu finale in january tournament .❤

[@maths.for.homies]

🎉🎉🎉🎉 thanks for video

[@chinaman1]

I hope he can win again next tournament and gain his yokozuna rank for march.

[@emericklamontagne3652]

HorseShoe had slipped and some say it was the slip that caused Kotozakura to win. But I believe it was Kotozakura's techniques that caused HorseShoe to slip, not slipping on his own accord.

[@Keres37]

Thank you kotozakura, thank you Japan, Thank you Sumo prime time :)

[@NemoArtics]

kotozakura lessgo!

[@davidorr7302]

Great to see Kotozakura win. The very last thing sumo needs is the thuggish Hoshoryu to advance.

[@CutterHistorical]

Kotozakura, the sumo with the six pack!!!

[@rcfp2006]

This is the only sumo channel that goes silent during a basho. And its the official JSA channel.... sigh.

[@barbarmeow4076]

Kotozakura & Hoshoryu will be the next yokozuna

[@batuno7029]

Kotazakura has babyface. The more he tries to look tough more he looks so funny😂😂😂 no offense he is just sweet guy