I'd like to finish 2023 with a wrap-up of the the general trends of Grand Sumo for the year. Overall, it was an unusual year. The top-ranked ranked wrestler, Terunofuji who is the sole yokozuna, spent all but one and a bit tournaments injured. If he returns in January, it may be for the last time.

The absence of the top man meant that lower ranked rikishi had a chance to step up and win the Emperor's Cup, which they duly did. Kiribayama (now Kirishima) won two, Takakeisho also nabbed two, though inconsistency in other tourneys meant that his 'yokozuna run' came to nought. Hoshoryu won the other, aside from Terunofuji's lone victory in the the one tournament he was able to finish.

There are plenty of exciting and talented young men coming through the ranks and I think we may see another yokozuna by the end of 2024. 

The year also saw the retirement of a number of wrestlers, including the popular Georgian, Tochinoshin. Many retirees go on to other roles in the sport but it seems likely he will return To Georgia.

Roll on the Tokyo Basho.