2019 in sumo#Hatsu basho

Ryōgoku Kokugikan, Tokyo, 13 January – 27 January{{cite web|url=http://www.sumo.or.jp/EnTicket/year_schedule/|title=Grand Tournament Schedule |publisher=Japan Sumo Association|access-date=26 December 2018}}

Osaka Prefectural Gymnasium, Osaka, 10 March – 24 March

Ryōgoku Kokugikan, Tokyo, 12 May – 26 May

Aichi Prefectural Gymnasium, Nagoya, 7 July – 21 July

Ryōgoku Kokugikan, Tokyo, 8 September – 22 September

Fukuoka Kokusai Center, Kyushu, 10 November – 24 November

File:Kisenosato Yutaka-5.jpg announced his retirement in January]]

• 7: In a series of practice bouts held in front of the Yokozuna Deliberation Council, all three yokozuna participate. Kisenosato goes 1–3 against Kakuryū and 2–0 against Gōeidō, while Hakuhō wins all five of his bouts against November 2018 tournament winner Takakeishō.{{cite web|url=https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20190107/p2g/00m/0sp/074000c|title=Sumo: Kisenosato slow but steady in practice for New Year meet|date=7 January 2019|publisher=The Mainichi|access-date=7 January 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190107172926/https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20190107/p2g/00m/0sp/074000c|archive-date=7 January 2019}}
• 16: After suffering three straight losses in the Hatsu tournament, Kisenosato announces his retirement. He had been unable to recover from a left arm injury sustained in the March 2017 tournament, which caused him to miss or withdraw from eight consecutive tournaments from May 2017 to July 2018. His record as a yokozuna was 36 wins against 35 losses, with 97 bouts missed. He is staying in sumo as a coach under the Araiso elder name.{{cite web|url=http://www.asahi.com/ajw/articles/AJ201901160055.html|title=SUMO/ Persistence leads Kisenosato to the top—and then to early retirement|date=16 January 2019|publisher=Asahi Shimbun|access-date=17 January 2019|archive-date=17 January 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190117010014/http://www.asahi.com/ajw/articles/AJ201901160055.html|url-status=dead}}
• 18: Kakuryū pulls out with a recurrence of his ankle problem.{{cite web|url=https://www.japantimes.co.jp/sports/2019/01/18/sumo/kakuryu-pulls-new-year-basho-ankle-injury/#.XFBfAOSWyUk|title=Kakuryu pulls out of New Year Basho with ankle injury|date=18 January 2019|publisher=Japan Times|access-date=29 January 2019}}
• 20: Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko attend Day 8, the 23rd and last time before the Emperor's abdication in April that they have watched sumo in an official capacity.{{cite web|url=https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20190121_02/|title=Emperor and Empress watch grand sumo|date=20 January 2019|publisher=NHK World|access-date=22 January 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190121170522/https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20190121_02/|archive-date=21 January 2019|url-status=dead}}
• 26: Hakuho withdraws with knee and ankle injuries, meaning all three yokozuna have failed to complete 15 days for the second tournament in a row.{{cite web|url=https://www.japantimes.co.jp/?post_type=sports&p=1721300#.XFBts-SWyUk|title=Hakuho withdraws from New Year Basho on penultimate day|date=26 January 2019|publisher=Japan Times|access-date=29 January 2019}}
• 27: Sekiwake Tamawashi is the surprise tournament champion with a 13–2 record, sealing his first yusho by defeating Endō on the final day.{{cite web|url=http://www.asahi.com/ajw/articles/AJ201901270029.html|title=SUMO/ Sekiwake Tamawashi clinches his first career title at 34|date=27 January 2019|publisher=Asahi Shimbun|access-date=29 January 2019}} At 34 he is the second oldest first-time yusho winner in the six tournaments per year era (post-1958), after 37 year-old Kyokutenhō in 2012. Takakeisho could have taken part in a playoff if Tamawashi had lost and he had won, but in the event he finished two wins behind on 11–4 after losing to Gōeidō. That defeat, and a 9–6 record in September 2018, means he will not be promoted to ōzeki despite winning 33 bouts in three tournaments and being the sole runner-up here.{{cite web|url=https://www.japantimes.co.jp/?post_type=sports&p=1722539#.XFB0ZeSWyUk|title=Tamawashi secures first title by beating Endo on final day|date=27 January 2019|publisher=Japan Times|access-date=29 January 2019}} Tamawashi receives special prizes for Outstanding Performance and Fighting Spirit, while Takakeisho wins the Technique Award. Mitakeumi is awarded a share of the Outstanding Performance Prize for defeating all three yokozuna and Tamawashi despite missing some of the tournament through injury. The jūryō division championship is won by Shimanoumi. Retiring along with Kisenosato are Takanoiwa, former sekiwake Takekaze, and Sasayama, the brother of jūryō wrestler Daiseidō.
• 30: Promotions to the jūryō division for the forthcoming March tournament are announced. Returning are {{Interlanguage link|Daiseidō Yoshitomo|ja|3=大成道喜悌|lt=Daiseidō}} and Takanofuji (who changed his shikona from Takayoshitoshi in January). There are two newcomers – Michinoku stable's Kiribayama from Mongolia, and Arashio stable's Wakamotoharu. The latter has two brothers in sumo, one of whom (Wakatakakage) is already in jūryō. This means there will be three sets of brothers in the jūryō division in March (Hidenoumi and Tobizaru, and Takanofuji and Takagenji being the others).

• 9: The 52nd NHK charity ozumo tournament is held at the Kokugikan.
• 10: The 43rd Fuji TV one day tournament is held at the Kokugikan. Takayasu defeats Yoshikaze in the final. (Hakuho is knocked out in the second round.)

• 24: The Haru tournament in Osaka concludes with Hakuhō defeating his rival yokozuna Kakuryū with a shitatenage underarm throw to clinch his 42nd career championship and his 15th with a perfect 15–0 score. His victory means he has won at least one tournament every year since 2006.{{cite web|url=https://www.japantimes.co.jp/sports/2019/03/25/sumo/injury-looms-hakuhos-triumph/#.XJjmquSWymQ|title=Injury looms over Hakuho's triumph|date=25 March 2019|publisher=Japan Times|access-date=25 March 2019}} However, he injures his right arm in the process and is seen holding the bicep afterwards. He finishes one win ahead of maegashira Ichinojō, who did not get to fight the yokozuna during the tournament. His 14–1 runner-up performance is recognized with the Outstanding Performance prize. Sekiwake Takakeishō not only wins the Technique Award but also promotion to ōzeki, after he defeats Tochinoshin to finish on 10–5, giving him 34 wins over the last three tournaments. Tochinoshin, conversely, is demoted from ōzeki after two consecutive make-koshi or losing records. The Fighting Spirit Prize goes to maegashira Aoiyama for his fine 12–3 record. In the jūryō division Shimanoumi wins his second championship in a row and is guaranteed promotion to the top division for the first time in May at the age of 29. Down in the jonidan division former ōzeki Terunofuji, long sidelined by injuries, loses a playoff for the division championship after both he and Russian-Mongolian wrestler Rōga finish with perfect 7–0 records. It is Terunofuji's first appearance since May 2018. Former maegashira Tenkaiho retires and becomes Hidenoyama Oyakata.
• 27:Promotions to jūryō are announced. They are newcomer {{Interlanguage link|Irodori Takateru|ja|3=彩尊光|lt=Irodori}}, and two returnees, Irodori's Shikoroyama stablemate Seirō and Haru's makushita yusho winner Churanoumi.
• 28: Hakuhō and his stablemaster Miyagino are summoned by the Sumo Association to explain why Hakuhō led the crowd in a display of sanbon-jime hand-clapping after his victory speech on Sunday, seen as a breach of etiquette because it preceded the kami-okuri ceremony that concludes the tournament.{{cite web|url=https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2019/03/68883b56bc4e-sumo-hakuho-called-on-carpet-for-unapproved-cheer-leading.html|title=Sumo: Hakuho called on carpet for unapproved cheer leading|date=28 March 2019|publisher=Kyodo News|access-date=28 March 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190328171720/https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2019/03/68883b56bc4e-sumo-hakuho-called-on-carpet-for-unapproved-cheer-leading.html|archive-date=28 March 2019}} Hakuhō had wanted to acknowledge Emperor Akihito, as it was the final tournament of the Heisei era. Hakuhō was also criticized in November 2017 when he led the crowd in cheers in the midst of the Harumafuji assault affair.
• 31: The spring regional tour begins with a tournament in the Ise Shrine. Hakuhō performs the dohyō-iri but does not participate in any bouts due to his injury, confirmed a muscle tear in the upper right arm.{{cite web|url=https://www.japantimes.co.jp/sports/2019/03/31/sumo/hakuho-reveals-muscle-tear-upper-right-arm/#.XKIiEuSWyUk|title=Hakuho reveals muscle tear in upper right arm|date=31 March 2019|publisher=Japan Times|access-date=1 April 2019}}

The spring regional tour visits the following locations:{{cite web|url=http://sumo.or.jp/EnJungyo/schedule/|title=2019 Spring Tour Schedule|publisher=Japan Sumo Association|access-date=1 April 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190401144654/http://sumo.or.jp/EnJungyo/schedule/|archive-date=1 April 2019}}

• 1: Gojo, Nara Prefecture
• 2: Nara, Nara Prefecture
• 3: Kakogawa, Hyogo Prefecture
• 4: Toyoka, Hyogo Prefecture
• 5: Uji, Kyoto Prefecture
• 6: Tsu, Mie Prefecture
• 7: Nishio, Aichi Prefecture
• 9: Shizuoka, Shizuoka Prefecture
• 10: Hachioji, Tokyo Prefecture
• 12: Kawasaki, Kanagawa Prefecture
• 13: Fujisawa, Kanagawa Prefecture
• 14: Hitachiomiya, Ibaraki Prefecture
• 15: Yasukuni Shrine ceremonial tournament, Tokyo Prefecture
• 17: Ota, Tokyo Prefecture
• 18: Adachi, Tokyo Prefecture
• 19: Gyoda, Saitama Prefecture
• 20: Kashiwa, Chiba Prefecture
• 21: Takasaki, Gunma Prefecture
• 22: Sano, Tochigi Prefecture
• 25: Hidaka, Saitama Prefecture
• 26: Ome, Tokyo Prefecture
• 27: Yokohama, Kanagawa Prefecture
• 28: Machida, Tokyo Prefecture
• 29: Mito, Ibaraki Prefecture. On the last day of the tour, 25 wrestlers born in the Showa era (1926–89), including Hakuhō, pose for a photo to mark the last Showa Day of the Heisei era.{{cite web|url=https://www.japantimes.co.jp/sports/2019/05/01/sumo/wrestlers-make-beefy-salute-first-day-japans-new-era/#.XMsDVeSWymR|title=Sumo wrestlers make beefy salute to first day of Japan's new era|date=1 May 2019|publisher=Japan Times|access-date=2 May 2019}}
• 12:It is reported that the Sumo Association are arranging for President of the United States Donald Trump to visit on the final day of the May tournament as part of his trip to Japan, after hearing of his request to watch a bout.{{cite web|url=https://www.japantimes.co.jp/sports/2019/04/12/sumo/japan-sumo-association-lays-groundwork-trump-visit/#.XLDie-SWymQ|title=Japan Sumo Association lays groundwork for Trump visit|date=12 April 2019|publisher=Japan Times|access-date=12 April 2019}}
• 12: Wakaimonogashira {{Interlanguage link|Hakuryū Hiroshi|lt=Hakuryū|ja|魄龍弘}} turns 65 and retires. As a wrestler from the Kagamiyama stable he spent 47 tournaments in jūryō, a record for someone who never made the top makuuchi division (his highest rank was jūryō 1).
• 24: Hakuhō is given an official reprimand, the lightest of the seven punishments available, in response to the sanbon-jime incident on the last day of the March tournament. His stablemaster Miyagino is given a salary cut of ten percent for three months.{{cite web|url=https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20190424/p2a/00m/0sp/018000c|title=Sumo Yokozuna Hakuho punished over impromptu cheer following tournament win|date=24 April 2019|publisher=The Mainichi|access-date=24 April 2019}}
• 30: On the last day of the Heisei era, the banzuke for the May tournament is published, with Takakeishō listed as ōzeki for the first time.{{cite web|url=https://www.japantimes.co.jp/sports/2019/04/30/sumo/takakeisho-officially-ozeki/#.XMiG8OSWymS|title=Takakeisho set for ozeki debut|date=30 April 2019|publisher=Japan Times|access-date=30 April 2019}} There are two newcomers to the top division, Shimanoumi and Enhō. Some 50 kg lighter, and 15 cm shorter, than the average top division wrestler, Enhō is the first sekitori from Kanazawa Gakuin University.{{cite web|url=https://www.japantimes.co.jp/sports/2019/05/01/sumo/pint-size-enho-shake-banzuke-reiwa-era/#.XMrwd-SWymR|title=Pint-size Enho could shake up banzuke in Reiwa era|last=Gunning|first=John|date=1 May 2019|publisher=Japan Times|access-date=2 May 2019}}

File:President Trump and the First Lady Attend a Sumo Wrestling Match in Japan.webm]]

• 1: Dressed in their black montsuki hakama, 69 of the 70 sekitori use their bodies to spell out the kanji for the new imperial era, Reiwa.
• 14: Further reports on President Donald Trump's visit on the final day of the May tournament suggest he will present a custom-made trophy to the winner, the "Trump Cup."{{cite web|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/in-japan-a-new-award-for-the-grand-sumo-champion-the-trump-cup/2019/05/13/a1d6610a-75ac-11e9-b7ae-390de4259661_story.html|title=In Japan, a new award for the grand sumo champion: The 'Trump Cup'|last=Nakamura|first=David|date=13 May 2019|work=Washington Post|access-date=15 May 2019}}
• 26: Donald Trump is in attendance for the final five matches of the final day of the May tournament.{{cite web|url=https://japantoday.com/category/politics/Trump-attends-sumo-gives-President%27s-Cup-to-winner-Asanoyama|title=Trump attends sumo; gives President's Cup to winner Asanoyama|date=26 May 2019|publisher=Japan Today|access-date=29 May 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190529155729/https://japantoday.com/category/politics/Trump-attends-sumo-gives-President%27s-Cup-to-winner-Asanoyama|archive-date=29 May 2019}} He presents the new trophy, officially called the President's Cup,{{cite web|url=https://news.yahoo.com/trump-watches-incredible-sumo-wrestling-japan-035048131--spt.html|title=Trump watches 'incredible' sumo wrestling in Japan|date=26 May 2019|publisher=Yahoo/Reuters|access-date=29 May 2019}} to the winner of the championship, maegashira Asanoyama, who finishes with a 12–3 record and special prizes for Outstanding Performance and Fighting Spirit. He is the first winner without any previous sanyaku experience since Sadanoyama in 1961.{{cite web|url=http://www.asahi.com/ajw/articles/AJ201905250056.html|title=SUMO/ Lowly wrestler takes sumo championship on 14th day|date=25 May 2019|publisher=Asahi Shimbun|access-date=29 May 2019}} He finishes one win ahead of Kakuryū (11–4). Tochinoshin, despite a controversial call by the judges in his Day 13 match with Asanoyama which reversed the referee's decision and declared that his heel had stepped out of the ring, finishes with a 10–5 record, enough to return him immediately to the ōzeki rank. Other notable performers are Abi and top division debutant Shimanoumi who share the Fighting Spirit prize with Asanoyama, and Ryūden who wins the Technique prize.{{cite web|url=https://www.japantimes.co.jp/sports/2019/05/26/sumo/basho-reports/asanoyama-falls-bashos-last-day/#.XO6o3-SWyUk|title=Asanoyama falls on basho's last day|date=26 May 2019|publisher=Japan Times|access-date=29 May 2019}} The jūryō division championship is won by Takagenji with a 13–2 record. Among the retirements are former jūryō wrestlers {{interlanguage link|Dewahayate Ryūji|ja|3=出羽疾風龍二|lt=Dewahayate}} and {{interlanguage link|Tochihiryu Yukiya|ja|3=栃飛龍幸也|lt=Tochihiryu}}. Two days earlier, former ozeki Terunofuji continued his climb back up the banzuke with a 6–1 result in Sandanme, ensuring his promotion to makushita for the next tournament in July.
• 29: Promotions to jūryō for the Nagoya tournament in July are announced. There are four newcomers, the most high profile of whom is Kotonowaka, the son of Sadogatake Oyakata (ex-sekiwake Kotonowaka) who has changed his shikona from Kotokamatani to that of his father. The other debutants are {{Interlanguage link|Kizakiumi Shinnosuke|ja|3=木崎海伸之助|lt=Kizakiumi}}, who is the younger brother of Churanoumi making them the 21st pair of brothers in history to both reach sekitori status,{{cite web|url=https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2022/06/841dc57d2ec2-sumo-twins-making-historic-push-for-summit-of-japans-ancient-sport.html|title=Sumo: Twins making historic push for summit of Japan's ancient sport|date=1 June 2022|work=Kyodo News|access-date=7 June 2022}} Ichiyamamoto the first from Nishonoseki stable to reach jūryō since Shohozan in 2010, and Onoe stable's {{Interlanguage link|Ryuko Kawakami|ja|3=竜虎川上|lt=Ryuko}}.{{cite web|url=http://sumo.or.jp/EnHonbashoTopics/banzuke_topics/|title=2019 July Grand Sumo Tournament Banzuke Topics|publisher=Japan Sumo Association|access-date=2 July 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190702170900/http://sumo.or.jp/EnHonbashoTopics/banzuke_topics/|archive-date=2 July 2019}} There is one returnee, Takanofuji, who won the makushita championship with a perfect 7–0 record.

• 24: The July banzuke is published, with Takakeisho kadoban, Tochinoshin returning to ozeki and Asanoyama just missing out on a sanyaku debut, instead being ranked at maegashira 1. The only top division debut is Takagenji at maegashira 10.{{cite web|url=https://www.japantimes.co.jp/sports/2019/06/24/sumo/yokozuna-kakuryu-tops-rankings-nagoya-grand-sumo-tournament/#.XRuSduSWyUk|title=Yokozuna Kakuryu tops rankings for Nagoya Grand Sumo Tournament|date=24 June 2019|publisher=Japan Times|access-date=2 July 2019}}

• 16: 40-year-old Aminishiki announces his retirement from sumo after a 22-year career. He had been absent since the third day of the July tournament with a knee injury and faced demotion from the jūryō division.{{cite web|url=https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20190716/p2a/00m/0na/006000c|title=Injured 40-year-old Aminishiki retiring from sumo|date=16 July 2019|publisher=The Mainichi|access-date=17 July 2019}}
• 17: For the first time since the beginning of the Showa era, all four ōzeki are absent from a tournament.{{cite web|url=https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20190717/p2g/00m/0sp/050000c|title=Sumo: Takayasu 4th ozeki to pull out of Nagoya Grand Sumo tourney|date=17 July 2019|publisher=The Mainichi|access-date=17 July 2019}} Takayasu withdraws due to an elbow injury suffered against Tamawashi, giving Hakuhō a default win. Earlier in the tournament Gōeidō and Tochinoshin both withdrew, and Takakeishō was absent from the beginning and will drop to sekiwake for the September tournament.
• 21: Kakuryū defeats Hakuhō in the final match of the tournament to win his sixth top division championship, with a 14–1 record.{{cite web|url=https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20190721/p2g/00m/0sp/040000c|title=Sumo: Kakuryu outguns Hakuho in yokozuna duel to claim 6th title|date=21 July 2019|publisher=The Mainichi|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190722162107/https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20190721/p2g/00m/0sp/040000c|archive-date=22 July 2019}} Hakuhō finishes second on 12–3, his first runner-up performance since January 2016 (he has won seven yūshō since then). He shares the jun-yūshō with two maegashira, Terutsuyoshi and Tomokaze. Terutsuyoshi wins the Fighting Spirit Prize, and Tomokaze who was the only man to defeat Kakuryū receives the Outstanding Performance Award.{{cite web|url=https://www.japantimes.co.jp/sports/2019/07/21/sumo/basho-reports/kakuryu-beats-fellow-yokozuna-hakuho-final-day-clinch-sixth-title/#.XTXnLeSWyUk|title=Kakuryu beats fellow yokozuna Hakuho on final day to clinch sixth title|date=21 July 2019|publisher=Japan Times|access-date=22 July 2019}} The Technique Prize is shared between Endō and Enhō. The jūryō division championship is won by former amateur competitor Tsurugishō who is likely to be promoted to the top division for the first time as a result. Former maegashira {{Interlanguage link|Chiyono-ō Miyohito|ja|3=千代皇王代仁|lt=Chiyono-ō}} wins the makushita championship. Former ozeki Terunofuji posted a 6–1 record in lower makushita, continuing his climb back up the banzuke. The chief tokoyama, Tokohachi of the Miyagino stable, retires due to turning 65 years of age, after 52 years in sumo.{{cite web|url=https://www.asahi.com/ajw/articles/14460044|title=SUMO/ Hakuho worked with hairdresser who didn’t like the yokozuna|date=25 October 2021|work=Asahi Shimbun|access-date=26 October 2021}}

The summer tour visits the following locations:

• 29: Gifu, Gifu Prefecture
• 29: Habikino, Osaka Prefecture
• 30: Kusatsu, Shiga Prefecture
• 31: Echizen, Fukui Prefecture

The summer tour continues, visiting the following locations:

• 1: Toyama, Toyama Prefecture
• 2: Matsumoto, Nagano Prefecture
• 3: Tokorozawa, Saitama Prefecture
• 4: Togane, Chiba Prefecture
• 6: Tachikawa, Tokyo Prefecture
• 7: Chichibu, Saitama Prefecture
• 8: Utsunomiya, Tochigi, Tokyo Prefecture
• 9: Koriyama, Fukushima Prefecture
• 10: Fukushima, Fukushima Prefecture
• 11: Sendai, Miyagi Prefecture
• 12: Murayama, Yamagata Prefecture
• 13: Aomori, Aomori Prefecture
• 14: Kitatsugaru District, Aomori Prefecture
• 16: Hakodate, Hokkaido Prefecture
• 17: Sapporo, Hokkaido Prefecture
• 18: Sapporo, Hokkaido Prefecture
• 19: Kushiro, Hokkaido Prefecture
• 25: KITTE, Tokyo Prefecture
• 27: The banzuke for the September tournament is released, with Takakeishō dropping to sekiwake. Three wrestlers are promoted to the top division, the returning Ishiura and Yutakayama, and Tsurugishō who is the only newcomer. Kakuryū is the East Yokozuna, the highest position on the banzuke, and is competing in his 33rd tournament as a Yokozuna, moving him into the top ten all-time.{{cite web|url=https://japantoday.com/category/sports/sumo-takakeisho-demoted-as-kakuryu-tops-rankings-for-sept.-meet|title=Takakeisho demoted as Kakuryu tops rankings for September tournament|date=27 August 2019|publisher=Japan Today|access-date=30 August 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190830144825/https://japantoday.com/category/sports/sumo-takakeisho-demoted-as-kakuryu-tops-rankings-for-sept.-meet|archive-date=30 August 2019}}

File:Hoshoryu 2019 Jan.jpg

• 3: Takanofuji is suspended from the forthcoming Aki tournament by his stablemaster Chiganoura while the Sumo Association investigates reports that he assaulted an attendant at his stable after practice on August 31. He has already served a previous suspension for a similar incident in 2018.{{cite web|url=http://www.asahi.com/ajw/articles/AJ201909040037.html|title=SUMO/ Takanofuji faces punishment after second assault on attendant|date=4 September 2019|publisher=Asahi Shimbun|access-date=4 September 2019}}
• 3: Hakuhō announces that he has acquired Japanese citizenship, which will enable him to stay in the Sumo Association after retirement and run his own stable.{{cite web|url=https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/turning-japanese-sumo-champ-hakuho-gets-citizenship/ar-AAGIqCB|title=Turning Japanese: Sumo champ Hakuho gets citizenship|date=3 September 2019|publisher=MSN/AFP|access-date=4 September 2019}}
• 12: Former sekiwake Yoshikaze, who has missed the last two tournaments through injury, announces his retirement. He is staying in sumo under the elder name of Nakamura Oyakata.
• 22: Mitakeumi wins his second championship after a playoff with Takakeisho, both men finishing with identical 12-3 records.{{cite web|url=https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2019/09/9b6cca611adf-sumo-mitakeumi-wins-2nd-title-after-sekiwake-playoff-with-takakeisho.html|title=Sumo: Mitakeumi wins 2nd title after sekiwake playoff with Takakeisho|date=22 September 2019|publisher=Kyodo News|access-date=22 September 2019}} Takakeisho successfully returns to the ozeki rank but Tochinoshin will be demoted after only scoring 6–9. The Outstanding Performance Prize is shared between Mitakeumi and Asanoyama while the Fighting Spirit Prize goes to Okinoumi and newcomer Tsurugisho. In juryo Ikioi wins the yusho while Chiyonokuni takes the makushita title, beating former ozeki Terunofuji in his final bout. Terunofuji finishes with a 6–1 record and will be ranked in upper makushita for November. Former maegashira {{Interlanguage link|Yamaguchi Masahiro|ja|3=大喜鵬将大|lt=Daikiho}} and Homarefuji announce their retirements. Homarefuji becomes Tateyama Oyakata. Also retiring at the age of 24 is the nephew of Musashigawa Oyakata, the former yokozuna Musashimaru, who fought as Musashikuni and is returning to Hawai'i after six years in sumo.{{cite web|url=https://musashigawa.com/archives/9969|title=【武蔵國 引退のご報告】|date=22 September 2019|publisher=musashigawa.com|language=ja|access-date=25 September 2019}} He sustained an ankle injury in November 2018 from which he had failed to recover properly.{{cite web|url=https://www.japantimes.co.jp/sports/2019/09/25/sumo/injuries-continue-impact-sumo-landscape/#.XYvBA5NKiUk|title=Injuries continue to impact sumo landscape|last=Gunning|first=John|date=25 September 2019|publisher=Japan Times|access-date=25 September 2019}}
• 25:Promotions to the jūryō division for November are announced. Making their debuts will be Kotoshoho (formerly known as Kototebakari) and Mongolian Hoshoryu, nephew of the former yokozuna Asashoryu. Returning to the paid ranks are Wakamotoharu, Akua, and Akiseyama.
• 28:Takanofuji is told to retire voluntarily by the Sumo Association after the compliance committee's report finds that he struck his attendant, a jonidan ranked wrestler, on the forehead for preceding him in the bath and his general attitude. However Takanofuji holds a press conference in which he says he will not retire, saying he is sorry for what he did but "this penalty is too severe and I cannot accept it."{{cite web|url=https://japantoday.com/category/sports/sumo-takanofuji-says-punishment-for-off-ring-violence-too-heavy|title=Takanofuji says punishment for off-ring violence 'too heavy'|date=28 September 2019|work=Japan Today|access-date=30 September 2019}} The Sumo Association has already decided to take disciplinary action at a later date, which could include expulsion.{{cite web|url=http://www.asahi.com/ajw/articles/AJ201909270033.html|title=SUMO/ JSA seeks Takanofuji's retirement after second assault|date=27 September 2019|work=Asahi Shimbun|access-date=30 September 2019}}
• 29: The danpatsu-shiki or retirement ceremony of Kisenosato is held at the Kokugikan, with around 300 guests participating in the hair-cutting rituals, including Shibatayama Oyakata, his sempai Wakanosato, ex-stablemate Takanowaka, and current wrestlers Hakuhō, Kakuryu, Takayasu, Kotoshogiku and Toyonoshima. Former maegashira Satoyama has his danpatsu-shiki on the same date.

• The autumn tour visits the following locations:
• 5: Nanao, Ishikawa
• 6: Kanazawa
• 7: Tonami
• 8: Itoigawa
• 9: Otawara
• 10: Chiba
• 11: Sagamihara
• 12: Kofu
• 13: Izu, Shizuoka (cancelled owing to Typhoon Hagibis)
• 14: Yaizu
• 16: Hamamatsu
• 17: Tokoname
• 18: Kyoto
• 19: Kadoma, Osaka
• 20: Himeji
• 22: Aki, Kochi
• 23: Kurashiki
• 24: Izumo, Shimane
• 25: Mihara, Hiroshima
• 26: Hiroshima
• 27: Fukuyama, Hiroshima
• 11: After his initial resistance to the Sumo Association's recommendation, Takanofuji submits his retirement papers and ends his sumo career at the age of 22. His change of heart ensures that he will receive severance pay.{{cite web|url=http://www.asahi.com/ajw/articles/AJ201910120020.html|title=SUMO/ Takanofuji gives in to JSA urging, retires at 22 after 2 assaults|date=12 October 2019|work=Asahi Shimbun|access-date=21 October 2019}}
• 25: The head yobidashi, Takuro, is suspended for two tournaments for hitting a junior yobidashi over the head after he caught him eating in the customer seating area on jungyo. His request to retire has also been accepted. The Sumo Association's director of public relations, Shibatayama, said that violent acts were no longer to be tolerated and it is "regrettable that such a senior official gave such guidance."{{cite web|url=https://www.jiji.com/jc/article?k=2019102500925&g=spo|title=立呼び出しに出場停止２場所＝暴力問題、退職届受理－大相撲|date=25 October 2019|work=jiji.com|language=ja|access-date=25 October 2019}}
• 28: The rankings for the Kyushu tournament are released. For the first time since November 2006 there are four wrestlers at komusubi, with Hokutofuji and Asanoyama joining Abi and Endō at the rank. The only newcomer to the top division is Wakatakakage, while Takanosho, Chiyomaru and Daishomaru return.{{cite web|url=https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20191028/p2g/00m/0sp/025000c|title=Sumo: Kakuryu tops rankings as Takakeisho makes ozeki return|date=28 October 2019|work=The Mainichi|access-date=28 October 2019|archive-date=28 October 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191028141205/https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20191028/p2g/00m/0sp/025000c|url-status=dead}}

• 9: Abi is reprimanded by the Japan Sumo Association after he posted an image on Instagram of his friend and fellow wrestler Wakamotoharu tied up and gagged with tape as a prank. Abi and Wakamotoharu apologize in person to JSA chairman Hakkaku and the board for the incident. The JSA has advised wrestlers not to post on their individual social media in future, although accounts run by the stables are not affected.{{cite web|url=http://www.asahi.com/ajw/articles/AJ201911110028.html|title=JSA not laughing after wrestler posts 'bondage' video on SNS|date=11 November 2019|work=Asahi Shimbun|access-date=12 November 2019|archive-date=11 November 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191111115232/https://www.asahi.com/ajw/articles/AJ201911110028.html|url-status=dead}}
• 17: In the Kyushu tournament, Takayasu withdraws shortly before his scheduled bout on Day 8 because of lower back pain. He is the seventh top division wrestler to pull out of the tournament, following Ichinojo (before the tournament, back injury), Kakuryū (the morning of Day 1, back), Goeido (Day 2, ankle), Tomokaze (Day 3, knee dislocation), Wakatakakage (Day 5, ankle), and Tochinoshin (Day 5, rib)
• 23: Hakuhō secures his 43rd top division championship by defeating Mitakeumi, the winner of the previous tournament with a sotogake outside leg trip to move to an unassailable two bout lead at 13–1.{{cite web|url=https://www.japantimes.co.jp/sports/2019/11/23/sumo/basho-reports/hakuho-seals-43rd-career-title/#.Xd1hwuSWyUk|title=Hakuho seals 43rd career title at Kyushu Grand Sumo Tournament|date=23 November 2019|work=Japan Times|access-date=26 November 2019}}
• 24: On the final day Hakuhō defeats Takakeishō (9–6) in a bout lasting over a minute to finish on 14–1, three wins ahead of his nearest rivals.{{cite web|url=https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20191124/p2g/00m/0sp/039000c|title=Sumo: Hakuho puts final winning touch on 43rd championship|date=24 November 2019|work=The Mainichi|access-date=26 November 2019|archive-date=27 November 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191127222702/https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20191124/p2g/00m/0sp/039000c|url-status=dead}} Runners-up are Shodai and Asanoyama who both finish on 11–4 after Shodai wins their match today. Shodai receives the Fighting Spirit Prize while Asanoyama gets the Technique Prize. Asanoyama also has the most top division wins in the year 2019. His total of 55 is however, the lowest ever winning total (for comparison, Hakuhō had 86 wins in 2009).{{cite web|url=https://the-japan-news.com/news/article/0006208867?fp=0c8699a715efdd3dd17a950b16ad56b4|title=The Sumo Scene: New komusubi Asanoyama tallies most wins this year with 55|last=Miki|first=Shuji|date=4 December 2019|work=Japan News|access-date=5 December 2019|archive-date=5 December 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191205135332/https://the-japan-news.com/news/article/0006208867%3Ffp%3D0c8699a715efdd3dd17a950b16ad56b4|url-status=dead}} The Outstanding Performance Prize goes to Daieisho (8–7) as the only wrestler to defeat Hakuhō. The jūryō division championship is won by Azumaryu who wins a four-way playoff also involving Kaisei, Ikioi and Kiribayama, after all finish with identical 11–4 records. The makushita division championship is won by ex-ōzeki Terunofuji, his first championship since his comeback from injury began in March, and he is guaranteed a return to the sekitori ranks in the next tournament.
• 27: The jūryō promotions for the January 2020 tournament are announced. There are no wrestlers making their jūryō debuts, but five are returning – Terunofuji, Chiyootori, Churanoumi Yoshihisa, Asagyokusei, and {{Interlanguage link|Sakigake Takeshi|ja|3=魁猛|lt=Sakigake}}. It took Sakigake 29 tournaments to return to the paid ranks after his demotion in January 2015, the fourth slowest ever.

The winter tour visits the following locations:

• 1: Nogata, Fukuoka Prefecture
• 3: Shimonoseki, Yamaguchi Prefecture
• 4: Hitoyoshi, Kumamoto Prefecture
• 5: Ukiha, Fukuoka Prefecture
• 6: Oita, Oita Prefecture
• 7: Oguni, Kumamoto Prefecture
• 8: Kagoshima, Kagoshima Prefecture
• 10: Isahaya, Nagasaki Prefecture
• 11: Saga, Saga Prefecture
• 14-15: Uruma, Okinawa, Prefecture
• 24: The rankings for the January 2020 Hatsu tournament are released. Asanoyama makes his debut at sekiwake, the first from Toyama Prefecture since Kotogaume in 1986. Daieisho makes his komusubi debut. Five wrestlers return to the top division, Azumaryu, Ikioi, Tochiozan, Kaisei and Tokushoryu. There is one newcomer, Mongolian Kiribayama from Michinoku stable. Making way for them are six wrestlers demoted to jūryō, Tomokaze, Ichinojo and Wakatakakage who all suffered injuries, plus Nishikigi, Daishomaru and Daishoho.{{cite web|url=https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20191224/p2g/00m/0sp/024000c|title=Sumo: Asanoyama, Daieisho bumped up in rankings for New Year's meet|date=24 December 2019|work=The Mainichi|access-date=31 December 2019}}

• 10 February: The 60th Yokozuna Futahaguro, aged 55, of chronic kidney disease (not reported until 29 March).{{cite web|url=https://www.japantimes.co.jp/sports/2019/03/30/sumo/ex-yokozuna-futahaguro-died-february-age-55-wife-announces/|title=Ex-yokozuna Futahaguro died in February at age 55, wife announces|date=30 March 2019|publisher=Japan Times|access-date=4 April 2019}}
• 14 February: Former maegashira Tokitsunada, aged 49, of heart failure.
• 16 February: Former makushita 20 Suginoyama, aged 41, of a hemorrhage caused by a blow to the head with a karaoke remote control.{{cite web|url=https://www.sanspo.com/geino/news/20190218/tro19021820300010-n1.html|title=リモコンで殴打された元力士死亡 元ボクサーを傷害容疑で逮捕「酔っていたので覚えていない」|date=18 February 2019|work=Sanspo|language=ja|access-date=20 December 2019|archive-date=16 May 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190516055651/https://www.sanspo.com/geino/news/20190218/tro19021820300010-n1.html|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|url=https://www.tokyoreporter.com/crime/osaka-ex-pro-boxer-accused-in-fatal-assault-of-snack-patron-with-remote-control/|title=Osaka: Ex-pro boxer accused in fatal assault of 'snack' patron with remote control|date=19 February 2019|work=Tokyo Reporter|access-date=20 December 2019}} His attacker, former professional boxer Tomoaki Hashizume, is sentenced to seven years imprisonment in December 2019.{{cite web|url=https://www.sanspo.com/geino/news/20191219/tro19121918440007-n1.html|title=リモコンで元力士を殴打死 元ボクサーの男に懲役７年|date=19 December 2019|work=Sanspo|language=ja|access-date=20 December 2019|trans-title=A former wrestler is beaten and killed with a remote control.|archive-date=20 December 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191220141942/https://www.sanspo.com/geino/news/20191219/tro19121918440007-n1.html|url-status=dead}}
• 6 April: Former jūryō {{Interlanguage link|Saigo Kazuyoshi|ja|3=彩豪一義|lt=Saigo}}, aged 43, of a suspected heart attack.{{cite web|url=https://www.nikkansports.com/battle/sumo/news/201904070001066.html|title=元十両の彩豪・墨谷一義さん死去 不整脈で発作か|date=7 April 2019|publisher=Nikkan Sports|language=ja|access-date=8 April 2019}}
• 20 April: Former maegashira Kiyonomori, also former Kise Oyakata, aged 84, of pneumonia.{{cite web|title=元幕内清ノ森の檀崎政夫さん死去、８４歳 誤嚥性肺炎のため|url=https://www.sanspo.com/smp/sports/news/20190513/sum19051320560013-s.html|publisher=Sanspo|language=ja|date=13 May 2019|access-date=14 May 2019|archive-date=15 May 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190515021417/https://www.sanspo.com/smp/sports/news/20190513/sum19051320560013-s.html|url-status=dead}}
• 25 April: Former sekiwake Kurohimeyama, also former Tatekuma Oyakata, aged 70, of pneumonia.{{cite news|script-title=ja:「デゴイチ」元関脇黒姫山が肺炎のため死去 70歳|url=https://www.nikkansports.com/battle/sumo/news/201904260000576.html|access-date=26 April 2019|newspaper=Nikkan Sports|date=26 April 2019|language=ja}}
• 16 September: Former sekiwake Sakahoko, current Izutsu Oyakata, aged 58, of pancreatic cancer.{{cite web|url=https://www.nikkansports.com/battle/sumo/news/201909160001163.html|title=元関脇逆鉾、井筒親方が死去 58歳すい臓がんか|date=16 September 2019|publisher=Nikkan Sports|language=ja|access-date=16 September 2019}}
• 3 November: Former makushita 6 {{Interlanguage link|Haguroumi Kenji|ja|3=羽黒海憲司|lt=Haguroumi}}, a sewanin at Tatsunami stable, aged 53.
• 13 December: Former maegahira Ushiomaru, current Azumazeki Oyakata, aged 41, of angiosarcoma.{{Cite news |title= 元前頭潮丸の東関親方が血管肉腫で死去 41歳|newspaper= Nikkan Sports|date= December 14, 2019|language=ja|url= https://www.nikkansports.com/battle/sumo/news/201912130000960.html|access-date=December 16, 2019}}

• Glossary of sumo terms
• List of active sumo wrestlers
• List of years in sumo

{{Reflist}}

{{Years in sumo}}

Category:Sumo by year

Sumo

Category:2019 sport-related lists