2025 in sumo#Hatsu basho

Ryōgoku Kokugikan, Tokyo, 12 January – 26 January{{cite web|url=http://www.sumo.or.jp/EnTicket/year_schedule/|title=Grand Tournament Schedule |publisher=Japan Sumo Association|accessdate=22 December 2024}}

(Two consecutive victories required to win the Playoff and the yūshō)

• Match 1: Hōshōryū defeated Kinbōzan
• Match 2: Hōshōryū defeated Ōhō

Osaka Prefectural Gymnasium, Osaka, 9 March – 23 March

Ryōgoku Kokugikan, Tokyo, 11 May – 25 May

Aichi International Arena, Nagoya, 13 July – 27 July

Ryōgoku Kokugikan, Tokyo, 14 September – 28 September

Fukuoka Kokusai Center, Kyushu, 9 November – 23 November

• 11: The Japan Sumo Association announces that 2,955 envelopes of prize money (called {{Transliteration|ja|kenshō-kin}}) will be distributed to winning wrestlers at the upcoming January grand sumo tournament, setting an all-time record.{{Cite web |url=https://www.nikkansports.com/battle/sumo/news/202501110000707.html|title=初場所の懸賞申し込み2955本、過去最多更新の見通しに　力士別首位は琴桜|date=11 January 2025|publisher=Nikkan Sports|access-date=15 January 2025|language=ja}} On the following day–the first day of the tournament–244 prize money envelopes are distributed, establishing a single-day record.{{Cite web |url=https://www.nikkansports.com/battle/sumo/news/202501120001620.html|title=ドジャース大谷翔平の懸賞旗周回に館内どよめき　１日244本、場所総本数2955本は過去最多|date=12 January 2025|publisher=Nikkan Sports|access-date=15 January 2025|language=ja}} Among the sponsor banners paraded during the tournament are those promoting the future Major League Baseball Tokyo Series games, featuring photos of Shohei Ohtani and other Japanese baseball players.{{Cite web |url=https://japannews.yomiuri.co.jp/sports/sumo/20250113-232794/|title=MLB Sponsorship Banners Shown Before Crowd at New Year Sumo Tournament in Tokyo|date=13 January 2025|publisher=Yomiuri Shimbun|access-date=15 January 2025}}
• 12: {{Transliteration|ja|Maegashira}} competitors Rōga and Hokutofuji withdraw at the start of the January tournament. Roga suffered a torn thigh muscle a week earlier and is reported to be considering entry into the tournament while it is in progress, while Hokutofuji has spine and knee issues that are expected to take until the end of the month to heal.{{Cite web |url=https://www.nikkansports.com/battle/sumo/news/202501120000453.html|title=前頭の狼雅と北勝富士、十両は武将山が初場所休場　肉離れの狼雅は途中出場の可能性も|date=12 January 2025|publisher=Nikkan Sports|access-date=16 January 2025|language=ja}}
• 16: {{Transliteration|ja|Yokozuna}} Terunofuji withdraws on the fifth day of the January tournament after suffering a first-day loss to Wakatakakage and conceding a gold star to Tobizaru on Day 4. It is his 13th absence in 21 tournaments at sumo's highest rank.{{Cite web |url=https://www.jiji.com/jc/article?k=2025011600396&g=spo|title=横綱照ノ富士が休場　４日目までに２敗―大相撲初場所|date=16 January 2025|publisher=Jiji Press|access-date=16 January 2025|language=ja}} Later that day, Japanese media learn through sources at the Sumo Association that Terunofuji has decided to retire.{{Cite web |url=https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2025/01/14bd63c63a6b-sumo-lone-yokozuna-terunofuji-pulls-out-of-new-year-meet.html|title=Sumo: Injury-plagued lone yokozuna Terunofuji set to retire|date=16 January 2025|publisher=Kyodo News|access-date=16 January 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250117012138/https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2025/01/14bd63c63a6b-sumo-lone-yokozuna-terunofuji-pulls-out-of-new-year-meet.html|archive-date=17 January 2025}}
• 17: The Sumo Association officially announces Terunofuji's retirement.{{Cite web |url=https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2025/01/9f419ee649e1-urgent-sumo-grand-champion-terunofuji-retires-governing-body.html|title=Sumo: Grand champion Terunofuji retires after injury-plagued career|date=17 January 2025|publisher=Kyodo News|access-date=17 January 2025}} His retirement threatens to leave the sport's ranking without a {{Transliteration|ja|yokozuna}} for the first time since the March 1993 tournament, when Akebono was promoted to the supreme rank and occupied the position left vacant since Hokutoumi's retirement in May 1992.{{Cite web |url=https://www.nikkansports.com/battle/sumo/news/202501160000520.html|title=横綱照ノ富士が引退の意向　両膝痛と糖尿病に苦闘　序二段まで転落の苦労人、横綱在位21場所|date=16 January 2025|publisher=Nikkan Sports|access-date=16 January 2025|language=ja}}{{cite web|title=Sumo avoids chasm at top as Hoshoryu picked for top rank|url=https://www.japantimes.co.jp/sports/2025/01/28/sumo/hoshoryu-yokozuna-promotion/|work=The Japan Times|url-access=subscription|date=28 January 2025|access-date=28 January 2025|archive-date=28 January 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250128070510/https://www.japantimes.co.jp/sports/2025/01/28/sumo/hoshoryu-yokozuna-promotion/|url-status=live}} He will remain with the Sumo Association coaching at Isegahama stable under his ring name of Terunofuji, which his status as a former {{Transliteration|ja|yokozuna}} allows him to do.
• 18: Rōga withdraws for a second time after re-entering the January tournament on Day 5 and suffering two consecutive losses.{{Cite web |url=https://www.nikkansports.com/battle/sumo/news/202501180000170.html|title=東前頭８枚目の狼雅が７日目から再び休場　師匠の二子山親方「万全に治して」千代翔馬は不戦勝|date=18 January 2025|publisher=Nikkan Sports|access-date=18 January 2025|language=ja}}
• 19: The Sumo Association announces that it will hold a sumo exhibition in the Accor Arena of Paris in June 2026, following the announcement of a 2025 London tour. The Sumo Association will be returning to Paris for the third time in its history, a first since 1995.{{Cite web |url=https://www.nikkansports.com/battle/sumo/news/202501190000424.html|title=2026年６月のパリ公演を発表　現状で横綱不在に八角理事長「私が赤い綱を締めてやりますか」|date=19 January 2025|publisher=Nikkan Sports|access-date=19 January 2025|language=ja}}
  On Day 8 of the January tournament, {{Transliteration|ja|maegashira}} Kitanowaka loses his match after getting his right foot trapped on the straw bales as he retreats from the attack of Takerufuji. Kitanowaka is removed from the {{Transliteration|ja|dohyō}} in a wheelchair and is subsequently diagnosed with a broken ankle, forcing his withdrawal.{{Cite web |url=https://www.nikkansports.com/battle/sumo/news/202501190001395.html|title=北の若が右足首骨折、休場へ　尊富士に敗れ取組後は自力で歩けず車いすで引き揚げる|date=19 January 2025|publisher=Nikkan Sports|access-date=19 January 2025|language=ja}}
• 26: {{Transliteration|ja|Ōzeki}} Hōshōryū (12–3), the nephew of the 68th {{Transliteration|ja|yokozuna}} Asashōryū, stages a late comeback on the final day of the January 2025 tournament to win his second Emperor's Cup and, as a result, is set to become the sport's 74th {{Transliteration|ja|yokozuna}}. The Mongolian entered Day 15 tied with {{Transliteration|ja|maegashira}} Ōhō and one win behind {{Transliteration|ja|maegashira}} and tournament leader Kinbōzan. Hōshōryū first needed help from Ōhō, who defeated Kinbōzan in their regularly-scheduled final day contest, to remain in contention. With a playoff between Kinbōzan and Ōhō assured, Hōshōryū joined the playoff by defeating struggling {{Transliteration|ja|ōzeki}} Kotozakura. In the three-way playoff, a wrestler needs to win two consecutive matches to claim victory. Kinbōzan and Hōshōryū drew first, and Hōshōryū powered himself to victory by force-out. In the second match Ōhō denied Hōshōryū his favorite grip from the outset; after a stalemate, Hōshōryū sent Ōhō down to the {{Transliteration|ja|dohyō}} to clinch the tournament win. Hōshōryū's victory ensures that the lack of a {{Transliteration|ja|yokozuna}} following the retirement of Terunofuji will be brief, as the Yokozuna Deliberation Council will meet on 27 January and is expected to formally recommend Hōshōryū's promotion. Two days after that, the full board of the Sumo Association is expected to give their final approval. The two runner-ups in the top division receive their first special prizes for their efforts, with Kinbōzan receiving the {{Transliteration|ja|Kantō-shō}} (Fighting Spirit prize) and Ōhō receiving the {{Transliteration|ja|Ginō-shō}} (Technique prize). A second Fighting Spirit prize is given to former {{Transliteration|ja|ōzeki}} Kirishima, who remained in contention for the championship until he was defeated on Day 14 and finished with 11 wins. Meanwhile Kotozakura, the other {{Transliteration|ja|yokozuna}} candidate, suffers a losing record and will need to win eight matches at the next tournament in March to Makuuchi#Demotion from ōzeki.{{Cite web |url=https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2025/01/d24d66cd5706-urgent-sumo-hoshoryu-set-for-yokozuna-promotion-after-winning-new-year-meet.html|title=Sumo: Hoshoryu set for yokozuna promotion after winning New Year meet|date=26 January 2025|publisher=Kyodo News|access-date=26 January 2025}}{{Cite web |url=https://www.asahi.com/ajw/articles/15600711|title=Hoshoryu seizes 2nd career title, to be promoted to 74th yokozuna|date=26 January 2025|publisher=The Asahi Shimbun|access-date=26 January 2025}}
  Ukrainian Shishi (13–2) takes his first career championship in professional sumo, winning the {{Transliteration|ja|jūryō}} division and likely securing a return promotion to the top division.{{cite web |url=https://www.sanspo.com/article/20250126-LF5FTGBUFZNLXP45CXCYDQ35BI/|title=十両は獅司が初優勝　来場所の再入幕確実／初場所|date=26 January 2025|publisher=Sankei Sports|access-date=26 January 2025|language=ja}}
• 27: In a unanimous decision, the Yokozuna Deliberation Council recommends Hōshōryū's promotion to {{Transliteration|ja|yokozuna}}.{{Cite web |url=https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2025/01/50722f1fae3b-sumo-presumptive-yokozuna-hoshoryu-ready-to-rest-after-new-year-win.html|title=Sumo: Hoshoryu ready to rest after promotion-earning New Year win|date=27 January 2025|publisher=Kyodo News|access-date=27 January 2025}}
• 29: The Sumo Association accepts the recommendation of the Yokozuna Deliberation Council and unanimously promotes Hōshōryū to become the sport's 74th {{Transliteration|ja|yokozuna}}.{{cite web|url=https://www.nikkansports.com/battle/sumo/news/202501290000005.html|title=横綱豊昇龍が誕生、臨時理事会では全会一致で承認　照ノ富士引退による32年ぶりの横綱空位救う|date=29 January 2025|publisher=Nikkan Sports|access-date=29 January 2025|language=ja}} The date also marks the 22nd anniversary of the promotion of Hōshōryū's uncle, Asashōryū, to the same rank. In his customary acceptance speech, Hōshōryū said that he will "continue to work hard with a strong determination in order not to tarnish" his new rank.{{cite web|url=https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2025/01/22a4a39d92c9-sumo-mongolian-wrestler-hoshoryu-becomes-74th-yokozuna.html|title=Sumo: Mongolian wrestler Hoshoryu becomes 74th yokozuna|date=29 January 2025|publisher=Kyodo News|access-date=29 January 2025}}
  There are five promotions to the second-highest {{Transliteration|ja|jūryō}} division announced by the Sumo Association. Three are promoted for the first time. One is 23-year-old Kusano, a former Nihon University student who is a National Student Sumo champion and subsequent {{Transliteration|ja|makushita tsukedashi}} entrant into the sport. The others are 21-year-olds {{interlanguage link|Wakanoshō Eidō|ja|3=若ノ勝栄道|lt=Wakanoshō}} and {{interlanguage link|Ōtsuji Riki|ja|3=大辻理紀|lt=Ōtsuji}}, both of whom had placed third in the National Junior High School Sumo championships. {{interlanguage link|Kazekenō Genta|ja|3=風賢央厳太|lt=Kazekenō}} returns to the second division after competing in {{Transliteration|ja|jūryō}} last May, while four-time lower division champion {{interlanguage link|Hitoshi Hidetada|ja|3=日翔志英忠|lt=Hitoshi}} returns for the first time since November 2023.{{cite web|url=https://www.nikkansports.com/battle/sumo/news/202501290000207.html|title=若ノ勝、草野、大辻の３力士が新十両昇進決定　再十両は風賢央、日翔志|date=29 January 2025|publisher=Nikkan Sports|access-date=29 January 2025|language=ja}}
• 30: Fuji Television decides to withdraw its broadcast of the Japan Grand Sumo Tournament, a 49-year-old charity event to be held on 9 February at the Ryōgoku Kokugikan. The decision comes after the sexual misconduct scandal of television presenter and former SMAP member Masahiro Nakai, and the subsequent withdrawal of sponsors from Fuji TV programming.{{cite web|url=https://www.nikkansports.com/battle/sumo/news/202501300000929.html|title=フジテレビ主催の「日本大相撲トーナメント」テレビ放送中止、興行は一部内容を変更し実施|date=30 January 2025|publisher=Nikkan Sports|access-date=30 January 2025|language=ja}}
  The Japan Sumo Association announces the suspension of Kimura Kankurō, a {{Transliteration|ja|jūryō}}-ranked {{Transliteration|ja|gyōji}}, for the March tournament and a pay cut after he was found to be the perpetrator of a physical assault on one of his apprentices at the November 2024 tournament.{{cite web|url=https://www.nikkansports.com/battle/sumo/news/202501300001135.html|title=十両格行司の木村勘九郎が後輩行司１人に暴力行為…腕をつねってあざ負わせる|date=30 January 2025|publisher=Nikkan Sports|access-date=30 January 2025|language=ja}}
• 31: With Asashōryū among the family members in attendance, Hōshōryū's first ring-entering ceremony as a {{Transliteration|ja|yokozuna}} is held at Meiji Shrine. Stablemate Meisei serves as the dew sweeper, and Hiradoumi is the sword bearer.{{cite web |url=https://www.nikkansports.com/battle/sumo/news/202501310000485.html|title=豊昇龍、叔父の元横綱朝青龍が見守る前で奉納土俵入り　露払いは明生、太刀持ちに平戸海|date=31 January 2025|publisher=Nikkan Sports|access-date=31 January 2025|language=ja}}

• 1: The retirement ceremony for former {{Transliteration|ja|maegashira}} Tokushōryū is held at the Ryōgoku Kokugikan.{{cite web|url=https://www.nikkansports.com/battle/sumo/news/202502010000452.html|title=元幕内徳勝龍の千田川親方、断髪式　ボクシング内山高志氏らの姿／出席した主な著名人|language=ja|date=1 February 2025|publisher=Nikkan Sports|access-date=1 February 2025}}
• 8: The NHK charity sumo tournament is held at the Ryōgoku Kokugikan with around 4,500 people attending.{{cite web |url=https://www3.nhk.or.jp/news/html/20250208/k10014717111000.html|title=「NHK福祉大相撲」開催 元横綱照ノ富士が新横綱豊昇龍にエール|date=8 February 2025|publisher=NHK|access-date=9 February 2025|language=ja}}
• 9: The 49th Japan Grand Sumo Tournament, a one-day competition for professional sumo wrestlers, is held at the Ryōgoku Kokugikan. Although organizer and broadcaster Fuji Television decided to withdraw the broadcast of the tournament after the scandal involving Masahiro Nakai, the tournament was sold out.{{cite web |url=https://www.nikkansports.com/battle/sumo/news/202502090001366.html|title=高安３度目の優勝「本場所と同じような雰囲気」フジテレビ中継なしも、満員の観客に感謝|date=9 February 2025|publisher=Nikkan Sports|language=Japanese|access-date=9 February 2025}} Several changes were made to the tournament's usual organization, including the discontinuation of matches between {{Transliteration|ja|toshiyori}} (retired wrestlers), radio broadcasting and post-match prize-giving.{{cite web |url=https://www.sponichi.co.jp/sports/news/2025/02/09/kiji/20250209s00005000164000c.html|title=大相撲トーナメント"フジテレビ色"消える　放送取りやめで一部内容変更　一方でフジ化粧まわしの力士も|date=9 February 2025|publisher=Sports Nippon|language=Japanese|access-date=9 February 2025}} The tournament winner is Takayasu—who wins this tournament for the third time—with the former {{Transliteration|ja|ōzeki}} defeating opponents such as new {{Transliteration|ja|yokozuna}} Hōshōryū, before winning the championship match against Wakamotoharu.
• 25: The rankings are released for the March grand sumo tournament in Osaka, marking the {{Transliteration|ja|yokozuna}} debut of Hōshōryū. One of the two promotions in the {{Transliteration|ja|san'yaku}} division is January runner-up Ōhō, who is elevated to the {{Transliteration|ja|sekiwake}} rank for the first time in his career. Former {{Transliteration|ja|ōzeki}} Kirishima is promoted to {{Transliteration|ja|komusubi}} after having been demoted to {{Transliteration|ja|maegashira}} in the previous tournament. Brothers Wakatakakage and Wakamotoharu find themselves ranked together as the top {{Transliteration|ja|maegashira}} competitors, both demoted from {{Transliteration|ja|san'yaku}} after suffering losing records in January. Entering the top division from {{Transliteration|ja|jūryō}} are six wrestlers, including one promoted for the first time. Two-time lower division champion Aonishiki reaches the top division in nine tournaments, joining Takerufuji and the former Jōkōryū for the fastest promotion to that level since their debut. Aonishiki is also the second Ukrainian to be promoted to the top division—the first being Shishi, who returns to {{Transliteration|ja|maegashira}} after winning the January {{Transliteration|ja|jūryō}} title. With the two competing in {{Transliteration|ja|makuuchi}}, Ukraine becomes the seventh foreign country in the history of the sport (after the United States, Mongolia, Georgia, Russia, Bulgaria and South Korea) to have two or more wrestlers reaching the top division.{{cite web|last=Gunning|first=John|author-link=John Gunning (journalist)|title=Latest sumo ranking sheet has plenty to catch the eye|url=https://www.japantimes.co.jp/sports/2025/02/26/sumo/march-2025-sumo-banzuke/|work=The Japan Times|url-access=subscription|date=26 February 2025|access-date=2 March 2025|archive-date=2 March 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250302122506/https://www.japantimes.co.jp/sports/2025/02/26/sumo/march-2025-sumo-banzuke/|url-status=live}} Ryūden, Sadanoumi and Asakōryū all return to the top division after having just been demoted, while Shirokuma returns for the first time in two tournaments.{{cite web |url=https://www.nikkansports.com/battle/sumo/news/202502240000999.html|title=【春場所新番付】王鵬が新関脇、霧島も三役復帰、金峰山は９枚アップ／幕内・十両番付一覧|date=25 February 2025|publisher=Nikkan Sports|access-date=25 February 2025|language=ja}}{{cite web |url=https://www.nikkansports.com/battle/sumo/news/202502240000964.html|title=【春場所新番付】新横綱豊昇龍、昇進直後の１人横綱は戦後２人目／三役以上編|date=25 February 2025|publisher=Nikkan Sports|access-date=25 February 2025|language=ja}}{{cite web |url=https://www.nikkansports.com/battle/sumo/news/202502240000980.html|title=【春場所新番付】新入幕安青錦は１位タイのスピード昇進、ウクライナ出身／平幕以下編|date=25 February 2025|publisher=Nikkan Sports|access-date=25 February 2025|language=ja}} Hokutofuji, who sat out of the January tournament due to health issues, drops to {{Transliteration|ja|jūryō}} after spending over eight years in the top division.{{cite web |url=https://www.nikkansports.com/battle/sumo/news/202502240000988.html|title=【春場所新番付】北勝富士が幕内から陥落、狼雅や輝、玉正鳳らも十両へ／降下改名など|date=25 February 2025|publisher=Nikkan Sports|access-date=25 February 2025|language=ja}}

• 18: Hōshōryū becomes the first {{Transliteration|ja|yokozuna}} since the former Futahaguro in 1986 to withdraw from their first tournament at sumo's highest rank. After being defeated on the opening day by {{Transliteration|ja|komusubi}} Abi, Hōshōryū conceded three {{Transliteration|ja|kinboshi}} over a five-day stretch to Chiyoshōma, Takayasu and Ichiyamamoto before pulling out on Day 10. His official paperwork cites a neck sprain and right elbow injury, requiring two weeks of recovery.{{cite web|url=https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2025/03/551979d44c01-update1-sumo-new-yokozuna-hoshoryu-withdraws-from-spring-meet.html|title=Sumo: New yokozuna Hoshoryu withdraws from Spring meet|date=18 March 2025|publisher=Kyodo News|access-date=21 March 2025}}
• 20: The {{Transliteration|ja|jūryō}} championship is mathematically clinched on Day 12 of the March 2025 tournament by the bottom-ranked Kusano, who maintains a perfect record and a three-win advantage over his closest opponents. The 23-year-old Nihon University graduate earlier became the first wrestler in sumo history to win his first ten matches as a new {{Transliteration|ja|jūryō}} competitor. He is also the third wrestler in the history of the 15-day tournament system, after former {{Transliteration|ja|ōzeki}} Yutakayama in 1961 and former {{Transliteration|ja|maegashira}} Kotonofuji in 1977, to clinch the {{Transliteration|ja|jūryō}} title in 12 days.{{cite web|url=https://www.nikkansports.com/battle/sumo/news/202503200001147.html|title=新十両の草野が無傷の12連勝で優勝「今場所で１番緊張した」全勝Vなら１場所で十両通過の可能性|date=20 March 2025|publisher=Nikkan Sports|language=ja|access-date=21 March 2025}} His perfect win record is broken on Day 13.{{cite web|url=https://www.nikkansports.com/battle/sumo/news/202503210001003.html|title=嘉陽が十両12連勝の草野を止め来場所の新入幕前進　食欲旺盛で昼はチキン南蛮、そば、回鍋肉...|date=22 March 2025|publisher=Nikkan Sports|language=ja|access-date=21 March 2025}}
• 23: {{Transliteration|ja|Ōzeki}} Ōnosato defeats former {{Transliteration|ja|ōzeki}} Takayasu in a playoff to secure his third championship in the top division. The two were tied entering the final day of competition, and each won their regularly-scheduled Day 15 bouts to finish at 12–3. Takayasu defeated Ōnosato on Day 10, but in the title-deciding playoff it was Ōnosato who emerged victorious by rear push out after Takayasu grabbed his belt and failed in an attempt to execute a throw. With his first title as an {{Transliteration|ja|ōzeki}}, the 24-year-old Ōnosato becomes a candidate for promotion to the highest rank of {{Transliteration|ja|yokozuna}} at the next tournament in May. Takayasu has yet to win a top-division championship, but does earn a gold star for defeating Hōshōryū and receives his third Technique prize. Two other {{Transliteration|ja|maegashira}} competitors that were in contention–Churanoumi and Ukrainian top-division newcomer Aonishiki–each finished with 11 wins and their first Fighting Spirit prize. Despite being defeated by Ōnosato in the final tournament match before the playoff, {{Transliteration|ja|ōzeki}} Kotozakura finishes with eight wins to escape kadoban status.{{cite web|url=https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2025/03/e65124b42301-sumo-onosato-clinches-title-with-playoff-win-against-takayasu.html|title=Sumo: Onosato clinches title with playoff win against Takayasu|date=23 March 2025|publisher=Kyodo News|access-date=27 March 2025}}
• 26: The Sumo Association holds their May rankings meeting and announces four promotions to the second-highest {{Transliteration|ja|jūryō}} division. One of three new promotions is 26-year-old Miyagi, who followed the former Yoshikaze to the recently-established Nakamura stable. Upon the release of the May rankings Miyagi will change his {{Transliteration|ja|shikona}} to {{interlanguage link|Miyanokaze Yō|ja|3=宮乃風陽|lt=Miyanokaze}}, using the "{{Transliteration|ja|kaze}}" from his stablemaster's former ring name. The other two competitors new to the division are both 23 years of age: {{interlanguage link|Mudōhō Kōsei|ja|3=夢道鵬幸成|lt=Mudōhō}}, who won the {{Transliteration|ja|makushita}} championship last January, and {{interlanguage link|Mita Daiki|ja|3=三田大生|lt=Mita}}, who is promoted to {{Transliteration|ja|jūryō}} in his fifth tournament after entering sumo as a {{Transliteration|ja|makushita tsukedashi}}. Former {{Transliteration|ja|maegashira}} Daiamami returns to the second-highest division after just being demoted.{{cite web |url=https://www.nikkansports.com/battle/sumo/news/202503260000235.html|title=宮乃風、夢道鵬、三田が新十両に　大奄美が再十両に昇進　夏場所の番付編成会議|date=26 March 2025|publisher=Nikkan Sports|access-date=27 March 2025|language=ja}}

The spring jungyō (regional tours) were held at the following locations in March:{{cite web|url=https://www.sumo.or.jp/Jungyo/schedule_2025/|title=Jungyo Schedule 2025|work=Japan Sumo Association|language=Japanese|access-date=27 January 2025}}

• 30: Ise Shrine, Mie (Ceremonial tournament)
• 31: Hirakata

• 10: With YouTube channels of {{translit|ja|heya}} increasing in popularity, the Sumo Association publishes official YouTube management guidelines. Under the association's rules, sumo stables with YouTube channels are expected to "protect the traditions and credibility of sumo." Prohibited practices include video releases during {{translit|ja|honbasho}}, live streams, online donations, collaborations with other stables, and videos that "damage sumo culture and the dignity of wrestlers" such as practical jokes. Stables that violate the rules will be prohibited from using social media.{{Cite web |url=https://www.nikkansports.com/battle/column/sumo/news/202505150000220.html|title=相撲部屋のYouTubeは大食い禁止、コラボ禁止、投げ銭禁止　相撲協会が厳しく通達|date=15 May 2025|publisher=Nikkan Sports|access-date=15 May 2025|language=ja}}
• 15: The Sumo Association announces the death of {{Transliteration|ja|jonidan}}-ranked wrestler Wakatozakura at the age of 33 from necrotizing fasciitis (flesh-eating disease). It is the first death of an active sumo wrestler in five years.{{Cite web |date=15 April 2025 |title=序二段力士・若戸桜の澤田剛さん死去　３月の春場所も皆勤「容体が急変しました」式秀親方 |url=https://www.nikkansports.com/battle/sumo/news/202504150001433.html |access-date=16 April 2025 |publisher=Nikkan Sports |language=ja}}
• 28: The rankings for the May 2025 grand sumo tournament are released by the Sumo Association. The top division sees two former {{Transliteration|ja|ōzeki}} earn promotions in {{Transliteration|ja|san'yaku}}, with Kirishima returning to {{Transliteration|ja|sekiwake}} for the first time in three tournaments and Takayasu–the runner-up in the last tournament to {{Transliteration|ja|yokozuna}} candidate Ōnosato–returning to {{Transliteration|ja|komusubi}} for the first time since January 2024. Wakatakakage, who was last ranked in {{Transliteration|ja|san'yaku}} two years ago when he sat out due to a knee injury and was subsequently relegated, returns to the rank of {{Transliteration|ja|komusubi}}. There are two new wrestlers promoted to the {{Transliteration|ja|makuuchi}} ranks. The first is 25-year-old {{interlanguage link|Kayō Yasutoki|ja|3=嘉陽快宗|lt=Kayō}}, who entered sumo three years ago after finishing in the top eight in both the All Japan Sumo Championships and National Student Sumo Championships, thus qualifying him under the {{Transliteration|ja|sandanme tsukedashi}} system. He is the first top division wrestler for Nakamura stable since its founding last year by former {{Transliteration|ja|sekiwake}} Yoshikaze. The other is 25-year-old {{interlanguage link|Tochitaikai Yū|ja|3=栃大海雄|lt=Tochitaikai}}, who won back-to-back lower division titles in his first two ranked tournaments in 2018. His {{Transliteration|ja|makuuchi}} promotion is the first for Kasugano stable in 14 years. Rōga and Tamashōhō, both of whom were demoted to {{Transliteration|ja|jūryō}} after the January 2025 tournament, return to the top division. March {{Transliteration|ja|jūryō}} champion Kusano is promoted to {{Transliteration|ja|jūryō}} 1, while former {{Transliteration|ja|ōzeki}} Mitakeumi drops to {{Transliteration|ja|jūryō}} after spending almost ten years in the top division. This will also mark the final tournament as a stablemaster for Isegahama (the 63rd {{Transliteration|ja|yokozuna}} Asahifuji), who will reach sumo's mandatory retirement age of 65 in early July.{{cite web |url=https://www.nikkansports.com/battle/sumo/news/202504270002118.html|title=【夏場所新番付】高安＆若隆景が小結再昇進　若元春は三役復帰ならず兄弟三役復活はお預け／新番付|date=28 April 2025|publisher=Nikkan Sports|access-date=28 April 2025|language=ja}}{{cite web |url=https://www.nikkansports.com/battle/sumo/news/202504270002093.html|title=【夏場所新番付】嘉陽と栃大海が新入幕　御嶽海は10年ぶりに十両転落／平幕＆十両編|date=28 April 2025|publisher=Nikkan Sports|access-date=28 April 2025|language=ja}}{{cite web |url=https://www.nikkansports.com/battle/sumo/news/202504270002006.html|title=【夏場所新番付】合計612人　伊勢ケ浜部屋は最多37人、師匠は定年前最後の本場所／力士数編|date=28 April 2025|publisher=Nikkan Sports|access-date=28 April 2025|language=ja}}

The spring jungyō (regional tours) were held at the following locations in April:

• 1: Kinokawa, Wakayama
• 2: Kishiwada, Osaka
• 3: Kashihara, Nara
• 4: Seki, Gifu
• 5: Nanao, Ishikawa
• 6: Toyama
• 7: Tsubata, Ishikawa
• 8: Tsuruga, Fukui
• 9: Chita, Aichi
• 12: Fujisawa, Kanagawa
• 13: Chiba
• 14: Yasukuni Shrine, Tokyo (Ceremonial tournament)
• 15: Ōta, Tokyo
• 16: Tsukuba
• 17: Hokota, Ibaraki
• 18: Utsunomiya
• 19: Ōta, Gunma
• 20: Takasaki
• 23: Jōsō
• 24: Kawasaki, Kanagawa
• 25: Hadano, Kanagawa
• 26: Yokohama
• 27: Hachiōji

• 11: On the opening day of the May tournament it is announced that {{Transliteration|ja|maegashira}} Kotoshōhō will be absent due to a bicep injury. His stablemaster indicates that he is considering entering the tournament later.{{cite web|url=https://hochi.news/articles/20250511-OHT1T51093.html?page=1|title=夏場所初日から休場の幕内・琴勝峰は「右大腿二頭筋肉離れ」…師匠は途中出場の可能性も示唆|lang=ja|date=11 May 2025|publisher=Sports Hochi|access-date=11 May 2025}}
• 15: Former {{translit|ja|komusubi}} Hokutofuji announces his retirement, ending a 10-year professional sumo career. He will remain with the Sumo Association and Hakkaku stable as an elder under the name Ōyama.{{cite web|url=https://www.nikkansports.com/battle/sumo/news/202505150000372.html|title=元小結北勝富士が引退「いい相撲人生」年寄「大山」襲名　横綱白鵬からの金星は「大きな財産」|lang=ja|date=15 May 2025|publisher=Nikkan Sports|access-date=15 May 2025}}

• 27 January: Former {{Transliteration|ja|jūryō}} {{interlanguage link|Kuniazuma Hajime|ja|3=国東始|lt=Kuniazuma}}, aged 49, of a heart attack.{{cite web |url=https://www.sponichi.co.jp/sports/news/2025/02/04/kiji/20250204s00005000308000c.html|title=元十両・国東が心筋梗塞で急死　49歳　ブラジル出身2人目の関取|date=4 February 2025|publisher=Sports Nippon|access-date=5 February 2025|language=ja}}
• 3 April: Former {{translit|ja|maegashira}} {{interlanguage link|Eisuke Makimoto|ja|3=牧本英輔|lt=Makimoto}} (former Todoroki), aged 83.{{Cite magazine|title=私の"奇跡の一枚"|publisher=Baseball Magazine Sha|magazine=Sumo News|date=May 2025|pages=63|lang=ja}}
• 14 April: {{Transliteration|ja|Jonidan}} 72 Wakatozakura, aged 33, of flesh-eating disease.Reflects ranking on the May 2025 {{Transliteration|ja|banzuke}}, which was determined prior to his death. {{cite web |url=https://www.nikkansports.com/battle/sumo/news/202504270002004.html|title=【夏場所新番付】死去した若戸桜さんが載った最後の番付　式秀親方「体調管理に気をつけていく」|date=28 April 2025|publisher=Nikkan Sports|access-date=28 April 2025|language=ja}}

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

{{Reflist}}

{{Years in sumo}}

Category:Sumo by year

Category:2025 in Japanese sport

Sumo

Category:2025 sport-related lists

Category:Current sports seasons