Ozeki Kotozakura (Sadanogawa stable) was pushed out by komusubi Wakamotoharu (Arashio stable) on Day 2 of the Summer Grand Sumo Tournament at Ryogoku Kokugikan, losing his second match in a row. Kotozakura was unable to get a firm grip on his opponent’s belt and was steadily driven backward, resulting in the loss.
After being thoroughly outclassed by maegashira Fujinokawa (Ise-no-umi stable) on Day 1, where he was completely neutralized by thrusts and sidesteps, Kotozakura could only say, “I’ll reset and move forward.” He had shown signs of recovery last tournament with 10 wins, his first double-digit victory total since winning the Kyushu tournament in November 2024, but this year’s Summer Basho has started harshly.
The tournament has been marked by the absence of both yokozuna: Onosato (Nishonoseki stable) withdrew from Day 1, and Hoshoryu (Tatsunami stable) also pulled out after Day 2.
