Kensho banners for Natsu 2026

[Moti Dichne]

The Kyokai announced on the 9th that the total number of kensho banners applications for the 15 days of Natsu Basho reached 4,241, setting a new record for the most applications in a single tournament. The previous record was 3,469 for Hatsu Basho. By rikishi, Yokozuna Oonosato was first with 408 kensho banners. He was followed by Ozeki Aonishiki with 245, Yokozuna Houshouryuu with 222, Sekiwake Atamifuji with 189, and Maegashira 11th Ura  with 163. For the first time this tournament, all rikishi in Makuuchi have kensho bannerss. The number of new sponsoring companies was the highest ever at 30. Applications have been received from companies such as Nitori Holdings, Ichiran, and Jojoen, and the U.S. Embassy is also offering a new prize to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the founding of the nation and U.S.-Japan friendship. On the 11th day, it was also announced that Excom Global, which operates "Nishitan Clinic," would be providing five banners for each of the Makuuchi bouts.

I wonder what they will do with the now useless 653 kenshos..