Oonosato news
Moti Dichne
Oonosato had his first keiko session of the year at his heya in Ami-cho, Ibaraki Prefecture, on the 2nd, immediately going for a full-scale session, having a total of 12 bouts. After working up a sweat with basic exercises like shiko, he faced Sandanme Fujisou for five consecutive bouts, winning them all. He then challenged Makushita Hananoumi for seven consecutive bouts, winning five and losing two, for a total of 10 wins and two losses. After the session, Oonosato politely greeted the press with a "Happy New Year" before responding to an interview. "My body was moving well after facing Fujisou, so I also faced Hananoumi. I'm still not perfect, but I'm gradually working my way up. I want to be ready in time for the first day," he said, looking ahead to the Hatsu Basho (opening on the 11th, at the Ryogoku Kokugikan in Tokyo).
Because he continued training until December 30th, he said, "I didn't really feel like it was New Year's. I spent yesterday just like normal," he said. However, yesterday , New Year's Day, while other rikishi in the heya were setting their goals in front of their Oyakata, Oonosato said, "Everyone will continue to be busy this year with things like rope-tying, so I expressed my gratitude. I said, 'Thank you.' he said, determined. At the Kyushu tournament in November last year, he was tied for first place in the race for the yusho, but he faced the final day with a left shoulder injury and was forced to withdraw from the tournament due to that dislocated joint. Since then, this was his second time doing sumo, but he firmly stated that he no longer feels any anxiety This was his first kyujo since his debut.
Reflecting on the past year, he said, "It wasn't bad, in every respect. However, I regret the very end. It was a good year, but that last moment (withdrawal) was frustrating and disappointing. I'll be mindful of that and do my best in 2026." New Year's Day also marked two years since the Noto Peninsula earthquake, which devastated his hometown of Ishikawa Prefecture. "There are still many people in difficult situations, some evacuated, and many unable to live their lives as normal. I believe many people in Ishikawa Prefecture are supporting me, so I want to work hard from the January tournament onward to bring good news to my hometown," he said, expressing his determination to win and bring courage and energy to his hometown.