Wakaichirō Ken completed his Aki Basho 2018 performance on Day 13, finishing with a 2-5 record. His result was somewhat disappointing for the young rikishi (sumo wrestler). I was hoping for a 4-3 performance, but I also knew that it was more likely that he would finish with a 3-4 or 2-5 record. This basho was the highest that Wakaichirō had ever been ranked (Sandanme 77), which means that this was the hardest competition that he ever faced. While his result wasn’t what I was hoping for (or he, I’m sure), it also wasn’t terrible. A 2-5 record is respectable, and shows that he can cut it with the bigger, more experienced rikishi.

Wakaichirō’s performance will probably drop him back to the jonidan division. This will allow Wakaichirō to show how much he has improved in his last four months within the sandanme division. I don’t want to count any ducks before they hatch, but I foresee Wakaichirō almost immediately returning to the sandanme division. Maybe he can start to break out of his current volatile plateau, where he is bouncing back-and-forth between the top of the jonidan division and the bottom of the sandanme division.

Below is a table that summarizes Wakaichirō’s Aki Basho 2018 performance, followed by gifs of his matches. I provide some commentary on some the gifs, and I provide links to the matches at the bottom of this page. If you would like to see anything else involving Wakaichirō’s performance in the Aki Basho 2018, please contact me at NorthAmericanSumo@Gmail.com.

Opponent Ranking Current Record Result Method Rao

Nozomu 77 East 5-2 Loss Tsukiotoshi Kaiseijo

Toshiki 76 West 4-3 Loss Okuridashi Amanishiki

Mitsugu 73 West 3-4 Loss Yorikiri Hokutoo

Toshiki 69 West 2-5 Win! Isamiashi Tochimitsuru Sho 79 East 2-5 Win! Hatakikomi Dewanojo

Shuta 75 West 4-3 Loss Yoritaoshi Hagane Kazuyuki 72 West 3-4 Loss Oshidashi

Wakaichirō Ken Match 1 Gif – Aki Basho 2018

In my pre-basho predictions, I noted that Wakaichirō sometimes has the tendency for over-movements. It almost seemed like Wakaichirō read my critique and leaned into it. Here, he tried the spin move one too many times, which prevented him from finding solid footing. His experienced opponent picked up on this quickly and shoved Wakaichirō down for the win.

Wakaichirō Ken Match 2 Gif – Aki Basho 2018

Wakaichirō Ken Match 3 Gif – Aki Basho 2018

Wakaichirō Ken Match 4 Gif – Aki Basho 2018

I really wish that we had a better camera angle of this match. Wakaichirō skillfully drug his feet while being pushed out, which allowed him to pickup the win.

Wakaichirō Ken Match 5 Gif – Aki Basho 2018

Such a smoooth move for Wakaichirō’s second win! It is clear that his sumo instincts are getting much better.

Wakaichirō Ken Match 6 Gif – Aki Basho 2018

I really thought Wakaichirō was going to pull this one out. He was able to get in some good offense, and he would have won if he was able to get another half-step away at the end. . .or stayed on his feet for another half second. Good try, though!

Wakaichirō Ken Match 7 Gif – Aki Basho 2018

I feel like this match shows Wakaichirō’s youth. Although he is very skilled, he still gets pushed around sometimes by the more experienced rikishi. Once he gets bigger and tougher, these matches won’t be as much of a problem for him – but for now, it is very difficult to defend against the aggressive attack of a larger, more experienced rikishi.

Let’s hope that Wakaichirō will do better in the Kyūshū basho, which will mark two years since he started his journey into sumo!

Links to Wakaichirō Ken’s Aki Basho 2018 Matches

Match 1 – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YjboC2yt_SA

Match 2 – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_kbYgIpF8Ok

Match 3 – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_q4PBbZxqUs

Match 4 – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p-dHolXT5Uw

Match 5 – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pi_FDpR2SmI

Match 6 – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Dj6dxBAgjw

Match 7 – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LvZmuSoyD_U