Returning ozeki Kirishima has seized control of the early stages of the 2026 Natsu Basho, sitting at the top of the leaderboard at Tokyo's Ryogoku Kokugikan as both of the tournament's yokozuna and one of the three ozeki sit out with injuries.
Kirishima was re-promoted to ozeki after a 13-2 March performance and arrived at Natsu Basho carrying the expectations that come with the rank. "I'm fine now," he said of the right ear injury that had affected his earlier campaigns, before declaring he was ready to "give his all" for the May tournament.
The field around him has thinned dramatically. Yokozuna Onosato withdrew before the tournament began, citing an existing injury. Kadoban ozeki Aonishiki followed suit, also pulling out before the action started. Yokozuna Hoshoryu was eliminated on Day One after suffering a right hamstring injury in his bout against komusubi Takayasu, withdrawing the next day and leaving the basho without either yokozuna for the rest of the fortnight.
That collection of absences has left Kirishima as the highest-ranked wrestler still active, and through the opening week he has looked the part. He sits among the unbeaten leaders alongside Kotoeiho, with a body of work that has visibly improved since his earlier ozeki run. Belt grappling, footwork at the tachiai and patience in extended exchanges have all looked sharper, and the rikishi who pushed him to the edge in March have so far been kept at bay.
There is, however, no lack of competition for the yusho. Wakatakakage is among the chasing pack at 4-1 and remains one of the more dangerous wrestlers in the basho, with a track record of strong sanyaku-level performances and the technical range to trouble any wrestler in the division.
Kotoeiho's 5-0 run through the opening week has been one of the most eye-catching storylines of the tournament. His fight with Roga earlier in the week showcased markedly improved belt grappling, and analysts have begun to ask whether the rikishi could mount a sustained title push if Kirishima slips.
For Kirishima personally, a yusho at Natsu Basho would represent the strongest possible reaffirmation of his return to ozeki. He has previously held the rank and lost it, and the path back demanded an immediate convincing performance. The first half of the basho has delivered exactly that. Whether the second half holds remains the test that will define his Natsu Basho 2026.