Basho Simplified: A Sumo Discussion

Episódios

• Episode 50: Natsu Basho 2026 Review 29.05.2026 2h

  The Natsu Basho of 2026 had everything.A Yokozuna withdrawal on Day 2. An Ozeki sliding into kadoban status. Controversial henkas. Rising stars announcing themselves on the biggest stage. And one of the most unpredictable yusho races we've seen in years.
• Episode 49: The Natsu 2026 Chaos Preview 09.05.2026 1h 39min

  The salt is ready, the clay has been swept, and once again it’s time for the most dangerous part of any basho… two idiots with microphones pretending they understand momentum.This week we preview the May 2026 Grand Sumo Basho, Hōshōryū trying to finally deliver a proper Yokozuna performance, Kirishima returning to Ōzeki, and Atamifuji stepping into a career-high rank with a target painted firmly on his back.
• Episode 48: March 2026 Haru Review 30.03.2026 2h 32min

  The salt has settled, the clay’s been swept, and we’re looking back at a tournament that had everything. Yokozuna drama, Ōzeki heartbreak, surprise runs, questionable decisions, and at least one rikishi who chose violence against the entire concept of expectation.We break it all down in the only way we know how:Overreactions, under-qualified analysis, and the occasional moment of actual insight buried somewhere in the nonsense.
• Episode 47: English Sumo Nationals 2026 28.03.2026 15min

  The salt’s down, the family’s gathered, and for the first time ever… we’re doing a basho preview for someone we actually know.This is a surprise episode, because today Lewis steps onto the dohyo for the English Sumo Nationals, his first amateur tournament, and we couldn’t not treat it like the biggest basho of the year.A full basho preview. Overanalysis. Questionable takes. Probably a bit of bias.We break down Lewis’ bouts from the day, the explosive starts, the chaos, the lessons learned, and the moments where things actually started to click. There’s controversy, there’s head impacts (don’t worry, he’s fine… probably), and there’s a very honest look at what it means to step into your first tournament against more experienced opposition.This time it's only one idiot with a microphone, trying to make sense of something much bigger.Except this time, it’s personal.
• Episode 46: March 2026 Basho Preview 06.03.2026 1h 10min

  The clay is packed, the salt is ready, and another tournament is about to begin. In this episode we break down the storylines heading into the upcoming basho and look at the rikishi who could shape the next chapter of the sport.We take a close look at the Yokozuna duo of Hōshōryū and Onosato, the unstoppable momentum of Aonishiki, and the san’yaku hopefuls trying to force their way into the conversation. We also dive into the dangerous mid-maegashira pack: the veterans, the dark horses, and the chaos agents who could blow the whole leaderboard apart.
• Episode 45 – Part 1: The Rise of Chiyonofuji 20.02.2026 59min

  In this episode, we take a deep dive into the extraordinary career of Chiyonofuji, one of the most dominant and recognisable Yokozuna in sumo history. From a lightweight prospect battling injuries and doubt to a record-breaking grand champion, we explore how discipline, reinvention, and sheer willpower turned him into “The Wolf.”
• Episode 44 – Hastu Basho Review 29.01.2026 2h 31min

  The dust has settled on the dohyo and the January Basho is in the books. In Episode 44, we break down everything that defined the Hatsu tournament, the moments that lived up to the hype, the storylines that surprised us, and the bouts that quietly shifted the balance of power. From statement performances to hard lessons learned, we look at who emerged stronger, who stumbled, and which performances hinted that the next chapter of sumo may already be taking shape, whether we’re ready for it or not.
• Episode 43 – January 2026 Basho Preview 04.01.2026 1h 1min

  A new year, a fresh banzuke, and the first basho of the season is almost upon us. In this episode, we preview the January Basho, breaking down the key storylines heading into the tournament, the rikishi with the most to gain, and the ones already under pressure. From promotion hopes and redemption arcs to early predictions and bold takes, we set the stage for what could be a pivotal start to the sumo year.
• Episode 42 – Takamiyama: The Pioneer of Modern Sumo 22.12.2025 2h 11min

  In this episode, we take a deep dive into the remarkable career of Takamiyama, the man who changed sumo forever. From his beginnings in Hawaii to becoming the first foreign-born rikishi to win a top-division yūshō, we explore the struggles, triumphs, and cultural barriers he overcame along the way.
• Episode 41 – The Kyushu Basho Review 25.11.2025 2h 8min

  The salt has settled, the clay’s been swept, and Kyushu has officially closed the curtain on another wild year of sumo! In this episode, we break down everything that actually happened on the dohyo, the standout performances, the shock upsets, the late-basho surges, and the “what on earth was that?” moments.
• Episode 40 – Kyushu Basho Preview 2025 08.11.2025 1h 30min

  The ring has been consecrated one last time for 2025! In this episode, we dive into the final tournament of the year, the Kyushu Basho. With promotion hopes, redemption arcs, and late-year surprises on the line, we break down all the drama, dominance, and dohyo dust from the final showdown of the sumo calendar
• Episode 39 – Aki Basho Review 2025 29.09.2025 1h 57min

  The September tournament has wrapped, and what a ride it’s been! In this episode, we break down all the key matches, the biggest surprises, and the stories that defined the Aki Basho. From the drama at the top of the banzuke to the rikishi who fought their way into the spotlight, we look back at the triumphs, the struggles, and everything in between.
• Episode 38 – Aki Basho Preview 2025 12.09.2025 1h 19min

  The dohyo is set, the matchups are looming, and the drama is about to unfold, Aki Basho is here! In this episode, we break down the storylines heading into the September tournament: who’s in form, who’s on the ropes, and who might shock us all.
• Episode 37 – Tochinoshin: The Georgian Powerhouse 31.08.2025 2h 3min

  In this episode, we dive deep into the story of Tochinoshin, the Georgian titan who won fans worldwide with his sheer strength and unshakable spirit. From his early days on the dohyo to his rise to Ozeki, we revisit the unforgettable bouts, the iconic lifts, the struggles with injuries, and the resilience that defined his career.
• Episode 36 – Nagoya Basho Review: Heat, Heartbreak, and Heavy Hitters 02.08.2025 2h 22min

  The sun wasn’t the only thing scorching in Nagoya—this basho brought the fire! In this episode, we dive into all the drama, delight, and dohyo dominance from July’s tournament. From surprise contenders to injuries that shook the banzuke, we break down who rose, who fell, and who left us shouting “ZEN-SAIGAI!”
• Episode 35 – July Basho Preview: The Heat is On 12.07.2025 1h 26min

  The sun’s out, the salt’s flying, and it’s time to gear up for the Nagoya Basho! In this episode, we break down everything you need to know ahead of July’s tournament — who's hot, who's hurt, and who’s just here to make things very interesting.
• Sumo 101: The Yobidashi 06.07.2025 42min

  Before the wrestlers step onto the dohyo and the gyoji raises his fan, someone has already been hard at work—building the ring, calling the names, beating the drum, and keeping the whole tournament running smoothly. In this Sumo 101 episode, we shine a spotlight on the Yobidashi: the heralds, craftsmen, and stagehands of the sumo world.
• Episode 34 - Asahifuji: The Calm Before the Dynasty 21.06.2025 1h 52min

  Step into the ring with Asahifuji—a Yokozuna whose career was marked by quiet strength, technical brilliance, and a reign that often gets overlooked. From his rapid rise through the divisions to the battles that defined his era, we break down what made Asahifuji a force to be reckoned with—and why his legacy still echoes today. Plus, we explore the transitions from wrestler to stablemaster and how he shaped the future of sumo long after hanging up the mawashi.
• Episode 33 – Harumafuji: The Meteoric Rise and Sudden Fall 05.06.2025 2h 32min

  In this episode, we take a deep dive into the career of Harumafuji, one of the most dynamic and agile Yokozuna in modern sumo history. From his humble beginnings in Mongolia to his rapid ascent through the ranks, Harumafuji was known for his lightning speed, technique, and fighting spirit despite being one of the lightest rikishi at the top level. We explore his major victories, his time as Yokozuna, and the legacy he built in the ring—before discussing the shocking incident that abruptly ended his career and left the sumo world reeling.
• Episode 32 – May Basho Breakdown: A New Yokozuna Rises 26.05.2025 2h 13min

  The 2025 Natsu Basho is in the books, and history has been made. In this episode, we break down all the action from a thrilling May tournament that saw the birth of the 75th Yokozuna. From top division clashes to rising stars in the lower ranks, we cover the key moments, upsets, and standout performances that defined the basho. What does this promotion mean for the future of sumo? And who else made their mark this tournament?