Natsu Basho Highlights, US Sumo Updates, and the Meaning of the Yokozuna’s Tsuna

Cheeky Chanko June 2025

Welcome! What a whirlwind month it's been for sumo fans! From the electric atmosphere of the Natsu Basho in Tokyo to the burgeoning energy of tournaments right here in the United States, the world of sumo is buzzing with excitement. We've witnessed the crowning of a new Yokozuna, celebrated stateside competitions making headlines, and we’re thrilled to announce our own exciting partnerships. Plus, we'll take a deep dive into one of the most iconic symbols in all of sports: the Yokozuna's tsuna.

Partnering with the Awesome Sumo Kaboom!

Congrats Sarah!

We've teamed up with the fantastic crew at Sumo Kaboom, and if you're not already following them, you're missing out! They run an incredibly fun Basho Bingo during each tournament that adds an extra layer of excitement to watching the matches. It's a blast for both seasoned fans and newcomers to the sport.

This past basho, Cheeky Sumo had the honor of sponsoring their Most Creative Bingo Board Design contest. We were blown away by the creativity and passion that went into all the entries! A big congratulations to the winner, Sarah and her daughter, whose amazing design was detailed, informational, and cute! As their prize, the winner chose our brand new Pop Yokozuna Sweatshirt, and we have to say, they are looking good! We encourage everyone to check out Sumo Kaboom and get in on the Basho Bingo action for the next tournament!

Thanks Tim!

Teaming Up with the Great Sumo Stomp!

We're also thrilled to announce our partnership with Sumo Stomp! They provide excellent analysis and content for sumo fans, and we were delighted to sponsor their subscriber giveaway for the Natsu Basho.

As a thank you to their loyal supporters, one lucky subscriber was chosen to win a Classic Logo Cheeky Sumo Sweatshirt. We love seeing our gear go to dedicated fans who are as passionate about sumo as we are. A huge thank you to Sumo Stomp for letting us be a part of their community and congratulations to the giveaway winner!

Grand Sumo: The Thrilling Natsu Basho

Hoshoryu defeats Onosato on Day 15 of the Natsu Basho (KYODO)

The May tournament, the Natsu Basho, was one for the ages. All eyes were on the rising star, and he did not disappoint. The powerful Onosato stormed through the competition, capturing the yusho (championship) with an incredible 14-1 record. It was a dominant performance that nearly culminated in a zensho-yusho (a perfect 15-0 championship).

However, one man stood in the way of a perfect record. In a final day showdown that had fans on the edge of their seats, Yokozuna Hoshoryu defeated Onosato, spoiling his bid for an undefeated championship. While Onosato secured the Emperor's Cup, this thrilling match has set the stage for what promises to be an epic rivalry for years to come. We also saw another impressive performance from Aonishiki, who continues to show his strength and finished with a very strong 11-4 record.

US Sumo: Empire and Sakura Cups Make Waves

Click here to check out the 2025 Empire Cup!

The excitement wasn't limited to Japan. The United States is proving its sumo chops, with two major tournaments recently showcasing the sport's growing popularity. The Empire Cup in Brooklyn, New York, was a massive success, even earning a feature in the sports section! This incredible exposure is a testament to the hard work of the organizers and the passion of the American sumo community.

Down in Tennessee, the Sakura Cup brought the heat, with competitors of all ages, including a vibrant youth division, stepping onto the dohyo. It's truly inspiring to see the next generation of sumo wrestlers embracing the sport with such enthusiasm.

Click here for the full Sakura Cup results!

We are also incredibly proud to announce that Cheeky Sumo was a sponsor of both the Empire Cup and the Sakura Cup! Congratulations to all the rikishi who competed and to the champions. We’ll get the Empire Cup results up as soon as we can!

Sumo Style: The Yokozuna's Tsuna

Onosato and the crew. u/nhmrdk

The most iconic symbol of a Yokozuna's status is the majestic and sacred rope worn around their waist, the tsuna. This is no mere belt; it is a physical representation of the immense responsibility and dignity that comes with sumo's highest rank. The tsuna is deeply rooted in the Shinto religion, mirroring the shimenawa ropes used to adorn sacred places and objects, signifying a space inhabited by gods. By wearing the tsuna, the Yokozuna is seen as a vessel of divine power, a living embodiment of the spirit of sumo. Its history is steeped in legend, with tales of ancient wrestlers of immense power first donning the rope to showcase their strength and purity.

The creation of a tsuna is a laborious and reverent process, undertaken not by a single artisan, but by the Yokozuna's own stablemates. The thick hemp rope is meticulously woven and twisted, a communal effort that reinforces the bonds within the stable. A tsuna can weigh up to 20 kilograms (approximately 44 pounds) and is distinguished by the five zigzag-shaped paper streamers (shide) that hang from the front, another element borrowed from Shinto ritual. There are two main styles of tsuna, the Unryu and the Shiranui, which also dictate the style of the Yokozuna's ring-entering ceremony. The tsuna is not worn during a match but is the centerpiece of the dohyo-iri, where the Yokozuna performs a powerful and symbolic ritual to purify the ring. It is a breathtaking spectacle and a powerful reminder of the tradition and honor that define the world of sumo.

Sumo Trivia

Both size and position are meaningful. tachiai.org

Last month’s question: Besides the position on the sheet, how does the banzuke visually indicate the rank of a wrestler?

A: The size of the names! The top wrestler’s names are not only positioned at the top of the banzuke, but their names are written in the largest script.

June 2025 Cheeky Chanko Trivia Question:

What is the main visual difference between the Unryu and Shiranui styles of tsuna?

Till next month!

Unity in diversity.

We're incredibly grateful for the overwhelming support we've received since our launch! This was our third month live, and we couldn't be happier with the response. Thank you to everyone who's visited our site, followed us on social media, liked our posts, and made a purchase. We're committed to bringing you fresh designs, with plans to release two or more new items every basho. In the meantime, don’t forget to take a look at our current designs featuring the colorful Pop Yokozuna and the popular Mono-ii, Please Stand By.

Oh and we have mawashi now!