Kirishima won on the 12th day of the Summer Grand Sumo Tournament, tying with Kotoeihou for the lead in the championship race.

The Grand Sumo Summer Tournament, held annually in Tokyo at the Ryogoku Kokugikan, is one of six major sumo tournaments in Japan, dating back to the Edo period. This prestigious event showcases the highest level of professional sumo wrestling, where top-ranked wrestlers compete for the Emperor’s Cup. Rich in tradition, the tournament features ancient rituals such as salt-throwing and pre-bout stomping, reflecting sumo’s deep roots in Shinto religious practices.

Ryogoku Kokugikan is a renowned sumo wrestling arena located in Tokyo, Japan, originally built in 1909 and rebuilt in 1985 at its current location in the Ryogoku district. It serves as the primary venue for sumo tournaments, hosting three of the six annual Grand Sumo Tournaments, and also features a sumo museum. The arena’s history is deeply tied to the sport of sumo, reflecting centuries of Japanese tradition and culture.

The Emperor’s Cup is the premier knockout football competition in Japan, officially known as the Emperor’s Cup JFA All Japan Soccer Championship Tournament. Established in 1921, it is the country’s oldest football tournament, predating the professional J.League, and is named in honor of the Emperor of Japan. The cup is open to both professional and amateur teams from across the nation, with the winner earning a spot in the AFC Champions League.