The JSA’s January 2026 banzuke: a san’yaku shake-up
The Japan Sumo Association has published the January 2026 banzuke, and the headline is a clear san’yaku reshuffle that rewards strong late-2025 form and sets the table for a compelling New Year tournament.
From the JSA’s official “Banzuke Topics” update, four names jump out immediately:
- Kirishima returns to Sekiwake
- Takayasu returns to Sekiwake
- Oho is promoted to Komusubi for the first time
- Wakamotoharu returns to Komusubi after a long absence from the rank
Kirishima back at Sekiwake after a statement Kyushu
Kirishima’s bounce back is one of the cleanest stories on the new ranking sheet. After posting an 11–4 record at the November 2025 Kyushu basho, he not only earned a promotion but also picked up the Fighting Spirit Prize.
The JSA notes that Kirishima returns to Sekiwake, a rank he last held in September 2025, and that this move marks his return to san’yaku after two tournaments away. For fans, it’s a reminder of how quickly the top of makuuchi can turn when a former title contender strings together quality sumo.
Takayasu returns to Sekiwake and keeps his san’yaku streak alive
Also moving into Sekiwake is veteran fan-favorite Takayasu, whose placement comes with a notable bit of context from the JSA: this is his fifth consecutive tournament in san’yaku.
The Association also points out that Takayasu last held the Sekiwake rank in January 2023, making this return feel especially significant. In a division where new challengers constantly arrive, Takayasu’s continued presence among the titled ranks remains one of the most reliable storylines heading into 2026.
Oho earns his first Komusubi promotion
The banzuke also delivers a milestone moment for Ōhō, who is promoted to Komusubi for the first time.
Per the JSA, Ōhō is now entering san’yaku for two consecutive tournaments, having previously been promoted to Sekiwake (his first time at that rank) for the March 2025 tournament. That earlier rise followed a strong January 2025 showing in which he earned the Technique Prize.
For Oho, the Komusubi slot is both an honor and a test: it’s the rank where promising rikishi often find out just how punishing the weekly schedule can be.
Wakamotoharu returns to Komusubi after seven tournaments away
Rounding out the reshaped titled ranks is Wakamotoharu, who returns to Komusubi.
The JSA’s banzuke notes this is his first time back at Komusubi after seven tournaments away, and that he is re-entering san’yaku after six tournaments outside it. It’s the kind of quiet but meaningful move that can easily become a major talking point once the torikumi starts producing top-opposition matchups.
The full san’yaku picture (as published for January 2026)
The January 2026 banzuke puts the division’s elite into a clear hierarchy:
- Yokozuna: Hoshōryū (East), Onosato (West)
- Ozeki: Kotozakura (East), Aonishiki (West)
- Sekiwake: Kirishima (East), Takayasu (West)
- Komusubi: Oho (East), Wakamotoharu (West)
A particularly notable development here is Aonishiki’s promotion to Ozeki, confirmed in January 2026 rankings coverage. His rise comes on the heels of a standout Kyushu 2025 championship (yūshō), where he finished 12–3 and collected both the Technique Prize and the Outstanding Performance Prize.
Official announcements, stable updates, and injury news
As of the verified information available, no confirmed reports were found regarding injuries, withdrawals (kyūjō), or additional Japan Sumo Association announcements beyond the standard banzuke updates tied to these wrestlers.
What to watch as the New Year tournament begins
With two Sekiwake returns, a first-time Komusubi promotion, and an Ozeki elevation fresh off a yūshō, the January 2026 banzuke reads like an invitation to early-basho drama. The san’yaku ranks are packed with wrestlers who have something to prove—whether that’s re-establishing status, extending a streak, or turning a debut into a breakthrough.