TOKYO - Ozeki Kirishima on Tuesday expressed his determination to earn promotion to yokozuna at the upcoming Autumn Grand Sumo Tournament.
"Nothing has changed. I'll stay confident, do what I need to do and enjoy myself out there," Kirishima said following a meeting of the wrestlers' fellowship group in Tokyo.
The Mongolian-born grappler fell short of the top-division title in a playoff for the second straight tournament after posting a 12-3 record in both May and July.
The 30-year-old was promoted back to ozeki in May after an 11-tournament absence, with a neck injury contributing to his slump.
Separately, yokozuna Hoshoryu remained noncommittal about his participation in this month's tournament at Tokyo's Ryogoku Kokugikan after undergoing right knee surgery in July.
"I want to compete. But it won't be decided until the last minute," the 27-year-old said.
The Mongolian-born grand champion withdrew from the past two tournaments and has gone nine meets without winning a title since his promotion to yokozuna in March 2025.
Wakatakakage, who ranks as maegashira No. 12, showed signs of recovery from recent surgery on his left leg, although he is set to miss the entire tournament starting Sept. 13.
The two-time champion said he now has no problems walking or carrying out other daily activities after undergoing emergency surgery in July for compartment syndrome, a circulatory condition that can lead to paralysis.
"My recovery is going well. I want to keep moving forward step by step toward my return," the 31-year-old said, although it remains unclear when he will be back in the ring.
