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PODCAST

Basho Simplified: A Sumo Discussion

Welcome to "Basho Simplified: A Sumo Discussion," the podcast where two Western sumo enthusiasts dive into the fascinating world of Japanese sumo wrestling. Whether you"re a seasoned sumo aficionado or a curious newcomer, join us as we break down the complexities and traditions of Japan"s national sport from a fresh, outsider"s perspective. We"ll explore the latest Basho (sumo tournaments), discuss the strategies and skills of top rikishi (wrestlers), and uncover the rich cultural history behind

sports wrestling

All Episodes

00:55:03

Episode 55: Aki Basho 2026 Review

Basho Simplified: A Sumo Discussion ·

2026/10/02

The Aki Basho is in the books, and we're back to break down all the biggest stories from the tournament.Who impressed? Who disappointed? Which rikishi stepped up when it mattered, and who has some serious work to do before the next basho?

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00:32:24

Episode 54: Aki Basho 2026 Preview

Basho Simplified: A Sumo Discussion ·

2026/09/11

The Aki Basho is here, and we're back to preview everything you need to know before the action gets underway!We'll break down the upcoming tournament, look at the big names, the potential dark horses, the matchups we're most excited for, and who could be walking away with the Emperor's Cup.Let the Aki Basho begin!

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02:43:40

Episode 53: Nagoya Basho 2026 Review: Upsets,...

Basho Simplified: A Sumo Discussion ·

2026/08/01

The Nagoya Basho is in the books, and there is plenty to unpack. We review the tournament's biggest stories, from Aonishiki's remarkable return to Ozeki and yusho triumph, to Kirishima's Yokozuna bid, Hoshoryu and Onosato's difficult tournaments, and Atamifuji's emergence as a genuine Ozeki contender. Join us as we break down the performances that defined one of the most dramatic tournaments of the year.

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01:48:46

Episode 52: Nagoya Basho 2026 Preview - Comebacks,...

Basho Simplified: A Sumo Discussion ·

2026/07/10

The Nagoya Basho is here! We break down the biggest storylines heading into the July 2026 tournament, looking at recent form, what we're watching for, and our predictions. With injuries, promotions and plenty of questions to answer, there's a lot to look forward to over the next 15 days.

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01:24:44

Episode 51 – Part 2: The Legend of Chiyonofuji

Basho Simplified: A Sumo Discussion ·

2026/06/28

In Part 2 of our story on Chiyonofuji, we explore the remarkable career of one of sumo's greatest Yokozuna. From years of dominance at the sport's highest level to the legacy he left behind, we look at how the "Wolf" became a legend whose influence can still be felt in sumo today. Join us as we conclude the story of strength, determination, and one of the most iconic careers in sumo history.

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02:00:53

Episode 50: Natsu Basho 2026 Review

Basho Simplified: A Sumo Discussion ·

2026/05/29

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.

en

01:39:04

Episode 49: The Natsu 2026 Chaos Preview

Basho Simplified: A Sumo Discussion ·

2026/05/09

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.

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02:32:51

Episode 48: March 2026 Haru Review

Basho Simplified: A Sumo Discussion ·

2026/03/30

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.

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00:15:04

Episode 47: English Sumo Nationals 2026

Basho Simplified: A Sumo Discussion ·

2026/03/28

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

en

01:10:08

Episode 46: March 2026 Basho Preview

Basho Simplified: A Sumo Discussion ·

2026/03/06

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

en

00:59:37

Episode 45 – Part 1: The Rise of Chiyonofuji

Basho Simplified: A Sumo Discussion ·

2026/02/20

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.”

en

02:31:32

Episode 44 – Hastu Basho Review

Basho Simplified: A Sumo Discussion ·

2026/01/29

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

en

01:01:30

Episode 43 – January 2026 Basho Preview

Basho Simplified: A Sumo Discussion ·

2026/01/04

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.

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02:11:12

Episode 42 – Takamiyama: The Pioneer of Modern Sumo

Basho Simplified: A Sumo Discussion ·

2025/12/22

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.

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02:08:58

Episode 41 – The Kyushu Basho Review

Basho Simplified: A Sumo Discussion ·

2025/11/25

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.

en

01:30:18

Episode 40 – Kyushu Basho Preview 2025

Basho Simplified: A Sumo Discussion ·

2025/11/08

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

en

01:57:30

Episode 39 – Aki Basho Review 2025

Basho Simplified: A Sumo Discussion ·

2025/09/29

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.

en

01:19:53

Episode 38 – Aki Basho Preview 2025

Basho Simplified: A Sumo Discussion ·

2025/09/12

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.

en

02:03:42

Episode 37 – Tochinoshin: The Georgian Powerhouse

Basho Simplified: A Sumo Discussion ·

2025/08/31

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.

en

02:22:07

Episode 36 – Nagoya Basho Review: Heat, Heartbreak,...

Basho Simplified: A Sumo Discussion ·

2025/08/02

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!”

en

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