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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 this ancient sport. With a blend of insightful analysis, lively debates and humour.

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Check latest episodes from Basho Simplified: A Sumo Discussion podcast

Episode 44 – Hastu Basho Review

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 not.

Episode 43 – January 2026 Basho Preview

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.

Episode 42 – Takamiyama: The Pioneer of Modern Sumo

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.

Episode 41 – The Kyushu Basho Review

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.

Episode 40 – Kyushu Basho Preview 2025

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

Episode 39 – Aki Basho Review 2025

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.

Episode 38 – Aki Basho Preview 2025

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.

Episode 37 – Tochinoshin: The Georgian Powerhouse

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.

Episode 36 – Nagoya Basho Review: Heat, Heartbreak, and Heavy Hitters

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!”

Episode 35 – July Basho Preview: The Heat is On

2025/07/12

The sun’s out, the salt’s flying, and it’s time to gear up for the Nagoya Basho! In this episode, we break down everything you need to know ahead of July’s tournament — who's hot, who's hurt, and who’s just here to make things very interesting.

Sumo 101: The Yobidashi

2025/07/06

Before the wrestlers step onto the dohyo and the gyoji raises his fan, someone has already been hard at work—building the ring, calling the names, beating the drum, and keeping the whole tournament running smoothly. In this Sumo 101 episode, we shine a spotlight on the Yobidashi: the heralds, craftsmen, and stagehands of the sumo world.

Episode 34 - Asahifuji: The Calm Before the Dynasty

2025/06/21

Step into the ring with Asahifuji—a Yokozuna whose career was marked by quiet strength, technical brilliance, and a reign that often gets overlooked. From his rapid rise through the divisions to the battles that defined his era, we break down what made Asahifuji a force to be reckoned with—and why his legacy still echoes today. Plus, we explore the transitions from wrestler to stablemaster and how he shaped the future of sumo long after hanging up the mawashi.

Episode 33 – Harumafuji: The Meteoric Rise and Sudden Fall

2025/06/05

In this episode, we take a deep dive into the career of Harumafuji, one of the most dynamic and agile Yokozuna in modern sumo history. From his humble beginnings in Mongolia to his rapid ascent through the ranks, Harumafuji was known for his lightning speed, technique, and fighting spirit despite being one of the lightest rikishi at the top level. We explore his major victories, his time as Yokozuna, and the legacy he built in the ring—before discussing the shocking incident that abruptly ended his career and left the sumo world reeling.

Episode 32 – May Basho Breakdown: A New Yokozuna Rises

2025/05/26

The 2025 Natsu Basho is in the books, and history has been made. In this episode, we break down all the action from a thrilling May tournament that saw the birth of the 75th Yokozuna. From top division clashes to rising stars in the lower ranks, we cover the key moments, upsets, and standout performances that defined the basho. What does this promotion mean for the future of sumo? And who else made their mark this tournament?

Episode 31: May Basho Preview, The Storm Before the Clash

2025/05/07

The stage is set for the Natsu Basho, and the stakes couldn't be higher. With new faces climbing the banzuke, veterans clinging to their ranks, and the yusho race wide open, May promises fireworks on the dohyo. Will the next Yokozuna contender emerge?

Podcast reviews

Read Basho Simplified: A Sumo Discussion podcast reviews

5 out of 5

4 reviews

★★★★★

One_ohnine 2025/01/28

Great podcast!

I’ve been listening to all of the sumo podcasts but I had to stop following some of them. I just could not stand it. I am telling you that although yo...

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