Basho Simplified: A Sumo Discussion
de Lewis and Joe
Episode 56 – Yoshibayama: The Road to Yokozuna (Part 1)
Despre acest podcast
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.
Episoade
Cele mai noi 20 din 57 episoade
- Episode 56 – Yoshibayama: The Road to Yokozuna (Part 1) · 33 minWe're back with another deep dive! After a lengthy break, we're returning to sumo's history, this time exploring the life and career of the 43rd Yokozuna, Yoshibayama. In Part 1…
- Episode 55: Aki Basho 2026 Review · 55 minThe 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…
- Episode 54: Aki Basho 2026 Preview · 32 minThe 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…
- Episode 53: Nagoya Basho 2026 Review: Upsets, Injuries & Redemption · 2 h 43 minThe 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…
- Episode 52: Nagoya Basho 2026 Preview - Comebacks, Promotions & Redemption · 1 h 48 minThe 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…
- Episode 51 – Part 2: The Legend of Chiyonofuji · 1 h 24 minIn 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…
- Episode 50: Natsu Basho 2026 Review · 2 h 0 minThe 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…
- Episode 49: The Natsu 2026 Chaos Preview · 1 h 39 minThe 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…
- Episode 48: March 2026 Haru Review · 2 h 32 minThe 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…
- Episode 47: English Sumo Nationals 2026 · 15 minThe 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…
- Episode 46: March 2026 Basho Preview · 1 h 10 minThe 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…
- Episode 45 – Part 1: The Rise of Chiyonofuji · 60 minIn 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…
- Episode 44 – Hastu Basho Review · 2 h 31 minThe 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…
- Episode 43 – January 2026 Basho Preview · 1 h 1 minA 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…
- Episode 42 – Takamiyama: The Pioneer of Modern Sumo · 2 h 11 minIn 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…
- Episode 41 – The Kyushu Basho Review · 2 h 8 minThe 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…
- Episode 40 – Kyushu Basho Preview 2025 · 1 h 30 minThe 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…
- Episode 39 – Aki Basho Review 2025 · 1 h 57 minThe 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…
- Episode 38 – Aki Basho Preview 2025 · 1 h 19 minThe 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…
- Episode 37 – Tochinoshin: The Georgian Powerhouse · 2 h 3 minIn 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…







