{{short description|none}} <!-- "none" is preferred when the title is sufficiently descriptive; see WP:SDNONE --> {{Year nav sports topic5|2020|sumo}}
The following are the events in professional sumo during 2020.
==Tournaments== ===Hatsu basho=== Ryōgoku Kokugikan, Tokyo, 12 January – 26 January<ref name="tournaments">{{cite web|url=http://www.sumo.or.jp/EnTicket/year_schedule/|title=Grand Tournament Schedule |publisher=Japan Sumo Association|access-date=13 July 2020}}</ref>
{| class="wikitable" ! colspan="17" |2020 Hatsu basho results - Makuuchi Division |- !{{abbr|W|Wins}} ! !{{abbr|L|Losses}} ! !{{abbr|A|Absences}} ! colspan="3" |East !Rank ! colspan="3" |West !{{abbr|W|Wins}} ! !{{abbr|L|Losses}} ! !{{abbr|A|Absences}} |- |align=center|1 |align=center|- |align=center|3 |align=center|- |align=center|11 |align=center|ø |align=center|{{flagicon|Mongolia}} |Hakuhō |align=center|Y |align=center|ø |align=center|{{flagicon|Mongolia}} |Kakuryū |align=center|1 |align=center|- |align=center|4 |align=center|- |align=center|10 |- |align=center|11 |align=center|- |align=center|4 |align=center|- |align=center|0 |align=center| |align=center|{{flagicon|Japan}} |'''Takakeishō''' |align=center|O |align=center| |align=center|{{flagicon|Japan}} |Gōeidō |align=center|5 |align=center|- |align=center|10 |align=center|- |align=center|0 |- |align=center|10 |align=center|- |align=center|5 |align=center|- |align=center|0 |align=center| |align=center|{{flagicon|Japan}} |'''Asanoyama''' |align=center|S |align=center| |align=center|{{flagicon|Japan}} |Takayasu |align=center|6 |align=center|- |align=center|9 |align=center|- |align=center|0 |- |align=center|5 |align=center|- |align=center|10 |align=center|- |align=center|0 |align=center| |align=center|{{flagicon|Japan}} |Abi |align=center|K |align=center| |align=center|{{flagicon|Japan}} |Daieishō |align=center|7 |align=center|- |align=center|8 |align=center|- |align=center|0 |- |align=center|9 |align=center|- |align=center|6 |align=center|- |align=center|0 |align=center| |align=center|{{flagicon|Japan}} |'''Endō''' |align=center|M1 |align=center| |align=center|{{flagicon|Japan}} |Myōgiryū |align=center|5 |align=center|- |align=center|10 |align=center|- |align=center|0 |- |align=center|11 |align=center|- |align=center|4 |align=center|- |align=center|0 |align=center| |align=center|{{flagicon|Japan}} |'''Hokutofuji''' |align=center|M2 |align=center| |align=center|{{flagicon|Japan}} |Mitakeumi |align=center|7 |align=center|- |align=center|8 |align=center|- |align=center|0 |- |align=center|5 |align=center|- |align=center|10 |align=center|- |align=center|0 |align=center| |align=center|{{flagicon|Mongolia}} |Tamawashi |align=center|M3 |align=center|ø |align=center|{{flagicon|Japan}} |Kotoyūki |align=center|0 |align=center|- |align=center|0 |align=center|- |align=center|15 |- |align=center|8 |align=center|- |align=center|7 |align=center|- |align=center|0 |align=center| |align=center|{{flagicon|Japan}} |'''Okinoumi''' |align=center|M4 |align=center| |align=center|{{flagicon|Japan}} |'''Shōdai''' |align=center|13 |align=center|- |align=center|2 |align=center|- |align=center|0 |- |align=center|1 |align=center|- |align=center|7 |align=center|- |align=center|7 |align=center|ø |align=center|{{flagicon|Japan}} |Meisei |align=center|M5 |align=center| |align=center|{{flagicon|Japan}} |'''Enhō''' |align=center|8 |align=center|- |align=center|7 |align=center|- |align=center|0 |- |align=center|7 |align=center|- |align=center|8 |align=center|- |align=center|0 |align=center| |align=center|{{flagicon|Japan}} |Takarafuji |align=center|M6 |align=center| |align=center|{{flagicon|Georgia}} |Tochinoshin |align=center|5 |align=center|- |align=center|10 |align=center|- |align=center|0 |- |align=center|7 |align=center|- |align=center|8 |align=center|- |align=center|0 |align=center| |align=center|{{flagicon|Japan}} |Shōhōzan |align=center|M7 |align=center| |align=center|{{flagicon|Japan}} |'''Ōnoshō''' |align=center|9 |align=center|- |align=center|6 |align=center|- |align=center|0 |- |align=center|4 |align=center|- |align=center|11 |align=center|- |align=center|0 |align=center| |align=center|{{flagicon|Bulgaria}} |Aoiyama |align=center|M8 |align=center| |align=center|{{flagicon|Japan}} |'''Ryūden''' |align=center|10 |align=center|- |align=center|5 |align=center|- |align=center|0 |- |align=center|7 |align=center|- |align=center|8 |align=center|- |align=center|0 |align=center| |align=center|{{flagicon|Japan}} |Takanoshō |align=center|M9 |align=center| |align=center|{{flagicon|Japan}} |'''Yutakayama''' |align=center|11 |align=center|- |align=center|4 |align=center|- |align=center|0 |- |align=center|7 |align=center|- |align=center|8 |align=center|- |align=center|0 |align=center| |align=center|{{flagicon|Japan}} |Sadanoumi |align=center|M10 |align=center| |align=center|{{flagicon|Japan}} |Ishiura |align=center|6 |align=center|- |align=center|9 |align=center|- |align=center|0 |- |align=center|7 |align=center|- |align=center|8 |align=center|- |align=center|0 |align=center| |align=center|{{flagicon|Japan}} |Chiyotairyū |align=center|M11 |align=center| |align=center|{{flagicon|Japan}} |'''Kagayaki''' |align=center|10 |align=center|- |align=center|5 |align=center|- |align=center|0 |- |align=center|6 |align=center|- |align=center|9 |align=center|- |align=center|0 |align=center| |align=center|{{flagicon|Japan}} |Tsurugishō |align=center|M12 |align=center| |align=center|{{flagicon|Japan}} |Chiyomaru |align=center|6 |align=center|- |align=center|9 |align=center|- |align=center|0 |- |align=center|7 |align=center|- |align=center|8 |align=center|- |align=center|0 |align=center| |align=center|{{flagicon|Japan}} |Kotoshōgiku |align=center|M13 |align=center| |align=center|{{flagicon|Japan}} |Kotoekō |align=center|2 |align=center|- |align=center|13 |align=center|- |align=center|0 |- |align=center|8 |align=center|- |align=center|7 |align=center|- |align=center|0 |align=center| |align=center|{{flagicon|Japan}} |'''Terutsuyoshi''' |align=center|M14 |align=center| |align=center|{{flagicon|Japan}} |Shimanoumi |align=center|6 |align=center|- |align=center|9 |align=center|- |align=center|0 |- |align=center|7 |align=center|- |align=center|8 |align=center|- |align=center|0 |align=center| |align=center|{{flagicon|Mongolia}} |Azumaryū |align=center|M15 |align=center| |align=center|{{flagicon|Japan}} |'''Ikioi''' |align=center|8 |align=center|- |align=center|7 |align=center|- |align=center|0 |- |align=center|9 |align=center|- |align=center|6 |align=center|- |align=center|0 |align=center| |align=center|{{flagicon|Japan}} |'''Tochiōzan''' |align=center|M16 |align=center| |align=center|{{flagicon|Brazil}} |'''Kaisei''' |align=center|8 |align=center|- |align=center|7 |align=center|- |align=center|0 |- |align=center|11 |align=center|- |align=center|4 |align=center|- |align=center|0 |align=center| |align=center|{{flagicon|Mongolia}} |'''Kiribayama''' |align=center|M17 |align=center| |align=center|{{flagicon|Japan}} |style="background: PaleGreen;"|'''Tokushōryū''' |align=center|14 |align=center|- |align=center|1 |align=center|- |align=center|0 |} {| class="wikitable" |ø - Indicates a pull-out or absent rank |- |'''winning record in bold''' |- |style="background: PaleGreen;"|'''Yusho Winner''' |}
===Haru basho=== Osaka Prefectural Gymnasium, Osaka, 8 March – 22 March<ref name="tournaments"/> {| class="wikitable" ! colspan="17" |2020 Haru basho results - Makuuchi Division |- !{{abbr|W|Wins}} ! !{{abbr|L|Losses}} ! !{{abbr|A|Absences}} ! colspan="3" |East !Rank ! colspan="3" |West !{{abbr|W|Wins}} ! !{{abbr|L|Losses}} ! !{{abbr|A|Absences}} |- |align=center|13 |align=center|- |align=center|2 |align=center|- |align=center|0 |align=center| |align=center|{{flagicon|Mongolia}} |style="background: PaleGreen;"|'''Hakuhō''' |align=center|Y |align=center| |align=center|{{flagicon|Mongolia}} |'''Kakuryū''' |align=center|12 |align=center|- |align=center|3 |align=center|- |align=center|0 |- |align=center|7 |align=center|- |align=center|8 |align=center|- |align=center|0 |align=center| |align=center|{{flagicon|Japan}} |Takakeishō |align=center|O |align=center|ø |align=center| | |align=center|0 |align=center|- |align=center|0 |align=center|- |align=center|0 |- |align=center|11 |align=center|- |align=center|4 |align=center|- |align=center|0 |align=center| |align=center|{{flagicon|Japan}} |'''Asanoyama''' |align=center|S |align=center| |align=center|{{flagicon|Japan}} |'''Shōdai''' |align=center|8 |align=center|- |align=center|7 |align=center|- |align=center|0 |- |align=center|4 |align=center|- |align=center|11 |align=center|- |align=center|0 |align=center| |align=center|{{flagicon|Japan}} |Hokutofuji |align=center|K |align=center| |align=center|{{flagicon|Japan}} |Endō |align=center|7 |align=center|- |align=center|8 |align=center|- |align=center|0 |- |align=center|8 |align=center|- |align=center|7 |align=center|- |align=center|0 |align=center| |align=center|{{flagicon|Japan}} |'''Daieishō''' |align=center|M1 |align=center|ø |align=center|{{flagicon|Japan}} |Takayasu |align=center|0 |align=center|- |align=center|5 |align=center|- |align=center|10 |- |align=center|8 |align=center|- |align=center|7 |align=center|- |align=center|0 |align=center| |align=center|{{flagicon|Japan}} |'''Okinoumi''' |align=center|M2 |align=center| |align=center|{{flagicon|Japan}} |Tokushōryū |align=center|4 |align=center|- |align=center|11 |align=center|- |align=center|0 |- |align=center|8 |align=center|- |align=center|7 |align=center|- |align=center|0 |align=center| |align=center|{{flagicon|Japan}} |'''Yutakayama''' |align=center|M3 |align=center| |align=center|{{flagicon|Japan}} |'''Mitakeumi''' |align=center|10 |align=center|- |align=center|5 |align=center|- |align=center|0 |- |align=center|6 |align=center|- |align=center|9 |align=center|- |align=center|0 |align=center| |align=center|{{flagicon|Japan}} |Enhō |align=center|M4 |align=center| |align=center|{{flagicon|Japan}} |Abi |align=center|7 |align=center|- |align=center|8 |align=center|- |align=center|0 |- |align=center|6 |align=center|- |align=center|9 |align=center|- |align=center|0 |align=center| |align=center|{{flagicon|Japan}} |Ryūden |align=center|M5 |align=center| |align=center|{{flagicon|Japan}} |'''Ōnoshō''' |align=center|9 |align=center|- |align=center|6 |align=center|- |align=center|0 |- |align=center|4 |align=center|- |align=center|11 |align=center|- |align=center|0 |align=center| |align=center|{{flagicon|Japan}} |Myōgiryū |align=center|M6 |align=center| |align=center|{{flagicon|Japan}} |'''Kagayaki''' |align=center|8 |align=center|- |align=center|7 |align=center|- |align=center|0 |- |align=center|9 |align=center|- |align=center|6 |align=center|- |align=center|0 |align=center| |align=center|{{flagicon|Japan}} |'''Takarafuji''' |align=center|M7 |align=center| |align=center|{{flagicon|Mongolia}} |Tamawashi |align=center|6 |align=center|- |align=center|9 |align=center|- |align=center|0 |- |align=center|4 |align=center|- |align=center|11 |align=center|- |align=center|0 |align=center| |align=center|{{flagicon|Japan}} |Shōhōzan |align=center|M8 |align=center| |align=center|{{flagicon|Mongolia}} |'''Kiribayama''' |align=center|9 |align=center|- |align=center|6 |align=center|- |align=center|0 |- |align=center|12 |align=center|- |align=center|3 |align=center|- |align=center|0 |align=center| |align=center|{{flagicon|Japan}} |'''Takanoshō''' |align=center|M9 |align=center| |align=center|{{flagicon|Georgia}} |Tochinoshin |align=center|6 |align=center|- |align=center|9 |align=center|- |align=center|0 |- |align=center|6 |align=center|- |align=center|9 |align=center|- |align=center|0 |align=center| |align=center|{{flagicon|Japan}} |Sadanoumi |align=center|M10 |align=center| |align=center|{{flagicon|Japan}} |Tochiōzan |align=center|3 |align=center|- |align=center|12 |align=center|- |align=center|0 |- |align=center|8 |align=center|- |align=center|7 |align=center|- |align=center|0 |align=center| |align=center|{{flagicon|Japan}} |'''Chiyotairyū''' |align=center|M11 |align=center| |align=center|{{flagicon|Japan}} |'''Terutsuyoshi''' |align=center|9 |align=center|- |align=center|6 |align=center|- |align=center|0 |- |align=center|9 |align=center|- |align=center|6 |align=center|- |align=center|0 |align=center| |align=center|{{flagicon|Japan}} |'''Ishiura''' |align=center|M12 |align=center| |align=center|{{flagicon|Japan}} |'''Ikioi''' |align=center|8 |align=center|- |align=center|7 |align=center|- |align=center|0 |- |align=center|7 |align=center|- |align=center|8 |align=center|- |align=center|0 |align=center| |align=center|{{flagicon|Japan}} |Kotoshōgiku |align=center|M13 |align=center| |align=center|{{flagicon|Bulgaria}} |'''Aoiyama''' |align=center|11 |align=center|- |align=center|4 |align=center|- |align=center|0 |- |align=center|8 |align=center|- |align=center|7 |align=center|- |align=center|0 |align=center| |align=center|{{flagicon|Brazil}} |'''Kaisei''' |align=center|M14 |align=center| |align=center|{{flagicon|Japan}} |Nishikigi |align=center|6 |align=center|- |align=center|9 |align=center|- |align=center|0 |- |align=center|1 |align=center|- |align=center|4 |align=center|- |align=center|10 |align=center|ø |align=center|{{flagicon|Japan}} |Tsurugishō |align=center|M15 |align=center| |align=center|{{flagicon|Japan}} |Chiyomaru |align=center|7 |align=center|- |align=center|6 |align=center|- |align=center|2 |- |align=center|5 |align=center|- |align=center|10 |align=center|- |align=center|0 |align=center| |align=center|{{flagicon|Mongolia}} |Azumaryū |align=center|M16 |align=center| |align=center|{{flagicon|Japan}} |'''Shimanoumi''' |align=center|9 |align=center|- |align=center|6 |align=center|- |align=center|0 |- |align=center|7 |align=center|- |align=center|8 |align=center|- |align=center|0 |align=center| |align=center|{{flagicon|Japan}} |Meisei |align=center|M17 |align=center| |align=center|{{flagicon|Japan}} |Daiamami |align=center|5 |align=center|- |align=center|10 |align=center|- |align=center|0 |- |align=center|9 |align=center|- |align=center|6 |align=center|- |align=center|0 |align=center| |align=center|{{flagicon|Japan}} |'''Kotonowaka''' |align=center|M18 |align=center|ø |align=center| | |align=center|0 |align=center|- |align=center|0 |align=center|- |align=center|0 |} {| class="wikitable" |ø - Indicates a pull-out or absent rank |- |'''winning record in bold''' |- |style="background: PaleGreen;"|'''Yusho Winner''' |}
===Natsu basho=== Originally scheduled to be held on 10–24 May at the Ryōgoku Kokugikan in Tokyo, the tournament was cancelled due to COVID-19 following Japan's state of emergency in April.<ref name=kyodo04May2020/>
===Nagoya basho=== Ryōgoku Kokugikan, Tokyo, 19 July – 2 August<ref name="tournaments"/><ref name=kyodopostpone/>
Originally scheduled to take place at Aichi Prefectural Gymnasium in Nagoya on 5–19 July due to avoid scheduling conflict with the 2020 Summer Olympics, the tournament was moved to Tokyo by the Sumo Association due to the coronavirus pandemic. The tournament was limited to 2,500 spectators per day, which is less than one-fourth of the Kokugikan's capacity.<ref name=kyodo13july20>{{cite web |url=https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2020/07/b5204a56ac97-japan-sumo-association-to-allow-fans-into-july-tourney-in-tokyo.html|title=Japan Sumo Association to allow fans into July tourney in Tokyo|date=13 July 2020|publisher=Kyodo|access-date=13 July 2020}}</ref> The banzuke originally issued for the cancelled Natsu basho was used. {| class="wikitable" ! colspan="17" |2020 Nagoya basho results - Makuuchi Division |- !{{abbr|W|Wins}} ! !{{abbr|L|Losses}} ! !{{abbr|A|Absences}} ! colspan="3" |East !Rank ! colspan="3" |West !{{abbr|W|Wins}} ! !{{abbr|L|Losses}} ! !{{abbr|A|Absences}} |- |align=center|10 |align=center| - |align=center|3 |align=center| - |align=center|2 |align=center|ø |align=center|{{flagicon|Mongolia}} |'''Hakuhō''' |align=center|Y |align=center|ø |align=center|{{flagicon|Mongolia}} |Kakuryū |align=center|0 |align=center| - |align=center|2 |align=center| - |align=center|13 |- |align=center|8 |align=center| - |align=center|4 |align=center| - |align=center|3 |align=center|ø |align=center|{{flagicon|Japan}} |'''Takakeishō''' |align=center|O |align=center| |align=center|{{flagicon|Japan}} |'''Asanoyama''' |align=center|12 |align=center| - |align=center|3 |align=center| - |align=center|0 |- |align=center|11 |align=center| - |align=center|4 |align=center| - |align=center|0 |align=center| |align=center|{{flagicon|Japan}} |'''Shōdai''' |align=center|S |align=center| |align=center|{{flagicon|Japan}} |'''Mitakeumi''' |align=center|11 |align=center| - |align=center|4 |align=center| - |align=center|0 |- |align=center|11 |align=center| - |align=center|4 |align=center| - |align=center|0 |align=center| |align=center|{{flagicon|Japan}} |'''Daieishō''' |align=center|K |align=center| |align=center|{{flagicon|Japan}} |'''Okinoumi''' |align=center|9 |align=center| - |align=center|6 |align=center| - |align=center|0 |- |align=center|8 |align=center| - |align=center|7 |align=center| - |align=center|0 |align=center| |align=center|{{flagicon|Japan}} |'''Endō''' |align=center|M1 |align=center| |align=center|{{flagicon|Japan}} |Yutakayama |align=center|5 |align=center| - |align=center|10 |align=center| - |align=center|0 |- |align=center|8 |align=center| - |align=center|7 |align=center| - |align=center|0 |align=center| |align=center|{{flagicon|Japan}} |'''Takanoshō''' |align=center|M2 |align=center| |align=center|{{flagicon|Japan}} |Ōnoshō |align=center|2 |align=center| - |align=center|13 |align=center| - |align=center|0 |- |align=center|5 |align=center| - |align=center|10 |align=center| - |align=center|0 |align=center| |align=center|{{flagicon|Japan}} |Takarafuji |align=center|M3 |align=center| |align=center|{{flagicon|Mongolia}} |Kiribayama |align=center|6 |align=center| - |align=center|9 |align=center| - |align=center|0 |- |align=center|5 |align=center| - |align=center|10 |align=center| - |align=center|0 |align=center| |align=center|{{flagicon|Japan}} |Kagayaki |align=center|M4 |align=center| |align=center|{{flagicon|Bulgaria}} |Aoiyama |align=center|5 |align=center| - |align=center|10 |align=center| - |align=center|0 |- |align=center|3 |align=center| - |align=center|4 |align=center| - |align=center|8 |align=center|ø |align=center|{{flagicon|Japan}} |Abi |align=center|M5 |align=center| |align=center|{{flagicon|Japan}} |'''Hokutofuji''' |align=center|9 |align=center| - |align=center|6 |align=center| - |align=center|0 |- |align=center|5 |align=center| - |align=center|10 |align=center| - |align=center|0 |align=center| |align=center|{{flagicon|Japan}} |Enhō |align=center|M6 |align=center| |align=center|{{flagicon|Japan}} |Ryūden |align=center|7 |align=center| - |align=center|8 |align=center| - |align=center|0 |- |align=center|8 |align=center| - |align=center|7 |align=center| - |align=center|0 |align=center| |align=center|{{flagicon|Japan}} |'''Terutsuyoshi''' |align=center|M7 |align=center| |align=center|{{flagicon|Japan}} |Tokushōryū |align=center|7 |align=center| - |align=center|8 |align=center| - |align=center|0 |- |align=center|4 |align=center| - |align=center|11 |align=center| - |align=center|0 |align=center| |align=center|{{flagicon|Japan}} |Ishiura |align=center|M8 |align=center| |align=center|{{flagicon|Japan}} |Chiyotairyū |align=center|6 |align=center| - |align=center|9 |align=center| - |align=center|0 |- |align=center|10 |align=center| - |align=center|5 |align=center| - |align=center|0 |align=center| |align=center|{{flagicon|Mongolia}} |'''Tamawashi''' |align=center|M9 |align=center| |align=center|{{flagicon|Japan}} |Ikioi |align=center|3 |align=center| - |align=center|12 |align=center| - |align=center|0 |- |align=center|6 |align=center| - |align=center|9 |align=center| - |align=center|0 |align=center| |align=center|{{flagicon|Brazil}} |Kaisei |align=center|M10 |align=center| |align=center|{{flagicon|Japan}} |'''Myōgiryū''' |align=center|10 |align=center| - |align=center|5 |align=center| - |align=center|0 |- |align=center|5 |align=center| - |align=center|10 |align=center| - |align=center|0 |align=center| |align=center|{{flagicon|Japan}} |Shimanoumi |align=center|M11 |align=center| |align=center|{{flagicon|Georgia}} |'''Tochinoshin''' |align=center|10 |align=center| - |align=center|5 |align=center| - |align=center|0 |- |align=center|8 |align=center| - |align=center|7 |align=center| - |align=center|0 |align=center| |align=center|{{flagicon|Japan}} |'''Sadanoumi''' |align=center|M12 |align=center| |align=center|{{flagicon|Japan}} |Shōhōzan |align=center|5 |align=center| - |align=center|10 |align=center| - |align=center|0 |- |align=center|10 |align=center| - |align=center|5 |align=center| - |align=center|0 |align=center| |align=center|{{flagicon|Japan}} |'''Takayasu''' |align=center|M13 |align=center| |align=center|{{flagicon|Japan}} |Kotonowaka |align=center|4 |align=center| - |align=center|6 |align=center| - |align=center|5 |- |align=center|8 |align=center| - |align=center|7 |align=center| - |align=center|0 |align=center| |align=center|{{flagicon|Japan}} |'''Kotoshōgiku''' |align=center|M14 |align=center| |align=center|{{flagicon|Japan}} |'''Wakatakakage''' |align=center|10 |align=center| - |align=center|5 |align=center| - |align=center|0 |- |align=center|8 |align=center| - |align=center|7 |align=center| - |align=center|0 |align=center| |align=center|{{flagicon|Japan}} |'''Kotoshōhō''' |align=center|M15 |align=center| |align=center|{{flagicon|Japan}} |Chiyomaru |align=center|4 |align=center| - |align=center|11 |align=center| - |align=center|0 |- |align=center|6 |align=center| - |align=center|9 |align=center| - |align=center|0 |align=center| |align=center|{{flagicon|Japan}} |Nishikigi |align=center|M16 |align=center| |align=center|{{flagicon|Japan}} |'''Kotoekō''' |align=center|10 |align=center| - |align=center|5 |align=center| - |align=center|0 |- |align=center|13 |align=center| - |align=center|2 |align=center| - |align=center|0 |align=center| |align=center|{{flagicon|Mongolia}} |style="background: PaleGreen;"|'''Terunofuji''' |align=center|M17 |align=center|ø |align=center|{{flagicon|Japan}} |Kotoyūki |align=center|6 |align=center| - |align=center|8 |align=center| - |align=center|1 |} {| class="wikitable" |ø - Indicates a pull-out or absent rank |- |'''winning record in bold''' |- |style="background: PaleGreen;"|'''Yusho Winner''' |}
===Olympic exhibition=== Ryōgoku Kokugikan, Tokyo, 12 August – 13 August<ref name="tokyo2020.org">{{Cite news |date=2020-02-05 |title=Grand Sumo Tournament rooting for the Tokyo 2020 Games |url=https://tokyo2020.org/en/news/notice/20200204-01.html |url-status=dead |access-date=2020-02-07 |work=The Tokyo Organising Committee of the Olympic and Paralympic Games |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200207061333/https://tokyo2020.org/en/news/notice/20200204-01.html |archive-date=2020-02-07}}</ref> – cancelled{{citation needed|date=July 2020}}
===Aki basho=== Ryōgoku Kokugikan, Tokyo, 13 September – 27 September<ref name="tournaments"/>
{| class="wikitable" ! colspan="17" |2020 Aki basho results - Makuuchi Division |- !{{abbr|W|Wins}} ! !{{abbr|L|Losses}} ! !{{abbr|A|Absences}} ! colspan="3" |East !Rank ! colspan="3" |West !{{abbr|W|Wins}} ! !{{abbr|L|Losses}} ! !{{abbr|A|Absences}} |- |align=center|0 |align=center| - |align=center|0 |align=center| - |align=center|15 |align=center|ø |align=center|{{flagicon|Mongolia}} |Hakuhō |align=center|Y |align=center|ø |align=center|{{flagicon|Mongolia}} |Kakuryū |align=center|0 |align=center| - |align=center|0 |align=center| - |align=center|15 |- |align=center|10 |align=center| - |align=center|5 |align=center| - |align=center|0 |align=center| |align=center|{{flagicon|Japan}} |'''Asanoyama''' |align=center|O |align=center| |align=center|{{flagicon|Japan}} |'''Takakeishō''' |align=center|12 |align=center| - |align=center|3 |align=center| - |align=center|0 |- |align=center|13 |align=center| - |align=center|2 |align=center| - |align=center|0 |align=center| |align=center|{{flagicon|Japan}} |style="background: PaleGreen;"|'''Shōdai''' |align=center|S |align=center| |align=center|{{flagicon|Japan}} |'''Mitakeumi''' |align=center|8 |align=center| - |align=center|7 |align=center| - |align=center|0 |- |align=center|5 |align=center| - |align=center|10 |align=center| - |align=center|0 |align=center| |align=center|{{flagicon|Japan}} |Daieishō |align=center|S |align=center|ø |align=center| | |align=center|0 |align=center| - |align=center|0 |align=center| - |align=center|0 |- |align=center|4 |align=center| - |align=center|11 |align=center| - |align=center|0 |align=center| |align=center|{{flagicon|Japan}} |Okinoumi |align=center|K |align=center|ø |align=center|{{flagicon|Japan}} |Endō |align=center|3 |align=center| - |align=center|9 |align=center| - |align=center|3 |- |align=center|8 |align=center| - |align=center|5 |align=center| - |align=center|2 |align=center|ø |align=center|{{flagicon|Mongolia}} |'''Terunofuji''' |align=center|M1 |align=center| |align=center|{{flagicon|Japan}} |'''Takanoshō''' |align=center|10 |align=center| - |align=center|5 |align=center| - |align=center|0 |- |align=center|6 |align=center| - |align=center|9 |align=center| - |align=center|0 |align=center| |align=center|{{flagicon|Japan}} |Hokutofuji |align=center|M2 |align=center| |align=center|{{flagicon|Mongolia}} |Tamawashi |align=center|5 |align=center| - |align=center|10 |align=center| - |align=center|0 |- |align=center|6 |align=center| - |align=center|9 |align=center| - |align=center|0 |align=center| |align=center|{{flagicon|Japan}} |Myōgiryū |align=center|M3 |align=center| |align=center|{{flagicon|Japan}} |Terutsuyoshi |align=center|5 |align=center| - |align=center|10 |align=center| - |align=center|0 |- |align=center|2 |align=center| - |align=center|5 |align=center| - |align=center|8 |align=center|ø |align=center|{{flagicon|Japan}} |Yutakayama |align=center|M4 |align=center| |align=center|{{flagicon|Georgia}} |Tochinoshin |align=center|6 |align=center| - |align=center|9 |align=center| - |align=center|0 |- |align=center|9 |align=center| - |align=center|4 |align=center| - |align=center|2 |align=center| |align=center|{{flagicon|Mongolia}} |'''Kiribayama''' |align=center|M5 |align=center| |align=center|{{flagicon|Japan}} |Takarafuji |align=center|7 |align=center| - |align=center|8 |align=center| - |align=center|0 |- |align=center|10 |align=center| - |align=center|5 |align=center| - |align=center|0 |align=center| |align=center|{{flagicon|Japan}} |'''Takayasu''' |align=center|M6 |align=center| |align=center|{{flagicon|Japan}} |'''Kagayaki''' |align=center|8 |align=center| - |align=center|7 |align=center| - |align=center|0 |- |align=center|6 |align=center| - |align=center|9 |align=center| - |align=center|0 |align=center| |align=center|{{flagicon|Japan}} |Ryūden |align=center|M7 |align=center| |align=center|{{flagicon|Bulgaria}} |Aoiyama |align=center|7 |align=center| - |align=center|8 |align=center| - |align=center|0 |- |align=center|7 |align=center| - |align=center|8 |align=center| - |align=center|0 |align=center| |align=center|{{flagicon|Japan}} |Tokushōryū |align=center|M8 |align=center| |align=center|{{flagicon|Japan}} |'''Wakatakakage''' |align=center|11 |align=center| - |align=center|4 |align=center| - |align=center|0 |- |align=center|6 |align=center| - |align=center|9 |align=center| - |align=center|0 |align=center| |align=center|{{flagicon|Japan}} |Enhō |align=center|M9 |align=center| |align=center|{{flagicon|Japan}} |'''Ōnoshō''' |align=center|10 |align=center| - |align=center|5 |align=center| - |align=center|0 |- |align=center|7 |align=center| - |align=center|8 |align=center| - |align=center|0 |align=center| |align=center|{{flagicon|Japan}} |Sadanoumi |align=center|M10 |align=center| |align=center|{{flagicon|Japan}} |'''Kotoekō''' |align=center|8 |align=center| - |align=center|7 |align=center| - |align=center|0 |- |align=center|5 |align=center| - |align=center|8 |align=center| - |align=center|2 |align=center|ø |align=center|{{flagicon|Japan}} |Chiyotairyū |align=center|M11 |align=center| |align=center|{{flagicon|Japan}} |Kotoshōgiku |align=center|2 |align=center| - |align=center|10 |align=center| - |align=center|3 |- |align=center|10 |align=center| - |align=center|5 |align=center| - |align=center|0 |align=center| |align=center|{{flagicon|Japan}} |'''Kotoshōhō''' |align=center|M12 |align=center| |align=center|{{flagicon|Brazil}} |Kaisei |align=center|7 |align=center| - |align=center|8 |align=center| - |align=center|0 |- |align=center|9 |align=center| - |align=center|6 |align=center| - |align=center|0 |align=center| |align=center|{{flagicon|Japan}} |'''Meisei''' |align=center|M13 |align=center| |align=center|{{flagicon|Japan}} |Ishiura |align=center|4 |align=center| - |align=center|4 |align=center| - |align=center|7 |- |align=center|11 |align=center| - |align=center|4 |align=center| - |align=center|0 |align=center| |align=center|{{flagicon|Japan}} |'''Tobizaru''' |align=center|M14 |align=center|ø |align=center|{{flagicon|Japan}} |Abi |align=center|0 |align=center| - |align=center|0 |align=center| - |align=center|15 |- |align=center|6 |align=center| - |align=center|9 |align=center| - |align=center|0 |align=center| |align=center|{{flagicon|Japan}} |Shimanoumi |align=center|M15 |align=center| |align=center|{{flagicon|Japan}} |Shōhōzan |align=center|5 |align=center| - |align=center|10 |align=center| - |align=center|0 |- |align=center|2 |align=center| - |align=center|2 |align=center| - |align=center|11 |align=center|ø |align=center|{{flagicon|Japan}} |Kyokutaisei |align=center|M16 |align=center| |align=center|{{flagicon|Mongolia}} |'''Hōshōryū''' |align=center|8 |align=center| - |align=center|7 |align=center| - |align=center|0 |- |align=center|8 |align=center| - |align=center|7 |align=center| - |align=center|0 |align=center| |align=center|{{flagicon|Mongolia}} |'''Ichinojō''' |align=center|M17 |align=center|ø |align=center| | |align=center|0 |align=center| - |align=center|0 |align=center| - |align=center|0 |} {| class="wikitable" |ø - Indicates a pull-out or absent rank |- |'''winning record in bold''' |- |style="background: PaleGreen;"|'''Yusho Winner''' |}
===Kyushu basho=== Ryōgoku Kokugikan, Tokyo, 8 November – 22 November<ref name="tournaments"/><ref name=tokyosports13july20>{{cite web|url=https://www.tokyo-sports.co.jp/sports/sumou/1976943/|title=【大相撲】今年の巡業はすべて中止 １１月場所は両国国技館に変更|work=Tokyo Sports|date=13 July 2020|access-date=13 July 2020|language=ja|trans-title=Grand Sumo: All tours of this year are cancelled. November Place changed to Ryogoku Kokugikan}}</ref>
Originally scheduled to be held at the Fukuoka Kokusai Center in Kyushu, the Sumo Association moved the tournament to Tokyo due to the coronavirus pandemic. {| class="wikitable" ! colspan="17" |2020 Kyushu basho results - Makuuchi Division |- !{{abbr|W|Wins}} ! !{{abbr|L|Losses}} ! !{{abbr|A|Absences}} ! colspan="3" |East !Rank ! colspan="3" |West !{{abbr|W|Wins}} ! !{{abbr|L|Losses}} ! !{{abbr|A|Absences}} |- |align=center|0 |align=center| - |align=center|0 |align=center| - |align=center|15 |align=center|ø |align=center|{{flagicon|Mongolia}} |Hakuhō |align=center|Y |align=center|ø |align=center|{{flagicon|Mongolia}} |Kakuryū |align=center|0 |align=center| - |align=center|0 |align=center| - |align=center|15 |- |align=center|13 |align=center| - |align=center|2 |align=center| - |align=center|0 |align=center| |align=center|{{flagicon|Japan}} |style="background: PaleGreen;"|'''Takakeishō''' |align=center|O |align=center|ø |align=center|{{flagicon|Japan}} |Asanoyama |align=center|1 |align=center| - |align=center|2 |align=center| - |align=center|12 |- |align=center|3 |align=center| - |align=center|2 |align=center| - |align=center|10 |align=center| |align=center|{{flagicon|Japan}} |Shōdai |align=center|O |align=center|ø |align=center| | |align=center|0 |align=center| - |align=center|0 |align=center| - |align=center|0 |- |align=center|7 |align=center| - |align=center|8 |align=center| - |align=center|0 |align=center| |align=center|{{flagicon|Japan}} |Mitakeumi |align=center|S |align=center| |align=center|{{flagicon|Japan}} |'''Takanoshō''' |align=center|8 |align=center| - |align=center|7 |align=center| - |align=center|0 |- |align=center|13 |align=center| - |align=center|2 |align=center| - |align=center|0 |align=center| |align=center|{{flagicon|Mongolia}} |'''Terunofuji''' |align=center|K |align=center| |align=center|{{flagicon|Japan}} |'''Takayasu''' |align=center|8 |align=center| - |align=center|7 |align=center| - |align=center|0 |- |align=center|3 |align=center| - |align=center|12 |align=center| - |align=center|0 |align=center| |align=center|{{flagicon|Mongolia}} |Kiribayama |align=center|M1 |align=center| |align=center|{{flagicon|Japan}} |Wakatakakage |align=center|7 |align=center| - |align=center|8 |align=center| - |align=center|0 |- |align=center|7 |align=center| - |align=center|8 |align=center| - |align=center|0 |align=center| |align=center|{{flagicon|Japan}} |Ōnoshō |align=center|M2 |align=center| |align=center|{{flagicon|Japan}} |'''Daieishō''' |align=center|10 |align=center| - |align=center|5 |align=center| - |align=center|0 |- |align=center|5 |align=center| - |align=center|10 |align=center| - |align=center|0 |align=center| |align=center|{{flagicon|Japan}} |Kagayaki |align=center|M3 |align=center| |align=center|{{flagicon|Japan}} |Okinoumi |align=center|6 |align=center| - |align=center|9 |align=center| - |align=center|0 |- |align=center|11 |align=center| - |align=center|4 |align=center| - |align=center|0 |align=center| |align=center|{{flagicon|Japan}} |'''Hokutofuji''' |align=center|M4 |align=center| |align=center|{{flagicon|Japan}} |Tobizaru |align=center|6 |align=center| - |align=center|9 |align=center| - |align=center|0 |- |align=center|4 |align=center| - |align=center|11 |align=center| - |align=center|0 |align=center| |align=center|{{flagicon|Japan}} |Myōgiryū |align=center|M5 |align=center| |align=center|{{flagicon|Japan}} |'''Kotoshōhō''' |align=center|8 |align=center| - |align=center|7 |align=center| - |align=center|0 |- |align=center|9 |align=center| - |align=center|6 |align=center| - |align=center|0 |align=center| |align=center|{{flagicon|Japan}} |'''Takarafuji''' |align=center|M6 |align=center| |align=center|{{flagicon|Mongolia}} |'''Tamawashi''' |align=center|8 |align=center| - |align=center|7 |align=center| - |align=center|0 |- |align=center|9 |align=center| - |align=center|6 |align=center| - |align=center|0 |align=center| |align=center|{{flagicon|Georgia}} |'''Tochinoshin''' |align=center|M7 |align=center| |align=center|{{flagicon|Japan}} |'''Endō''' |align=center|8 |align=center| - |align=center|7 |align=center| - |align=center|0 |- |align=center|6 |align=center| - |align=center|9 |align=center| - |align=center|0 |align=center| |align=center|{{flagicon|Bulgaria}} |Aoiyama |align=center|M8 |align=center| |align=center|{{flagicon|Japan}} |Terutsuyoshi |align=center|5 |align=center| - |align=center|10 |align=center| - |align=center|0 |- |align=center|8 |align=center| - |align=center|7 |align=center| - |align=center|0 |align=center| |align=center|{{flagicon|Japan}} |'''Tokushōryū''' |align=center|M9 |align=center| |align=center|{{flagicon|Japan}} |Kotoekō |align=center|6 |align=center| - |align=center|9 |align=center| - |align=center|0 |- |align=center|9 |align=center| - |align=center|6 |align=center| - |align=center|0 |align=center| |align=center|{{flagicon|Japan}} |'''Ryūden''' |align=center|M10 |align=center| |align=center|{{flagicon|Japan}} |'''Meisei''' |align=center|9 |align=center| - |align=center|6 |align=center| - |align=center|0 |- |align=center|5 |align=center| - |align=center|10 |align=center| - |align=center|0 |align=center| |align=center|{{flagicon|Japan}} |Sadanoumi |align=center|M11 |align=center| |align=center|{{flagicon|Japan}} |Enhō |align=center|3 |align=center| - |align=center|12 |align=center| - |align=center|0 |- |align=center|6 |align=center| - |align=center|9 |align=center| - |align=center|0 |align=center| |align=center|{{flagicon|Japan}} |Yutakayama |align=center|M12 |align=center| |align=center|{{flagicon|Brazil}} |Kaisei |align=center|6 |align=center| - |align=center|9 |align=center| - |align=center|0 |- |align=center|7 |align=center| - |align=center|8 |align=center| - |align=center|0 |align=center| |align=center|{{flagicon|Mongolia}} |Hōshōryū |align=center|M13 |align=center| |align=center|{{flagicon|Mongolia}} |'''Ichinojō''' |align=center|8 |align=center| - |align=center|7 |align=center| - |align=center|0 |- |align=center|10 |align=center| - |align=center|5 |align=center| - |align=center|0 |align=center| |align=center|{{flagicon|Japan}} |'''Chiyonokuni''' |align=center|M14 |align=center| |align=center|{{flagicon|Japan}} |Kotonowaka |align=center|7 |align=center| - |align=center|8 |align=center| - |align=center|0 |- |align=center|9 |align=center| - |align=center|6 |align=center| - |align=center|0 |align=center| |align=center|{{flagicon|Japan}} |'''Chiyotairyū''' |align=center|M15 |align=center|ø |align=center|{{flagicon|Japan}} |Kotoyūki |align=center|0 |align=center| - |align=center|0 |align=center| - |align=center|15 |- |align=center|8 |align=center| - |align=center|7 |align=center| - |align=center|0 |align=center| |align=center|{{flagicon|Mongolia}} |'''Chiyoshōma''' |align=center|M16 |align=center| |align=center|{{flagicon|Japan}} |'''Akua''' |align=center|9 |align=center| - |align=center|6 |align=center| - |align=center|0 |- |align=center|11 |align=center| - |align=center|4 |align=center| - |align=center|0 |align=center| |align=center|{{flagicon|Japan}} |'''Shimanoumi''' |align=center|M17 |align=center|ø |align=center| | |align=center|0 |align=center| - |align=center|0 |align=center| - |align=center|0 |} {| class="wikitable" |ø - Indicates a pull-out or absent rank |- |'''winning record in bold''' |- |style="background: PaleGreen;"|'''Yusho Winner''' |}
==News== ===January=== [[File:Makoto Tokushoryu, the winner of the first grand tournament of 2020.jpg|thumb|right|Tokushōryū was the surprise winner of the January tournament]] *9: Ishiura is docked 20 percent of one month's salary by the Japan Sumo Association following an incident in training at Miyagino stable when he came to blows with a junior ranked wrestler, Hokahō, after a series of heated bouts, leading to them having to be separated by Hakuhō. Hokahō is warned, while stablemaster Miyagino Oyakata is docked 20 percent of his salary for three months.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.japantimes.co.jp/sports/2020/01/09/sumo/sumo-practice-blowups-nothing-new-sport-ruled-traditions/#.Xhc19uSWymQ|title=Sumo practice blowups nothing new in sport ruled by traditions|last=Gunning|first=John|author-link=John Gunning (journalist)|date=9 January 2020|work=The Japan Times|access-date=9 January 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.sponichi.co.jp/sports/news/2020/01/09/kiji/20200109s00005000247000c.html|title=石浦、1カ月20％の減俸とけん責 宝香鵬はけん責 稽古中けんかの処分決定|date=9 January 2020|work=Sponichi|language=ja|access-date=9 January 2020}}</ref> *25: Emperor Naruhito, Empress Masako and their daughter Princess Aiko (an avid sumo fan since the age of five) watch the final nine matches of Day 14 of the Hatsu basho, the first time they have attended sumo since the Emperor ascended to the throne in May 2019.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20200125/p2g/00m/0na/088000c|title=Emperor Naruhito, Empress Masako watch sumo live for 1st time after enthronement|date=25 January 2020|work=The Mainichi|access-date=28 January 2020}}</ref> *26: The final day sees two ''maegashira,'' Shōdai and Tokushōryū, in contention for the championship. Shōdai defeats Mitakeumi to finish on 13–2, but in the final match Tokushōryū defeats ''ōzeki'' Takakeishō to win the yūshō with a 14–1 record, avoiding the need for a playoff with Shōdai. He only returned to the ''makuuchi'' division this tournament at the very bottom rank of west ''maegashira'' 17, and he is the first to win the championship at the lowest rank since Takatōriki in March 2000.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20200126/p2g/00m/0sp/073000c|title=Sumo: Tokushoryu defies odds to claim maiden title at New Year meet|date=26 January 2020|work=The Mainichi|access-date=28 January 2020}}</ref> He is also the first winner from Nara Prefecture in 98 years. Visibly emotional after the championship-winning bout, Tokushōryū at 33 is the third oldest first-time ''yūshō'' winner since the six tournaments per year era began in 1958, after Kyokutenhō and Tamawashi.<ref name="ajw0127">{{cite web|url=http://www.asahi.com/ajw/articles/AJ202001270055.html|title=SUMO/ Tokushoryu has last laugh in overcoming mentor's death|date=27 January 2020|work=Asahi Shimbun|access-date=28 January 2020}}</ref> He also receives his first ever special prizes, for Fighting Spirit and Outstanding Performance.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20200127/p2g/00m/0sp/063000c|title=Sumo: New champ Tokushoryu reeling in wake of big win, sudden stardom|work=The Mainichi|publisher=27 January 2020|access-date=28 January 2020}}</ref> Shodai also gets a share of the Fighting Spirit Prize, as does ''makuuchi'' debutant Kiribayama who scores 11–4. Hokutofuji is awarded the Technique Prize and also finishes on 11–4. Endō receives a share of the Outstanding Performance Prize for beating both ''yokozuna,'' Hakuhō and Kakuryū, although both end up dropping out of the tournament with injuries. ''Ōzeki'' Gōeidō can only score 5–10 and faces demotion from the rank after 33 straight tournaments at ''ōzeki'', the tenth highest in history. The ''jūryō'' division championship is won by former ''ōzeki'' Terunofuji with a 13–2 record, continuing his comeback from injury. Former ''maegashira'' Arawashi retires. *28: Gōeidō's retirement is announced, leaving sumo with only one ''ōzeki'' for the first time in 38 years. Gōeidō is the first ''ōzeki'' to retire at that rank since Kaiō in 2011. He is staying in sumo as a coach under the elder name of Takekuma.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2020/01/33b3da434545-sumo-ozeki-goeido-retires-to-start-career-as-sumo-elder.html|title=Sumo: Ozeki Goeido retires, to start career as sumo elder|work=Kyodo News|publisher=28 January 2020|access-date=28 January 2020}}</ref> *29: The promotions to ''jūryō'' are announced. There is one newcomer, Midorifuji, a Kindai University graduate from Isegahama stable. The other four are all returning: Wakamotoharu, Chiyonoumi, former ''maegashira'' Akiseyama (his 7th jūryō promotion), and {{interlanguage link multi|Hakuyozan Ryosuke|ja|3=白鷹山亨将|lt=Hakuyozan}}. *30: Furiwake Oyakata, the former Takamisakari, is announced as the new head coach of Azumazeki stable. Its future had been in doubt following the death of the previous Azumazeki Oyakata, ex-Ushiomaru, last December.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nikkansports.com/battle/sumo/news/202001290000491.html|title=振分親方が東関部屋継承へ、30日承認なら新師匠に|date=30 January 2020|work=Nikkan Sports|language=ja|access-date=30 January 2020}}</ref>
===February=== *1: The retirement ceremony ''(danpatsu-shiki)'' of former ''sekiwake'' Takekaze (now Oshiogawa Oyakata) is held at the Ryōgoku Kokugikan.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://mainichi.jp/articles/20200201/k00/00m/050/247000c|title=豪風が引退相撲 長男一本背負いに「うれしい黒星」 秋田出身力士で幕内歴代最多勝|date=1 February 2020|work=The Mainichi|language=ja|access-date=3 February 2020}}</ref> *3: A number of top wrestlers take part in the soy bean-throwing at the Setsubun festival at Narita-san Shinshō-ji Temple in Narita, Chiba.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://japan-forward.com/hidden-wonders-of-japan-at-setsubun-sumo-wrestlers-celebrities-hurl-soybeans-at-adoring-crowd/|title=At Setsubun, Sumo Wrestlers, Celebrities Hurl Soybeans at Adoring Crowd|date=7 February 2020|work=Japan Forward|access-date=14 February 2020}}</ref> *4: The Sumo Association announces that it will hold an exhibition tournament from August 12 to 13, shortly after the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, to show sumo to an international audience.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-olympics-2020-sumo-idUSKBN1ZY134|title=Sumo wrestlers throw considerable weight behind Tokyo 2020 Games|date=4 February 2020|work=Reuters|access-date=4 February 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://apnews.com/c1230cbbb6160371d6c96c4daef61688|title=Sumo wrestling coming -- sort of -- to the Tokyo Olympics|date=4 February 2020|work=Associated Press|access-date=4 February 2020}}</ref> Dubbed the "Grand Sumo Tournament Rooting for the Tokyo 2020 Games", it will be part of the larger Nippon Festival, a nationwide collaboration focused on showing Olympic visitors Japan's culture and arts.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.insidesport.co/sumo-association-eyeing-to-ride-tokyo-2020-games-for-better-attention/|title = Sumo Association eyeing to ride Tokyo 2020 Games for better attention|date = 5 February 2020}}</ref> *4: Chairman Hakkaku and head of public relations Shibatayama tell a meeting of wrestlers and stable masters that the ban on individual wrestlers posting on social media, introduced after an image uploaded by Abi showed another wrestler tied up as a prank, is to be continued indefinitely. "One person’s mistake can cause trouble for everyone. Fans have been driven away by scandals in the past" says Hakkaku.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.japantimes.co.jp/sports/2020/02/05/sumo/ban-social-media-wrong-call-sumos-popularity-transparency/#.Xjrd_OSWymR|title=Ban on social media wrong call for sumo's popularity, transparency|last=Gunning|first=John|date=5 February 2020|access-date=5 February 2020}}</ref> *9: The 44th Fuji TV one day tournament is held at the Kokugikan. Takayasu defeats Myogiryu in the final. *17: ''Sandanme'' Wakaichirō Ken, a wrestler of mixed African-American and Japanese ancestry who grew up in Houston, Texas, retires.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://musashigawa.com/archives/10379|title=【若一郎 引退のお知らせ】|date=17 February 2020|website=武蔵川部屋|accessdate=1 April 2023}}</ref> With his retirement, there are no active rikishi from North America. *23: The Sumo Association says the March tournament in Osaka will go ahead despite the current coronavirus outbreak, although it urges those attending to take suitable anti-viral measures.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20200224/p2a/00m/0na/005000c|title=Sumo descends on Osaka for spring tourney with face masks, anti-viral measures|date=23 February 2020|work=The Mainichi|access-date=24 February 2020}}</ref> *24: The banzuke for March is released, with Tokushōryū rising from ''maegashira'' 17 to ''maegashira'' 2 in the rankings. Shodai returns to sekiwake for the first time since January 2017.<ref name="jt0224">{{cite web|url=https://www.japantimes.co.jp/sports/2020/02/24/sumo/sumo-one-ozeki-first/#.XlVF2-SWymQ|title=Sumo left with only one ozeki for first time in over 38 years|date=24 February 2020|work=Japan Times|access-date=25 February 2020}}</ref> The retirement of Gōeidō creates room for a ''maegashira'' 18, with Kotonowaka Masahiro making his ''makuuchi'' debut at the expense of his injured stablemate Kotoyuki, who drops to ''jūryō''. Kotonowaka is the son of his stablemaster, ex-''sekiwake'' Kotonowaka Terumasa, and it is the ninth time that a father and son have both reached the top division.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nikkansports.com/battle/sumo/news/202002230001107.html|title=琴ノ若が新入幕、史上９組目の親子幕内誕生 新番付|date=24 February 2020|work=Nikkan Sports|language=ja|access-date=24 February 2020}}</ref> Returning to ''makuuchi'' are Nishikigi and Daiamami.<ref name="jt0224"/> *26: Coming under increasing pressure to cancel the March tournament, the Sumo Association says it will make a decision on March 1. The J.League has postponed all matches until March 15, the Tokyo Marathon organizers have restricted entry to elite runners only, and Olympic organisers have cancelled training events.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.japantimes.co.jp/sports/2020/02/26/sumo/calling-off-spring-basho-right-move-jsa#.XlaNjOSWymQ|title=Calling off Spring Basho would be right move for JSA|last=Gunning|first=John|date=26 February 2020|work=Japan Times|access-date=26 February 2020}}</ref> *28: The Sumo Association admits that the tournament is unlikely to be held in a "regular fashion".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2020/02/5248dbcddb58-update2-sumo-spring-meet-unlikely-to-be-held-in-regular-fashion-jsa.html|title=Sumo: Spring meet unlikely to be held in "regular" fashion: JSA|date=28 February 2020|work=Kyodo News|access-date=28 February 2020}}</ref>
===March=== *1: The Sumo Association confirms that the March Basho in Osaka will be held behind closed doors.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20200301_33/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200302024519/https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20200301_33/|url-status=dead|archive-date=March 2, 2020|title=Sumo tourney to be held without spectators |date=1 March 2020|work=NHK World-Japan|access-date=3 March 2020}}</ref> The tournament will be broadcast, but will be cancelled if any wrestler is found to have contracted the coronavirus.<ref name=KyodoMarch1>{{cite web|url=https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2020/03/f460f14ff626-breaking-news-march-sumo-tournament-to-be-held-in-empty-arena-due-to-virus.html|title=Sumo: March tournament to be held behind closed doors due to virus|date=1 March 2020|work=Kyodo News|access-date=3 March 2020}}</ref> This will be the first closed door basho since a June 1945 tournament where only injured World War II veterans were invited to attend.<ref name=KyodoMarch1/> *8: With the tournament underway several wrestlers remark on how odd it is to fight in a virtually empty arena, with Enhō commenting, "It’s like I can’t raise my fighting spirit...It made me wonder what I’m fighting for."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.asahi.com/ajw/articles/13199642|title=SUMO/ Wrestlers fight to lift competitive spirit at tourney without fans|date=9 March 2020|work=Asahi Shimbun|access-date=12 March 2020}}</ref> *15: Chiyomaru withdraws from the tournament with a fever. After two straight days with a temperature of above 37.5 °C he undergoes a test for the coronavirus, which comes back negative on March 17.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20200317/p2g/00m/0sp/107000c|title=Sumo: Hakuho suffers upset, falls into 2-way tie for lead on Day 10|date=17 March 2020|work=The Mainichi|access-date=17 March 2020|archive-date=6 April 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200406151936/https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20200317/p2g/00m/0sp/107000c|url-status=dead}}</ref> He re-entered the tournament on March 18. *22: The tournament ends with both Yokozuna on identical scores deciding the championship in the last bout, the first time this has happened since 2013. Hakuho wins the match to take his 44th yūshō with a 13–2 record.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.asahi.com/ajw/articles/13235566|title=SUMO/ Hakuho's 44th title caps 1st 'empty' tourney after war|date=22 March 2020|work=Asahi Shimbun|access-date=24 March 2020}}</ref> Kakuryū is runner up on 12–3 alongside maegashira Takanoshō, who wins the Fighting Spirit prize. Aoiyama who had been sole leader only to lose his last three matches and finish on 11–4, gets the Technique Award. Ōnoshō wins the Outstanding Performance prize for his victory over Hakuhō on Day 10. Asanoyama finishes on 11–4, his fourth straight double-digit score, and the judging committee recommend his promotion to ōzeki (although with 32 wins over three tournaments he is one win short of the traditional standard).<ref>{{cite web|url=https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20200323/p2g/00m/0sp/087000c|title=Sumo: Asanoyama achieves goal of promotion to ozeki|date=23 March 2020|work=The Mainichi|access-date=24 March 2020}}</ref> *25: Asanoyama's promotion to ''ōzeki'' is officially announced.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20200325/p2g/00m/0sp/045000c|title=Sumo: Asanoyama promoted to ozeki, ready to live up to new rank|date=25 March 2020|work=The Mainichi|access-date=25 March 2020|archive-date=25 March 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200325192451/https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20200325/p2g/00m/0sp/045000c|url-status=dead}}</ref> It is also announced that three wrestlers are returning to the ''jūryō'' division – former ''maegashira'' Fujiazuma and {{Interlanguage link multi|Chiyonoō Miyohito|ja|3=千代皇王代仁|lt=Chiyonoō}}, plus Asanoyama's stablemate Asabenkei. There are no wrestlers making their ''jūryō'' debut this time. *26: Former ''maegashira'' Sōkokurai retires to take over Arashio stable.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nikkansports.com/battle/sumo/news/202003260000413.html|title=蒼国来が引退し荒汐部屋を継承 日本相撲協会が発表|date=26 March 2020|work=Nikkan Sports|language=ja|access-date=27 March 2020}}</ref>
===April=== *3: The May 2020 and July 2020 tournaments are both postponed two weeks due to the coronavirus outbreak; the July tournament was previously moved forward a week to avoid conflict with the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo, which have since been postponed to a year.<ref name=kyodopostpone>{{cite web|url=https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2020/04/e6a03e47c65f-breaking-news-grand-sumo-tournament-in-may-to-be-postponed-2-weeks-due-to-virus.html |title=May Sumo tournament to be postponed 2 weeks due to virus |date=2020-04-03|access-date=2020-07-13 |website=kyodonews.net}}</ref> *10: The Sumo Association confirmed the sport's first coronavirus case. ''Sandanme'' 11 wrestler Shobushi of Takadagawa stable, whose identity was not disclosed at the time, tested positive after developing a fever some six days earlier.<ref name=kyodo100420A>{{cite web |url=https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2020/04/d25d0f1d5acb-breaking-news-1st-sumo-wrestler-tests-positive-for-coronavirus.html|title=1st sumo wrestler tests positive for coronavirus |author=<!--Not stated--> |date=10 April 2020|website=english.kyodonews.net|publisher=Kyodo|access-date=10 April 2020}}</ref><ref name=kyodo130520A>{{cite web |url=https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2020/05/2710c4489399-breaking-news-sumo-wrestler-dies-after-being-infected-with-new-coronavirus.html|title=28-year-old sumo wrestler dies after coronavirus infection |author=<!--Not stated--> |date=13 May 2020|website=english.kyodonews.net|publisher=Kyodo|access-date=13 May 2020}}</ref> All sumo wrestlers and officials were ordered to stay indoors until further notice. The Sumo Association's communications director, Shibatayama, told reporters that the situation around the world had become more serious and that the JSA needed to decide the direction they would be going in with regard to the already-postponed May ''basho''.<ref name=kyodo100420A/> *17: Former sekiwake Toyonoshima retires.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.sankei.com/sports/news/200417/spo2004170020-n1.html|title=元関脇豊ノ島が引退 年寄「井筒」襲名|date=17 April 2020|work=Sankei|language=ja|access-date=17 April 2020}}</ref> *25: The Sumo Association announced that stablemaster Takadagawa and five wrestlers tested positive for the coronavirus. One of the affected wrestlers was Hakuyozan, a ''jūryō'' wrestler in Takadagawa stable, while the other four were lower-division wrestlers whose identities and stables were not disclosed. Shibatayama from the Sumo Association said that the ''banzuke'' for the May tournament would be published on 27 April as scheduled, but noted that the tournament could still be closed to the public or cancelled depending on the situation.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2020/04/ea1d376f32fa-update1-sumo-stablemaster-5-wrestlers-contract-new-coronavirus.html|title=Sumo stablemaster, 5 wrestlers contract new coronavirus |author=<!--Not stated--> |date=25 April 2020|website=english.kyodonews.net|publisher=Kyodo|access-date=25 April 2020}}</ref> *27: The ''banzuke'' for the Natsu ''basho'' is released. Asanoyama makes his debut at ''ōzeki'', and Kotoshōhō makes his top division debut. Okinoumi returns to the ''sanyaku'' ranks for the first time since November 2016, and Terunofuji returns to ''makuuchi'' after a 14 tournament absence during which he fell to ''jonidan.''<ref>{{cite web|url=https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20200427/p2g/00m/0sp/044000c|title=Sumo: Asanoyama steps up in summer rankings|date=27 April 2020|work=The Mainichi|access-date=27 April 2020}}</ref>
===May=== [[File:Shobushi-Takamisato 170417b.jpg|thumb|right|px|Shobushi, seen here performing comic sumo in April 2017, became the first wrestler to die of COVID-19.]] *1: The Sumo Association said it would review the schedule for the May ''basho'' if Prime Minister Shinzo Abe follows through with plans to extend Japan's state of emergency due to the coronavirus pandemic.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20200502_07/|title=May sumo tournament to be reviewed|date=1 May 2020|publisher=NHK World-Japan|access-date=1 May 2020}}{{dead link|date=February 2026|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref> *4: Following the extension of Japan's national state of emergency until 31 May, the Sumo Association officially cancels the May Grand Sumo Tournament. It is the second cancellation of a ''basho'' since 1946, and the first since March 2011 amidst a match-fixing scandal. The Sumo Association also announced it was making plans to move the 2020 July ''basho'' from Nagoya to Tokyo, with the meet likely to be conducted behind closed doors.<ref name=kyodo04May2020>{{cite web |url=https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2020/05/496ae3514a37-urgent-sumo-grand-tournament-in-may-canceled-due-to-virus.html|title=Sumo grand tournament in May canceled due to virus|date=4 May 2020|website=english.kyodonews.net|publisher=Kyodo|access-date=4 May 2020}}</ref> *13: The Sumo Association announced the death of ''sandanme'' wrestler Shobushi (Takadagawa stable) from multiple organ failure after contracting the coronavirus one month earlier. The 28-year-old was the first sumo wrestler to die from the virus, and is also thought to be the first person in their 20s to die from the virus in Japan.<ref name=kyodo130520A/> He suffered from diabetes and in 2016 had to withdraw from a bout because of hypoglycemia.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nikkansports.com/battle/sumo/news/202005130000668.html|title=巡業人気者の勝武士さん、土俵下で糖尿発症不戦敗も|work=Nikkan Sports|language=ja|access-date=14 May 2020}}</ref> JSA chairman Hakkaku says, "We cannot find any words to say when we think about the broken hearts of his family. I can only imagine how hard it must have been, battling illness for over a month, but like a wrestler he endured it bravely and fought the disease until the end. I just want him to rest peacefully now."<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2020/05/13/japanese-sumo-wrestler-shobushi-dies-covid-19-complications/|title=Japanese sumo wrestler Shobushi dies of covid-19 complications|last=Boren|first=Cindy|date=13 May 2020|newspaper=Washington Post|access-date=14 May 2020}}</ref> *18: COVID-19 antibody testing is made available to all Sumo Association members, including wrestlers and stablemasters.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2020/05/ad252ad573f1-sumo-jsa-begins-coronavirus-testing-for-wrestlers-stablemasters.html |title=Sumo: JSA begins coronavirus testing for wrestlers, stablemasters|date=18 May 2020|publisher=Kyodo|access-date=19 May 2020}}</ref>
===June=== *22: Sumo Association spokesman Oguruma confirms that although the Japanese government will allow events with up to 5000 spectators from July 10, the aim is to hold the next tournament in an empty arena.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nikkansports.com/battle/sumo/news/202006220000413.html|title=尾車親方、プロ野球の観客入れる方針「参考になる」|work=Nikkan Sports|language=ja|access-date=7 July 2020}}</ref> The ban on wrestlers visiting other stables for training (''degeiko'') may be lifted two weeks before the start of the tournament if it is medically safe to do so.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.daily.co.jp/general/2020/06/22/0013445634.shtml|title=大相撲、出稽古解禁は初日の２週間前 尾車親方「個人的なところではそう思う」|date=22 June 2020|work=daily.co.jp|language=ja|access-date=7 July 2020}}</ref>
===July=== *6: The Sumo Association announce the results of their antibody testing. Of the 891 personnel tested, five came up positive for antibodies. Four were cleared after PCR testing, while one was believed to have been infected in May and already cured. The Association does not confirm whether any were wrestlers or if they were other members.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.japantimes.co.jp/sports/2020/07/07/sumo/jsa-says-membership-free-coronavirus-tests/|title=JSA says membership free of coronavirus after tests|date=6 July 2020|work=Japan Times|access-date=7 July 2020}}</ref> *10: The Sumo Association confirm that the July tournament will go ahead, with a decision on whether to admit spectators to be made at a later board meeting.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20200710/p2g/00m/0sp/138000c|title=Sumo: JSA plans to hold July tournament|date=10 July 2020|work=The Mainichi|access-date=10 July 2020|archive-date=10 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200710145300/https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20200710/p2g/00m/0sp/138000c|url-status=dead}}</ref> *13: Nakagawa stable is closed down after three wrestlers complain of physical and verbal abuse by its head coach, the former Asahisato. Nakagawa Oyakata is demoted two rungs in the Sumo Association's hierarchy and transferred to Tokitsukaze stable.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.asahi.com/articles/ASN7F5TGSN7FUTQP00Y.html|title=中川親方を降格、部屋閉鎖に 相撲協会、暴力や暴言認定|work=Asahi Shimbun|date=13 July 2020 |language=ja|access-date=13 July 2020}}</ref> Nakagawa stable's wrestlers and personnel are divided up amongst seven different stables. *13: Former ''maegashira'' Seirō retires after a 15-year career due to health problems. *13: The Sumo Association announces its decision to open the July ''basho'' in Tokyo to a maximum of 2,500 spectators per day, which is less than one-fourth the total capacity of the Kokugikan.<ref name=kyodo13july20/> It is also announced that the November tournament will be switched from Fukuoka to Tokyo, and that all remaining ''jungyo'' tours this year are cancelled.<ref name=tokyosports13july20/> *15: Former ''sekiwake'' Tochiōzan retires. He is staying in sumo as a coach under the name Kiyomigata Oyakata. *19: The July tournament opens with the limited number of spectators required to wear masks, have their temperature taken, and sit apart with only one person in the four-seat ''masu'' boxes. Fans have been instructed to applaud and not cheer, and not approach any wrestlers for autographs.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-health-coronavirus-japan-sumo-idUSKCN24K0FD|title=Face-masked fans attend first day of sumo in five months|date=21 July 2020|work=Reuters|access-date=21 July 2020}}</ref> *26: Abi is removed partway through the July tournament by his stablemaster Shikoroyama for violations against the JSA's coronavirus containment guidelines. He had been spotted dining out with friends. JSA chairman Hakkaku described Abi's actions as "unpardonable".<ref>{{cite web|publisher=The Japan Times|url=https://www.japantimes.co.jp/sports/2020/07/26/sumo/abi-criticized-sumo-officials-violating-coronavirus-guidelines/|title=Abi criticized by sumo officials after violating coronavirus guidelines|date=July 26, 2020}}</ref> *28: Tagonoura Oyakata, the former Takanotsuru, is warned by the Sumo Association after a photo emerges showing him apparently drunk and passed out at a restaurant. He tests negative for COVID-19.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www3.nhk.or.jp/news/html/20200728/k10012536631000.html|title=大相撲 田子ノ浦親方 外出し飲食店で飲酒か 協会が厳重注意 (|date=28 July 2020|work=NHK|access-date=7 August 2020}}</ref>
===August=== *2: On the final day of the tournament, Terunofuji defeats Mitakeumi (11-4) to win his second top division championship with a 13–2 record, five years after his first. It is a remarkable comeback as Terunofuji had only just returned to ''makuuchi'' following a fall to ''jonidan'' through injury to both his knees and illnesses such as hepatitis and diabetes.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.asahi.com/ajw/articles/13601150|title=Terunofuji returns to glory with second championship|date=2 August 2020|work=Asahi Shimbun|access-date=3 August 2020}}</ref> His victory on Day 15 avoided the need for a playoff with the winner of the day's final match, new ''ōzeki'' Asanoyama, who defeats ''sekiwake'' Shodai (11-4). Asanoyama finishes sole runner-up on 12–3. Terunofuji is also awarded his first Technique Prize, and shares the Outstanding Performance Award with Mitakeumi and ''komusubi'' Daieisho (11-4). Shodai receives the Fighting Spirit Award. In the ''jūryō'' division there is an unusual six-way playoff for the championship, with Meisei eventually emerging victorious after defeating two of his Tatsunami stablemates, Hōshōryū and Akua. Veteran {{Interlanguage link multi|Kizenryū Takashi|ja|3=希善龍貴司|lt=Kizenryū}}, who was promoted to ''jūryō'' a record nine times but never managed a winning record there, announces his retirement. *4: Nine unidentified ''rikishi'' flee from Shikihide stable claiming abuse from the wife of the stablemaster, the former Kitazakura, after she took over training due to her husband falling ill.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nikkansports.com/battle/sumo/news/202008040001183.html|title=おかみさんがモラハラ？式秀部屋の力士９人集団脱走|publisher=Nikkan Sports|date=August 5, 2020}}</ref> *4: The Sumo Association announce that the Nagoya tournament in the year 2021 will start a week earlier than normal to avoid clashing with the rescheduling of the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo on July 23, 2021. The sumo will now conclude on July 18.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sumo.or.jp/EnTicket/year_schedule/|title=Grand Tournament Schedule|publisher=Grand Sumo Home Page|access-date=8 August 2020}}</ref> *5: Reports emerge that Abi has submitted his resignation to the Sumo Association over his violation of the coronavirus rules.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.japantimes.co.jp/sports/2020/08/05/sumo/abi-asks-to-retire-sumo/|title=Abi asks to retire from sumo after violating coronavirus rules|date=5 August 2020|work=Japan Times|access-date=5 August 2020}}</ref> *5: Promotions to the ''jūryō'' division are announced. There are two newcomers, {{interlanguage link multi|Ōki Kazuki|ja|3=王輝嘉助|lt=Ōki}} of the Shikoroyama stable and Nishikifuji of the Isegahama stable. Returning are former ''maegashira'' Kitaharima (his eighth ''jūryō'' promotion) and Chiyonokuni. *6: The Japan Sumo Association rejects the resignation of Abi, and instead bans him for three tournaments and reduces his pay by 50% for five months for violating coronavirus rules.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2020/08/5981ed26ef34-sumo-jsa-rejects-abis-resignation-hands-wrestler-3-tourney-ban.html|title=Sumo: JSA rejects Abi's resignation, hands wrestler 3-tourney ban|date=6 August 2020|publisher=Kyodo|access-date=6 August 2020}}</ref> His stablemaster Shikoroyama is also given a salary cut of 20% for six months. The wrestler who accompanied Abi, ex-''jūryō'' {{Interlanguage link multi|Gokushindo|ja|3=極芯道貴裕}} of the Nishikido stable, is suspended for two tournaments and his stablemaster warned.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://hochi.news/articles/20200806-OHT1T50137.html|title=阿炎とキャバクラなどに同行の幕下・極芯道 ２場所出場停止|date=6 August 2020|work=Hochi|language=ja|access-date=6 August 2020}}</ref> *7: The Sumo Association lifts the ban on wrestlers going out on their own, but issues 16 "strict compliance rules," including "Do not go to clubs where hosts and hostesses entertain customers" and "Do not drink too much."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.asahi.com/ajw/articles/13615888|title=JSA lifts curfew but wrestlers must follow 16 commandments|last=Takezono|first=Takahiro|work=Asahi Shimbun|date=7 August 2020|access-date=7 August 2020}}</ref> *14: It is announced that an unidentified ''makushita'' wrestler tested positive for the virus, but with a low viral load, bringing sumo's total known wrestler infections to 13.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nikkansports.com/battle/sumo/news/202008140000542.html|script-title=ja:幕下以下の力士がコロナ感染 濃厚接触者も検査実施 |website=Nikkan Sports |date=August 14, 2020}}</ref> Additionally, former ''maegashira'' Tamarikidō, who now coaches at Nishonoseki stable under the name Matsugane, was also announced to have tested positive but was not working at the July tournament.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nikkansports.com/battle/sumo/news/202008140000630.html|script-title=ja:７日コロナ感染の松ケ根親方は13日退院、今後説明 |website=Nikkan Sports |date=August 14, 2020}}</ref> *27 August: Former ''juryo'' 3 {{Interlanguage link multi|Kizakiumi Shinnosuke|ja|3=木崎海伸之助|lt=Kizakiumi}} retires at age 25 due to a persistent neck injury.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nikkansports.com/m/battle/sumo/news/202008270000413_m.html?mode=all|title=木崎海は首の痛みで引退決断、コロナ禍で断髪式未定|date=27 August 2020|work=Nikkan Sports|language=ja|access-date=27 August 2020}}</ref> *31: The ''banzuke'' for the September tournament is released. After his yusho in July Terunofuji rises to ''maegashira'' 1. Daieishō makes his debut at ''sekiwake.'' There are three ''sekiwake'' listed, none of whom had previously been an ''ōzeki'', the first time this has happened since September 2011.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sumo.or.jp/EnHonbashoTopics/banzuke_topics/|title=2020 September Grand Sumo Tournament Banzuke Topics|work=Japan Sumo Association|access-date=3 September 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200929145028/http://sumo.or.jp/EnHonbashoTopics/banzuke_topics/|archive-date=29 September 2020}}</ref> There are two newcomers to the top division, Hōshōryū who is former ''yokozuna'' Asashōryū's nephew, and Tobizaru, who is former ''maegashira'' Hidenoumi's brother. They become the eleventh pair of brothers to reach ''makuuchi''.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.japantimes.co.jp/sports/2020/08/31/sumo/terunofuji-climbs-16-rankings/#.X0z5PqaWyUk|title=July champion Terunofuji climbs 16 spots in rankings|work=Japan Times|date=31 August 2020|publisher=31 August 2020|access-date=31 August 2020}}</ref>
===September=== [[File:Shodai 2015.jpg|thumb|upright|Shōdai won the championship and promotion to ''ōzeki'' in September]] *10: The whole of the Tamanoi stable are withdrawn from the forthcoming tournament due to a coronavirus outbreak. There are 19 confirmed cases, with 12 hospitalized with minor symptoms, and seven without symptoms are isolating at the stable. The Sumo Association says the tournament will still go ahead.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://sports.yahoo.com/coronavirus-outbreak-hits-19-sumo-053748778.html|title=Coronavirus outbreak hits 19 at sumo stable in Japan|date=10 September 2020|work=Yahoo! Sports/AFP|access-date=10 September 2020}}</ref> Fujiazuma, one of two current ''sekitori'' at the stable (the other being Azumaryu) is among those who test positive.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.asahi.com/ajw/articles/13714712|title=SUMO/ Cluster infection knocks Tamanoi stable out of fall tournament|date=10 September 2020|work=Asahi Shimbun|access-date=10 September 2020}}</ref> *11: Both ''yokozuna'', Hakuhō and Kakuryū, withdraw from the September tournament prior to Day 1. Both suffered injuries in the July tournament that forced their withdrawals mid-tournament and Hakuhō underwent endoscopic surgery on his right knee in August. Kakuryu's stablemaster, former ''ozeki'' Kirishima, indicated that Kakuryu would consider retirement if he could not return to healthy competition in November.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2020/09/9d636fdb34dd-sumo-grand-champions-hakuho-kakuryu-out-of-sept-tourney.html|title=Grand champions Hakuho, Kakuryu out of Sept. tourney|date=September 11, 2020|publisher=Kyodo News}}</ref> It is the first time since 1983 that a tournament with two ''yokozuna'' on the ''banzuke'' has seen both absent from Day 1.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2020/09/011c43672dfe-sumo-ozeki-takakeisho-wins-asanoyama-defeated-on-autumn-meet-1st-day.html|title=Sumo: Ozeki Takakeisho wins, Asanoyama defeated on Autumn meet 1st day|date=13 September 2020|work=Kyodo News|access-date=14 September 2020}}</ref> *27: ''Sekiwake'' Shōdai clinches his first ''yūshō'', winning the September 2020 ''basho'' with a record of 13–2. Shōdai, who also took home the Outstanding Performance Prize and the Fighting Spirit Prize, defeated Tobizaru on the final day. Tobizaru was also awarded the Fighting Spirit Prize, finishing his first tournament in ''makunouchi'' with a record of 11–4. The runner-up was Takakeishō, who defeated fellow ''ōzeki'' Asanoyama in the last match of the ''basho'' to finish with a 12–3 record.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.japantimes.co.jp/sports/2020/09/27/sumo/basho-reports/shodai-first-title-autumn-basho/|title=Shodai clinches first-ever title at Autumn Basho|date=27 September 2020|work=Japan Times|access-date=28 September 2020|archive-date=1 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201001165245/https://www.japantimes.co.jp/sports/2020/09/27/sumo/basho-reports/shodai-first-title-autumn-basho/|url-status=dead}}</ref> The Sumo Association later announced that an extraordinary meeting would take place on 30 September, where Shōdai is expected to be promoted to the second-highest rank of ''ōzeki''.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www3.nhk.or.jp/news/html/20200927/k10012637331000.html|title=大相撲 正代の大関昇進が確実に |date=27 September 2020|publisher=NHK|access-date=28 September 2020|language=ja}}{{dead link|date=February 2026|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref> The ''jūryō'' division championship is won by Chiyonokuni with a 14–1 record, his second straight ''yūshō'' after winning the ''makushita'' championship in the previous tournament. By contrast, new ''sekitori'' Oki, who has an arm injury, becomes the first wrestler since 15 day tournaments began in 1949 to lose every one of his bouts in his ''jūryō'' debut.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://hochi.news/articles/20200927-OHT1T50141.html|title=王輝 新十両場所で１５連敗 １５日制以降では初めて|date=27 September 2020|work=Hochi|language=ja|access-date=28 September 2020}}</ref> *30: Shōdai's promotion to the ''ōzeki'' rank is unanimously approved by the Sumo Association. In his acceptance speech, Shōdai said that he would devote himself to the way of sumo "with the spirit of utmost sincerity so as not to disgrace the name of ''ōzeki''." He later told reporters that he was "relieved" and that he was "in a position where you are expected not to lose."<ref>{{cite web |url=https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2020/09/0463d262e625-sumo-shodai-earns-promotion-to-ozeki-after-winning-1st-title.html|title=Sumo: Autumn basho winner Shodai earns promotion to ozeki |date=30 September 2020|publisher=Kyodo|access-date=30 September 2020}}</ref> *30: It is announced that all 28 Tamanoi stable wrestlers who were forced to quarantine and miss the September tournament will not suffer any fall in rank for the next tournament.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.jiji.com/jc/article?k=2020093000929&g=spo|title=全休力士、番付据え置き コロナ感染の玉ノ井部屋—大相撲|date=30 September 2020|work=jiji.com|language=ja|access-date=30 September 2020}}</ref> *30: The promotions to ''jūryō'' are announced. There are no debutants, but four are returning: Takagenji, Jōkōryū, Chiyonoumi, and Ura. Ura was last ranked in ''jūryō'' in January 2018, falling all the way to ''jonidan'' 106 on the ''banzuke'' through injury before making a successful comeback beginning last November.
===October=== *18: The Sumo Association announced that it would raise the daily spectator limit to 5,000 people - or about half the capacity of the Kokugikan - for the upcoming November ''basho'' in Tokyo. A limit of 2,500 daily spectators had been put into place since the July tournament due to the coronavirus pandemic.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2020/10/2093105d34d3-sumo-spectator-cap-to-be-raised-to-5000-for-november-meet.html|title=Sumo: Spectator cap to be raised to 5,000 for November meet|date=18 October 2020|publisher=Kyodo|access-date=19 October 2020}}</ref> *26: The ''banzuke'' for the November tournament is released. One wrestler, Akua, is making his top division debut and among those making their return to the top division, after more than a year away, are Chiyoshōma and Chiyonokuni.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.nikkansports.com/battle/sumo/news/202010250001317.html|title=正代加わり３大関は昨年11月九州場所以来／新番付 |publisher=Nikkan Sports|access-date=26 October 2020}}</ref> Two former ''ōzeki'', Terunofuji and Takayasu, return to the ''sanyaku'' ranks at ''komusubi.'' Takanoshō makes his ''sanyaku'' debut, at ''sekiwake.'' Shōdai makes his ''ōzeki'' debut. He is the seventh oldest since 1958 to make the ''ōzeki'' rank at 28 years and ten months, and the first from Kumamoto Prefecture since Tochihikari in July 1962.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://sumo.or.jp/EnHonbashoTopics/banzuke_topics/|title=2020 November Grand Sumo Tournament Banzuke Topics|work=Japan Sumo Association|access-date=27 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201027201003/http://sumo.or.jp/EnHonbashoTopics/banzuke_topics/|archive-date=27 October 2020}}</ref>
===November=== *5: ''Yokozuna'' Kakuryū announces his withdrawal from the final tournament of 2020, citing a lower back injury; this is Kakuryū's third withdrawal in a row.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2020/11/1edd6c547185-sumo-back-injury-forces-yokozuna-kakuryu-out-of-years-final-basho.html|publisher=Kyodo News|title=Back injury forces yokozuna Kakuryu out of year's final basho|date=5 November 2020}}</ref> *6: ''Yokozuna'' Hakuho also withdraws from the November 2020 tournament due to complications from his knee surgery that kept him out of the previous tournament; this is the first time Hakuho has ever missed back-to-back tournaments.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2020/11/932afea43528-sumo-yokozuna-hakuho-withdraws-from-november-basho.html|publisher=Kyodo News|title=Yokozuna Hakuho withdraws from Nov. basho with knee injury|date=6 November 2020}}</ref> *12: New ''ōzeki'' Shodai withdraws from the tournament with an ankle injury, following fellow ''ōzeki'' Asanoyama two days previously. This leaves Takakeishō as the only ''ōzeki'' or ''yokozuna'' still in the tournament.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.japantimes.co.jp/sports/2020/11/12/sumo/basho-reports/shodai-basho-injury/|title=New ozeki Shodai pulls out of November Basho with ankle injury|date=12 November 2020|work=Japan Sumo Association|access-date=12 November 2020}}</ref> *14: Former ''ōzeki'' Kotoshogiku retires from sumo mid-tournament after a 1–5 start.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.japantimes.co.jp/sports/2020/11/14/sumo/ozeki-kotoshogiku-retire/|title=Former ozeki Kotoshogiku to retire from sumo|date=November 14, 2020|publisher=Kyodo Sports/Japan Times}}</ref> *17: Former ''komusubi'' Gagamaru retires from sumo after being absent from 5 consecutive tournaments.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20201117/p2g/00m/0sp/131000c|title=Sumo: Georgian wrestler Gagamaru to retire|date=17 November 2020|work=The Mainichi|access-date=17 November 2020|archive-date=17 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201117135052/https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20201117/p2g/00m/0sp/131000c|url-status=dead}}</ref> *22: ''Ozeki'' Takakeisho wins the November tournament with a 13–2 record, his second career top division ''yusho'', after losing to challenger ''komusubi'' Terunofuji in the final regular match but besting him in the subsequent playoff bout; the championship puts Takakeisho within reach of promotion to ''yokozuna''.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www3.nhk.or.jp/news/html/20201123/k10012726581000.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201122190538/https://www3.nhk.or.jp/news/html/20201123/k10012726581000.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=November 22, 2020|title=大相撲 優勝の貴景勝 唯一の看板力士の重責の中で「集中」貫く|publisher=NHK}}</ref> Takakeishō's victory ensures that for the first time since 1991, every top division tournament of the year has had a different winner.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.japantimes.co.jp/sports/2020/11/25/sumo/takakeisho-terunofuji-sumo-2021/|title=Takakeisho's rise, Terunofuji's rebound? Thrills await fans in 2021|last=Gunning|first=John|date=25 November 2020|work=Japan Times|access-date=25 November 2020}}</ref> Terunofuji is awarded the Technique sanshō, Chiyonokuni (10–5) and Shimanoumi (11–4) are both awarded a Fighting Spirit sanshō, and the Outstanding Performance sanshō goes unawarded. Midorifuji claims the ''yusho'' in the second division, also in a playoff bout, defeating Kyokushūhō having lost to him in their regulation match. Both wrestlers had 10–5 records. The ''makushita'' division championship is won by {{Interlanguage link multi|Ryūkō Kawakami|ja|3=竜虎川上|lt=Ryūkō}} with a perfect 7–0 score, ensuring his return to ''jūryō''. In addition to Kotoshōgiku and Gagamaru, former ''jūryō'' {{Interlanguage link multi|Hitenryū Takanobu|ja|3=飛天龍貴信|lt=Hitenryū}} retires. *24: The Sumo Association's Yokozuna Deliberation Council issues warnings to ''yokozuna'' Hakuhō and Kakuryū over their lack of participation in recent sumo tournaments.<ref name=KYODO241120>{{cite web|url=https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20201124/p2g/00m/0sp/026000c|title=Sumo: Advisory board issues warning to rehabbing yokozuna duo|date=24 November 2020|website=mainichi.jp|publisher=Kyodo|access-date=24 November 2020|archive-date=25 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201125045949/https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20201124/p2g/00m/0sp/026000c|url-status=dead}}</ref> This is the middle of three notices that the council can issue to ''yokozuna'' whose performance is contrary to what is expected of the rank (between a notice of encouragement and a recommendation for retirement).<ref>{{cite news |url=https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20181126/p2a/00m/0sp/018000c|title=Sumo yokozuna council issues rare 'encouragement' notice to struggling Kisenosato|date=26 November 2018|newspaper=Mainichi Daily News|publisher=Mainichi|access-date=24 November 2020|quote=In the event that a yokozuna's subpar performance continues for a period of time, the Yokozuna Deliberation Council, with over two-thirds agreement, issues one of three notices -- a request for the yokozuna to retire, a warning and one of encouragement, in order of severity.}}</ref> It is the first time in history that warning notices have been issued.<ref name=KYODO241120/> *25: The promotions to ''jūryō'' for January 2021 are announced. There are two newcomers, Ōhō, formerly known as Naya who is the son of former ''sekiwake'' Takatōriki and the grandson of former ''yokozuna'' Taihō, and Tōhakuryū, formerly Shiraishi. Returning to ''jūryō'' are Ryūkō and Yago. *27: As he is approaching the mandatory retirement age of 65, the head coach of Takasago stable (former ''ōzeki'' Asashio) passes control of the stable over to the former ''sekiwake'' Asasekiryū, swapping elder names with him and becoming Nishikijima Oyakata. He will stay in the Sumo Association for a further five years as a consultant.
===December=== *10: ''Yokozuna'' Kakuryu acquires Japanese citizenship, allowing him to eventually become coach and sumo elder upon retirement.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20201210_12/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201212095332/https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20201210_12/|url-status=dead|archive-date=December 12, 2020|title=NHK: Yokozuna Kakuryu acquires Japanese citizenship|accessdate=1 April 2023}}</ref> *12: A coronavirus outbreak occurs at the Tatsunami stable, infecting ''maegashira'' Akua and 9 others.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nikkansports.com/battle/sumo/news/202012110001257.html|title=天空海ら感染立浪部屋に重症者なし 稽古場など消毒|date=December 12, 2020|publisher=Nikkan Sports}}</ref> *24: The Sumo Association releases the ''banzuke'' for the January 2021 tournament. Midorifuji, the November winner in ''jūryō'', is promoted to the top division for the first time at ''maegashira'' 14. Also promoted to ''maegashira'' is Akiseyama, who returns to ''makuuchi'' for the first time in almost five years. Terunofuji, the top division runner-up in November, is elevated to ''sekiwake'', while Mitakeumi drops from ''sekiwake'' to ''komusubi''.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2020/12/79932d5932ab-sumo-takakeisho-poised-for-1st-shot-at-yokozuna-promotion.html|title=Sumo: Takakeisho poised for 1st shot at yokozuna promotion|date=24 December 2020|publisher=Kyodo|access-date=24 December 2020}}</ref> *31: The Sumo Association announces that top division wrestler Wakatakakage has tested positive for COVID-19, and that everyone in his family and Arashio stable will be tested for the virus. It is uncertain whether Wakatakakage will be cleared in time to compete in the January 2021 ''basho'', which starts on 10 January.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2020/12/459b1211f598-sumo-top-flight-wrestler-wakatakakage-infected-with-coronavirus.html|title=Sumo: Top-flight wrestler Wakatakakage infected with coronavirus|date=31 December 2020|publisher=Kyodo|access-date=31 December 2020}}</ref>
==Deaths== *12 Jan: Former ''makushita'' 13 Midorimine, better known as professional wrestler Kazuo Sakurada, aged 71, from arrhythmia.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://uproxx.com/prowrestling/kendo-nagasaki-dead-nwa-wcw-wrestler/|title=Kendo Nagasaki, Former NWA And WCW Star, Has Died|last=Stroud|first=Brandon|date=12 January 2020|work=uproxx.com|access-date=16 January 2020}}</ref> *28 Feb: Former ''makushita'' 15 Daishōchi, aged 35, from an unspecified illness.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.sumobyamba.com/ |title=Home |website=sumobyamba.com}}</ref> *28 March: Former ''jūryō'' 2 {{Interlanguage link multi|Kakureizan|ja|3=鶴嶺山宝一}}, elder brother of Terao and Sakahoko, aged 60, from heart failure.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://grandsumointl.com/2020/05/16/another-izutsu-brother-passes/|title=Another "Izutsu Brother" Passes|date=16 May 2020|work=Grand Sumo International/Nikkan Sports|access-date=10 August 2020}}</ref> His death was not disclosed until 16 May. *13 May: ''Sandanme'' 11 Shobushi, aged 28, from multiple organ failure caused by COVID-19.<ref name=kyodo130520A/> *9 August: Former ''maegashira'' 1 Zaōnishiki, aged 67, from multiple myeloma.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.nikkansports.com/battle/sumo/news/202008090001030.html|title=元幕内の蔵玉錦さん死去、67歳 昨年９月に退職 - 大相撲 : 日刊スポーツ|website=nikkansports.com|accessdate=1 April 2023}}</ref> *26 August: Former ''makushita'' 3 Maeta, aged 38, heart attack.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nikkansports.com/m/battle/sumo/news/202008270000774_m.html?mode=all|title=元幕下前田勝さん心筋梗塞で死去 子どもたち指導中|date=27 August 2020|work=Nikkan Sports|language=ja|access-date=27 August 2020}}</ref> *19 September: Former ''komusubi'' Yutakayama, former Minato Oyakata, aged 72, from pancreatic cancer.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nikkansports.com/battle/sumo/news/202009240001138.html|title=元小結豊山の先代湊親方が死去72歳、膵臓がん|date=24 September 2020|work=Nikkan Sports|language=ja|access-date=24 September 2020}}</ref>
==See also== *Glossary of sumo terms *List of active sumo wrestlers *List of years in sumo
==References== {{Reflist}}
{{Years in sumo}}
Category:Sumo by year Sumo Category:2020 sport-related lists Sumo