Makushita Tsukedashi: How Sumo’s Fast-Track System Is Shaping Japan’s Future Champions
Sumo wrestling, Japan’s iconic national sport, is steeped in centuries-old tradition — but not all of its rules are ancient. The Makushita Tsukedashi system is a modern innovation designed to accelerate the careers of outstanding amateur wrestlers by letting them skip the grueling climb from the very bottom of the professional ranks.
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Contact Jasumo Now →The system was first introduced decades ago, evolving over time to reward amateur champions with higher starting positions in the professional banzuke (ranking list). Before 2001, even the most decorated amateurs had to work their way up from the lowest divisions. That year, a rule change allowed exceptional talents to start as high as Makushita 15 (Ms15) or, in rare cases, Makushita 10 (Ms10). Only three wrestlers ever debuted at Ms10 under this rule — Endo, Mitakeumi, and Onosato.
In 2023, the system changed again. Instead of starting in the upper Makushita ranks, new qualifiers now begin at Makushita 60 (Ms60), but the eligibility criteria were greatly expanded. This means more promising wrestlers can enter the professional scene with a significant head start, without leapfrogging into positions that could overwhelm them too soon. The final Ms15 debut under the old rules went to Onokatsu, while Matsui became the first wrestler to debut at Ms60 under the new rules in 2024. Since then, 11 wrestlers have taken this accelerated path — more than double the pace of high-level debuts from 2018 to 2023.
Case Studies: The New Tsukedashi Generation
Matsui (Haru 2024) – The first rikishi to test the new system, Matsui debuted with a strong 5-2 record. Despite hitting a wall at Ms8e with a 2-5 score, he rebounded with three straight 4-3 winning tournaments. His consistent performance suggests a slow but steady climb. Grade: B–
Kusano (Natsu 2024) – Recruited by legendary yokozuna Hakuho and fighting for Isegahama-beya, Kusano has been nothing short of a phenomenon. He reached Juryo in just five tournaments, won back-to-back Juryo yusho, and stunned in his Makuuchi debut with an 11-4 record, two special prizes, and a late-stage yusho race appearance. His 38 wins in his first 3 sekitori tournaments set a new all-time record. Grade: A+
Ishizaki / Asasuiryu & Kazuma (Nagoya 2024) – Ishizaki, now known as Asasuiryu, earned promotion to Juryo after a strong Makushita run, often just missing promotion before finally breaking through with a 6-1 record at Ms2e. Grade: A–. Kazuma started strong but suffered a major knee injury, forcing him to restart from Jonokuchi. His comeback has been promising with 7-0 and 6-1 records. Grade: Incomplete
Mita (Aki 2024) – Climbing steadily, Mita reached Juryo in just four tournaments and claimed an 11-4 yusho in Nagoya 2025. He’s now a serious Makuuchi contender. Grade: A
Goshima & Fukuzaki (Haru 2025) – With identical 16-5 career records, both are poised to break into Juryo by 2026. Grade: A
Gyotoku, Hanaoka, Urayama (Natsu 2025) – Gyotoku’s unconventional path — skipping college sumo — has paid off with back-to-back deep yusho race appearances. Hanaoka followed a modest debut with a 6-1 run, while Urayama’s career was halted by injury. Grades: Gyotoku A, Hanaoka B+, Urayama Incomplete
Ryusho (Nagoya 2025) – The latest Ms60TD debutant, Ryusho, posted a solid 5-2 record. Time will tell if he continues the trend of early success. Grade: Incomplete
The Makushita Tsukedashi system is creating a new wave of rikishi who are younger, more competitive, and battle-tested from amateur circuits. For fans, it means faster storylines, fresh rivalries, and the chance to witness the making of future yokozuna much earlier in their careers. With more wrestlers entering the professional scene through this system, tournaments like the Nagoya Basho and Aki Basho are now packed with high-stakes bouts from day one.
Japan Sumo Tournament Calendar
Japan hosts six major sumo tournaments (honbasho) each year, each lasting 15 days. These are the best opportunities to watch both up-and-coming tsukedashi wrestlers and established stars in action.
- January (Hatsu Basho) – Tokyo, Ryogoku Kokugikan (mid-Jan)
- March (Haru Basho) – Osaka, Edion Arena (mid-Mar)
- May (Natsu Basho) – Tokyo, Ryogoku Kokugikan (mid-May)
- July (Nagoya Basho) – Nagoya, Dolphins Arena (mid-Jul)
- September (Aki Basho) – Tokyo, Ryogoku Kokugikan (mid-Sep)
- November (Kyushu Basho) – Fukuoka, Fukuoka Kokusai Center (mid-Nov)
Typical Sumo Ticket Price Ranges
Ticket prices vary depending on seating type and location within the arena. Here’s a general guide:
- Box Seats (Masu-seki, for 4 people) – ¥38,000 to ¥50,000 per box
- Arena Seats (Chair seating) – ¥3,800 to ¥9,800 per person
- Premium Ringside Seats (Tamakai-seki) – ¥14,800 to ¥20,000 per person
Prices can rise for high-demand days, especially weekends or championship-deciding bouts.
If you want to experience Japan’s national sport in person, book your tickets with Jasumo.com. Jasumo makes sumo accessible for tourists and foreign residents, offering easy booking, English-friendly support, and curated cultural experiences. And when you come to Japan, stay connected with OmoriWiFi.com — offering reliable tourist SIM cards and Wi-Fi rental with nationwide coverage, so you never miss an update from the dohyo. Secure your sumo tickets now at Jasumo.com and get your travel SIM at OmoriWiFi.com to
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