Overview
- Aonishiki and Atamifuji finished regulation tied at 12-3 to force a playoff for the New Year championship in Tokyo.
- In the tiebreaker, Aonishiki secured a belt grip and executed a headlock throw to defeat Atamifuji.
- The victory makes him the first newly promoted ozeki to claim the Emperor’s Cup since Hakuho in 2006 and gives him a second straight title.
- Day 15 results narrowed the field as Atamifuji beat Oshoumi, Hoshoryu toppled Onosato, and Kirishima forced out Abi.
- Onosato’s Day 14 win over Aonishiki briefly reset the race before he closed at 10-5, while Kirishima finished 11-4 to strengthen his bid to regain ozeki.