The video edition of our discussion on the Japan Sumo Association’s decision to conduct Osaka’s Haru Basho with no spectators, along with a list of other restrictions and modifications to reduce risk of spreading the Corona virus.
With just a handful of days remaining before Sunday’s opening day, its time to get ready for sumo, fans!
The audio version of our next segment previewing the March sumo tournament in Osaka. In a rare step, the Japan Sumo Association has decided to conduct the Haru Basho with no audience in attendance for any day of the tournament. Andy, Josh and Bruce discuss the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the March tournament in Osaka. The sumo associations has gone to great lengths to find some way to allow the tournament to go forward, while keeping the fans and rikishi safe. Video version to be posted to YouTube in a few hours.
The video version of our 16 minute discussion around the banzuke for Osaka. It’s going to be an odd basho, with no audience, and many of the rituals stripped down or completely absent.
But the sumo is still on, and Tachiai will be here as always, bringing you comments on the action from Japan.
This is the first in a series of videos we will publish leading up to Sunday’s first day of the tournament. Onward to Osaka!
Audio version of our Banzuke podcast, with the YouTube video coming shortly. Its Josh, Andy and Bruce discussing the March ranking sheet for the Osaka tournament. We cover Asanoyama pushing to replenish the Ozeki ranks, the seldom seen Yokozuna-Ozeki, and the very rare Maegashira 18.