On Saturday, the day before the Spring Grand Sumo Tournament was set to begin in Osaka, the dohyo matsuri -- a ceremony in which wrestlers pray for safety in the ring -- was performed at Edion Arena Osaka, also known as the Osaka prefectural gymnasium.
Normally, fans would be let in for free and rikishi wrestlers from the top three ranks would participate, but because of the spread of the new coronavirus, the public was not allowed to enter, so there were no fans or even wrestlers present. Moreover, the upcoming tournament will be held without spectators.
The ritual was observed by Nihon Sumo Kyokai Chairman Hakkaku, who is the former yokozuna Hokutoumi.
The furedaiko drumming that heralds the beginning of a tournament usually involves drummers taking to the streets and visiting supporting businesses. However, such an event was canceled this time, and the drum procession circled the dohyo ring three times instead.
"The dohyo matsuri usually really lifts up our spirits [in anticipation of what will come] after the ceremony. It's a little sad," said the chair of a sumo supporters group.
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