The summer Grand Sumo Tournament has finally started after an hiatus of four months. But like the last meet, it is not business as usual. For a start, the venue has moved from its traditional summer spot in Nagoya to Tokyo's Kokugikan. Also, due to the potential spread of Covid, only 25% of seating is being allocated. Individuals are spaced one to every masuseki (boxed enclosure), places that would normally hold four people. But at least there is some atmosphere this time round. In Osaka in the spring, the stadium was empty, save for the officials and the wrestlers.

As for the rikishi, they are masked up until they exit the tunnels and set well apart from their retinue. Of course, once the bout is underway, all bets are off. I am guessing that most of them were happy with the extra time to recuperate from injuries. Tochinoshin, for example, looked far more comfortable on his feet yesterday.

As always, the basho is Hakuho's to lose. The magnificent Mongolian still dominates the dohyo, even at 35 years of age. There are up-and-comers but no-one yet has the consistency to claim a string of victories in the same manner as he does.

Below, the new ozeki, Asanoyama (right) and Takanosho, on Day 1.