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John Gunning
Japan Times
SUMO / INSIDE SUMO
Mar 23, 2022
Takayasu chases long-awaited first title at unpredictable Osaka Basho
With yokozuna Terunofuji out and most of the leading pack in Osaka having never tasted glory at a basho, the chances of a first-time title winner emerging in Kansai appear high.
Japan Times
SUMO / INSIDE SUMO
Mar 16, 2022
'COVID factor' wreaks havoc on stormy Spring Basho
Unpredictability reigns at Edion Arena Osaka so far, with the impact of February's wave of infections possibly affecting performances.
Japan Times
SUMO
Mar 11, 2022
Osaka-style upset back on the table for Spring Basho
Starved of sumo for so long, it's unlikely fans in Kansai will care whether we see dominance by the yokozuna as usual or a reclaiming of the basho's stormy reputation.
Japan Times
SUMO / INSIDE SUMO
Mar 9, 2022
Former amateur yokozuna Hidetora Hanada shifts gears toward NFL dream
The Nippon Sport Science University student impressed in a recent X League combine and will attempt to leave his mark on the gridiron before taking on the world of professional sumo.
Japan Times
SUMO / INSIDE SUMO
Mar 2, 2022
Meet sumo's globe-trotting ambassador
Watts has been a prominent figure in sumo for over 30 years and since the 1990s has been a mainstay at World Championships, where she undertakes numerous roles.
Japan Times
SUMO / INSIDE SUMO
Feb 16, 2022
Hope rises for return of sumo's regional tours as pandemic abates
Jungyu014d events between major tournaments are not only sources of revenue for the Japan Sumo Association, but also an important means of promoting the sport and recruiting new wrestlers.
Japan Times
SUMO / INSIDE SUMO
Feb 9, 2022
Omicron threatens to extend sumo's two-year absence from Osaka
Losing the spring tournament would be a huge blow to the sport's birthplace, but the spread of COVID-19 within sumo is making it a possibility.
Japan Times
SUMO / INSIDE SUMO
Feb 2, 2022
Sumo's off-months aren't so quiet, if you know where to look
Retirement ceremonies, ozeki and yokozuna promotions, JSA elections, TV variety show appearances and more all take place between honbasho.
Japan Times
SUMO / INSIDE SUMO
Jan 26, 2022
Mitakeumi primed to shed ‘inconsistent’ image with historic ozeki promotion
Rather than solely benefiting from good timing and a weakened top division, Mitakeumi is arguably just now fulfilling the potential he has always had.
Japan Times
SUMO / INSIDE SUMO
Jan 19, 2022
U.S. sumo fans get opportunity to see Japan's rising stars
Often considered de-facto world championship due to their high level of competition, the World Games give young talents a chance to shine ahead of their pro careers.
Japan Times
SUMO / INSIDE SUMO
Jan 12, 2022
Sumo catches new audience with Pokemon collaboration
The Japan Sumo Association's tie-up with the world's biggest video game franchise could be a big step in attracting younger fans to the sport.
Japan Times
SUMO
Jan 7, 2022
Terunofuji enters New Year Basho with few serious challengers to throne
Anything other than a third straight championship for the Isegahama stable man at the upcoming January tournament would be a surprise.
Japan Times
SUMO / INSIDE SUMO
Jan 5, 2022
'No starting over': A fresh year for sumo may be just like the last
Fears surrounding COVID-19 aren't the only thing unchanged from 2021, as it looks to be another Terunofuji-dominated year.
Japan Times
SUMO / INSIDE SUMO
Dec 22, 2021
Sumo's 2022 storylines promise spectacle, but persistent COVID measures loom
Terunofuji's dominance is unlikely to be seriously challenged in 2022, but given his age and injury history it's possible we could start to see pretenders to his throne.
Japan Times
SUMO / INSIDE SUMO
Dec 16, 2021
Terunofuji's rise was among defining moments of eventful year in sumo
The past 12 months have been extremely challenging both inside and outside the ring, but sumo's highest highs and lowest lows of 2021 all occurred on the clay.
Japan Times
SUMO / INSIDE SUMO
Dec 8, 2021
All Japan tournament an optimistic indicator of a return to normal
Sunday's action at Ryogoku Kokugikan featured not only talented wrestlers with promising futures, but an upbeat atmosphere that hinted at a promising 2022 for the sport.
Japan Times
SUMO / INSIDE SUMO
Dec 1, 2021
Much more to come from yokozuna Terunofuji after stunning 2021
Just years removed from the unpaid ranks, the 30-year-old is on the path to becoming one of the most successful foreign-born grand champions in the sport's history.
Japan Times
SUMO / INSIDE SUMO
Nov 24, 2021
Terunofuji's challengers likely to emerge from amateur ranks
As the lone yokozuna attempts to wrap up his sixth Emperor's Cup in Fukuoka, this weekend's amateur championships may feature some of his potential successors.
Japan Times
SUMO / INSIDE SUMO
Nov 17, 2021
Lack of excitement threatens Kyushu Basho atmosphere
Despite the ongoing meet's seeming openness, there is a sense of inevitability about proceedings in Fukuoka that appears to be draining some of the energy out of the event.
Japan Times
SUMO
Nov 12, 2021
Yokozuna Terunofuji heading into Kyushu Basho with no equal in sight
With Hakuho retired, the Isegahama stable man has a golden chance to cement his own legacy.

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