For the first time ever, the four current yokozuna -- Takanohana, Akebono, Musashimaru and Wakanohana -- are expected to compete in the same basho when the Spring Grand Sumo Tournament (Haru Basho) gets under way in Osaka today.
All but Wakanohana are in with a good chance of taking the Emperor's Cup, but whereas Musashimaru won four of the six titles at stake last year, Takanohana hasn't taken the yusho since September 1998 and Akebono hasn't won a title in nearly three years. Wakanohana has never won a yusho as yokozuna, a spell of nearly two years.
As a result, three of the four yokozuna have a point to prove. Akebono, once again, will be seeking to gain his 10th title while Musashimaru will be aiming to maintain his winning form.