The 21st century for sumo gets under way at Tokyo's Ryogoku Kokugikan today.
The outcome of the Hatsu Basho, or New Year's Tournament, has been relatively predictable over the years; seldom has it been won by competitors ranked below ozeki.
The rikishi in general seem to be healthier in January than in slightly warmer Osaka in March, with more competitors catching colds in the spring.
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