As 2010 draws to a close, the world of sumo is changing, little by little. Step by step.
Besides implementing a range of well-documented self-governing-cum-reform minded rules over the past year or so, the Japan Sumo Association (Nihon Sumo Kyokai; NSK) has more recently started reaching out to fans to entice back the lifeblood of any sport.
Late December saw the most recent manifestation of this user-friendly side of the association when, on the 23rd, the doors of the Ryogoku Kokugikan were thrown open at 7 a.m. to allow fans free access to the once closed Yokozuna Souken training session.
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