The world of sumo has seen many changes over the past decade.
Changes that have irrevocably altered the way fans — foreign-based ones in particular — view and interact with the sport.
Before the current boom in popularity, sumo was finding it difficult to attract viewers. Gambling and drug scandals alongside the beating to death of a 17-year-old recruit left many longtime followers disillusioned, and led to falling attendances at tournaments.
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