It's late February, which means all 650 or so wrestlers of the Japan Sumo Association have decamped to Kansai and are deep in preparation for the upcoming Spring Tournament.
The Osaka Basho holds a special significance for many rikishi, as it's the meet where the largest number of wrestlers (including 40 percent of the current top division) first set foot in the ring.
This tournament also marks the 33rd anniversary of Hanakaze's debut.
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