While summer is a time of rest and relaxation for many, the men at the top rungs of the sumo ladder enjoy no such benefits — or at least it would appear.
Since getting a few days of R&R following the Nagoya Basho that ended on July 27, most of the sekitori, their tsukebito (personal assistants) and the oyakata sumo elders have traveled around northern Japan on a tour designed to give fans not living near Japan's major metropolises a chance to see their sumo idols of today (the rikishi) and yesterday (the oyakata). Sumo lovers in the countryside can watch from up close for a change, as the "men of strength" demonstrate their daily exercises and routine.
Taking in 11 cities in seven prefectures over the course of two weeks, from Hokkaido through most of Tohoku and ending last Sunday in Niigata, the traveling sumo entourage goes all out to entertain the fans. Later, between Aug. 25 and 29, they will perform in Mongolia, the country that has spawned both current yokozuna and around 30 other rikishi in the sport today.