When the Spring Grand Sumo Tournament begins on Sunday, a number of compelling storylines are likely to spice things up over the two-week haul at Bodymaker Colosseum in Osaka.
Ozeki Kakuryu makes his maiden run at sumo's ultimate rank of yokozuna, Harumafuji returns after missing his first full tournament as a yokozuna, and rising star Endo gets his chance to mix it up with the upper echelon of sumo's elite after being promoted to the highest rank yet, No. 1 maegashira.
Kakuryu overcame a first-day loss to go an outstanding 14-1 at the New Year Basho in January, defeating yokozuna and Mongolian countryman Hakuho on the final day to force a playoff.