Every few days, year-round, I receive emails from foreign visitors to Japan asking just how to gain access to morning training sessions at one of the sport's (current) 44 stables.
Most mails are routine from individuals, couples, small families looking to see a unique aspect of Japanese culture during their visit.
The majority are from people who have come across my 2009 piece in The Japan Times on the do's and don'ts while doing so.