That stretch in the evenings and the plum blossoms in bloom means just one thing to sumo fans — it's time for the Osaka Basho.
With a historical propensity for surprising outcomes, the meet has acquired the nickname 'Areru Haru Basho' or 'Turbulent Spring Tournament.'
It's a reputation that Osaka hasn't quite lived up to over the past couple of decades however. Since March 2000, when Takatoriki claimed the title ranked at maegashira 14, just two non-yokozuna, Chiyotaikai in 2003 and Kakuryu in 2014 (both ranked at ozeki), have taken the championship there. Indeed Kakuryu was promoted to yokozuna immediately following his victory.