The Japan Sumo Association said Wednesday that no one applied to join professional sumo ahead of the upcoming Nagoya Grand Sumo Tournament, marking the second time this had happened under the current system.
With no applicants, the JSA was forced to cancel its new recruit tests, which are conducted prior to each of the six tournaments. According to the association's public relations division, this had only previously occurred at the 2007 Nagoya Basho.
The sport's reputation has suffered numerous blows to its public image since November, following former yokozuna Harumafuji's assault of a lower-ranked wrestler.