Sport is often a microcosm of life, with what takes place on the field of play — or in the coach's office — regularly reflecting overall trends in a particular country.
Sumo is no different. Just as the initial wave of fear over COVID-19 was gradually replaced by habituation and an increasing casualness amongst a large section of the general population, and “Stay at Home” morphed into “Go To," so too did spectator-free and canceled tournaments give way to those with an increasing number of fans in attendance.
The results of becoming accustomed to danger are clear to see in the headlines. COVID-19 case numbers nationally continue to reach new heights, and the Japan Sumo Association (JSA) has had to deal with several outbreaks of the disease — including one that put its biggest star, yokozuna Hakuho, out of action.