After a grueling monthlong trek that has wound its way from Osaka up through central and northern Japan then back down toward the nation’s capital, sumo’s summer tour finally comes to an end on Sunday.
Though intra-tournament tours (jungyō) normally also take place in spring, autumn and winter, the heat and length of the summer tour — which follows on immediately from the most energy-sapping tournament of the year — is by far the most physically taxing.
It’s something which has long concerned those involved with the sport, and over the years there have been calls by fans and media alike for a reduced workload for its participants, or more rest days between stops along the tour.
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