The bouts started with a couple of spectacular tsuridashi (frontal lifts out) with rikishi picking up their opponents and moving them out of the ring.
Some spirited bouts followed, often cheered loudly by the crowd, clearly not just made up of curious first-timers. Thousands of fans shouted their favourite rikishi’s names, held banners and towels, and proudly wore sumo accessories.
For many, this was a unique occasion to watch sumo live, and the atmosphere was one of high excitement and anticipation.
