Japan still revels in its sumo traditions as the rugby excitement builds www.independent.co.uk

The Rugby World Cup may be dominating the headlines here in Japan – covering both the front and back pages of the national newspapers – but it’s not the only sport that’s been grabbing the attention of the locals.
Last month saw the conclusion of the aki basho, the fifth Grand Tournament of the year for sumo wrestling.
Because, unlike any other mainstream sport in Japan, sumo wrestling remains deeply wedded to its past.
In all, it made for a stark contrast to the relentless rush and buzz that has come with following the Rugby World Cup.
Safe to say the world of sumo isn’t what you’d expect.