The grand semi-annual wrestling matches begin May 15, at the Kokugikan Hall, Ryogoku, and last for ten days as usual. The revised list of men in the order of their proved strength will be published very early on May 11, while the traditional drum-beating announcement will be made throughout the city on May 14.
    The newly promoted Champion, Otori, went to Count Okuma's residence at Waseda on Sunday morning to receive the gift of a beautiful, gold-mounted sword, the blade of which is 2.15 feet long. It was accompanied by a purse of money. In a presentation speech, the distinguished Patron of Wrestling said that his ancestry is traced to Nomi-no-Sukune, the originator of Japanese wrestling, a name reverenced among wrestlers. He used his strength only to chastise the wicked, and that Otori himself should endeavour to be worthy of this tradition. The old Premier further explained that the word Sukune meant "guarding the Imperial Palace," and desired that the present race of Nomi's professional descendants should make it their ideal to defend the country with their strength and skill. The Count then filled Otori's champagne glass, gave him some flowers from the Waseda gardens, and presented him to Countess and Madame Okuma, after which the three hundred pounder went away feeling highly honoured and extremely happy.
    For the forthcoming Champion matches, Tachiyama's troupe will return to Tokyo from Taiwan, Isenohama's party from their tour near Osaka, and Onaruto's group from Chiba-ken.