As the first meeting under the revived East versus West competition system, the main spring tourney of the Japan Professional Sumo Association will open at the Kokugikan, Ryogoku, Tokyo, on Thursday, January 11.
    Due to the division of the wrestlers into two camps, competition is expected o be especially keen this year. "Yokozuna" Futabayama, 300 pound defending individual champion, and "Yokozuna" Minanogawa, 330 pound behemoth, will respectively lead the East and West teams.
    The opening ceremony will take place at 10 a.m., following early morning preliminary bouts. The proceedings will be under the supervision of Admiral Isamu Takeshita, president of the Japan Professional Sumo Association.
    Some of the outstanding bouts of the opening day's program will pit:

    Bids Farewell To Ring Life - A sumo tourney in honor of Kagamiiwa, retiring Ozeki, was held on January 7 at the Korakuen stadium. The photo shows Kagamiiwa having his top-knot cut by Futabayama in a ceremony on that occasion.