Hundreds of man mountains strode into the great Kokugikan arena at Ryogoku, Tokyo, on Thursday, January 11, for the opening day's matches of the 1940 main spring tourney of the Japan Professional Sumo Association.
    Divided into East and West camps for the first time in nine years, the first day's bouts were bitterly fought.
    On the night before the opening of the arena, a crowd of more than 10,000 persons milled around the Kokugikan.
    Tickets for the opening day were priced at 50 sen, proceeds begin given to the Churei Kensho Kai (Society for Honoring the War Dead).
    The opening matches between the wrestlers of the lower ranks began as early as 2 a.m. on Thursday.
    As about 10 a.m., a special ceremony was held.
    General Taka Hishikari, chairman of the Churei Kensho Kai, delivered a special address, offering a prayer for the war dead and thanking the soldiers on the front.
    Admiral Isamu Takeshita, president of the Japan Professional Sumo Association, also took part in the ceremony.