Japan Times and Advertiser, Saturday 8th May 1941 (Morning Edition Page 2)

Wrestlers in Uniform

    There are some 160 Sumo wrestlers, including Kyushuzan, who returned here last year from China fronts after serving in the army. They have recently formed their own group as a branch of the Association of Reservists. Photo: shows some of them making preparations for military training of wrestlers to be held in the compounds of the Honjo National School for three days from May 23.

SUMO RITES OBSERVED (Evening Edition Page 4)

Early Birds Already Lined Up as Opening Ceremony Is Held

    Preceding the summer sumo tournament beginning on Friday, the ancient custom of the "arena ceremony" was solemnly observed at the Ryogoku amphitheater by the Dai Nippon Sumo Association this morning, Domei reports.
    Members and officials of the association gathered around the arena while Shonosuke Kimura, the wrestling referee, offered prayer for the peace and prosperity of the arena to the gods. Some 10 persons with tambourines circulated the area three times, sound the instrument. The tambourine group then proceeded outside where they wound through the streets of the city. When they returned to the amphitheater around 4 p.m. long lines of fans were already seen waiting to buy admission tickets.