The Mainichi, Monday 11th January 1954 (Page 1)

Sumo Tourney Opens

    The New Year's Grand Sumo Tournament opened its 15 day run Sunday at the Kuramae Kokugikan, Asakusa, Tokyo. Here Chiyonoyama topples Tamanoumi, in one of the main events. (See Page 3 for results of the other main events on the first day).

Grand Sumo Meet Opens 15-Day Run (Page 3)

    Will this scene be re-enacted in reverse two Sunday later, January 24, when the New Year's Grand Sumo Tournament is crowned? Grand Champion Azumafuji got off to a right start Sunday, January 10, with a win over Shimizugawa, but the question will be answered in his performances the next 14 days.
    Photo shows Warren A. Elsener, assistant traffic and sales manager, Japan and Korea, Pac American World Airways, taking back the high PAA Sumo Championship Trophy from 365 pound Azumafuji, winner of the award in the fall tourney and a leading favorite to repeat in the current meet on the opening day at the Kuramae Kokugikan.
 
 

    The 15-day New Year's Grand Sumo Tournament got under way Sunday before a capacity throng of 10,000 at the Kuramae Kokugikan in Asakusa, Tokyo, with top-ranking "Yokozunas" Kagamisato, Chiyonoyama and Azumafuji scoring impressive victories.
    In one of the upsets, favorite Tokitsuyama was felled by Kotonishiki.
The avid enthusiasts of the ancient Japanese ring sport pitting the 300 pounders in exciting duels saw a postwar high of 208 matches held since the day's program opened at 7 a.m. and ended at 5.03 p.m. There was a marked absence of women with the Shimada style coiffure, but many of the fair sex spectators were in their beautiful colorful kimonos. Also enjoying the matches with interest was a sprinkling of foreigners squatting uncomfortably in box seats.
    During the program, Grand Champion Azumafuji returned tot he respective officials the championship trophy, pennant and Pan American Airlines World Airway Trophy won in the fall tourney. A large colored photo of him presented by the Mainichi Newspapers was also unveiled.
    Results of main events:
Azumafuji beat Shimizugawa
Chiyonoyama beat Tamanoumi
Kagamisato beat Hajimayama
Yoshibayama beat Ouchiyama
Tochinishiki beat Matsunobori
Mitsuneyama beat Kuninobori
Kotonishiki beat Tokitsuyama
Wakanohana beat Shionishiki