Nikkan Sports reports the spring Sumo Apprentice/New Entrant Exams were held yesterday, with a reported 33 prospective rikishi participating in the hopes of becoming sumo wrestlers (one additional scheduled participant was absent). The exam mainly consists of a comprehensive physical/medical examination and questionnaire (NHK World Japan once briefly detailed the process in its “Sumopedia” series of behind-the-scenes shorts that air alongside the Grand Sumo Highlights program during tournaments). From articles published so far by Nikkan Sports today, at least 3 have passed and will be part of introductory ceremonies during the May Tournament in Tokyo. Two are twin brothers from Miyagi Prefecture and appear to have chosen the shikona (ring names) Tatenoumi and Tatenomori, respectively. Both are 18 and stand about 6 feet tall. The third one is the son of an active horse racing jockey in Japan and began sumo in elementary school. He is 15 and has chosen the shikona Daibasho in reference to bis father and his own upbringing but also to be different from the more common (and currently taken) Daieisho.
The 34 scheduled examinees is among the smallest for spring due to declining birthrates in Japan, but also is expected to have the most participation this year because it coincides with school graduation season. The earliest they could debut in terms of actual tournament matches will be the July Tournament in Nagoya.
