Veteran reporter Jim Armstrong returns to the podcast to talk about sumo's Summer Basho, which gets underway on Sunday, May 14 at Tokyo's Ryogoku Kokugikan.

Armstrong's chat with sports editor Ed Odeven highlights the reality that all eyes will be on lone yokozuna Terunofuji from the start of the 15-day Summer Grand Sumo Tournament. Can the seven-time Emperor's Cup winner, who has been sidelined since September 2022, return to top form after a lengthy absence?

The conversation also includes discussion of the pressure relegation-threatened Takakeisho faces in trying to maintain his ozeki status, Kiribayama's first title at March's Spring Basho and Kazakh grappler Kinbozan's successful makuuchi debut in the previous tourney, among other topics.

Armstrong also offers insights on former ozeki Asanoyama's return to the top division after being demoted to the third-lowest division due to breaking COVID-19 protocols in 2021.

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Author: Ed Odeven

Follow Ed in his weekly [Japan Sports Notebook] on Sundays, [Odds and Evens] during the week, and Twitter ＠ed_odeven.