Photo/Illutration Only one spectator is allowed into each masuseki box seat, which accommodates up to four, at the July Grand Sumo Tournament in Tokyo’s Ryogoku Kokugikan. (The Asahi Shimbun)

The oldest active sumo wrestler became the first to enter the dohyo at the age of 50 since the Showa Era (1926-1989) on July 19, when a tournament opened with spectators for the first time in six months.

Hanakaze, who turned 50 on May 28, lost to Tenichi, 42. The wrestlers compete in jonidan, the second lowest of the sport’s six divisions.

The 15-day July Grand Sumo Tournament opened at Tokyo’s Ryogoku Kokugikan with spectators kept apart to maintain social distancing.

The number of spectators is capped at 2,500 a day. A masuseki box seat on the floor accommodates up to four spectators, but only one person is allowed.

Drinking alcohol is prohibited and fans are asked to refrain from loudly cheering for wrestlers.

With the loss to Tenichi, Hanakaze’s career record stands at 658 wins and 744 losses. He ranks sixth in terms of overall wins among nearly 700 wrestlers in the six divisions, including the top-ranked makuuchi.

Hanakaze, who made his professional debut in 1986, is the only wrestler who has fought in the three eras of Showa, Heisei (1989-2019) and Reiwa (2019-present).

Records show that Miyagino Nishkinosuke, whose highest rank was sekiwake, retired at age 52 in 1796 during the Edo Period (1603-1867).

The July tournament is the first to be staged before an audience since the New Year Grand Sumo Tournament in January due to the spread of the novel coronavirus.

The Spring Grand Sumo Tournament in March was held without spectators, and the Summer Grand Sumo Tournament, scheduled for May, was canceled. In May, a young wrestler died after he was infected with the novel coronavirus.

The latest tournament has been relocated from Nagoya.

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