The May Grand Sumo Tournament in Tokyo has given the impression that the sport's environment is returning to what it used to be before the coronavirus pandemic.

The tournament opened on May 14, several days after the government downgraded the legal status of the coronavirus to the same category as seasonal flu. It ended on Sunday.

The tournament took place without a limit on spectator numbers, the first such arrangement in about three years for a sumo grand tourney at the Ryogoku Kokugikan arena in the Japanese capital.

The 15-day tournament was filled to capacity throughout, with many foreign tourists visible among the spectators.

Fans have been allowed to cheer in arenas since this year's January tournament. But other basic anti-infection measures are in place, such as sanitizing hands.

Since just before the May tournament, wrestlers have been allowed to take part in joint training between stables by the day before the tourney's opening. This represents a significant improvement for a practice environment.

Japan Sumo Association Chairman Hakkaku said he is grateful that the tickets for the tournament were sold out. He said wrestlers have continued to endure tough situations, including no-spectator days.

The tournament ended with Yokozuna Grand Champion Terunofuji capping a comeback from injuries by clinching the championship with 14 wins and one loss.

Sekiwake Kiribayama is certain to get promoted to the second highest rank of Ozeki champion as he racked up a total of 34 wins in the most recent three tournaments. That is one above the purported threshold required for such a promotion.

He will be the first new Ozeki since Mitakeumi advanced to the rank after the January 2022 tournament.