Every few days, year-round, I receive emails from foreign visitors to Japan asking just how to gain access to morning training sessions at one of the sport¡¯s (current) 44 stables.

Most mails are routine from individuals, couples, small families looking to see a unique aspect of Japanese culture during their visit.

The majority are from people who have come across my 2009 piece in The Japan Times on the do¡¯s and don¡¯ts while doing so.