1.   A. The richly traditional sumo tournaments take place six times a year.

2.   For the first time in years, there are empty seats at major sumo tournaments, which have traditionally been sold out.

3.   The controversy has been sparked by a three-day sumo tournament scheduled to take place in Paris next month.

4.   Chirac is scheduled to travel later to Fukuoka, in southwestern Japan, to watch a sumo tournament.

5.   Millions of people tune in for the six professional sumo tournaments each year, which are broadcast live nationwide.

6.   Sumo tournaments are held six times each year.

7.   There are six sumo tournaments each year.

8.   There are six grand sumo tournaments a year, with three held in Tokyo.

9.   Though mainly a velodrome, it has also been the venue for everything from sumo tournaments to a Bon Jovi concert.

10.   French President Jacques Chirac left Tokyo Thursday for the southwestern city of Fukuoka where he is to attend a national sumo tournament.