The start of the first-series sumo wrestling bouts in Japan didn't go as expected due to significant traffic congestion, which led to a delayed schedule. Several athletes arrived later than intended, which pushed back the originally planned matchup sequence. The exact cause of the traffic hasn't been specified. Regulatory bodies are investigating the event logistics to avoid future delays and disruptions.

Sumo wrestling is a beloved tradition in Japan, with a major following and esteemed status. Significant disruptions such as these delays do not go unnoticed and are a cause of public concern. As a society that greatly values punctuality, the event's delay due to traffic intricately intertwines sports and societal norms. This could spark discussions on improving urban planning and public transportation systems to better accommodate such significant cultural events.

Traffic issues causing delays in sports events aren't unique to Japan. In the US and EU, there have also been instances where games or matches were delayed because teams, officials, or essential equipment got stuck in traffic. However, the reaction might differ. While such incidents might cause annoyance and inconvenience, these societies may not generally tie the occurrence to broader societal or infrastructural improvement interests.