{"id":2109,"date":"2026-06-25T20:20:08","date_gmt":"2026-06-25T11:20:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.guidoor.jp\/katsuragi-city\/?post_type=news&#038;p=2109"},"modified":"2026-07-03T20:23:44","modified_gmt":"2026-07-03T11:23:44","slug":"sumo-column-2","status":"publish","type":"news","link":"https:\/\/www.guidoor.jp\/katsuragi-city\/en\/news\/sumo-column-2\/","title":{"rendered":"Sumo Column, Part 2: Understanding Sumo Rankings from Jonokuchi to Ozeki"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">When watching Grand Sumo, one of the things that makes the experience more enjoyable is knowing the <em>Banzuke<\/em>, the official ranking chart for sumo wrestlers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The <em>Banzuke<\/em> is published before each <em>Honbasho<\/em>, or official Grand Sumo Tournament. Wrestlers move up or down the rankings depending on their results in each tournament, aiming for higher positions step by step.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In <a href=\"https:\/\/www.guidoor.jp\/katsuragi-city\/en\/news\/sumo-column-1-yokozuna-banzuke\/\">Sumo Column Vol.1: Yokozuna and the Banzuke in Grand Sumo<\/a>, we introduced the <em>Banzuke<\/em> and the highest rank, <em>Yokozuna<\/em>. In Part 2, we will look at how wrestlers climb the rankings, from <em>Jonokuchi<\/em> to <em>Ozeki<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For visitors who are new to sumo, understanding the ranking system can make each wrestler\u2019s journey, growth, and challenges feel much more familiar.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"619\" height=\"349\" src=\"https:\/\/www.guidoor.jp\/katsuragi-city\/wp_iMZkPGdV\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/image.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1610\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.guidoor.jp\/katsuragi-city\/wp_iMZkPGdV\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/image.png 619w, https:\/\/www.guidoor.jp\/katsuragi-city\/wp_iMZkPGdV\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/image-300x169.png 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 619px) 100vw, 619px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Grand Sumo ranking pyramid<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<table class=\"sumo-rank-table\">\n  <thead>\n    <tr>\n      <th>Status<\/th>\n      <th>Division \/ Category<\/th>\n      <th>Rank (within division)<\/th>\n    <\/tr>\n  <\/thead>\n  <tbody>\n    <!-- Sekitori -->\n    <tr>\n      <td rowspan=\"6\">\n        Sekitori<br>\n        <small>professional wrestlers in the top two divisions<\/small>\n      <\/td>\n      <td rowspan=\"5\">\n        Makuuchi<br>\n        <small>top division<\/small>\n      <\/td>\n      <td>Yokozuna<\/td>\n    <\/tr>\n    <tr>\n      <td>Ozeki<\/td>\n    <\/tr>\n    <tr>\n      <td>Sekiwake<\/td>\n    <\/tr>\n    <tr>\n      <td>Komusubi<\/td>\n    <\/tr>\n    <tr>\n      <td>Maegashira<\/td>\n    <\/tr>\n    <tr>\n      <td>\n        Juryo<br>\n        <small>second division<\/small>\n      <\/td>\n      <td>\n        <small>Numbered positions<\/small>\n      <\/td>\n    <\/tr>\n\n    <!-- Rikishi Yosei-in -->\n    <tr>\n      <td rowspan=\"5\">\n        Rikishi Yosei-in<br>\n        <small>trainee wrestlers in the lower divisions<\/small>\n      <\/td>\n      <td>\n        Makushita<br>\n        <small>third division<\/small>\n      <\/td>\n      <td><small>Numbered positions<\/small><\/td>\n    <\/tr>\n    <tr>\n      <td>\n        Sandanme<br>\n        <small>fourth division<\/small>\n      <\/td>\n      <td><small>Numbered positions<\/small><\/td>\n    <\/tr>\n    <tr>\n      <td>\n        Jonidan<br>\n        <small>fifth division<\/small>\n      <\/td>\n      <td><small>Numbered positions<\/small><\/td>\n    <\/tr>\n    <tr>\n      <td>\n        Jonokuchi<br>\n        <small>sixth division<\/small>\n      <\/td>\n      <td><small>Numbered positions<\/small><\/td>\n    <\/tr>\n    <tr>\n      <td>\n        Banzuke-gai<br>\n        <small>unranked category below Jonokuchi<\/small>\n      <\/td>\n      <td>\u2014<\/td>\n    <\/tr>\n  <\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n\n<p class=\"sumo-rank-note\">\n  <small>\n    * Ozeki, Sekiwake, and Komusubi are collectively called <em>Sanyaku<\/em>.<br>\n    * In divisions below makuuchi, wrestlers are placed in numbered positions within each division rather than in separately named ranks.\n  <\/small>\n<\/p>\n\n<style>\n  .sumo-rank-table {\n    border-collapse: collapse;\n    width: 100%;\n    max-width: 760px;\n  }\n  .sumo-rank-table th,\n  .sumo-rank-table td {\n    border: 1px solid #ddd;\n    padding: 6px 8px;\n    vertical-align: top;\n  }\n  .sumo-rank-table th {\n    background: #f5f5f5;\n    text-align: left;\n  }\n  .sumo-rank-table small {\n    color: #666;\n    font-size: 0.85em;\n  }\n  .sumo-rank-note {\n    margin-top: 0.6em;\n    max-width: 760px;\n  }\n  .sumo-rank-note small {\n    color: #555;\n    line-height: 1.5;\n  }\n<\/style>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Wrestlers Starting from the Lower Divisions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In the Grand Sumo ranking system, wrestlers in <em>Makushita<\/em> and below are known as <em>Rikishi Yosei-in<\/em>, or trainee wrestlers in the lower divisions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This group includes wrestlers in <em>Makushita<\/em>, <em>Sandanme<\/em>, <em>Jonidan<\/em>, and <em>Jonokuchi<\/em>. Their treatment differs from <em>Sekitori<\/em>, the wrestlers ranked in <em>Juryo<\/em> and above, but all of them train hard every day as they aim for higher ranks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Jonokuchi<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>Jonokuchi<\/em> is the lowest division in the <em>Banzuke<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Many new wrestlers make their first appearance in the previous tournament and then have their names placed on the <em>Banzuke<\/em> in <em>Jonokuchi<\/em>, beginning their full journey as ranked sumo wrestlers. There are some exceptions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">There is no fixed number of wrestlers in <em>Jonokuchi<\/em>, so the number changes from tournament to tournament. The championship prize for <em>Jonokuchi<\/em> is 100,000 yen.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If a wrestler is absent for an entire tournament because of injury or another reason, his name may disappear from the <em>Banzuke<\/em>. In that case, he may have to start again from <em>maezumo<\/em>, the preliminary bouts before entering the rankings. This unranked status is called <em>Banzuke-gai<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Sumo Note: \u201cMagnifying Glass\u201d and \u201cMada Mada Jonokuchi\u201d<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">On the printed <em>Banzuke<\/em>, the names of <em>Jonokuchi<\/em> wrestlers are written in very thin, small characters. Because the names are so small, this section is sometimes nicknamed <em>mushimegane<\/em>, meaning \u201cmagnifying glass,\u201d as if you might need one to read it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Japanese also has the phrase <em>mada mada jonokuchi<\/em>, which comes from the sumo rank <em>Jonokuchi<\/em>. It means that something has only just begun and has not yet reached its serious or full stage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For first-time sumo viewers, <em>Jonokuchi<\/em> can be seen as the starting point of a wrestler\u2019s ranked career. By understanding how wrestlers begin at the bottom of the <em>Banzuke<\/em> and work their way upward, each wrestler\u2019s journey becomes easier to follow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Jonidan<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>Jonidan<\/em> is the division one level above <em>Jonokuchi<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It is called <em>Jonidan<\/em> because it appears on the second row from the bottom of the <em>Banzuke<\/em>. During the Edo period, it is said to have been called <em>Yondanme<\/em>, meaning the fourth row from the top.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Like <em>Jonokuchi<\/em>, <em>Jonidan<\/em> has no fixed number of wrestlers. The number changes depending on the tournament.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Because the divisions from <em>Sandanme<\/em> and above have fixed capacities, wrestlers who do not fit into those divisions are placed into <em>Jonidan<\/em> and <em>Jonokuchi<\/em>. The championship prize for <em>Jonidan<\/em> is 200,000 yen.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The difference in treatment between <em>Jonidan<\/em> and <em>Jonokuchi<\/em> is said to be small, apart from the amount of tournament allowance. Even so, moving up from <em>Jonokuchi<\/em> to <em>Jonidan<\/em> can be seen as a wrestler\u2019s first step forward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Sandanme<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>Sandanme<\/em> is the division above <em>Jonidan<\/em>. Counting from the bottom of the <em>Banzuke<\/em>, it is the third division after <em>Jonokuchi<\/em> and <em>Jonidan<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The name <em>Sandanme<\/em> comes from the fact that the ring names of wrestlers in this division are written on the third row from the top of the <em>Banzuke<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>Sandanme<\/em> has a fixed capacity. Since the January 2025 tournament, it has had 80 places on each of the East and West sides, for a total of 160 wrestlers. However, wrestlers who enter through <em>Sandanme tsukedashi<\/em>, a special placement for new wrestlers with strong results in student or amateur sumo, are not included in this number.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">From the January 1984 tournament to the March 2022 tournament, <em>Sandanme<\/em> had 100 places on each of the East and West sides, for a total of 200 wrestlers. Later, partly because of a decrease in the number of wrestlers, the capacity was revised to the current number. The championship prize for <em>Sandanme<\/em> is 300,000 yen.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>Sandanme<\/em> is a competitive division for young wrestlers and those aiming to move further up the rankings. If a wrestler performs well after his first tournament, he may be promoted to <em>Sandanme<\/em> within just a few tournaments. In particular, a wrestler who finishes with a perfect 7\u20130 record is said to be promoted in the next <em>Banzuke<\/em> regardless of whether he wins the division championship.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Makushita<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>Makushita<\/em> is the division above <em>Sandanme<\/em> and below <em>Juryo<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Originally, the division below <em>Juryo<\/em> and above <em>Sandanme<\/em> was called <em>Makushita Nidanme<\/em>. This was later shortened to <em>Makushita<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>Makushita<\/em> is an extremely important division for sumo wrestlers. This is because promotion to the next division, <em>Juryo<\/em>, means that a wrestler becomes a <em>Sekitori<\/em>, and his treatment changes significantly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The difference between the upper ranks of <em>Makushita<\/em> and the lower ranks of <em>Juryo<\/em> may look small on the <em>Banzuke<\/em>, but the difference in status and treatment is very large. For many wrestlers, promotion from <em>Makushita<\/em> to <em>Juryo<\/em> is one of the major goals of their career.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Wrestlers Known as Sekitori<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Juryo<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>Juryo<\/em> is the division above <em>Makushita<\/em>. Its formal Japanese name is <em>Jumaime<\/em>, while the division is commonly known as <em>Juryo<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Wrestlers promoted to <em>Juryo<\/em> or above are called <em>Sekitori<\/em>. Once a wrestler becomes a <em>Sekitori<\/em>, he is treated as a fully established professional sumo wrestler. In ring announcements, a <em>Sekitori<\/em> is referred to with the honorific suffix \u201c-zeki\u201d after his name, such as \u201cEnho-zeki.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">When watching Grand Sumo, if you hear a wrestler being called \u201c-zeki,\u201d it means that the wrestler is ranked in <em>Juryo<\/em> or above.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The name <em>Juryo<\/em> is said to come from the late Edo period to the early Meiji period, when wrestlers ranked up to the top ten positions below <em>Makuuchi<\/em> received a salary of ten <em>ryo<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Since expressions such as \u201csecond rank of <em>Jumaime<\/em>\u201d could be confusing, the name <em>Juryo<\/em> came to be used for <em>Jumaime<\/em>, based on the old title and salary.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Sumo Note: The Word \u201cSekitori\u201d<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">There are several theories about the origin of the word <em>Sekitori<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">One theory says that the strongest wrestler, who fought in the final bout of the day, was described as \u201ctaking the <em>seki<\/em>\u201d or fighting \u201c<em>seki no sumo<\/em>,\u201d and that this became the origin of the word.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Another theory says that during sumo performed before the emperor or before shoguns and daimyo families, winning repeatedly and receiving a reward was described as \u201ctaking the <em>seki<\/em>.\u201d Strong wrestlers then came to be called <em>Sekitori<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">During the Edo period, the word <em>Sekitori<\/em> appeared in the titles of sumo-related materials and plays, such as <em>Sekitori Senryo Nobori<\/em>. This suggests that the word was already widely known at the time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>Juryo<\/em> is a major milestone where a wrestler is recognized as a <em>Sekitori<\/em>. When looking at the <em>Banzuke<\/em>, paying attention to how close a wrestler is to reaching <em>Juryo<\/em> can make sumo even more enjoyable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Makuuchi and Maegashira<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>Makuuchi<\/em> is the highest division in Grand Sumo.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>Makuuchi<\/em> includes wrestlers ranked <em>Yokozuna<\/em>, <em>Ozeki<\/em>, <em>Sekiwake<\/em>, <em>Komusubi<\/em>, and <em>Maegashira<\/em>. Wrestlers in <em>Makuuchi<\/em> are listed on the top row of the <em>Banzuke<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Many of the wrestlers often introduced on television broadcasts and in the news belong to this division.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In Japanese, the characters \u5e55\u5185 can be read as either <em>makuuchi<\/em> or <em>makunouchi<\/em>. NHK\u2019s Grand Sumo broadcasts use the reading <em>makunouchi<\/em>. In this article, we use the term <em>Makuuchi<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The origin of the word <em>Maegashira<\/em> is said to come from the Edo period, when wrestlers listed on the <em>Banzuke<\/em> were called <em>kashira<\/em>, or \u201cheads,\u201d in contrast to wrestlers in <em>maezumo<\/em>, the preliminary stage. At one time, all wrestlers listed on the <em>Banzuke<\/em> were considered <em>Maegashira<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Today, <em>Maegashira<\/em> refers to <em>Makuuchi<\/em> wrestlers who are not ranked <em>Yokozuna<\/em> or in the <em>Sanyaku<\/em> ranks of <em>Ozeki<\/em>, <em>Sekiwake<\/em>, and <em>Komusubi<\/em>. These wrestlers may also be called <em>Hiramaku<\/em>, meaning rank-and-file wrestlers in the top division.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">One theory says that the word <em>Makuuchi<\/em> comes from sumo performed before shoguns or daimyo families. At such events, top wrestlers were allowed to enter inside the <em>manmaku<\/em>, or surrounding curtain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The <em>Makuuchi<\/em> division has a fixed capacity of 42 wrestlers. However, the number of <em>Maegashira<\/em> changes depending on the number of <em>Yokozuna<\/em> and <em>Sanyaku<\/em> wrestlers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Wrestlers Aiming for the Top Ranks<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Sanyaku<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>Sanyaku<\/em> generally refers to the three titled ranks of <em>Ozeki<\/em>, <em>Sekiwake<\/em>, and <em>Komusubi<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>Yokozuna<\/em> is treated separately as the highest rank. Historically, however, before <em>Yokozuna<\/em> was established as the highest rank in its modern sense, <em>Ozeki<\/em> was considered the highest rank.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Until 1909, when <em>Yokozuna<\/em> was formally positioned as the highest rank for wrestlers, the term <em>Sanyaku<\/em> was used to refer to top-ranked wrestlers from <em>Komusubi<\/em> upward. Even today, in explanations of treatment and status, <em>Sanyaku<\/em> may sometimes refer only to <em>Sekiwake<\/em> and <em>Komusubi<\/em>, excluding <em>Ozeki<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">On the final day of a Grand Sumo tournament, there is a ritual called <em>Sanyaku soroi-bumi<\/em>, in which <em>Yokozuna<\/em> also appear. Such expressions show the long history and distinctive customs of the sumo ranking system.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Komusubi<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>Komusubi<\/em> is one of the upper ranks in <em>Makuuchi<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It is the fourth-highest rank after <em>Yokozuna<\/em>, <em>Ozeki<\/em>, and <em>Sekiwake<\/em>. Wrestlers at this rank often face top-ranked opponents.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In principle, at least one <em>Komusubi<\/em> is placed on both the East and West sides of the <em>Banzuke<\/em>. There are no fixed rules for promotion, but promotion is usually decided based on the wrestler\u2019s performance in the previous tournament.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">On the other hand, if a <em>Komusubi<\/em> finishes with a losing record, he is generally demoted. <em>Komusubi<\/em> is an important rank where a wrestler\u2019s ability against top opponents is tested.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Sekiwake<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>Sekiwake<\/em> is the third-highest rank after <em>Yokozuna<\/em> and <em>Ozeki<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Like <em>Komusubi<\/em>, at least one <em>Sekiwake<\/em> is placed on both the East and West sides of the <em>Banzuke<\/em>. Promotion is mainly decided based on the wrestler\u2019s performance in the previous tournament.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>Sekiwake<\/em> is an important rank because wrestlers often face <em>Yokozuna<\/em> and <em>Ozeki<\/em>. For wrestlers aiming to become <em>Ozeki<\/em>, consistently achieving winning records at <em>Sekiwake<\/em> is especially meaningful.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">On the other hand, a losing record generally leads to demotion. <em>Sekiwake<\/em> is a rank where both strength and consistency are required for wrestlers hoping to reach <em>Ozeki<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Ozeki<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>Ozeki<\/em> is a very high rank, second only to <em>Yokozuna<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Today, <em>Yokozuna<\/em> is considered the highest rank, but until 1909, <em>Ozeki<\/em> was the highest rank in sumo. The name <em>Ozeki<\/em> is said to express respect by adding the character meaning \u201cgreat\u201d to a high-ranking <em>Sekitori<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Promotion to <em>Ozeki<\/em> is not granted simply because a wrestler achieves a winning record at <em>Sekiwake<\/em>. A wrestler must continue to produce excellent results. In general, a total of around 33 wins over the most recent three tournaments is considered one guideline. However, there have been exceptions, such as Kitanofuji, who was promoted to <em>Ozeki<\/em> with 28 wins.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Sumo Note: Kadoban for Ozeki<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>Ozeki<\/em> has a system known as <em>kadoban<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">When an <em>Ozeki<\/em> finishes a <em>Honbasho<\/em> with a losing record, the next tournament becomes <em>kadoban<\/em>. If he achieves a winning record in that tournament, he escapes <em>kadoban<\/em> and keeps his <em>Ozeki<\/em> rank.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">However, if he also finishes the <em>kadoban<\/em> tournament with a losing record, making two losing records in a row, he is demoted to <em>Sekiwake<\/em>. If he then wins 10 or more bouts in the following tournament as <em>Sekiwake<\/em>, he can return to <em>Ozeki<\/em> in the next <em>Banzuke<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>Ozeki<\/em> is a rank that requires not only strength, but also the ability to produce stable results over time. It is one of the ranks where a wrestler\u2019s ability and responsibility are especially clear.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A recent example is Kirishima, who finished the March 2026 tournament in Osaka with a 12\u20133 record and won his third championship. He returned to <em>Ozeki<\/em> for the first time in two years. At the promotion ceremony, he said, \u201cI humbly accept. I will work hard and aim even higher.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Understanding the Banzuke Makes Sumo More Enjoyable<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The <em>Banzuke<\/em> is more than a simple ranking chart.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It contains the stories of each wrestler\u2019s effort, growth, recovery from injury, and challenge to reach higher ranks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For example, a wrestler may begin in <em>Jonokuchi<\/em>, move up through <em>Jonidan<\/em>, <em>Sandanme<\/em>, and <em>Makushita<\/em>, become a <em>Sekitori<\/em> in <em>Juryo<\/em>, and then aim for <em>Makuuchi<\/em>, <em>Sanyaku<\/em>, and <em>Ozeki<\/em>. Once you understand that journey, each bout can look different.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Katsuragi City is known as the birthplace of sumo. At Katsuragi City Sumo Museum \u201cKehaya-za,\u201d visitors can learn about sumo history and wrestlers connected to the local area.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">When you watch Grand Sumo after learning how the <em>Banzuke<\/em> works, you can look beyond wins and losses and pay attention to the paths each wrestler has taken.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Find a favorite wrestler and follow how his position on the <em>Banzuke<\/em> changes over time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Pay Attention to Wrestlers Climbing the Banzuke<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"648\" height=\"715\" src=\"https:\/\/www.guidoor.jp\/katsuragi-city\/wp_iMZkPGdV\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/17745892422912.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1933\" style=\"aspect-ratio:0.906307409675444;width:431px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.guidoor.jp\/katsuragi-city\/wp_iMZkPGdV\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/17745892422912.jpg 648w, https:\/\/www.guidoor.jp\/katsuragi-city\/wp_iMZkPGdV\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/17745892422912-272x300.jpg 272w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 648px) 100vw, 648px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Photo:<\/strong> Enho-zeki visiting Katsuragi City Sumo Museum \u201cKehaya-za\u201d on February 23, 2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">One example of a wrestler who climbed back up the <em>Banzuke<\/em> is Enho.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For the May 2026 tournament, also known as the Summer Tournament, four wrestlers were announced as promoted to <em>Juryo<\/em>. The new <em>Juryo<\/em> wrestler was Okariryu, while Tochitaikai, Hakuyozan, and Enho returned to <em>Juryo<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Enho, a former <em>Makuuchi<\/em> wrestler, injured his neck during the May 2023 tournament and withdrew partway through the tournament. He suffered a serious spinal cord injury and was absent for six consecutive tournaments. After that, he returned from <em>Jonokuchi<\/em> and gradually climbed back up the <em>Banzuke<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It is said that this was the first case since the Showa period in which a former <em>Makuuchi<\/em> wrestler fell all the way to <em>Jonokuchi<\/em> and then returned to <em>Sekitori<\/em> status. When he visited Katsuragi City Sumo Museum \u201cKehaya-za,\u201d he said, \u201cI am training so that I can return to Makuuchi,\u201d and showed a smile that suggested he was in good condition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Please also pay attention to wrestlers who move up and down the <em>Banzuke<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Visit Katsuragi City Sumo Museum \u201cKehaya-za\u201d<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/www.guidoor.jp\/katsuragi-city\/wp_iMZkPGdV\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/\u76f8\u64b2\u9928\u3051\u306f\u3084\u5ea7\uff08\u5168\u666f\uff09_sizedown-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1638\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.guidoor.jp\/katsuragi-city\/wp_iMZkPGdV\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/\u76f8\u64b2\u9928\u3051\u306f\u3084\u5ea7\uff08\u5168\u666f\uff09_sizedown-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.guidoor.jp\/katsuragi-city\/wp_iMZkPGdV\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/\u76f8\u64b2\u9928\u3051\u306f\u3084\u5ea7\uff08\u5168\u666f\uff09_sizedown-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.guidoor.jp\/katsuragi-city\/wp_iMZkPGdV\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/\u76f8\u64b2\u9928\u3051\u306f\u3084\u5ea7\uff08\u5168\u666f\uff09_sizedown-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.guidoor.jp\/katsuragi-city\/wp_iMZkPGdV\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/\u76f8\u64b2\u9928\u3051\u306f\u3084\u5ea7\uff08\u5168\u666f\uff09_sizedown-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.guidoor.jp\/katsuragi-city\/wp_iMZkPGdV\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/\u76f8\u64b2\u9928\u3051\u306f\u3084\u5ea7\uff08\u5168\u666f\uff09_sizedown-2048x1366.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/www.guidoor.jp\/katsuragi-city\/wp_iMZkPGdV\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/\u76f8\u64b2\u9928\u3051\u306f\u3084\u5ea7\uff08\u5168\u666f\uff09_sizedown.jpg 1440w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Katsuragi City Sumo Museum \u201cKehaya-za\u201d opened in May 1990. It was established to preserve the legend of Taima no Kehaya, who is regarded as one of the legendary founders of sumo, to promote sumo, often regarded as Japan\u2019s national sport, and collect materials related to it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Museums dedicated specifically to sumo are rare in Japan, and \u201cKehaya-za\u201d is known as an important cultural hub for sumo in the Kansai region. It is enjoyed not only by sumo fans, but also by visitors who want to learn about sumo history and culture.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In recent years, as the number of international visitors to Japan has increased, the museum has also attracted attention from foreign tourists as a place where they can experience sumo culture firsthand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Learn About the History of Sumo<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">On the second floor of the museum, visitors can see many materials related to sumo, including a timeline of sumo history and displays about local wrestlers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The museum\u2019s collection includes more than 13,000 items, and special exhibitions are also held for limited periods. Tablet devices are available to help explain sumo movements and exhibition materials, allowing visitors to learn more deeply about sumo.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Visitor Information<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Facility name:<\/strong> Katsuragi City Sumo Museum \u201cKehaya-za\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Address:<\/strong> 83-1 Taima, Katsuragi City, Nara Prefecture<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Phone:<\/strong> 0745-48-4611<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Opening hours:<\/strong> 10:00 a.m. \u2013 5:00 p.m.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Closed:<\/strong> Tuesdays and Wednesdays<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Note:<\/strong> Open on national holidays.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Admission:<\/strong> Adults, including high school students and older: 300 yen; children, including elementary and junior high school students: 150 yen; preschool children: free<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Special Exhibition: \u201cLocal Sumo Wrestlers Exhibition\u201d<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-8f761849 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/www.guidoor.jp\/katsuragi-city\/wp_iMZkPGdV\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/1778481924506-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2025\" style=\"aspect-ratio:4\/3;object-fit:cover\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.guidoor.jp\/katsuragi-city\/wp_iMZkPGdV\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/1778481924506-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.guidoor.jp\/katsuragi-city\/wp_iMZkPGdV\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/1778481924506-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.guidoor.jp\/katsuragi-city\/wp_iMZkPGdV\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/1778481924506-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.guidoor.jp\/katsuragi-city\/wp_iMZkPGdV\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/1778481924506.jpg 1440w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/www.guidoor.jp\/katsuragi-city\/wp_iMZkPGdV\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/1778481927426-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2027\" style=\"aspect-ratio:4\/3;object-fit:cover;width:355px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.guidoor.jp\/katsuragi-city\/wp_iMZkPGdV\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/1778481927426-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.guidoor.jp\/katsuragi-city\/wp_iMZkPGdV\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/1778481927426-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.guidoor.jp\/katsuragi-city\/wp_iMZkPGdV\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/1778481927426-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.guidoor.jp\/katsuragi-city\/wp_iMZkPGdV\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/1778481927426.jpg 1440w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Katsuragi City Sumo Museum \u201cKehaya-za\u201d is currently holding the special exhibition \u201cLocal Sumo Wrestlers Exhibition.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This exhibition focuses on wrestlers from Nara Prefecture and introduces materials and stories related to wrestlers who rose to <em>Sekitori<\/em> status. Visitors can enjoy it together with the permanent \u201cSumo Wrestlers from Nara Prefecture\u201d section.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-8f761849 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/www.guidoor.jp\/katsuragi-city\/wp_iMZkPGdV\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/1778481925879-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2030\" style=\"width:358px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.guidoor.jp\/katsuragi-city\/wp_iMZkPGdV\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/1778481925879-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.guidoor.jp\/katsuragi-city\/wp_iMZkPGdV\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/1778481925879-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.guidoor.jp\/katsuragi-city\/wp_iMZkPGdV\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/1778481925879-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.guidoor.jp\/katsuragi-city\/wp_iMZkPGdV\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/1778481925879.jpg 1440w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/www.guidoor.jp\/katsuragi-city\/wp_iMZkPGdV\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/1778481926715-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2026\" style=\"aspect-ratio:1.333033100653006;width:357px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.guidoor.jp\/katsuragi-city\/wp_iMZkPGdV\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/1778481926715-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.guidoor.jp\/katsuragi-city\/wp_iMZkPGdV\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/1778481926715-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.guidoor.jp\/katsuragi-city\/wp_iMZkPGdV\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/1778481926715-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.guidoor.jp\/katsuragi-city\/wp_iMZkPGdV\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/1778481926715.jpg 1440w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Exhibition period:<\/strong> Until Friday, July 31, 2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">There are 15 wrestlers from Nara Prefecture officially recognized by the Japan Sumo Association as having risen to <em>Sekitori<\/em> status. From the Edo-period wrestler Nijigatake Somaemon to Kotoyusho Yoshihiro, who retired in 2024, visitors can learn about the paths of wrestlers connected to Nara.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-8f761849 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/www.guidoor.jp\/katsuragi-city\/wp_iMZkPGdV\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/1778481928733-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2028\" style=\"width:362px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.guidoor.jp\/katsuragi-city\/wp_iMZkPGdV\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/1778481928733-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.guidoor.jp\/katsuragi-city\/wp_iMZkPGdV\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/1778481928733-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.guidoor.jp\/katsuragi-city\/wp_iMZkPGdV\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/1778481928733-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.guidoor.jp\/katsuragi-city\/wp_iMZkPGdV\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/1778481928733.jpg 1440w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/www.guidoor.jp\/katsuragi-city\/wp_iMZkPGdV\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/1778481927930-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2029\" style=\"width:358px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.guidoor.jp\/katsuragi-city\/wp_iMZkPGdV\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/1778481927930-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.guidoor.jp\/katsuragi-city\/wp_iMZkPGdV\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/1778481927930-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.guidoor.jp\/katsuragi-city\/wp_iMZkPGdV\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/1778481927930-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.guidoor.jp\/katsuragi-city\/wp_iMZkPGdV\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/1778481927930.jpg 1440w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Tsurugahama Masutaro, from Katsuragi City, won the championship as a <em>Hiramaku<\/em> wrestler at the January 1923 Tokyo Sumo tournament. The ceremonial apron he used at the time is embroidered with two cranes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The exhibition also includes the championship shield, trophies, ceremonial apron, and other items related to Yamatonishiki Yukio from Tawaramoto Town in Nara Prefecture, who won the final tournament of the Kansai Sumo Association, also known as the Dai-Nihon Kansai Sumo Association, which separated from the Japan Sumo Association in the early Showa period.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Materials related to Tokushoryu Makoto, from Nara City, are also on display. Tokushoryu won the January 2020 tournament from the lowest rank in <em>Makuuchi<\/em>. Visitors can see items such as a daruma doll made to commemorate his championship and the trophy for the Outstanding Performance Prize he received at the same tournament.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The \u201cLocal Sumo Wrestlers Exhibition\u201d at Katsuragi City Sumo Museum \u201cKehaya-za\u201d runs until July 31. After learning about the <em>Banzuke<\/em>, visitors may feel more deeply the paths these wrestlers have taken.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Related Article<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.guidoor.jp\/katsuragi-city\/en\/news\/sumo-column-1-yokozuna-banzuke\/\">Sumo Column Vol.1: Yokozuna and the Banzuke in Grand Sumo<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">References<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Japan Sumo Association Official Website: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sumo.or.jp\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">https:\/\/www.sumo.or.jp<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Materials displayed at Katsuragi City Sumo Museum \u201cKehaya-za\u201d<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:100px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"font-size:16px\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.guidoor.jp\/katsuragi-city\/en\/\">HOME<\/a>&nbsp;\u00bb&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.guidoor.jp\/katsuragi-city\/en\/news\/\">New &amp; Now<\/a>&nbsp;\u00bb Call for Birthday Messages for Renkachan 2025<\/p>\n","protected":false},"featured_media":2009,"template":"","format":"standard","class_list":["post-2109","news","type-news","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","en-US"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.6 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Sumo Rankings from Jonokuchi to Ozeki | Katsuragi<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Learn how sumo wrestlers climb the Banzuke from Jonokuchi to Ozeki, and discover Katsuragi City Sumo Museum \u201cKehaya-za\u201d in Nara.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.guidoor.jp\/katsuragi-city\/en\/news\/sumo-column-2\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" 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