Yokozuna is a prestigious title in the sport of professional sumo wrestling, awarded to the highest-ranking wrestlers who have demonstrated exceptional skill and achievement in the sport. The term originates from Japanese, where “yoko” means horizontal, and “zuna” means rope or belt, referring to the way wrestlers wear their mawashi (the traditional sumo belt).
A yokozuna is expected to uphold the highest standards of performance and conduct both inside and outside the ring, serving as a role model for other wrestlers. The title is not necessarily awarded based solely on rank; rather, it requires the wrestler to achieve significant success, particularly in tournaments, often needing to win two or more tournaments in a single year to be considered for promotion.
Once a wrestler is appointed as a yokozuna, they are held to a higher standard and face greater expectations, including the need to maintain a winning record and exhibit leadership in the sumo community. The title is not easily attained, and there have been relatively few yokozuna throughout sumo’s history, making it a symbol of excellence in the sport.
The 57th NHK Welfare Sumo Championship took place at Ryogoku Kokugikan, showcasing the journey of Hoshoryu. Hoshoryu faced three early defeats but made a remarkable comeback, finishing with only three…