Yokozuna
横綱
The highest rank in professional sumo. A yokozuna cannot be demoted, but is expected to retire after weak results.
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Yokozuna (横綱) is the highest rank in professional sumo. The name comes from the rope that a yokozuna ties around his waist during the ring-entering ritual on the dohyo (dohyo-iri). The rope takes the form of the Shinto sacred rope shimenawa. Promotion is decided by the Japan Sumo Association on the recommendation of the Yokozuna Deliberation Council. The usual benchmark is two tournament victories in a row at the rank of ozeki or comparable results. Hinkaku, dignity and conduct, is also assessed. Unlike lower ranks, a yokozuna cannot be demoted. After a long period of weak results he is expected to end his career. A yokozuna performs the entry onto the dohyo in one of two styles, Unryu or Shiranui, which differ in the position of the arms.