jonokuchi

Jonokuchi is the lowest division in the professional sumo ranking system, or banzuke, used by the Japan Sumo Association. It marks the entry point for wrestlers who have just joined a sumo stable (heya) and begun their professional careers. Participants are typically new to the sport and can be teenagers or young adults; many are recent graduates from sumo schools or other training programs, though the division is open to any new entrant who signs with a stable.

During official tournaments, or honbasho, jonokuchi wrestlers compete against other entrants. The division contains fewer competitors than higher divisions, and its matches contribute to the overall ranking through the banzuke updates that occur after each tournament. Performance in jonokuchi determines promotion to the next division, jonidan, for the following banzuke. A winning record helps a wrestler advance, while continued losses may keep them in the same division as they gain experience.

Jonokuchi is valued for development and discipline, serving as the starting point for many wrestlers who later reach higher ranks such as jonidan, sandanme, makushita, juryo, and makuuchi. Notable professionals began their careers in this division, and its results are watched by fans and analysts who track potential future stars.