ozeki

Ozeki, or Ōzeki (大関), is a title in professional sumo wrestling. It denotes the second-highest rank in the sport, below yokozuna. A wrestler reaches ozeki by demonstrating sustained high performance in the top division, typically through a series of strong tournament results over multiple meets. The position carries prestige and specific duties, including facing other top-ranked opponents and representing the stable. A wrestler may be demoted from ozeki if his performance declines, though individuals who endure brief slumps can sometimes retain the rank under certain circumstances. Promotion and demotion rules are designed to balance merit with continuity at the upper levels of sumo.

In Japanese, Ōzeki is also a surname. The romanization varies, and Ozeki is a common form. People bearing this surname appear in various fields, including academia, the arts, and business.

In modern technology, Ozeki is the name of a software company known for VoIP and SIP software, including the Ozeki SIP SDK, which is used to develop telecommunication applications. The brand is associated with tools that facilitate voice over IP communications and integration with telephony systems.

The term Ozeki thus has multiple, distinct meanings: a top traditional sporting rank in sumo, a Japanese surname, and a corporate brand used in technology. Each usage reflects different facets of Japanese language and global business.