yokozuna

A yokozuna is the highest rank in professional sumo wrestling. It is a position of immense prestige and carries with it significant responsibilities beyond mere athletic prowess. A wrestler is promoted to yokozuna based on a combination of consistent performance, particularly winning multiple tournaments as a *ōzeki* (the rank below yokozuna), and demonstrating the dignity, strength, and grace befitting the title, a quality known as *hinkaku*. Unlike other ranks, a yokozuna cannot be demoted, but if their performance consistently declines, they are expected to retire voluntarily. The promotion is determined by a special Yokozuna Deliberation Council. A yokozuna performs a ceremonial *dohyō-iri* (ring-entering ceremony) before matches, showcasing their status. The role is deeply ingrained in Japanese culture and represents an ideal of perfection and leadership within the sport. There are often only a few active yokozuna at any given time, making the attainment of this rank exceptionally rare and highly celebrated.