Sanyaku

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Sanyaku (三役) literally means 'the three ranks' and represents the titleholder, or champion, ranks at the top of the sumo ranking system.

Despite the name, there are technically four ranks in sanyaku: Yokozuna, Ozeki, Sekiwake and Komusubi. The numerical discrepancy results from the fact that Yokozuna was traditionally regarded as an Ozeki with a special license to wear a particular rope around his waist and perform a separate ring entry ceremony. Promotion and relegation exists between the ranks (promotion to Ozeki and Yokozuna have strict criteria, and a Yokozuna cannot be relegated once achieved the rank).

Traditionally, there should be at least two wrestlers in each rank. This does not apply to Yokozuna however, and if there is only one Ozeki, one of the Yokozuna will be formally ranked as a Yokozuna-Ozeki. There is no recorded instance of having less than a total of two Yokozuna and Ozeki.

There are a number of perks and responsibilities associated with being ranked in sanyaku. Wrestlers receive a higher monthly salary and are also entitled to purchase one of the membership shares in the Japan Sumo Association, regardless of the total number of tournaments they have spent in the top makuuchi division.

Sanyaku wrestlers may be called to represent all sumo wrestlers on certain occasions. For example, when the president of the Sumo Association makes a formal speech on the opening and closing days of a tournament, he is flanked by all the sanyaku wrestlers in their fighting mawashi. Similarly they may be called to assist in welcoming a VIP, such as the emperor, to the stadium.

The sanyaku can be split into two groups: The senior yokozuna and ozeki, and junior sekiwake and komusubi.

The former group have special promotion criteria and higher salaries, and have additional perks such as a higher number of junior wrestlers to assist them, an entitlement to park in the Sumo Association compound and voting rights in the election for Association directors. Senior yokozuna and ozeki also have added responsibilities. They are expected to represent wrestler views to the Association, assist in advertising events and meet event sponsors.

The latter group, sekiwake and komusubi, have less responsibilities, but are still eligible for one of the three special prizes, or sansho that are awarded for exceptional performance at the end of each tournament.

[edit] Other uses

Sanyaku ranks are sometimes used to describe positions in other organizations, referring to the top three spots not including the leader. Similarly, in municipal governments, Sanyaku ranks are used to describe the governor, the vice governor, and the head of the finance division.