Ozeki
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Ōzeki (大関) is the title of a ranking given to sumo wrestlers.
The Ōzeki, or champion rank, is immediately below Yokozuna, which is the pinnacle of the sumo ranking system. Until the yokozuna rank was introduced, Ōzeki was the highest rank in sumo.
Promotion to Ozeki
A rikishi at the rank of sekiwake or komusubi who wins approximately 33 bouts or more over three consecutive basho may earn the rank of ōzeki. Usually a record of at least 11-4 in the tournament immediately preceding promotion is also required. The quality of his sumo can also be taken into account - a wrestler who wins using certain dodging techniques at the beginning of a bout may be penalised for this behaviour, which is deemed to be not in keeping with the dignity of the top two ranks. Given the high standard required for promotion, compared to the lower ranks it is appropriate that the name literally means "the great barrier".
Promotions are recommend by the Judging Divsion to the Board of Directors of the Japan Sumo Association. If it is a first promotion to the rank a member of the Board of Directors will formally visit the stable to inform the new Ozeki of his promotion. The Ozeki will usually make a speech on this occasion promising to do his best to uphold the dignity of the rank.
Demotion from Ozeki
Unlike a yokozuna, an ōzeki may be demoted if he has two consecutive makekoshi tournaments (tournaments in which he posts a losing record). After the first such result, the ōzeki is kadoban and he must get a kachikoshi, or a majority of wins, in the next basho or he will be demoted to sekiwake. He can regain his ōzeki rank in the next tournament if he wins ten or more bouts. If he fails to win ten, he must start the process from the beginning if he is to regain the rank.
Benefits of being an Ozeki
In addition to a salary increase there are a number of perks associated with reaching Ozeki rank:
- He is guaranteed a higher rank in the Sumo Association when he first retires
- He will be given a three year temporary membership of the Sumo Association on his retirement if he does not yet own a share.
- He will receive a special merit payment on his retirement (the amount decided by his strength and longevity as an Ozeki)
- He has a parking space in the Sumo Association headquarters
- He can vote in the election of the Sumo Association Directors
- Normally he will receive additional support from his stable in terms of junior wrestlers to act as his manservants.
- He can wear purple fringed ceremonial aprons (kesho-mawashi)
- An Ozeki cannot normally act as a dewsweeper or swordbearer for a yokozuna ring entrance ceremony
- He may be called on to represent the wrestlers on formal occasions such as when VIPs visit a Sumo Tournament, or on formal visits to Shinto Shrinesja:大関