Topic summary
Yokozuna
Extracted from the Wikipedia article Makuuchi.
Yokozuna
Yokozuna (横綱; IPA:) is the highest rank in sumo. The name literally means 'horizontal rope' and comes from the most visible symbol of their rank, the rope (綱, tsuna) worn around the waist. The rope is similar to the shimenawa used to mark off sacred areas in Shinto, and like the shimenawa it serves to purify and mark off its content. The rope, which may weigh up to 20 kilograms (44 lb), is not used during the matches themselves, but is worn during the yokozuna'sdohyō-iri ring entrance ceremony.