Makuuchi

Makuuchi, known as the pinnacle of professional sumo, represents the top division among the six classifications of this ancient sport. Established in its current format in two thousand four, Makuuchi is comprised of forty-two wrestlers, or rikishi, who are ranked into five distinct tiers based on their performance in prior tournaments.

This prestigious division is the sole category featured in NHK's standard live broadcasts of sumo tournaments, providing viewers with bilingual English commentary. In contrast, the lower divisions are only accessible through satellite coverage, highlighting the unique status of Makuuchi within the sumo hierarchy.

The term Makuuchi translates to 'inside the curtain,' a nod to the early days of professional sumo when a designated curtained area was reserved for top-ranked wrestlers awaiting their bouts. This historical reference underscores the division's long-standing significance in the sport.

Promotion and demotion within Makuuchi are determined by the wrestlers' performance in preceding tournaments. A record of more wins than losses, known as kachi-koshi, typically leads to promotion, while a losing record, or make-koshi, results in demotion. The criteria for ascending to the top two ranks are particularly stringent, reflecting the elite nature of these positions.