{{Short description|Ringside judges in sumo}} [[Image:Mono-ii.jpg|thumbnail|300px|Judges holding a {{Translit|ja|mono-ii}} during the 2006 March tournament.]] In sumo wrestling, a {{nihongo|'''''shimpan''''' or '''''shinpan'''''|審判}} is a ringside judge seated around the {{Translit|ja|dohyō}} (sumo ring) to observe the match, identifying which wrestler wins the matchup and supervising the work of the in ring referee (called {{Translit|ja|gyōji}}), to ensure that no refereeing errors are made.
Historically, the role of judge developed in the 18th century to facilitate arbitral decisions, which were subject to external pressures, before establishing itself as the ultimate decision-making authority at the end of the 19th century. In professional sumo, all judges are former wrestlers who have acquired the status of {{Translit|ja|toshiyori}} (sumo elder) and have been assigned to the corresponding department within the Japan Sumo Association. During sumo tournaments (called {{Translit|ja|honbasho}}), five judges sit around the {{Translit|ja|dohyō}}, with additional elders serving as video review officials in another room. The judges command an aura of respect, reinforced by their formal, sober attire and the weight of their decisions.
The judges' main role is to ensure that all preparations for the matches are completed properly and on time, before assisting both the referee in the ring in deciding the outcome of a match and the referees on announcing duty in recording the winning techniques. If the outcome of a match is disputed, it is up to the judges to call a {{Translit|ja|mono-ii}} to discuss the referee's decision, assisted by video refereeing.
However, the role of referees is not limited to matches. Behind the scenes, they are also responsible for establishing the {{Translit|ja|banzuke}}, the ranking system that serves as the cornerstone of professional sumo. When wrestlers are eligible for promotion to the two highest ranks in the hierarchy ({{Translit|ja|yokozuna}} and {{Translit|ja|ōzeki}}), it is also their responsibility to ask the Sumo Association's board of directors to promote those selected, with their opinion serving as the basis for the promotion process and their recommendations never being ignored. Judges also serve as guardians of the etiquette associated with professional sumo, and it is their responsibility to enforce the rules and reprimand wrestlers and masters who violate them. Finally, they are responsible for organizing the matches, a role they perform every day of a tournament.
==History== {{multiple image | align = left | total_width = 450 | image1 = Grand-Kanjin-Sumo-Tournament-by-Utagawa-Kunisada-1846.png | alt1 = Japanese print of a sumo tournament, featuring at the center both wrestlers, the referee and the four judges | caption1 = The four original {{Translit|ja|naka aratame}} were initially positioned on the ring, at its ends under the poles. | image2 = Shimpan 1919.png | alt2 = Black and white photography of sumo judges squatting at the side of the ring to discuss a call | caption2 = {{Translit|ja|Kensayaku}} debating a {{Translit|ja|mono-ii}} call in 1919. | footer = }} The elders' judging function developed around 1750, with the emergence of interests linked to the prestige of local lords. The fairness of the decisions handed down by the {{Translit|ja|gyōji}} was increasingly called into question, because lords sponsored wrestlers.{{sfn|Cuyler|1979|p=75}} This led to the questioning of the {{Translit|ja|gyōji}}'s absolute authority over match results and the introduction of a system of judges, all elders, then called {{nihongo||中改|naka aratame|ascertainers in the middle}} but more commonly known as {{nihongo||四本柱|shihon bashira|{{lit|four pillars}}}}. This name was derived from their positions during matches, right at the base of the poles holding up the roof of the ring.{{sfn|Cuyler|1979|p=75}}{{sfn|Buckingham|1994|p=71}}{{sfn|Buckingham|1994|p=162}} Initially, the judges sat at the foot of the ring, but from around 1780 onwards, they took their places directly on the fighting platform.{{sfn|Cuyler|1979|p=75}} Three judges were led by a head judge, who had total authority and whose personal decision could not be questioned.{{sfn|Buckingham|1994|p=166}}
With Takasago Uragorō's return to the Tokyo Sumo Association, a series of reforms were implemented to satisfy his demands.{{sfn|Cuyler|1979|pp=99-100}} One of these was to transfer the final say in the judgment of a disputed match from the referees ({{Translit|ja|gyōji}}) to the judges.{{sfn|Cuyler|1979|pp=99-100}} The judges took on the official name of {{nihongo||検査役|kensayaku|inspectors}}.{{sfn|Takanaga|Harada|1990|p=230}} The office of judge evolved in the mid-20th century, with the removal of the powers of the head judge in 1958, considered too powerful and autocratic.{{sfn|Buckingham|1994|p=166}}{{sfn|Kenrick|1969|p=112}} With a final reform taking place in 1968, judges finally adopted the name {{Translit|ja|shimpan}} (or {{Translit|ja|shimpan-iin}}).{{sfn|Buckingham|1994|p=166}}{{sfn|Kenrick|1969|p=111}}<ref>{{cite encyclopedia |title=検査長（読み）けんさちょう精選版 日本国語大辞典 「検査長」の意味・読み・例文・類語 |encyclopedia=Nihongo Daijiten |url=https://kotobank.jp/word/%E6%A4%9C%E6%9F%BB%E9%95%B7-2034780 |language=ja |accessdate=19 May 2025 |via=Kotobank encyclopedia}}</ref> The system for electing judges that had been in place until then was also abolished in favor of the system that remains in place today.{{sfn|Takanaga|Harada|1990|p=230}} The idea of bringing in judges who were not {{Translit|ja|toshiyori}} but former wrestlers who showed little promise, retired and trained by their peers to become judges following the {{Translit|ja|gyōji}} system, was considered but not implemented.{{sfn|Takanaga|Harada|1990|p=230}}{{sfn|Kenrick|1969|p=114}}
==Status and seating== {{multiple image | align = right | total_width = 450 | image1 = MontsukiHaoriHakama.png | alt1 = | caption1 = The formal {{Translit|ja|shimpan}} costume. | image2 = Dohyo.png | alt2 = | caption2 = Layout and placement of sumo participants around a {{Translit|ja|dohyō}}. | footer = }} All judges are former wrestlers who have attained the status of {{Translit|ja|toshiyori}} and have been assigned to the dedicated department of the Japan Sumo Association.<ref name=101judge>{{cite web|last=Gunning|first=John|author-link=John Gunning (journalist)|title=Sumo 101: Ringside judges|url=https://www.japantimes.co.jp/sports/2018/09/13/sumo/judges-usually-taciturn-can-laugh-times/|work=The Japan Times|url-access=subscription|date=13 September 2018|access-date=24 November 2025|archive-date=13 September 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180913203931/https://www.japantimes.co.jp/sports/2018/09/13/sumo/judges-usually-taciturn-can-laugh-times/#.W5rLM2h_pqY|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=hanagata>{{cite web|url=https://www.nikkansports.com/battle/sumo/news/202204050000715.html?mode=all&utm_source=AMPbutton&utm_medium=referral|title=なぜ陸奥親方が事業部長、九重親方が役員待遇?! 日本相撲協会の親方職務を読み解く|date=6 April 2022|publisher=Nikkan Sports|access-date=24 November 2025|language=ja}}</ref> Like all departments, the Judging Department is headed by a director assisted by a deputy.<ref name=hanagata/> Starting with the 2020 March tournament, two {{Translit|ja|toshiyori}}, with the status of director and deputy, were also attached to the department to focus solely on match scheduling and {{Translit|ja|banzuke}} decisions. They will generally not serve as judge during matches, but will act as substitutes if the heads of the departments are unable to perform their role.<ref name=hanagata/><ref>{{cite web | title=日本相撲協会が職務分掌を発表 審判部長は伊勢ケ浜親方 元稀勢の里の荒磯親方が記者クラブ担当に |publisher=Chunichi Sports|url=https://www.chunichi.co.jp/chuspo/article/sumo/news/CK2020032502100207.html|date=25 March 2020 |accessdate=26 November 2025 |archiveurl=https://web-archive-org.translate.goog/web/20200326071220/https://www.chunichi.co.jp/chuspo/article/sumo/news/CK2020032502100207.html?_x_tr_sl=ja&_x_tr_tl=fr&_x_tr_hl=fr&_x_tr_pto=sc |archivedate=26 March 2020}}</ref> The appointed {{Translit|ja|toshiyori}} serve in the department for a one-year term, and their supervisors serve for a two-year term.<ref name=101judge/>
The number of judges is set between twenty and twenty-three, and places are distributed equitably among the various {{Translit|ja|ichimon}}, or clans, within the association.<ref name=101judge/>{{sfn|Hall|1997|p=98}}{{sfn|Newton|Toff|2000|p=23}} Around the ring, the five judges all belong to a different clan.<ref name=gendaijudge>{{cite web |url=https://www.nikkan-gendai.com/articles/view/geino/295883|title=増位山太志郎 多芸多趣味は老い知らず <9>相撲を楽しむ審判や判定の見方…行司差し違えが多いのはなぜか |date=12 October 2020|publisher=Nikkan Gendai|access-date=24 November 2025|language=ja}}</ref><ref name=sponichijudge>{{cite web |url=https://www.sponichi.co.jp/sports/news/2022/06/08/articles/20220607s00005000823000c.html|title=【元横綱稀勢の里コラム】審判部に配属 分かりやすい説明を心がけたい|date=8 June 2022|publisher=Sports Nippon|access-date=24 November 2025|language=ja}}</ref> Initially, this difference between clans explained why judges interacted little with each other after matches, simply going home immediately after finishing their duties. Today, however, it is accepted that judges from the same team chat amiably and go out together to forge bonds.<ref name=gendaijudge/><ref name=sponichijudge/>
During an official match, the judges are distributed around the four sides of the ring (east, south, west and north).{{sfn|Kenrick|1969|p=95}} The chief judge, called the {{Translit|ja|shimpan-buchō}},{{sfn|Buckingham|1994|p=6}} is always seated on the north side (on the place of honor known as the {{Translit|ja|shomen}}).{{sfn|Newton|Toff|2000|p=24}}{{sfn|Buckingham|1994|p=166}} The other judges share the other three corners of the ring, with two judges sitting together on the southern edge bordering the {{Translit|ja|hanamichi}} (referred to as {{Translit|ja|mukō jōmen}}), flanking the {{Translit|ja|gyōji}} who awaits his turn to officiate at the foot of the {{Translit|ja|dohyō}}.{{sfn|Buckingham|1994|p=166}}{{sfn|Kenrick|1969|pp=95-96}}
Within the JSA, judges are held in high regard, being nicknamed the {{nihongo||花形|hanagata|star}} of sumo, because their role allows them to be the only {{Translit|ja|toshiyori}} visible to the general public, appearing on television and at ringside during tournaments.<ref name=hanagata/> Their status considered prestigious within the various departments of the Sumo Association and the judges themselves regarded as fair and honorable men.{{sfn|Schilling|1994|p=50}}<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nikkansports.com/battle/sumo/news/202403270001166.html|title=元大関豪栄道の武隈親方が新審判「力士の人生が懸かっているので、気を引き締めて」|date=27 March 2024|publisher=Nikkan Sports|access-date=24 November 2025|language=ja}}</ref> All {{Translit|ja|shimpan}} are recognizable by their sober and formal attire, called ''montsuki''.{{sfn|Buckingham|1994|p=166}}{{sfn|Kenrick|1969|p=112}} The JSA itself requires its judges to wear these formal outfits, strictly prohibiting activities around the ring in simple {{Translit|ja|yukata}} or business suits in order to protect the traditional appearance of sumo tournaments.<ref name=japannewsheian>{{cite web|url=https://japannews.yomiuri.co.jp/sports/sumo/20251112-292152/|title=Sumo Scene / Return of the Idei: Stablemasters in Nara-Period Costumes Evoke Ancient Sumo Traditions|date=12 November 2025|work=The Japan News|publisher=The Yomiuri Shimbun|access-date=24 November 2025}}</ref> Judges wear black {{Translit|ja|haori}} (loose jackets) and gray silk shirts, setting them apart from the flamboyant robes of the {{Translit|ja|gyōji}}, and often causing them to be nicknamed "the Men in black".{{sfn|Kenrick|1969|p=112}}<ref name=101judge/>{{sfn|Schilling|1994|p=49}} A notable exception to this rule was when the association celebrated its centenary, with judges dressed in court ritual attire inspired by the Heian period.<ref name=japannewsheian/>
Far from complying with ethical rules designed to avoid conflict of interest, it is not frowned upon for a judge to be involved in the matches of his own students. On the contrary, sports commentators are relatively fond of such situations, trying to guess whether the teacher was frustrated or happy with the outcome of a match involving a student.{{sfn|Schilling|1994|p=50}}
==Duties== ==={{Translit|ja|Mono-ii}}=== thumb|right|300px|Judges (in suits and seated) are also present at amateur tournaments. {{See also|Gyōji#Refereeing a match}} In the event of a disputed result, it is the {{Translit|ja|shimpan}} who can challenge the {{Translit|ja|gyōji}}'s decision by calling in a {{nihongo||物言い|mono-ii|{{literal translation|talking it over}}}}.{{sfn|Cuyler|1979|p=177}} When doing so, they correspond through an earpiece to a video review room,{{sfn|Hall|1997|p=75}}{{sfn|Kakuma|1993|p=88}} managed by either a single judge (for lower division matches) or two (for matches involving {{Translit|ja|sekitori}}).<ref name=tokyojudge>{{cite web |url=https://www.tokyo-sports.co.jp/articles/-/356644|title=【大相撲】秀ノ山親方が明かす「審判」の舞台裏 危険と隣り合わせ…「大ケガをすることも」|date=21 August 2025|publisher=Tokyo Sports|access-date=24 November 2025|language=ja}}</ref> Judges have been using replays since the 1969 May tournament.{{sfn|Kenrick|1969|p=31}} That standard was set after {{Translit|ja|yokozuna}} Taihō was wrongly declared the loser in his match against Toda during the 1969 March tournament, ending his streak of consecutive victories. Denounced by the press with photographic evidence, the controversy, dubbed the "miscall of the century", prompted the Japan Sumo Association to make video refereeing standard practice.{{sfn|Kenrick|1969|p=112}}{{sfn|Schilling|1994|p=50}}{{sfn|Cuyler|1979|p=125}}<ref>{{cite web |last=Sharnoff |first=Lora | title=Natsu Basho Preview: Lone Yokozuna Asashoryu poised to become one of sumo's all-time greats|publisher=Weekender Online |url=http://www.weekender.co.jp/new/040506/sports-sumo.html |date=March 2004 |accessdate=2 October 2012 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20070927212330/http://www.weekender.co.jp/new/040506/sports-sumo.html |archivedate=27 September 2007}}</ref> The introduction of video refereeing was a pioneering move in Japanese sports, contrasting with the very traditional nature and setting of sumo.<ref name=101judge/><ref>{{cite web|url=https://japannews.yomiuri.co.jp/sports/sumo/20241113-222179/|title=Sumo Scene / The Eyes at the Side of the Ring That Help Get Calls Right|date=13 November 2024|work=The Japan News|publisher=The Yomiuri Shimbun|access-date=24 November 2025}}</ref>
Judges can confirm the decision of the {{Translit|ja|gyōji}} by announcing {{nihongo||軍配通り|gunbai-dōri|{{literal translation|way of the {{Translit|ja|gunbai}}}}}}, overturn it by announcing {{nihongo||軍配差し違え|gunbai-sashichigae|{{literal translation|{{Translit|ja|gunbai}} mistake}}}}, or order a {{nihongo||取り直し|torinaoshi|rematch}}.{{sfn|Kakuma|1993|p=88}}{{sfn|Buckingham|1994|p=72}} The decision supported by the judges is subject to a majority vote by the members present before being announced to the public.{{sfn|Newton|Toff|2000|p=24}} The chief judge then acts as spokesman.{{sfn|Newton|Toff|2000|p=24}} Unlike {{Translit|ja|gyōji}}, whose careers are affected if they make too many bad judgments, judges are not affected if they make a bad decision after a controversial match.{{sfn|Schilling|1994|p=51}} In the rare case of a judging error, a rematch ({{Translit|ja|torinaoshi}}) can be called. In a top division match between Kotozakura and Atamifuji at the 2025 January tournament, judge Asahiyama (former {{Translit|ja|sekiwake}} Kotonishiki) raised his hand to stop the contest believing that Kotozakura's foot stepped out of the {{Translit|ja|dohyō}}. Video replays confirmed that the foot did not touch the ground outside of the straw bales at the time the hand was raised, and the judges decided to order a rematch.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.nikkansports.com/battle/sumo/news/202501170000915.html|title=大誤審で異例の「やり直し」琴桜―熱海富士の一番で勝負審判が琴桜の足が出たと誤審 館内騒然|date=17 January 2025|publisher=Nikkan Sports|access-date=18 January 2025|language=ja}}</ref>
The accuracy of the judges' decision after a {{Translit|ja|mono-ii}} on the spot is never questioned. Its legitimacy is partly based on the fact that, with all sides of the ring covered by the judges, they have a better view of what is happening in the ring than the referee, who will always have a blind spot.{{sfn|Cuyler|1979|p=177}}
In amateur sumo, the use of video refereeing has also become more widespread since the 2020s, following a series of controversial decisions at the highest level of national competition, with the use of tablet computers.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.sponichi.co.jp/sports/news/2022/09/04/articles/20220904s00005000554000c.html|title=土俵内にiPad！？アマチュア相撲で初の「VAR判定」導入 映像を見ながら審判団が協議|date=4 September 2022|publisher=Sports Nippon|access-date=24 November 2025|language=ja}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.sponichi.co.jp/sports/news/2023/08/06/articles/20230806s00005000165000c.html|title=【相撲インターハイ】80キロ級は秋田北鷹2年の山城結が優勝！次の目標は2階級制覇|date=6 August 2023|publisher=Sports Nippon|access-date=24 November 2025|language=ja}}</ref>
===Around and during the matches=== The judges are divided into seven teams that take turns throughout the day, with two teams dedicated solely to the {{Translit|ja|makuuchi}} division, switching places when half of the matches of that division have been completed.<ref name=101judge/><ref name=gendaijudge/> Within the teams, {{Translit|ja|sekitori}} matches will always be presided over by a chief judge who will be either the department director or his deputy.<ref name=gendaijudge/><ref name=tokyojudge/> [[File:Sumo -Tokyo 2011 09 17 b.jpg|thumb|right|250px|One of the judges seated behind the {{translit|ja|gyōji}} is responsible for keeping track of time.]] One judge serves as timekeeper, sitting under the black tassel.{{sfn|Cuyler|1979|p=174}} He is responsible for keeping the pre-bout rituals on schedule, discreetly announcing {{nihongo||時間|jikan|time is up}} to the {{Translit|ja|gyōji}}.{{sfn|Hall|1997|p=98}}{{sfn|Kenrick|1969|pp=102-103}} The referee gives instructions to speed up or slow down the wrestlers' preparations in the ring via the {{Translit|ja|yobidashi}}.{{sfn|Kenrick|1969|p=31}}
At the moment the fight is about to begin, it is up to the judges to stop the fight if they find that the wrestlers were incorrectly positioned.{{sfn|Newton|Toff|2000|pp=23-24}} More specifically, the judges are responsible for ensuring that the wrestlers' fists touch the ground at the start of the match.{{sfn|Newton|Toff|2000|p=106}} During the match, the judges pay particular attention to the feet (which must always remain within the circle of the ring) and the hands (which must not grab the opponent's hair).<ref name=tokyojudge/> If a match exceeds four minutes, it is up to the timekeeper to signal the referee to call a water break.<ref name=tokyojudge/>
In the event of a {{Translit|ja|kimarite}} (winning move) that is difficult to decide for the {{Translit|ja|gyōji}} tasked to announcing it to the public, it is up to the judges in the video review room to provide counselling. Top division Ura was known to be a nightmare wrestler for the judges responsible for defining {{Translit|ja|kimarite}}, as he was known for winning with rare techniques.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.nikkansports.com/battle/sumo/news/202505220000668.html|title=「宇良は決まり手係泣かせ」決まり手係の甲山親方が明かしたビデオ室での「伝え反り」判定裏事情|date=22 May 2025|publisher=Nikkan Sports|access-date=24 November 2025|language=ja}}</ref>
Like wrestlers, who must not show emotion, judges must also maintain a neutral expression while officiating. However, it is not uncommon to see judges smile or laugh openly when young teenage professionals struggle to perform their tasks melodiously as they go through voice change.<ref name=101judge/> The proximity to the ring and the fights is not without risk, and judges may be knocked over by wrestlers who fall off the {{Translit|ja|dohyō}}. More anecdotally, it is even less rare for judges to have their feet stepped on or their trouser torn by wrestlers making their way to the ring.<ref name=tokyojudge/>
==={{Translit|ja|Banzuke}} and promotions=== {{Main|Banzuke}} The judges are involved in establishing the rankings of the wrestlers, known as the {{Translit|ja|banzuke}}. To do this, they meet on the Wednesday immediately following the end of a tournament.<ref name=101judge/><ref name=ancienttouch>{{cite web|last=Gunning|first=John|author-link=John Gunning (journalist)|title=Ancient banzuke adds human touch to sumo|url=https://www.japantimes.co.jp/sports/2018/05/02/sumo/ancient-banzuke-adds-human-touch-sumo/|work=The Japan Times|url-access=subscription|date=2 May 2018|access-date=24 November 2025|archive-date=3 May 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180503042958/https://www.japantimes.co.jp/sports/2018/05/02/sumo/ancient-banzuke-adds-human-touch-sumo/#.WuqQW9R_r2d|url-status=live}}</ref> It is widely accepted that the personalities of judges play a major role in the promotions and demotions of wrestlers.<ref name=101judge/> In addition, power struggles and influence within the department may also play a role in the final decisions.<ref name=ancienttouch/>
Deliberations and ranks are decided in secret, the only exceptions being promotions to the ranks of {{Translit|ja|jūryō}}, {{Translit|ja|ōzeki}}, or {{Translit|ja|yokozuna}}, which are the only ones announced on the day of the meeting so that the wrestlers concerned have time to prepare for their new rank.<ref name=ancienttouch/>
The {{translit|ja|gyōji}} are also involved in the meeting as they act as clerks during the debates.<ref name=asahi>{{cite web |title=ことば談話室 スポーツ相撲字と番付|url=http://www.asahi.com/special/kotoba/archive2015/danwa/2013091000005.html|work=The Asahi Shimbun|date=12 September 2013|access-date=13 November 2023|language=ja}}</ref> During the meeting, the {{translit|ja|gyōji}} serve only as observers and are not invited to speak.<ref name=number>{{cite web|last=Iizuka|first=Saki|title=大相撲の行司さんって土俵裁き以外に何をしている？|url=https://number.bunshun.jp/articles/-/845688|work=Number|date=7 November 2020|access-date=13 November 2023|archive-date=6 June 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220606214142/https://number.bunshun.jp/articles/-/845688|url-status=live|language=ja}}</ref> Three {{translit|ja|gyōji}} are responsible for recording decisions on promotions and demotions, and their work is then used as the basis for the calligraphy known to the public.<ref name=asahi/>
If a promising wrestler meets the conditions (more or less or completely) that would allow him to be promoted to {{Translit|ja|ōzeki}}, it is up to the Judging Department to vote internally by majority to decide whether the wrestler deserves promotion. If they agree on the promotion, the judges send a request to the JSA board of directors for an extraordinary meeting to discuss the decision of the promotion.<ref name=ozekipromo>{{cite web|url=https://www.nikkansports.com/battle/sumo/news/1830347.html|title=高安、大関は31日正式決定／昇進までの流れメモ|date=27 May 217|publisher=Nikkan Sports|access-date=24 November 2025|language=ja}}</ref> In the event of promotion to the rank of {{Translit|ja|yokozuna}}, the board of directors considers the request of the judges and forwards it to the Yokozuna Deliberation Council.<ref name=yokozunapromo>{{cite web|url=https://www.nikkansports.com/battle/sumo/news/202505230001446.html|title=大の里Ｖに高田川審判部長「強い。言うことない」昇進確実も「あと２番見ましょう」|date=23 May 2025|publisher=Nikkan Sports|access-date=24 November 2025|language=ja}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.tokyo-sports.co.jp/articles/-/331928|title=【初場所】豊昇龍 高田川審判長が横綱推薦の理由を説明「文句のつけようがない」|date=26 January 2025|publisher=Tokyo Sports|access-date=26 November 2025|language=ja}}</ref> In both cases, it is then traditional for a director and a member of the Judging Department to then visit the newly promoted wrestler's stable to announce the news, which takes place as part of a formal traditional ceremony.<ref name=ozekipromo/><ref name=yokozunapromo/>
The quality of the techniques used in the ring is recognized as an important criterion in the eyes of the Judging Department.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://hochi.news/articles/20200322-OHT1T50124.html?page=1|title=朝乃山の大関昇進が確実に…相撲協会が臨時理事会を招集決定 富山から１１１年ぶり誕生へ|date=22 March 2020|publisher=Sports Hochi|access-date=24 November 2025|language=ja}}</ref> It is customary for the board of directors to follow the recommendations of the judges.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nikkansports.com/battle/sumo/news/202511230001432.html|title=「大関安青錦」の誕生確実、昇進を諮る臨時理事会の招集を了承 豊昇龍との決定戦制し初優勝|date=23 November 2025|publisher=Nikkan Sports|access-date=24 November 2025|language=ja}}</ref>
===Organizing matches and monitor practices=== The matches are decided by judges during planning meetings, deciding which combinations of wrestlers will compete against each other.<ref name=sumoworld>{{cite web |url=https://sumo-world.com/mechanism/%E5%8F%96%E7%B5%84%E7%B7%A8%E6%88%90/|title=相撲の仕組み 取組編成|publisher=It's a sumo world|access-date=27 November 2025|language=ja}}</ref> As with the deliberations of the {{translit|ja|banzuke}}, the {{translit|ja|gyōji}} are also involved in the meeting as they act as clerks during the debates.<ref name=sumoworld/><ref name=pilot>{{cite web |url=https://www.pilot.co.jp/media/create/003.html|title=大相撲 行司のもうひとつの仕事、「番付」の書き手|date=8 January 2025|publisher=Pilot|access-date=27 November 2025|language=ja}}</ref> The matches for the first two days are decided two days before the start of the tournament. From the third day onwards, the matches are decided the morning of the day before, meaning that the next day's matches are decided before the results of the same-day matches are known.<ref name=sumoworld/><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.nikkansports.com/battle/sumo/news/202003200000431.html|title=相撲協会、優勝争い見据え、結果を見て取組を編成|date=20 March 2020|publisher=Nikkan Sports|access-date=27 November 2025|language=ja}}</ref><ref name=yume>{{cite web |url=https://shinyumebasyo.game.coocan.jp/naiyou/bamen.html|title=新・夢場所開催の準備|publisher=Yumebasho Blog|access-date=27 November 2025|language=ja}}</ref> The fourteenth and fifteenth days are exempt from this practice, and their matches are decided in the evening, after all matches have been completed.<ref name=sumoworld/><ref name=yume/> During decision-making meetings, matches are recorded on a very long scroll bearing the kanji for {{nihongo|mirror|鏡}} to symbolize that the organization is free from malice or error. All wrestlers are ranked in {{translit|ja|banzuke}} order on the scroll. Above their {{translit|ja|shikona}} are listed the wrestlers they have defeated, and below are the wrestlers who have defeated them.<ref name=pilot/> The judges plan the matches by placing Go stones on the ring names.<ref name=number/><ref name=sumoworld/><ref name=yume/>
All members of the Judging Department play a role in predicting matches, but other {{translit|ja|toshiyori}} may be involved without having the authority to sit ringside to judge matches.<ref name=hanagata/>
Judges are responsible for issuing rules of etiquette to wrestlers in order to regulate behavior and preserve the dignity surrounding professional sumo. To this end, the judges intervenes, albeit rarely, at meetings of the {{nihongo||力士会|rikishi-kai}}, the pseudo syndicate grouping together {{Translit|ja|sekitori}}-ranked wrestlers.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.nikkan-gendai.com/articles/view/sports/180869|title=白鵬の“ラフプレー”に照準 新生「審判部」が相撲を変える|date=17 October 2016|publisher=Nikkan Gendai|access-date=27 November 2025|language=ja}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.nikkansports.com/battle/sumo/news/1638134.html|title=立ち合い乱れ審判部が注意 振る舞い全般も|date=27 April 2016|publisher=Nikkan Sports|access-date=27 November 2025|language=ja}}</ref> Judges may also reinforce their instructions by issuing warnings to the coaches of wrestlers who break the rules.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.nikkansports.com/battle/sumo/news/1737139.html|title=審判部、手つき不十分の力士師匠に口頭で注意|date=12 November 2016|publisher=Nikkan Sports|access-date=27 November 2025|language=ja}}</ref> Recent examples of rules enacted by the Judging Department includes prohibiting a wrestler suffering from a concussion from continuing a match, even if the outcome of the match is being contested.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.nikkansports.com/battle/sumo/news/202101210000318.html|title=大相撲力士の脳振とう問題について思うこと|date=21 January 2021|publisher=Nikkan Sports|access-date=27 November 2025|language=ja}}</ref>
==See also== {{Portal|Japan|Martial arts}} {{colbegin}} *Glossary of sumo terms *{{Translit|ja|Rikishi}} *{{Translit|ja|Gyōji}} *{{Translit|ja|Yobidashi}} *{{Translit|ja|Tokoyama}} {{Div col end}}
==References== ===Citations=== {{Reflist}}
===Bibliography=== *{{cite book|last=Buckingham |first=Dorothea M. |date=1994 |title=The Essential Guide to Sumo |url=https://archive.org/details/essentialguideto00doro/mode/2up |url-access=registration |publisher=Bess Press |isbn=1880188805}} *{{cite book|last=Cuyler |first=Patricia Lee |date=1979 |title=Sumo: From rite to sport |url=https://archive.org/details/sumofromritetosp0000cuyl/mode/2up |url-access=registration |publisher=New York: Weatherhill |isbn=9780834801455}} *{{cite book |last=Hall |first=Mina |title=The Big Book of Sumo: History, Practice, Ritual, Fight |publisher=Stone Bridge Press |year=1997 |isbn=978-1-880656-28-0 |url-access=registration |url=https://archive.org/details/bigbookofsumohis00hall}} *{{cite book|last=Kakuma |first=Tsutomu |date=1993 |title=Sumo watching |url=https://archive.org/details/sumowatching0000kaku/mode/2up |url-access=registration |publisher=Yohan Publications |isbn=4896842367}} *{{cite book |last=Kenrick |first=Douglas M. |year=1969 |title=The Book of Sumo: Sport, Spectacle, and Ritual |url=https://archive.org/details/bookofsumosports0000kenr/mode/2up |publisher=New York: Weatherhill |url-access=registration |isbn=083480039X}} *{{cite book |last1=Newton |first1=Clyde |last2=Toff |first2=Gerald J. |year=2000 |title=Dynamic sumo |url=https://archive.org/details/isbn_9784770025081/page/135/mode/2up |publisher=Kodansha International |url-access=registration |isbn=4770025084}} *{{cite book|last=Schilling |first=Mark |author-link=Mark Schilling |date=1994 |title=Sumo: a fan's guide |url=https://archive.org/details/sumofansguide0000schi/mode/2up |url-access=registration |publisher=Japan Times |isbn=4789007251}} *{{cite book|last1=Takanaga|first1=Taketoshi |last2=Harada|first2=Hiroshi|date=1990|title=激動の相撲昭和史|trans-title=The turbulent history of sumo in the Showa era|publisher=Baseball Magazine, Inc.|isbn=4583028164}}
Category:Sumo people Category:Toshiyori Category:Sumo terminology Category:Sports officiating Category:Referees and umpires