List of sumo elders

This is a list of elders of the Japan Sumo Association (JSA). More accurately called "elder stock" or toshiyori kabu, these names are a finite number of licenses that can be passed on, and are strictly controlled by the JSA. They allow certain advantageous privileges and there are official criteria for whether or not a retiring wrestler can acquire one. In 1927, the number of licenses was set at 105. For more information see toshiyori.

This list is in approximate order of the current elders' rank in the organization. Elections to the Board of Directors are held every two years; the latest was in February 2020.

List of elders[]

Explanation of ranks[]

• rijichō - chairman
• riji - director
• fuku-riji - deputy director
• yakuin taigu iin - special executive
• iin - committee member
• shunin - senior member
• iin taigu toshiyori - elder receiving iin privileges
• toshiyori - elder
• sanyo - consultant (elders re-hired as consultant between 65 and 70 years old)

Elders who do not own but borrow their elder names are always toshiyori.

Hyōgiin is not a rank but a group of independent councillors who act as a kind of supervisory board for the directors. Initially there were three Internal Councillors (Ōtake, Futagoyama and Minatogawa) and four External Councillors (persons outside the sumo world). The Internal Councillors were ranked as iin prior to taking office and returned to that rank at the conclusion of their four-year term. In March 2018 they were replaced by three former wrestlers who are completely outside the Sumo Association: Fujinokawa, Washūyama and Asanosho.

See also[]

• List of sumo stables

Notes[]

References[]

• Oyakata (Coaches) List at Japan Sumo Association
• The Oyakata Gallery
• Heya A-Z