Gyōji
A Gyōji ( Japanese 行 司 ) is a judge in Japanese sumō . As is common in all areas of Sumō, the Gyōji are also subject to a strictly hierarchical system.
Gyōji usually begin their career in sumo as a teenager by entering the service of the Japanese sumo association Nihon Sumō Kyōkai . The ranking system in which Gyōji then rise is similar to that of the wrestler, the respective Gyōji rank denotes the sumōtori rank whose fights the referee is qualified to lead. In contrast to wrestlers, however, promotion is based on length of service. At the age of 65 Gyōji retired from the profession. Instead of the association, new Gyōji are instructed by a senior.
The most important and obvious task of a Gyōji is to lead sumō fights. After the yobidashi has called the opponents into the ring called dohyō, the gyōji monitors compliance with the ceremonial form before the start of the fight and the course of the opening attack ( tachi-ai ). Since it is easily possible for a wrestler to step out of the ring during the course of the fight without noticing it - and the match would be lost immediately - the referee shows by constantly shouting “ nokotta nokotta! ”(Like:“ You are still in! ”) That the fight is still going on. After the end of the fight, the Gyōji determines the winner.
All Gyōji carry a wooden fan called gunbai ( 軍 配 ) when practicing their profession . Originally these compartments were used to signal orders on the battlefield. Gyōji use them in the opening ritual of an encounter and to indicate the winner, who is pointed to with the gunbai.
Like wrestlers, referees have to adhere to a strict dress code. The Gyōji of the Makushita Division and below wear simple, knee-length cotton robes that are decorated with green or black rosettes and tassels, the Shibusa . Shoes are not allowed in the lower ranks in the ring. In the higher ranks they are allowed to wear elaborate silk costumes, the Shozoku , which are based on the costumes of the Muromachi period . The colors of the decorations change to green and white. Socks called tabi may be worn for this.
Gyōji of the Makuuchi Division again wear orange and white rosettes and tassels on their robes. The referee of sanyaku -Ränge finally (d. E. The ranks over maegashira ) allowed the only exclusively orange ornaments carry and straw sandals ( Zori ) to their Tabi.
The top two degrees of the Gyōji, which correspond to Yokozuna and Ōzeki , are the Tate-Gyōji (Upper Gyōji) and, since 1951, the Fuku-tate-Gyōji (Deputy Upper Gyōji). They wear purple or purple and white garments. In addition, these two ranks have a short dagger on their belt. This is a symbol that they are ready to commit seppuku (ritual suicide) should they make a mistake. In fact, these Gyōji are expected to offer their resignation if their decision on the outcome of an encounter is reversed by the Shimpan , the judge. However, these resignation requests are rarely accepted.
Like the holders of almost all offices in the Sumo Association, the Gyōji also adopt a special name for the exercise of their profession, which can change in the event of a promotion. All Gyōji have the "family name" Kimura or Shikimori, in addition to which there is a particularly ancient proper name, especially in the higher ranks. The Fuku-tate-Gyōji is always called Shikimori Inosuke, while the post of the highest referee, the Tate-Gyōji, is always occupied by a Kimura Shonosuke. These were originally the names of famous Gyōji from the Edo period . (Note: In Japan, family names are usually mentioned first, see Japanese name )
In addition to their main task, the referees perform a few other duties. This includes the calligraphic design of the ranking list ( banzuke ), the recording of the results and the identification of the winning techniques ( kimarite ) .