Makuuchi: The Elite Division of Professional Sumo
In the world of professional sumo, the Makuuchi (literally "inside the curtain") represents the absolute pinnacle of achievement. Also known as makunouchi, this top division is where the most skilled and powerful wrestlers compete for glory and prestige. The name originates from the early days of the sport, when only the highest-ranked wrestlers were permitted to wait in a curtained-off area before entering the ring for their bouts.
Wrestlers in Makuuchi, along with those in the second-tier Jūryō division, are known as sekitori. Unlike those in lower divisions who are considered to be in training, sekitori are fully salaried professionals.
Key Facts
- Division Size: Fixed at 42 wrestlers.
- Ranking Basis: Positions are determined by performance in previous tournaments.
- Professional Status: Members are salaried professionals (sekitori).
- Media Coverage: The only division featured on standard NHK live coverage.
The Hierarchy of Makuuchi
The Makuuchi division is structured strictly by rank, as detailed in the banzuke (the official ranking hierarchy). The division is split between the elite titleholders and the ranked rank-and-file wrestlers.
The San'yaku (Titleholders)
At the top of the division are the san'yaku, or "champions." These are the most prestigious ranks in sumo, typically consisting of 8 to 12 wrestlers. The san'yaku comprise four specific ranks:
- Yokozuna: The highest possible rank.
- Ōzeki: The second-highest rank.
- Sekiwake: The third-highest rank.
- Komusubi: The fourth-highest rank.
The Maegashira
The remaining wrestlers in the division are known as maegashira. They are ranked numerically from Maegashira #1 downwards. While they are not titleholders, the higher-numbered maegashira face the most difficult opponents, including the san'yaku.
Makuuchi Division Overview
| Category | Ranks Included | Approximate Number of Wrestlers |
|---|---|---|
| San'yaku (Champions) | Yokozuna, Ōzeki, Sekiwake, Komusubi | 8–12 |
| Maegashira | Maegashira #1 and below | 30–34 |
| Total | All Makuuchi | 42 |
Broadcasting and Accessibility
Due to its prestige, Makuuchi is the only division that receives standard live coverage on NHK. For international audiences, NHK World-Japan broadcasts selected live Sunday matches and daily highlights in English. In contrast, the lower divisions of sumo are primarily available via streaming services such as Abema.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the term Makuuchi mean?
Makuuchi literally translates to "inside the curtain," referring to the historical practice of allowing top-ranked wrestlers to wait in a curtained area before their matches.
How many wrestlers are in the Makuuchi division?
The division is fixed at 42 wrestlers.
Who are the sekitori?
Sekitori is a collective term for wrestlers in the top two divisions, Makuuchi and Jūryō, who are recognized as fully salaried professionals.
What is the difference between san'yaku and maegashira?
San'yaku are the four highest "titleholder" ranks (Yokozuna, Ōzeki, Sekiwake, and Komusubi), while maegashira are the remaining wrestlers ranked numerically below them.
Where can I watch Makuuchi matches?
They are broadcast live on NHK, with English highlights and selected Sunday matches available internationally on NHK World-Japan.