One of the most eagerly anticipated aspects of each sumo tournament is the release of the new banzuke rankings.
Containing the names of all 650 or so men in the sport’s six divisions, as well as various elders, referees, ring announcers and hairdressers, the banzuke dictates not only where a rikishi stands in relation to his peers, but also many aspects of his life over the following two months.
The excitement and apprehension felt by wrestlers as they scan the banzuke for their names is a direct result of the vagueness of the judging criteria.
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