Gyōji#Ring names

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The role of referee in sumo began long before the {{transliteration|ja|gyōji}} was entrusted with it. During the Heian period, the role of match referee was not yet defined, and besides the wrestlers, there were a number of officials responsible for supervising matches.{{cite encyclopedia |title=行司 |encyclopedia=Shogakukan Nippon Encyclopedia (Nipponica)|url=https://kotobank.jp/word/%E8%A1%8C%E5%8F%B8-52680|language=ja |accessdate=6 November 2023 |via=Kotobank}} These roles were given to imperial guards bearing the title of {{nihongo|{{transliteration|ja|tachiawase}}|立合}}, a rank bearing the same kanji as the spelling of {{transliteration|ja|tachi-ai}}.{{sfn|Cuyler|1979|pp=37-38}} These officials, dressed as archers and carrying bows and quivers, were accompanied by substitutes, the {{nihongo|{{transliteration|ja|kazusashi}}|数刺し}}, who were dressed in the same way and were responsible for keeping the scorebook.{{sfn|Cuyler|1979|p=37}} An official, Shiga-no-Seirin (sometimes spelled Shigano Seirin or called Shiga Seirin), was appointed by Emperor Shōmu and founded one of the first hereditary lines of referees, and is also credited with establishing the original forty-eight sumo techniques.{{sfn|Cuyler|1979|p=78}}{{cite web|url=https://www.sumofanmag.com/content/Issue_6/Rikishi_of_Old.htm|last=Kuroda|first=Joe|title=The First Yokozuna (Akashi Shiganosuke) – and the history of sumo's ultimate rank|work=Sumo FanMag|access-date=3 November 2023|page=2}} During the same period, the term "{{transliteration|ja|gyōji}}" also appeared, but the role of the staff bearing this title, all sixth-tier courtiers, was confined to administrative organization and various tasks linked to the court ceremony alongside the sumo tournaments.{{sfn|Cuyler|1979|p=73}} At the start of the Kamakura shogunate, {{transliteration|ja|gyōji}} still did not referee matches, this role falling to {{nihongo|{{transliteration|ja|sumo bugyō}}|相撲奉行}}, or 'sumo magistrates'.{{sfn|Cuyler|1979|p=73}} During the Muromachi period, the term began to be applied to samurai-ranked referees, involved in the temporary judging of matches between wrestlers.{{sfn|Cuyler|1979|p=73}}

In 1570 (Genki era), however, Oda Nobunaga appointed two warriors from his retinue to the role of {{transliteration|ja|gyōji}} and gave them the task of organizing the shogunate's sumo tournaments.{{sfn|Cuyler|1979|p=73}} During the Tokugawa shogunate, sumo became popular but the {{transliteration|ja|shogun}}, in an effort to moralize society, banned traditional tournaments organized as part of festivals. As the sport began to be sponsored by the local lords, and in order to eliminate conflicts that would lead to the shogunate's ban on sumo, referee families taught sumo etiquette, rules and techniques to professional wrestlers ({{transliteration|ja|rikishi}}) in various domains. With the incorporation of Shinto elements into sumo traditions during the Tokugawa shogunate, the role of {{transliteration|ja|gyōji}} took on even greater importance, emerging as surrogate priests.{{sfn|Cuyler|1979|p=74}} As a result, requiring licenses to exercise the role of referee became extremely valuable, and by the early 18th century two families stood out in the legal control of {{transliteration|ja|gyōji}}: the House of Yoshida Tsukasa and the {{Interlanguage link|House of Gojō|ja|3=五条家 (菅原氏)|lt=House of Gojō}}, both originating from the long tradition of local lords appointing their own officials to train wrestlers sponsored by their domain.{{sfn|Cuyler|1979|p=74}}

Before the national standardization of sumo organizations, the sporting landscape was divided between several associations scattered around the country, the largest developing in Edo, Kyoto and Osaka.{{sfn|Cuyler|1979|p=72}} At the end of the 18th century, around 1780, the Edo-based sumo association began a long period of domination of the national sumo scene. Yoshida Tsukasa, the clan controlling the observance of etiquette in Edo, took advantage of this gain in popularity to consolidate its authority over the other hereditary lines of referees, leading to the sole recognition of the referee traditions inherited from this family, which continues to the present.{{sfn|Cuyler|1979|p=74}} During the mid-Edo period, the role of {{transliteration|ja|gyōji}} asserted itself and began to take on its current form, with the use of the {{transliteration|ja|gunbai}} (war fan) and the wearing of the ceremonial kimono.{{sfn|Cuyler|1979|p=74}}

Like wrestlers and most other professions involved in professional sumo, {{transliteration|ja|gyōji}} do not work under their real name, but under a pseudonym similar to the {{transliteration|ja|shikona}}, or ring name, used by wrestlers.{{sfn|Kenrick|1969|p=110}} In modern times, all {{transliteration|ja|gyōji}} will take either the family name {{nihongo|Kimura|木村}} or {{nihongo|Shikimori|式守}} as their professional name, depending on the tradition recruits are joining.{{sfn|Kenrick|1969|p=110}} Within these two families, the names of the two highest-ranking members never change and the two top {{transliteration|ja|gyōji}} are always called {{nihongo|Shikimori Inosuke|式守 伊之助}}, the junior {{transliteration|ja|tate-gyōji}}, and {{nihongo|Kimura Shōnosuke|木村 庄之助}}, his senior.{{sfn|Schilling|1994|p=46}}

With the rise in importance and popularity of sumo during the Edo period, many hereditary lines of referees became codified, and some sought the patronage of the House of Yoshida Tsukasa.{{sfn|Cuyler|1979|p=75}} Around 1770, several lineages existed simultaneously and officiated throughout Japan under the influence of the Yoshida, such as the Iwai Sauma in Kyoto, Shakushi Ichigaku in Osaka, Hattori Shikiemon in Higo and Suminoe Shikikuro in Nagasaki.{{sfn|Cuyler|1979|p=75}} Between 1726 and 1729, the referees named Kimura Shōnosuke and {{nihongo|Shikimori Godaiyū|式守 五大夫}} sought patronage from the Yoshida and began working as referees in the Edo-based association.{{sfn|Cuyler|1979|p=74}} According to a genealogy tree produced by the 6th Shōnosuke during the Meiwa era, the name Kimura Shōnosuke was originally adopted during the Kan'ei era by Nakadachi Uzaemon, a vassal of the Sanada clan, who was the third-generation head of a hereditary line of referees.{{cite encyclopedia |title=木村庄之助 |encyclopedia=Shogakukan Nippon Encyclopaedia (Nipponica) |url=https://kotobank.jp/word/%E6%9C%A8%E6%9D%91%E5%BA%84%E4%B9%8B%E5%8A%A9-16097|language=ja |accessdate=6 November 2023 |via=Kotobank}} The Shikimori, however, descend from a different lineage, founded by a former wrestler who became an elder under the name Isenoumi Godaiyū.{{cite encyclopedia |title=式守伊之助 |encyclopedia=Heibonsha Encyclopaedia |url=https://kotobank.jp/word/%E5%BC%8F%E5%AE%88%E4%BC%8A%E4%B9%8B%E5%8A%A9-72708|language=ja |accessdate=6 November 2023 |via=Kotobank}} He later changed his name to Shikimori Godaiyū and launched his own line of referees. Between 1765 and 1774, one of his descendants, named Shikimori Inosuke, established himself as a prominent figure and was appointed as one of the highest referee, second only to Kimura Shōnosuke; thus de facto taking the lead in his line.{{sfn|Cuyler|1979|p=74}}

Today, the lineage of referees is mostly extinct, with the exception of the Kimura and Shikimori families which are the names of the two most powerful lines of referees to have made their mark since the middle of the 18th century.{{sfn|Cuyler|1979|p=167}} Today's {{transliteration|ja|gyōji}} must choose to belong to one of these two lines.{{sfn|Cuyler|1979|p=167}}

{{transliteration|ja|Gyōji}} surnames may be influenced by stable traditions.{{cite web|last=Iizuka|first=Saki|title=「大相撲の行司さんを目指したきっかけは？」「どうすればなれる？」現役の行司さんに聞いてみた|url=https://number.bunshun.jp/articles/-/845691|work=Number|date=7 November 2020|access-date=13 November 2023|archive-date=4 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210704223112/https://number.bunshun.jp/articles/-/845691|url-status=live|language=ja}} The two families are not equal; their heads, for example, do not have quite the same rank, a Kimura still being considered a senior compared to a Shikimori.{{sfn|Hall|1997|p=101}}{{sfn|Schilling|1994|p=124}} The Kimura family is also much larger, with almost twice as many members as the Shikimori.{{sfn|Schilling|1994|p=46}} At one time, there was still a blood tie between the members of these families, but nowadays the relationship between families is primarily hierarchical, with {{transliteration|ja|gyōji}} switching between families as they are promoted through the ranks, particularly when they reach the top of the hierarchy.{{sfn|Schilling|1994|p=46}}{{sfn|Newton|Toff|2000|p=23}} Thus, the referee named Shikimori Inosuke, head of the Shikimori, will take the name Kimura Shōnosuke, and will therefore change family, if the latter retires.{{sfn|Schilling|1994|p=46}} Other examples of promotion in the other family included notably that of the {{Interlanguage link|38th Kimura Shōnosuke |ja|3=木村庄之助 (38代)|lt=38th Kimura Shōnosuke }} who changed from the Kimura family to the Shikimori family when he gave up his name of {{nihongo|Kimura Waichirō|木村 和一郎}} to become the eleventh {{nihongo|Shikimori Kandayū|式守 勘太夫}} upon his promotion to the ranks of {{transliteration|ja|san'yaku}} in 2012.{{cite web |url=https://www.sumo.or.jp/Profile/gyoji/1984/|title=行司基本情報 - 木村 庄之助 立行司|publisher=Japan Sumo Association|access-date=11 November 2023|language=ja}} The {{Interlanguage link|43rd Shikimori Inosuke|ja|3=式守伊之助 (43代)|lt=43rd Shikimori Inosuke}} had been with the Kimura family from his {{Transliteration|ja|gyōji}} debut in September 1979 until his {{Transliteration|ja|tate-gyōji}} promotion in January 2025.{{cite web |url=https://www.sumo.or.jp/Profile/gyoji/1987/|title=行司基本情報 - 式守 伊之助 立行司|publisher=Japan Sumo Association|access-date=23 December 2024|language=ja}}

As {{transliteration|ja|gyōji}} rise through the ranks and begin officiating higher divisions, they can change their first name to that of a past {{transliteration|ja|gyōji}}, thus taking on a more prestigious name, often part of a long tradition.{{cite web|last=Gunning|first=John|author-link=John Gunning (journalist)|title=Sumo 101: Gyōji|url=https://www.japantimes.co.jp/sports/2018/11/20/sumo/sumo-101-gyoji/|work=The Japan Times|url-access=subscription|date=20 November 2018|access-date=10 November 2023|archive-date=5 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201005232655/https://www.japantimes.co.jp/sports/2018/11/20/sumo/sumo-101-gyoji/|url-status=live}} For example, the name Shikimori Kandayū has been passed down for more than two hundred years.{{Cite AV media |people=Grand Sumo Highlights |title=Sumopedia: What are the duties of gyoji |url=https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/tv/sumo/sumopedia/68/ |accessdate=11 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210902210641/https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/tv/sumo/sumopedia/68/ |archive-date=2 September 2021 |url-status=live |website=NHK }} Other traditions may, on the contrary, encourage the referee to keep his name or to be given a unique one linked to his stable.

Each lineage of referee has its own traditions, one of the most visible being the handling of the {{transliteration|ja|gunbai}} when the latter is pointed in one direction to determine a winner: Kimura referees keep the back of their fist upward, while Shikimori referees have their palm facing upward.{{sfn|Cuyler|1979|p=167}}{{sfn|Hall|1997|p=101}}

The maximum number of {{transliteration|ja|gyōji}} allowed in the Sumo Association is 45.{{cite web|url=https://www.news-postseven.com/archives/20170306_498625.html?DETAIL|title=大相撲 行司は8階級、呼出は9階級あり定員は共に45人|date=6 March 2017|work={{Interlanguage link|News Post Seven|ja|3=NEWSポストセブン|lt=News Post Seven}}|language=ja|access-date=7 November 2023}} {{As of|2024|01}}, there are 43 {{transliteration|ja|gyōji}} within the Sumo Association.{{cite web|url=https://sumo.or.jp/EnSumoDataKyokaiMember/gyoji|title=Gyoji (Referees) List|publisher=Japan Sumo Association|access-date=7 November 2023}} Like the {{transliteration|ja|yobidashi}}, the {{transliteration|ja|gyōji}} are employed directly by the Japan Sumo Association but are affiliated with the stables like wrestlers.{{sfn|Newton|Toff|2000|p=22}} New recruits do not have to meet height or weight requirements and it is even implied that a small {{transliteration|ja|gyōji}} is preferable, for aesthetic reasons, as it creates a greater contrast with the taller and bigger wrestlers.{{sfn|Schilling|1994|p=46}} Many {{transliteration|ja|gyōji}} are former wrestlers who could not rise in the professional world and decided to change their path.{{sfn|Kakuma|1993|p=44}} Prior to 1972, the {{transliteration|ja|gyōji}} began their training at the age of six or seven, before becoming referees in real-life situations between the ages of thirteen and fourteen, while at the same time receiving a normal education.{{sfn|Kenrick|1969|p=107}}{{sfn|Schilling|1994|p=45}} Recruits now begin their career around the age of fifteen or sixteen, after graduating from junior high school.{{sfn|Newton|Toff|2000|p=22}} {{transliteration|ja|Gyōji}} then work up a career ladder based on the professional sumo divisions until their retirement at 65.{{sfn|Newton|Toff|2000|p=22}} The current ranking system consists of the following eight ranks, listed in descending order:{{cite web|url=https://www3.nhk.or.jp/sports/story/1190/|title=行司なくして大相撲は成り立たない！土俵支える裏方"行司"とは|work=NHK|date=5 July 2019|access-date=7 November 2023|language=ja}}

• {{nihongo|{{transliteration|ja|tate-gyōji}}|立行司}}
• {{nihongo|{{transliteration|ja|san'yaku-gyōji}}|三役行司}}
• {{nihongo|{{transliteration|ja|makuuchi-gyōji}}|幕内行司}}
• {{nihongo|{{transliteration|ja|jūryō-gyōji}}|十両行司}}
• {{nihongo|{{transliteration|ja|makushita-gyōji}}|幕下行司}}
• {{nihongo|{{transliteration|ja|sandanme-gyōji}}|三段目行司}}
• {{nihongo|{{transliteration|ja|jonidan-gyōji}}|序二段行司}}
• {{nihongo|{{transliteration|ja|jonokuchi-gyōji}}|序ノ口行司}}

Promotions are decided once a year at the {{transliteration|ja|banzuke}} (rankings) organization meeting held after the September tournament and are only applicable starting the following January.{{cite web|url=https://ola-dosukoisports.com/sumo/gyouji-class|title=【大相撲】行司の階級を徹底解説！昇進条件、給料なども|language=ja|work=Dosukoi Sports Magazine|date=17 June 2019|accessdate=7 November 2023}} Promotions were mainly based on seniority,{{sfn|Newton|Toff|2000|p=22}} but from 1972 onwards, greater consideration was given to the personal qualities of referees, such as their ability to judge, the tone and power of their voice and also their work ethic. Other qualities are also taken into account, such as calligraphic skills, speed and agility in the ring and leadership shown when facing a difficult decision.{{sfn|Newton|Toff|2000|p=22}} On the other hand, too many invalidated refereeing decisions can hinder promotion.{{sfn|Newton|Toff|2000|p=22}} This penalty, however, is the highest consequence a {{transliteration|ja|gyōji}} can suffer, as {{transliteration|ja|gyōji}} cannot be demoted.{{sfn|Hall|1997|p=99}} The maximum number of {{transliteration|ja|sekitori}}-ranked {{transliteration|ja|gyōji}} ({{transliteration|ja|jūryō}} and above) is between 20 and 22. Until 1960, there was no mandatory retirement age and top-ranked {{transliteration|ja|gyōji}} usually served until death, illness or senility.{{sfn|Kenrick|1969|p=110}}{{sfn|Schilling|1994|p=45}} The promotion chain was hence blocked to the point where a persistent rumour had it that junior {{transliteration|ja|gyōji}} rejoiced at the death of their elders as much as they lamented it.{{sfn|Kenrick|1969|p=110}}{{sfn|Schilling|1994|p=45}} Today's promotions are slow but almost certain and some {{transliteration|ja|gyōji}} may be as popular as some wrestlers.{{sfn|Kenrick|1969|p=107}}{{sfn|Schilling|1994|p=45}}

Junior {{transliteration|ja|gyōji}} evolve under the tutelage of their seniors.{{sfn|Schilling|1994|p=45}} Unlike wrestlers, {{transliteration|ja|gyōji}} have no training school for their initial training, and learn everything from the master under whom they are placed.{{sfn|Schilling|1994|p=45}} It usually takes a {{transliteration|ja|gyōji}} 15 years to be promoted to the {{transliteration|ja|jūryō}} ranks.{{sfn|Newton|Toff|2000|p=22}} It takes another 15 years to be promoted to officiating {{transliteration|ja|makuuchi}} matches.{{sfn|Newton|Toff|2000|p=22}} The {{transliteration|ja|tate-gyōji}} (top two {{transliteration|ja|gyōji}}) usually have anywhere from 40 to 50 years of experience.{{sfn|Newton|Toff|2000|p=22}} There are exceptions, notably the {{Ill|27th Kimura Shōnosuke|ja|木村庄之助 (27代)}} who was promoted to Shikimori Inosuke at the age of 48 in 1973, making him the youngest {{transliteration|ja|tate-gyōji}} in the history of the sport.{{cite web|url=https://www.nikkansports.com/battle/sumo/news/202306270000624.html|title=27代木村庄之助の熊谷宗吉さんが老衰で死去、97歳 行司生活55年|date=27 June 2023|work=Nikkan Sports|language=ja|access-date=11 November 2023}} As referees are promoted, the number of matches they can officiate is reduced.{{sfn|Kenrick|1969|p=109}} Young {{transliteration|ja|gyōji}} can referee up to ten matches in a day, while their seniors can referee two at most.{{sfn|Kenrick|1969|p=109}} At the top of the hierarchy, the {{transliteration|ja|tate-gyōji}} referee just one match.{{sfn|Kenrick|1969|p=109}}

Compared to other professions outside professional sumo, or compared to wrestlers' salaries, {{transliteration|ja|gyōji}} pay is low but still higher than that of {{transliteration|ja|yobidashi}}.{{sfn|Kenrick|1969|p=125}} Top-ranked {{transliteration|ja|gyōji}} earn between 400,000 and 500,000 yen ($3320, or €2487 as of November 2023). The basic salary for a {{transliteration|ja|makushita}}-ranked {{transliteration|ja|gyōji}} is between 42,000 yen ($281, or €258) to 100,000 yen ($669, or €615).{{cite web|url=https://withnews.jp/article/f0170224002qq000000000000000G00110301qq000014771A|title=出世するまで裸足・門限10時半…若手行司って超厳しい世界だった|date=24 February 2017|website=Withnews|publisher=The Asahi Shimbun|language=ja|access-date=11 November 2023}} Like wrestlers, however, {{transliteration|ja|gyōji}} receive bonuses after each tournament.{{sfn|Kenrick|1969|p=126}}

Prior to July 1993, the {{transliteration|ja|gyōji}} were the only profession of sumo unrelated to wrestler (retired or active) to be featured in the {{transliteration|ja|banzuke}}, the traditional rankings of sumo.{{sfn|Buckingham|1994|p=74}} Since then, the upper-ranked {{transliteration|ja|yobidashi}} also have their names automatically included on the {{transliteration|ja|banzuke}}.{{cite web|url=https://www3.nhk.or.jp/sports/story/1051/|title=大相撲 "呼出し"のすべて|language=ja|author=Koichi Kitade|website=NHK|date=17 November 2019|accessdate=23 June 2023}} The names of the {{transliteration|ja|gyōji}} are listed in the center vertical column above the names of the judges and below the {{nihongo|{{transliteration|ja|gomenkōmuru}}|蒙御免}} and the tournament dates and site.{{sfn|Buckingham|1994|p=74}}

{{transliteration|ja|Gyōji}}, like wrestlers, are deprived of certain freedoms unless they reach a certain rank, and are required, for example, to live in their own stable. However, unlike wrestlers, who have the option of living elsewhere once they reach the rank of {{transliteration|ja|jūryō}}, {{transliteration|ja|gyōji}} can move once they reach the rank of {{transliteration|ja|sandanme}}. {{transliteration|ja|Gyōji}} who have achieved {{transliteration|ja|sekitori}} status are assigned {{transliteration|ja|tsukebito}} (personal attendants) just as top wrestlers are.{{sfn|Schilling|1994|p=46}} These may be junior referees or lower-ranked wrestlers, the latter being considered unlucky because there is a superstition in the sumo world that a wrestler serving a {{transliteration|ja|gyōji}} will not go on to have a successful career.{{sfn|Schilling|1994|p=46}} The {{transliteration|ja|tate-gyōji}} may have a maximum of two assistants, when the referees ranked below him have only one. {{transliteration|ja|Gyōji}} ranked near the top of the hierarchy can use an {{nihongo|akeni|明荷}}, a bamboo and {{Transliteration|ja|washi}} luggage box dating back to the Edo period, to transport their personal belongings.{{cite web|last=Gunning|first=John|author-link=John Gunning (journalist)|title=Sumo 101: Akeni|url=https://www.japantimes.co.jp/sports/2019/01/20/sumo/sumo-101-akeni/|work=The Japan Times|url-access=subscription|date=20 January 2019|access-date=12 October 2024}} {{transliteration|ja|Tate-gyōji}} also have their names displayed on {{transliteration|ja|nobori}} (tall banner) at the entrance to the arenas where tournaments are held.{{sfn|Buckingham|1994|p=74}} In the past, retired {{transliteration|ja|gyōji}} who had managed to secure an elder-share (a pseudonym under which a person may become an executive of the Japan Sumo Association) could remain in the Japan Sumo Association as elders, but the practice is no longer permitted.{{sfn|Newton|Toff|2000|p=112}}

{{See also|List of items traditionally worn in Japan}}

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In the ring, {{transliteration|ja|gyōji}} wear elaborate ceremonial costumes, either called the {{transliteration|ja|shōzoku}} or the {{transliteration|ja|hitatare}},{{sfn|Newton|Toff|2000|p=46}} making them a "flamboyant part of the sumo scene."{{sfn|Kenrick|1969|p=107}} The kimono worn by the {{transliteration|ja|gyōji}} is usually a gift from patrons.{{sfn|Newton|Toff|2000|p=46}} It imitates either the one worn by samurai-ranked officials during hunting parties organized during the Muromachi period,{{sfn|Kenrick|1969|p=108}} or court dress worn during the Heian period.{{sfn|Newton|Toff|2000|p=46}}

The costume has undergone a series of changes to arrive at its current form. During the Edo period, {{transliteration|ja|gyōji}} wore a linen {{transliteration|ja|kamishimo}}, a sleeveless kimono with exaggerated shoulders, called {{nihongo|asagamishimo|麻裃}}.{{cite web|url=https://www.sumo.or.jp/KokugikanSumoMuseumDisplay/wrap20181023/|title=過去の展示 - 行司装束|publisher=Sumo Museum|access-date=9 November 2023|language=ja}} In May 1910, the Tokyo-sumo association made the decision to change the costume of professional referees to the one currently in use. However, the tradition of wearing the costumes used during the Edo period is still preserved in traditional regional tournaments, particularly on the Oki Islands.{{cite web|url=https://www.sumofanmag.com/content/Issue_24/Kotenzumo.pdf|last=Kodama|first=Michiko|title=The Classical Sumo of Oki: A Unique Tradition of Cultural and Ritual Sumo|work=Sumo FanMag|access-date=9 November 2023}} With the Dampatsurei Edict of 1871, referees could no longer keep their {{transliteration|ja|chonmage}}, and one of the reasons for adopting the new costume would have been to make it easier to conceal the referee's hair to hide his lack of topknot with a hat. This hat, worn in addition to the richly decorated kimonos, is called an {{nihongo|{{transliteration|ja|eboshi}}|烏帽子}}.{{sfn|Newton|Toff|2000|p=46}} It is a lacquered black hat inspired by the hats worn by courtiers in feudal Japan and fashioned after the hats worn by Shinto priests.{{sfn|Newton|Toff|2000|p=46}}{{sfn|Cuyler|1979|p=166}} To add color to this headdress, some {{transliteration|ja|gyōji}} replace the {{transliteration|ja|eboshi}}'s dark cords with colored ones.{{sfn|Kenrick|1969|p=108}} Each costume worn by {{transliteration|ja|gyōji}} ranked in {{transliteration|ja|jūryō}} or above is as expensive as a {{transliteration|ja|keshō-mawashi}} worn by wrestlers of equivalent rank during their ring entering ceremonies.{{sfn|Newton|Toff|2000|p=46}} Each {{transliteration|ja|gyōji}} chooses the color and pattern of his kimono, but only {{transliteration|ja|tate-gyōji}} may use purple, the symbol of their rank.{{sfn|Kenrick|1969|p=108}} In winter, {{transliteration|ja|gyōji}} tend to wear darker colors than those worn during the summer months.{{sfn|Newton|Toff|2000|p=46}} Although {{transliteration|ja|gyōji}} kimono are often embroidered with very traditional motifs such as {{transliteration|ja|kamon}}, in October 2021, the Japan Sumo Association formed a partnership with The Pokémon Company to celebrate the 25th anniversary of Pokémon Red and Blue and since the {{Ill|January 2022 Grand Sumo tournament|lt=January 2022 tournament|ja|大相撲令和4年1月場所}}, {{transliteration|ja|gyōji}} can be seen wearing Poké Ball-themed kimono.{{cite web|url=https://www.sankei.com/article/20220107-I6QGJEXXRZLTZF42K3G275HWGA/|title=ポケモンの行司装束も 大相撲初場所、９日初日|date=7 January 2022|work=Sankei Shimbun|language=ja|access-date=9 November 2023}}{{cite web|title=大相撲とポケモンが異色タッグ 懸賞旗から行事の装束まで|url=https://mainichi.jp/articles/20220110/k00/00m/050/195000c|work=Mainichi Shimbun|url-access=subscription|date=11 January 2022|access-date=30 November 2023|archive-date=11 January 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220111015256/https://mainichi.jp/articles/20220110/k00/00m/050/195000c|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://intojapanwaraku.com/culture/237330/|title=ポケモン紋様の装束も！ 木村容堂さんに聞く、大相撲「行司」の世界・後編|work={{Interlanguage link|Waraku (magazine)|ja|3=和樂|lt=Waraku Magazine}} |publisher=Shogakukan |date=27 February 2024|access-date=25 May 2024|language=ja}}

The outfits used all incorporate a number of rosettes, called {{transliteration|ja|kikutoji}}, and tassels, called {{transliteration|ja|fusa}}. These ornaments change color to indicate the gyoji's rank.{{sfn|Newton|Toff|2000|p=134}} Unlike {{transliteration|ja|yobidashi}}, whose uniform is identical regardless of rank, each {{transliteration|ja|gyōji}}'s costume reflects the rank he holds and has specific features depending on the rank reached. On promotion, the {{transliteration|ja|gyōji}} will change into more elaborate outfits and small changes in dress continue as the referee moves up the hierarchy. Since 1960, {{transliteration|ja|gyōji}} who have attained the rank of {{transliteration|ja|jūryō}} wear several pairs of {{transliteration|ja|tabi}} per tournament.{{sfn|Cuyler|1979|p=123}} These socks, originally designed only for walking on {{transliteration|ja|tatami}} mats and not on the hard and sandy surface of a {{transliteration|ja|dohyō}}, wear out very quickly after a day of matches.{{sfn|Hall|1997|p=101}} {{transliteration|ja|Gyōji}} who are promoted to the rank of {{transliteration|ja|san'yaku}} may wear an {{transliteration|ja|inro}} on the rear-right side of their belt. Both the top two {{transliteration|ja|gyōji}} carry a {{transliteration|ja|tantō}} (a dagger) visible in the left side of the belt of the outfit. This is supposed to represent the seriousness of the decisions they must make in determining the outcome of a bout, and a symbolic preparedness to commit {{transliteration|ja|seppuku}} if they make a mistake.{{sfn|Hall|1997|p=101}}{{sfn|Schilling|1994|p=45}}{{sfn|Kenrick|1969|p=109}} Another rumor has it that the referee carries this dagger to defend his verdict against any wrestler or spectator who comes to threaten him or question his decision.{{sfn|Kenrick|1969|p=109}} This was notably the case during an Osaka-based sumo association match during the Edo period, when a local {{transliteration|ja|tate-gyōji}} by the name of {{nihongo|Iwai Dannosuke|岩井 団之助}} had to defend himself against an aggressive elder who was unhappy that his wrestler had been declared the loser.{{cite web |url=https://www.sanspo.com/article/20211209-XP3BLJDBAZMGJCWUQHKDNETZMM/|title=【ベテラン記者コラム（２２７）】木村玉治郎の３度の「待った」に行司の「陶冶」を思う|date=9 December 2021|work=Sankei Sports|access-date=10 November 2023|language=ja}}

As their careers progress, {{transliteration|ja|gyōji}} incorporate elements such as the following into their outfits:

To accompany their costumes, each {{transliteration|ja|gyōji}} carries a {{transliteration|ja|gunbai}}, a wooden war fan similar to the Japanese command staff used by generals at the head of their troops.{{sfn|Kenrick|1969|pp=44-45}} There are no rules about the materials to be used or the shape a {{transliteration|ja|gunbai}} should take.{{sfn|Nema|2011|p=49}} The first {{transliteration|ja|gunbai}} owned by a young {{transliteration|ja|gyōji}} is given to him either by a senior {{transliteration|ja|gyōji}} or the stablemaster of the stable to which he belongs.{{sfn|Nema|2011|p=49}} Each {{transliteration|ja|gyōji}} has his own and those handled by top-ranked {{transliteration|ja|gyōji}}, lacquered with gold or silver ornamentation.{{sfn|Cuyler|1979|p=167}} Some {{transliteration|ja|gunbai}} are handed down from generation to generation, sometimes to be used only by the {{transliteration|ja|gyōji}} who holds a particular ring name. This is notably the case for Kimura Shōnosuke's {{transliteration|ja|gunbai}}, which has been passed down to successors for over 160 years.{{sfn|Hall|1997|p=101}} Shikimori Kandayū's {{transliteration|ja|gunbai}} is also a legacy handed down since Kandayū II in 1866.{{cite web |url=https://www.nikkansports.com/battle/sumo/news/202301130001193.html|title=157年前の軍配で式守勘太夫が裁いた 慶応2年からの譲り団扇に込められたロマン|date=13 January 2023|work=Nikkan Sports|access-date=11 November 2023|language=ja}}

{{multiple image

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| image1 = Makushita bout 09 Sep (cropped).JPG

| caption1 = The {{transliteration|ja|gyōji}} supervises the {{transliteration|ja|shikiri}} preparations in his initial neutral position.

| image2 = Asashoryu 2010-01-14 2.jpg

| caption2 = The {{transliteration|ja|gyōji}} is in a side position, indicating to the wrestlers that this is their last preparation before time runs out.

| image3 = Chiyomaru vs. Tamawashi May 2014 001.jpg

| caption3 = The {{transliteration|ja|gyōji}} with his {{transliteration|ja|gunbai}} flat against him, facing the center of the ring, announcing the imminent start of the fight.

| footer =

}}

The {{transliteration|ja|gyōji}}'s principal and most obvious task is to referee bouts between two sumo wrestlers.{{sfn|Kenrick|1969|p=106}} The {{transliteration|ja|gyōji}} is regarded as an unquestionable authority figure in the ring, and is never booed or hissed at.{{sfn|Kenrick|1969|p=107}} The {{transliteration|ja|gyōji}}'s verdicts can, however, be overturned by the judges seated around the ring (the {{transliteration|ja|shimpan}}).{{sfn|Kenrick|1969|p=107}} During the Meiji era, Japan underwent a series of changes which also had an impact on the traditional way in which sumo tournaments were held and on the organisation of the sumo association.{{sfn|Hall|1997|p=14}} During the same period, Takasago Uragorō launched a protest movement forcing the association to adopt measures aimed at improving their image, in particular by ending the possession of the final judgement of a match, which was changed from {{transliteration|ja|gyōji}} to {{transliteration|ja|shimpan}}.{{sfn|Hall|1997|p=14}}

Each {{transliteration|ja|gyōji}} referees matches taking place in the division that corresponds to the referee's rank.{{sfn|Cuyler|1979|p=166}} Only the {{transliteration|ja|tate-gyōji}} are allowed to referee a match involving a {{transliteration|ja|yokozuna}}.{{sfn|Hall|1997|p=101}} In all the matches they referee, {{transliteration|ja|gyōji}} are expected to give a decision on the spot, whatever the conditions at the end of a match.{{sfn|Kenrick|1969|p=109}} Too many overturned decisions lead to stagnation in the promotion order or a salary cut.{{sfn|Kenrick|1969|p=109}} The only exception is that {{transliteration|ja|torinaoshi}} (rematch) are not counted as refereeing errors.{{sfn|Kenrick|1969|p=109}} If a referee in the highest ranks has too many of his decisions overturned, he is expected to submit his resignation to the JSA Board of Directors. However, these resignations are regularly rejected.{{sfn|Kenrick|1969|p=109}} At {{transliteration|ja|makuuchi}} level, referees suffer a penalty if they make more than nine mistakes in a year while {{transliteration|ja|jūryō}}-ranked are permitted up to ten.{{sfn|Kenrick|1969|p=109}} As for the other ranks in the hierarchy (below {{transliteration|ja|jūryō}}), there are no financial penalties, but promotions are nevertheless affected.{{sfn|Kenrick|1969|p=109}}

In the ring, the {{transliteration|ja|gyōji}} follows a very specific protocol before the fight begins. The referee always supervises the proceedings from the north corner of the ring, facing south.{{sfn|Cuyler|1979|p=173}} After the {{transliteration|ja|yobidashi}} has called them into the ring, the {{transliteration|ja|gyōji}} will also call out each wrestler's name.{{sfn|Cuyler|1979|p=172}} On odd-numbered days, the call is made from the east to west, and on even-numbered days the call is made in the other way round. It is the {{transliteration|ja|gyōji}}'s responsibility to watch over the wrestlers as they go through the initial prebout staring contests (the {{transliteration|ja|shikiri}}), during which he first stands facing the {{transliteration|ja|shikiri-sen}}, the white starting lines in the centre of the ring, then sideways with the {{transliteration|ja|gunbai}} raised and in profile.{{sfn|Cuyler|1979|p=175}} When the preparation time is up, the referee receives a signal from the judge in charge of keeping time via the {{transliteration|ja|yobidashi}}.{{sfn|Cuyler|1979|p=175}} The {{transliteration|ja|gyōji}} then places his {{transliteration|ja|gunbai}} flat against him, a gesture that signifies to the wrestlers that the fight must begin.{{sfn|Cuyler|1979|p=175}} The {{transliteration|ja|gyōji}} then coordinates the initial charge (or {{transliteration|ja|tachi-ai}}) between the wrestlers.{{sfn|Cuyler|1979|p=175}} Immediately after the wrestlers initiate a {{transliteration|ja|tachi-ai}} that the {{transliteration|ja|gyōji}} deems acceptable, he will begin to referee the match.{{sfn|Cuyler|1979|p=175}} Although it is the wrestlers who ultimately determine the exact point at which the {{transliteration|ja|tachi-ai}} is initiated, if the two wrestlers' breathing is not synchronized or if one wrestler charges before they both put their hands down, the {{transliteration|ja|gyōji}} will notify them that they should wait before going ahead until both are ready or that the charge was a false start.{{sfn|Cuyler|1979|p=174}} If a false start has been ruled, the wrestlers must return to their starting positions and try another {{transliteration|ja|tachi-ai}}.{{sfn|Hall|1997|p=71}}

File:Sumoclip-may242007-tokyo.ogv}}-ranked Mankajō (left) and Gōtenyū in May 2007]]

The shouts that {{transliteration|ja|gyōji}} use in the ring are called {{transliteration|ja|kakegoe}}, and are codified with no ad-libbing tolerated.{{sfn|Schilling|1994|p=43}}

If the match time exceeds four minutes with little movement, the time-keeper will usually indicate to the {{transliteration|ja|gyōji}} to call for a {{transliteration|ja|mizu-iri}}, or water break.{{sfn|Cuyler|1979|p=175}} The {{transliteration|ja|gyōji}} then notifies the wrestlers to get out of the ring.{{cite web |url=https://www.nikkansports.com/battle/sumo/news/202207170001217.html|title=【珍事】舞の海氏「行司の大失態と言われても仕方ない」まわし待ったに厳しい言葉「前代未聞」|date=17 July 2022|work=Nikkan Sports|access-date=10 November 2023|language=ja}} He then records the exact positions of both wrestlers' hands and feet, and puts them back in this position once the break has concluded.{{sfn|Cuyler|1979|p=176}} The {{transliteration|ja|gyōji}} starts the fighting again by simultaneously hitting the backs of the wrestlers' {{transliteration|ja|mawashi}}.{{sfn|Hall|1997|p=75}} Although there are no strict rules on what to do when a match is paused, it was noted during the November 2023 tournament that a procedure inspired by then-{{transliteration|ja|makuuchi}} referee Kimura Hisanosuke, consisting of using salt to mark the positions of the wrestlers' feet, was reused because it was considered elegant and effective.{{cite web|url=https://www.nikkansports.com/battle/sumo/news/202311200000387.html|title=水入りの一番で行司の木村寿之介が好判断 足の位置を塩でマーク、混乱避けた|date=20 November 2023|work=Nikkan Sports|language=Japanese|access-date=23 November 2023}}{{cite web|url=https://www.nikkansports.com/battle/sumo/news/202311230000397.html?Page=1|title=１場所で２度目の水入り 行司の木村隆男が寿之介式マーキングを実践した|date=23 November 2023|work=Nikkan Sports|language=Japanese|access-date=23 November 2023}} Additionally, the {{transliteration|ja|gyōji}} may call for a short break if he needs to fix a wrestler's {{transliteration|ja|mawashi}}. The {{transliteration|ja|gyōji}} puts the {{transliteration|ja|gunbai}} cord in his mouth and swings it over his shoulder to dangle from his back. He then reties the loincloth.{{sfn|Buckingham|1994|p=74}} In the extremely rare event that a {{transliteration|ja|mawashi}} falls and exposes a wrestler's nudity, the {{transliteration|ja|gyōji}} is expected to use his {{transliteration|ja|gunbai}} as a fig leaf to cover an exposed wrestler.{{sfn|Newton|Toff|2000|p=107}} Sometimes, during a particularly hectic match, the referee falls out of the ring or is accidentally knocked down by the wrestlers.{{cite web|last=Gunning|first=John|title=Referee injured in fall; Hakuho wins|url=https://www.japantimes.co.jp/sports/2012/01/12/sumo/basho-reports/referee-injured-in-fall-hakuho-wins/|work=The Japan Times|url-access=subscription|date=12 January 2012|access-date=13 November 2023|archive-date=16 September 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210916233426/https://www.japantimes.co.jp/sports/2012/01/12/sumo/basho-reports/referee-injured-in-fall-hakuho-wins/|url-status=live}}{{cite web |url=https://www.nikkansports.com/battle/sumo/news/202405150000966.html|title=豊昇龍2人なぎ倒す!? 立行司の木村庄之助は平戸海の足が直撃→倒れて再度直撃の悲劇|date=15 May 2024|work=Nikkan Sports|access-date=17 May 2024|language=ja}} If, following a fall, the {{transliteration|ja|gyōji}} is no longer able to give a verdict or hand out prize envelopes, it is up to the {{transliteration|ja|gyōji}} waiting at the foot of the ring to take his place.{{cite web |url=https://www.nikkansports.com/battle/sumo/news/202103280000988.html|title=行司背中から落下、勝ち名乗り行えず／写真リプレー|date=28 March 2021|work=Nikkan Sports|access-date=13 November 2023|language=ja}}

File:Debating a close call 2008 (2946130943).jpg}} during a {{transliteration|ja|jūryō}} bout in 2008]]

When the {{transliteration|ja|gyōji}} considers that a wrestler has lost, he ends the match by pointing his {{transliteration|ja|gunbai}} to the side of the winning wrestler.{{sfn|Buckingham|1994|p=71}} The {{transliteration|ja|gyōji}}'s decision as to the winner of the bout is not immediately final and can be called into question by one of the five {{transliteration|ja|shimpan}} (judges) who sit around the ring.{{sfn|Schilling|1994|p=44}} If they dispute the result, they hold a {{transliteration|ja|mono-ii}} ({{literal translation|talk of things}}) in the center of the ring, and correspond through an earpiece to a further two judges in the video review room.{{sfn|Hall|1997|p=75}} They can confirm the decision of the {{transliteration|ja|gyōji}} ({{transliteration|ja|gunbai-dōri}}, 'way of the {{transliteration|ja|gunbai}}'), overturn it ({{transliteration|ja|sashichigae}}, 'wrong indication'), or order a rematch ({{transliteration|ja|torinaoshi}}).{{sfn|Buckingham|1994|p=72}} The {{transliteration|ja|gyōji}} is not expected to take part in the discussion during a {{transliteration|ja|mono-ii}} unless asked to do so.{{sfn|Buckingham|1994|p=72}} When a final verdict is reached, the {{transliteration|ja|gyōji}} again points his {{transliteration|ja|gunbai}} at the victorious wrestler and announces his {{transliteration|ja|shikona}}, or ring name, in a clear voice.{{sfn|Hall|1997|p=75}} If the match had received corporate sponsorship and {{transliteration|ja|kenshō}} banners had been displayed before the start of the fight, the {{transliteration|ja|gyōji}} brings over the envelopes containing the money on his {{transliteration|ja|gunbai}}.{{sfn|Hall|1997|p=75}}

{{multiple image

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| total_width = 450

| image1 = Sumo ring of Yasukuni Shrine-7.jpg

| caption1 = A {{transliteration|ja|makuuchi}}-ranked {{transliteration|ja|gyōji}} conducts the ceremony using a {{transliteration|ja|shaku}}.

| image2 = Sumo ring of Yasukuni Shrine-9.jpg

| caption2 = Sake is poured on all four sides of the ring for purification.

}}

In addition to refereeing matches, {{transliteration|ja|gyōji}} have a number of other duties, among them are their religious responsibilities in the sport. When a new ring is built, it is the {{transliteration|ja|gyōji}}'s responsibility to perform a {{transliteration|ja|dohyō-matsuri}} ({{literal translation|ring festival}}), or ring-consecration ceremony, a ritual to bless the space in which the wrestlers fight and train.{{sfn|Buckingham|1994|p=60}} The day before a {{transliteration|ja|honbasho}}, the Japan Sumo Association holds a religious ceremony in the presence of all the association's higher-ups and all the {{transliteration|ja|san'yaku}}-ranked wrestlers who take their seats around the ring.{{sfn|Buckingham|1994|p=60}} The same day, a more discreet ceremony is held in the stables' training rings by junior-ranked referees belonging to the same clan, in the presence of the stablemaster and the wrestlers.{{sfn|Buckingham|1994|p=61}} A simplified version of the ceremony also takes place during regional tours (called {{transliteration|ja|jungyō}}).{{sfn|Newton|Toff|2000|p=18}}{{cite web |url=

https://arashio.net/history/heya0816b.html|title=一宮市浅井宿舎 稽古土俵 - 稽古場ができるまで 後編―土俵祭り|date=26 June 2008|publisher=Arashio stable|access-date=13 November 2023|language=ja}} This practice, inherited from the Heian period, was restored by the Yoshida in the 1790s.{{sfn|Cuyler|1979|p=81}}

The {{transliteration|ja|dohyō-matsuri}} is performed by one of the {{transliteration|ja|tate-gyōji}} and two other senior-ranked referees, serving as attendants called {{nihongo|{{transliteration|ja|wakigyōji}}|脇行司}}.{{cite web |url=https://spaia.jp/column/sumo/4106|title=大相撲の本場所前に開催される「土俵祭り」を紹介|date=8 May 2017|work=Spaia Sports|access-date=13 November 2023|language=ja}} The {{transliteration|ja|gyōji}} act as Shinto priests and perform the ceremony taking the shape of a Shinto rite.{{sfn|Buckingham|1994|p=60}} The three {{transliteration|ja|gyōji}}, dressed in the same way as a {{transliteration|ja|kannushi}}, wear formal white robes (called {{transliteration|ja|hō}}), larger {{transliteration|ja|eboshi}} hat, {{transliteration|ja|tabi}} socks and straw sandals.{{sfn|Buckingham|1994|p=60}} The {{transliteration|ja|tate-gyōji}} distinguishes himself by wearing a color variation under his white kimono and a {{transliteration|ja|kanmuri}} instead of an {{transliteration|ja|eboshi}}.{{sfn|Nema|2011|p=132}} All of the {{transliteration|ja|gyōji}} carry a wooden instrument (called a {{transliteration|ja|shaku}}) as a symbol of authority.{{sfn|Buckingham|1994|p=61}} On the {{transliteration|ja|dohyō}}, {{transliteration|ja|gohei}} (a Shinto ritual wand) are also placed in wooden stands at the center.{{sfn|Buckingham|1994|p=61}}

One of the {{transliteration|ja|tate-gyōji}}'s two assistants first steps into the ring and behaves as if in a shrine, following Shinto etiquette.{{sfn|Nema|2011|pp=136-137}} He then recites a prayer and walks around the four corners of the ring waving a sakaki tree branch serving as an {{transliteration|ja|ōnusa}} at the attendants, in an act called {{nihongo|{{transliteration|ja|kiyoharae}}|清秡}}.{{sfn|Nema|2011|pp=136-137}} The {{transliteration|ja|tate-gyōji}} then enters the ring and recites a prayer. This prayer to the three deities of sumo (Ame-no-Tajikarao, Takemikazuchi and Nomi no Sukune) and to the aspects of the seasons, is made for good weather throughout the tournament.{{sfn|Buckingham|1994|p=61}}{{sfn|Nema|2011|p=132}}{{sfn|Kenrick|1969|p=97}}{{sfn|Cuyler|1979|p=13}} This practice is inherited from a time when tournaments were held outdoors.{{sfn|Buckingham|1994|p=61}} The deities are also asked to bless all the wrestlers who will participate in the matches and keep them safe.{{sfn|Buckingham|1994|p=61}} The assistants in turn step into the ring and distribute the {{transliteration|ja|gohei}} from the center of the ring to its four corners.{{sfn|Nema|2011|pp=137}} Sake is then poured by the assistants into the four outer corners of the ring, following the shape of the wrestlers' {{transliteration|ja|tegatana}} (first left, then right, then center).{{sfn|Buckingham|1994|p=61}}{{sfn|Nema|2011|pp=137}} After the assistants have stepped down from the ring, the {{transliteration|ja|tate-gyōji}} recites a prayer called {{nihongo|{{transliteration|ja|kojitsugonjō}}|故実言上}}.{{sfn|Nema|2011|pp=137}}

{{Rquote |1=right

|2=From the beginning of the heavens and the earth, they were divided into yin and yang. That which is heavy and muddy is the yin and is below; and is called defeat [...]

|3=Extract from the {{transliteration|ja|kojitsugonjō}}.

}}

Placed on a {{transliteration|ja|sanbō}}, symbolic offerings are brought to the ring. They consist of dried chestnuts, washed rice, kelp, dried cuttlefish, kombu and {{transliteration|ja|kaya}} nuts which are then poured into a hole in the center of the ring along some sake.{{sfn|Buckingham|1994|p=61}}{{sfn|Schilling|1994|pp=15-16}} The {{transliteration|ja|tate-gyōji}} then pours sake into the four inner corners of the ring.{{sfn|Nema|2011|pp=137-138}} The remaining sake is then offered to the Japan Sumo Association executives seated around the ring.{{sfn|Buckingham|1994|p=61}}

After the end of a tournament, a {{transliteration|ja|gyōji}} bring the tournament to an end with a religious ceremony. This ceremony, called {{nihongo|{{transliteration|ja|kami okuri}}|神送り}}, or 'god sending ceremony', is held the last day of a tournament to return the gods who had descended to the ring to heaven.{{cite web |url=https://www.sponichi.co.jp/sports/news/2022/05/22/kiji/20220522s00005000582000c.html|title=東大生力士・須山が神送りの儀式に参加 緊張の面持ちで御神酒を捧げ三拍子で手打ちをして場所締め|date=22 May 2022|work=Sports Nippon|access-date=13 November 2023|language=ja}} One junior-ranked {{transliteration|ja|gyōji}} holding a {{transliteration|ja|gohei}} will stand in the center of the ring and will be tossed into the air by lower-ranked wrestlers.{{cite web |url=https://www.chunichi.co.jp/article/31709|title=NHK総合テレビが「神送りの儀式」まで完全生中継！！ 無観客の大相撲春場所で…「これは激レア」|date=22 March 2020|work=Chunichi Sports|access-date=13 November 2023|language=ja}}

{{multiple image

| align = right

| direction = vertical

| total_width = 250

| image1 = Sumo dohyo-iri May 2014 003.jpg

| caption1 = A {{transliteration|ja|makuuchi}} ring-entering ceremony in May 2014

| image2 = Hakuho Shiranui dohyo-iri 2012 Jan.JPG

| caption2 = {{transliteration|ja|Yokozuna}} Hakuhō performs his shiranui ring-entering style in {{Ill|January 2012 Grand Sumo tournament|lt=January 2012|ja|大相撲令和4年1月場所}}. Behind him presides the {{Ill|36th Kimura Shōnosuke|ja|木村庄之助 (36代)}}.

}}

The {{transliteration|ja|gyōji}} also officially lead the ring-entering ceremonies.{{sfn|Hall|1997|pp=56-59}}{{sfn|Buckingham|1994|p=60}} More precisely, the {{transliteration|ja|gyōji}}'s responsibility is to head the columns of {{transliteration|ja|sekitori}}-ranked wrestlers, leading them from the {{transliteration|ja|hanamichi}}, the two paths from east and west, to the ring.{{sfn|Hall|1997|pp=56}} If the {{transliteration|ja|gyōji}} is absent, the wrestlers are normally expected to wait to be led into the ring.{{cite web |url=https://www.sponichi.co.jp/sports/news/2014/05/17/kiji/K20140517008174800.html|title=幕内土俵入りで行司がいない…２分近く"待った"の拍子木|date=17 May 2014|work=Sports Nippon|access-date=13 November 2023|language=ja}} The {{transliteration|ja|gyōji}}'s rank is equivalent to that of the wrestlers he leads.{{sfn|Buckingham|1994|p=60}} Each {{transliteration|ja|gyōji}} who presides over ring-entering ceremonies takes charge of only three or four per tournament, rotating with their colleagues of equivalent rank.{{cite web |title=行司不在で土俵入り中断、錦太夫が平謝り|url=https://www.nikkansports.com/sports/sumo/news/f-sp-tp3-20140516-1301901.html |work=Nikkan Sports|date=16 May 2014 |access-date=13 November 2023|language=ja}}

The {{transliteration|ja|gyōji}} enters the ring first, circles it and then settles in the center. The wrestlers, in ascending rank, follow him, and a {{transliteration|ja|gyōji}} at the foot of the ring announces the prefecture of origin (or country, in the case of foreign wrestlers), the stable to which they belong and the {{transliteration|ja|shikona}} of the wrestler stepping onto the {{transliteration|ja|dohyō}}.{{sfn|Hall|1997|pp=56}} When the last wrestler, ranked at the top of the {{transliteration|ja|jūryō}} or, in the case of the {{transliteration|ja|makuuchi}} division, the {{transliteration|ja|ōzeki}}, steps into the ring, the wrestlers turn to perform ritual gestures facing the center of the ring.{{sfn|Hall|1997|pp=56}} The {{transliteration|ja|gyōji}} in the center waves the rope ({{transliteration|ja|fusa}}) of his {{transliteration|ja|gunbai}} in a circle.{{sfn|Buckingham|1994|p=60}}{{cite web|url=http://tsubotaa.la.coocan.jp/binran/binran_m.html|title=大相撲見物便覧・十両・幕内土俵入り|language=ja|author=Atsuo Tsubota|accessdate=13 November 2023}}

During the {{transliteration|ja|yokozuna}}'s ring-entering ceremony, the {{transliteration|ja|gyōji}} is also responsible for leading the wrestlers into the ring before the {{transliteration|ja|tsuyuharai}} (the wrestler preceding the {{transliteration|ja|yokozuna}}). Normally, the {{transliteration|ja|tate-gyōji}} presides over this ceremony.{{sfn|Hall|1997|pp=56}} In the absence of a {{transliteration|ja|tate-gyōji}}, the referee presiding over the {{transliteration|ja|yokozuna}} ceremony will be a {{transliteration|ja|san'yaku}}-ranked {{transliteration|ja|gyōji}}.{{sfn|Nema|2011|p=48}} The {{transliteration|ja|gyōji}} stands behind the {{transliteration|ja|yokozuna}}, waving the rope of his {{transliteration|ja|gunbai}} as the {{transliteration|ja|yokozuna}} makes his signature entrance (shiranui or unryū).{{cite web|url=http://tsubotaa.la.coocan.jp/binran/binran_y.html|title=大相撲見物便覧・横綱土俵入り|language=ja|author=Atsuo Tsubota|accessdate=13 November 2023}}

{{See also|Banzuke}}

The {{transliteration|ja|gyōji}} are also responsible for writing up the {{transliteration|ja|banzuke}}, the traditional ranking sheet for professional sumo, and their task begins long before a definitive ranking is decided.{{sfn|Hall|1997|p=46}} The {{transliteration|ja|gyōji}} act as clerks at the ranking meetings, which take place three days after the end of each tournament.{{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}} During the preparatory meeting, the {{transliteration|ja|gyōji}} serve only as observers and are not invited to speak.{{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}} Three {{transliteration|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.

The {{transliteration|ja|gyōji}} did not start writing the {{transliteration|ja|banzuke}} until 1944; prior to this date it was often written by the elders of the association or by the professionals responsible for printing it.{{cite web|url=https://www3.nhk.or.jp/sports/story/27258/|title=大相撲の行司っていったい何なの？ その2|work=NHK|date=9 March 2022|access-date=14 November 2023|language=ja}}{{cite web|url=https://www.sumo.or.jp/IrohaKnowledge/glossary_banzuke_banzuke|title=相撲用語集 - 番付|work=Japan Sumo Association|access-date=14 November 2023|language=ja}} Only two or three high-ranking {{transliteration|ja|gyōji}} are authorised to write the {{transliteration|ja|banzuke}}, which will later be reproduced and actually used.{{sfn|Hall|1997|p=46}} This team is usually composed of one senior (usually ranked in {{transliteration|ja|san'yaku}}) and one or two assistants. The senior writer is usually also one of the {{transliteration|ja|gyōji}} attending the ranking meeting. Since World War II, only eight {{transliteration|ja|gyōji}} have been responsible for editing the {{transliteration|ja|banzuke}}.{{cite web |title=番付の書き手が木村要之助に春場所から代わっていた 木村容堂から16年ぶり戦後８人目の交代 |url=https://www.nikkansports.com/battle/sumo/news/202303300001160.html |work=Nikkan Sports|date=30 March 2023 |access-date=13 November 2023|language=ja}} The task of writing the {{transliteration|ja|banzuke}} is considered so important that the people responsible for writing it never accompany the JSA on tour, so as to devote themselves entirely to their task.

In line with the calligraphic skills of the {{transliteration|ja|gyōji}}, the ranking is handwritten in a style called {{nihongo|{{transliteration|ja|negishi-ryū}}|根岸流}} or {{nihongo|{{transliteration|ja|sumōmo-ji}}|相撲字}}.{{sfn|Hall|1997|p=46}} This style of writing is similar to that developed in the mid-18th century to write advertisements for kabuki plays.{{sfn|Cuyler|1979|p=152}} The official name of the style, {{transliteration|ja|negishi-ryū}}, is derived from the name of a printer called Mikawa Jiemon who, in 1757, was in charge of printing the {{transliteration|ja|banzuke}}. He later became an elder of the association under the name Negishi, thus giving the name to the style he used when writing.{{sfn|Cuyler|1979|p=152}} The characters are written thickly and without gaps, which is meant to represent the hope that the tournament venue will be filled to capacity. Another interpretation of the size of the characters is that they imitate the imposing physique of the wrestlers.

{{multiple image

| align = right

| total_width = 300

| image1 = Banzuke2.jpg

| image2 = Sumo itabanzuke.jpg

| footer = Both the {{transliteration|ja|banzuke}} (left) and the {{transliteration|ja|ita-banzuke}} (right) are written by the {{transliteration|ja|gyōji}}.

}}

Before each main tournament, it takes between seven and ten days to handwrite the {{transliteration|ja|banzuke}}.{{sfn|Schilling|1994|p=46}} Each kanji is written with a brush without the help of word processors.{{sfn|Schilling|1994|p=46}} {{transliteration|ja|Gyōji}} are also expected to write the {{transliteration|ja|banzuke}} with their right hand. The original {{transliteration|ja|banzuke}} is called a {{nihongo|{{transliteration|ja|motogaki}}|元書き}}. It is a large sheet of paper measuring {{height|meters=1.10}} metres by {{height|centimetres=80}}. The assistant draws the frame of the future banzuke on a blank sheet of paper, an operation that alone takes two days as everything is done by hand. In the lower left-hand section of the {{transliteration|ja|motogaki}}, the senior {{transliteration|ja|gyōji}} write vertically the sentence {{nihongo|{{transliteration|ja|Senshū banzai daidaikanō}}|千穐万歳大々叶}}, a prayer for the wrestlers' safety in the ring. The writing then begins from bottom to top and from left to right, so as to start with the lowest ranks and end with the rank of {{transliteration|ja|yokozuna}}. There is a tradition that for the smallest ranks, written in an extremely fine way, the {{transliteration|ja|gyōji}} use an old brush whose bristles have all fallen off and given by a {{transliteration|ja|gyōji}} who taught him. In total, around 830 names are handwritten. After being written up and proofread, the {{transliteration|ja|motogaki}} is sent to the printing works for photoengraving and printing on a format four times smaller than the original.

While the {{transliteration|ja|banzuke}} is written by senior {{transliteration|ja|gyōji}}, the {{transliteration|ja|ita-banzuke}} is written by young referees. After the {{transliteration|ja|banzuke}} has been unveiled, between two and three {{transliteration|ja|gyōji}} ranked in {{transliteration|ja|makushita}} gather to write on the {{height|meters=2}} high and {{height|meters=1.5}} wide wooden board traditionally hung at the entrance to tournament venues.

In line with their refereeing duties, the {{transliteration|ja|gyōji}} are also divided into departments within the Sumo Association, as are the elders. The distribution of {{transliteration|ja|gyōji}} in these departments depends on the {{transliteration|ja|tate-gyōji}} and on a committee of three senior referees (currently ranked as {{transliteration|ja|makuuchi}} and {{transliteration|ja|san'yaku}}) who are elected every two years by their peers.

For the {{transliteration|ja|gyōji}}, there are three departments with very specific tasks. The first department is the {{nihongo|{{transliteration|ja|wariba}}|割場}}, named after the rooms in the Kokugikan. This department is responsible for recording the results of matches held the previous day on the {{nihongo|{{transliteration|ja|maki}}|巻}} scroll, to prepare for the work of the judging department, which will decide on future wrestler matchups for upcoming matches. The second department to which the {{transliteration|ja|gyōji}} belong is that of the referees who stand close to the ring during matches and announce over the microphone which {{transliteration|ja|kimarite}} (winning technique) have been used by the wrestlers. Since all referees are also expected to referee in the ring, a team of ten {{transliteration|ja|gyōji}} rotate with each other at the microphone for one day. In addition, the announcers are all from the Kantō region, so as to maintain a standard of intelligibility by avoiding accents. If the referee making the announcement did not see the technique used, he may contact the video referee to confirm it. The third department is entirely dedicated to the publication of wrestlers' results.

File:Sumo scoreboard close up 2008 May last day.jpg

Once the matches have been decided, it is up to the {{transliteration|ja|gyōji}} to write up the sheets (called {{transliteration|ja|kaobure gonjō}}) that will be presented after the {{transliteration|ja|makuuchi}} ring entry ceremonies on tournament days.{{sfn|Buckingham|1994|p=60}}{{cite encyclopedia |title=顔ぶれ言上 |encyclopedia=International Encyclopedia Britannica|url=https://kotobank.jp/word/%E9%A1%94%E3%81%B6%E3%82%8C%E8%A8%80%E4%B8%8A-176949|language=ja |accessdate=13 November 2023 |via=Kotobank}}

The {{transliteration|ja|gyōji}} also make the plaques displayed on the electronic scoreboards in the arenas, on a thin rectangular sheet of plastic.{{sfn|Hall|1997|pp=54}} Plaques are changed when a wrestler changes his {{transliteration|ja|shikona}} or is promoted. In addition, {{transliteration|ja|gyōji}} are also responsible for the material organization of tours (called {{transliteration|ja|jungyō}}). This takes place a year and a half in advance, and includes preparation of itineraries and accommodation.

Finally, as all {{transliteration|ja|gyōji}} are also associated with one of the sumo training stables throughout their career, they also have individual duties related to the stables such as performing clerical work.{{sfn|Nema|2011|p=56}}

In January 2018, the 40th Shikimori Inosuke (whose real name is Itsuo Nōchi) was suspended for three tournaments for sexually harassing a junior referee.{{cite web |url=https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2018/01/2500c660c298-sumo-top-referee-to-resign-over-sexual-harassment-scandal.html|title=Sumo: Top referee to resign over sexual harassment scandal|date=13 January 2018 |publisher=Kyodo News|access-date=13 January 2018}}{{cite web |url=https://www.sponichi.co.jp/sports/news/2018/05/31/kiji/20180531s00005000199000c.html|title=式守伊之助が退職 昨年若手行司にセクハラ 名古屋場所は24年ぶり立行司不在に|date=31 May 2018|work=Sports Nippon|access-date=11 November 2023|language=ja}} The Japan Sumo Association accepted his resignation in May 2018 when the suspension concluded.

Shortly after the announcement of {{transliteration|ja|banzuke}} promotions for the January 2024 grand sumo tournament, the 6th Kimura Tamajirō (from Tatsunami stable) submitted his retirement papers to the Sumo Association, ending a 47-year career.{{cite web |url=https://www.nikkansports.com/battle/sumo/news/202309290000600.html|title=三役格行司の木村玉治郎が相撲協会に退職届を提出 師匠の立浪親方「本人の意志が固かった」|date=30 September 2023|work=Nikkan Sports|access-date=30 September 2023|language=ja}} The day before, he did not appear on the list of referees promoted, even though he was the second most senior referee at the time and only two years away from retirement.{{cite web |url=https://www.nikkansports.com/battle/sumo/news/202309280000910.html|title=立行司の41代式守伊之助が38代木村庄之助に昇進 庄之助空位9年で終了、在位は９カ月の見通し|date=28 September 2023|work=Nikkan Sports|access-date=28 September 2023|language=ja}} Sasaki Ichirō, a sumo journalist at Nikkan Sports, shared an informal comment on his Twitter account expressing Tamajirō VI's displeasure at not being promoted to the rank of {{transliteration|ja|tate-gyōji}}.{{cite tweet |author=Sasaki Ichiro |user=Ichiro_SUMO|number=1707886327138853124 |date=30 September 2023 |title=三役格行司の木村玉治郎さんが退職。 定年まであ と2年と少しにもかかわらず決断したのは、なぜ か。 28日に発表された人事で立行司への昇格が ならず、 不満を募らせたようです。|language=ja |access-date=4 November 2023 |archive-url=https://archive.org/details/screenshot-2023-09-30-12-13-57-39-58dbc-85f-52b-32aeb-51acc-332613e-475d |archive-date=30 September 2023}}

In January 2025, {{Transliteration|ja|jūryō}}-ranked {{Transliteration|ja|gyōji}} Kimura Kankurō was suspended for the 2025 March tournament and was given a pay cut after he was found to have physically assaulted one of his apprentices during the 2024 November tournament. He had previously been excluded from the January tournament from day eight, when the internal investigation was launched.{{cite web|url=https://www.nikkansports.com/battle/sumo/news/202501300001135.html|title=十両格行司の木村勘九郎が後輩行司１人に暴力行為…腕をつねってあざ負わせる|date=30 January 2025|publisher=Nikkan Sports|access-date=30 January 2025|language=ja}}

{{Portal|Japan|Martial arts}}

• Glossary of sumo terms
• List of sumo stables
• List of years in sumo
• Other personnel of the Japan Sumo Association

{{Reflist}}

• {{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 |location=New York |publisher=Weatherhill |isbn=9780834801455}}
• {{cite book |last=Hall |first=Mina |year=1997 |title=The Big Book of Sumo: History, Practice, Ritual, Fight |url-access=registration |url=https://archive.org/details/bigbookofsumohis00hall |publisher=Stone Bridge Press |isbn=978-1-880656-28-0}}
• {{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 |location=New York |publisher=Weatherhill |url-access=registration |isbn=083480039X}}
• {{cite book |last=Nema |first=Hiromi |date=2011 |title=大相撲行司の世界 |trans-title=The World of Sumo Gyoji |language=ja |publisher=Yoshikawa Kobunkan Co. |isbn=978-4642057325}}
• {{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=The Japan Times |isbn=4789007251}}

{{commons category|Gyōji}}

• [https://www.sumo.or.jp/IrohaKyokaiMember/gyoji/ List of current {{transliteration|ja|gyōji}} at the Japan Sumo Association site] (in Japanese)
• [http://tsubotaa.la.coocan.jp/binran/binran_g.html List of expressions and shouts used by {{transliteration|ja|gyōji}} in the ring]
• {{YouTube|id=96BVBRP25dk}}—Sumo Prime Time {{transliteration|ja|gyōji}} episode
• {{cite magazine |last=Terauchi |first=Eiichi |title=第18回 大相撲立行司 式守伊之助さん |trans-title=A sumo referee Shikimori Inosuke |url=https://www.j-n.co.jp/kyouiku/link/michi/18/no18.html |magazine=Career Guidance |issue=18 |date=March 2001 |publisher=Japan Career Guidance Association |access-date=30 November 2024 |language=ja}} – an interview with the 30th Kimura Shōnosuke (then the 31st Shikimori Inosuke)

{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Gyoji}}

Category:Japanese words and phrases

Category:Referees and umpires

Category:Sumo people

Category:Sumo terminology