横綱と大関の昇進口上

When a Rikishi is granted a promotion to the exalted ranks of Oozeki or ultimately Yokodzuna it is viewed as something out of the ordinary. Something much more than any other promotion up the Bandzuke.

Nihon Sumou Kyoukai sends two Oyakata as messengers. The messengers usually inform the Rikishi of his promotion with the words:

"We inform you that you have been promoted to Yokodzuna. Congratulations."

「横綱に推挙されました事を御伝え致します。御目出度う御座います。」

The promoted Rikishi prepares an acceptance speech, which he then presents to the messengers.

These speeches are supposed to capture the true essence of worth in Sumou and Sumoudou.

Here are some acceptance speeches, which give an impression of the integral part that Sumoudou constitutes in daily Sumou practice.

|| Hakuhou

白鵬
69th Yokodzuna, promoted on Wednesday, 30th May 2007

"I humbly accept. In order not to disgrace the position of Yokodzuna, I will focus myself on Sumoudou applying full concentration of mind. Thank you very much indeed."

「謹んでお受け致します。横綱の地位を汚さぬよう、精神一到を貫き、相撲道に精進致します。本日は誠に有難う御座いました。」

Asashouryuu 朝青龍 68th Yokodzuna, promoted on Wednesday, 29th January 2003

"I humbly accept. From now on I will devote myself even more to training and as a Yokodzuna I will with all my might do my best for the development of the Way of Sumou."

「謹んでお受け致します。これからはなお一層稽古に精進し、横綱として相撲道発展のために一生懸命頑張ります」

Kaiou 魁皇 Oozeki, promoted on Wednesday, 26th July 2000

"I humbly accept. In order not to disgrace the rank of Oozeki, I will devote myself to training."

「謹んでお受けいたします。大関の地位をけがさぬようけいこに精進します」

Miyabiyama 雅山 Oozeki, promoted on Wednesday, 24th May 2000

"I humbly accept. In order not to disgrace the title of Oozeki, I will, keeping my mind as open as in the beginning, I will exert myself to devote myself to Sumoudou."

「謹んでお受けいたします。大関の名を汚さぬよう、初心を忘れず、相撲道に精進、努力いたします」

Musouyama 武双山 Oozeki, promoted in March 2000

"I humbly accept. As an Oozeki I will always keep following fair-play in Sumoudou."

「謹んでお受けいたします。大関として常に正々堂々、相撲道に徹します」

Musashimaru 武蔵丸 67th Yokodzuna, promoted on Wednesday, 26th May 1999

"I humbly accept. In order not to disgrace the title of Yokodzuna, I will devote myself to Shin Gi Tai."

「謹んでお受け致します。横綱の名を汚さぬよう心技体に精進致します」

Chiyotaikai 千代大海 Oozeki, promoted on Wednesday, 27th January 1999

"I humbly accept. In order not to disgrace the title of Oozeki, I will make an effort to dedicate myself to Sumoudou."

「謹んでお受けいたします。大関の名を汚さぬよう相撲道に精進、努力致します」

Wakanohana 若乃花 66th Yokodzuna, promoted on Wednesday, 27th May 1998

"I humbly accept. I will devote myself to the spirit of indomitable perseverance."

「謹んでお受け致します。横綱として、堅忍不抜の精神で精進します」

Takanohana 貴乃花 65th Yokodzuna, promoted on Wednesday, 23rd November 1994

"I humbly accept. From now on I intend to, as a Rikishi, with an indomitable spirit not to spare neither my body nor my life in devoting it to Sumoudou."

「謹んでお受け致します。今後も不撓不屈の精神で、力士として相撲道に不惜身命を貫く所存です」

Akebono 曙 64th Yokodzuna, promoted on Wednesday, January 1993

"In order not to disgrace the title of Yokodzuna, I will dedicate myself to training."

「横綱の名を汚さぬよう稽古に精進致します」

Hokutoumi 北勝海 61st Yokodzuna, promoted on Wednesday, 27th May 1987

"I humbly accept. In order not to disgrace the title of Yokodzuna, from now on I will train and make an effort with all my might."

「謹んでお受けします。横綱の名を汚さぬよう、これからも一生懸命けいこし、努力します」

Konishiki 小錦 62nd Oozeki of the Shouwa Era

"I humbly accept. To be worthy of the title of Oozeki, from now on I will apply myself to training."

「謹んでお受けします。大関の名に恥じぬよう、これからも稽古に励みます」