Wikipedia

List of sumo trophies

Grand Sumo (Ōzumō) is considered the national sport of Japan. Therefore, the winner of the top division championship receives a lot of trophies as tokens of recognition from the highest public figures of Japan but also from foreign States as diplomatic gifts. Companies also offer trophies as a show of goodwill in support of the national sport and as part of partnerships. The reward ceremony is however on the decline. In recent years, several controversies have led some companies to withdraw their support by withdrawing a trophy that had previously been awarded. Notably, the 2010 baseball betting scandal brought an end to the collaboration of a number of companies.[1] However, the recent scandals are not entirely responsible for the decline of the award ceremony. The ceremony itself is held after NHK's live broadcast of sumo matches and therefore does not attract much attention. Even though prefectural governors and chairpersons of organisations appears, only about 30% of the audience remains for the awards ceremony. The arena is often deserted and applause are sparse.[2]

Ōzeki Kotoōshū wins the May 2008 tournament and is presented the Emperor's Cup by Kitanoumi, the chairman of the Japan Sumo Association.

However, the awards ceremony retains a strong symbolic value. In sumo, a promising wrestler who is the center of the stable is called a yome-bitsu (米びつ), meaning "breadwinner", because if he wins one of the tournaments, he receives enough extra prizes to keep the stable fed for a year or more.[2]

Trophies are usually exhibited in the entrance hall of the tournament venues.

Sumo award ceremony

edit

Makuuchi's prizes are presented to the wrestler who achieved a championship win on the last day of one of the six main tournaments. Trophies are presented with handwritten victory certificates and supplementary cash prizes. With the increased number of prizes, the reward ceremony takes around 40 minutes to complete. Trophies may vary slightly by location, such as from the host municipality. In addition, since women are not allowed on the dohyō, only men can give the rewards.[3]
The Emperor's Cup and the Japan Sumo Association championship flag are returned by the winning wrestler himself at the return ceremony held after the ring-entering ceremonies on the first day of the next tournament. In addition, as a general rule, the master of the stable in which the winning wrestler belongs will act on his behalf if the wrestler cannot return it due to being kyūjō or retiring before the next tournament is held.
If a wrestler in injured during the tournament but still manages to win, there is an example in which an oyakata or wakaimonogashira accompanies the winner because there are worries whether the wrestler can receive the trophy alone. This was the case for Chiyonofuji in the March 1989 tournament.[4]
In July 2010, following the baseball gambling scandal, the Sumo Association refused to award any prizes with the exception of the winner's flag and special prizes, in the form of taking responsibility for the turmoil[1] and in 2011, the March tournament was cancelled and reclassified as a "Technical Examination Tournament", and no awards ceremony was organized.[5]

Order of the reward ceremony

edit

The presentation of the Grand Sumo trophies follows a meticulous protocol. After the last match on the last day of a tournament (senshūraku), the winning wrestler returns from the shitaku-beya in mawashi, a commentator then announced to the audience that the awards ceremony would begin with the Japanese national anthem. The national anthem is often played by military bands (Ground Self-Defense Force, Maritime Self-Defense Force, Air Self-Defense Force) or by the municipalities hosting the tournament (Tokyo Band, Osaka Shion Wind Orchestra).
At the end of the anthem, the commentator finally announces the wrestler's full shikona name and proclaims him the winner of the tournament. As a first step, three prizes are then awarded to the winner. The first trophy awarded is the Emperor's Cup by the JSA chairman. This particular trophy is presented on the theme of Act 3 of George Frideric Handel's Judas Maccabaeus ('See the Conquering Hero Comes!').[6] Then, the JSA championship flag is awarded by the chairman of the JSA judging department and the Prime Minister's Cup is also awarded. The champion is then interviewed at ringside by an NHK commentator. After the interview, the main part of the awards ceremony takes place in the following order: diplomatic, municipal and corporate trophies and, for special tournaments such as the first or last of the year, special trophies such as the trophy rewarding the wrestler with the most wins in the year or the best makuuchi newcommer.
After the main trophies have been awarded, the chairman of the JSA judging department awards the sanshō prizes to the wrestlers who stood out during the tournament that has just ended.

After the awards ceremony is over, it is customary for the tournament to end definitively with a god-sending ceremony (Kami okuri no gi, 神送りの儀). In this brief Shinto ceremony, a sanbon jime is performed to announce the tournament definitively closes. A low-ranking gyōji holding a gohei is then thrown into the air by low-ranking and maezumō wrestlers.[7]

Main prizes

edit
Photo Name Description Awarded by Awarded since Note Status
 
 The Emperor's Cup
Tennō shihai (天皇賜杯) 		A silver trophy of 1.08 m (3 ft 6 1⁄2 in) tall and weighing 29 kg (64 lb). The chrysanthemum symbol of the Imperial family is carved on the trophy. The kanji for shihai (賜盃), meaning "gifted trophy", a traditional phrasing for a trophy bestowed by the emperor, are carved in the trophy. Its handles are phoenixes and the base of the trophy is filled with engraved plates with the name of the winning wrestlers of the past tournaments. 78 wrestlers can complete one round, once a round is filled the plates are removed and added to boards exhibited near the trophy in the Kokugikan.[8][9] Japan Sumo Association chairman (rijichō) in the name of the Emperor of Japan
1926
 Emperor's cups are trophies bestowed by the Imperial Household Agency to organizations that manage competitions, and serve as proof of imperial recognition, giving authority to the competition.
First awarded to Yokozuna Tsunenohana in January 1926, because of the merging of all the independent sumo associations into one entity.
First known as "Prince Regent Cup" as Emperor Shōwa granted the trophy during his regency.[10][8] 		Active
 
 The championship flag
Yūshōki (優勝旗) 		The flag is purple, because the colour symbolises strength, and is embroidered and fringed in gold. It bears the cherry blossom mon of the Japan Sumo Association in its middle and features the kanji for yūshō (優勝, 'victory'). Japan Sumo Association's Judging department chairman
1909
 Introduced with the 1909's tournament reform creating the yūshōkishu [ja] system. Highest trophy awarded to wrestlers before the introduction of the Emperor's Cup.
Held by a flag bearer (usually a high-ranking makuuchi wrestler from the same stable or the same ichimon) during the winner's parade after the tournament.
The championship flag is the only trophy awarded in the name of the Association, along the sanshō prizes. 		Active
 
 Prime Minister's Cup
Naikaku sōri daijin-hai (内閣総理大臣杯) 		A wide silver trophy weighting 40 kg (88 lb). Cabinet of the Government of Japan
Chief Cabinet Secretary
or
Deputy Chief Cabinet Secretary
(usually)
Japanese Prime Minister
(sometimes)[1]
1968
 Prime Minister's cups are trophies awarded by the Prime Minister's cabinet to organizations involved in sports competitions.[11] Active

Diplomatic trophies

edit

Some states directly sponsors trophies in professional sumo. Usually those trophies serves to mark a diplomatic anniversary and are awarded once or a few time before disappearing. However some states have a long tradition to award trophies.

Photo Name Description Awarded by Awarded since Note Status
  French–Japanese Friendship Cup
(and giant macaron) 		A cup with two phoenixes serving as handles. The trophy is also accompanied by an emblematic inedible macaron coming in three colours: green, pink and gold. The macaron is measuring 41 cm (1 ft 4 in) in diameter and 23 cm (9 in) in height and is designed by French pastry chef-chocolatier Pierre Hermé.[12] French Republic
2008
(2011
with the macaron)
 Comes with a luxurious box of 22 real macarons, wrapped in gold paper.[12] Active
President of the French Republic Cup Striated porcelain vase, measuring 34 cm (1 ft 1 1⁄2 in) in diameter and 66 cm (2 ft 2 in) in height. The vase is gilded with fine gold, with a 24 carat pure gold circle chamfered on the upper part of the vase, symbolizing a rising Sun. Made by French painter Pierre Soulages and executed by the Manufacture nationale de Sèvres.[12] French Republic
2000
 Known informally as the "Jacques Chirac cup" (japanised as "Shiraku cup"). Created after a French ambassador to Japan suggested to Jacques Chirac, a known sumo fan, to have a trophy made by Pierre Soulages. Awarded for the first time at the July 2000 tournament. Now exposed in the French embassy in Tokyo.[12] Inactive
  United Mexican Friendship Plaque Represents an Aztec calendar. United Mexican States
1981
 Awarded since the visit of a Japan Sumo Association delegation of 110 people to Mexico in 1981.[13]
Comes with a year supply of Corona beer.[14] 		Active
  Cup of His Highness A big dallah coffee pot. United Arab Emirates
1979
 Awarded by Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan during an official visit in Japan in 1990.[15]
Comes with a year of gasoline. 		Active
  Chiang Rai Elephant trophy A Thai elephant statue made of fiberglass. Patterns on the statue are drawn by local artists in Chiang Rai, to reflect Thai and Japanese cultures. On one side of the statue Rama's monkeys are wrestling each other under a cassia tree, Thailand's national tree. On the other side of the elephant, two sumo wrestlers bout each other under a Japanese cherry blossom tree.[16] Kingdom of Thailand
2022
 The design was chosen because of the Chiang Rai Elephant Foundation, a charity creating elephant statues and working on the preservation of elephants in Thailand.[17] Awarded to celebrate the 135th anniversary of Thailand-Japan diplomatic relations.[16]
Comes with a supply of Chabaa Bangkok fruit juice or Singha beer. 		Active
  Thai–Japanese friendship trophy Kingdom of Thailand
2017
 Created to commemorate the 130th anniversary of Thailand-Japan diplomatic relations.[18] Inactive
  Hungarian Friendship (tea) Cup The tea cup measures about 45 cm (1 ft 5 1⁄2 in) high with a capacity of approximately 15 liters. The cup is made by the Hungary-based Herend Porcelain Manufactory.[19] Hungary
2019
 Awarded to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Japan and Hungary.[19]
Comes with a tea set made by the Herend Porcelain Manufactory. 		Active
  Hungarian friendship cup A 1.17 m (3 ft 10 in) high pot made by Herend Porcelain Manufactory.[19] Hungary
1986
 First awarded during the 1986 January tournament by the Hungarian People's Republic. The trophy continued being awarded after the country was democratized in 1989.[19] Inactive
  Czech crystal cup A Czech crystal hand-cut cup made by the Moser glass company. It weighs 15 kg (33 lb) and measures about 70 cm (2 ft 3 1⁄2 in).[20] Czech Republic
2004
 The Czech Republic have awarded a sumo trophy since 1970.[21]
Comes with a year of Pilsner beer. 		Active
Czech crystal bowl A Czech crystal hand-cut bowl weighting 14 kg (31 lb).[22] Czech Republic
1970
 The bowl have been replaced by the current cup in 2004.[23] Inactive
   Mongolian Prime Minister's award Three bökh wrestlers holds a 12 litres silver gilt cup. The original trophy was made with 12 kg (26 lb) of solid silver and 500 g of pure gold. Mongolia
2003
 Also known as "The wrestlers who fought for three hours" Cup (Гурван цагийг билэгдсэн бөхчүүд).[24] In 2022, following the meeting between Mongolian-born yokozuna Hakuhō and Mongolian Prime Minister Luvsannamsrain Oyun-Erdene, it was announced the trophy would serve as a gift to Hakuhō who recently retired.[25][26] Since March 2023, a new trophy has been awarded. It is however identical to the previous one (although silver) and has the same name. Active
Mongolian Prime Minister's award A trophy resembling a column. Mongolia
1998
 Inactive
Only in Tokyo
  Chinese Embassy Award Trophy made using colored enamels held in place within partitions formed by metal strips or wires, the process being repeated to fill in the gaps left by shrinkage during firing. This technique is emblematic of the Jingtai era, hence the nickname of the trophy "China-Japan Jingtai Blue Cup". People's Republic of China
1980
 Awarded in memory of the past links of sumo in China.[27]
Comes with a supply of Shaoxing wine. 		Active
United States President's Cup A silver trophy of 1.37 meters tall and weighing 30 kg (66 lb). The trophy is toped by a bald eagle.[28] United States of America
2019
 Only awarded in May.
First awarded by president Donald Trump in 2019, hence its nickname of "Trump Cup".[29] 		Active
  Cup of the Bulgarian government A silver trophy made by bulgarian artist Stavri Kalinov [bg]. The trophy height is about 75 cm (2 ft 5 1⁄2 in), decorated with roses, the national flower of Bulgaria, on hanging ribbons. It is also decorated with gold leaves. Republic of Bulgaria
2012
 Comes with a supply of Bulgarian wines.[30] Active
  Italia Hatsubasho Award A glass plate made by Venini.[31] Italian Republic
2023
 Active
  Japan–Italy 150th Anniversary of Diplomatic Relations Commemorative Award Italian Republic
2016
 Special prize offered in collaboration with the Parmigiano Reggiano and Parma Ham Consortia on the occasion of the 150th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Italy and Japan.[32] Inactive
  Japanese–Israel Friendship Trophy A shofar horn. The trophy is supported by a pedestal made of Israeli olives and iron resembling a cherry tree. State of Israel
2023
 The trophy was created by Ohad Sheinwald, an Israeli artist living in Japan. Comes with a supply of Kfar Bin Nun wine and dates.[33] Active

Governments trophies

edit
Photo Name Description Awarded by Awarded since Note Status
  Miyazaki Governor's Award A trophy in the shape of an beef dressed for a contest. Miyazaki Prefecture
1986
 The trophy is presented in cooperation with the Council for Better Miyazaki Beef Promotion.[34] Comes with a Miyazaki beef carcass and a ton of seasonal fruits and vegetables.[35] Active
  Fukui Prefectural Prize A trophy filled with red pickled plum. Fukui Prefecture
1986
 Comes with one year's worth of umeboshi as Fukui is the largest plum growing area of Japan.[36] Active
  Nara Prefectural Governor's Award The trophy is a bronze statue of a sumo wrestler. It was created based on the mosaic wall painting of the former National Stadium of Nara-city. The pedestal is decorated with a Nara traditional lacquerware craft and with patterns inspired by the Shōsōin treasures. It is 84 cm (2 ft 9 in) high, 5 cm (2 in) wide and weighs 15 kg (33 lb).[37] Nara Prefecture
2014
 The wrestler on top of the trophy is Nomi no Sukune because Nara Prefecture is where Nomi no Sukune and Taima no Kehaya are said to have fought. Therefore, Nara Prefecture is said to be the birthplace of sumo. The trophy was originally intended to be awarded at every Tokyo tournament but was later awarded at other honbasho during the 2020s.[38][39]
Comes with a supply of vegetables for chankonabe. 		Active
Only in Tokyo
  Tokyo Metropolitan Governor's Award A lion statue on top of a wooden box. The statue is made of bronze and weighs around 25 kilograms.[40] Tokyo Metropolitan Government
1981
 Nicknamed the "Lion Warrior Statue", the trophy was designed by Kitamura Seibo, an honorary citizen of Tokyo.[40] Active
  Fukushima Governor's Award
(and 15 kg (33 lb) tawara straw bag of rice) 		The trophy weighs about 15 kilograms, is about 6 cm (2 1⁄2 in) high and 6.6 m (21 ft 8 in) wide, including the zelkova base. An Akabeko carries a golden rice bag on its back.[41] During the award speech, it is accompanied by a tawara bag of rice. Fukushima Prefecture
2013
 Also known as the "Akabeko Trophy", because of the red cow legend of the Enzō-ji temple of Yanaizu in the ninth century.
The trophy became awarded as a communication plan to ensure the safety of Fukushima's products following the nuclear accident of 2011.[42]
Comes with 1 ton of local "Ten no Tsubu" rice. 		Active
Only in Osaka
  Osaka Prefectural Governor's Award Tall trophy toped with the symbol of the Osaka prefecture. Osaka Prefecture
2019
 Comes with an assortment of products sponsored by several local businesses (such as sake, miso, caramelized rice, pork buns, dashi, monaka bean paste sandwichs, soy sauce or brown sugar).[43] Active
Osaka Governor's Award Plaque Wooden plaque with a metal dohyō ring and roof on its center.[44] Osaka Prefecture
2011
 Inactive
Osaka Mayor's Award A victory flag. Osaka-city
A ton of Naniwa Ward traditional vegetables.[45] Inactive
Osaka Mayor's Award The trophy is a ranma carved wooden panel of Osaka Castle.[46] Osaka-city
Inactive
  Wakayama Prefectural Governor's Prize A negoro-nuri lacquered large sake cup Wakayama Prefecture
2008
 Comes with a selection of fruits grown in the prefecture.[47] Active
Yuasa Mayor's Award
(and fermentation wooden barrel) 		The trophy is a custom made glass mug with a soy sauce barrel design. It is accompanied by a wooden barrel in which soy sauce is traditionally matured.[48] Yuasa-city
2011
 Comes with a year of soy sauce as Yuasa-city is the birth place of soy sauce in Japan.[48] Active
Matsue Mayor's Award Matsue-city
Comes with 1 ton of yamatoshijimi, a special product of Lake Shinji.[2] Inactive
Only in Nagoya
  Aichi Prefectural Governor's Award
(and bouquet). 		A tall trophy with a lacquered green cup. Aichi Prefecture
1985
 Comes with an assortment of products sponsored by several local businesses:[49]
  • 50,000 boiled quail eggs,
  • 100 kg (220 lb) of Nagoya cochin meat,
  • 1,800 eggs,
  • 500 kg (1,100 lb) of short-necked clams,
  • eel.

The bouquet is awarded because Aichi Prefecture is also known as the "Kingdom of Flowers", being the leading flower producer in Japan since 1962.[50]

Active
  Nagoya Mayor's Award (Makuuchi) A silver cup supported by golden shachihoko shaped after the golden roof ornaments of Nagoya Castle. Nagoya-city
Comes with a piece of so-shibori dyed fabric for yukata and heko obi from Arimatsu.[51] Active
  Nagoya Mayor's Award (Jūryō) A greenstone trophy with four shachihoko back-to-back. It is a reference to the roof ornaments of Nagoya City Hall.[52] Nagoya-city
This particular trophy is not awarded to the top division champion, but to the jūryō division champion. Comes with a year of kishimen noodles.[51] Active
Only in Fukuoka
  Fukuoka Prefectural Governor's Prize Fukuoka Prefecture
Comes with a year supply of agricultural products (strawberries, ariake seaweed, chicken and rice).[53] Active
Fukuoka Mayor's Award Small sumo wrestler with a keshō-mawashi on top of a wooden base. The trophy weighs 25 kg (55 lb).[54] Fukuoka-city
Trophy made to look like a Hakata doll.[55] Comes with a year supply of mentaiko Active
  Fukuoka Mayor's Award Samurai equipped with a spear drinking with a sakazuki on top of a wooden base. Fukuoka-city
1998
 Only awarded in November 1998 and 2020.
The trophy is based on the emblematic statue of Mori Yoshinobu [ja] near the Hakata Station. Mori Yoshinobu (nicknamed Mori Tahei) is a famed samurai retainer of Fukushima Masanori. He is known for his resistance to alcohol and for being the owner of the Nihon-gō spear [ja], one of the Three Great Spears of Japan.[56] 		Inactive

Press and businesses trophies

edit
Photo Name Description Awarded by Awarded since Note Status
  Ōita's Shiitake Agricultural Cooperative Award A transparent cylindrical trophy filled with shiitake mushrooms. It weighs 21 kg (46 lb). Ōita Prefecture's Shiitake Agricultural Cooperative
1979
 Each mushrooms are hand-turned so that their top faces outwards. After the awards ceremony, they are brought to the preparation room, removed from the trophy and packed in a plastic bag for transportation.[57][58] Active
Japan Airlines Award Japan Airlines
Inactive
  Pan American Airlines Award A huge globe weighting 42 kg (93 lb) for a size of 1.30 m (4 ft 3 in).[59] Pan American World Airways
1961
 Even after the company withdrew from the Far East route in 1985, the trophy continued to be awarded until the summer of 1991 when the company went bankrupt.[60] Inactive
  NHK Gold Cup Nippon Hōsō Kyōkai
1955
 A glittering gold cup that imitates the "Gold bronze eight-fold long cup", one of the treasures of the Shōsōin house. Created to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the start of broadcasting.[61][62] Active
Championship portrait A replica of a framed portrait of the winning wrestler. The official portrait is 3 m (9 ft 10 in) high, 2 m (6 ft 6 1⁄2 in) wide, and weighs about 80 kg (180 lb). The official portrait is then hang on top of the arena in the Ryōgoku Kokugikan. Mainichi Shimbun
1909
 The display of the championship portraits at the Kokugikan began in 1909 as a project of the Mainichi Shimbun. During the war, the project was suspended but resumed in 1951. Colour photographs were originally made by colouring photographs with oil paints until 2014, when colour photographs began to be used.[63][64] Active
  Ōzeki award A large silver sakazuki. Ōzeki Brewery
1958
 It is customary for the winning wrestler to drink celebratory sake with this big sakazuki cup.[1] Ōzeki sake began to present a supplementary prize to the winning wrestler at the Osaka tournament in 1900. Today's trophy is awarded since 1958.[65]
Comes with a supply of Ōzeki "ONE CUP" sake. 		Active
  Coca-Cola Award A silver cola bottle. Coca-Cola Japan
1965
 Inactive
Baume et Mercier Award A trophy with the picture of a watch. A phi letter (Φ) is on top of the trophy because it's the symbol of the Baume et Mercier company. Baume et Mercier Japan
Inactive
Hokuren Award A bronze owl trophy. Hokuren Federation of Agricultural Cooperatives
4-ton of different agricultural commodities (milk, cheese, potatoes, asparagus, etc...)[2] Inactive
  Taisei's Runner-up Award A kabuto with a large crescent crest. Taisei Corporation
Awarded as a second prize to the wrestler achieving a junyūshō. Inactive
Only in Tokyo
  Tokyo Shimbun award A wooden plaque with the kanji for victory (優勝) and two sumo wrestlers fighting. Tokyo Shimbun Sports
Active
  ZEN-NOH Award The trophy is a bronze statue 1.1 m (3 ft 7 1⁄2 in) high and weighing 25 kg (55 lb) representing a sumo wrestler carrying a bag of rice on his back.[66] National Federation of Agricultural Co-operative Associations
1978
 Comes with 30 bales of rice, 1 ton of meat and fruit Inactive
TCCI Chairman's Prize The trophy is a kumiko lamp, an upright rectangular wooden structure equipped with a lighting system. Tokyo Chamber of Commerce and Industry
2012
 The trophy was designed by Tokyo-based firm Tobi[67] and made by Tanihata.[68] Inactive
Shizuoka Prefecture Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Promotion Association Chairman's Award A conical trophy with a golden top and a silver base engraved with waves. Shizuoka Prefecture Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Promotion Association
1988
 Came with a year supply of tea. Awarded during the Tokyo tournaments from 1988 to 1999.[69] Inactive
  Bovet Award A clock hosting a small watch, mounted on a red base.[70] Bovet Fleurier Japan
2006
 Inactive
Only in Osaka
  Yoshimoto Kogyo Award The trophy is a calligraphy painting representing the kanji 笑, meaning laugh.[71] Yoshimoto Kogyo
2012
 Trophy awarded to commemorate 90 years of cooperation between the company and the Japanese sumo association. Yoshimoto Kogyo had a history of sending comedians to the tournaments venues and making donations during the pre-war Osaka-sumo era.[72]
Comes with a free annual pass for the Namba Grand Kagetsu Theatre.
The trophy is usually awarded by entertainment celebrities. 		Active
Tozai-kai Championship Flag A championship flag Japan Sumo Association's East and West Association (tozai-kai)
A trophy awarded by an organisation of patrons of the Osaka sumo tournament founded in March 1937.[73] Members of the tozai-kai are recognizable by the brown happi they wear ringside.[74] Active
  Japan Mint President's Cup A cup with dragons serving as handles. The cup is supported by pieces calling back the colour tassels of the suspended roof above the dohyō. Japan Mint
1996
 First awarded at the March tournaments of 1996 and 1997.[75] The winning wrestlers also receive their portrait engraved in a copper plate one year after the tournament.[76] Active
Only in Nagoya
  Chunichi Shimbun Award A huge cup lifted by three sumo wrestlers. Chunichi Shimbun
The trophy is awarded because the Chunichi Shimbun co-hosts the Nagoya tournament.[77] Active
  CBC TV Award A golden shachihoko shaped trophy like the emblematic roof ornaments of Nagoya Castle. Chubu-Nippon Broadcasting
Active
  TTB TV Award A silver cup with golden shachihoko serving as handles, shaped after the golden roof ornaments of Nagoya Castle. Tōkai Television Broadcasting
Active
Mikawa Beef Welfare Council Award A trophy in the form of an unadorned ox statue. Mikawa Beef Welfare Council
2023
 Awarded for the first time in July 2023, with the aim of promoting Aichi Prefecture's "Mikawa beef" more widely.[78] Comes with 50 kg of Wagyu beef.[79] Active
Only in Fukuoka
RKB Mainichi Broadcasting Award A large cup resembling a sakazuki. RKB Mainichi Broadcasting
Active
  Yamecha Tea Promotion Association Award
(and green box) 		The trophy measures approximately 1 m high and weighs 20 kg (44 lb).[80] Presented with a green box. Yamecha Tea Promotion Association
1983
 Comes with a supply of Yamecha tea.[81] Active
KBC Award A red cup with golden kanji reading yūshō (優勝) written on it. Kyushu Asahi Broadcasting
Inactive
WHITE HORSE gifts A box of 3 magnum size bottles of scotch whisky. White Horse Japan
1983
 Inactive

Once a year trophies

edit

With the last tournament of the year, the Japan Sumo Association have a tradition of awarding special prizes for the wrestlers who have the most victories in the year. Trophies are also awarded by sports magazines as part of a sponsorship and to show the value of sumo as a sporting competition in its own right.

Photo Name Description Awarded by Awarded since Note Status
  Nishinippon Shimbun Award A large silver trophy with a height of approximately 98 cm (3 ft 2 1⁄2 in), a maximum diameter of approximately 4 cm (1 1⁄2 in) and a weight of more than 20 kg (44 lb). Originally, the names of the wrestlers who won the trophy were on plaques attached to the foot of the trophy but this is no longer the case. Nishinippon Shimbun
1957
 Awarded to the wrestler who has won the most wins of the year.[82] Active
  Hochi Wrestler of the Year Award Small silver trophy with an eagle on top. Hochi Shimbun
1958
 Awarded by a committee based on the quality of sumo, the number of wins among others. Decided at the end of the year but awarded on January of the following year.[83]
Although it is sometimes confused with the "Nishinippon Shimbun Award", the two are completely different rewards as the Nishinippon award does not take into account the content of the sumo wrestling and winners will be determined solely by the number of wins. 		Active
  Best Makuuchi Newcomer Award A plaque with an eagle resembling a special prize plaque. Chunichi Sports & Tokyo Chunichi Sports
1964
 A trophy awarded among the makuuchi newcommers, given to the wrestler who showed the best performance throughout the year. Newly-arrived rikishi from the previous year who have been in the makuuchi for less than two tournaments are also eligible for the award. If there is no suitable candidate, the trophy is not awarded.[84][85] Active
  Raiden Award A wooden plaque with a length of about 8 cm (3 in) with a black handprint.[86] Yomiuri Shimbun
1955
 Established to commemorate the publication of the magazine "Grand Sumo" and the serialization of the novel "Raiden" by Ozaki Shirō [ja] (1898-1964).
Awarded at the end of the year to the wrestler under sekiwake with the most wins in makuuchi.
Named after Raiden Tameemon, it's the only trophy to bear the name of a wrestler. It ceased to be awarded in 1965.[86] 		Inactive

Charity events

edit
Photo Name Description Awarded by Awarded since Note Status
All Japan Rikishi Championship's Chosen Badge[87]
(and championship banner) 		A golden plaque made in an arm band Meiji Shrine
Only awarded during a Meiji Shrine sponsored exhibition event (Meiji Jingu Annual Festival Celebration) at the Ryōgoku Kokugikan in October. Active
Fuji TV trophy A silver trophy with a little gunbai on top of it. Fuji TV
Only awarded during the Fuji Television Grand Sumo Tournament event at the Ryōgoku Kokugikan in February.[88] Active

International tour

edit
Photo Name Description Awarded by Awarded since Note Status
Bercy sumo tournament award A small cup. Mayor of Paris
1995
 Awarded to Akebono during an exhibition tournament at the Bercy Accor Arena in Paris.[12] Inactive
Korean Grand Sumo Tournament award A celadon vase Mayor of Seoul
2004
 Awarded to Asashōryū during the first exhibition tournament held in Korea since the end of World War II at the Jangchung Arena in Seoul.[89] Inactive
Beijing Grand Sumo Tournament award A golden eagle. Mayor of Beijing
2004
 Awarded to Asashōryū during an exhibition tournament at the Capital Indoor Stadium in Beijing.[90] Inactive

Particular trophies and prizes

edit
Photo Name Description Awarded by Awarded in Note Status
Dohyō King Statue The statue represents a large number "63" surrounded by 12 dolphins in the shape of an unfinished ring. A plate on the pedestal reads "Dohyō King". The trophy measures 8 cm (3 in) in length and 7 cm (3 in) in width, and is said to be made of duralumin, gold, silver, and platinum.
Produced by Miyata Ryōhei, president of Tokyo University of the Arts and member of the Yokozuna Deliberation Council.[91] 		Yokozuna Deliberation Council
2011
 Awarded to Hakuhō acknowledging his achievement of a 63-bout winning streak, the second highest in sumo recorded history.[91] Inactive
Morinaga's Wrestler of the Day Award Three wrestlers are selected daily by a majority of the popular vote. Each wrestler receives a cash prize and toffee sweets.[92] Morinaga & Company
1951
 Morinaga began awarding a popular prize in 1951, making it one of the first companies to award a prize in modern sumo history.[92][93] The prize was however interrupted in 1985 with the Glico Morinaga case and between 2020 and 2024 because of the COVID-19 pandemic.[92] Active

See also

edit

Notes

edit
1.^ Only six prime ministers have awarded the Prime Minister's Cup.

References

edit
  1. ^ a b c "No awards at all! The Sumo Association's Cup also declined". Nikkan Sports (in Japanese). 8 July 2010. Retrieved 8 December 2022.
  2. ^ a b c d "Tamawashi's victory was too extravagant to be shown on NHK's sumo broadcast. Why is the number gradually decreasing?". News Postseven (in Japanese). 26 September 2022. Retrieved 16 May 2023.
  3. ^ "Fusae Ota, who was refused the presentation of the Prefectural Governor's Award in the ring where women are forbidden, said of the inappropriate presentation: 'It's completely different from my case'". Sports Hochi (in Japanese). 5 April 2018. Retrieved 19 June 2023.
  4. ^ "Chiyonofuji: "Damn it!" overcomes dislocation / Reprint serialization 2". Nikkan Sports (in Japanese). 31 July 2016. Retrieved 11 June 2023.
  5. ^ Gunning, John (20 May 2019). "Sumo 101: Cancellations". The Japan Times. Archived from the original on 2 December 2020. Retrieved 27 June 2023.
  6. ^ "Handel composed the music for the sumo award ceremony". Mediajuku Media Magazine (in Japanese). 8 January 2020. Retrieved 11 June 2023.
  7. ^ "[Grand Sumo Tournament] What is the "Kamiokuri Ritual"? The gyoji is tossed!?". Dosukoi Sports (in Japanese). 21 September 2020. Retrieved 5 June 2023.
  8. ^ a b "What is the Emperor's Cup? -The trophy given to the winning wrestler in sumo". Yokozuna Stroy Magazine (in Japanese). 22 February 2020. Retrieved 12 May 2023.
  9. ^ Gunning, John (12 September 2018). "Sumo 101: The Emperor's Cup". The Japan Times. Archived from the original on 13 September 2018. Retrieved 17 May 2023.
  10. ^ "Grand Sumo awards". Japan Sumo Association (in Japanese). 19 April 2016. Retrieved 15 May 2023.
  11. ^ Ritsunosuke, Momijihashi. "Prime Minister's Cup Introduction". List of wrestlers who won the Prime Minister's Cup. Retrieved 15 May 2023.
  12. ^ a b c d e "Sumo story: The tribulations of the "Coupe Jacques Chirac"". 20 Minutes (in French). 17 August 2017. Retrieved 9 December 2022.
  13. ^ "The Ambassador of Mexico in Japan presents the prize to the champion of the Sumo tournament". Government of Mexico (in Spanish). 20 May 2012. Retrieved 9 December 2022.
  14. ^ "Mitakeumi earns spoils of victory". The Japan Times. 25 July 2018. Retrieved 9 December 2022.
  15. ^ United Arab Emirates embassy in Japan [@uaeambjapan] (27 January 2021). "Cooperation between the UAE and Japan in sumo began in 1979. In 1990, President Sheikh Zayed visited Japan and watched sumo matches, handing over gifts from the UAE to the wrestlers. The UAE Ambassador awards a friendship cup to the winner of each tournament. This tradition has continued for 42 years" (Tweet) (in Japanese). Retrieved 15 May 2023 – via Twitter.
  16. ^ a b "Ambassador presented anew elephant "Thailand-Japan Friendship Cup" to sumo champion on the occasion of the 135th anniversary of Thailand-Japan diplomatic relations". Royal Thai Embassy in Tokyo. 29 September 2022. Retrieved 9 December 2022.
  17. ^ "Project "Elephant Chiang Rai": 90 elephants by 90 Chiang Rai artists". Chiang Rai Elephant Foundation (in Thai). Retrieved 9 December 2022.
  18. ^ "Ambassador presented a trophy at the New Year Grand Sumo Tournament 2022". Royal Thai Embassy in Tokyo. 23 January 2022. Retrieved 9 December 2022.
  19. ^ a b c d "Winner of grand sumo tourneys to receive huge tea cup from Hungary". Mainichi Shimbun. 9 May 2019. Retrieved 9 December 2022.
  20. ^ "The sumo winner will receive a cup from the Czech Republic". IDNES (in Czech). 2 March 2022. Retrieved 13 December 2022.
  21. ^ "Handover of the Czech Cup to the winner of November Grand Sumo Tournament". Embassy of the Czech Republic in Tokyo. 27 November 2022. Retrieved 9 December 2022.
  22. ^ "Check out the Czech Embassy in Japan. As long as it still belongs to us". IDNES (in Czech). 28 May 2011. Retrieved 13 December 2022.
  23. ^ "The sumo winner will receive a cup from the Czech Republic". IDNES (in Czech). 2 March 2004. Retrieved 13 December 2022.
  24. ^ "APPROVAL OF CUP MODEL /Highest level of professional sumo wrestling/". National Institute of Justice of the Mongolian Government (in Mongolian). 6 August 2003. Retrieved 10 December 2022.
  25. ^ "The trophy named after the Prime Minister of Mongolia will be kept forever by Hakuhō (M. Davaajargal)". UNEN News Agency (in Mongolian). 11 October 2022. Retrieved 9 December 2022.
  26. ^ "The retirement ceremony of Hakuhō (M. Davaazargal) is being held". GoGo News Agency (in Mongolian). 28 January 2023. Retrieved 30 January 2023.
  27. ^ "Cheng Yonghua, Ambassador to Japan, presented awards to the winners of the Japanese Grand Sumo Final". Chinese Embassy (in Chinese). 25 May 2010. Retrieved 9 December 2022.
  28. ^ "Trophy presented by Trump to go on display at sumo museum". The Japan Times. 27 May 2019. Retrieved 9 December 2022.
  29. ^ "President to personally award the custom-made Trump Cup to the winner of the Summer Tournament". Asahi Shimbun (in Japanese). 12 May 2019. Retrieved 15 May 2023.
  30. ^ "The Ambassador of Bulgaria in Japan presented the cup of the Bulgarian government to the winner of the May sumo tournament". Embassy of the Republic of Bulgaria in Japan (in Bulgarian). 26 May 2019. Retrieved 13 December 2022.
  31. ^ "Ambassador Benedetti presents the "Italian Hatsubasho" award to the winner of the Grand Sumo Tournament 2023". Italian embassy in Tokyo (in Italian). 23 January 2023. Retrieved 23 January 2023.
  32. ^ "Sumo champion Hakuho wins the cup and the Parmesan cheese". ANSA News Agency (in Italian). 23 May 2016. Retrieved 9 December 2022.
  33. ^ Israel embassy in Japan [@IsraelinJapan] (28 May 2023). "[Israel-Japan Friendship Award presented to the winning sumo wrestler]" (Tweet) (in Japanese). Retrieved 28 May 2023 – via Twitter.
  34. ^ "Prefectural Governor's Award for Kiribayama". Miyazaki Nichinichi Shimbun (in Japanese). 27 March 2023. Retrieved 12 May 2023.
  35. ^ "Ceremony to award the Miyazaki Prefectural Governor's Prize for the January 2023 Grand Sumo Tournament". Miyazaki Prefecture Official Website (in Japanese). 24 January 2023. Retrieved 12 May 2023.
  36. ^ "What is the "Fukui Ume" presented to the sumo wrestlers who win the Grand Sumo Tournament? Fukui was the largest production area on the Sea of Japan coast!". Dear Fukui Magazine (in Japanese). 31 December 2019. Retrieved 12 May 2023.
  37. ^ "The Governor's Award trophy for the sumo champion will be unveiled the 5th in Katsuragi-city". Sankei Shimbun (in Japanese). 2 October 2015. Retrieved 10 December 2022.
  38. ^ "Sports promotion section: Presentation of the Nara Prefectural Governor's Prize to the best rikishi in the makuuchi division of the March Grand Sumo Tournament". Nara Prefecture (in Japanese). Retrieved 14 May 2023.
  39. ^ "About the presentation of the Governor of Nara Prefecture Award to the highest winning wrestler in the Grand Sumo Tournament in November". Nara Prefecture (in Japanese). Retrieved 15 May 2023.
  40. ^ a b "Presentation of the Tokyo Metropolitan Governor's Award for Grand Sumo Wrestling in May". Tokyo Metropolitan Government (in Japanese). 27 May 2013. Retrieved 11 December 2022.
  41. ^ "The Akabeko Trophy". Asahi Kenso Co., Ltd. (constructor blog) (in Japanese). 28 January 2013. Retrieved 9 December 2022.
  42. ^ "Fukushima Prefecture Governor's Award for the winning wrestler Extra prize: 1 ton of rice". Nikkan Sports (in Japanese). 17 January 2013. Retrieved 9 December 2022.
  43. ^ "Osaka Governor's Award for March Grand Sumo Tournament". Osaka Prefectural Government (in Japanese). 22 March 2022. Retrieved 9 December 2022.
  44. ^ "The ring still forbidden to women, a subject still controversial: "When a woman prime minister is elected, who will be the cup holder..."". Withnews (in Japanese). 18 February 2018. Retrieved 12 May 2023.
  45. ^ "Traditional Vegetables of Naniwa, Osaka City". Osaka-city official website (in Japanese). 7 April 2023. Retrieved 19 June 2023.
  46. ^ "Regional Collective Trademark 2007 pamphlet - Examples of use of the trademark: 'Osaka Ranma' Osaka Ranma Craft Cooperative" (PDF). JPO (in Japanese). 1 June 2007. Retrieved 19 June 2023.
  47. ^ "Awarding of the "Wakayama Prefectural Governor's Prize" at the March Grand Sumo Tournament" (PDF). Wakayama Prefectural Government (in Japanese). Retrieved 21 April 2023.
  48. ^ a b "Yuasa City Mayor's Award for the Osaka tournament. Birthplace of Soy Sauce". Yuasa City website (in Japanese). 17 March 2011. Retrieved 9 December 2022.
  49. ^ "Presentation of the governor's award to the winning wrestler of the Nagoya Grand Sumo Tournament". Aichi Prefecture (in Japanese). 26 June 2018. Retrieved 12 December 2022.
  50. ^ "Presentation of the Governor's Prize to the Winner of the Nagoya Grand Sumo Tournament". Aichi Prefecture (in Japanese). 19 July 2022. Retrieved 13 May 2023.
  51. ^ a b "Nagoya Grand Sumo Tournament 2021, Day 2, spectator report". 4travel Japan (in Japanese). 5 July 2021. Retrieved 12 May 2023.
  52. ^ 豆腐@大豆加工品 [@O_Touhu] (22 July 2018). "Part of Nagoya City Hall, the original source of the Nagoya Mayor's Award trophy for winning the juryo. #sumo" (Tweet) (in Japanese). Retrieved 15 May 2023 – via Twitter.
  53. ^ "The prefectural governor's prize is awarded to the winner of the Kyushu Grand Sumo Tournament!". Fukuoka Prefecture (in Japanese). 14 November 2022. Retrieved 15 May 2023.
  54. ^ "Kyūshū tournament is sold out". Takashima Soichiro (Fukuoka mayor) official website (in Japanese). 27 November 2022. Retrieved 19 December 2022.
  55. ^ Fukuoka City Public Relations Strategy Office [@Fukuokacity_pr] (13 November 2015). "The Fukuoka Mayor's Cup is made using Hakata dolls! Fukuoka City "Kantoubai! Sumo" http://city.fukuoka.lg.jp/shimin/s-jigyou/charm/sumou.html#fc #Fukuoka #fukuoka #hakata #hakata #sumo" (Tweet) (in Japanese). Retrieved 24 April 2023 – via Twitter.
  56. ^ "Statue of "Kuroda-bushi"". Fukuoka's history information website (in Japanese). Retrieved 20 December 2022.
  57. ^ "Enormous prize Shiitake mushrooms are real". Asahi Shimbun (in Japanese). 23 January 2019. Retrieved 13 December 2022.
  58. ^ Oita Shiitake Mushroom Agricultural Cooperative Official Account [@Oita_Shiitake] (25 October 2021). "Beasily stuffed with dried shiitake mushrooms. It is time to produce the victory cups to be presented to the winning wrestlers of the Kyushu Grand Sumo Tournament again this year. Specialist staff carefully pack the cups one by one. The total weight is a whopping 21 kg (46 lb). This is a tradition that has continued for 42 years since 1979" (Tweet) (in Japanese). Retrieved 12 May 2023 – via Twitter.
  59. ^ "Mr. D Jones dies: A popular person in sumo wrestling". Shikoku News (in Japanese). 5 February 2005. Retrieved 13 December 2022.
  60. ^ "David Jones. Panam PR: the man behind 'Hyo, Show, Joe' dies". Imidas encyclopedia (in Japanese). Retrieved 25 April 2023.
  61. ^ "NHK Museum of Broadcasting visit #3". New Revised Travel and History blog (in Japanese). 22 October 2011. Retrieved 12 May 2023.
  62. ^ Japan Sumo Association [@sumokyokai] (3 October 2012). "This is the NHK Gold Cup handed to Harumafuji, who won the September tournament. The prize have been awarded since January 1955. #sumo" (Tweet) (in Japanese). Retrieved 12 May 2023 – via Twitter.
  63. ^ "Mainichi Shimbun launches dedicated website to sell miniature photo frames of sumo champions". The Bunka News (in Japanese). 17 June 2020. Retrieved 25 April 2023.
  64. ^ "Championship portraits colourist Suzue Sato retires". Nikkan Sports (in Japanese). 22 January 2014. Retrieved 9 June 2023.
  65. ^ ""Ozeki" sake signs sustainability partner agreement with Japan Sumo Association". Shokuhin Sangyo Shimbunsha Co. (in Japanese). 6 January 2023. Retrieved 25 April 2023.
  66. ^ "Agricultural administration. Agricultural cooperative news". Japan Agricultural Communication. 13 May 2005. Retrieved 12 December 2022.
  67. ^ "Tobi kumiko lamp presented to winner of Tokyo Chamber of Commerce and Industry Chairman's Prize". Tobi design. 24 September 2012. Retrieved 14 December 2022.
  68. ^ "Ryogoku Kokugikan Grand Sumo Tournament in September". Tanihata Kumiko design. 24 September 2012. Retrieved 19 June 2023.
  69. ^ Japan Sumo Association [@sumokyokai] (23 October 2013). "<Sumo Museum>Trophy for the Chairman of the Shizuoka Prefecture Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Promotion Association. The Tokyo tournament was awarded to the winning rikishi from 1988 to 1999. #sumo" (Tweet) (in Japanese). Retrieved 23 April 2023 – via Twitter.
  70. ^ "Toru Kamine presents Yokozuna Asashōryū with the Bovet Award". Excite News Japan (in Japanese). 18 April 2006. Retrieved 18 December 2022.
  71. ^ "Sanshi Katsura hands Hakuho the Yoshimoto Prize: 'Welcome to Namba G Kagetsu'". Sports Nippon (in Japanese). 26 March 2012. Retrieved 21 April 2023.
  72. ^ "Takanohana Oyakata visits Yoshimoto Kogyo/appeared in 'Shinkigeki' before the tournament". Shikoku News (in Japanese). 15 February 2012. Retrieved 21 April 2023.
  73. ^ "Overview of Tozai-kai". Tozai-kai official website (in Japanese). Retrieved 12 May 2023.
  74. ^ "I watched the second day of the March Grand Sumo Tournament in a sloppy manner". Baseball stats Magazine (in Japanese). 15 March 2022. Retrieved 22 April 2023.
  75. ^ "Takanohana-oyakata: "It's OK" to Zukko at Yoshimoto Shinkigeki". Sports Nippon (in Japanese). 9 February 2012. Retrieved 12 May 2023.
  76. ^ "Kisenosato resume training and train his lower body "to build a solid foundation", avoiding declaring his participation in the tournament". Sports Nippon (in Japanese). 28 February 2018. Retrieved 12 May 2023.
  77. ^ "The Chunichi Shimbun, co-host of the Nagoya Grand Sumo Tournament, commented on the change to the Tokyo event: "In light of this emergency situation, we respect the decision by the Japan Sumo Association as co-host of the Nagoya event."". Chunichi Shimbun (in Japanese). 4 May 2020. Retrieved 13 May 2023.
  78. ^ "Mikawa Beef Welfare Council Holds General Meeting to Award Special Trophies at Grand Sumo Tournament". The Japan Food Journal (in Japanese). 30 June 2023. Retrieved 23 July 2023.
  79. ^ "Aichi Governor Newsletter". Aichi Prefecture website (in Japanese). 5 July 2023. Retrieved 24 July 2023.
  80. ^ "Yamecha Award presented at the Kyushu Grand Sumo Tournament, in Kyushu". Fukuoka Yame Agricultural Cooperative (in Japanese). 28 November 2022. Retrieved 12 May 2023.
  81. ^ "Presentation of the Yame Tea Promotion Chairman's Award to the winning wrestler at the Grand Sumo Tournament in Kyushu". Yamaecha website (in Japanese). 28 November 2022. Retrieved 12 December 2022.
  82. ^ "Ōzeki Takakeishō gets the most wins in a year for the first time. A big comeback from 3rd tournament". Nishinippon Shimbun (in Japanese). Archived from the original on 4 December 2020.
  83. ^ "Wakatakakage won the Hochi Wrestler of the Year Award, the first time in 30 years that someone won the award under the Sekiwake rank... He aims to become an ozeki the following year, the same as his idol, "Waka" Takahanada, who won the award for the first time". Sports Hochi (in Japanese). 28 December 2022. Retrieved 15 May 2023.
  84. ^ "Makuuchi best newcomer award winner Kotoshōhō: 'I lost the competition under pressure' against difficult opponent Terunofuji [Sumo]". Chunichi Sports (in Japanese). 10 January 2021. Retrieved 22 April 2023.
  85. ^ "Kitanofuji: 'I'm looking forward to it, just like Chiyonofuji'. 29-year-old Wakamotoharu, who has made great strides, is dreading the Best Newcomer Award: 'Too many great people to mention'". Chunichi Sports (in Japanese). 28 December 2022. Retrieved 14 May 2023.
  86. ^ a b "Raiden Tameemon and Kansei Grand Sumo". Japan Sumo Association's Sumo Museum (in Japanese). 24 April 2018. Retrieved 17 December 2022.
  87. ^ "All Japan Wrestlers' Championship held for the first time in 3 years, Hoshoryu wins the final match against senior stablemate Meisei for the first time: "It got really hot"". Nikkan Sports (in Japanese). 3 November 2022. Retrieved 12 December 2022.
  88. ^ "Fuji TV 44th Grand Sumo tournament". Fuji TV. 9 February 2020. Retrieved 5 February 2023.
  89. ^ "Asashoryu wins overall title / Grand Sumo Tournament, Seoul". Shikoku News (in Japanese). 15 February 2004. Retrieved 27 April 2023.
  90. ^ "Asashoryu wins overall title / Beijing Grand Sumo Tournament". Shikoku News (in Japanese). 6 June 2004. Retrieved 27 April 2023.
  91. ^ a b "'Dohyō King' Hakuhō Special Commendation Commemorative Gift with Dolphin Motif". Sports Nippon (in Japanese). 8 January 2011. Retrieved 17 December 2022.
  92. ^ a b c "大の里の取組に今場所４回目、大相撲の「森永賞」とは…コロナ禍ではウェブ投票も" (in Japanese). Sports Hochi. 24 January 2024. Retrieved 24 January 2024.
  93. ^ "デジタル森永賞" (in Japanese). Morinaga. Retrieved 24 January 2024.
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=List_of_sumo_trophies&oldid=1251481419"