Yokozuna is the highest official rank a professional sumo wrestler can hold.
The word yokozuna means “horizontal rope,” referring to the thick white rope worn by a yokozuna during ceremonial appearances. Unlike lower ranks, a yokozuna is not demoted after a losing tournament. Instead, the wrestler is expected to retire if he can no longer perform at the standard associated with the rank.
Promotion is decided by the Japan Sumo Association after outstanding performances, normally involving consecutive championships or an equivalent record. The rank carries responsibilities beyond winning bouts, including representing the dignity and traditions of professional sumo.
Ozeki is the second-highest rank and can be lost through poor results. Sekiwake and komusubi are the two junior titled ranks. The term tachiai describes the initial charge of a bout, not a rank, so it is unrelated to the promotion hierarchy.