Tokoyama Banzuke

[Itachiyama 119]

After last years Kyushu Basho the top Tokoyama (Tokokatsu of Takanohana-beya) retired due to his 65th birthday.

For the Hatsu Banzuke there was no other promoted to the top (Tokutou), but from the Haru Banzuke there are two Tokutou now.

Both are almost the same age with 62. The first one, Tokokuni of Kasugano-beya is only 4 months older than Tokoju from Takasago-beya. The next one in line is 3 years younger.

I wonder if this is only a compromise because of there similar age or if there is no special rule about how many Tokoyama can be Tokutou at the same time?

Certainly both is the case ...

[Araiguma_Rascal 0]

Now I just learned something new. I had known that the Gyoji and Yobidashi belonged to a heya, and were ranked, but I didn't know about the Tokoyama (hairdressers).

[Burainoan 0]

As far as i know, tokoyama ranks are based on seniority/experience, and general perceived ability. since its status seems to be more of a skilled trade, the relative ranks are more general. there's a limit on the total number, but probably not at each level, since it depends somewhat on how many enter at a given time. and because they are not actively involved in torikumi, they aren't as locked in to having certain numbers at each level.

but even so, given the limited total number, i'd guess that two or three would be the maximum at the tokutou level.