In sumo wrestling, the “kimboshi” is a particularly special and rare accomplishment. It is a unique prize awarded under specific circumstances, signifying an unexpected triumph within the sport’s hierarchy. This recognition carries substantial prestige and tangible benefits for the wrestler who earns it.
What is a Kimboshi?
A kimboshi, or “gold star” (金星), is a notation in professional sumo for a significant victory. It is earned when a lower-ranked wrestler, a rikishi, defeats a Yokozuna, the sport’s grand champion. The term originates from the existing system of marking wins as “shiroboshi” (white star) and losses as “kuroboshi” (black star), elevating a victory over a Yokozuna to “gold star” status due to its exceptional nature.
The prestige of a kimboshi stems from the immense challenge it represents. A Yokozuna embodies the pinnacle of sumo skill and consistent dominance. For a lower-ranked wrestler to overcome such an opponent is a rare and celebrated feat, often marking a significant upset. This achievement highlights the winner’s physical capability, strategic acumen, and ability to perform under intense pressure. The system of monetarily awarding a kimboshi officially began in January 1930.
Earning a Kimboshi: The Specifics
The Japan Sumo Association strictly enforces the conditions for earning a kimboshi. The victorious wrestler must hold the rank of maegashira. Wrestlers in the sanyaku ranks—Komusubi, Sekiwake, and Ozeki—are not awarded a kimboshi if they defeat a Yokozuna, as their higher status implies an expectation of competing with top opponents.
The victory must occur during an official sumo tournament (honbasho). Wins in exhibition or non-official bouts do not count. A kimboshi is also not granted if the maegashira wins due to a Yokozuna’s default (fusensho) or disqualification for an illegal move (hansoku). These strict criteria ensure that only genuine, hard-fought victories over the sport’s highest-ranked athletes are recognized with a gold star.
Significance and Impact
Earning a kimboshi profoundly impacts a wrestler’s standing and career trajectory. The immense prestige of defeating a Yokozuna brings immediate recognition and respect from both peers and the wider sumo community. This unexpected triumph can significantly elevate their status and provide a substantial boost to their prospects for future promotions in the sumo hierarchy. Conversely, a Yokozuna’s loss to a maegashira earning a kimboshi is often viewed as a notable setback, drawing scrutiny to their performance.
Beyond recognition, a kimboshi carries a tangible financial benefit, known as “mochikyūkin” or “kimboshi-kyu.” Each kimboshi victory adds ¥10 to the wrestler’s mochikyūkin account. This accumulated value is multiplied by 4,000 and paid as a permanent increase in the wrestler’s salary for every subsequent tournament they compete in as a sekitori (a salaried wrestler in the Juryo or Makuuchi division). A single kimboshi translates to an additional ¥240,000 annually for the remainder of a wrestler’s sekitori career, a substantial and lasting reward for a remarkable achievement.