a in the sport of sumo is the highest rank any wrestler (rikishi) can attain. the word means "horizontal rope" and it comes from one of the symbols that yokozuna wear; a thick rope (綱 "tsuna") which is worn around the waist. it is a sign of their rank. this rope can be very heavy, weighing around . it is not worn for fights, but only for the wrestler's entrance ceremony into the ring at the start of a tournament. the rope is similar to that which is used in shinto religion for purification and to mark off sacred areas of the temple.