Sumo Referee
すもうしんぱんいん
Industry & Occupation
Classification
Summary
Specialized professional who referees sumo bouts, determines winners and losers, and manages competition progression.
Description
Sumo referees (gyoji) are professionals affiliated with the Japan Sumo Association who officiate bouts on the dohyo. Before matches, they hold the gunbai to call wrestlers, observe bouts to judge winners and losers. In cases of mono-ii, they deliberate with the chief referee and assistant referees to reach fair conclusions. Gyoji ranks range from jonokuchi to san'yaku, culminating in tate-gyoji, with assigned bouts varying by experience and achievements. Wearing ceremonial attire embodying etiquette, they support sumo's traditional culture through tours and grand tournaments.
Future Outlook
Gyoji positions at the Japan Sumo Association are fixed in number, with no major increases expected. With growing international events and expanded broadcasting, roles in English support and commentary may expand.
Personality Traits
Calm and composed / Fair and impartial / High concentration / Strong sense of responsibility
Work Style
Full-time contract / Holiday work / Nationwide tours / Seasonal
Career Path
Gyoji training school trainee → Jonokuchi gyoji → Nitome gyoji → Juryo gyoji → Makuuchi gyoji → Tate-gyoji
Required Skills
Communication skills (complaint handling) / Dohyo etiquette / Gunbai handling / Sumo (competition rules) / Voice projection technique
Recommended Skills
Etiquette / Foreign languages / Traditional culture understanding
Aptitudes (Strengths Preferred)
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Analytical & Logical Thinking | To instantly judge bouts and determine outcomes |
| Attention to Detail & Accuracy | To not miss minute differences like fingertip positions or falls |
| Communication Skills | Required for pre-bout wrestler calls and mono-ii explanations |
| Stress Tolerance | Must endure crowd and bout tension to make prompt judgments |
Aptitudes (Weaknesses Acceptable)
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Creativity & Ideation | Creative thinking is not particularly required |
| Numerical & Quantitative Analysis | Not a job involving numerical processing |
Aliases
- Gyoji
- Sumo Gyoji
Related Jobs
- Sumo Tokoyama
- Sumo Wrestler
- Sumo Yobidashi