What is maegashara?

Maegashira is a rank in professional sumo wrestling, the fourth highest rank behind the three Sanyaku ranks. Sumo wrestlers in this rank are considered to be in the second tier and are typically lower-ranked, up-and-coming wrestlers who are looking to climb up the ranks. There are typically 15 wrestlers in the Maegashira rank, with Maegashira 1 being the highest-ranked among them.

Wrestlers in this rank typically earn a higher salary than those ranked below them, and they have the opportunity to face off against some of the top-ranked wrestlers. Each sumo wrestler's performance in the previous tournament determines their rank for the next tournament, so it is possible for a wrestler to be ranked higher or lower depending on their performance.

Maegashira wrestlers wear a simple white mawashi (loincloth) during matches and typically have a wider variety of techniques and tactics than wrestlers ranked below them. Despite being outside of the Sanyaku, Maegashira wrestlers can still become fan favorites and achieve great success in the sport.