Sansho — Special Prizes
The sansho (三賞, "three prizes") are special awards given to Makuuchi wrestlers who demonstrate outstanding performance during a tournament but do not win the yusho. The three prizes are:
Shukun-sho (Outstanding Performance Prize)
Awarded for defeating the most yokozuna and ozeki during the tournament, or for overall exceptional results that significantly impacted the tournament outcome.
Kanto-sho (Fighting Spirit Prize)
Awarded for displaying exceptional fighting spirit and determination throughout the tournament, regardless of final record. Often given to lower-ranked wrestlers who achieve impressive results against higher-ranked opponents.
Gino-sho (Technique Prize)
Awarded for demonstrating superior technical skill and a diverse repertoire of winning techniques during the tournament.
A wrestler can receive more than one special prize at the same tournament. A prize may also go unawarded when the selection committee decides that no performance meets its standard.
Accumulating sansho is an important career milestone, particularly for wrestlers seeking promotion to the sanyaku ranks. A Maegashira wrestler with multiple sansho demonstrates the quality expected at higher ranks.