One step below salaried status
Makushita is the third division, below Juryo and above Sandanme. Its wrestlers normally compete seven times during a 15-day tournament rather than once every day.
The top of Makushita receives special attention because it is the gateway to salaried sekitori status. A strong winning record near the top can earn promotion to Juryo, but the number of available places depends on which Juryo wrestlers are due for demotion.
Makushita contains a wide range of experience. Young prospects can meet veterans returning from injury or former top-division wrestlers rebuilding their rank. That makes the upper division a useful place to follow names likely to appear in Juryo next.