Makuuchi
The Makuuchi, or Makunouchi, is the top division in professional Sumo wrestling in Japan. The division comprises of just over 40 wrestlers who are ranked according to their ability, as defined as their performance in previous tounaments. At the top of the division are the titleholders, or champions comprising Yokozuna, Ozeki, Sekiwake and Komusubi. There are typically 8-12 wrestlers in these ranks with the remainder, called Maegashira, ranked in numerical order from 1 downwards. Furthermore, these rikishi are separated into East and West divisions. According to the tradition of sumo, an East Maegashira is slightly higher in rank than his West counterpart.
This is the only division that is featured on NHK's live coverage of sumo tournaments.
The name Makuuchi literally means "inside the curtain", a reference to the early period of professional sumo, when the top ranked rikishi were able to sit in a curtained off area prior to appearing for their bouts.