Professional sumo’s structure is often described as a pyramid, with the lower divisions forming a wide base that supports a tapering hierarchy, with the yokozuna at the apex.

The reality, however, is that sumo is an inverted pyramid in many respects, with the vast majority of its finances and power concentrated at the top.

In terms of media coverage, it’s a similar story, with wrestlers in the banzuke’s upper echelons being the focus of virtually all of the column inches and airtime devoted to Japan’s national sport.