Sanyaku (三役) literally means 'the three ranks' and represents the titleholder, or champion, ranks at the top of the sumo ranking system.

Despite the name there are four ranks in sanyaku. These are Yokozuna, Ozeki, Sekiwake and Komusubi. The reason for the numerical discrepancy is that Yokozuna was traditionally regarded as an Ozeki with a special licence to wear a special rope around his waist and perform a separate ring entry ceremony.

Traditionally there should be at least two wrestlers in each rank. This does not apply to Yokozuna and if there is only one Ozeki one of the Yokozuna will be formally ranked as a Yokozuna-Ozeki. There is no recorded instance of having less than a total of two Yokozuna and Ozeki.

There are a number of perks and responsibilites associated with being ranked in sanyaku. Wrestlers receive a higher monthly salary and also are entitled to purchase one of the membership shares in the Japan Sumo Association irrespective of the total number of tournaments they have spent in the top makuuchi division.

Sanyaku wrestlers may be called to represent all the wrestlers on certain occasions. When the president of the Sumo Association makes a formal speech on the opening and closing days of a tournament, he is flanked by all the sanyaku wrestlers in their fighting mawashi. Similarly they may be called to assist in welcoming a VIP, such as the emperor, to the stadium.

The sanyaku can be split into two groups: The senior yokozuna and ozeki, and junior sekiwake and komusubi.

The former group have special promotion criteria and higher salaries, and have additional perks (e.g. a higher number of junior wrestlers to assist them, entitlement to park in the Sumo Association compound, voting rights in the election for Associaton directors) and responsibilities (e.g. they are expected to represent wrestler views to the Association, assist in advertising events and meeting event sponsors).

The Sekiwake and Komusubi have less responsibilities, but are still eligible for one of the three special prizes, or sansho that are awarded for exceptional performance at the end of each tournment.

Other Uses

Sanyaku may also be used in other organizations which would simply mean a top three positions not including its leader. In municipal governments, it is used to describe the governor, the vice governor, and the head of finance division.