Sanshō (sumo)

In order to be considered for a special prize, a rikishi must make a kachi-koshi or majority of wins during the tournament.

Among eligible rikishi, the prize winners are decided by a panel which includes press writers covering the tournament.

It is a de facto standard that a newly promoted makuuchi wrestler who manages a 10-5 or better record in his first tournament will be awarded a sanshō, normally the Fighting Spirit prize.

Similarly, a wrestler newly promoted to the san'yaku ranks above maegashira who achieves a 10-5 record can expect a prize for his efforts.

[citation needed] Sanshō are announced before the final day's matches, sometimes with a condition that the wrestler must win their last bout to receive the prize.

The Fighting Spirit sanshō prize in May 2023.
The three additional sanshō plaques (on the front) awarded by the Tokyo Shimbun in 2009.