What Does “Tegatana wo Kiru” Mean? A Sacred Gesture of Respect and Gratitude Performed by Victorious Sumo Wrestlers

Trivia
               

Supervisor・Tsuyoshi Mizuguchi

Former sumo wrestler Shoho Tsuyoshi (real name: Tsuyoshi Mizuguchi). He belonged to the Kasugayama stable, made his debut in 2004, and rose to the rank of Makushita East 4. He also performed the Yumitori-shiki (bow-twirling ceremony) on behalf of Yokozuna Hakuho.
After retiring, he has been actively promoting sumo culture both in Japan and abroad through organizing training sessions, producing the YouTube channel "Osumo Gucchan-neru," and hosting sumo experience events.
He appeared as the character Entori in the Netflix drama *Sanctuary* and has also participated in stage performances.
Currently, he organizes inbound sumo events and shows for international visitors, and also works as a personal trainer, sharing the appeal of sumo while supporting people’s health and well-being.

After a sumo bout, the winning wrestler performs a unique motion called “tegatana wo kiru” (cutting with a hand blade).
It is far more than a simple gesture—it embodies gratitude to the gods, respect toward the opponent, and appreciation for the spectators.
This quiet movement reflects both the pride of a sumo wrestler and the spiritual depth of Japanese culture.

What Is “Tegatana wo Kiru”?

“Tegatana wo kiru” refers to the ritual gesture made by a victorious sumo wrestler right before receiving the prize money from the referee. The wrestler shapes his hand like a sword and moves it through the air three times—toward the East, the West, and the Center.
This act is far more than a simple gesture; it is a sacred expression of gratitude and purification.

Sumo originated as a Shinto ritual, and the ring, or dohyo, is considered a sacred space. Thus, every movement in sumo carries meaning, and this particular motion represents the wrestler’s thanks to the gods, respect toward his opponent, and appreciation toward the audience.

OrderDirectionMeaning
1EastRespect and gratitude toward the opponent
2WestThanks to the spectators and supporters
3CenterPrayer and gratitude to the gods

The gesture of tegatana is not an act of pride but an expression of appreciation. The quiet motion of the wrestler’s right hand reflects a mix of relief after the battle and a lingering sense of sanctity.


The Flow of the Tegatana Gesture

When a wrestler receives the prize money, each step of his movement is deliberate, and every motion represents respect.

  1. The referee (gyoji) approaches the winner with the prize envelope.
  2. The wrestler extends his left hand to prepare to receive it.
  3. With his right hand shaped like a blade, he cuts the air three times—East, West, and Center.
  4. He then accepts the envelope and bows deeply before leaving the ring.

Among these steps, the most important aspect is the calm and quiet movement. Even after a fierce match, the wrestler performs the gesture with composure. This serenity symbolizes the Japanese sense of courtesy and dignity.

MotionSymbolic MeaningExpressed Spirit
Cutting motionPurification and gratitudeSanctity and humility
Receiving the prizeRitual of appreciationSpirit of offering
BowingCompletion of courtesyRespect and gratitude

In this short sequence, there is no wasteful movement. Every motion is polished and filled with meaning, embodying centuries of tradition and discipline.


Cultural Meaning Behind the Gesture

Sumo was originally performed as a ritual to pray for a rich harvest. Thus, the tegatana gesture made after a match carries meanings that transcend winning or losing—it is a prayer and an offering of gratitude.

Modern sports often celebrate victory with cheers and emotional expressions. In contrast, sumo values “the beauty of stillness”—the idea that true strength lies in humility. The gesture of tegatana perfectly represents this “quiet strength”.

ComparisonOther SportsSumo’s Tegatana
Expression of victoryShows excitement and joyShows gratitude and respect
Purpose of movementDisplay of prideExpression of reverence to the divine
Audience impressionEnergy and passionCalmness and dignity

While not flashy, the tegatana gesture radiates inner strength and refined beauty, reflecting the depth of Japanese aesthetics and spirituality.


The Appeal of Tegatana to Foreign Audiences

For many international spectators, the tegatana gesture leaves a profound impression. After the intensity of the match, the sudden quiet moment, the composed movement, and the deep bow all convey Japan’s spirit of respect and harmony.

In many countries, athletes celebrate victory with loud joy. In contrast, sumo wrestlers demonstrate “the beauty of silent victory.”
Through the tegatana, foreign viewers can clearly perceive Japanese values such as humility, gratitude, and respect, recognizing sumo as not just a sport but a form of spiritual culture.

Visitor ImpressionReason
Sacred and gracefulThe gestures are calm and deliberate
Culturally richReflects respect, gratitude, and humility
Emotionally soothingThe stillness after the bout feels sacred

Thus, the tegatana serves as a universal language of respect, transcending cultural boundaries and conveying Japan’s moral spirit to the world.


The Relationship Between Tegatana and Prize Money

Prize money (kensho-kin) is offered by companies or sponsors to honor the wrestlers’ performance. Before receiving it, the wrestler performs tegatana to thank the gods and his opponent.
This sequence highlights that the spirit of gratitude outweighs material reward—an attitude deeply rooted in Japanese culture.

ItemDescription
Meaning of prize moneyA token of appreciation from sponsors
Purpose of tegatanaTo express gratitude and purification
SequenceTegatana → Receiving → Bowing
Represented spiritHumility, respect, and appreciation

Even in the face of victory, the wrestler does not boast of his success but first shows gratitude. This humble gesture serves as a moral reminder that appreciation should precede reward.


The Connection Between Courtesy and Tegatana

In sumo, there is a saying: “Courtesy begins and ends the match.”
The bout starts with a respectful bow and ends with tegatana and another bow. This continuous expression of courtesy shows that sumo values mutual respect and divine gratitude beyond competition.

Through this repetition of reverence, sumo transcends mere physical contest and becomes a spiritual art form.
The single movement of tegatana contains the essence of the Japanese heart—humility, harmony, and gratitude.


Conclusion

The gesture of tegatana embodies the beauty and spirit of sumo. Rather than showing pride, the winning wrestler expresses gratitude and respect toward the gods, the opponent, and the spectators.
This act captures the core of Japanese culture—the spirit of courtesy.

After the intensity of combat, the still moment when a wrestler performs tegatana reflects humility, sincerity, and thankfulness.
When watching sumo, pay attention to this quiet moment—it reveals the deep tradition and spirituality that make sumo unique.

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