Tokoyama

Tokoyama (Japanese床 山) are hairdressers who specialize in the traditional Chonmage hairstyles that are worn today only in the professional Japanese sumo. The term originally referred only responsible for the hairstyles makeup of Kabukitheaters.

To an outsider, may seem far-fetched the profession of Tokoyama, but the sensitivity of the elaborate hairstyles makes because of the stress in the struggles constant care by professionals urgently required. The total of about 50 Tokoyama, as in sumo usual, divided into a ranking system and include the stables or Heya to. Are they entered a Heya, they also get a Shikona ( stage name ) as the wrestlers, which is composed of the kanji toko (床) and another belonging to the Heya Kanji. The wrestler stable Sadogatake Beya has, for example, the kanji koto (琴, the Japanese zither) as a recognition in Shikona his fighters, one of the Tokoyama Heya is accordingly called Tokokoto (床 琴). The position of a Tokoyama in Heya is equated with that of Toriteki ( Ringer under juryo ), as well Tokoyama must fulfill their obligations as brushing etc..

The training is long and takes about 10 years. Beginner in Godo (五 等, GV Level 5) and increases with the years of experience to the ITTO (一等, dt stage 1). When they are in the ITTO and have demonstrated exceptional skill, they can ascend to Tokutō (特等), a Tokoyama the special class, of which there ranking due to only two there, where it is reserved alone, a Yokozuna ( the highest rank in sumo ) to style.

The tool includes a Tokoyama wooden combs in different strengths, Bintsuke ( pomade ), a Magebo (pointed Frisierstäbchen ) and waxed strips of washi paper to tie the knot.

• Sumō
• Craft
• Hair care