Shikona

A shikona (Japanese: 四股名 or 醜名) is a sumo wrestler's ring name. The use of ring names in sumo dates back to the Muromachi period and developed further in the Edo period, when ring names were used to hide the identities of early rikishi, many of whom were masterless samurai called rōnins. By the 20th century, use of ring names became governed by customs within the Japan Sumo Association.

Traditionally, a wrestler's shikona is given to him by his master; the wrestler may influence the decision. Inspiration for the ring name is frequently drawn from characters associated with the wrester's family, sumo stable, or master. Other common sources include place names, mythology, and natural phenomena. While unusual, it is also possible for a sekitori to wrestle under his legal name.

The general public is expected to refer to an active wrestler by his ring name. A wrestler may use either his shikona or birth name in private settings, including at his stable. Retired wrestlers who become toshiyori give up their shikona and adopt the name associated with their elder share. Special rules applied to exceptionally successful yokozuna, who until 2021 were sometimes permitted to use their ring name as their coaching name.