No one happy? (Hakuho & shukun-sho, Hokutoriki & kanto-sho, Tokitsuumi & gino-sho)
Each basho, three awards (sansho) are up for grabs in the makunouchi division. If won - because it is not a given that they will be awarded - they will go to a rikishi (and can be shared) below the rank of ozeki who has performed admirably over the tournament and at the end of the 15 days has secured a winning record.
The 'shukun-sho' is the prize translated as the 'outstanding performance' award and is usually given to someone who defeats a yokozuna or yusho winner, perhaps even coming close to winning the yusho himself.
The 'kanto-sho' is the 'fighting spirit' prize and goes to a rikishi who has performed above and beyond, and in the process displayed tenacity in achieving his winning record.
The 'gino-sho,' or 'technique' prize goes to a rikishi who demonstrates, as the name suggests, admirable techniques in countering and defeating his foes. Considered by many to be the most prestigious of the awards, the 'gino-sho' is only awarded to the most deserving of rikishi and like all the prizes is put back in the cupboard if no-one fits the bill.
