In May 1890, the name "yokozuna" was written on the "banzuke" for the first time due to the 16th "yokozuna" Nishinoumi Kajirō I's insistence that his "yokozuna" status be recorded. In February 1909, during the reigns of the 19th "yokozuna", Hitachiyama Taniemon, and the 20th, Umegatani Tōtarō II, it was officially recognized as the highest rank. Since the establishment of the on 21 April 1950, wrestlers have been promoted to "yokozuna" by the Japan Sumo Association. The first "yokozuna" promoted by the Sumo Association was the 41st "yokozuna" Chiyonoyama Masanobu.