thumb|upright|A dressing the hair of professional sumo wrestler [[Takayasu Akira|Takayasu]]
A is a traditional Japanese hairdresser specializing in the theatrical arts (kabuki and ) and professional sumo. The trade is the result of a slow evolution from the traditional Japanese barbers of the Edo period, some of whom gradually started to specialize in hairstyles of actors, puppets, and . The word uses a Japanese character meaning 'floor', because in the Edo period barbers had shops on simple raised floors.
use a variety of traditional techniques and tools, mainly combs, spikes and strings, to style the hair after oiling it. Although maintain the use of techniques inherited from the Edo period, it is becoming increasingly difficult to maintain a traditional practice with the gradual disappearance of the craftsmen producing the oils and tools needed for traditional hairdressing.
maintain close relationships with those whose hair they arrange, often assigned to the particular service of a small group of people. In kabuki, this relationship leads the to choose a specialization that will lead them to follow only actors dedicated to a particular style of acting. In , the hairdressers carry out the decisions of stewards who choose the hairstyles. In sumo, are seen as essential elements of the sport, helping to maintain its traditional appearance.
Traditional theater
Kabuki
thumb|left|250px|A kabuki with various wigs backstage at a traditional theater.
In kabuki, the hairstyle, and more specifically the wig, is an important element of the art, as no actor appears on stage without one. The craftsmen who comb the actors' hair are called . They are not responsible for creating the wigs (which is the responsibility of wig makers called the ), but for fitting and finishing them before the actors go on stage. Kabuki are the only ones to be divided into groups called and . These names were inspired by the floors of the Kabuki-za on which the work on their wigs. With each group of comes a specialization, and the 'second floor' specialize in styling the hair of actors playing female roles, while the 'third floor' specialize in styling male characters. Cases where a does not specialize are rare, but they do exist. Kabuki are assigned to specific actors on a full-time basis. puppet theater is organized into two guilds. One, the , groups together the artists ( players, puppeteers and narrators), while the other, the National Bunraku Theatre, groups together the support professions (costume and doll-head stewards). belong to the latter organization. Historically, wrestlers went to public barbershops to get their hair done. However, during the Meiji era, traditional barbers gradually disappeared as Western hairstyles became fashionable. To continue styling the hair of wrestlers who had maintained the tradition of wearing the topknot, were borrowed for a time from kabuki theaters to serve wrestlers during tournaments. Eventually, became an integral part of professional sumo and began training specifically to style the wrestlers' hair.
Today, the Sumo Association employs the and ranks them according to experience and ability. There are around 50 employed by the Sumo Association at all times, but new positions can be created if a stable with more than 12 wrestlers and no hairdresser requests so. Apprentices, all men aged 15 to 19, Promotion to third class takes around 10 years, while promotion to second and first class takes around 20 and 30 years respectively. Special class are the only ones allowed to style the topknot of a , a sumo wrestler of the highest rank. Unlike , names cannot be passed on and are therefore unique. The importance of also extends to the founding of new stables, as their opening may be called into question if they are unable to obtain a hairdresser.
Styling the haircut
thumb|right|A styling the of [[Tamawashi Ichirō|Tamawashi]]
Depending on the environment in which they work, may use strictly traditional tools, while others have more freedom and also use modern tools. Regardless of their professional environment, all the use a special ointment called (also spelled ), renowned for its sturdiness, making it ideal for elaborate hairstyles. In sumo, the only use produced by a company in Edogawa, Tokyo. In , can make the most use of modern tools in hairstyling, such as hairsprays and hair dryers. However, they can not use oil in puppet headgear, as the puppet heads, made of cypress, would lose adhesion when color pigments are applied during restoration. Sumo use a ointment made traditionally from rapeseed, Japan wax and vanilla fragrance. This ointment has a distinctive scent that is associated with professional sumo.
Professional sumo and kabuki use combs and picks of various sizes. An comb is first used on the hair, followed by a to spread out the ointment and shine the hair. Ointment for wrestlers' heads is also in short supply, with fewer and fewer companies able to manufacture it due particularly to recruitment difficulties and the lack of a market with sufficient demand, and existing family businesses are unable to continue their activities after the current managers retire.