Hinkaku definition

["Pardoe, Richard (prdr)" <PRDR@chevron.com>]

Other may state this more gracefully -

Dictionary definition of "hinkaku" is "dignity".

To capture a bit of what is meant when one is considered for yokozuna
promotion, I would expand the definition to mean "to capture (or embody)
the spirit of something".

When one is considered for yokozuna promotion, not only is his record
considerd, but also how he would act / represent both the rank of
yokozuna and (more generally) the entire sport of sumo (including its
ties to shinto).

(A loose analogy can be made in US politics.  If a person doesn't act
with dignity / decorum, he doesn't get elected to president or
nominated/confirmed to the supreme court, this is is considered no
matter what his political / track record is)
 
When Konishiki was considered for promotion, it was stated that he did
not have the "air" of yokozuna.  Some then interpreted this to mean
since he was a foreigner, he could not embody the highest rank of the
national sport.

R.Pardoe