Rikishi (力士) is the Japanese term for a professional sumo wrestler. The two kanji characters that make up the word are "strength/power" and "gentleman/samurai"; consequently, and more idiomatically, 'a gentleman of strength'. This is reflective of the strength and toughness expected of a sumo wrestler and the gentleman samurai image still afforded to sumo wrestlers who have continued into modern times to dress as the samurai of old.