Tachimochi

right|thumb|250px|Asasekiryu|Asasekiryū (left) acts as tachimochi during his stablemate [[Asashōryū's dohyō-iri in January 2008.]] thumb|right|An example of a yokozuna acting as a tachimochi, at Minanogawa's retirement ceremony at the [[Yasukuni Shrine in 1942.]] In professional sumo, the tachimochi (太刀持ち; lit.: sword carrier) is one of the two attendants that accompany a yokozuna when he performs his dohyō-iri, or ring entrance ceremony. The other attendant is called the tsuyuharai.

During the ceremony, the tachimochi will follow the yokozuna, carrying his sword in his right hand, to the ring and squat on his right hand side. The yokozuna's sword is a traditional indication of his samurai status. After the yokozuna has completed his ceremonial dance, the tachimochi will once again follow him off the dohyō.