With five days remaining, it’s time for an update on how many wins various rikishi need to avoid losing rank.

The Named Ranks

The best thing that can be said about Shodai is that he is not kadoban this time, and will keep his rank for November no matter what. Fellow Ozeki Mitakeumi (3-7) does not have this luxury, and must win out to avoid dropping to Sekiwake.

In lower San’yaku, Sekiwake Daieisho (4-6) needs to win 4 more to defend his rank, although 3 wins should only drop him to Komusubi. Hoshoryu (5-5) needs 3 wins to remain Sekiwake and 2 to stay in San’yaku, while Wakatakakage (7-3) will clinch a 5th straight basho at Sekiwake with one more win.

Absent Komusubi Abi will drop deep into the rank and file, while fellow Komusubi Ichinojo (4-6) needs 4 more wins to hold rank, and Kiribayama (6-4) needs 2.

I’ll take a look at how many San’yaku slots are likely to open, and who is likely to occupy them, in the next few days.

Juryo Danger

M15w Tsurugisho (2-8) must win out to avoid a drop. The other most endangered Makuuchi men, who need 4 wins apiece, are M14w Yutakayama (3-7) and the two M16 division debutants Mitoryu and Hiradoumi, both 4-6.

Makushita Danger

Absent J5w Asanowaka will in all likelihood drop to Makushita. J13w Tochimaru (2-8) is one loss away from joining him. Three more wins are needed to ensure safety for J14w Takakento (5-5) and J12e Gonoyama (4-6). I’m keeping an eye on the candidates to reach salaried status in my Makushita posts.