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

The Named Ranks

Ozeki Mitakeumi (3-8) is make-koshi and will drop to Sekiwake for November. He has one shot to regain his rank by posting double-digit wins. Of the recently demoted Ozeki, Tochinoshin managed it the first time but not the second, Takakeisho regained his rank and has kept it ever since, Takayasu failed, and suspended Asanoyama of course didn’t have the opportunity to try.

So two Sekiwake slots are spoken for, with Wakatakakage (8-3) overcoming a slow 0-3 start to clinch a 5th straight basho at the rank. Daieisho (4-7) needs to win out to defend his rank, although 3 wins should only drop him to Komusubi. Hoshoryu (5-6) needs 3 wins to remain Sekiwake and 2 to stay in San’yaku.

Absent Komusubi Abi will drop deep into the rank and file, while fellow Komusubi Ichinojo (4-7) needs to win out to hold rank, and Kiribayama (6-5) needs to win 2 of 4.

It’s not clear if any regulation San’yaku slots will open. Having secured his kachi-koshi at M1e, Tobizaru (8-3) should get a promotion even if this means creating an extra slot. Yusho leader M3e Tamawashi (10-1) can also stake a claim with a strong finish, so we may see an expanded lower San’yaku for the second straight basho.

Juryo Danger

M15w Tsurugisho (3-8) saved himself for the time being with a henka against Onosho, but must still win out to avoid a drop. Joining him with their backs to the wall are M14w Yutakayama (3-8) and M16e Mitoryu (4-7), while M16w Hiradoumi (5-6) can reach safety with 3 wins. The list of plausible promotion candidates in Juryo has been whittled down to four: Kagayaki, Atamifuji, Tahakuryu, and Azumaryu.

Makushita Danger

Absent J5w Asanowaka will in all likelihood drop to Makushita. J13w Tochimaru (2-9) is now all but certain to join him. Two more wins are needed to ensure safety for J14w Takakento (6-5) and J12e Gonoyama (5-6). M1w Roga (4-2) is the first Makushita rikishi to clinch promotion; for the rest of the candidates, see my Makushita post.