Japan Sumo Association chairman Hakkaku and former yokozuna Takanohana retained their posts as JSA directors on Friday.

With 11 sumo elders running for 10 director positions on the board of directors, the odd man out was Takashima who reached the rank of sekiwake under the name of Koboyama.

The JSA's 99 stable masters voted on the new board, which will choose the next chairman on March 28, the day after the Spring Grand Sumo Tournament wraps up in Osaka.

Following the death of former chairman Kitanoumi in November, Hakkaku was elected on Dec. 18 to serve through the conclusion of the March tourney.