There are a number of privileges and responsibilities associated with the "san'yaku" ranks. Any wrestler who reaches one of them is entitled to purchase one of the membership shares in the Japan Sumo Association, regardless of the total number of tournaments they have spent in the top "makuuchi" division. They may be called on to represent all sumo wrestlers on certain occasions. For example, when the president of the Sumo Association makes a formal speech on the opening and closing days of a tournament, he is flanked by all the "san'yaku" wrestlers in their "mawashi". Similarly they may be called to assist in welcoming a VIP, such as the Emperor, to the arena.