He continued to compete despite falling to jūryō, with 8–7 records in the September and November 2016 tournaments. In May 2017 he had the chance to win his first yūshō or championship in any division at the age of 38 but he was defeated on the last day by Nishikigi. In the September 2017 tournament he was one of four wrestlers to finish with a 10–5 record and took part in a playoff for the championship, but was eliminated at the semi-final stage.
He continued to compete despite being relegated to jūryō, achieving 8–7 records in both September and November 2016 tournaments. In May 2017, he had the chance to secure his first yūshō or championship title at age 38 but lost on the final day to Nishikigi. The following September tournament saw him among four wrestlers with a 10–5 record, advancing to a playoff for the championship before being eliminated in the semi-finals.