Despite his small stature, Sakaigawa had a drum belly and a strong body, and rose steadily through the ranks. During his time in the makuuchi ranks, he did not suddenly defeat any opponent, but rather allowed his opponent to wrestle sufficiently before going on to win the match, and his opponents were impressed by his ring attitude even after his defeat. He won the equivalent of his first tournament championship in June 1868 from the maegashira ranks, emerging undefeated with eight wins (though this was before the championship system established in 1909).
In spite of his compact size, Sakaigawa possessed a prominent drum abdomen and robust physique, steadily advancing through the ranks. During his tenure in the makuuchi divisions, he did not suddenly emerge victorious over any adversary, but rather permitted his opponent sufficient time to engage before securing the win, and his adversaries were impressed by his ring demeanor even after defeat. He secured the equivalent of his inaugural tournament title in June 1868 from the maegashira ranks, emerging unscathed with eight triumphs (though this occurred prior to the establishment of the championship system in 1909).