In 1841, a group from Edo-sumo, led by Oitekaze (an active ōzeki who was also a stablemaster), made a tour in Kyūshū to distract people after a period of famine. They went around and spotted the young man during an amateur tournament. Kyūkichi was reluctant to step into the ring, but Oitekaze was stunned by his ability to easily take over his opponents.
In 1841, a team from Edo-sumo, led by Oitekaze (an experienced ōzeki who was also a stablemaster), embarked on a trip to Kyūshū to divert attention away from a period of famine. They chanced upon the young man during an amateur wrestling tournament. Kyūkichi was hesitant to engage in the ring, but Oitekaze was astonished by his effortless dominance over his opponents.