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 persisted in competing despite being relegated to jūryō, with 8–7 records in the September and November 2016 tournaments. In May 2017 he had the opportunity to win his first yūshō or championship in any division at the age of 38 but was defeated on the final day by Nishikigi. In the September 2017 tournament, he was one of four wrestlers to finish with a 10–5 record and participated in a playoff for the championship, but was eliminated at the semi-final stage.