He returned in January 1992 but after losing his opening three bouts to Akebono, his nemesis Akinoshima (for the fifth time in a row) and finally Wakahanada, he announced his retirement at the age of 31. Asahifuji's three bout losing streak from the opening day was equal to the worst ever for a yokozuna in the 15-day era until Kisenosato lost his first four bouts in November 2018. He gave the worsening condition of his pancreas as the reason for his retirement.
In January 1992, he returned but lost to Akebono and his frequent adversary Akinoshima (five times) as well as Wakahanada. At age 31, he retired due to a three-match losing streak from the beginning, which was matched by the worst ever for a yokozuna in the 15-day era until Kisenosato's four consecutive losses in November 2018. He cited health issues as his reason for retiring.