In May 1938, he was promoted to ōzeki, straight from the fourth komusubi rank, after finishing as tournament runner-up. It was the quickest rise to ōzeki since Ōnishiki in 1916.
In May 1938, he advanced directly from the fourth komusubi rank to ōzeki status as the runner-up of a major tournament. This was the fastest rise to ōzeki since Ōnishiki's promotion in 1916.