Chiyotaikai Ryūji the power to continue wrestling my brand of sumo anymore," said Chiyotaikai. He remained as a coach at his stable under the "toshiyori" name of Sanoyama-"oyakata". He had his "danpatsu-shiki", or formal retirement ceremony, at the Ryōgoku Kokugikan on October 2, 2010. Shortly after the death of Chiyonofuji on July 31, 2016, Chiyotaikai was confirmed as the new head coach of Kokonoe stable, changing his name from Sanoyama to Kokonoe-"oyakata". Chiyotaikai was somewhat above average in size (1.81 m/158 kg), but was nonetheless a very agile fighter who preferred quick decisions by "oshi-sumo". He was known mostly for his explosive
Chiyotaikai Ryūji and sat out the regional tour in April due to a fractured rib. In September 2009 Chiyotaikai withdrew from the tournament after suffering eight defeats in the first ten days. He had an injury to his left knee in addition to his elbow problem, and commented, "I have no power to fight once I get in the ring." "Kadoban" for the fourteenth time in the Kyushu tournament in November, he won his first two bouts but then lost eight in a row, his demotion from "ōzeki" being confirmed on Day 10 when he was lifted out by Asashōryū. He withdrew