He was born in Osaka, but due to the bombing raids of that city he was evacuated to Gamanori where he grew up. He excelled at judo in junior high school. The future Katsuhikari was one year senior to him in his judo club. After being adopted into the family, he changed his family name according. Although planning to become a police officer, he was invited by former "sekiwake" Tamanoumi Daitaro to join Nishonoseki stable, the same stable as yokozuna Taihō.