Born in Sōbetsu, Usu District, Kitanoumi began his professional sumo career in January 1967 at 13, whilst still in middle school. He joined Mihogaseki stable, and was promoted to sumo's second highest "jūryō" division in May 1971 and the top "makuuchi" division a year later. He won his first top division "yūshō" or tournament championship in January 1974 and was promoted to "ōzeki" immediately afterwards. He secured promotion to "yokozuna" just three tournaments after that. At 21 years 2 months, he was the youngest ever "yokozuna", beating the previous record held by Taihō by one month.