Kitanofuji began his professional career in January 1957 at the age of just 14, joining Dewanoumi stable. In November 1963 he achieved a perfect 15–0 score in the second highest "jūryō" division (a feat not equalled until 43 years later by Baruto) and was promoted to the top "makuuchi" division. In his debut top division tournament in January 1964 he scored 13 wins, although he faced only his fellow "maegashira." He won the Fighting Spirit award and was promoted straight to "komusubi." By 1966 he was firmly established in the "san'yaku" ranks at "sekiwake." He reached "ōzeki" rank in July 1966. Although he had won only 28 bouts in the previous three tournaments (at least 33 are normally needed), Yutakayama was the only "ōzeki" at the time, and he was promoted largely because of his potential.