Due to his exceptionally large size – he weighed over 200 kg as his peak – and trademark sideburns and bright orange "mawashi", Takamiyama was an instantly recognisable figure to the Japanese public, even amongst those who did not regularly follow sumo. He appeared in several television commercials before the practice was banned by the Sumo Association. His great fighting spirit, and his determination to never miss a bout no matter what injuries he might be carrying – a Japanese character trait known as "gaman" – were much admired.