 After four years in the lower ranks, Hokuten'yū reached the second highest "jūryō" division in May 1980 and was promoted to the top "makuuchi" division in November of that year.He made his "san'yaku" debut in July 1981 at "komusubi" rank.At the beginning of 1983 Hokuten'yū was promoted to "sekiwake" for the first time, and produced a strong 11–4 record.