takanofuji was ranked in the top division for 33 tournaments, winning one special prize for fighting spirit. his two gold stars for defeating "yokozuna" were both earned against futahaguro (who, as koji kitao, also turned to professional wrestling). takanofuji had the advantage of belonging to a stable that included two "yokozuna", chiyonofuji and hokutoumi, which under sumo regulations meant he never had to face them in tournament play. however, his height of meant he had a higher centre of gravity than was ideal for a sumo wrestler, and he seemed to struggle when promoted above the mid "maegashira" ranks. though he managed to reach the fourth highest "komusubi" ranking in july 1990 he could not maintain the rank, winning only two bouts there. he was demoted from the top division after the september 1991 tournament and announced his retirement in may 1992. his career coincided exactly with that of his stablemate hokutoumi, who made his debut alongside him in march 1979 and also retired in may 1992. at takanofuji's own request, it was the previous head of kokonoe stable, ex-"yokozuna" kitanofuji, his long time coach, and not his successor, ex-"yokozuna" chiyonofuji, who performed the topknot cutting at takanofuji's official retirement ceremony or "danpatsu-shiki."