Sadogatake stable
He was born in Takasago, Hyōgo Prefecture, but moved to Ichikawa, Chiba Prefecture as a child. Kotoryū made his professional debut in March 1987 at the age of 15, joining Sadogatake stable. At the beginning of his career he used the "shikona" Kotonakano, switching to Kotoryū in March 1993. He was first promoted to "sekitori" status in July 1994 upon promotion to the second highest "jūryō" division but could only last one tournament there. He returned to "jūryō" in May 1995 and made his debut in the top "makuuchi" division in July 1996.