Kasugano stable
Born in Inakadate, Minamitsugaru District, he made his professional debut in September 1955. He joined Kasugano stable, a prestigious stable that had previously produced "yokozuna" Tochigiyama and Tochinishiki. He initially fought under his birth name Hanada Shigehiro, changing the spelling of Shigehiro numerous times. After about three years in the lower ranks he reached the second "jūryō" division in January 1959 and was promoted to the top "makuuchi" division in March 1960. After two "make-koshi" or losing scores he was demoted to "jūryō" but immediately won the second division championship with a 14–1 record and was promoted back. He then adopted the "shikona" Tochinoumi Teruyoshi in September 1960.