Tatsunami stable
Born in Aibetsu, Kamikawa District, Asahikuni made his professional debut in July 1963, joining Tatsunami stable. He reached the second highest "jūryō" division in March 1969 and the top "makuuchi" division just two tournaments after that. In 1970 he dropped to "jūryō" once again but he returned to the top division in 1972, reaching "sekiwake" in November.