Sadogatake stable
Kotofuji made his professional debut in March 1980. He had a long apprenticeship in the junior ranks, not breaking through to the "jūryō" division until November 1986. He had an awkward build for sumo, as his long legs meant his hips were high and therefore his centre of gravity was much higher than the ideal. During the short stay of Canadian wrestler Kototenzan at Sadogatake stable, Kotofuji was one of the few wrestlers who attempted to communicate with him in English.