Takasago stable
In 2020 he oversaw the promotion of Asanoyama to "ōzeki." He stood down as head coach in November 2020, passing on control of Takasago stable to the former Asasekiryū. He swapped elder names, becoming Nishikijima Oyakata, and planned to stay in the Sumo Association under that name for a further five years as a consultant. However, he submitted his resignation in June 2021 after the Sumo Association's compliance committee, during their investigation into Asanoyama for violation of COVID protocols, found that Nishikijima himself violated those protocols by inviting Asanoyama for dinner and drinks with his family and acquaintances at a time when wrestlers were prohibited from making non-essential outings.