Career
He joined Miyagino stable and debuted in March 1973. His ring name (shikona) was named after former yokozuna Yoshibayama, his stablemaster. His active career was relatively modest.
He spent only two tournaments in the top division, peaking at maegashira 13.
He retired from being an active wrestler in January 1989. He became the Miyagino stablemaster in the same year.
He recruited later yokozuna Hakuhō Shō. He was forced to give up the Miyagino elder name in 2004 when it was acquired by the former Kanechika (he had apparently only been renting it from the widow of the previous coach), but he remained in the stable under the name Kumagatani, and was still regarded as Hakuhō"s mentor.
In December 2010 he regained the Miyagino name and status of head coach after Kanechika was demoted by the Japan Sumo Association for being caught on tape discussing alleged match-fixing.
