He was promoted back to jūryō in March 2018 and produced a strong 11–4 record, taking part in a playoff for the championship.

However, seven consecutive losing scores saw him fall to the bottom of jūryō and then be relegated to the makushita division after the July 2019 tournament.

Another run of three wins saw him enter Day 15 with a 9–5 record, and the knowledge that he would be awarded the Fighting Spirit prize if he won.

After Akiseyama spent two years in the makushita division, his retirement was announced by the Japan Sumo Association on 10 August 2023.

[6] Akiseyama's retirement ceremony was held on 2 June 2024 at the Ryōgoku Kokugikan, with about 300 people taking part in cutting his topknot.

[7] Akiseyama lists his preferred techniques on his Japan Sumo Association profile as tsuki/oshi, pushing and thrusting his opponents rather fighting on the mawashi or belt.

This is because he made a deliberate decision to change his style of wrestling after his hernia problem, working with his stablemaster Kise to grab the mawashi with his right hand to speed up the attack and use his weight to his advantage.

[7] Sanshō key: F=Fighting spirit; O=Outstanding performance; T=Technique     Also shown: ★=Kinboshi; P=Playoff(s) Divisions: Makuuchi — Jūryō — Makushita — Sandanme — Jonidan — Jonokuchi