Following his involvement in the hazing and death of trainee Takashi Saito, in October 2007 he became the first serving stablemaster to be dismissed by the Japan Sumo Association.

After nearly twenty years working as an assistant coach at his old heya, he became head of the stable when former ōzeki Yutakayama reached the mandatory retirement age in August 2002, and adopted the Tokitsukaze name.

It was reported on October 3, 2007, that he would be dismissed from the Sumo Association over his involvement in hazing which allegedly contributed to the death of a young recruit at Tokitsukaze stable.

[3] Junior wrestler Tokitaizan, real name Takashi Saitō, collapsed and died in June after an intense training session called butsukari-geiko which reportedly lasted 30 minutes instead of the usual five.

His death was originally put down to natural causes, but after Tokitsukaze pressed for a quick cremation the young wrestler's family insisted on an autopsy, which revealed the extent of his injuries.

[11] The Nagoya District Court found that he had "overwhelming authority" over the three wrestlers who he had ordered to carry out the beating, even though he had not directly taken part himself.

In July 2011 he gave an interview in which he claimed to be involved in yaocho or match-fixing at least ten times in his career, but insisted he was "framed" over Tokitaizan's death.

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