[5][6] During the early years of his career, Nishikifuji wrestled under his real name Ogasawara and first served as tsukebito (assistant) to senior wrestler Aminishiki.

[7] In his first jonokuchi tournament, he tied with Midorifuji (then named Ihara) and the two faced off for the title in a playoff on the final day, with Nishikifuji emerging victorious.

[4] In March 2020, Nishikifuji claimed the makushita championship with a perfect record, having defeated Kyokusōten who was also undefeated in his first 6 bouts.

[13] Commenting on these two championships won by the Isegahama stable during the same period, Nishikifuji confided that he and Terunofuji hoped to create a "whirlwind" by winning their respective divisions.

Surprisingly, the playoff to determine the division winner was between nine wrestlers tied to just one defeat,[14] a first since the 1996 July tournament in Nagoya.

[15] Despite winning his first match against Shōhōryū, Nishikifuji was defeated by Shiba and was eliminated early from the title race, which that year went to Sakigake (from Shibatayama stable).

[17] Due to his jūryō championship the previous tournament, Nishikifuji was promoted to sumo's top division, debuting in the rank of maegashira 17.

That same tournament he was granted the Fighting Spirit special prize, for finishing his debut in the top division with a strong winning record.

[25] Sanshō key: F=Fighting spirit; O=Outstanding performance; T=Technique     Also shown: ★=Kinboshi; P=Playoff(s) Divisions: Makuuchi — Jūryō — Makushita — Sandanme — Jonidan — Jonokuchi Terunofuji (retired) Kotozakura Hōshōryū Ōnosato Wakamotoharu Daieishō Abi Wakatakakage Takanoshō Kirishima Tobizaru Atamifuji Gōnoyama Ōhō Shōdai Ura Hiradoumi Chiyoshōma Takayasu Ichiyamamoto Endō Mitakeumi Rōga Takarafuji Churanoumi Ōshōma Tamawashi Meisei Midorifuji Takerufuji Nishikigi Ōnokatsu Shōnannoumi Kotoshōhō Hokutofuji Kinbōzan Hakuōhō Kitanowaka Tamashōhō Kagayaki Nishikifuji Tokihayate