Hattori first became interested in sumo in elementary school, from watching broadcasts of the makushita division on TV.
After completing his compulsory education he did not go on to high school, preferring to work on strength training and continuing his athletic activities.
[1] After visiting the Ryōgoku Kokugikan with his grandfather to watch sumo he met Shikihide-oyakata, the head coach of Shikihide stable and had his picture taken with him.
[8] On the second day of the September 2016 tournament he attracted negative media publicity after he appeared several times to throw himself to the ground without touching his opponent, Kinjo (now Chiyodaigo).
[3] Hattorizakura considered retiring at that point but was told by Shikihide that he should not run away and be forever thought of as a quitter.
He praised Shōnanzakura for remaining dedicated despite his losing streak, being first to training and being courteous when helping out with cleaning and cooking the chankonabe.
[8] He was restricted not only by his light weight, but his poor tachi-ai which saw him stand up straight too quickly, leading to him being overwhelmed by his opponents.
[13] Shōnanzakura holds a number of "losing" records, including: Sanshō key: F=Fighting spirit; O=Outstanding performance; T=Technique Also shown: ★=Kinboshi; P=Playoff(s) Divisions: Makuuchi — Jūryō — Makushita — Sandanme — Jonidan — Jonokuchi