 However, he was introduced to Fujishima Oyakata (the former Takanohana Kenshi) who was in Misawa to give a speech, and was persuaded to join Fujishima Stable.Takanonami made his professional debut in 1987.He became an elite "sekitori" ranked wrestler in March 1991 when he was promoted to the second highest "jūryō" division, and he reached the top "makuuchi" division in November 1991.