 In February 2010 he admitted that, against the wishes of the Tatsunami "ichimon", he voted for independent candidate Takanohana instead of the approved candidate Ōshima in the elections to the Sumo Association's board.He offered his resignation, but was persuaded to stay.Following the controversy he moved to the Takanohana stable where he coached under the name Nishiiwa-oyakata, which was owned by the active wrestler Wakanosato.