View source for Terunofuji Haruo

{{short description|Mongolian-Japanese sumo wrestler}}
{{hatnote|In this Japanese [[shikona]] name, the surname is Terunofuji.}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=July 2021}}
{{Infobox sumo wrestler
| name        = Terunofuji Haruo
| native_name = 照ノ富士 春雄
| image       = Terunofuji_june_2023.jpg
| caption     = Terunofuji in June 2023
| birth_name  = Gantulgyn Gan-Erdene
| birth_date  = {{birth date and age|1991|11|29|df=y}}
| birth_place = [[Ulaanbaatar]], [[Mongolian People's Republic]]
| height      = {{height|meters=1.92}}
| weight      = {{convert|184|kg|lb stlb|abbr=on}}
| heya        = [[Magaki stable|Magaki]]→[[Isegahama stable (2007)|Isegahama]]
| rank        = see [[#Career record|below]]
| record      =483-248-87
| debut       = January 2011
| highestrank = Yokozuna (July 2021)
| retireddate =
| yushos      = 8 (Makuuchi)<br />2 (Jūryō)<br />1 (Makushita)
| prizes      = Fighting Spirit (3)<br />Outstanding Performance (3) <br /> Technique (3)
|update = 27 May 2023
}}
{{nihongo|'''Terunofuji Haruo'''|照ノ富士 春雄||born 29 November 1991 as '''Gantulgyn Gan-Erdene'''<ref>Many sources give the name as "Gantulga Gan-Erderne". This article uses the [[genitive form]].</ref> ({{lang-mn|Гантулгын Ган-Эрдэнэ}}|lead=yes}}), is a Mongolian-Japanese professional [[sumo]] wrestler. Wrestling for the [[Isegahama stable (2007)|Isegahama stable]], he entered professional sumo in January 2011 and took the second division ''[[jūryō]]'' championship in his debut as a ''[[sekitori]]'' in September 2013. He took the top ''[[makuuchi]]'' division championship in May 2015, only 25 tournaments after his professional debut, which is the third-fastest behind [[Asashōryū]] and [[Takanohana Koji|Takanohana]]'s 23 tournaments.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.japantimes.co.jp/sports/2015/05/27/sumo/terunofuji-could-be-sumos-next-yokozuna/#.V_ZrEU0VAy8|title=Terunofuji could be sumo's next yokozuna|last=Buckton|first=Mark|date=27 May 2015|work=Japan Times|access-date=6 October 2016}}</ref> This earned him promotion to sumo's second-highest rank of ''[[Makuuchi#Ōzeki|ōzeki]]''.

Terunofuji then suffered from knee injuries and other health problems. Surviving ''[[Makuuchi#Demotion from ōzeki|kadoban]]'' (in danger of demotion from the rank of ''ōzeki'') on three previous occasions, he was finally demoted after the September 2017 tournament. After a long injury layoff he fell to the second-lowest ''[[jonidan]]'' division in March 2019 and staged a successful comeback and returned to the ''makuuchi'' division the following year, the first wrestler to do so from such a low rank. Terunofuji won his return tournament in the top division in July 2020. He earned his second promotion to ''ōzeki'' following a third championship win in March 2021,<ref name=kyodo310321>{{cite web|url=https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2021/03/bec185a28d1c-sumo-spring-basho-winner-terunofujis-ozeki-promotion-formalized.html|title=Sumo: Spring basho winner Terunofuji's ozeki promotion formalized|date=31 March 2021|work=Kyodo News|access-date=31 March 2021}}</ref> which he immediately followed with another tournament championship in May 2021.<ref name=kyodo230521>{{cite news |url=https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2021/05/6c99e81fa3b5-sumo-terunofuji-beats-takakeisho-to-win-4th-career-championship.html|title=Sumo: Terunofuji beats Takakeisho to win 4th career championship|work=Kyodo News|date=23 May 2021|access-date=23 May 2021}}</ref> Following a runner-up performance in the July 2021 tournament, he was promoted to become the sport's 73rd ''[[Makuuchi#Yokozuna|yokozuna]]''.<ref name=kyodo210721>{{cite news |url=https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2021/07/41aee632b00b-breaking-news-mongolian-wrestler-terunofuji-promoted-to-yokozuna.html|title= Mongolian wrestler Terunofuji becomes sumo's 73rd yokozuna|date=21 July 2021|work=Kyodo News|access-date=21 July 2021}}</ref> He acquired [[Japanese citizenship]] the following month, taking the name {{nihongo|'''Seizan Suginomori'''|杉野森 正山}}.<ref name="japname">{{cite web|url=https://www.nikkansports.com/battle/sumo/news/202108270000723.html|title=照ノ富士、日本名の名前は「正山」 伊勢ケ浜親方の本名「正也」から１字|date=27 August 2021|work=Nikkan Sports|access-date=24 September 2021|language=ja}}</ref> Following the retirement of fellow Mongolian [[Hakuhō Shō|Hakuhō]] in September 2021, Terunofuji became the only active ''yokozuna''.

Overall, he has eight top division championships, has been runner-up in seven tournaments, and has nine [[sansho (sumo)|special prizes]]. Sumo commentator [[John Gunning (journalist)|John Gunning]] called Terunofuji's comeback "a tale unparalleled in sumo history."<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.japantimes.co.jp/sports/2021/03/31/sumo/terunofuji-redefines-legacy-historic-return-ozeki-rank/|title=Terunofuji redefines legacy with historic return to ozeki rank|last=Gunning|first=John|date=31 March 2021|work=[[The Japan Times]]|access-date=31 March 2021}}</ref>

==Early life and sumo background==
In childhood, Gan-Erdene was coached in [[judo]] by [[Jigjidiin Mönkhbat]], the father of ''[[yokozuna]]'' [[Hakuhō]],<ref>{{cite book|last=Ishiura|first=Tokiyoshi|date=4 April 2017|script-title=ja:石浦外喜義『弱くても勝てる 強くても負ける』|publisher=Gentosha|pages=109–110|language=ja}}</ref> but Mönkhbat saw in him a predisposition for sumo and helped arrange for him to move to Japan as a student at [[Tottori Jōhoku High School]] to join its well-known sumo program.<ref name="Jt1903">{{cite news|url=https://www.japantimes.co.jp/sports/2020/03/19/sumo/tough-training-high-school-forged-mongolian-ichinojo/|title=Tough training in high school forged Mongolian Ichinojo|last=Gunning|first=John|date=19 March 2020|work=Japan Times|access-date=21 July 2021}}</ref> Future top division wrestler [[Ichinojō Takashi|Ichinojō]] travelled with him and joined the same school.<ref name="Jt1903"/> He continued his rivalry with Ichinojō into the professional ranks, remarking in 2015, "What matters is who will make it to the ozeki rank first."<ref name="ciber">{{cite web|url=http://www.cibersumo.com/index.php/en/sumo/press-room-news/627-rising-mongolian-terunofuji-emerges-to-shock-sumo-circles|title=Rising Mongolian Terunofuji emerges to shock sumo circles|date=March 2015|website=Cibersumo|access-date=9 March 2017}}</ref> As a third year student, Gan-Erdene's team took the championship at a national inter-high school sumo tournament.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://hochi.news/articles/20210719-OHT1T51213.html|title=照ノ富士、鳥取城北高相撲部入部当初は負けては涙で「勝ちたいです。教えてください」…不死鳥の軌跡（上）|date=20 July 2021|work=Hochi News|language=ja|access-date=21 July 2021}}</ref>

==Career==
===Early career===
Upon graduating, he chose to turn professional and joined [[Magaki stable]].<ref name="jt0508">{{cite web|url=https://www.japantimes.co.jp/sports/2020/08/05/sumo/terunofuji-comback/|title=Terunofuji completed what may be sumo's most unlikely comeback ever|last=Gunning|first=John|date=5 August 2020|work=Japan Times|access-date=21 July 2021}}</ref> He entered the ring in the same tournament as soon to be well-known [[Chiyotairyū]] and [[Jōkōryū]]. Upon entering he was given the ''[[shikona]]'' surname of {{nihongo|Wakamishō|若三勝}}.<ref name="jt0508"/> From his first pro tournament in July 2011 he excelled, posting only three losses in three tournaments and spending only one tournament in each of the lower divisions of ''[[jonokuchi]]'', ''[[jonidan]]'' and ''[[sandanme]]''.<ref name="database"/> In his ''sandanme'' tournament in November 2011, he had a perfect 7–0 record and participated in a playoff for the championship, which he lost to the aforementioned Jōkōryū, then still known as Sakumayama.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://sumodb.sumogames.de/Rikishi_basho.aspx?r=11927&b=201111|title=Wakamisho results by basho|work=Sumo Reference|access-date=21 July 2021}}</ref> From his third division ''[[makushita]]'' debut in January 2012, he had three consecutive 5–2 records before posting two consecutive losing tournaments in July and September 2012, the only two of his career up to that point.<ref name="database"/> He bounced back from this in the following November tournament, garnering a 4–3 record.<ref name="database"/> For the next four tournaments his success continued and he never had more than two losses in any tournament.<ref name="database"/> During the period, his stable closed, and he transferred to [[Isegahama stable (2007)|Isegahama stable]].<ref name="jt0508"/> He had become frustrated with a lack of training opportunities at the small Magaki stable,<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.japantimes.co.jp/sports/2017/04/26/sumo/emergence-new-generation-bodes-well-summer-basho/#.WQx1o2eGPoo|title=Emergence of new generation bodes well for Summer Basho|last=Gunning|first=John|date=26 April 2017|work=Japan Times|access-date=5 May 2017}}</ref> as with the ill health of his stablemaster and various scandals there were sometimes no other coaches or wrestlers present.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.japantimes.co.jp/sports/2019/11/23/sumo/terunofuji-endures-tough-times-get-back-track/#.XhNSueSWymQ|title=Terunofuji endured tough times to get back on track|last=Gunning|first=John|date=23 November 2019|work=Japan Times|access-date=6 January 2020}}</ref> At Isegahama by contrast he was able to practice with many higher ranked wrestlers to improve his technique.<ref name="jt0508"/> His 6–1 record at ''makushita'' 4 in July 2013 was enough to earn him promotion to the salaried ranks of ''[[jūryō]]'' in September 2013.<ref name="database"/><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nikkansports.com/sports/sumo/news/f-sp-tp3-20130724-1162465.html|title=照ノ富士 新十両昇進「もっと頑張る」|date=24 July 2013|work=Nikkan Sports|language=ja|access-date=21 July 2021}}</ref>

Upon entering ''jūryō'' he changed his ''shikona'' surname to Terunofuji, a combination of two former ''yokozuna'', [[Terukuni]] and [[Asahifuji]] (his own stablemaster), and a reflection of the high expectations placed on him.<ref name="ciber"/> He took the ''jūryō'' championship in his debut tournament, beating future ''[[maegashira]]'' [[Kagamiō Nanji|Kagamiō]] on the last day to even their records and forcing a playoff bout against Kagamiō, which he also won.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://sumodb.sumogames.de/Rikishi_basho.aspx?r=11927&b=201309|title=Terunofuji results by basho|work=Sumo Reference|access-date=21 July 2021}}</ref> An 8–7 record in the following November tournament and a 12–3 record in the January 2014 tournament earned him promotion to the top ''[[makuuchi]]'' division in March 2014.<ref name="database"/>

===''Makuuchi'' division===
[[File:Terunofuji 2014.jpg|thumb|upright|left|Terunofuji during the September 2014 tournament]]
In his ''makuuchi'' division debut he had only a 2–7 record on the 9th day.<ref name="makdebut">{{cite web|url=http://sumodb.sumogames.de/Rikishi_basho.aspx?r=11927&b=201403|title=Terunofuji results by basho|work=Sumo Reference|access-date=21 July 2021}}</ref> However, from then on he won six straight bouts in six days to pull out a ''[[kachi-koshi]]'' or winning tournament.<ref name="makdebut"/> Then in the following May tournament he started out with an unpromising 4–6 record, but then won 5 straight to finish with a strong showing of 9–6.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://sumodb.sumogames.de/Rikishi_basho.aspx?r=11927&b=201405|title=Terunofuji results by basho|work=Sumo Reference|access-date=21 July 2021}}</ref> Two tournaments later in the September 2014 tournament at ''maegashira'' 1 he was up against top notch competition, including several ''[[san'yaku]]'' or titled wrestlers, and he only managed to eke out a 6–9 record.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://sumodb.sumogames.de/Rikishi_basho.aspx?r=11927&b=201409|title=Terunofuji results by basho|work=Sumo Reference|access-date=21 July 2021}}</ref>  This was only his third ''[[make-koshi]]'' or losing record in a tournament in his career and his first in the salaried rank. He only fell to ''maegashira'' 2 though, being helped by bad showings from several other wrestlers. It was in this tournament in November 2014 that he truly began to show his mettle in the top division; after going only 4–6, he beat an ''[[Makuuchi#Ōzeki|ōzeki]]'' and two ''[[sekiwake]]'' in the last 5 days to pull off an 8–7.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://sumodb.sumogames.de/Rikishi_basho.aspx?r=11927&b=201411|title=Terunofuji results by basho|work=Sumo Reference|access-date=21 July 2021}}</ref> In January 2015, he defeated the ''[[Makuuchi#Ōzeki|ōzeki]]'' [[Gōeidō Gōtarō|Gōeidō]] and [[Kisenosato]], the ''[[sekiwake]]'' [[Aoiyama]] and both active ''[[komusubi]]'' on the way to an 8–7 record.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://sumodb.sumogames.de/Rikishi_basho.aspx?r=11927&b=201501|title=Terunofuji results by basho|work=Sumo Reference|access-date=21 July 2021}}</ref> He was awarded the Fighting Spirit Prize, or ''kantosho,'' his first [[Sanshō (sumo)|special prize]].<ref name="database"/>

He was promoted to the rank of ''sekiwake'' for the next tournament. In the March Grand Tournament of 2015, he defeated ''[[yokozuna]]'' [[Hakuhō Shō|Hakuhō]] (unbeaten in his last 36 matches),<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.japantimes.co.jp/sports/2015/03/20/sumo/basho-reports/terunofuji-puts-end-to-hakuhos-perfect-run/|title=Terunofuji puts end to Hakuho's perfect run|date=20 March 2015|work=The Japan Times|access-date=21 July 2021}}</ref> and finished runner-up with a 13–2 record, having also defeated both ''komusubi'' as well as the ''ōzeki'' Gōeidō and [[Kotoshōgiku]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://sumodb.sumogames.de/Rikishi_basho.aspx?r=11927&b=201503|title=Terunofuji results by basho|work=Sumo Reference|access-date=21 July 2021}}</ref> He received his second Fighting Spirit Prize and was also awarded the prize for Outstanding Performance. After his final contest he said "I'll shoot for double-digit wins at the next tournament and hopefully that will lead to victory. Now I just want to take a long rest".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.japantimes.co.jp/sports/2015/03/22/sumo/basho-reports/hakuho-captures-34th-emperors-cup/#.VQ6-0vysWbE|title=Hakuho captures 34th Emperor's Cup|date=22 March 2015|work=The Japan Times}}</ref> In May Terunofuji was beaten on the opening day of the Natsu ''basho'' by [[Sadanoumi Takashi|Sadanoumi]], but won his next seven including victories over both ''komusubi'' and the ''ōzeki'' Kotoshōgiku.<ref name="results0515">{{cite web|url=http://sumodb.sumogames.de/Rikishi_basho.aspx?r=11927&b=201505|title=Terunofuji results by basho|work=Sumo Reference|access-date=21 July 2021}}</ref> After defeats by [[Tokushōryū Makoto|Tokushōryū]] on day nine and Hakuhō on day eleven he recovered to win his next three matches including victories over Kisenosato and the ''sekiwake'' [[Myōgiryū Yasunari|Myōgiryū]] to enter the final day in a tie for first place with Hakuhō.<ref name="results0515"/> In his final match he defeated the Bulgarian ''maegashira'' [[Aoiyama Kōsuke|Aoiyama]] by ''yori-kiri'' or force-out, and then saw Hakuhō lose to [[Harumafuji Kōhei|Harumafuji]].<ref name="jt2405">{{cite web|url=https://www.japantimes.co.jp/sports/2015/05/24/sumo/basho-reports/sekiwake-terunofuji-wins-title-after-hakuho-stumbles/|title=Sekiwake Terunofuji wins title after Hakuho stumbles|date=24 May 2015|work=The Japan Times|access-date=21 July 2021}}</ref> The result was that Terunofuji, in his eighth top-division tournament, was handed his first championship with a 12–3 record and was awarded the Fighting Spirit Prize for the third time.<ref name="jt2405"/> Terunofuji admitted that he had been "almost in tears" at the conclusion of the tournament and said, "When I was 15 years old I watched sumo and wanted to become a sumo wrestler and so came to Japan. It was a dream of mine to win the championship. To actually win it is like a dream." A few days after the tournament, Terunofuji's official promotion to ''ōzeki'' was announced in a press conference.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nikkansports.com/battle/sumo/news/1483042.html|title=Terunofuji officially promoted to ōzeki, says he will keep aiming higher|date=27 May 2015|work=Nikkan sports}}</ref> He was the first to be promoted to ōzeki having previously spent only two tournaments in ''[[san'yaku]]'' since [[Yoshibayama]] 64 years earlier. As Yoshibayama's promotion came before the six-tournaments per year system, Terunofuji was the first to be promoted after only four months in ''san'yaku''.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.japantimes.co.jp/sports/2015/05/27/sumo/terunofuji-promoted-ozeki-victory/#.WvHI4uSWymQ|title=Terunofuji promoted to ozeki after victory|date=27 May 2015|work=The Japan Times|access-date=8 May 2018}}</ref>

Following Terunofuji's first top division ''[[yūshō]]'', ''[[The Japan Times|Japan Times]]'' columnist Mark Buckton suggested that he had the potential to be promoted one day to the highest rank of ''[[Makuuchi#Yokozuna|yokozuna]]''.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.japantimes.co.jp/sports/2015/05/27/sumo/terunofuji-could-be-sumos-next-yokozuna/|title=Terunofuji could be sumo's next yokozuna|last=Buckton|first=Mark|date=27 May 2015 |work=The Japan Times|access-date=19 July 2021|quote=Fans around the world will be watching to see if he has what it takes to one day make the rank of yokozuna as only 71 men in the past 258 years have achieved. For now, barring major injury I think he will.}}</ref>

===''Ōzeki''===
On his first appearance at his new rank Terunofuji won nine of his first ten matches to reach a tie for the lead, but losses to Hakuhō, [[Kakuryū]] and Kotoshōgiku saw him end the tournament with an 11–4 record.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://sumodb.sumogames.de/Rikishi_basho.aspx?r=11927&b=201507|title=Terunofuji results by basho|access-date=21 July 2021}}</ref> In September he won his first eleven matches to establish a clear lead over the opposition, but then lost to [[Tochiōzan]] and Kisenosato, sustaining a knee injury in the latter match.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.japantimes.co.jp/sports/2015/09/25/sumo/basho-reports/terunofuji-loses-again-title-still-up-for-grabs/|title=Terunofuji loses again; title still up for grabs|date=25 September 2015|work=Japan Times|access-date=21 July 2021}}</ref> Another loss to [[Gōeidō]] saw him enter the final day with eleven wins, one behind the ''yokozuna'' Kakuryū. In the final scheduled match on day 15 Terunofuji defeated Kakuryū to level their scores but lost the ensuing play-off.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://the-japan-news.com/news/article/0002453102|title=Kakuryu bounces back to grab elusive 2nd title|author=staff|date=27 September 2015 |work=The Japan News by [[Yomiuri Shimbun]]}}</ref> Terunofuji's knee injury continued to trouble him in November but he posted nine wins including victories over the ''yokozuna'' Kakuryū and Hakuhō.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://sumodb.sumogames.de/Rikishi_basho.aspx?r=11927&b=201511|title=Terunofuji results by basho|access-date=21 July 2021}}</ref>

The year 2016 was a hard one for Terunofuji, with the lack of strength and flexibility in his knees affecting his performances.<ref name="bolsters"/> He was ''kadoban'', or danger of relegation from ''ōzeki'' three times, but was able to hold on to his rank each time by getting a winning record in the following tournament.<ref name="database"/> In January he won three of his first five bouts before withdrawing from the tournament with a broken right collar bone and damaged meniscus in his left knee, after a bout with [[Kyokushūhō]].<ref name="spring">{{cite news |url=http://www.japantimes.co.jp/sports/2016/02/02/sumo/terunofuji-enter-spring-basho/#.Vr4UXmf2aM8|title=Terunofuji to enter Spring Basho|date=2 February 2016|work=Japan Times|access-date=12 February 2016}}</ref> This was the first withdrawal of his career.<ref name="spring"/> He underwent [[arthroscopic surgery]] on his left knee shortly afterwards.<ref name="bolsters">{{cite news |url=http://www.japantimes.co.jp/sports/2017/03/25/sumo/basho-reports/leader-terunofuji-bolsters-title-hopes/#.WNkBoU0zXoo|title=Leader Terunofuji bolsters title hopes|date=25 March 2017|work=Japan Times|access-date=27 March 2017}}</ref> Despite his injury problems he announced that he would contest the next tournament in March,<ref name="spring"/> where he was ''[[Makuuchi|kadoban]],'' or in danger of demotion from ''ōzeki'' rank. In March, Terunofuji still seemed well below his best but maintained his rank with eight wins. In May, however, his form slumped as he lost his last thirteen matches to end with a career-worst record of 2–13.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://sumodb.sumogames.de/Rikishi_basho.aspx?r=11927&b=201605|title=Terunofuji results by basho|access-date=21 July 2021}}</ref>  He just managed to preserve his rank on the final day of the following Nagoya tournament by defeating [[Kaisei Ichirō|Kaisei]] for an 8–7 record,<ref>{{cite news |url=http://kyodonews.net/news/2016/07/24/70168|title=Harumafuji wins 8th title as yokozuna hopeful Kisenosato falls short|date=24 July 2016|work=Kyodo News|access-date=6 October 2016}}</ref> but was ''kadoban'' yet again after recording only four wins in September.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://sumodb.sumogames.de/Rikishi_basho.aspx?r=11927&b=201609|title=Terunofuji results by basho|access-date=21 July 2021}}</ref>  In November 2016 he was ''kadoban'' and under danger of demotion if he failed to secure at least eight wins in the tournament. Things didn't start off on the right foot as he lost his first two matches, however things took a turn as he proceeded to win the next seven in a row including a win over fellow ''ōzeki'' [[Kotoshōgiku]]. Terunofuji then had two losses against Kakuryū and Gōeidō, but was able to get his winning record on day 12 against [[Hakuhō]] which erased his ''kadoban'' status and secured his rank.<ref name="results201611">{{cite web|url=http://sumodb.sumogames.de/Rikishi_basho.aspx?r=11927&b=201611|title=Terunofuji results by basho|access-date=21 July 2021}}</ref>  Terunofuji finished out the year with three losses and ended the tournament with an 8–7 record.<ref name="results201611"/>

[[File:Terunofuji-2.jpg|thumb|right|Terunofuji (right) defeating [[Tamawashi Ichirō|Tamawashi]] in an April 2017 exhibition bout]]
In the January 2017 tournament Terunofuji managed only four wins, making him ''kadoban'' for the fourth time.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://sumodb.sumogames.de/Rikishi_basho.aspx?r=11927&b=201701|title=Terunofuji results by basho|access-date=21 July 2021}}</ref> The Osaka tournament in March saw a dramatic return to form as he won his first five matches before losing to [[Takayasu Akira|Takayasu]], and then won his next seven to take a share of the lead with a win over [[Kakuryū]] on Day 13.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.japantimes.co.jp/sports/2017/03/24/sumo/basho-reports/title-chase-heats-kisenosato-suffers-first-loss/|title=Title chase heats up as Kisenosato suffers first loss|date=24 March 2017|work=Japan Times|access-date=21 July 2021}}</ref> On Day 14 he became the sole leader after he defeated Kotoshōgiku and the injured [[Kisenosato]] lost to Kakuryū, but he was booed by the crowd for [[henka|sidestepping]] his opponent at the [[tachi-ai|initial charge]].<ref name="bolsters"/> He missed out on his second championship on the final day as he was defeated twice by Kisenosato, once in their regulation match and again in the resulting playoff.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.asahi.com/ajw/articles/AJ201703260031.html|title=SUMO/ Injured Kisenosato wins debut tourney as yokozuna|date=26 March 2017|work=Asahi Shimbun|access-date=27 March 2017}}</ref> The [[Japan Sumo Association]] was questioned by the government after the tournament when media reports suggested that Terunofuji was subjected to [[hate speech]] taunts from the crowd after his controversial win over Kotoshōgiku, with the expression "Go back to Mongolia" reportedly used.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2017/04/01/national/social-issues/japan-sumo-association-queried-racist-taunts-spring-tourney/#.WOP4Y00zXoo|title=Sumo association queried about hate speech taunts during spring tourney|date=1 April 2017|work=Japan Times|access-date=4 April 2017}}</ref>

Terunofuji underwent endoscopic surgery on his left knee after the May 2017 tournament, but did not recover as well as expected.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.japantimes.co.jp/sports/2017/07/27/sumo/harumafuji-may-need-undergo-elbow-surgery/#.WXpBE02Wzoo|title=Harumafuji may need to undergo elbow surgery|date=27 July 2017|work=The Japan Times|access-date=27 July 2017}}</ref> He entered the Nagoya tournament in July but withdrew after four losses in the first five days, citing a [[Tear of meniscus|meniscal]] injury to the knee.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20170714/p2g/00m/0sp/049000c|title=Sumo: Injured Kisenosato, Terunofuji withdraw from Nagoya basho|date=14 July 2017|work=The Mainichi|access-date=14 July 2017}}</ref> The September tournament saw a repeat of Nagoya, with Terunofuji winning only one of his first five matches before he was forced to withdraw because of the knee injury, which he aggravated in a loss to [[Shōhōzan]] on Day 5.<ref name="terunofuji">{{cite news |url=https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2017/09/15de69a1d17e-update1sumo-ozeki-terunofuji-latest-to-withdraw-from-autumn-tourney.html|title=Sumo: Ozeki Terunofuji latest to withdraw from Autumn tourney|date=15 September 2017|work=Kyodo News|access-date=16 September 2017}}</ref> Having failed to record a winning score in two consecutive tournaments he lost his ''ōzeki'' status after 14 tournaments at the rank.<ref name="terunofuji"/>

===Injuries, demotion and comeback===
Terunofuji could have made an immediate return to ''ōzeki'' with at least ten wins in the November 2017 tournament, but he withdrew on Day 5 after losing his first four matches, citing a meniscus tear in his left knee.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20171116/p2g/00m/0sp/063000c#cxrecs_s|title=Sumo: Terunofuji withdraws from Kyushu meet, delays ozeki return|date=16 November 2017|work=The Mainichi|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171116154509/https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20171116/p2g/00m/0sp/063000c|archive-date=16 November 2017|access-date=16 November 2017}}</ref> He withdrew from the January 2018 tournament on Day 3 after losing his first two bouts, due to a [[organ (anatomy)|viscera]] disorder, and was demoted to ''jūryō'' as a result.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.hochi.co.jp/sports/sumo/20180116-OHT1T50133.html|title=照ノ富士が４場所連続休場、伊勢ケ浜親方は「膝ではなく内臓系」|date=16 January 2018|work=Hochi|language=ja|access-date=16 January 2018}}</ref> He is the fourth former ''ōzeki'' to fall to ''jūryō'' and the first since [[Baruto Kaito|Baruto]] in 2013.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sumo.or.jp/EnHonbashoTopics/banzuke_topics/|title=2018 March Grand Sumo Tournament Banzuke Topics|website=Japan Sumo Association|access-date=26 February 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180226162359/http://www.sumo.or.jp/EnHonbashoTopics/banzuke_topics/|archive-date=26 February 2018}}</ref> In March 2018 he completed a tournament for the first time since May of the previous year but could only score six wins against nine losses from ''jūryō'' 5. He withdrew from the May 2018 tournament on Day 4, but returned from Day 11 in an attempt to stave off demotion to ''[[makushita]].''<ref name="daily">{{cite news |url=https://www.daily.co.jp/general/2018/05/23/0011282733.shtml|title=照ノ富士、２３日から再出場 十両残留には５戦５勝が必要|date=23 May 2018|work=Daily Sports online|language=ja|access-date=23 May 2018}}</ref> His stablemaster reported that in addition to diabetes and knee problems he was also suffering from [[kidney stones]].<ref name="daily"/> However he failed to win any matches on his return and was demoted to ''makushita''. He was the first ''ōzeki'' and first top division tournament winner to fall to that division.<ref name= "mdn0427">{{cite news |url= https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20200427/p2g/00m/0sp/044000c|title= Sumo: Asanoyama steps up in summer rankings |date=27 April 2020|work=The Mainichi|access-date=27 April 2020}}</ref> He had surgery on both knees on 25 June and withdrew from the July 2018 tournament, with his stablemaster indicating he wanted Terunofuji to have his knees healed properly before competing again.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.daily.co.jp/general/2018/06/30/0011403348.shtml|title=大相撲の照ノ富士が両膝を手術 名古屋場所は休場か|date=30 June 2018|work=Daily Sports online|language=ja|access-date=9 July 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sanspo.com/sports/news/20180708/sum18070816190008-n1.html|title=幕下転落の照ノ富士は全休 両膝手術で入院中／名古屋場所|date=8 July 2018|website=Sanspo|language=ja|access-date=9 July 2018}}</ref> He was also absent for the next three tournaments, which caused him to fall to the second-lowest ''jonidan'' division.<ref name="jt0605">{{cite web|title=Former ozeki Terunofuji draws strength from long battle back|url=https://www.japantimes.co.jp/sports/2020/06/05/sumo/former-ozeki-terunofuji-draws-strength-long-battle-back/#.XtqNyeSWyUl|date=5 June 2020|work=Japan Times|access-date=5 June 2020}}</ref> He returned to competition in March 2019 and won all seven of his matches, although he lost a playoff for the ''jonidan'' championship to fellow Mongolian [[Roga (sumo wrestler)|Roga]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://sumodb.sumogames.de/Rikishi_basho.aspx?r=11927&b=201903|title=Terunofuji results by basho|access-date=21 July 2021}}</ref> This was his first appearance since May 2018, and his first [[kachi-koshi|winning record]] since May 2017.<ref name="database"/> In his next three tournaments he lost just one bout in each, progressing to ''makushita'' 10 by November 2019. In the Kyushu tournament he won the makushita championship with a perfect 7–0 record,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sumo.or.jp/EnHonbashoMain/champions/|title=2019 November Grand Sumo Tournament Champions List|work=Japan Sumo Association|access-date=22 November 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191122155957/http://www.sumo.or.jp/EnHonbashoMain/champions/|archive-date=22 November 2019}}</ref> ensuring his return to the ''sekitori'' ranks.

In his first tournament as a ''sekitori'' since May 2018, Terunofuji won his second consecutive ''yūshō'' by clinching the ''jūryō'' championship on Day 13 of the January tournament with 13 straight wins.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.japantimes.co.jp/sports/2020/01/24/sumo/basho-reports/title-chase-heats-new-year-grand-sumo-tournament/#.XitBuXdFyM8|title=Title chase heats up at New Year Grand Sumo Tournament|language=en |work=The Japan Times|date=24 January 2020|access-date=24 January 2020}}</ref> He lost his final two matches to [[Nishikigi]] and [[Daiamami]], ending any outside hopes of immediate promotion back to ''makuuchi'', and was ranked at ''jūryō'' 3 for the March 2020 tournament.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20200224/p2g/00m/0sp/044000c|title=Sumo: Asanoyama in position to fill ozeki vacancy|date=24 February 2020|work=The Mainichi|access-date=5 March 2020}}</ref>

===Return to ''makuuchi''===
[[File:Terunofuji tegata.jpg|thumb|Terunofuji ''[[tegata]]'' (handprint and signature)]]
In the March tournament, Terunofuji finished with a 10–5 record and earned promotion back to ''makuuchi'', after 14 tournaments outside the top division.<ref name="jt0605"/> He is the first top division wrestler to fall to ''jonidan'' and successfully return to ''makuuchi''.<ref name="mdn0427"/> After the May ''basho'' was cancelled due to [[COVID-19]], Terunofuji continued his comeback in the July tournament by winning his second top-division ''yūshō'' with a 13–2 record. He secured the championship by defeating ''sekiwake'' [[Mitakeumi Hisashi|Mitakeumi]] on the final day and also won the Technique and Outstanding Performance prizes as well.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.japantimes.co.jp/sports/2020/08/02/sumo/basho-reports/terunofuji-sumo/|title=Terunofuji caps dramatic comeback with second title |work=The Japan Times|date=2 August 2020}}</ref> The 30 tournaments between this victory and his previous ''yūshō'' in May 2015 is the second longest gap between top division championships after [[Kotonishiki]]'s 43.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://r.nikkei.com/article/DGXLSSXK00469_S0A800C2000000|title=照ノ富士が30場所ぶりV 7月場所、殊勲・技能賞も獲得|date=2 August 2020|work=Nikkei|language=ja|access-date=3 August 2020}}</ref> Speaking to reporters online following his victory, Terunofuji thanked his stablemaster, who convinced him to keep working on healing himself when Terunofuji had asked for permission to retire.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.asahi.com/ajw/articles/13603476|title=SUMO/ Comeback kid Terunofuji says he didn't expect that many wins|date=3 August 2020|work=Asahi Shimbun|access-date=3 August 2020}}</ref> In the September 2020 tournament from ''maegashira'' 1 Terunofuji secured a winning record with eight wins, before withdrawing on Day 13 with a left knee injury.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20200925/p2g/00m/0sp/143000c|title=Sumo: Shodai downs Takakeisho, shares lead with Tobizaru at Autumn meet|date=25 September 2020|work=The Mainichi|access-date=25 September 2020}}</ref> He returned to the ''[[san'yaku]]'' ranks for the first time in three years at the November 2020 tournament. This was the first time he had been ranked as a ''[[komusubi]].''<ref name="database"/>

Terunofuji continued to perform well at the November 2020 ''basho'', going into the final day with a 12–2 record.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.japantimes.co.jp/sports/2020/11/22/sumo/basho-reports/takakeisho-terunofuji-final-day/|title=Takakeisho and Terunofuji set up final-day showdown|work=The Japan Times|date=22 November 2020|access-date=21 July 2021}}</ref> This score put him one win behind ''ōzeki'' [[Takakeishō Mitsunobu|Takakeishō]] in the ''yūshō'' race. Terunofuji faced Takakeishō on the final day, defeating him and bringing their scores level to force a ''yūshō'' playoff.<ref name="jt112020">{{cite web|url=https://www.japantimes.co.jp/sports/2020/11/22/sumo/basho-reports/takakeisho-terunofuji-second-title/|title=Takakeisho beats Terunofuji in playoff to claim second title|date=22 November 2020|work=The Japan Times|access-date=21 July 2021}}</ref> However, Takakeishō won the playoff and claimed the championship. For his efforts, Terunofuji was awarded the ''ginō-shō'' or [[Sanshō (sumo)|technique prize]] at the tournament's conclusion.<ref name="jt112020"/> He was the runner-up again in January 2021 at the ''sekiwake'' rank, when he defeated both the active ''ōzeki'' and secured another ''ginō-shō''.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20210124/p2g/00m/0sp/065000c|title=Sumo: Daieisho wins maiden Emperor's Cup on final day|date=24 January 2021|work=The Mainichi|access-date=26 January 2021}}</ref>

===Return to ''ōzeki''===

Terunofuji acknowledged before the March 2021 tournament that he would need a three ''basho'' total of 33 wins to be considered for ''ōzeki'' promotion and that he would "fight hard." His own stablemaster, Isegahama (former ''yokozuna'' [[Asahifuji Seiya|Asahifuji]]), is the head of the refereeing department and in charge of drawing up the rankings.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20210301/p2a/00m/0sp/022000c|title=Sumo wrestler Terunofuji aiming for 1st comeback in history from jonidan to ozeki rank|date=1 March 2021|work=The Mainichi|access-date=2 March 2021}}</ref> With his fellow Mongolians [[Hakuhō Shō|Hakuhō]] and [[Kakuryū Rikisaburō|Kakuryū]] withdrawn due to injury, Terunofuji won his third career ''yūshō'' and earned his third ''shukun-shō'', finishing with a 12–3 record – more than the 10 wins needed for an expected promotion to ''ōzeki'' once again.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2021/03/1eaa71d7bcdd-sumo-comeback-king-terunofuji-wins-spring-tourney.html|title=Sumo: Comeback king Terunofuji wins Spring tourney|date=28 March 2021|work=Kyodo News|access-date=28 March 2021}}</ref> He is the first wrestler to win three top division championships from a rank below ''ōzeki''. Terunofuji later told reporters that barely qualifying for promotion to the sport's second-highest rank was not enough, as he felt that his stablemaster's reputation was on the line.<ref name=kyodo290321>{{cite web|url=https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2021/03/11c685768c1e-sumo-terunofuji-pursued-promotion-with-stablemasters-honor-in-mind.html|title=Sumo: Terunofuji pursued promotion with stablemaster's honor in mind|date=29 March 2021|work=Kyodo News|access-date=29 March 2021}}</ref> The Sumo Association unanimously approved his promotion on 31 March.<ref>{{Cite web|date=31 March 2021|title=Sumo: Spring basho winner Terunofuji's ozeki promotion formalized|url=https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2021/03/bec185a28d1c-sumo-spring-basho-winner-terunofujis-ozeki-promotion-formalized.html|access-date=1 April 2021|website=[[Kyodo News]]}}</ref> He accepted "with great humility" when informed by JSA representatives at [[Isegahama stable (2007)|Isegahama stable]]. He later reiterated his gratitude to his stablemaster, adding that he would devote himself to training and aim higher.<ref name=kyodo310321/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.asahi.com/ajw/articles/14320910|title=Terunofuji caps off sensational comeback as he returns to ozeki|date=31 March 2021|work=Asahi Shimbun|access-date=31 March 2021}}</ref>

In May 2021 he won his first ten bouts, leading the rest of the field by two victories, but suffered a ''[[hansoku]]'' or loss by disqualification on Day 11 when he was determined by the ringside [[judge (sumo)|judges]] to have pulled [[Myōgiryū]]'s topknot.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.japantimes.co.jp/sports/2021/05/19/sumo/basho-reports/summer-basho-day-11-terunofuji-myogiryu-hair/|title=Terunofuji falls to first defeat after judges call foul|work=Japan Times|date=19 May 2021|access-date=19 May 2021}}</ref> He suffered another defeat to [[Endō Shōta|Endō]] on Day 14, but remained the leader. He won his fourth championship after defeating fellow ''ōzeki'' [[Takakeishō Mitsunobu|Takakeishō]] in a playoff, having lost to him in their regulation match. He became the first person since the ''[[Makuuchi#Demotion from ōzeki|kadoban]]'' system was introduced in July 1969 to win the Emperor's Cup immediately after returning to the ''ōzeki'' rank.<ref name=kyodo230521/>

===Promotion to ''yokozuna''===
[[File:Teru_yokozuna.jpg|thumb|left|Terunofuji performing the ''yokozuna dohyō-iri'' ceremony at [[Meiji Shrine]], August&nbsp;2021]]
In the July 2021 tournament, Terunofuji was in contention for the Emperor's Cup with a perfect record after 14 days before losing in the final match to fellow [[Mongolia]]n-born ''yokozuna'' [[Hakuhō Shō|Hakuhō]], who won the championship with a perfect 15–0 record.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2021/07/16c6b8e195c5-sumo-hakuho-defeats-terunofuji-wins-title-with-perfect-15-0-record.html|title=Sumo: Hakuho defeats Terunofuji, wins title with perfect 15–0 record|date=18 July 2021|work=Kyodo News|access-date=18 July 2021}}</ref> This was their first meeting in four years, and only the sixth time in sumo history that two wrestlers had fought on the final day with  undefeated records.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/backstories/1718/|title=A tale of two sumo comebacks|last=Morita|first=Hiroshi|date=25 July 2021|work=NHK World Japan|access-date=28 July 2021}}</ref> Despite missing out on the championship, Terunofuji's performance over the last three tournaments — 38 victories, with a top division championship at the ''sekiwake'' rank followed by a championship and a runner-up performance at the ''ōzeki'' rank — was enough for the Sumo Association to call for an extraordinary meeting to discuss Terunofuji's promotion to become the sport's 73rd ''[[Makuuchi#Yokozuna|yokozuna]]'', the first ''yokozuna'' of the [[Reiwa Era]].<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.japantimes.co.jp/sports/2021/07/19/sumo/terunofuji-yokozuna-promotion/|title=Terunofuji to become sumo's 73rd yokozuna|date=19 July 2021|work=Japan Times|access-date=21 July 2021}}</ref>  This completed Terunofuji's historic comeback after dropping from the second-highest ''ōzeki'' rank to the second-lowest ''jonidan'' division.<ref name=kyodo210721/> He is only the second rikishi in history who was demoted from the rank of ''ōzeki'' but still managed the promotion to ''yokozuna'', the only other one being [[Mienoumi]] in 1979, and is also only the fourth rikishi who got promoted to ''yokozuna'' after only two tournaments after promotion to ''ōzeki'', after [[Tochigiyama]] in 1918, [[Futabayama]] in 1937, and [[Terukuni]] in 1942. At 29 years and 7 months, he is also the sixth oldest rikishi to be promoted to ''yokozuna''.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.sumo.or.jp/EnHonbashoTopics/banzuke_topics/#selection-485.46-485.234|archive-url=https://archive.today/20210921200701/https://www.sumo.or.jp/EnHonbashoTopics/banzuke_topics/#selection-485.46-485.234|url-status=dead|archive-date=2021-09-21|title = Banzuke Topics - Nihon Sumo Kyokai Official Grand Sumo Home Page}}</ref>

The [[Yokozuna Deliberation Council]] recommended Terunofuji's promotion on 19 July, and the Sumo Association formally approved the promotion on 21 July.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.japantimes.co.jp/sports/2021/07/21/sumo/terunofuji-yokozuna-promotion-2/|title=Mongolian wrestler Terunofuji becomes sumo's 73rd yokozuna|date=21 July 2021|work=Japan Times|access-date=21 July 2021}}</ref> In his acceptance speech, Terunofuji said he would hold on to his "unshakeable spirit and aim to foster greater dignity and power as a ''yokozuna''." Later, he told reporters that he wanted to have a more determined mindset in sumo, adding that he wanted to understand what it means to be a ''yokozuna'' and be a role model to others.<ref name=kyodo210721/>

Terunofuji adopted the Shiranui style used by his stablemaster [[Asahifuji Seiya|Isegahama]] and took part in his first ''[[Glossary of sumo terms#dohyo-iri|dohyō-iri]]'' (ring-entering ceremony) as a ''yokozuna'' on 24 August at [[Meiji Shrine]] in Tokyo. Due to the [[COVID-19 pandemic|coronavirus pandemic]], the ceremony was delayed by one month after his promotion. The ceremony was closed to the public, but the Sumo Association streamed the event on [[YouTube]]. Stablemates [[Terutsuyoshi Shoki|Terutsuyoshi]] and [[Takarafuji Daisuke|Takarafuji]] served as the ''[[tsuyuharai]]'' (dew sweeper) and ''[[tachimochi]]'' (sword bearer), respectively,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nikkansports.com/battle/sumo/news/202108240000483.html|title=「よいしょー！」「見事な不知火型！」照ノ富士が明治神宮で奉納土俵入り|date=24 August 2021|work=Nikkan Sports|access-date=24 August 2021|language=ja}}</ref> and Terunofuji borrowed the ''[[tachi]]'' used for the ceremony from his stablemaster. In preparation for his first tournament as ''yokozuna'', Terunofuji received a ''tachi'' from the sumo club supporters' association of Johoku High School (his former school). According to the supporter's association, the ''tachi'' was made in 1576 and is about one meter long. <ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.asahi.com/articles/ASP936RSPP93PUUB003.html|title=照ノ富士の土俵入りへ太刀を寄贈 母校・鳥取城北高、県庁でお披露目|date=4 September 2021|work=Asahi|access-date=2 October 2022|language=ja}}</ref>

===''Yokozuna'' career===
[[File:Terunofuji on winning the President’s Cup.jpg|thumb|right|Terunofuji receives the President's Cup in May 2022]]
Terunofuji won his first sumo tournament as a ''yokozuna'' in September 2021 with a 13–2 record.<ref>{{cite web |url= https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2021/09/493e8b23faaa-sumo-terunofuji-crowns-yokozuna-debut-with-5th-career-championship.html|title=Sumo: Terunofuji crowns yokozuna debut with 5th career championship|date=26 September 2021|publisher=Kyodo|access-date=26 September 2021}}</ref> Hakuhō's retirement was formalized soon after the tournament ended, leaving Terunofuji as sumo's only ''yokozuna''.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2021/09/472bbad81feb-breaking-news-sumo-wrestlings-record-setting-yokozuna-hakuho-retires.html|title=Sumo: Record-setting yokozuna Hakuho retires}}</ref> Terunofuji's sixth career championship in ''makuuchi'' was assured on Day 14 of the November 2021 tournament after he defeated [[Abi Masatora|Abi]], who had been the only other wrestler in contention for the [[Glossary of sumo terms#tennō-hai|Emperor's Cup]] at that time.<ref name=kyodo271121>{{cite web |url=https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2021/11/574a58e222d9-sumo-terunofuji-beats-abi-to-wrap-up-title-with-day-to-spare.html|title=Sumo: Terunofuji beats Abi to wrap up title with day to spare|date=27 November 2021|publisher=Kyodo News|access-date=27 November 2021}}</ref> He would end up defeating [[Takakeishō Mitsunobu|Takakeishō]] on the final day for his first [[Glossary of sumo terms#zenshō|perfect record]] in ''makuuchi''. Terunofuji was humble during his public interview, appreciating the support of fans in Kyushu who did not see last year's November tournament because of [[COVID-19]] and saying that he was "not such a talented wrestler capable of doing many things." Terunofuji became the first sumo wrestler to win his first two tournaments at the ''yokozuna'' rank since [[Taihō Kōki|Taihō]], who accomplished the feat in January 1962.<ref name=kyodo281121>{{cite web |url=https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2021/11/581ac8931c70-sumo-yokozuna-terunofuji-secures-1st-perfect-record-to-celebrate-6th-title.html|title=Sumo: Yokozuna Terunofuji secures 1st perfect record to celebrate 6th title|date=28 November 2021|publisher=Kyodo News|access-date=28 November 2021}}</ref> He was also the first wrestler to win four tournaments in a year since Hakuhō in 2014.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.asahi.com/ajw/articles/14490310|title=SUMO/ Yokozuna Terunofuji wins 2nd straight tourney|date=27 November 2021|work=Asahi Shimbun|access-date=29 November 2021}}</ref>

In January 2022 Terunofuji's performance was somewhat hampered by knee injuries and he lost to [[Mitakeumi]] in a title-decider on the final day to finish on 11–4, two wins off the pace.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.asahi.com/ajw/articles/14528515|title=SUMO/ Mitakeumi wins 3rd career title, overpowering Terunofuji|date=23 January 2022|work=Asahi Shimbun|access-date=11 February 2022}}</ref> In February 2022 the Sumo Association announced that, along with a number of other high-ranking wrestlers, he had tested positive for [[COVID-19]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.japantimes.co.jp/sports/2022/02/05/sumo/terunofuji-covid-positive/|title=Yokozuna Terunofuji tests positive for COVID-19|date=5 February 2022|work=Japan Times|access-date=11 February 2022}}</ref> He missed ten days of training as a result.<ref name="nhk0204">{{cite web|url=https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/backstories/1957/|title=A new sumo hero blossoms|last=Morita|first=Hiroshi|date=2 April 2022|work=NHK World|access-date=8 April 2022}}</ref>

Terunofuji withdrew on Day 6 of the March 2022 tournament in Osaka citing issues with his right heel and left knee, both of which he had injured in the past.<ref name="nhk0204"/> The issues would require about one month of treatment, according to a medical certificate submitted to the Sumo Association. Terunofuji's withdrawal came after he was defeated by [[Daieishō Hayato|Daieishō]] and, for the second straight tournament, [[Tamawashi Ichirō|Tamawashi]]. It was his first ''[[Glossary of sumo terms#kyūjō|kyūjō]]'' since his promotion to sumo's highest rank.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.japantimes.co.jp/sports/2022/03/18/sumo/basho-reports/terunofuji-injury-withdraw/|title=Injured yokozuna Terunofuji pulls out of Spring Basho|date=18 March 2022|website=japantimes.co.jp|publisher=Kyodo News|access-date=18 March 2022}}</ref>

At the May 2022 Natsu tournament in Tokyo, Terunofuji overcame early losses to clinch the tournament with a 12–3 record. He avoided what would have been a four-way playoff with [[Daieishō]], [[Takanoshō]] and [[Sadanoumi]] by beating [[Mitakeumi Hisashi|Mitakeumi]] on the final day.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2022/05/64572ea0cac8-sumo-terunofuji-raises-7th-emperors-cup-after-loss-by-takanosho.html|title=Sumo: Terunofuji raises 7th Emperor's Cup after loss by Takanosho|work=Kyodo News|publisher=22 May 2022|access-date=23 May 2022}}</ref> In an online press conference the following day, he spoke of his relief at his victory and paid tribute to his former Isegahama stablemate [[Aminishiki]] ahead of his retirement ceremony, who Terunofuji said had given him advice on how to deal with his knee injuries.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2022/05/fd0262864c50-sumo-terunofuji-relieved-after-winning-7th-championship.html|title=Sumo: Terunofuji relieved after winning 7th championship|date=23 May 2022|work=Kyodo News|access-date=23 May 2022}}</ref>

In July, Terunofuji was in contention for the championship on the final day but his defeat to Takakeishō meant he finished on 11–4, one win behind ''maegashira'' [[Ichinojō]] who took the title with a 12–3 record.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20220724/p2g/00m/0sp/050000c|title=Sumo: Ichinojo wins first Emperor's Cup following loss by Terunofuji|date=24 July 2022|work=The Mainichi|access-date=25 July 2022}}</ref> In the September tournament he pulled out on Day 10, having already suffered four losses, due to injuries to both knees. This was the 13th withdrawal of his career, and his second since becoming ''yokozuna''.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2022/09/604fb72eaaef-sumo-yokozuna-terunofuji-withdraws-from-autumn-meet.html|title=Sumo: Terunofuji out of Autumn meet with injuries to both knees|date=20 September 2022|work=Kyodo News|access-date=20 September 2022}}</ref>

In September 2022, Terunofuji decided to withdraw from the remainder of the tournament on Day 10, having given away four ''[[kinboshi]]'' to fall to a 5–4 record.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2022/09/604fb72eaaef-sumo-yokozuna-terunofuji-withdraws-from-autumn-meet.html|title=Sumo: Terunofuji out of Autumn meet with injuries to both knees|date=20 September 2022|access-date=27 September 2022}}</ref> In a telephone interview, his stable master Isegahama-''oyakata'' said Terunofuji had been diagnosed with [[osteoarthritis]] in both knees and bone contusion in the right knee, which was "completely out of alignment". Isegahama said, "He needs to heal properly, not just rest. In some cases, surgery will be necessary. I think the inflammation will stop in a few days, but after that, I have to think carefully about what to do."<ref>{{Cite web |last=日本放送協会 |title=横綱 照ノ富士が秋場所を休場 ことしの春場所以来 13回目 {{!}} NHK |url=https://www3.nhk.or.jp/news/html/20220920/k10013827211000.html |access-date=2022-09-24 |website=NHKニュース}}</ref> Terunofuji had surgery on both knees on October 18, with his stablemaster indicating he would not return to competition until fully healed.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.japantimes.co.jp/sports/2022/10/22/sumo/terunofuji-knee-surgery/|title=Yokozuna Terunofuji has surgery on both knees|date=22 October 2022|work=Japan Times|access-date=22 October 2022}}</ref> On 11 November he formally withdrew from the November tournament in Fukuoka.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2022/11/bbaad4591cbd-sumo-injured-grand-champion-terunofuji-to-miss-kyushu-tourney.html|title=Sumo: Injured grand champion Terunofuji to miss Kyushu tourney|date=11 November 2022|publisher=Kyodo News|access-date=11 November 2022}}</ref>

On the January 2023 ''banzuke'' Terunofuji was designated as ''yokozuna-ōzeki'' because there was just one wrestler ([[Takakeishō Mitsunobu|Takakeishō]]) listed at the ''ōzeki'' rank.<ref>On banzuke, it needs that there are two or more wrestlers listed at the ōzeki rank, one each in the east and west.</ref> <ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.nikkansports.com/battle/sumo/news/202212250001457.html|title=【初場所新番付】大関は２人名を連ねるのが慣例のため照ノ富士兼務し「横綱大関」に|date=26 December 2022|publisher=Nikkan Sports|access-date=26 December 2022}}</ref> He withdrew from the tournament, however, in order to continue recovering from the surgery on his knees.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2023/01/a0b8f1c8e1d0-sumo-yokozuna-terunofuji-to-miss-new-year-tourney.html|title=Sumo: Yokozuna Terunofuji to miss New Year tourney|date=6 January 2023|publisher=Kyodo News|access-date=6 January 2023}}</ref> He withdrew again in March after stablemaster Isegahama suggested that there was "still something missing" upon observing Terunofuji's training.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.nikkansports.com/battle/sumo/news/202303090000551.html|title=横綱照ノ富士、春場所出場可否は10日に持ち越し 伊勢ケ浜親方「まだ足りないところはある」|date=9 March 2023|publisher=Nikkan Sports|access-date=10 March 2023 |language=ja}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.nikkansports.com/battle/sumo/news/202303100000326.html|title=横綱照ノ富士が春場所休場 ４場所連続16度目の休場、横綱昇進後は在位10場所で５度目|date=10 March 2023|publisher=Nikkan Sports|access-date=10 March 2023 |language=ja}}</ref>

Terunofuji appeared for the first time since his September 2022 withdrawal as a part-time participant in the April 2023 regional sumo tours, called ''[[Glossary of sumo terms#jungyō|jungyō]]''.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.japantimes.co.jp/sports/2023/04/12/sumo/terunofuji-all-time-deserving/|title=Should Terunofuji be considered an all-time great?|date=12 April 2023|publisher=Japan Times|access-date=12 April 2023}}</ref> He competed in–and won–the ''jungyō'' tournament for ''makuuchi'' wrestlers on 15 April in [[Fujisawa, Kanagawa|Fujisawa]]. A couple of days later, he confirmed his intention to return to action at the May 2023 tournament in Tokyo.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.nikkansports.com/battle/sumo/news/202304170000797.html|title=４場所連続休場中の横綱照ノ富士が夏場所出場明言「もちろん出る予定です」靖国神社で奉納大相撲|date=17 April 2023|publisher=Nikkan Sports|access-date=17 April 2023 |language=ja}}</ref> 

Terunofuji was the leader of the ''[[makuuchi]]'' championship race throughout the May 2023 tournament. He became the sole leader after Day 12, when former ''[[Makuuchi#Ōzeki|ōzeki]]'' [[Asanoyama Hiroki|Asanoyama]] suffered his second defeat. On Day 14 Terunofuji won his eighth top division championship by defeating ''sekiwake'' [[Kiribayama Tetsuo|Kiribayama]], thereby securing a two-win advantage over his competitors with one day remaining.<ref>{{Cite web |date=27 May 2023 |title=Sumo: Terunofuji clinches 8th Emperor's Cup with win over Kiribayama|url=https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20230527/p2g/00m/0sp/033000c |website=mainichi.jp|publisher=Kyodo News|access-date=27 May 2023}}</ref> He finished the tournament with a 14-1 record, his best since the November 2021 tournament. His only loss was dealt by [[Meisei Chikara|Meisei]] on Day 9. His victory was the first ''makuuchi'' championship won by a wrestler who had been [[Glossary of sumo terms#kyūjō|absent]] for three successive tournaments in 34 years, the last being Sumo Association president Hakkaku (former ''yokozuna'' [[Hokutoumi Nobuyoshi|Hokutoumi]]).<ref>{{cite web |url=https://hochi.news/articles/20230527-OHT1T51035.html?page=1|title=照ノ富士が霧馬山を下して８度目の優勝を決める　横綱の３場所連続全休明けでの賜杯は北勝海の八角理事長以来３４年ぶり|date=27 May 2023|publisher=Sports Hochi|access-date=27 May 2023 |language=ja}}</ref> His victory also meant that he had won at least one top-division championship for four consecutive years since his comeback to the ''makuuchi'' division. Upon clinching the championship, Terunofuji stated that he did not want to waste a single day since his surgery in October.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://hochi.news/articles/20230527-OHT1T51279.html?page=1|title=８度目Ｖの照ノ富士「１日１日を無駄に過ごしたくないなという思いでやってきた。頑張ってきて良かった」…主な一問一答|date=28 May 2023|publisher=Sports Hochi|access-date=28 May 2023 |language=ja}}</ref> Terunofuji's exclusive trainer, Hidejima Masayoshi, expressed his joy, saying, "I genuinely wanted him to finish the tournament without any injuries. It's an amazing comeback. I believed he would be able to demonstrate absolute ''yokozuna'' sumo for another year."<ref>{{cite web |url=https://hochi.news/articles/20230527-OHT1T51313.html?page=1|title=照ノ富士は「あと１年は絶対的な横綱相撲を取れる」専属トレーナー確信…両膝手術を乗り越え復活Ｖ|date=28 May 2023|publisher=Sports Hochi|access-date=28 May 2023 |language=ja}}</ref>

Terunofuji withdrew from the July 2023 tournament on Day 4 after conceding back-to-back [[Kinboshi|gold stars]] to top ''[[Makuuchi#Maegashira|maegashira]]'' competitors [[Nishikigi Tetsuya|Nishikigi]] and [[Tobizaru Masaya|Tobizaru]]. Following the latter match he was seen with his hands on the shoulders of one of his [[Glossary of sumo terms#tsukebito|assistants]] as he departed back to the locker room. His medical certificate stated that he would need a month of rest due to a [[Spinal disc herniation|herniated disc]] and [[Vertebra|vertebral endplate]] issues. It was Terunofuji's sixth withdrawal out of the last ten tournaments.<Ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.nikkansports.com/battle/sumo/news/202307120000253.html|title=横綱照ノ富士が休場　診断書に腰椎椎間板ヘルニアと腰椎椎体終板障害で１カ月間の安静加療を要す|date=12 July 2023|publisher=Nikkan Sports|access-date=12 July 2023|language=ja}}</ref>

==Fighting style==
Terunofuji is a ''yotsu-sumo'' wrestler who favours [[grappling]] techniques as opposed to pushing and thrusting (''oshi-sumo'').<ref name="jsa">{{cite web|url=https://www.sumo.or.jp/EnSumoDataRikishi/profile/3321/index.php/|title=Terunofuji Haruo – Rikishi Profile|work=Japan Sumo Association|access-date=21 July 2021}}</ref> His preferred grip on his opponent's ''[[mawashi]]'' or belt is ''migi-yotsu'', a left hand outside, right hand inside position.<ref name="jsa"/> His favourite winning ''[[kimarite]]'' or technique is a straightforward ''yori-kiri'', or force out, which has accounted for over 40 percent of his career victories.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://sumodb.sumogames.de/Rikishi_kim.aspx?r=11927|title=Terunofuji bouts by kimarite|website=Sumo Reference|access-date=7 March 2016}}</ref> Prior to his demotion from the top division, he often relied on his physical strength to lift opponents with both arms and carry them out of the ''dohyō'', a style of wrestling which was criticized for increasing the burden on his knees.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://the-japan-news.com/news/article/0004078885|title=SUMO ABC (65) / Terunofuji needs to change his fighting style if he wants to continue|last=Miki|first=Shuji|date=2 December 2017|work=The Japan News|access-date=30 May 2018}}</ref>

==Personal life==
Terunofuji was married in February 2018 to a Mongolian exchange student, although he did not announce it until January 2021. They have known each other since before his first ''ōzeki'' promotion.<ref>{{cite news |title=照ノ富士、復活支えたモンゴル人女性と結婚していた ＮＨＫの番組で明かす|url=https://hochi.news/articles/20210104-OHT1T50241.html|work=Hochi|date=4 January 2021|access-date=4 January 2021}}</ref> Although their wedding ceremony took place on 11 February 2021 at the [[Tomioka Hachiman Shrine]] in Tokyo's [[Kōtō]] ward, their wedding reception took place on 11 June 2023 at a hotel in Tokyo, after having been postponed due to the COVID crisis. Around 800 people took part in the ceremony, including many athletes and Isegahama ''ichimon'' members.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nikkansports.com/battle/sumo/news/202306110000858.html|title=横綱照ノ富士披露宴に柔道金・大野将平氏ら800人「この日を迎えることができて本当にうれしい」|date=11 June 2023|work=Nikkan Sports|access-date=11 June 2023}}</ref> Terunofuji's wife is credited with being an unfailing supporter during his long injury layoff,<ref>{{cite news|url=https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20210212/p2a/00m/0sp/005000c|title=Sumo wrestler Terunofuji thanks wife for support during Tokyo wedding ceremony|date=12 February 2021|work=The Mainichi|access-date=2 March 2021}}</ref> as during this period he gave up drinking and she followed nutritional advice from his doctor in preparing his meals.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.asahi.com/ajw/articles/14314095|title=SUMO/ Terunofuji marks return to sport's elite with 'biggest comeback' ever|date=29 March 2021|work=Asahi Shimbun|access-date=30 March 2021}}</ref> During the post-tournament interviews in May 2023, Terunofuji announced to the press that he is the father of a son born in November 2022. The son's name, Temujin, is a reference to the original name of [[Genghis Khan]].<ref>{{cite news |title=照ノ富士、昨年１１月に長男誕生　優勝一夜明け会見で明かす…２桁Ｖに改めて意欲「優勝を重ねて行きたい」 |url=https://hochi.news/articles/20230529-OHT1T51078.html?page=1|work=Sports Hochi|date=29 May 2023|access-date=29 May 2023}}</ref>

In March 2021 Terunofuji revealed that he was in the process of acquiring [[Japanese nationality law|Japanese citizenship]], which would enable him to stay in sumo after retirement as an [[toshiyori|elder]] of the [[Japan Sumo Association]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nikkansports.com/battle/sumo/news/202103280001177.html?mode=all|title=照ノ富士が日本国籍取得へ、名字は「杉野森」最有力|date=29 March 2021|work=Nikkan Sports|language=Japanese|access-date=28 July 2021}}</ref> In August 2021, the Sumo Association announced that Terunofuji was officially a Japanese citizen.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2021/08/1cc55ab43e55-sumo-new-yokozuna-terunofuji-takes-japanese-citizenship.html|title=Sumo: New yokozuna Terunofuji takes Japanese citizenship|date=4 August 2021|work=Kyodo News|access-date=4 August 2021}}</ref> Terunofuji explained that he had made the decision to seek Japanese citizenship in 2019 following his fall to the second-lowest ''jonidan'' division, after consultation with his family, stablemaster and colleagues.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nikkansports.com/battle/sumo/news/202108040000374.html|title=新横綱照ノ富士が日本国籍取得「どん底に落ちて考えた」名字は「杉野森」に|date=4 August 2021|work=Nikkan Sports|access-date=4 August 2021|language=ja}}</ref> His legal name is Seizan Suginomori, created by taking the surname and "sei" part of the forename from his stablemaster's real name of Seiya Suginomori.<ref name="japname"/>

==Career record==
{{Sumo record box start|Terunofuji Haruo<ref name="database">{{cite web | author= | title=Terunofuji Haruo Information | website=Sumo Reference | url=http://sumodb.sumogames.de/Rikishi.aspx?r=11927 | date= | access-date=31 May 2014}}</ref>
}} 
  {{Sumo record year start link|2011}}
    {{Basho|maezumou}}
    {{Basho|cancelled|absent=0}}
    {{Basho|maezumou}}
    {{Basho|jk|3|e|5|2}}
    {{Basho|jo|59|w|6|1}}
    {{Basho|sa|93|e|7|0|P}}
  {{Sumo record year end}}
  {{Sumo record year start link|2012}}
    {{Basho|ma|58|e|5|2}}
    {{Basho|ma|39|w|5|2}}
    {{Basho|ma|27|w|5|2}}
    {{Basho|ma|15|e|3|4}}
    {{Basho|ma|21|w|2|5}}
    {{Basho|ma|37|w|4|3}}
  {{Sumo record year end}}
  {{Sumo record year start link|2013}}
    {{Basho|ma|31|w|5|2}}
    {{Basho|ma|20|w|5|2}}
    {{Basho|ma|10|w|6|1}}
    {{Basho|ma|4|e|6|1}}
    {{Basho|j|11|w|12|3|P<br />Champion}}
    {{Basho|j|3|e|8|7}}
  {{Sumo record year end}}
  {{Sumo record year start link|2014}}
    {{Basho|j|1|w|12|3}}
    {{Basho|m|10|w|8|7}}
    {{Basho|m|9|e|9|6}}
    {{Basho|m|6|e|9|6}}
    {{Basho|m|1|e|6|9}}
    {{Basho|m|3|w|8|7}}
  {{Sumo record year end}} 
{{Sumo record year start link|2015}}
    {{Basho|m|2|e|8|7|||f}}
    {{Basho|s|1|e|13|2||j|f|o}}
    {{Basho|s|1|e|12|3||y|f}}
    {{Basho|o|2|w|11|4}}
    {{Basho|o|1|e|12|3|P|j}}
    {{Basho|o|1|e|9|6}}
  {{Sumo record year end}}
{{Sumo record year start link|2016}}
    {{Basho|o|1|w|3|3|9}}
    {{Basho|o|2|w|8|7}}
    {{Basho|o|2|w|2|13}}
    {{Basho|o|2|w|8|7}}
    {{Basho|o|1|w|4|11}}
    {{Basho|o|2|w|8|7}}
{{Sumo record year start link|2017}}
    {{Basho|o|2|e|4|11}}
    {{Basho|o|1|w|13|2|P|j}}
    {{Basho|o|1|e|12|3||j}}
    {{Basho|o|1|e|1|5|9}}
    {{Basho|o|2|e|1|5|9}}
    {{Basho|s|2|e|0|5|10}}
  {{Sumo record year end}}
{{Sumo record year start link|2018}}
    {{Basho|m|10|e|0|8|7}}
    {{Basho|j|5|w|6|9|}}
    {{Basho|j|8|e|0|9|6}}
    {{Basho|kyujo|rank=ma|r-no=6|tozai=e|absent=7}}
    {{Basho|kyujo|rank=ma|r-no=47|tozai=e|absent=7}}
    {{Basho|kyujo|rank=sa|r-no=27|tozai=w|absent=7}}
  {{Sumo record year end}}
{{Sumo record year start link|2019}}
    {{Basho|kyujo|rank=sa|r-no=88|tozai=w|absent=7}}
    {{Basho|jo|48|w|7|0|P}}
    {{Basho|sa|49|e|6|1|}}
    {{Basho|ma|59|e|6|1|}}
    {{Basho|ma|27|e|6|1|}}
    {{Basho|ma|10|w|7|0<br />Champion}}
  {{Sumo record year end}}
{{Sumo record year start link|2020}}
    {{Basho|j|13|w|13|2<br />Champion}}
    {{Basho|j|3|e|10|5|}}
    {{Basho|cancelled|rank=m|r-no=17|tozai=e|absent=0}}
    {{Basho|m|17|e|13|2||y|o|t}}
    {{Basho|m|1|e|8|5|2}}
    {{Basho|k|1|e|13|2|P|j|t}}
  {{Sumo record year end}}
{{Sumo record year start link|2021}}
    {{Basho|s|1|e|11|4||j|t}}
    {{Basho|s|1|e|12|3||y|o}}
    {{Basho|o|2|w|12|3|P|y}}
    {{Basho|o|1|e|14|1||j}}
    {{Basho|y|1|w|13|2||y}}
    {{Basho|y|1|e|15|0||y}}
  {{Sumo record year end}}
{{Sumo record year start link|2022}}
    {{Basho|y|1|e|11|4||}}
    {{Basho|y|1|e|3|3|9}}
    {{Basho|y|1|e|12|3||y}}
    {{Basho|y|1|e|11|4||j|}}
    {{Basho|y|1|e|5|5|5||}}
    {{Basho|kyujo|rank=y|r-no=1|tozai=e|absent=15}}
  {{Sumo record year end}}
{{Sumo record year start link|2023}}
    {{Basho|kyujo|rank=yo|r-no=1|tozai=e|absent=15}}
    {{Basho|kyujo|rank=yo|r-no=1|tozai=e|absent=15}}
    {{Basho|yo|1|e|14|1||y|}}
    {{Basho|y|1|e|1|3|11}}
    {{Basho||||||}}
    {{Basho||||||}}
{{Sumo record year end}}
{{Sumo record box end}}

==See also==
*[[List of sumo tournament top division champions]]
*[[List of sumo tournament top division runners-up]]
*[[List of sumo tournament second division champions]]
*[[Glossary of sumo terms]]
*[[List of active sumo wrestlers]]
*[[List of non-Japanese sumo wrestlers]]
*[[List of yokozuna]]
*[[Sanshō (sumo)#Active special prize winners|Active special prize winners]]

==References==
{{reflist}}

==External links==
{{Commons category|Terunofuji Haruo}}
*{{Goo Sumo|A=|3321}}

{{Yokozuna box|previous=[[Kisenosato Yutaka]]|number=73rd|active=2021–present|next=Most recent}}
{{Active makuuchi wrestlers}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Terunofuji, Haruo}}
[[Category:1991 births]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Japanese sumo wrestlers]]
[[Category:Mongolian sumo wrestlers]]
[[Category:Mongolian emigrants to Japan]]
[[Category:Naturalized citizens of Japan]]
[[Category:Sportspeople from Ulaanbaatar]]
[[Category:Yokozuna]]