Kotoshogiku will be looking to move into the spotlight while Mongolian grand champion Asashoryu will be very much under the microscope at next month's Spring Grand Sumo Tournament.
Asashoryu will come under scrutiny at the spring basho after recent allegations from a tabloid that the Mongolian had rigged bouts.
KYODO PHOTOKotoshogiku put together a solid 9-6 record at the New Year meet and will be the new sekiwake on the block as the Japan Sumo Association on Monday announced the rankings for the March 11-25 meet at Osaka Prefectural Gymnasium.