Hakuho will aim to continue his ascendance with a sixth consecutive championship when the Spring Grand Sumo Tournament kicks off Sunday.
But the foremost yokozuna, who owns the all-time record of 33 career Emperor's Cups, faces a crucible of his own making as he tries to weather the storm in the wake of his recent critical remarks of sumo's officiating body.
A championship at the 15-day tournament at Osaka's Bodymaker Colosseum would make the Mongolian-born yokozuna the second man after Taiho to win six titles in a row twice.