Akebono, the primary non-Japanese grand champion or “yokozuna” of sumo wrestling, died of coronary heart failure this month at age 54, stated his household in an announcement acquired by the workplace of Hawaiian Governor Josh Inexperienced.
“It’s with unhappiness that we announce Akebono Taro died of coronary heart failure earlier this month whereas receiving care at a hospital within the Tokyo space,” the assertion stated. He’s survived by his spouse, two sons and a daughter.
At a top of two.03 meters (six ft, eight inches) and weight of 233 kilograms (513 kilos), he was identified for utilizing his physique to thrust opponents out of the combating ring.
Who was Akebono?
Born in Hawaii, Akebono was an American citizen named as Chad George Ha’aheo Rowan. He was recruited by a Hawaiian head of a Japanese sumo secure as a school basketball participant.
He started his sumo profession in 1988 and reached the very best rank of yokozuna quickly after, in 1993. He was the game’s sixty fourth yokozuna. As a wrestler, he received 11 championships, the tenth highest quantity in trendy sumo historical past.
He finally turned a Japanese citizen and took the identify Akebono Taro.
Akebono was not the primary foreigner to enter the world of sumo wrestling. He was preceded by Konishiki Yasokichi who additionally got here from Hawaii, and was a up to date of Musashimaru Koyo hailing from Samoa, who had additionally reached the rank of yokozuna.
Akebono ‘strengthened’ US-Japan ties, ambassador says
“All through his 35 years in Japan, Akebono strengthened the cultural ties between the USA and his adopted homeland by uniting us all by means of sport,” US Ambassador to Japan Rahm Emanuel posted on social media platform X.
Akebono had retired from sumo wrestling in 2001, however continued to combat in combined martial arts and wrestling occasions.
His household and pals will maintain a personal memorial in “celebration of his life,” the assertion stated.
tg/wd (AP, Reuters)
