Tokyo — Hawaii-born Akebono, one of many greats of sumo wrestling and a former grand champion, has died. He was 54. He was the primary foreign-born wrestler to achieve the extent of “yokozuna” – or grand champion – in Japan.
“It’s with disappointment that we announce Akebono Taro died of coronary heart failure earlier this month whereas receiving care at a hospital within the Tokyo space,” the household mentioned in an announcement obtained from the workplace of Hawaii Gov. Josh Inexperienced.
Akebono grew up on the agricultural aspect of the Koolau mountains from Honolulu and was born Chad Rowan.
He moved to Tokyo within the late Nineteen Eighties and gained his first grand championship in 1993.
On the prime of his profession he was an actual large, reported on the time to weigh 500 kilos and stand 6-feet-8.
Reuters Photographer / REUTERS
America ambassador to Japan, Rahm Emanuel, posted his condolences on social media.
“I used to be deeply saddened to be taught of the passing of Akebono, an enormous on this planet of sumo, a proud Hawaiian and a bridge between the USA and Japan,” Emanuel posted.
“When Akebono turned the first-ever foreign-born grand champion, sumo’s highest rank, in 1993, he opened the door for different international wrestlers to seek out success within the sport. 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.”
Akebono was an 11-time grand event winner. He retired in 2001.
The household’s assertion mentioned family and friends will maintain a “non-public celebration of his life.” He’s survived by his spouse, daughter and two sons.
