The large Hawaiian-born wrestler helped elevate the worldwide profile of Japanese sumo within the Nineties.
Akebono, an American-born sumo wrestler who grew to become the primary non-Japanese grand champion or “Yokozuna”, died of coronary heart failure this month in Tokyo, the sumo affiliation stated on Thursday. He was 54.
The winner of 11 championships – the tenth most in trendy sumo historical past – Akebono was bodily imposing at 203cm (6 toes 8 inches) and 233kg (514 kilos). His preventing type relied on his immense measurement to thrust his foes out of the ring.
Born Chad George Ha’aheo Rowan in Hawaii, Akebono was a school basketball participant who was recruited by the top of a Japanese sumo secure, who was additionally Hawaiian.
He entered the sumo world in 1988 and rose to its highest rank of Yokozuna in January 1993, changing into trendy sumo’s sixty fourth Yokozuna. He later grew to become a Japanese citizen, taking the identify Taro Akebono.
As a foreigner, Akebono adopted within the footsteps of the even greater Konishiki, additionally from Hawaii, and alongside fellow Yokozuna Musashimaru, initially from American Samoa.
“All through his 35 years in Japan, Akebono strengthened the cultural ties between the USA and his adopted homeland by uniting us all via sport,” US Ambassador Rahm Emanuel Emanuel posted on X.
Akebono additionally usually appeared as a star on Japanese TV exhibits, and after retiring from sumo in 2001 fought in numerous blended martial arts {and professional} wrestling occasions.
“RIP to the Mighty Akebono,” posted Samoa Joe, the present world champion of AEW professional wrestling. “The epitome of a Yokozuna, each a warrior and a gentleman. A hui hou.”
Akebono is survived by his spouse, daughter and two sons.