Foreign-born sumo star ‘opened the door’ in Japan
TARO AKEBONO 1969-2024
Akebono, an American-born sumo fighter who became the first non-Japanese grand champion or yokozuna, died of heart failure in Tokyo, the sumo association said yesterday. He was 54.
The winner of 11 championships – the 10th most in modern sumo history – Akebono was imposing at 2.03 metres and 233kg. His fighting style relied on his immense size to thrust foes out of the ring.
Born Chad George Ha’aheo Rowan in Hawaii, Akebono was a college basketball player who was recruited by the head of a Japanese sumo stable, who was also Hawaiian.
He entered the sumo world in 1988 and rose to its highest rank of yokozuna in January 1993, becoming modern sumo’s 64th yokozuna. He later became a Japanese citizen, taking the name Taro Akebono.
As a foreigner, Akebono followed in the footsteps of the even bigger Konishiki, also from Hawaii, and alongside fellow yokozuna Musashimaru, originally from American Samoa.
“When Akebono became the first-ever foreign-born grand champion, sumo’s highest rank, in 1993, he opened the door for other foreign wrestlers to find success in the sport,” US ambassador Rahm Emanuel posted on X, formerly known as Twitter.
“Throughout his 35 years in Japan, Akebono strengthened the cultural ties between the United States and his adopted homeland by uniting us all through sport.”
Akebono also regularly appeared as a celebrity on Japanese television shows and after retiring from sumo in 2001 fought in various mixed-martial arts and professional wrestling events.
“RIP to the mighty Akebono,” posted Samoa Joe, the world champion of AEW pro wrestling. “The epitome of a yokozuna, both a warrior and a gentleman. A hui
hou [until we meet again].” Akebono is survived by his wife, daughter and two sons.