First foreign-born sumo grand champion dies aged 54

TOKYO: Akebono, the first foreign-born sumo wrestler to achieve the title of grand champion, has passed away at the age of 54, as reported by US officials and Japanese media on Thursday. Born Chad Rowan in 1969, Akebono was a prominent figure in the world of sumo wrestling during the 1990s. He reached the esteemed rank of yokozuna in 1993 and later became a Japanese citizen in 1996. Akebono won 11 tournaments before retiring from wrestling in 2001 to focus on training younger fighters. He tragically passed away in early April due to heart failure, according to Kyodo News agency. The United States Ambassador Rahm Emanuel praised Akebono as “a proud Hawaiian and a bridge between the United States and Japan.” Emanuel highlighted Akebono’s groundbreaking achievement as the first foreign-born grand champion, which paved the way for other non-Japanese wrestlers to succeed in the sport. Akebono, standing over two meters tall and weighing more than 230 kilograms, initially faced skepticism due to his height but was eventually accepted into a stable managed by Takamiyama, another Hawaiian wrestler. Akebono’s career was marked by intense rivalry with local sumo favorites Takanohana and Wakanohana. Following his retirement from sumo, Akebono ventured into mixed martial arts and professional wrestling. The US Forces Japan also paid tribute to Akebono, acknowledging his impact as a true champion and a trailblazer in the world of sumo wrestling.