The trailblazing former sumo wrestling champion from the United States, Akebono, has passed away, his family confirmed in a statement on Thursday.
“Akebono Taro died of heart failure earlier this month in a Tokyo area hospital,” his family disclosed through a statement distributed by the US military in Japan.
Born Chad George Ha’aheo Rowan in Hawaii, he achieved historical significance in the sumo world by becoming the first non-Japanese to attain the rank of yokozuna—the highest possible rank in the sport.
“As the 64th yokozuna, he led the sumo surge and notched up numerous achievements, including 11 championship wins.” Akebono took the title of yokozuna in 1993 and adopted Japanese citizenship in 1996.
His sumo career ended in 2001, after which he transitioned to pro wrestling, making his debut with Japan’s K-1 in 2003. The Japan Sumo Association noted that he was hospitalized following a wrestling match in 2017 and had been battling health issues since then.
Survived by his wife, daughter, and two sons, Akebono’s influence extended beyond the ring. At the 1998 Nagano Winter Olympics, he showcased a prestigious ring-entering ceremony, remembered by the Japanese Olympic Committee as a dignified cultural display.
His death coincides with a week where US President Joe Biden is hosting Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida in Washington. Reflecting on Akebono’s passing, his former rival and fellow grand champion Masaru Hanada (known as Wakanohana) expressed deep sorrow.
