Akebono Taro, a Hawaiian native and a legendary figure in the world of sumo wrestling, has passed away at the age of 54. Akebono holds the distinction of being the first non-Japanese wrestler to ever achieve the prestigious title of “yokozuna,” or grand champion, in Japan.
A statement released by the family reveals the unfortunate news of Akebono Taro’s passing earlier this month. He succumbed to heart failure while under the care of a hospital in the Tokyo area.
In an email to The Associated Press, his wife Christine Rowan confirmed that he passed away in the past week. However, she chose not to disclose any further details.
“I had to take care of some personal matters that needed to be attended to before making a public announcement about my husband’s death,” she explained.
Chad George Ha’aheo Rowan, known as Akebono, was born and raised on the rural side of the Koolau mountains near Honolulu.
In the late 1980s, he made the decision to relocate to Tokyo. It was during this time that he achieved a significant milestone in his career by winning his first grand championship in 1993.
During the peak of his career, he was an absolute powerhouse, weighing a reported 500 pounds and towering at an impressive height of 6-feet-8.
The condolences sent by Rahm Emanuel, the United States ambassador to Japan, were expressed on social platform X.
“I am profoundly saddened by the news of Akebono’s passing. He was a true legend in the world of sumo, a proud Hawaiian, and a symbol of the strong bond between the United States and Japan,” expressed Emanuel.
“When Akebono achieved the remarkable feat of becoming the first-ever foreign-born grand champion in 1993, he paved the way for other foreign wrestlers to excel in the world of sumo. Over his 35-year stay in Japan, Akebono not only left an indelible mark as a sumo legend but also fostered stronger cultural bonds between the United States and his adopted homeland by bringing us together through the power of sport.”
Akebono, who retired in 2001, achieved an impressive feat of winning the grand tournament a total of 11 times.
The family has announced that a private celebration of his life will be held by friends and family. He is survived by his wife, Christine, daughter, and two sons.
“The family is requesting privacy during this time of mourning,” the statement mentioned.