Pioneering US-born former sumo wrestling champion Akebono, whose real name was Chad George Ha’aheo Rowan, passed away at the age of 54 due to heart failure in Japan. Akebono was the first non-Japanese yokozuna, achieving the highest rank in sumo wrestling. He won 11 championships during his successful career, leading the sumo boom and becoming a Japanese citizen in 1996. After retiring from sumo wrestling in 2001, he transitioned to professional wrestling under the K-1 promotion in Japan.
Akebono’s death was announced by his family in a statement released through the US military in Japan, where he had been receiving care at a hospital in the Tokyo area. He is survived by his wife, daughter, and two sons. The Japanese Olympic Committee and US ambassador to Japan, Rahm Emanuel, paid tribute to Akebono for his contributions to the sport and for opening the door for other foreign wrestlers to find success in sumo wrestling. His passing comes at a time when US President Joe Biden is hosting Japan’s Prime Minister Fumio Kishida in Washington.
Former professional sumo wrestler Masaru Hanada, who competed as Wakanohana and became grand champion after Akebono, expressed his deep sadness at the news of his great rival’s passing. Hanada mentioned their shared hardships and joys as rivals, friends, and colleagues in the sport. He recalled a promise they made to meet under a tree in Hawaii with fellow sumo wrestlers when they grew older, expressing regret that he couldn’t fulfill that promise. Hanada bid farewell to Akebono, saying, “I’ll see you under the tree in Hawaii. I’ll see you there.”
Akebono’s legacy as a trailblazer for foreign sumo wrestlers was celebrated by the Japan Sumo Association and the wrestling community. He performed a memorable ring-entering ceremony at the Nagano Winter Olympics in 1998, showcasing the sport to a global audience. Akebono’s influence on the cultural ties between the United States and Japan was highlighted by various figures, emphasizing his impact on promoting understanding and friendship between the two countries. His achievements in sumo wrestling and pro wrestling were recognized as significant contributions to the sport’s history.
The news of Akebono’s passing prompted an outpouring of tributes and condolences from fans, fellow wrestlers, and dignitaries in Japan and around the world. His dedication to the sport, his pioneering spirit as a non-Japanese yokozuna, and his enduring legacy as a sumo wrestling champion were honored in heartfelt messages shared on social media and in official statements. Akebono’s influence on the sport and his impact on the lives of those who knew him were remembered with respect and admiration, underscoring his lasting legacy in the world of sumo wrestling.
