Hawaii-born sumo wrestler Akebono Taro has passed away at the age of 54. Akebono was known for being the first foreign-born wrestler to achieve the prestigious title of “yokozuna,” or grand champion, in Japan. He died from heart failure while receiving care at a hospital in the Tokyo area. The news of his passing was confirmed by his family in a statement, with his wife Christine Rowan mentioning that he had died within the past week but declined to provide further details. Akebono, whose real name was Chad George Ha’aheo Rowan, was born and raised in Hawaii before moving to Tokyo in the late 1980s and winning his first grand championship in 1993.
During his career, Akebono was known for his impressive size, weighing around 500 pounds and standing at 6-feet-8. He was a towering figure in the world of sumo wrestling and gained international recognition for his achievements in the sport. The United States ambassador to Japan, Rahm Emanuel, expressed his condolences on social media, praising Akebono for his contributions as a Hawaiian wrestler who bridged the gap between the United States and Japan. Akebono’s success as a foreign wrestler in Japan opened doors for others to follow in his footsteps, strengthening cultural ties between the two countries through the sport of sumo.
Akebono was a highly decorated sumo wrestler, winning a total of 11 grand tournaments throughout his career. He retired from professional sumo in 2001, leaving behind a legacy of success and achievement in the sport. The family’s statement announced that a private celebration of Akebono’s life will be held by friends and family, with his wife, daughter, and two sons surviving him. The family has requested privacy during this time of mourning as they come to terms with the loss of their loved one. Akebono’s impact on the world of sumo wrestling and his cultural significance as a foreign wrestler in Japan will be remembered by fans and colleagues alike, honoring his legacy in the sport.
