Tokyo — Hawaii-born Akebono, probably the most greats of sumo wrestling and a former magnificent champion, has died. He was once 54. He was once the primary foreign-born wrestler to achieve the extent of “yokozuna” – or magnificent champion – in Japan.
“It is with sadness that we announce Akebono Taro died of heart failure earlier this month while receiving care at a hospital in the Tokyo area,” the crowd mentioned in a commentary got from the administrative center of Hawaii Gov. Josh Inexperienced.
Akebono grew up at the rural facet of the Koolau mountains from Honolulu and was once born Chad Rowan.
He moved to Tokyo within the past due Nineteen Eighties and gained his first magnificent championship in 1993.
On the high of his profession he was once an actual vast, reported on the date to weigh 500 kilos and arise 6-feet-8.
Reuters Photographer / REUTERS
The USA ambassador to Japan, Rahm Emanuel, posted his sympathies on social media.
“I was deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Akebono, a giant in the world of sumo, a proud Hawaiian and a bridge between the United States and Japan,” Emanuel posted.
“When Akebono became the first-ever foreign-born grand champion, sumo’s highest rank, in 1993, he opened the door for other foreign wrestlers to find success in the sport. Throughout his 35 years in Japan, Akebono strengthened the cultural ties between the United States and his adopted homeland by uniting us all through sport.”
Akebono was once an 11-time magnificent event winner. He retired in 2001.
The crowd’s commentary mentioned buddies and crowd will store a “private celebration of his life.” He’s survived via his spouse, daughter and two sons.
