Akebono Taro, a renowned sumo wrestler from Hawaii and a former grand champion, has passed away at the age of 54. He was the first non-Japanese wrestler to achieve the prestigious title of “yokozuna” or grand champion in Japan.
In a statement, his family announced that Akebono Taro had died of heart failure earlier in the month while receiving medical care at a hospital in the Tokyo area. His wife, Christine Rowan, confirmed his passing but preferred not to disclose further details at this time.
Originally known as Chad George Ha’aheo Rowan, Akebono grew up in the rural areas near Honolulu and later moved to Tokyo in the late 1980s. He achieved his first grand championship victory in 1993.
During his career peak, Akebono was renowned for his immense stature, reportedly weighing 500 pounds (225 kilos) and standing 6 feet-8 (2.03 meters) tall.
The United States ambassador to Japan, Rahm Emanuel, expressed his condolences on social media, highlighting Akebono’s significant role in bridging cultural ties between the United States and Japan through sumo wrestling.
Akebono’s legacy includes winning 11 grand tournaments before retiring from sumo wrestling in 2001. He is survived by his wife, Christine, daughter, and two sons.
The family has requested privacy during this period of mourning and will hold a private celebration of Akebono’s life.
