TOKYO — Renowned sumo wrestler Taro Akebono, a legendary figure who revolutionized the sport and became its first foreign grand champion, has sadly passed away at the age of 54 due to heart failure.
Akebono, born Chad Rowan in Hawaii in 1969, breathed his last in a Tokyo hospital earlier this month, as confirmed by his family in an official statement. Standing at an impressive 2.03 meters (6 feet 8 inches) tall and weighing 210 kilograms (462 pounds), Akebono was not only physically imposing but also renowned for his distinctive fighting style, often characterized by his ability to forcefully thrust opponents out of the sumo ring.
His impact on sumo wrestling was immense, marking a resurgence in the sport's popularity on both sides of the Pacific. Akebono's ascension to becoming Japan's 64th yokozuna, or grand champion, within six years of arriving in Japan in 1988 was a groundbreaking achievement, as non-Japanese athletes were traditionally excluded from this prestigious honor by the sumo council.
Beyond breaking barriers, Akebono's dedication to sumo endeared him to fans worldwide, propelling his popularity and earning him immense respect among Japanese fans and peers. His fierce rivalry with Japanese sumo wrestlers Takanohana Koji and Masaru Hanada is widely credited with revitalizing interest in the sport during a period of struggle.
A naturalized Japanese citizen since 1996, Akebono's retirement from sumo wrestling in 2001 marked the end of an illustrious career that included 11 championship titles. His departure ceremony, attended by over 11,000 spectators, symbolically saw his topknot cut off by 320 friends and former competitors.
Tributes poured in from the sumo community and beyond, with fellow wrestlers, sports figures, and diplomats honoring Akebono's strength, humility, and contribution to cultural exchange between the United States and Japan. His legacy as a trailblazer in sumo wrestling and a symbol of unity between nations will endure, leaving behind a profound impact on the world of sports.
Akebono is survived by his wife Christine Rowan, their daughter, and two sons, leaving behind a legacy that will be remembered for generations to come.
