Akebono Taro, a legendary sumo wrestler and the first foreigner to become a grand champion, has died from heart failure at 54.
Fox News reported that Taro, sumo's groundbreaking grand champion, passed away this month while under hospital care in Tokyo.
Known by his birth name, Chad George Ha'aheo Rowan, Akebono was born in Hawaii in 1969. Moving to Japan as a teenager with little knowledge of Japanese, he entered the rigorous world of sumo, training in a traditional stable.
In 1993, Akebono made history by becoming the first foreign-born wrestler to reach the rank of yokozuna, sumo's highest honor. This monumental achievement not only catapulted him to fame in the sumo community but also paved the way for other foreign athletes in the sport.
Akebono's imposing physique, standing 6 feet 8 inches tall and weighing nearly 500 pounds at his peak, was a formidable sight in the sumo ring. Over his career, he amassed 11 grand tournament victories, an impressive record that underscored his dominance in the sport.
Throughout his 35-year residency in Japan, Akebono's influence extended beyond the sumo arena. He served as a cultural bridge between the United States and Japan, enhancing mutual understanding through his sport.
His wife, Christine Rowan, confirmed that Akebono's death occurred "within the past week," marking a somber moment for fans worldwide. The family is planning a private celebration of his life, reflecting the personal nature of their grief.
U.S. Ambassador to Japan Rahm Emanuel expressed deep sorrow upon learning of Akebono's passing, recognizing him as a "giant in the world of sumo, a proud Hawaiian and a bridge between the United States and Japan."
"When Akebono became the first-ever foreign-born grand champion in 1993, he opened the door for other foreign wrestlers to find success in the sport," Emanuel said, highlighting his groundbreaking role.
Further, Emanuel commented on Akebono's broader cultural impact: "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. I send my sincerest condolences to his family and friends and to sumo fans everywhere," he added.
Akebono's move to Japan marked the beginning of a significant chapter in his life. His adaptation and mastery of sumo were as remarkable as his integration into Japanese culture.
Survived by his wife, a daughter, and two sons, Akebono's family reflects the blend of his Hawaiian origins and his deep bonds with Japan. Their presence in Japan during his sumo career and thereafter speaks volumes about the integration of his personal and professional life.
Akebono's death marks the end of an era in sumo wrestling. His achievements in the ring and his role as a cultural ambassador have left indelible marks on both the sport and international relations.
As the sumo community and fans around the world mourn his loss, the legacy of Akebono Taro as a pioneer and a unifier in the world of sports will undoubtedly endure. His contributions to sumo and his role in fostering international camaraderie through sports have made him a cherished figure across continents.
In summary, Akebono Taro's journey from a young Hawaiian to a sumo grand champion and an international cultural icon is a testament to his remarkable life and career. His pioneering status as a foreign-born yokozuna opened new avenues for athletes worldwide, and his personal story of cultural integration enriches his legacy. Akebono's family, friends, and fans will remember him not just for his sumo successes but for the bridges he built between the U.S. and Japan.
