On the prime of his profession Akebono was an actual large, reported on the time to weigh 500 kilos and stand 6-feet-8.
TOKYO, Japan — Hawaii-born Akebono Taro, one of many greats of sumo wrestling and a former grand champion, has died. He was 54. He was the primary foreign-born wrestler to achieve the extent of “yokozuna” — or grand champion — in Japan.
“It’s with unhappiness that we announce Akebono Taro died of coronary heart failure earlier this month whereas receiving care at a hospital within the Tokyo space,” the household stated in a press release.
His spouse Christine Rowan, in an electronic mail to The Related Press, stated he died “throughout the previous week” however declined to present particulars.
“I needed to have a tendency to non-public issues that wanted to be carried out previous to publicly asserting my husband’s demise,” she stated.
Akebono grew up on the agricultural aspect of the Koolau mountains from Honolulu and was born Chad George Ha’aheo Rowan.
He moved to Tokyo within the late Eighties and received his first grand championship in 1993.
On the prime of his profession he was an actual large, reported on the time to weigh 500 kilos (225 kilos) and stand 6-feet-8 — or 2.03 meters.
America ambassador to Japan, Rahm Emanuel, sent his condolences on social platform X.
“I used to be deeply saddened to study of the passing of Akebono, a large on the planet of sumo, a proud Hawaiian and a bridge between the US and Japan,” Emanuel posted.
“When Akebono turned the first-ever foreign-born grand champion, sumo’s highest rank, in 1993, he opened the door for different overseas wrestlers to seek out success within the sport. All through his 35 years in Japan, Akebono strengthened the cultural ties between the US and his adopted homeland by uniting us all by way of sport.”
Akebono was an 11-time grand event winner and he retired in 2001.
The household’s assertion stated family and friends will maintain a “personal celebration of his life.” He’s survived by his spouse, Christine, daughter and two sons.
“The household kindly asks for privateness throughout this time of mourning,” the assertion stated.
McAvoy contributed from Honolulu.
