Sumo Legend Akebono Dies At 54
Akebono, the first non-Japanese Yokozuna Grand Champion sumo wrestler in 1993, has passed away at 54 following heart failure.
Akebono, otherwise known as Chad Rowan, was born in Hawaii. He is widely credited with breaking cultural barriers in the sport. He first entered sumo in 1988. In 1993, he became the 64th Yokozuna at the Grand Championships. Rowan won 11 major sumo titles. Akebono then ventured into K-1 and professional wrestling, becoming a runner-up at 13 tournaments despite his injury struggles.
He gained Japanese citizenship in 1996, and retired in 2001, later becoming a stable master. His career was remembered for his intense rivalry with the Japanese brothers Takanohana and Wakanohana, who later became Grand Champions. His career also paved the way for other foreign wrestlers to compete. Akebono leaves behind his wife, two sons, and a daughter. Tributes have poured in, with US Ambassador to Japan Rahm Emanuel feeling ‘deeply saddened.’
Statement by Ambassador Rahm Emanuel on the Passing of Former Sumo Grand Champion Akebono
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.
When Akebono became the… pic.twitter.com/kfuFvA2IUH
— ラーム・エマニュエル駐日米国大使 (@USAmbJapan) April 11, 2024
Reaction
Great athlete and representative of the Japan & US friendship through sports. Very similar now to Shohei Otani playing for the Dodgers.
— Dan Kunio 國 Sparkman (@DanRSparkman) April 11, 2024
His passing proveded that sumo wrestlers are short-lived.
RIP— Chrysanthemum Water 🌼 (@ADAMAS_2) April 11, 2024
Very sad to see this news. Following my time in Japan as a @JETProgram participant in 92-93, I followed Akebono’s ascension. Rest easy Grand Champion.👆❤️💪🏻🇯🇵
— moeydevil (@Jdevilbi) April 11, 2024
I feel sad. I lived in Japan when he was a rising star, and I was so excited when he rose to yokozuna. So thankful I had a chance to see him wrestle.
— William Webb (@williamthewebb) April 11, 2024