Tributes have been paid in Japan to Akebono, the first foreign wrestler to reach the pinnacle of sumo, who has died aged 54.
The wrestler, born Chad Rowan in Hawaii, is considered a pioneer after breaking cultural barriers in the centuries-old sport to become the first non-Japanese. yokozuna grand champion in 1993.
He won 11 major sumo tournaments, held six times a year, before retiring in 2001 and turning to K-1 and professional wrestling. He was runner-up in 13 other tournaments, despite injury.
Japanese media reported that the wrestler, who took the name Taro Akebono when he became a Japanese citizen in 1996, died this month of heart failure, citing a statement from U.S. forces in Japan.
Rahm Emanuel, the US ambassador to Japan, said he was “deeply saddened” by the news.
He said in a job on and Japan.
“When Akebono became the first ever foreign-born major champion… he opened the door for other foreign wrestlers to succeed in the sport.
“Throughout his 35 years in Japan, Akebono strengthened the cultural ties between the United States and his adopted country by uniting us all through sports. I send my deepest condolences to his family and friends and to sumo fans around the world. »
Akebono, a familiar face on Japanese television, entered the world of sumo in 1988, becoming the 64th yokozuna at the New Year’s tournament in Tokyo in January 1993. He became stable master after retiring from wrestling in 2001.
One of the heaviest and tallest rikishi, or wrestlers, in the history of the sport, Akebono and his fellow Hawaiian giant, the 600-pound Konishiki, paved the way for a steady stream of foreign wrestlers, including five yokozuna from Mongolia.
Many sumo fans will remember Akebono for his fierce rivalry in the 1990s with popular Japanese brothers and members of sumo aristocracy, Takanohana and Wakanohana, both of whom would become great champions.
Akebono is survived by his wife, daughter and two sons.
