Taro Akebono, the first foreign-born sumo wrestler to achieve the title of grand champion in Japan, passed away in Tokyo at the age of 54 due to heart failure. Akebono, born Chad George Ha’aheo Rowan in Hawaii, moved to Japan in 1988 and became a naturalized Japanese citizen in 1996. Despite initial doubts about foreign wrestlers being deemed worthy of the title of grand champion, Akebono’s dedication to the sport and his success in the ring gained him acceptance and popularity among fans and fellow sumo wrestlers.
Standing at 6-foot-8 and 466 pounds, Akebono was known for using his height and reach to his advantage in the ring, pushing opponents out with his arms. His rivalry with Japanese grand champions Takanohana and Wakanohana helped drive a resurgence in sumo’s popularity in the 1990s. Akebono went on to win a total of 11 grand championships during his career, achieving the sport’s highest honor and solidifying his place in sumo history.
After retiring from sumo in 2001 due to chronic knee problems, Akebono continued to be involved in the world of combat sports. He trained younger wrestlers and competed in kickboxing, professional wrestling, and mixed martial arts. Despite his success and fame in the ring, Akebono remained humble and dedicated to the sport that had brought him so much recognition and admiration.
Akebono is survived by his wife Christine Rowan, daughter Caitlyn, and sons Cody and Connor. His legacy as a trailblazing foreign sumo wrestler and grand champion will continue to be remembered by fans of the sport. Akebono’s impact on sumo’s popularity and acceptance of foreign wrestlers in Japan has left a lasting impression on the world of sumo and combat sports.
In interviews, Akebono often emphasized that he saw himself as a sumo wrestler first and foremost, regardless of his nationality. Despite initial reservations about foreign wrestlers achieving grand champion status, Akebono’s talent, dedication, and respect for the sport ultimately won over fans and critics alike. As the first foreign-born yokozuna in Japan’s modern sumo history, Akebono paved the way for future generations of non-Japanese sumo wrestlers to compete at the highest levels of the sport.
