Sumo Wrestling Legend Akebono Is Dead

Legendary sumo wrestler Akebono Taro, who won 11 grand tournaments in his career, died of heart failure at the age of 54. Akebono, born in Hawaii, was the first non-Japanese grand champion or “yokozuna” when he entered the sumo world in 1988.

He rose to the highest rank of yokozuna in January 1993, becoming modern sumo’s 64th. He then became a Japanese citizen under the name Taro Akebono.

As a foreigner, Akebono followed in the footsteps of the even greater Konishiki, who was also from Hawaii, as well as fellow yokozuna Musashimaru, who was born in American Samoa.

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After becoming the first foreign-born grand champion, sumo’s highest rank, he paved the way for future foreign wrestlers to succeed in the sport.

Akebono has featured as a star on Japanese television shows and, after retiring from sumo in 2001, competed in mixed martial arts and professional wrestling bouts.

Akebono took on The Big Show at WrestleMania 21 in Los Angeles in 2005. Rahm Emanuel, the US ambassador to Japan, paid tribute to Akebono, calling him a “giant in the world of sumo.”

Akebono is survived by his wife, daughter, and two sons. The sumo legend’s funeral will be held in privacy.

A Gentle Reminder: Every obstacle is a stepping stone, every morning; a chance to go again, and those little steps take you closer to your dream.

Nnamdi Okoli