Akebono, the first foreign-born yokozuna and former sumo wrestler passed away at the age of 54 due to heart failure, according to media reports on Thursday.
He had been battling an illness since collapsing in Kitakyushu seven years ago and was receiving treatment near Tokyo. Unfortunately, his condition suddenly worsened, leading to his untimely demise earlier this month, as reported by the Nikkan Sports daily.
A private funeral will be held to honor the sumo legend. Akebono, originally named Chadwick Haheo Rowan and born in Waimanalo, Hawaii, achieved great fame as the 64th yokozuna in 1993.
Throughout his career, he won a remarkable 11 grand tournaments. He made his professional sumo debut in March 1988 and reached the top division in the September tournament two years later.
Standing at an impressive 204 centimeters and weighing 225 kilograms, Akebono was one of the tallest and heaviest wrestlers in history.
Although he had a mixed record initially, he found his stride in 1992 with two grand sumo titles. Following his third title, he was promoted to yokozuna in 1993.
That year proved to be his most dominant period, as he secured three more Emperor’s Cups. Akebono’s final two Emperor’s Cups were won in 2000, after which he retired from the sport in January 2001.
In 2003, he resigned from the Japan Sumo Association and ventured into K-1, a combat sport combining martial arts, kickboxing, and wrestling.
Later, he pursued a career as a professional wrestler with All Japan Pro-Wrestling.
On Thursday, All Japan Pro-Wrestling released a statement acknowledging his achievements and expressing how his fights and personality had captivated numerous fans.
Akebono is survived by his wife, daughter and two sons. A private funeral will be held for the sumo legend.
