Akebono

2024 - 4 - 11

Sumo World Mourns: Legendary Akebono Taro's Iconic Journey from Hawaii to Japan

Akebono - Japanese Culture - Sumo Wrestling - WrestleMania - Yokozuna

🇺🇸🤼‍♂️ Sumo legend Akebono Taro's passing marks the end of an era in the world of sumo wrestling. His impact on the sport resonates globally. #Akebono #SumoWrestling #LegendaryChampion

Legendary sumo wrestler Akebono Taro, the first foreign-born yokozuna, passed away at 54 in Tokyo. Born in Hawaii as Chad George Ha'aheo Rowan, his move to Tokyo in the 1980s marked the beginning of his historic sumo journey. Winning his first of 11 grand championships in 1993, Akebono became a symbol of success and resilience in the sport.

Akebono's presence in sumo drove a resurgence in the sport's popularity, elevating its international profile in the 1990s. His achievements as a pioneering US-born sumo wrestler have left an indelible mark on the sumo world, showcasing the diverse talent and dedication present in the sport.

Friends and fans remember Akebono Taro as a true sumo legend, with his family confirming his passing due to heart failure at a Tokyo hospital. Akebono's legacy as a trailblazer for foreign sumo wrestlers will forever be remembered, inspiring aspiring athletes worldwide to reach the heights of excellence in sumo wrestling.

In memory of Akebono, the sumo world mourns the loss of a true champion whose impact transcended borders and inspired generations of sumo enthusiasts. Akebono's journey from Hawaii to Japan as a sumo icon will forever be etched in the annals of the sport's history, leaving behind a legacy of strength, determination, and passion for sumo wrestling.

In his prime, Akebono's 11 grand championships solidified his status as one of the most successful sumo wrestlers of his time, paving the way for future generations of sumo athletes to push the boundaries of excellence. His pioneering spirit as the first foreign-born yokozuna set a precedent for diversity and inclusivity in the traditionally Japanese sport, breaking down barriers and welcoming talent from around the world into the sumo arena.

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Image courtesy of "NPR"

The first foreign-born grand champion of sumo, Akebono Taro, dies ... (NPR)

Born Chad George Ha'aheo Rowan in Hawaii, Akebono moved to Tokyo in the 1980s, won his first grand championship in 1993, the first of 11 such titles, ...

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Image courtesy of "The New York Times"

Akebono, Hawaii-Born Sumo Champion in Japan, Dies at 54 (The New York Times)

Born in Hawaii, he moved to Japan in 1988 and won 11 grand championships. His success drove a resurgence in the sport's popularity.

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Image courtesy of "Aljazeera.com"

Akebono, sumo's first foreign-born grand champion, dies aged 54 (Aljazeera.com)

The enormous Hawaiian-born wrestler helped raise the international profile of Japanese sumo in the 1990s.

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Image courtesy of "KHON2"

Sumo legend Akebono, remembered by friends (KHON2)

Akebono Taro, the renowned sumo legend has passed away. His family confirmed he died of heart failure earlier this month at a Tokyo hospital.

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Image courtesy of "KGET 17"

Former Sumo Grand Champion and Hawaii native Akebono Taro ... (KGET 17)

He was the first foreign-born wrestler to reach the level of “yokozuna” — or grand champion — in Japan.

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Image courtesy of "Kyodo News Plus"

Former sumo grand champion Akebono dies at 54 (Kyodo News Plus)

Akebono, who hailed from Hawaii and became the sport's first foreign-born yokozuna in 1993, had been in a Tokyo hospital. The 11-time grand tournament winner ...

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Image courtesy of "CNN"

Pioneering US-born sumo wrestling champion Akebono dies aged 54 (CNN)

Pioneeing US-born former sumo wrestling champion Akebono died aged 54 Thursday, the Japan Sumo Association confirmed.

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Image courtesy of "BBC News"

Taro Akebono: Hawaiian-born Japanese sumo legend dies (BBC News)

Widely considered a trailblazer for foreign sumo wrestlers, he died of heart failure.

Hawaiʻi-born sumo champion, Akebono dies | Maui Now (Maui Now)

Hawai'i-born Chad Rowan, known as Akebono in the world of sumo, has died. He was 54. Akebono became the first person born outside of Japan to achieve the ...

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Image courtesy of "KTSM 9 News"

Former Sumo Grand Champion and Hawaii native Akebono Taro ... (KTSM 9 News)

He was the first foreign-born wrestler to reach the level of “yokozuna” — or grand champion — in Japan.

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Image courtesy of "KXAN.com"

Former Sumo Grand Champion and Hawaii native Akebono Taro ... (KXAN.com)

He was the first foreign-born wrestler to reach the level of “yokozuna” — or grand champion — in Japan.

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Image courtesy of "CNN International"

Pioneering US-born sumo wrestling champion Akebono dies aged 54 (CNN International)

Pioneeing US-born former sumo wrestling champion Akebono died aged 54 Thursday, the Japan Sumo Association confirmed.

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Image courtesy of "PEOPLE.com"

Akebono, Sumo Legend Who Competed in WWE's WrestleMania 21 ... (PEOPLE.com)

Akebono was raised in Hawaii and became the first foreign-born sumo star to reach the level of "yokozuna," or grand champion.

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Image courtesy of "Bleacher Report"

Sumo Wrestling Legend Akebono Dies at Age 54; Competed at ... (Bleacher Report)

Legendary sumo wrestler Akebono died earlier this month at the age of 54, his family told TMZ. Akebono, who performed at WrestleMania 21 in a match against…

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Image courtesy of "Stars and Stripes"

Late sumo legend Akebono had strong ties to US military in Japan (Stars and Stripes)

Sumo legend Taro Akebono, 54, who died Wednesday of heart failure in Tokyo, was a familiar face to many members of the American military community in Japan.

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Image courtesy of "Hawaii Tribune-Herald"

Akebono, first foreign-born sumo grand champion, dies at 54 (Hawaii Tribune-Herald)

He died of heart failure in early April while receiving care at a Tokyo hospital, according to a statement from his family that was distributed by the U.S. ...

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