Hawaiian Sumo Grand Champion Akebono Dies Aged 54

Akebono, the first foreign born sumo wrestler to become a grand champion in the sport in Japan, has reportedly tragically died at the age of 54. He won 11 major sumo tournaments.

Akebono was American, being born in Hawaii. The U.S. Ambassador to Japan Rahm Emanuel posted the following remembrance on his X account

Statement by Ambassador Rahm Emanuel on the Passing of Former Sumo Grand Champion Akebono I was deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Akebono, a giant in the world of sumo, a proud Hawaiian and a bridge between the United States and Japan. When Akebono became the first-ever foreign-born grand champion, sumo’s highest rank, in 1993, he opened the door for other foreign wrestlers to find success in the sport. Throughout his 35 years in Japan, Akebono strengthened the cultural ties between the United States and his adopted homeland by uniting us all through sport. I send my sincerest condolences to his family and friends and to sumo fans everywhere.

Twitter

The legendary sumo wrestler’s death comes on the same day that the Japanese Prime Minister is visiting White House. Prime Minister Kishida and Biden were seen at a joint press conference on the White House lawn earlier today.

The leaders decided to strengthen their military alliance in the Pacific due to the rising influence of China in the region. The United States and Japan have had a great relationship since the end of World War Two, especially strengthening in recent years.

It was thanks to people like Akebono, who used themselves as bridges between our cultures, that made this strengthened alliance possible. To lose such a legend at suhc a young age is truly a tragedy.

Akebono is survived by his wife, daughter and two sons. The Guardian reports on his death,

Akebono, who was a familiar face on Japanese TV, entered the sumo world in 1988, becoming the 64th yokozuna at the New Year tournament in Tokyo in January 1993. He became a stable master after retiring as a wrestler in 2001.

One of the heaviest and tallest rikishi, or wrestlers, in the sport’s history, Akebono and his fellow Hawaiian behemoth, the 287kg Konishiki, paved the way for a steady stream of foreign wrestlers, including five yokozuna from Mongolia.

The Guardian