Sumo First foreign-born yokozuna Akebono dies at 54

The first foreign yokozuna, Akebono, born Chad Rowan, died this month of heart failure at the age of 54.

Tributes have been paid to Akebono, the first foreign wrestler to reach the pinnacle of the sport of sumo, who has died aged 54. The wrestler, born Chad Rowan in Hawaii, is regarded as a pioneer after breaking down cultural barriers in the centuries-old sport to become the first non-Japanese yokozuna grand champion in 1993. He won 11 major sumo tournaments held six times a year before retiring in 2001 and turning to K-1 and professional wrestling. He was runner-up at 13 other tournaments despite being plagued by injury.

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Akebono, 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. Many sumo fans will remember Akebono for his fierce 1990s rivalry with the famous Japanese brothers and members of the sumo aristocracy, Takanohana and Wakanohana, who went on to become grand champions.

So young to pass away.

I remember him mostly from the late '90s. He and Takanohana were fun to watch. I never followed him after he left sumo, although I was aware that he had been doing K1 and other such endeavors. To be honest, I always thought of it as more of a novelty than anything else. However, I did always think it was clever on his part to capitalize on his notoriety in that way.

Rest in peace, Akebono Taro.

My time in Japan was during his, Konishiki and Musashimaru's heyday. Sad that he's gone so young.

Only one year different than I which is scary and sad to see.