Very sad news out of Japan via the official Twitter accounts of New Japan’s Yuji Nagata and also Nikkan Sports: Akebono Taro, the former Yokozuna Akebono who went on to a successful pro wrestling career after retiring from sumo and becoming a Japanese citizen, has died. He was 54. He had been battling heart disease for the last 7 years.
Originally born Chad Rowan in Hawaii, Akebono became a sumo wrestler in Japan in 1983, reaching the highest rank of Yokozuna (grand champion) in 1990 and competed in sumo until 2003, when he transitioned into kickboxing and later into pro wrestling. In wrestling, he primarily competed in All-Japan Pro Wrestling and is a former Triple Crown Champion. After retiring from sumo, he obtained Japanese citizenship and changed his legal name to Akebono Taro in order to continue living in Japan, first trying his hand at kickboxing in K-1 before transitioning to pro wrestling and become a major attraction and champion for another decade.
We pray for the peace of Akebono’s soul in the other world and send deepest condolences to his family, friends and fans. RIP, GOD BLESS and E Ho’omaha I Ka Maluhia.
