Sumo legend Akebono, first U.S.-born yokozuna, dies at 54 in Japan

Sumo legend Akebono, first U.S.-born yokozuna, dies at 54 in Japan

Hawaiian-born Taro Akebono, Japan’s top sumo wrestler, takes part in a ceremony in the ring prior to competition in Vancouver, British Columbia, on June 6, 1998.

TOKYO — Hawaii-born Akebono Taro, one of the greats of sumo wrestling and a former grand champion, has died. He was 54. He was the first foreign-born wrestler to reach the level of “yokozuna” — or grand champion — in Japan.

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