Akebono dead, Japanese sumo wrestler, mixed martial arts and professional wrestling

Akebono Tarō (曙太郎), born Chad George Haaheo Rowan on May 8, 1969, is a Japanese sumo, mixed martial arts, and professional wrestling wrestler originating in the United States. Tarō is known for his outstanding career in the world of sumo, where he achieved the rank of yokozuna in 1993, becoming the first foreigner to achieve this title. During his sumo career, he acquired Japanese nationality.

In 2001, Tarō retired from sumo to pursue mixed martial arts, where he competed for three years. In 2005, he entered professional wrestling successfully, competing until 2017, when health problems forced him to retire permanently.

Chad Haakeo Rowan was born on May 8, 1969, the son of Randolph and Janice Rowan, the oldest of three children; one of them, named Ola, also dabbled in sumo for a brief period after him.

He attended Henry J. Kaiser High School in Hawaii, where he played basketball, and earned a scholarship to play at Hawaii Pacific University, although he never played in any games.

Despite his initial interest in studying tourism and hospitality, Rowan was drawn to the world of sumo after watching televised fights, which led him to decide to become a rikishi (sumo wrestler). A family friend introduced him to Azumazeki oyakata (previously known as the sekiwake Takamiyama II), who was also a native of Hawaii.