(FILES) This file photo taken on September 29, 2001 shows Hawaiian-born former sumo grand champion or "yokozuna", Akebono, performing his last ring entrance ceremony before a hair cutting ceremony to mark his official retirement from professional sumo, at the Kokugikan stadium in Tokyo, while a sumo referee (R) holds his son Hiroshi (R). Akebono, the first foreign-born sumo wrestler to become a "yokozuna" or grand champion, died at the age of 54 after struggling with heart failure, officials and media said on April 11, 2024.,Image: 863956720, License: Rights-managed, Restrictions: , Model Release: no
(FILES) This file photo taken on April 28, 1998 shows French President Jacques Chirac (R) shaking hands with Hawaiian-born yokozuna-ranked, or grand champion, sumo wrestler Akebono (L) during a reception party hosted by the French president in Tokyo during his five-day visit. Akebono, the first foreign-born sumo wrestler to become a "yokozuna" or grand champion, died at the age of 54 after struggling with heart failure, officials and media said on April 11, 2024.,Image: 863956721, License: Rights-managed, Restrictions: , Model Release: no
FILE - 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. Hawaii-born Akebono, one of the greats of sumo wresting and a former grand champion, is reported to have died earlier this month of heart failure while receiving care at a hospital in Tokyo, the United States Forces in Japan said in a statement on Thursday, April 11, 2024.,Image: 863961470, License: Rights-managed, Restrictions: This content is intended for editorial use only. For other uses, additional clearances may be required.
MANDATORY CREDIT, FILE PHOTO, Model Release: no
A murit Akebono, celebrul luptător de sumo. Avea doar 53 de ani