View source for Akebono Tarō

{{Short description|American-born Japanese professional sumo wrestler and professional wrestler (1969–2024)}}
{{Family name hatnote|Akebono|lang=Japanese}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=April 2024}}
{{Infobox sumo wrestler
| name        = Akebono Tarō
| native_name = {{nobold|曙太郎}}
| image       = YokozunaAkebonoPuttingOnRopeBelt.jpg
| caption     = Akebono in 2001
| birth_name  = Chadwick Haʻaheo Rowan
| birth_date  = {{birth date|1969|5|8|df=y}}
| birth_place = [[Waimānalo|Waimānalo, Hawaii]], U.S.
| death_date  = {{death date and age|2024|4|6|1969|5|8|df=y}}
| death_place = [[Tokyo]], Japan
| height      = 203 cm<ref name="Cagematch">{{cite web |title=Cagematch Bio |url=http://www.cagematch.net/?id=2&nr=2529/  |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151208214423/http://www.cagematch.net/?id=2&nr=2529/ |archive-date=8 December 2015 |url-status=dead |publisher=Cagematch |access-date=3 November 2008}}</ref>
| weight      = {{convert|233|kg|lb st|abbr=on}}
| heya        = [[Azumazeki stable|Azumazeki]]
| rank        =
| record      = 654–232–181
| debut       = March 1988
| highestrank = Yokozuna (January 1993)<ref>{{cite news |title=This Day in Sports: Sumo Goes (Kind of) Global|url=https://www.espn.com/blog/sportscenter/post/_/id/26571/this-day-in-sports-sumo-goes-kind-of-global |publisher=ESPN |date=27 January 2010 |access-date=7 July 2011}}</ref>
| yushos      = 11 (Makuuchi)
| retireddate = January 2001
| eldername   = Akebono
| prizes      = Outstanding Performance (4)<br/>Fighting Spirit (2)
| goldstars   = 4<br/>[[Asahifuji]] (2)<br/>[[Ōnokuni]]<br/>[[Hokutoumi]]
| update      = June 2020
| native_name_lang=ja
}}

{{Nihongo|'''Akebono Tarō'''|曙 太郎|Akebono Tarō|born '''Chadwick Haheo Rowan'''; 8 May 1969 – 6 April 2024<ref>{{cite magazine |title=元横綱曙の亡くなられた日付について (''Moto-yokozuna Akebono no naku narareta hizuke ni tsuite'') |language=Japanese |magazine=相撲 (Sumō) |publisher=BBM Sports |publication-date=4 July 2024 |volume=73 |issue=10 |page=62}}</ref>|lead=yes}} was an American-born Japanese professional [[sumo]] wrestler and [[professional wrestler]] from [[Waimānalo, Hawaii]]. Joining sumo in Japan in 1988, he was trained by the pioneering Hawaiian wrestler [[Takamiyama]] and rose swiftly up the rankings, reaching the top division in 1990. After two consecutive ''[[yusho]]'' or tournament championships in November 1992 and January 1993 he made history by becoming the first non-Japanese-born wrestler ever to reach ''[[Yokozuna (sumo)|yokozuna]]'', the highest rank in sumo.

One of the tallest and [[List of the heaviest sumo wrestlers|heaviest wrestlers ever]], Akebono's rivalry with the young Japanese hopefuls [[Takanohana Kōji|Takanohana]] and [[Wakanohana Masaru|Wakanohana]] was a big factor in the increased popularity of sumo at tournament venues and on TV in the early 1990s.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Lewis |first=Ferd |date=2 July 2006 |title=Akebono |url=http://the.honoluluadvertiser.com/150/sesq5akebono |newspaper=[[Honolulu Advertiser]] |access-date=25 May 2007}}</ref> During his eight years at the ''yokozuna'' rank, Akebono won a further eight tournament championships, for a career total of eleven, and was a runner-up on thirteen other occasions, despite suffering several serious injuries. Although his rival ''yokozuna'' Takanohana won more tournaments in this period, their individual head-to-heads remained very close.

Akebono became a [[Japanese citizen]] in 1996, and after retiring in 2001 he worked as a coach at [[Azumazeki stable]] before leaving the [[Sumo Association]] in 2003. After an unsuccessful period as a [[K-1]] fighter, he became a [[Professional wrestling|professional wrestler]]. In [[All Japan Pro Wrestling]] (AJPW) he was a two-time [[Triple Crown Heavyweight Championship|Triple Crown Heavyweight Champion]], two-time [[World Tag Team Championship (AJPW)|World Tag Team Champion]], and two-time [[All Asia Tag Team Championship|All Asia Tag Team Champion]]. He also won the 2015 [[Champion Carnival]]. He retired from professional wrestling in 2017 because of health problems.

==Early life==
Chad Rowan was born on 8 May 1969, to Randolph and Janice Rowan,<ref name="greatath">{{cite book|last1=Ardolino|first1=Frank|editor1-first=Dawn P|editor1-last=Dawson|title=Great Athletes|edition=Revised|volume=1|year=2002|orig-year=1992|publisher=Salem Press|isbn=978-1-58765-008-6|pages=[https://archive.org/details/greatathletes0000unse/page/23 23–25]|url=https://archive.org/details/greatathletes0000unse/page/23}}</ref> and was of [[Native Hawaiians|Hawaiian]] descent. He grew up with two younger brothers, one of whom, Ola, also became a [[sumo]] wrestler for a brief period after Chad.<ref name="greatath" /> He attended [[Henry J. Kaiser High School (Hawaii)|Kaiser High School]], where he played [[basketball]] and became an all-star [[Center (basketball)|center]].<ref name="greatath" /> He went to [[Hawaii Pacific University]] on a basketball scholarship, but sat out his freshman season.<ref name="greatath" />

== Sumo career ==

=== Early career ===
Rowan was planning to study for a career in hotel management,<ref name="Sharnoff">{{cite book |author=Sharnoff, Lora |title=Grand Sumo|publisher=Weatherhill |year=1993 |isbn=978-0-8348-0283-4}}</ref> but he had always been interested in sumo from watching television broadcasts. A family friend introduced him to Azumazeki Oyakata, the former [[Takamiyama Daigoro|Takamiyama]], who also originally hailed from Hawaii.<ref name="Sharnoff" /> Azumazeki overcame his initial concerns that Rowan might be too tall and his legs too long for sumo and agreed to let him join his [[Azumazeki stable]], founded in 1986. Rowan flew to Japan in early 1988. Adopting the ''[[shikona]]'' of Akebono, meaning "new dawn" in [[Japanese language|Japanese]],<ref>{{cite book | last=Hall | first=Mina | title=The Big Book of Sumo | publisher=Stone Bridge Press | year=1997 | location=Berkeley, CA, US | isbn=978-1-880656-28-0 | page=[https://archive.org/details/bigbookofsumohis00hall/page/89 89] | url-access=registration | url=https://archive.org/details/bigbookofsumohis00hall/page/89 }}</ref> he made his professional debut in March 1988.<ref name="Akebono">{{cite web|title=Akebono |publisher=[[Japan Sumo Association]] |url=http://sumo.goo.ne.jp/eng/ozumo_meikan/rikishi_joho/rikishi.php?A=35 |access-date=2 June 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070603045116/http://sumo.goo.ne.jp/eng/ozumo_meikan/rikishi_joho/rikishi.php?A=35 |archive-date=3 June 2007 |url-status=dead }}</ref> This entry cohort was one of the most successful ever, producing two other ''yokozuna'', [[Takanohana Kōji|Takanohana]] and [[Wakanohana Masaru|Wakanohana]] (sons of the popular champion from the 1970s, [[Takanohana Kenshi]]), as well as a great ''[[Makuuchi#Ōzeki|ōzeki]]'', [[Kaio Hiroyuki|Kaiō]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Kaio |publisher=[[Japan Sumo Association]] |url=http://sumo.goo.ne.jp/eng/ozumo_meikan/rikishi_joho/rikishi_6.html |access-date=2 June 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070529062615/http://sumo.goo.ne.jp/eng/ozumo_meikan/rikishi_joho/rikishi_6.html |archive-date=29 May 2007 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
[[File:Akebono original tegata.jpg|thumb|right|Original ''[[tegata]]'' (handprint and signature) of sumo wrestler ''yokozuna'' Akebono]]
Akebono rose rapidly through the ranks, equaling the record for the most consecutive ''[[kachi-koshi]]'' (majority of wins in a sumo tournament) from debut, reaching ''[[sekiwake]]'' before suffering his first ''[[make-koshi]]'' or losing record. He was promoted to ''[[jūryō]]'' in March 1990, the first ''[[sekitori]]'' from his stable, and to ''[[makuuchi]]'' in September of the same year.<ref name="sumogames" /> He made his top division debut in the same tournament as Wakanohana, as well as [[Takatōriki]] and [[Daishōyama Naoki|Daishōyama]]. In the November 1990 tournament he was awarded his first [[Sansho (sumo)|special prize]], for Fighting Spirit, and in January 1991 he earned his first [[kinboshi|gold star]] for defeating ''yokozuna'' [[Asahifuji]]. In March 1991 he defeated ''ōzeki'' [[Konishiki]] in the first ever match between two non-Japanese wrestlers in the top division.<ref name="Sharnoff" />

=== Promotion ===
In 1992, after a year of 8–7 or 7–8 records near the top of the ''makuuchi'' division, Akebono suddenly came alive with a 13–2 record in January of that year, narrowly losing the top division championship to Takanohana.<ref name="szumo">{{cite web|title=Rikishi in Makunouchi and Juryo|publisher=szumo.hu|url=http://www.szumo.hu/sekitori/Akebono.html|access-date=2 June 2007}}</ref> A second 13–2 record two tournaments later, in May, saw him win the top division championship for the first time, and with it promotion to ''ōzeki''.<ref name="szumo" /> After an injury during the summer, he went on to win consecutive championships in November 1992 and January 1993 to win promotion to ''yokozuna''.<ref name="szumo" />

At the time of his promotion, the rank of ''yokozuna'' had been vacant for eight months (an exceedingly rare occurrence) and his promotion, despite the fact that he was the first foreign ''yokozuna'', was welcomed by many. He had met the stipulation of winning two consecutive tournaments that had been mentioned by the [[Yokozuna Deliberation Council]] when turning down Konishiki the previous year, and was also seen as having conducted himself with the dignity and humility necessary for such an exalted rank.<ref name="nytimes">{{cite news|author=Pollack, Andrew|title=Sumo Bows and Opens Sacred Door to U.S. Star|newspaper=The New York Times|url=https://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9F0CEEDE1338F935A15752C0A965958260&sec=&spon=&pagewanted=all|date=26 January 1993|access-date=17 April 2008}}</ref> One commentator remarked, "He makes me forget he is a foreigner because of his earnest attitude toward sumo."<ref name="nytimes" />

=== ''Yokozuna'' era ===
Akebono was a long-standing and strong ''yokozuna'', lasting nearly eight years in the rank and winning the top division championship on a further eight occasions. His career highlights include the rare achievement of winning the top division championship in three consecutive tournaments, in 1993. In July 1993 he beat Takanohana and Wakanohana in consecutive matches to win the ''[[honbasho]]'' when all three ended up tied at the end of the 15-day tournament,<ref name="greatath" /> and in May 1997 he defeated Takanohana twice on the final day, once in their regular match and once in a playoff, to win his first title in over two years. The competition between Akebono and Takanohana, who reached ''yokozuna'' himself in 1995, was said to be one of the great defining rivalries of postwar sumo.<ref>{{cite news |title=THE INSIDE GRIP: Association cheering as much as fans |newspaper=[[Yomiuri Shimbun]] |date=30 May 2007 |id={{ProQuest|285862519}}}}</ref> The two finished their careers with a 25–25 tie in bouts against one another.<ref>{{cite web |last=Lewin |first=Brian |title=What will become of the dynasty? |work=Sumo Fan Magazine |url=http://www.sumofanmag.com/content/Issue_2/Hanada4.htm |date=August 2005 |access-date=5 June 2008}}</ref> At the opening ceremony of the [[1998 Winter Olympics]] in [[Nagano, Nagano|Nagano]], a professional sumo wrestler was chosen to represent each of the competing countries and lead them into the stadium. After Takanohana fell ill, Akebono was given the honor of representing Japan in the opening ceremony.<ref>{{cite news|title=Winter Olympics: Akebono to lead sumo's debut on Olympic stage |work=The London Independent|url=http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qn4158/is_19980129/ai_n9651719 |date=29 January 1998 |access-date=2 June 2007 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20071228212101/http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qn4158/is_19980129/ai_n9651719 |archive-date=28 December 2007 |url-status=live  }}</ref> Akebono also led other sumo wrestlers in a ring cleansing ceremony at the Opening Ceremony (also meant to cleanse the stadium itself).

Akebono suffered frequent injuries during his career.<ref name="BBC News 2001">{{cite news|title=Sumo great Akebono retires|work=BBC News|url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/other_sports/1130668.stm|date=22 January 2001|access-date=2 June 2007}}</ref> His first serious knee injury came in May 1994 when, after winning his first ten matches of the tournament, he lost a bout to [[Takatōriki]] and fell awkwardly. He flew to [[Los Angeles]] and underwent career-saving surgery.<ref name="Panek">{{Cite book |author=Panek, Mark |title=Gaijin Yokozuna |publisher=University of Hawaii Press |year=2006 |isbn=978-0-8248-3043-4 |url-access=registration |url=https://archive.org/details/gaijinyokozuna00mark }}</ref> From November 1998 to March 1999 he missed three successive tournaments due to a [[herniated disc]] in his lower back and faced calls for his retirement.<ref name="Panek" /> After receiving the personal backing of the Chairman of the [[Japan Sumo Association]],<ref name="Panek" /> he scored a respectable 11–4 record in his comeback tournament in May 1999. In 2000 he enjoyed his first completely injury-free year since 1993 and won two tournaments, finishing as runner-up in three others. He won 76 bouts out of a possible 90, the best record of any wrestler that year.

=== Fighting style ===
Akebono was one of the tallest sumo wrestlers ever, at {{convert|203|cm|ftin|abbr=on}} tall, and also one of [[List of the heaviest sumo wrestlers|the heaviest]] with a peak weight of {{convert|233|kg|lb|abbr=on}} in March 1999.<ref name="sumogames" /> He was also one of the most aggressive and ferocious sumo wrestlers. Despite having long legs, considered a disadvantage in sumo as it tends to make one top heavy and susceptible to throws, he covered for this by training exceptionally hard, and using his long reach to thrust his opponents out of the ''[[dohyo|dohyō]]'' (ring).<ref name="Panek" /> In his prime, he had incredible thrusting strength and on many occasions would blast lesser wrestlers out of the ring in one or two strokes using ''[[tsuppari]]'' techniques.<ref name="Panek" /> His most common winning ''[[kimarite]]'' was ''oshi-dashi'', a simple push out, and he also regularly won by ''tsuki-dashi'', the thrust out. In later years he also used his reach to more often grab his opponent's ''[[mawashi]]'', or belt, and then use his weight and power to force the opponent from the ring by ''yori-kiri''. He liked a ''migi-yotsu'', or left hand outside, right hand inside grip, and was fond of using his left hand to employ ''uwatenage'', or overarm throw.<ref>{{cite journal |url=https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5adc90b81aef1df0df5e6cba/t/5b3a7b1a03ce640b06a8668a/1530559258875/Newsletter+V1.03+15+Jun.pdf |title=American Sumo |page=7 |journal=United States Sumo Federation |access-date=2024-04-13 |year=2015}}</ref>

=== Retirement ===
After winning his eleventh top division title in November 2000,<ref>{{cite news|title=Akebono claims 11th title|work=BBC News|url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/other_sports/1030992.stm|date=19 November 2000|access-date=2 June 2007}}</ref> Akebono suffered another injury and, after sitting out the tournament in January 2001, he decided to retire rather than face a daunting struggle back to fighting fitness.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2001/01/23/sports/injuries-force-akebono-out-of-the-sumo-ring.html|title=Injuries Force Akebono Out of the Sumo Ring|date=23 January 2001|newspaper=The New York Times|access-date=1 August 2017}}</ref> Upon retirement, his topknot was ceremonially cut off in the ring by 320 of his friends and previous opponents in front of 11,000 people.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-68787193 |title=Taro Akebono: Hawaiian-born Japanese sumo legend dies |publisher=BBC News |access-date=2024-04-13 |date=2024-04-12}}</ref> After his retirement, he became a member (or elder) of the [[Japan Sumo Association]] as a coach, or ''oyakata'', and worked with his former mentor in the [[Azumazeki stable]].<ref name="BBC News 2001" /> He helped train the [[Mongolia]]n wrestler [[Asashōryū Akinori|Asashōryū]] who also became a ''yokozuna'', and Akebono instructed him on how to perform the ''[[dohyo-iri|dohyō-iri]]'', or ''yokozuna'' ring-entering ceremony.<ref name="Panek" />

While an ''oyakata'', Akebono also appeared in TV commercials and opened a restaurant called ZUNA.<ref>{{cite web|title=New TV Commercial for BOSS On-Air|publisher=[[Suntory]]|url=http://www.suntory.com/about/news/2003-08.html|date=26 August 2003|access-date=2 June 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070525222925/http://www.suntory.com/about/news/2003-08.html|archive-date=25 May 2007 |url-status= live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Akebono lives life to the full|newspaper=[[Japan Times]]|url=http://www.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/fg20030523a1.html|date=23 May 2003|access-date=2 June 2007}}{{Dead link|date=July 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref>

In June 2013 he returned to Azumazeki stable for the first time since leaving the Sumo Association to oversee some training sessions as an assistant instructor.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sumoforum.net/forums/topic/30800-akebono-back-in-the-heya|title=Akebono back in the heya – Ozumo Discussions – Sumo Forum|last=Akinomaki|date=9 June 2013|publisher=Sumo Forum|access-date=16 February 2017}}</ref>

== Kickboxing and mixed martial arts career ==
{{Infobox martial artist
| name            = Akebono
| image           =
| image_size      =
| alt             =
| caption         =
| birth_name      = Chadwick Haheo Rowan
| birth_date      = {{birth date|df=yes|1969|05|08}}
| birth_place     = [[Waimānalo, Hawaii]], U.S.
| death_date      = {{death date and age|2024|4||1969|5|8|df=y}}
| death_place     = [[Tokyo]], Japan
| death_cause     =
| other_names     = Akebono
| residence       =
| nationality     = Japanese
| height          =
| height_ft       = 6
| height_in       = 8
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| weight_lb       = 514
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| weight_footnote =
| weight_class    = [[Super heavyweight]]
| reach           =
| reach_in        =
| reach_footnote  =
| style           = [[Sumo]], [[Kickboxing]]
| stance          = Orthodox
| fighting_out_of = [[Tokyo]], [[Japan]]
| team            = Team Yokozuna
| trainer         =
| rank            = ''Yokozuna'' in [[sumo]]
| wrestling       =
| years_active    = 3 (2003–2006)
| box_win         =
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| mma_win         = 0
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| mma_loss        = 4
| mma_koloss      =
| mma_subloss     = 3
| mma_decloss     = 1
| mma_dqloss      =
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| mma_draw        = 0
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| website         = <!-- [http://www.example.com example.com] -->
| boxrec          =
| sherdog         = 11899
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}}
Akebono left the Sumo Association in November 2003 to join [[K-1]].<ref>{{cite magazine|title=Making a big move|magazine=[[Time (magazine)|Time]]|url=http://www.time.com/time/arts/article/0,8599,544736,00.html|date=18 November 2003|access-date=2 June 2007|first=Jim|last=Frederick|archive-date=5 February 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080205042327/http://www.time.com/time/arts/article/0,8599,544736,00.html|url-status=dead}}</ref> The decision was influenced by financial problems due to the failure of his restaurant, among other financial difficulties. His ''[[koenkai]]'', or supporters network, had dissolved after his marriage in 1998, depriving him of a valuable source of income.<ref name="Panek" /> In addition, he earned far less as an ''oyakata'' than he had as a ''yokozuna''.<ref name="Panek" /> K-1 offered him a chance to clear his debts by fighting for them.<ref>{{cite web|title=Akebono dumps sumo to roll in K1 pay dirt |publisher=[[Mainichi Daily News]] |url=http://mdn.mainichi-msn.co.jp/waiwai/archive/news/2003/11/20031111p2g00m0dm999000c.html |date=11 November 2003 |access-date=2 June 2007 }}{{dead link|date=June 2017 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref>

=== K-1 ===
==== 2003–2004 ====
At the time of his debut, Akebono was involved in a highly publicized matchup at K-1 Premium 2003 against popular superheavyweight fighter [[Bob Sapp]]. The combined popularity of Sapp and Akebono attracted a crowd of 45,000 to the Nagoya Dome and granted the event a 43% viewership, making it the first time a combat sports event outdrew the [[NHK]] [[music festival]] ''[[Kōhaku Uta Gassen]]'', Japan's traditionally biggest New Year show.<ref name="Chung">Jayson Makoto Chung, ''A Nation of a Hundred Million Idiots?: A Social History of Japanese Television'', Routledge, 2006</ref> The classical matchup of an American foreigner like Sapp against a Japanese national like Taro, a cultural contraposition, also gained comparisons with [[Puroresu|Japanese professional wrestling]] legend [[Rikidōzan]] in his bouts against [[The Sharpe Brothers]].<ref name="Chung" /> The match was short and intense. Outweighing Sapp by over 150 pounds, Akebono pushed him toward the ring corners with energetic, fast punches, but his stamina fell minutes into the round. The more experienced Sapp then attacked him with [[low kick]]s and punching combinations to the head and body, knocking the ''yokozuna'' down twice before finishing him by KO at 2:58.<ref name="Jet">"Former NFL Player Bob Sapp Trades the Field for the Fighting Ring", ''[[Jet (magazine)|Jet]]'', January 2004</ref><ref>{{cite book|first=Mark|last=Panek|author-link=Mark Panek|title=Gaijin Yokozuna: A Biography of Chad Rowan|publisher=University of Hawaii Press|date=2006|isbn=9780824838041}}</ref>

Some months later, Akebono followed with another high level match, this time against the famed [[Musashi (kickboxer)|Musashi]]. Akebono had improved his conditioning under [[Ray Sefo]] and Fai Falamoe and outweighed Musashi by more than twice his weight, so there was expectation about his performance.<ref name="Musa">{{cite web|title=K-1 – Musashi, Hoost and Sapp Win in Saitama – Musashi vs Akebono|url=http://www.sherdog.com/news/articles/10/K1-Musashi-Hoost-and-Sapp-Win-in-Saitama-1541 |website=Sherdog|access-date=5 January 2019}}</ref> As expected, Akebono started strong, overwhelming Musashi with sumo charges against the ropes through the first round. He shocked the crowd with unsportsmanlike conduct in the second, as he suddenly started unloading illegal [[Hook (punch)|hook]]s and [[rabbit punch]]es on a seated Musashi when the latter slipped and fell. Referee [[Nobuaki Kakuda]] warned Akebono while the fight looked to be stopped in a DQ, but a still dazed Musashi insisted to keep on.<ref name="Musa" /> The fight continued for the remnant time, but although Akebono achieved a significant offense, Musashi ultimately rallied up with punches and several kinds of kicks, controlling the exchanges. After Akebono ended the match with a new foul, a sumo throw, unanimous decision was given to his opponent.<ref name="Musa" />

After another decision loss against Chinese fighter Zhang Qingjun in South Korea, Akebono travelled to United States to fight American legend [[Rick Roufus]] in K-1 Las Vegas. During the fight, Roufus avoided being cornered by Akebono's pushes and counterattacked with ineffective kicks and punches.<ref name="Linda" /> Again, Akebono showed an unsportsmanlike side when he tried repeatedly to throw Roufus out of the ring, leading referee Cecil Peoples to warn him. At one point, Akebono even pushed away Peoples himself.<ref name="Linda">J. Michael Plott, Linda Campbell, "Siliaga Wins at K-1's Battle at the Bellagio III", ''[[Black Belt (magazine)|Black Belt]]'', November 2004</ref> Due to the fouls and to Roufus's incessant attacks, decision was given to the American.<ref name="Linda" />

The next month, Akebono faced Dutch striker [[Remy Bonjasky]] back in Japan. Ignoring his opponent's signature high kicks, Akebono pressed with punches and pushes, but Bonjasky kept dodging and attacking, even landing a sharp kick to the head by springing from the top rope. The bout transpired this way until the third round, when Bonjasky scored a [[roundhouse kick]] that knocked Akebono out.{{citation needed|date=April 2024}}

At the end of the year, Akebono had his mixed martial arts debut against [[Ultimate Fighting Championship]] pioneer [[Royce Gracie]] at K-1 Premium 2004. The bout was not easy to negotiate, as Royce demanded it to be refereed by [[John McCarthy (referee)|John McCarthy]], former UFC referee and Gracie's trainee, or he would not fight.<ref name="BigJo">"Big" John McCarthy, ''Let's Get It On!: The Making of MMA and Its Ultimate Referee''</ref> The ''yokozuna'' had trained now under Maz Tanaka and would be Gracie's biggest opponent, so some believed he could overcome the [[Brazilian jiu-jitsu]] groundwork by smothering him with his large size advantage.<ref name="Royce">{{cite web|title=Brazilian Dynamite: Royce submits Akebono|url=http://www.sherdog.com/news/articles/1/Brazilian-Dynamite-Gracie-Submits-Akebono-2275|website=Sherdog|access-date=5 January 2019}}</ref> Come the match, Akebono charged toward Gracie and pushed him to the ground, where he passed his [[Guard (grappling)|guard]] momentarily before the Brazilian escaped to his feet. Gracie then seized Akebono's arm and locked in an [[omoplata]]/[[wristlock]] combination, forcing a submission.<ref name="BigJo" /> Akebono was disappointed with his performance: "I did everything my trainers told me not to do."<ref name="Royce" />

====2005–2006====
In March 2005, Akebono was granted a place in the K-1 Korea Grand Prix, whose first round saw him facing [[Nobuaki Kakuda]], a 44 years old [[Seidokaikan|Seidokaikan Karate]] fighter who usually refereed his matches. Through his usual strategy, Akebono surprisingly dominated the match, as Kakuda was unable to mount an offense. After wearing Kakuda down with knees and uppercuts while leaving him no space to counterattack, Akebono was given his first win by unanimous decision. He would advance round to face a fellow superheavyweight, [[Choi Hong-man]], who had just defeated another former sumo wrestler in [[Wakashoyo]]. It would be the first time Akebono found an enemy capable to outwrestle him, given Choi's 350 pounds and strong [[ssireum]] background, and it showed when the Korean stopped Akebono's first charges, capitalizing too on his large reach to strike freely. The match was stopped at 24 seconds when Akebono's corner threw the towel.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.sherdog.com/news/news/Choi-Wins-K1-Asian-GP-Bonjasky-Dispatches-Mercer-2562 |title=Choi Wins K-1 Asian GP; Bonjasky Dispatches Mercer |work=Sherdog |date=21 March 2005 |access-date=12 April 2024}}</ref>

Akebono and Choi rematched in July at K-1 Grand Prix event in Hawaii. Akebono lasted longer, but he found the same problems as the first time, with Choi scoring repeated jabs from the safety of his reach while he blocked the sumo's push and charge style. Akebono was eventually knocked down, and although he resumed his attack, Choi knocked him out to end the match.<ref>Billy Hull, [http://archives.starbulletin.com/2005/07/30/sports/story1.html Hilo's Penn decisions Gracie], Starbulletin-com</ref><ref>[https://www.mmaweekly.com/penn-beats-gracie-big-daddy-shocks-everyone BJ Penn beats Gracie, Big Daddy shockss everyone], mmaweekly.com</ref> Akebono then returned to MMA format to end the year, going against former comedian [[Bobby Ologun]] at K-1 Premium. The sumo champion neutralized Ologun's striking by taking him down and smothering him during the earlier rounds, but he was later stunned by a barrage of punches and controlled for the rest of the match, losing the decision.{{citation needed|date=April 2024}}

In 2006, Akebono had his third mixed martial arts match against another [[Ultimate Fighting Championship]] veteran, [[Don Frye]], at K-1's Hero's 5 event. As usual, Akebono used his size, charging through Frye's punches and clinching him against the ropes and corners. He controlled the first round, but became fatigued at the second, moment in which Frye came back with punches, dropping Akebono multiple times. After some [[ground and pound]], Frye locked a [[guillotine choke]] for the win.<ref>{{cite web|title=Freakshow Fight of the Week: Don Frye vs. Akebono|url=http://themmacorner.com/2015/03/01/freakshow-fight-of-the-week-don-frye-vs-akebono/|website=Themmacorner.com|access-date=5 January 2019|archive-date=6 January 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190106010348/http://themmacorner.com/2015/03/01/freakshow-fight-of-the-week-don-frye-vs-akebono/|url-status=dead}}</ref> A rubber match between Akebono and Choi Hong-man happened then, in which would be Akebono's last bout under kickboxing rules. He tried his best to control the fight, but Choi did the same, delivering even a [[flying knee]] during the first round. At the last of the second round, the Korean landed a left hook that knocked Akebono out.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.tapology.com/fightcenter/events/70822-k-1-revenge-2006 |title=K-1 Revenge 2006 |work=Tapology |accessdate=2024-04-14}}</ref>

Akebono's last MMA match saw him meeting [[professional wrestler]] [[Giant Silva]], another sizable opponent. The rikishi started the match pushing Silva against the ropes, both of them almost falling out of the ring due to the combined weight, but Silva interrupted his attack by locking a Kimura lock standing. Although they went to the mat with Akebono on top, Silva finally rolled him over and submitted him to the hold. With this last result, Akebono managed only one win in 14 bouts in his K-1 and mixed martial arts career. Because of this, he was referred to as "Makebono" (''make'' meaning "lose" in Japanese) by some fight fans and magazines in Japan.<ref name="Makebono">{{cite web|title=After K-1 KO, 'Makebono' bounces back from the dead |publisher=Mainichi Daily News |url=http://mdn.mainichi.jp/culture/waiwai/archive/news/2006/02/20060228p2g00m0dm002000c.html |date=28 February 2006 |access-date=13 June 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071231212549/http://mdn.mainichi.jp/culture/waiwai/archive/news/2006/02/20060228p2g00m0dm002000c.html |archive-date=31 December 2007 |url-status=dead  }}</ref>

===Rizin Fighting Federation===
Akebono fought a rematch against [[Bob Sapp]] on 31 December 2015, at [[Rizin Fighting Federation]] Grand Prix event.<ref>{{cite web|title = Rizin FF – Rizin Fighting Federation 2|url = http://www.sherdog.com/events/Rizin-FF-Rizin-Fighting-Federation-2-48359|website = Sherdog|access-date=25 November 2015}}</ref> He lost the fight by technical decision when a cut on his head could not be stemmed.

== Professional wrestling career ==
{{Infobox professional wrestler
| name        = Akebono
| birth_name  = Chadwick Haheo Rowan
| birth_date  = {{birth date|df=yes|1969|5|8}}
| birth_place = [[Waimānalo]], [[Hawaii]]
| death_date  = {{death date and age|2024|4||1969|5|8|df=y}}
| death_place = [[Tokyo]], Japan
| height      = 203 cm
| weight      = {{convert|200|kg|0|abbr=on}}
| names       = Akebono<br/>Bono-chan<br/>Bono-kun<br/>Bono Tiger<br/>Great Bono<br/>Monster Bono
| trainer     = [[Riki Choshu]]<br/>[[Keiji Muto]]
| debut       = 31 March 2005
| retired     = 11 April 2017 
}}

=== World Wrestling Entertainment (2005) ===
On March 29, 2005, Akebono made an appearance on what would be the March 31, 2005 episode of ''[[WWE SmackDown|SmackDown!]]'' in [[Houston]], Texas, to accept the [[Big Show]]'s challenge to a ([[kayfabe]]) sumo match at the [[WrestleMania 21]] pay-per-view in [[Los Angeles]], California.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/smackdown/050331.html|title=WWE SmackDown! results – 31 March 2005|publisher=Online World of Wrestling|access-date=10 March 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|author=Jon Waldman|title=WrestleMania 21 Breaking down the numbers|publisher=SLAM! Sports|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2005/04/06/985171.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120629171918/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2005/04/06/985171.html|url-status=usurped|archive-date=29 June 2012|date=6 April 2005|access-date=7 July 2007}}</ref> Akebono made his wrestling debut later that night, defeating [[Job (professional wrestling)|job]]ber Eddie Vegas. At WrestleMania 21, Akebono defeated Big Show with a [[Kimarite#Koshinage 腰投げ|koshinage]], throwing him entirely out of the ring.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2005/04/06/985171.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120629171918/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2005/04/06/985171.html|url-status=usurped|archive-date=29 June 2012|title=WrestleMania 21 Breaking down the numbers|date=6 April 2005|last=Waldman|first=Jon|access-date=10 March 2011|publisher=Slam! Sports|work=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]}}</ref>

On 1 July, Akebono made an appearance in a house show in Japan to help Big Show during a match against [[Carly Colón|Carlito]] after Carlito's bodyguard [[Matt Morgan (wrestler)|Matt Morgan]] had interfered. The next day, Akebono teamed with Big Show to defeat Carlito and Morgan in a tag team match.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://corporate.wwe.com/news/company-news/2005/06-08-2005 |title=Japanese Legend Akebono to Team With Big Show As World Wrestling Entertainment |publisher=WWE |date=2005-08-06 |access-date=2024-04-13}}</ref>

=== All Japan Pro Wrestling (2005–2007) ===
{{More citations needed section|date=April 2024}}
[[File:Keiji Mutoh 2008.jpg|left|thumb|Akebono (left) and his mentor, [[Keiji Mutoh]]]]
On 4 August 2005, Akebono made his official wrestling debut in Japan, appearing at AJPW's Wrestle-1 event against the [[Keiji Mutoh|Great Muta]] in the first match of the Wrestle-1 Grand Prix Tournament, in a losing effort. The same month, it was announced that Akebono had been hired by AJPW and placed under the tutelage of Keiji Mutoh, the Great Muta's true identity. Akebono took on the role of Mutoh's [[Glossary of professional wrestling terms#E|enforcer]] and forming a tag team called "Mutoh Room" to combat the [[Heel (professional wrestling)|heel]] stable [[Voodoo Murders|Voodoo-Murders]]. On 19 November, Akebono defeated Voodoo-Murders member [[Matt Bloom|Giant Bernard]] in a singles match. The same night, Akebono appeared in a match between [[The Great Muta]] and the imposter [[Yoshikazu Taru|The Great Ruta]] to defend Muta from Voodoo-Murders, showing his own Muta impersonation called The Great Bono.

Later, Akebono and Mutoh competed in the Real World Tag League 2005, during the tournament, making it all the way to the finals, but were defeated by [[Dudley Boyz|Team 3D]]. At the end of the year, Akebono won the [[Tokyo Sports]] award for "Rookie of the Year" and "Team of the Year" with Mutoh, who then stated that Akebono had successfully graduated from his lessons, and was then released from his contract to move to other companies and gain experience.

=== New Japan Pro Wrestling (2006–2007) ===
On 4 January 2006, Akebono appeared in [[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]] (NJPW) alongside [[Yutaka Yoshie]] in a match against [[Junji Hirata|Black Strong Machine]] and [[Hiro Saito]],<ref name="NJPW obituary">{{cite web |title=In Memoriam: Akebono (1969-2024) |url=https://www.njpw1972.com/174427 |website=New Japan Pro-Wrestling}}</ref> coming out victorious. Later that month, Akebono competed for [[Pro Wrestling NOAH]], teaming up with his old friend [[Takeshi Rikio]] to defeat [[Jun Izumida|Junji Izumida]] and [[Kenta Kobashi]]. After the match, Akebono announced that he had been hired by NJPW and was congratulated by Rikio, promising to team again in the future, which never happened due to Rikio having to retire due to his injuries in 2010.

In February, Akebono made his official debut in New Japan as an ally of [[Riki Choshu]], defeating then [[IWGP Tag Team Championship|IWGP Tag Team Champions]] [[Cho-Ten]] ([[Masahiro Chono]] and [[Hiroyoshi Tenzan]]). On 19 March, he faced [[Brock Lesnar]] for the [[IWGP Heavyweight Championship]],<ref name="NJPW obituary" /> but was defeated when Lesnar got the pinfall after hitting him with the title. Months later, after the championship had become vacant, Akebono participated in a tournament for it, defeating Hiroyoshi Tenzan in the first round, but being eliminated by Giant Bernard in the second.

In October, Akebono and Choshu participated in the [[G1 Tag League#2006|2006 G1 Tag League]], advancing to the last round before losing to [[Takashi Iizuka]] and [[Yuji Nagata]]. In August 2007, Akebono participated in the [[G1 Climax]] tournament, defeating [[Togi Makabe]] and [[Hiroyoshi Tenzan]] and completing the tournament with a 2-2-1 record.<ref name="NJPW obituary" /> In October, Akebono and Masahiro Chono competed in the 2007 G1, beating [[Hirooki Goto]] and [[Milano Collection AT]], [[Yoshi Tatsu|Naofumi Yamamoto]] and Takashi Iizuka and [[Manabu Nakanishi]] and Yuji Nagata, but were eliminated in the final stage by Giant Bernard and [[Travis Tomko]]. During his stay at New Japan, Akebono began to show his comedic side and began imitating and parodying other fighters. On 13 September 2006, Akebono was presented with a [[Tiger Mask (professional wrestling)|tiger mask]] and the name of Bono Tiger to team with [[Tiger Mask IV]]. On 4 March 2007, he made a brief appearance in [[Michinoku Pro Wrestling]] as The Great Bonosuke, fighting on the side of [[The Great Sasuke]] wearing the same outfit. On 17 February 2007, Akebono briefly returned to All Japan Pro Wrestling to team with [[Toru Owashi]] against Jonidan (Nobutaka Araya) and [[Rikishi (wrestler)|SUMO Rikishi]] in an extravagant match between sumos, resulting in a win for his team. After training with [[Satoru Sayama]] (the original Tiger Mask) in MMA and pro wrestling, he returned to the New Japan ring to participate in the 2007 G1 Climax tournament. He defeated [[Togi Makabe]] and [[Hiroyoshi Tenzan]] but failed to progress to the semifinal stage.<ref>{{cite web|title=G1 Climax 2007 |publisher=Puroresufan.com |url=http://www.puroresufan.com/njpw/results/g107.php |archive-url=https://archive.today/20070808153832/http://www.puroresufan.com/njpw/results/g107.php |url-status=dead |archive-date=8 August 2007 |access-date=22 August 2007 }}</ref>

=== Hustle (2007–2009) ===
[[File:Giant Silva.jpg|thumb|Akebono facing down Takada Monster Army member [[Giant Silva]]]]
[[File:Akebono spalsh.jpg|thumb|Akebono performing the ''[[Professional wrestling attacks#Big splash|Yokozuna Press]]'' on [[Yoji Anjo|Commander An Jo]] in Hustle]]
{{More citations needed section|date=April 2024}}
Akebono debuted in [[Hustle (professional wrestling)|Hustle]] in 2007, being the storyline son of [[Yinling]] and [[The Great Muta]]. Under the name Monster Bono, Akebono was introduced being unrealistically born from a giant egg before easily defeating [[Makoto Izubuchi|RG]] in his first bout. After that, Monster Bono (who had a simple, childlike personality), under the control of his mother, entered the service of Takada Monster Army and competed against several other wrestlers in a winning streak. Due to the constant abuse from Yinling, and wanting to meet his father, Monster Bono rebelled against it and left the Monster Army, changing his name to Bono-chan and allying with A-chan and [[Yutaka Yoshie|Yoshie-chan]] to form a sumo-style [[Face (professional wrestling)|face]] stable. Soon after, Yinling faced Bono-chan and demanded that he return to the Monster Army, but the outcome of the battle was a victory for Bono-chan, and Yinling ([[kayfabe]]) died under his weight. In retaliation to this, [[Toshiaki Kawada]] and Mr. Kawada (Toshiaki's elder father) scheduled a match between them and Bono and his father, The Great Muta, at Hustlemania 2008. Bono and Muta came victorious, but were attacked by [[Nobuhiko Takada|The Esperanza]], leading Muta to sacrifice himself to drag Esperanza to the underworld. Without his parents, Bono-chan changed his name to Bono-kun as a sign of maturity and joined the Hustle Army, making a promo based on that of [[Barack Obama]] campaign slogan "[[Yes We Can (slogan)|Yes, We Hustle]]". Later in Hustle Aid, before his scheduled match with [[Genichiro Tenryu]] against [[Travis Tomko|Arma]] & [[René Dupree|Geddon]], Bono had a strange dream and transformed into The Great Bono, his last stage of maturity. After The Great Bono defeated their opponents with forcefulness, Hustle announced he was leaving to search for his father.

=== Dragon Gate (2008–2010) ===
On 21 September 2008, Akebono appeared in the Battle Royal of [[Dragon Gate (wrestling)|Dragon Gate]]'s Storm Gate 2008 event, which was won by [[Akira Tozawa]]. Akebono made some more appearances, defeating the likes of [[Stalker Ichikawa]], [[Don Fujii]] and [[Masaaki Mochizuki]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://openthegaroongate.com/2009/04/04/infinity-127-or-sumo-silliness/ |title=Infinity 127 or Sumo Silliness |date=4 April 2009 |access-date=10 October 2012 |work=Open the Garoon Gate |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130921054038/http://openthegaroongate.com/2009/04/04/infinity-127-or-sumo-silliness/ |archive-date=21 September 2013 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://openthegaroongate.com/2009/05/05/dead-or-alive-2009/ |title=Dead or Alive 2009 |date=5 May 2009 |access-date=10 October 2012 |work=Open the Garoon Gate |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130921054658/http://openthegaroongate.com/2009/05/05/dead-or-alive-2009/ |archive-date=21 September 2013 }}</ref> That month, Akebono, Mochizuki and Fujii agreed to form a trio called Chou Zetsurins to face the team of World-1 (BxB Hulk, Masato Yoshino and PAC) for the [[Open the Triangle Gate Championship]], but were defeated. On 14 October 2009,  Chou Zetsurins finally won the title,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://openthegaroongate.com/2009/10/14/infinity-150-or-more-sumo-silliness/ |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130411144914/http://openthegaroongate.com/2009/10/14/infinity-150-or-more-sumo-silliness/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=11 April 2013 |title=Infinity 150 or More Sumo Silliness |date=14 October 2009 |access-date=10 October 2012 |work=Open the Garoon Gate }}</ref> and defended them until May 2010, when they were defeated by Deep Drunkers ([[Kzy]], [[Takuya Sugawara]] and [[Yasushi Kanda]]).

=== Pro Wrestling Zero1 (2009–2013) ===
In March 2009, Akebono appeared in [[Pro Wrestling Zero1]] defeating [[Kohei Sato]]. Later, Akebono joined the Sword Army stable, led by [[Masato Tanaka]]. Akebono also participated in the Fire Festival 2009 defeating several other wrestlers, but failed to win in the end. After that, he formed an irregular team with [[Shinjiro Otani]] called Kazan, which defeated [[Masaaki Mochizuki]] & Masato Tanaka in the final round of the Furinkazan tournament, as well winning the [[NWA Intercontinental Tag Team Championship]] on 24 January 2010 before vacating them on December of that year. On 3 February 2013, Akebono teamed with [[Daisuke Sekimoto]] to win the vacant championship by defeating [[Kohei Sato]] and Zeus.

=== Return to AJPW (2008–2015) ===
Akebono returned to AJPW, allying himself with [[Ryota Hama]]. On 23 September 2009, Akebono and Hama, known collectively as S.M.O.P. (Super Megaton Ohzumo Powers), won the [[All Asia Tag Team Championship]], defeating [[Minoru Suzuki]] and [[Nosawa Rongai]]. S.M.O.P. also participated in the 2009 World's Strongest Tag Determination League, finishing 5th out of 9 teams with four victories and four defeats. S.M.O.P. would only defend the title once before losing them 7 months later to Voodoo-Murders members [[Viscera (wrestler)|Big Daddy Voodoo]] and [[Yoshikazu Taru|TARU]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.puroresucentral.com/akebono.html|title=Akebono}}</ref> After that, Akebono split with Hama and became the enforcer for the group Partisan Forces ([[Minoru Suzuki]], [[Masakatsu Funaki]] and [[Taiyo Kea]]) to continue his feud with the Voodoo-Murders. Partisan Forces broke up in June 2011, so Akebono reformed S.M.O.P. with Hama. After having an unsuccessful shot at [[KENSO]] and The Great Muta for the vacant [[World Tag Team Championship (AJPW)|World Tag Team Championship]], Akebono and Hama entered a short feud with Big Daddy and Mazada, whom they defeated on several occasions, and also competed in the 2011 Real World Tag League, receiving two more chances for the All Asia Tag Team Championship against [[Daisuke Sekimoto]] and [[Yuji Okabayashi]], lost both times. S.M.O.P. finally regained the All Asia title by defeating Sekimoto and Okabayashi on 1 July 2012, but vacated them on 4 September 2012, due to Akebono being sidelined with [[pneumonia]].<ref>{{cite web |url= http://ajpw.puroresufan.com/history/aatagtitle.php |title=AJPW All Asia Tag Team Championship title history|access-date=29 August 2007|publisher=Shining Road|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070929083312/http://ajpw.puroresufan.com/history/aatagtitle.php |archive-date=29 September 2007}}</ref> In November 2012, Akebono debuted his [[Wrestling mask|masked]] alter ego "Brazo de Bono", based on [[Brazo de Plata]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nikkansports.com/battle/news/p-bt-tp0-20121108-1043930.html|script-title=ja:ブラソ・デ・ボノ初登場／ルチャ・フェス|date=8 November 2012|access-date=9 November 2012|work=[[Nikkan Sports]]|language=ja}}</ref> On 1 September 2013, Akebono signed a contract with All Japan, officially ending his freelancing days.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tokyo-sports.co.jp/prores/mens_prores/180837/|script-title=ja:フリーを卒業！曙が全日本プロレスに入団|date=6 September 2013|access-date=6 September 2013|work=[[Tokyo Sports]]|language=ja|archive-date=29 October 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131029193430/http://www.tokyo-sports.co.jp/prores/mens_prores/180837/|url-status=dead}}</ref> On 11 September, Akebono entered the [[Ōdō Tournament#2013|2013 Ōdō Tournament]] and, in his first match under an All Japan contract, defeated former [[Triple Crown Heavyweight Championship|Triple Crown Heavyweight Champion]] [[Jun Akiyama]], unveiling his new finishing maneuver, ''[[Piledriver (professional wrestling)|Yokozuna Impact]]'', in the process.<ref name="AJPW091113BN">{{cite web|url=http://battle-news.com/battle/2013/09/001952.php|title=王道トーナメント1回戦で曙が新技で秋山を撃破！潮崎が鼓太郎との同門対決に勝利！諏訪魔vs宮原が開戦！ドリフがアジアタッグ挑戦表明！|date=12 September 2013|access-date=11 September 2013|work=Battle News|language=ja}}</ref> After wins over [[Low Ki]] and [[Chris Raaber|Bambi Killer]],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pre.all-japan.co.jp/schedule/tour03.php?taikai_id=417 |script-title=ja:「王道トーナメント ～2013オープン選手権～」 |access-date=23 September 2013 |work=[[All Japan Pro Wrestling]] |language=ja |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131224112229/http://pre.all-japan.co.jp/schedule/tour03.php?taikai_id=417 |archive-date=24 December 2013 }}</ref><ref name="AJPW091913">{{cite web|url=http://pre.all-japan.co.jp/schedule/tour03.php?taikai_id=419 |script-title=ja:「王道トーナメント ～2013オープン選手権～」 |access-date=19 September 2013 |work=[[All Japan Pro Wrestling]] |language=ja |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131224103323/http://pre.all-japan.co.jp/schedule/tour03.php?taikai_id=419 |archive-date=24 December 2013 }}</ref> Akebono reached the finals, where, on 23 September, he defeated [[Go Shiozaki]] to win the tournament.<ref name="Odo2013">{{cite web|url=http://pre.all-japan.co.jp/schedule/tour03.php?taikai_id=421 |script-title=ja:「王道トーナメント ～2013オープン選手権～」 |access-date=23 September 2013 |work=[[All Japan Pro Wrestling]] |language=ja |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131224113244/http://pre.all-japan.co.jp/schedule/tour03.php?taikai_id=421 |archive-date=24 December 2013 }}</ref> On 27 October, Akebono defeated [[Kohei Suwama|Suwama]] to win the Triple Crown Heavyweight Championship for the first time.<ref name="AJPW102713">{{cite web|url=http://pre.all-japan.co.jp/schedule/tour03.php?taikai_id=430 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131224105814/http://pre.all-japan.co.jp/schedule/tour03.php?taikai_id=430 |url-status=dead |archive-date=24 December 2013 |title=Anniversary Tour |access-date=27 October 2013 |work=[[All Japan Pro Wrestling]] |language=ja }}</ref> Akebono made his first successful title defense on 24 November against [[Joe Doering]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pre.all-japan.co.jp/schedule/tour03.php?taikai_id=434 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20131222224543/http://pre.all-japan.co.jp/schedule/tour03.php?taikai_id=434 |url-status=dead |archive-date=22 December 2013 |title=2013 王道ルネサンス |access-date=24 November 2013 |work=[[All Japan Pro Wrestling]] |language=ja }}</ref> His second successful defense took place on 3 January 2014, against [[Takao Omori]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.all-japan.co.jp/post_tour/1144/ |script-title=ja:ニューイヤーウォーズ 2014 東京・後楽園ホール大会 |access-date=3 January 2014 |work=[[All Japan Pro Wrestling]] |language=ja |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140103190556/http://www.all-japan.co.jp/post_tour/1144/ |archive-date=3 January 2014}}</ref> On 23 February, Akebono made his third successful title defense against Go Shiozaki.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.all-japan.co.jp/post_tour/1240/ |title=エールクリエイトpresents 2014 沖縄Impact vol.1 |access-date=23 February 2014 |work=[[All Japan Pro Wrestling]] |language=ja |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140227082529/http://www.all-japan.co.jp/post_tour/1240/ |archive-date=27 February 2014 }}</ref> Akebono's fourth title defense took place on 18 March, when he defeated [[Kento Miyahara]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.all-japan.co.jp/post_tour/6375/ |title=2014 ドリームパワーシリーズ【開幕戦】 東京･後楽園ホール |access-date=18 March 2014 |work=[[All Japan Pro Wrestling]] |language=ja |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140318162401/https://www.all-japan.co.jp/post_tour/6375/ |archive-date=18 March 2014 }}</ref> In April, Akebono looked to enter a rare group of men who have won the [[Champion Carnival]], while holding the Triple Crown Championship, but on 22 April, after securing the top spot in his block, Akebono was forced to pull out of the tournament and forfeit his two remaining matches, after being hospitalized with poor health.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tokyo-sports.co.jp/prores/mens_prores/247275/|script-title=ja:曙 必殺張り手で全日ＣＣ全勝Ｖ誓う|date=19 March 2014|access-date=22 April 2014|work=[[Tokyo Sports]]|language=ja|archive-date=8 May 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140508025613/http://www.tokyo-sports.co.jp/prores/mens_prores/247275/|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://battle-news.com/index.php?QBlog-20140422-3|script-title=ja:曙が緊急入院のため、チャンピオン・カーニバル残り3大会を欠場！|date=22 April 2014|access-date=22 April 2014|work=Battle News|language=ja}}</ref> On 30 May, Akebono officially relinquished the Triple Crown Heavyweight Championship due to his health issues.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.all-japan.co.jp/post_news/9783/ |script-title=ja:曙選手三冠ヘビー級王座返上のお知らせ |date=30 May 2014 |access-date=30 May 2014 |work=[[All Japan Pro Wrestling]] |language=ja |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140714182315/https://www.all-japan.co.jp/post_news/9783/ |archive-date=14 July 2014 }}</ref> On 27 July, it was announced that Akebono had been appointed to All Japan's board of directors.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tokyo-sports.co.jp/prores/mens_prores/294538/|script-title=ja:曙が全日取締役就任へ 戦列復帰も宣言|date=28 July 2014|access-date=28 July 2014|work=[[Tokyo Sports]]|language=ja|archive-date=11 August 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140811190745/http://www.tokyo-sports.co.jp/prores/mens_prores/294538/|url-status=dead}}</ref> Akebono wrestled his return match on 16 August.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nikkansports.com/battle/news/p-bt-tp0-20140817-1352164.html|script-title=ja:曙118日ぶり復活勝利 30日に３冠挑戦|date=17 August 2014|access-date=17 August 2014|work=[[Nikkan Sports]]|language=ja}}</ref> On 30 August, Akebono received his rematch for the Triple Crown Heavyweight Championship, but was defeated by the defending champion, Joe Doering.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nikkansports.com/battle/news/f-bt-tp0-20140831-1359180.html|script-title=ja:ドーリング２度目防衛！曙を失神ＫＯ|date=31 August 2014|access-date=30 August 2014|work=[[Nikkan Sports]]|language=ja}}</ref>

On 22 March 2015, Akebono won the World Tag Team Championship for the second time, when he and Yutaka Yoshie defeated Jun Akiyama and Takao Omori.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.all-japan.co.jp/archives/match/【3-22】-2015-ドリームパワーシリーズ%E3%80%80福岡大会/|script-title=ja:【3.22】 2015 ドリームパワーシリーズ 福岡大会|date=22 March 2015|access-date=22 March 2015|work=[[All Japan Pro Wrestling]]|language=ja|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://archive.today/20150409125344/https://www.all-japan.co.jp/archives/match/%E3%80%903-22%E3%80%91-2015-%E3%83%89%E3%83%AA%E3%83%BC%E3%83%A0%E3%83%91%E3%83%AF%E3%83%BC%E3%82%B7%E3%83%AA%E3%83%BC%E3%82%BA%E3%80%80%E7%A6%8F%E5%B2%A1%E5%A4%A7%E4%BC%9A/|archive-date=9 April 2015}}</ref> On 25 April, Akebono defeated Suwama in the finals to win All Japan's premier tournament, the Champion Carnival.<ref name="CC2015">{{cite web|url=http://live.sportsnavi.yahoo.co.jp/live/sports/fight_all/4116|script-title=ja:全日本プロレス「2015 チャンピオン・カーニバル」優勝決定戦|date=25 April 2015|access-date=25 April 2015|work=Sports Navi|publisher=[[Yahoo!]]|language=ja}}</ref> In the build-up to Akebono's challenge for the Triple Crown Heavyweight Championship against Go Shiozaki, he and Yoshie lost the World Tag Team Championship to Shiozaki and Kento Miyahara on 6 May.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.all-japan.co.jp/archives/match/【5-6】-2015-スーパーパワーシリーズ%E3%80%80開幕戦・後楽園/|script-title=ja:【5.6】 2015 スーパーパワーシリーズ 開幕戦・後楽園大会|date=6 May 2015|access-date=6 May 2015|work=[[All Japan Pro Wrestling]]|language=ja}}{{dead link|date=September 2017 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> On 21 May, Akebono defeated Shiozaki to win the Triple Crown Heavyweight Championship for the second time.<ref name="AJPW052115">{{cite web|url=https://www.all-japan.co.jp/archives/match/【5-21】-2015-スーパーパワーシリーズ%E3%80%80最終戦・後楽園/|script-title=ja:【5.21】 2015 スーパーパワーシリーズ 最終戦・後楽園大会|date=21 May 2015|access-date=21 May 2015|work=[[All Japan Pro Wrestling]]|language=ja}}{{dead link|date=September 2017 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> Akebono eventually went on to lose the championship to Jun Akiyama in his third defense on 1 November 2015.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.all-japan.co.jp/archives/match/【11-1】全日本プロエス　チャリティー弘前大会/ |script-title=ja:【11.1】全日本プロレス チャリティー弘前大会 |date=2 November 2015 |access-date=2 November 2015 |work=[[All Japan Pro Wrestling]] |language=ja }}{{dead link|date=October 2016 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> The following day, it was announced that Akebono was leaving All Japan and once again becoming a freelancer, looking to return to martial arts.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.tokyo-sports.co.jp/prores/mens_prores/466951/ | script-title=ja:３冠陥落の曙 ９年ぶり格闘技再挑戦へ | date=2 November 2015 | access-date=2 November 2015 | work=[[Tokyo Sports]] | language=ja | archive-date=2 November 2015 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151102070910/http://www.tokyo-sports.co.jp/prores/mens_prores/466951/ | url-status=dead }}</ref> It was also announced that he would continue working for All Japan as a freelancer.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.tokyo-sports.co.jp/prores/mens_prores/468514/ | script-title=ja:曙退団を当サイト既報通り全日本が正式発表 | date=5 November 2015 | access-date=5 November 2015 | work=[[Tokyo Sports]] | language=ja | archive-date=7 November 2015 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151107194624/http://www.tokyo-sports.co.jp/prores/mens_prores/468514/ | url-status=dead }}</ref>

=== Ōdō (2015–2017) ===
On 4 December 2015, Akebono announced he was forming a new company named Ōdō. He would serve as its president with the backing of Motoko Baba, the widow of All Japan founder [[Giant Baba]].<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.tokyo-sports.co.jp/prores/mens_prores/480012/ | script-title=ja:曙 新会社設立を発表「王道ＶＳ全日本」対抗戦に意欲 | date=4 December 2015 | access-date=4 December 2015 | work=[[Tokyo Sports]] | language=ja | archive-date=4 December 2015 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151204174612/http://www.tokyo-sports.co.jp/prores/mens_prores/480012/ | url-status=dead }}</ref> On 13 March 2016, Akebono made his debut for AJPW splinter promotion [[Wrestle-1]], reuniting with SMOP partner Ryota Hama.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.tokyo-sports.co.jp/prores/mens_prores/517610/ | script-title=ja:【Ｗ-１】「ＳＭＯＰ」復活 曙＆浜が肉弾連係 | date=13 March 2016 | access-date=13 March 2016 | work=[[Tokyo Sports]] | language=ja | archive-date=13 March 2016 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160313202522/http://www.tokyo-sports.co.jp/prores/mens_prores/517610/ | url-status=dead }}</ref> Ōdō held its first event on 20 April in [[Korakuen Hall]]. The main event of the show saw Akebono, Ryota Hama and Taiyo Kea defeat Daisuke Sekimoto, Masato Tanaka and Yuji Okabayashi.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.tokyo-sports.co.jp/prores/mens_prores/533106/ | script-title=ja:【王道】曙メーンで快勝！「初日としては合格」 | date=21 April 2016 | access-date=22 April 2016 | work=[[Tokyo Sports]] | language=ja | archive-date=23 April 2016 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160423011233/http://www.tokyo-sports.co.jp/prores/mens_prores/533106/ | url-status=dead }}</ref> In early June, Akebono took part in the [[Lucha Libre World Cup (2016)|Lucha Libre World Cup]] in Mexico.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.pwtorch.com/site/2016/06/05/63-65-aaa-lucha-world-cup-results-usalucha-underground-vs-team-aaa-finals-tna-represented-mens-womens-tournament-noah-mysterio/ | title = 6/3 & 6/5 AAA "Lucha World Cup" Results – USA/Lucha Underground vs. Team AAA finals, TNA represented in men's & women's tournament, Noah, Mysterio, more | date=5 June 2016 | access-date=6 June 2016 | work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> On 16 September, Ōdō formed a partnership with [[Pro Wrestling Zero1]].<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.tokyo-sports.co.jp/prores/mens_prores/594331/ | script-title=ja:新体制のゼロワンが「王道」と業務提携 | date=17 September 2016 | access-date=17 September 2016 | work=[[Tokyo Sports]] | language=ja | archive-date=18 September 2016 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160918082251/http://www.tokyo-sports.co.jp/prores/mens_prores/594331/ | url-status=dead }}</ref>

Akebono's last recorded match happened on 11 April 2017, for [[Dramatic Dream Team]], where he teamed with [[Yasu Urano]] and [[Harashima]] and lost to fellow former Triple Crown champion [[Yoshihiro Takayama]] and his team with [[Yuto Aijima]] and [[Shigehiro Irie]]. Following Akebono's heart disability in April 2017 (below), and Motoko Baba's death on 14 April 2018, Ōdō became an inactive promotion.

== Personal life ==
[[File:Akebono statue by Prayitno Photography.jpg|alt=Statue of Akebono in Waimānalo, Hawaii.|thumb|Statue of Akebono in its original location in Waimānalo, Hawaii]]
Akebono was born to Randy, a taxi driver of [[Irish American|Irish]] and [[Native Hawaiian]] descent and Janice, an office worker of [[Cuban American|Cuban]] and Native Hawaiian descent.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.lemondedusumo.com/english/MDS1_ake_career.php?mag=mds&num=1|title=Akebono, a Yokozuna who came from the isles|first=Stéphane|last=Castella|website=Le Monde De Sumo|url-status=live|access-date=16 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140508030006/http://www.lemondedusumo.com/english/MDS1_ake_career.php?mag=mds&num=1|archive-date=8 May 2014}}</ref> He became a Japanese citizen in 1996, [[Relinquishment of United States nationality|giving up his American citizenship]] and changing his legal name from Chad Rowan to Akebono Tarō,<ref name="Panek" /> saying "Changing my nationality has nothing to do with who I am, just like I am still my mother's son even after I became a Japanese [citizen]."<ref>{{cite news|last=Matsubara|first=Hiroshi|url=http://www.japantimes.com/cgi-bin/getarticle.pl5?nn20010420a4.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050210150217/http://www.japantimes.com/cgi-bin/getarticle.pl5?nn20010420a4.htm|url-status=dead|archive-date=10 February 2005|title=Foreigners face long slog to Japanese citizenship |newspaper=[[The Japan Times]]|date=20 April 2001}}</ref>

At the end of 1996, he was engaged to Yu Aihara, a television ''[[tarento]]'', but broke it off the following year.<ref name="Panek" /> In February 1998, Akebono announced his engagement to Christiane Reiko Kalina, a teacher who is of Japanese and American descent.<ref>{{cite news |first=Joji |last=Sakurai |title=Love story spans across the pacific |newspaper=[[Honolulu Star Bulletin]] |url=http://starbulletin.com/98/02/10/features/story1.html |date=10 February 1998 |access-date=23 July 2007 |archive-date=21 October 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071021183339/http://starbulletin.com/98/02/10/features/story1.html |url-status=dead }}</ref> They married in September 1998 and have two sons and a daughter.<ref>{{cite news|last=Gordon |first=Mike |title=Aching knees at rest, Akebono rides again |url=http://the.honoluluadvertiser.com/2001/Feb/05/25localnews12.html |newspaper=[[Honolulu Advertiser]] |date=5 February 2001 |access-date=17 March 2008}}</ref>

In April 2017, he was hospitalized after feeling unwell while on a wrestling tour in [[Kitakyushu]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.staradvertiser.com/2018/05/06/sports/ferds-words/sumo-legend-akebono-in-the-middle-of-his-biggest-battle-yet/?HSA=697051e210d8438959a930a067f4460fe9b4e529|title=Sumo legend Akebono in the middle of his biggest battle yet|last=Lewis|first=Ferd|date=6 May 2018|newspaper=Honolulu Star Advertiser|access-date=10 May 2018}}</ref> Early reports indicated that he had been placed in a medically-induced [[coma]] after suffering a cardiac condition,<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.staradvertiser.com/2017/04/18/sports/sports-breaking/former-hawaii-sumotori-musashimaru-and-akebono-hospitalized-in-japan/|title=Former Hawaii sumotori Musashimaru and Akebono hospitalized in Japan|last=Lewis|first=Ferd|date=18 April 2017|newspaper=Honolulu Star Advertiser|access-date=19 April 2017}}</ref> but his family later released a statement on Akebono's website criticizing "misleading" articles and saying he was undergoing treatment "due to a right leg [[cellulitis]] and an infection."<ref name="kitv">{{cite news|url=http://www.kitv.com/story/35183275/2-of-hawaiis-sumo-grand-champions-hospitalized-in-japan|title=2 of Hawaii's sumo grand champions hospitalized in Japan|date=18 April 2017|publisher=[[KITV]]|access-date=19 April 2017|archive-date=20 April 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170420045931/http://www.kitv.com/story/35183275/2-of-hawaiis-sumo-grand-champions-hospitalized-in-japan|url-status=dead}}</ref> A family spokesperson thanked Akebono's fans for their support, saying "The number of messages from around the world has been overwhelming."<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.hawaiinewsnow.com/story/35172093/reports-akebono-hospitalized-in-japan-following-wrestling-match|title=Akebono's family overwhelmed with messages of support during hospitalization|date=18 April 2017|work=Hawaii News Now|access-date=19 April 2017}}</ref>

The ''[[Wrestling Observer Newsletter]]'' reported that the original story was correct and the cellulitis claim was a cover story for a serious heart issue.<ref>{{cite journal | last = Meltzer | first = Dave | author-link = Dave Meltzer | date = 8 May 2017 | title = May 8, 2017 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: WWE Payback review, WWE financials, plus tons of news | journal = [[Wrestling Observer Newsletter]] | issn = 1083-9593 | page=62}}</ref> Akebono's wife confirmed in March 2018 that her husband had suffered acute heart failure and had been in a medically induced coma for two weeks. He lost nearly 130 pounds, much of it in muscle, and still could not walk, requiring a wheelchair. He was to begin intensive physical therapy.<ref>{{cite web|title=Long road to recovery begins for yokozuna Akebono|url=http://www.kitv.com/story/37693438/long-road-to-recovery-begins-for-yokozuna-akebono|publisher=KITV|date=10 March 2018|access-date=11 March 2018|archive-date=12 March 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180312083601/http://www.kitv.com/story/37693438/long-road-to-recovery-begins-for-yokozuna-akebono|url-status=dead}}</ref>

On 2 January 2019, it was reported that he had lost the use of his legs and suffered from partial memory loss, unable to remember his pro-wrestling days. For a short period, he was unable to speak without the aid of his wife.<ref>{{cite web|title=Despite memory loss, the first foreign Yokozuna does not forget his fights with the Waka-Taka brothers|url=https://hochi.news/articles/20190101-OHT1T50047.html|date=2 January 2019|language=ja}}</ref>

Although still unable to walk, he attended a memorial service for his former ''tsukebito'' [[Ushiomaru]] at [[Azumazeki stable]] in December 2019.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://hochi.news/articles/20191218-OHT1T50299.html|title=急死の東関親方の弔問に闘病中の元横綱・曙が来た...振分親方に「部屋を頼んだぞ」|date=19 December 2019|work=Hochi|language=ja|access-date=20 December 2019}}</ref>

Akebono died of heart failure in April 2024 at age 54 after being admitted to a hospital in [[Tokyo]].<ref>{{cite news |title=Hawai'i-born sumo legend Akebono dies of heart failure at 54 |url=https://www.espn.com/olympics/story/_/id/39918617/hawaii-born-sumo-legend-akebono-dies-heart-failure-54 |work=ESPN |agency=Associated Press |date=11 April 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Akebono, a pioneering giant in the sumo world and a 'proud Hawaiian,' dies at 54 |url=https://www.hawaiinewsnow.com/2024/04/11/akebono-giant-sumo-world-proud-hawaiian-dies-54/ |work=Hawaii News Now |date=10 April 2024}}</ref> His death was announced on the morning of April 11 in Japan,<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.nikkansports.com/battle/sumo/news/202404110000325.html|title=元横綱の曙太郎さん死去、亡くなる直前「アイラブユー」と妻に最期の言葉 今月に入り体調が急変 |date=11 April 2024|publisher=Nikkan Sports|access-date=14 April 2024|language=ja}}</ref> and a funeral was held in Tokyo three days later.<ref name="ns_funeral">{{cite web |url=https://www.nikkansports.com/battle/sumo/news/202404140002083.html|title=曙さん、緑のアロハシャツは「彼が好きだった色」夫人が明かす 遺骨の半分はハワイの海へ|date=14 April 2024|publisher=Nikkan Sports|access-date=14 April 2024|language=ja}}</ref> Akebono's widow Christiane Reiko told reporters after the funeral that he had suffered from [[arrhythmia]] for seven years.<ref name="ns_funeral" /> She also said that Akebono's body would be [[cremation|cremated]], with half of his ashes remaining with his family in Japan and the other half placed into the ocean off of the Hawaiian coast.<ref name="ns_funeral" />
{{clear}}

== Career record ==
{{Sumo record box start|Akebono Tarō<ref name="sumogames">{{cite web |title=Akebono Tarō Rikishi Information |website=Sumo Reference |url=http://sumodb.sumogames.de/Rikishi.aspx?r=1&l=e |access-date=25 July 2012}}</ref>}}
 {{Sumo record year start link|1988}}
    {{Basho}}
    {{Basho|MAEZUMOU}}
    {{Basho|jk|19|e|6|1}}
    {{Basho|jo|97|e|5|2}}
    {{Basho|jo|52|e|5|2}}
    {{Basho|jo|15|w|6|1}}
  {{Sumo record year end}}
  {{Sumo record year start link|1989}}
    {{Basho|sa|60|e|5|2}}
    {{Basho|sa|33|e|6|1}}
    {{Basho|ma|55|w|6|1}}
    {{Basho|ma|28|e|5|2}}
    {{Basho|ma|14|w|5|2}}
    {{Basho|ma|5|e|5|2}}
  {{Sumo record year end}}
  {{Sumo record year start link|1990}}
    {{Basho|ma|2|e|4|3}}
    {{Basho|j|12|w|8|7}}
    {{Basho|j|10|w|11|4}}
    {{Basho|j|3|e|11|4}}
    {{Basho|m|14|e|9|6}}
    {{Basho|m|7|w|9|6|||f}}
  {{Sumo record year end}}
  {{Sumo record year start link|1991}}
    {{Basho|m|1|w|8|7|||o|*}}
    {{Basho|k|1|e|8|7|||o}}
    {{Basho|s|1|w|7|8}}
    {{Basho|m|1|w|8|7|||*|*}}
    {{Basho|k|1|w|7|8}}
    {{Basho|m|1|w|8|7|||*}}
  {{Sumo record year end}}
  {{Sumo record year start link|1992}}
    {{Basho|k|1|w|13|2||j|o|f}}
    {{Basho|s|1|e|8|7}}
    {{Basho|s|1|w|13|2||y|o}}
    {{Basho|KYUJO|rank=o|r-no=1|tozai=e}}
    {{Basho|o|2|e|9|6}}
    {{Basho|o|1|w|14|1||y}}
  {{Sumo record year end}}
  {{Sumo record year start link|1993}}
    {{Basho|o|1|e|13|2||y}}
    {{Basho|y|1|e|10|5}}
    {{Basho|y|1|e|13|2||j}}
    {{Basho|y|1|e|13|2|PP|y}}
    {{Basho|y|1|e|14|1||y}}
    {{Basho|y|1|e|13|2|P|y}}
  {{Sumo record year end}}
  {{Sumo record year start link|1994}}
    {{Basho|y|1|e|11|4}}
    {{Basho|y|1|e|12|3|PP|y}}
    {{Basho|y|1|e|10|2|3}}
    {{Basho|KYUJO|rank=y|r-no=1|tozai=e}}
    {{Basho|KYUJO|rank=y|r-no=1|tozai=e}}
    {{Basho|y|1|e|10|5}}
  {{Sumo record year end}}
  {{Sumo record year start link|1995}}
    {{Basho|y|1|w|12|3}}
    {{Basho|y|1|w|14|1||y}}
    {{Basho|y|1|e|13|2||j}}
    {{Basho|y|1|w|11|4}}
    {{Basho|y|1|w|12|3||j}}
    {{Basho|y|1|w|7|3|5}}
  {{Sumo record year end}}
  {{Sumo record year start link|1996}}
    {{Basho|y|1|w|0|3|12}}
    {{Basho|KYUJO|rank=y|r-no=1|tozai=w}}
    {{Basho|y|1|w|10|5}}
    {{Basho|y|1|w|12|3||j}}
    {{Basho|y|1|w|10|5}}
    {{Basho|y|1|w|11|4|P|j}}
  {{Sumo record year end}}
  {{Sumo record year start link|1997}}
    {{Basho|y|1|e|12|3}}
    {{Basho|y|1|w|12|3|PP|j}}
    {{Basho|y|1|w|13|2|P|Y}}
    {{Basho|y|1|w|12|3||j}}
    {{Basho|y|1|w|9|6}}
    {{Basho|KYUJO|rank=y|r-no=1|tozai=w}}
  {{Sumo record year end}}
  {{Sumo record year start link|1998}}
    {{Basho|y|1|w|10|5}}
    {{Basho|y|1|e|13|2||j}}
    {{Basho|y|1|e|10|5}}
    {{Basho|y|1|e|11|4}}
    {{Basho|y|1|w|10|5}}
    {{Basho|KYUJO|rank=y|r-no=2|tozai=e}}
  {{Sumo record year end}}
  {{Sumo record year start link|1999}}
    {{Basho|KYUJO|rank=y|r-no=2|tozai=e}}
    {{Basho|KYUJO|rank=y|r-no=2|tozai=e}}
    {{Basho|y|2|e|11|4}}
    {{Basho|y|1|e|13|2|P|j}}
    {{Basho|y|1|e|2|2|11}}
    {{Basho|KYUJO|rank=y|r-no=2|tozai=e}}
  {{Sumo record year end}}
  {{Sumo record year start link|2000}}
    {{Basho|y|2|w|11|4}}
    {{Basho|y|1|w|12|3||j}}
    {{Basho|y|1|e|13|2||j}}
    {{Basho|y|1|e|13|2||y}}
    {{Basho|y|1|e|13|2||j}}
    {{Basho|y|1|w|14|1||y}}
  {{Sumo record year end}}
  {{Sumo record year start link|2001}}
    {{Basho|INTAI|rank=y|r-no=1|tozai=e|absent=15}}
    {{Basho}}
    {{Basho}}
    {{Basho}}
    {{Basho}}
    {{Basho}}
  {{Sumo record year end}}
{{Sumo record box end}}

== Kickboxing record ==
{{More citations needed section|date=April 2024}}
{| class="wikitable sortable plainrowheaders" style="clear:both; margin:1.5em auto;"
|+Akebono Tarō kickboxing record: 1 win, 9 losses
|-
!scope="col" style="border-style: none none solid solid; background: #e3e3e3"|Result
!scope="col" style="border-style: none none solid solid; background: #e3e3e3"|Record
!scope="col" style="border-style: none none solid solid; background: #e3e3e3"|Opponent
!scope="col" style="border-style: none none solid solid; background: #e3e3e3"|Method
!scope="col" style="border-style: none none solid solid; background: #e3e3e3"|Event
!scope="col" style="border-style: none none solid solid; background: #e3e3e3"|Date
!scope="col" style="border-style: none none solid solid; background: #e3e3e3"|Round
!scope="col" style="border-style: none none solid solid; background: #e3e3e3"|Time
!scope="col" style="border-style: none none solid solid; background: #e3e3e3"|Location
!scope="col" style="border-style: none none solid solid; background: #e3e3e3"|Notes
|-
|{{no2}}Loss
|1–9
!scope="row"|{{flagicon|USA}} [[Bob Sapp]]
|Technical decision
|[[Rizin Fighting Federation 2]]
|{{dts|2015|december|31|format=dmy}}
|align=center|2
|align=center|0:49
|[[Saitama, Saitama]], Japan
|align=left|{{small|[[Shoot boxing]] rules.}}
|-
|{{no2}}Loss
|1–8
!scope="row"|{{flagicon|KOR}} [[Choi Hong-man]]
|KO (left hook)
|[[K-1 World Grand Prix 2006 in Sapporo]]
|{{dts|2006|July|30|format=dmy}}
|style="text-align:center;"|2
|style="text-align:center;"|0:57
|[[Sapporo, Japan]]
|
|-
|{{no2}}Loss
|1–7
!scope="row"|{{flagicon|KOR}} [[Choi Hong-man]]
|TKO (referee stoppage)
|[[K-1 World Grand Prix 2005 in Hawaii]]
|{{dts|2005|July|29|format=dmy}}
|style="text-align:center;"|1
|style="text-align:center;"|2:52
|[[Honolulu, Hawaii|Honolulu, Hawaii, US]]
|
|-
|{{no2}}Loss
|1–6
!scope="row"|{{flagicon|KOR}} [[Choi Hong-man]]
|TKO (corner stoppage)
|[[K-1 World Grand Prix 2005 in Seoul]]
|{{dts|2005|March|19|format=dmy}}
|style="text-align:center;"|1
|style="text-align:center;"|0:24
|[[Seoul, South Korea]]
|align=left|{{small|K-1 Korea Grand Prix semifinal.}}
|-
|{{yes2}}Win
|1–5
!scope="row"|{{flagicon|JPN}} [[Nobuaki Kakuda]]
|Decision (unanimous)
|[[K-1 World Grand Prix 2005 in Seoul]]
|{{dts|2005|March|19|format=dmy}}
|style="text-align:center;"|3
|style="text-align:center;"|3:00
|[[Seoul, South Korea]]
|align=left|{{small|K-1 Korea Grand Prix opening round.}}
|-
|{{no2}}Loss
|0–5
!scope="row"|{{flagicon|NED}} [[Remy Bonjasky]]
|KO (right high kick)
|[[K-1 World Grand Prix 2004 Final Elimination]]
|{{dts|2004|September|25|format=dmy}}
|style="text-align:center;"|3
|style="text-align:center;"|0:33
|[[Tokyo, Japan]]
|
|-
|{{no2}}Loss
|0–4
!scope="row"|{{flagicon|USA}} [[Rick Roufus]]
|Decision (unanimous)
|[[K-1 World Grand Prix 2004 in Las Vegas II]]
|{{dts|2004|August|7|format=dmy}}
|style="text-align:center;"|3
|style="text-align:center;"|3:00
|[[Las Vegas, Nevada|Las Vegas, Nevada, US]]
|
|-
|{{no2}}Loss
|0–3
!scope="row"|{{flagicon|CHN}} Zhang Qingjun
|Extra round decision (unanimous)
|[[K-1 World Grand Prix 2004 in Seoul]]
|{{dts|2004|July|17|format=dmy}}
|style="text-align:center;"|4
|style="text-align:center;"|3:00
|[[Seoul, South Korea]]
|align=left|{{small|K-1 Korea Prix opening round.}}
|-
|{{no2}}Loss
|0–2
!scope="row"|{{flagicon|JPN}} [[Musashi (kickboxer)|Musashi]]
|Decision (unanimous)
|[[K-1 World Grand Prix 2004 in Saitama]]
|{{dts|2004|March|27|format=dmy}}
|style="text-align:center;"|3
|style="text-align:center;"|3:00
|[[Saitama, Saitama|Saitama, Japan]]
|
|-
|{{no2}}Loss
|0–1
!scope="row"|{{flagicon|USA}} [[Bob Sapp]]
|KO (right hook)
|[[K-1 PREMIUM 2003 Dynamite!!]]
|{{dts|2003|December|31|format=dmy}}
|style="text-align:center;"|1
|style="text-align:center;"|1:55
|[[Nagoya, Japan]]
|
|}

{{flatlist}}
;Legend
: {{legend2|#CCFFCC|Win|border=1px solid #CCFFCC}}
: {{legend2|#FFBBBB|Loss|border=1px solid #FFBBBB}}
: {{legend2|#c5d2ea|Draw/No contest|border=1px solid #c5d2ea}}
{{endflatlist}}

== Mixed martial arts record ==
{{More citations needed section|date=April 2024}}
{{MMArecordbox
|draws=
|nc=
|ko-wins=
|ko-losses=
|sub-wins=
|sub-losses=3
|dec-wins=
|dec-losses=1
|dq-wins=
|dq-losses=
|other-wins=
|other-losses=
}}
{{MMA record start|Akebono Tarō mixed martial arts career statistics}}
|-
|{{no2}}Loss
|0–4
!scope="row"|[[Paulo Cesar Silva]]
|Submission (kimura)
|[[K-1 PREMIUM 2006 Dynamite!!]]
|{{dts|format=dmy|2006|December|31}}
|style="text-align:center;"|1
|style="text-align:center;"|1:02
|[[Osaka, Japan]]
|
|-
|{{no2}}Loss
|0–3
!scope="row"|[[Don Frye]]
|Submission (guillotine choke)
|Hero's 5
|{{dts|format=dmy|2006|May|3}}
|style="text-align:center;"|2
|style="text-align:center;"|3:50
|[[Tokyo, Japan]]
|
|-
|{{no2}}Loss
|0–2
!scope="row"|[[Bobby Ologun]]
|Decision (unanimous)
|[[K-1 Premium 2005 Dynamite]]
|{{dts|format=dmy|2005|December|31}}
|style="text-align:center;"|3
|style="text-align:center;"|5:00
|[[Osaka, Japan]]
|
|-
|{{no2}}Loss
|0–1
!scope="row"|[[Royce Gracie]]
|Submission (omoplata)
|[[K-1 PREMIUM 2004 Dynamite!!]]
|{{dts|format=dmy|2004|December|31}}
|style="text-align:center;"|1
|style="text-align:center;"|2:13
|[[Osaka, Japan]]
|
|}
Legend: {{legend2|#CCFFCC|Win|border=1px solid #CCFFCC}}
{{legend2|#FFBBBB|Loss|border=1px solid #FFBBBB}}
{{legend2|#c5d2ea|Draw/No contest|border=1px solid #c5d2ea}}

== Championships and accomplishments ==
=== Professional wrestling ===
* '''[[All Japan Pro Wrestling]]'''
** [[All Asia Tag Team Championship]] ([[All Asia Tag Team Championship#Title history|2 times]]) – with [[Ryota Hama]]<ref name="AJPWprofile">{{cite web|url=http://pre.all-japan.co.jp/profile/akebono.php |title=Akebono AJPW profile |access-date=19 February 2012 |language=ja |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131224102741/http://pre.all-japan.co.jp/profile/akebono.php |archive-date=24 December 2013 }}</ref>
** [[Triple Crown Heavyweight Championship]] ([[Triple Crown Heavyweight Championship#Reigns|2 times]])<ref name="AJPW102713" /><ref name="AJPW052115" />
** [[World Tag Team Championship (AJPW)|World Tag Team Championship]] ([[World Tag Team Championship (AJPW)#Title history|2 times]]) – with [[Maunakea Mossman|Taiyo Kea]] (1) and [[Yutaka Yoshie]] (1)<ref name="AJPWprofile" />
** [[Champion Carnival]] ([[Champion Carnival#2015|2015]])<ref name="CC2015" />
** 2 January Korakuen Hall Heavyweight Battle Royal (2010, 2015)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.purolove.com/ajpw/results/10nyshiningseries.php|title=PUROLOVE.com}}</ref> 
** [[Ōdō Tournament]] ([[Ōdō Tournament#2013|2013]])<ref name="Odo2013" />
* '''[[Dragon Gate (wrestling)|Dragon Gate]]'''
** [[Dragon Gate Open the Triangle Gate Championship]] ([[Dragon Gate Open the Triangle Gate Championship#Title history|1 time]]) – with [[Masaaki Mochizuki]] and [[Don Fujii]]<ref name="AJPWprofile" />
* '''[[DDT Pro-Wrestling]]'''
** [[KO-D 6-Man Tag Team Championship]] ([[List of KO-D 6-Man Tag Team Champions|1 time]]) – with [[Sanshiro Takagi]] and [[Toru Owashi]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ddtpro.com/report/ddt/article/1376807626/ |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130818094649/http://www.ddtpro.com/report/ddt/article/1376807626/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=18 August 2013 |title=【両国2日目2】ヤンキー二丁拳銃がKO-Dタッグ奪取 |date=18 August 2013 |access-date=18 August 2013 |work=[[DDT Pro-Wrestling]] |language=ja }}</ref>
* '''''[[Pro Wrestling Illustrated]]'''''
** Ranked No. 115 of the top 500 wrestlers in the [[Pro Wrestling Illustrated#PWI 500|PWI 500]] in 2006<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.profightdb.com/pwi-500/2006.html|title=Pro Wrestling Illustrated (PWI) 500 for 2006|access-date=30 August 2012|work=The Internet Wrestling Database}}</ref>
* '''[[Pro Wrestling Zero1]]'''
** [[NWA Intercontinental Tag Team Championship]] ([[NWA Intercontinental Tag Team Championship#Title history|3 times]]) – with [[Shinjiro Otani]] (1), [[Daisuke Sekimoto]] (1) and [[Shogun Okamoto]] (1)<ref name="AJPWprofile" />
** NWA Pan-Pacific Premium Heavyweight Championship (1 time)
** [[World Heavyweight Championship (Zero1)|World Heavyweight Championship]] ([[World Heavyweight Championship (Zero1)#Title history|1 time]])<ref name="zero1">{{cite web|url=http://www.puroresuspirit.com/2012/03/02/results-for-march-2-2012/|title=Zero1, Noah, Osaka & 19pro Results for 2 March 2012|access-date=2 March 2012|archive-date=24 September 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924083307/http://www.puroresuspirit.com/2012/03/02/results-for-march-2-2012/|url-status=dead}}</ref>
** [[Furinkazan (wrestling)|Furinkazan]] ([[Furinkazan (wrestling)#2009|2009]]) – with Shinjiro Otani
* '''''[[Tokyo Sports]]'''''
** [[Tokyo Sports Puroresu Awards#Best Tag Team Award|Best Tag Team Award]] (2005) {{small|with [[Keiji Mutoh]]}}<ref name="TokyoSportsAwards">{{cite web|url=http://www.tokyo-sports.co.jp/wrestling/wrestling_past4/|script-title=ja:東京スポーツ プロレス大賞|access-date=2 February 2014|work=[[Tokyo Sports]]|language=ja}}</ref>
** Best Tag Team Award (2009) {{small|with Ryota Hama}}<ref name="TokyoSportsAwards" />
** [[Tokyo Sports Puroresu Awards#Newcomer Award|Newcomer Award]] (2005)<ref name="TokyoSportsAwards" />

=== Other accomplishments ===
* ''[[Black Belt (magazine)|Black Belt]]''
** 1993 Competitor of the Year

== See also ==
*[[Glossary of sumo terms]]
*[[List of non-Japanese sumo wrestlers]]
*[[List of past sumo wrestlers]]
*[[List of sumo record holders]]
*[[List of sumo tournament top division champions]]
*[[List of sumo tournament top division runners-up]]
*[[List of the heaviest sumo wrestlers]]
*[[List of yokozuna]]

== References ==
{{Reflist}}

== External links ==
{{Commons category}}
* {{Goo Sumo|35|Akebono Tarō}}
* {{IMDb name|id=1850858|name=Akebono}}
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20141208055022/https://www.all-japan.co.jp/archives/player/%E6%9B%99/ AJPW profile] {{in lang|ja}}
* {{Professional wrestling profiles}}

{{Yokozuna box|previous=[[Asahifuji Seiya]]|number=64th|active=1993–2001|next=[[Takanohana Kōji]]}}

{{Navboxes|
|list1=
{{Champion Carnival}}
{{World Tag Team Championship (AJPW)}}
{{All Asia Tag Team Championship}}
{{All Japan Triple Crown Heavyweight Championship}}
{{KO-D 6-Man Tag Team Championship}}
{{Odo Tournament}}
{{Open the Triangle Gate Championship}}
{{World Heavyweight Championship (Zero1)}}
{{Intercontinental Tag Team Championship (Zero1)}}
{{Furinkazan}}
}}
{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Akebono Taro}}
[[Category:1969 births]]
[[Category:2024 deaths]]
[[Category:American people of Native Hawaiian descent]]
[[Category:Basketball players from Hawaii]]
[[Category:Japanese male kickboxers]]
[[Category:Japanese male professional wrestlers]]
[[Category:Japanese male mixed martial artists]]
[[Category:Japanese people of Native Hawaiian descent]]
[[Category:Kickboxers from Hawaii]]
[[Category:Mixed martial artists from Hawaii]]
[[Category:Native Hawaiian professional wrestlers]]
[[Category:Naturalized citizens of Japan]]
[[Category:Sportspeople from Honolulu County, Hawaii]]
[[Category:Professional wrestlers from Hawaii]]
[[Category:Sumo people from Hawaii]]
[[Category:Heavyweight kickboxers]]
[[Category:Super heavyweight mixed martial artists]]
[[Category:Yokozuna]]
[[Category:American emigrants to Japan]]
[[Category:American men's basketball players]]
[[Category:Japanese sumo wrestlers]]
[[Category:American sumo wrestlers]]
[[Category:Mixed martial artists utilizing Sumo]]
[[Category:Mixed martial artists utilizing wrestling]]
[[Category:Mixed martial artists utilizing kickboxing]]
[[Category:All Asia Tag Team Champions]]
[[Category:Professional wrestlers who competed in MMA]]
[[Category:World Tag Team Champions (AJPW)]]
[[Category:Triple Crown Heavyweight Champions]]
[[Category:Champion Carnival winners]]
[[Category:Odo Tournament winners]]
[[Category:KO-D 6-Man Tag Team Champions]]
[[Category:Open the Triangle Gate Champions]]
[[Category:Zero1 World Heavyweight Champions]]
[[Category:Zero1 Intercontinental Tag Team Champions]]
[[Category:Deaths from congestive heart failure in Japan]]
[[Category:20th-century American sportsmen]]
[[Category:20th-century Japanese sportsmen]]