Death of Akebono Taro, Sumo Wrestling Legend
Hawaii-born sumo wrestling legend Akebono Taro, the first foreign-born wrestler to reach the level of grand champion in Japan, has passed away at the age of 54 due to heart failure. He won his first grand championship in 1993 and was an 11-time grand tournament winner, retiring in 2001. Akebono was a bridge between the United States and Japan, strengthening cultural ties through sport.