# @nextshark on Instagram

- **Type:** Image
- **Original URL:** https://www.instagram.com/p/C5yp8Q_MKZA
- **Gondola URL:** https://gondola.cc/posts/15595280-nextshark-instagram
- **Thumbnail:** https://img.gondola.cc/tr:w-,h-,fo-auto/thumbnails/7f9d189fa6.jpg
- **Posted:** 2024-04-15T18:03:44.000+00:00
- **Account Owner:** NextShark (@nextshark) — https://gondola.cc/nextshark

## Caption

⁠Hawaii-born sumo champion Akebono Taro, Japan’s first foreign grand champion, has died at age 54. Taro died from heart failure in a Tokyo hospital earlier this month, his family revealed on April 11. He is survived by his wife Christine, a daughter and two sons. Christine confirmed his passing within the past week but requested privacy for the family during their time of mourning.⁠
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Renowned for his towering stature, Taro stood 6 feet, 8 inches tall and weighed around 500 pounds during his prime. Taro broke barriers and paved the way for other foreign wrestlers to succeed in Japan. ⁠
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Taro’s success extended his influence beyond the sumo ring, as he served as a cultural ambassador between Japan and the U.S. Despite his international fame, Akebono remained deeply connected to his Hawaiian roots.⁠
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#news #AkebonoTaro #hawaii #pacificislander #japan #sumo #sumochampion #grandchampion

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## Tags

pacificislander, news, sumochampion, akebonotaro, grandchampion, sumo, japan, hawaii

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