U.S. honors Akebono for promoting good will

Associated Press

TOKYO — The United States honored retired champion sumo wrestler Akebono today for promoting better relations with Japan.

Ambassador Thomas Foley proclaimed March 29, 2001, as a day to honor of Akebono, or Chad Rowan from Waimanalo, who became the first foreigner promoted to yokozuna, or grand champion, the pinnacle of Japan's ancient sport.

It was the first time the U.S. Embassy in Japan had bestowed such an honor.

It also was among the last official duties of Foley, who leaves his post tomorrow.

After seven years at sumo's top rank, the 31-year-old Akebono, now a Japanese citizen, retired in January because of chronic knee injuries.

In a brief ceremony at the ambassador's residence in central Tokyo, Foley handed Akebono a letter from Secretary of State Colin Powell.

"Your dedication and sheer determination to succeed in such a demanding sport, combined with your reputation for fair play and sportsmanship, have truly made you a model ambassador of good will in Japan," it said.

Sporting a bright yellow tie with tiny sumo wrestlers printed on it, Foley joked that he never felt so small as to be standing next to the 6-foot-9, 510-pound Akebono, who was flanked by his wife and young daughter.

Foley participated in Akebono's wedding a few years ago.

Foley arrived in Tokyo in November 1997. He had postponed his departure, originally planned for late February, to deal with the aftermath of the collision of the submarine USS Greeneville and a Japanese fisheries training boat Feb. 9. The accident claimed nine Japanese lives.