Akebono unsure of retirement plans
Associated Press
TOKYO — At the tender age of 32, Akebono, sumo's first foreign-born grand champion, has an unusual problem — figuring out what to do now that he is retired.
Associated Press
One thing is certain, though — show business is out. He's just too shy.
Sumo grand champion Akebono chatted with Kazuo Abiko, president of the Foreign Correspondents' Club of Japan, following a luncheon at the FCCJ in Tokyo yesterday. "Sumo is much more than just a sport, it's a lifestyle," said the 32-year-old, Hawai'i-born Akebono. "I gained a lot from sumo, and now I want to pass on what I gained to future generations."
"I'd like to get into something like that, but I just don't have the personality for it," Akebono said yesterday, ruling out the possibility he will follow in the ample footsteps of fellow Hawai'i resident Konishiki, now a fixture on TV commercials, and other former sumo stars.
"I don't think I could do what they do," Akebono said. "And I will always strive not to tarnish the image of grand champion."
Forced to retire in January because of persistent knee problems, the 6-foot-9, 484-pound Akebono recently started writing a weekly column and said he is busily preparing for his retirement ceremony later this month.
About 11,000 fans are expected to watch the ceremony, in which his topknot will be chopped off.
"It's amazing the amount of work that goes into this event," Akebono said at a news conference. "Up to now, all I had to do was wrestle. But now I've got so many things to take care of."
He hinted that he is interested in opening his own training stable, but said that is still on hold.
"Becoming a stable master is just not something I can do overnight. You have to go to the Sumo Association and get their support and you need the support of the people around you. Right now, I just want to get the ceremony out of the way."
Akebono, who made his sumo debut in 1988, overcame considerable concerns about whether a foreigner should be allowed to hold the title of grand champion.
Akebono was promoted to grand champion in 1993 and won 11 career titles.
