Yokozuna Akebono retires in emotional ceremony
| • | Special report: Akebono retires |
By Mina Hall
Special to The Advertiser
TOKYO — The big day is over for Chad Rowan, otherwise known as sumo wrestler Akebono in Japan.
Associated Press
The Hawai'i-born wrestler, who became the first foreign-born grand champion in the centuries-old sport, had his danpatsu-shiki, or retirement ceremony today at Kokugikan in Ryogoku.
Sumo grand champion Akebono has his top knot cut by Maui-born Jesse Kuhaulua, signifying the retirement of the yokozuna, Chad Rowan of Waimanalo, in ceremonies today at Kokugikan in Tokyo. A near-capacity crowd of about 13,000 fans attended the ceremonies.
The big event was the hair-cutting ceremony, which took place in the middle of the ring.
Akebono patiently remained there for more than two hours under the spotlight while his topknot was cut off.
"I thought I could hold back the tears," Akebono said. "But when I was up there, it was just impossible."
More than 320 sponsors, supporters, dignitaries, wrestlers and coaches lined up for the hair-cutting.
Former wrestlers Konishiki (Saleva'a Atisanoe) and Yamato (George Kalima) participated, as well as current wrestlers Musashimaru (Fiamalu Penitani) and Takanohana.
Because there were so many people, each cut only two or three strands.
The last and final cut was made by his oyakata, or stable master, Azumazeki (Jesse Kuhaulua).
Associated Press
After the topknot was cut, a teary-eyed Akebono stood up, and together, with his oyakata, bowed to all four sides of the arena.
Akebono was emotional as Jesse Kuhaulua, his stable master, made the final cut.
It was the last day Akebono will wear his chonmage, or topknot, marking the end of his life as a sumo wrestler.
With that, Akebono went from near God-like status to a mortal, though still a mountain of a man at 6 feet 8 and 512 pounds, but nevertheless, a mortal without the exalted yokozuna rank.
A near-capacity crowd of 13,000 attended the ceremonies.
The fan support was a tribute to the man who touched so many lives in his career.
Koji Sasahara • Associated Press
It was a day of sadness because it marked the end of a life in sumo but happiness as the ceremony also celebrated a glorious career.
Akebono carried his son, Hiroshi, as they entered the arena for the ceremony.
Akebono' wife, Christine, had mixed feelings.
"At first, I wanted him to continue, but I know he wanted to go out on top and I support that."
Before the hair-cutting ceremony, wrestlers participated in a day of hanazumo, exhibition sumo. Top-ranked wrestlers took part in a round of bouts, similar to actual tournament matchups.
Sumo jinku, singing of sumo songs by wrestlers, was performed by juryo wrestler Daishi, who sang a song about Akebono's career.
Shunsaku Kawashima • Special to The Advertiser
Backstage, Akebono was preparing to make his appearance performing the time-honored yokozuna, dohyo-iri, or ring-entering ceremony for the last time in his career.
Akebono treated fans to autographs at Tokyo's Ryogoku Kekugikan prior to the retirement ceremony.
His seven attendants assisted in putting on his kesho-mawashi, ceremonial apron. Normally, the yokozuna's tsuna (belt), which is placed over the kesho mawashi, is put on backstage in the locker room.
But today he made his way into the ring and had his attendants help put the belt on in front of the audience.
When they finished, Akebono raised his head and proudly posed before the audience to see.
American Ambassador to Japan, Howard Baker, made a brief speech and Akebono then took his seat in the center of the ring.
