It was announced on the 11th that Akebono Taro (real name the same), the 64th Yokozuna, the first foreign-born Yokozuna in sumo wrestling, who was also active in martial arts, died of heart failure in early April at a hospital in Tokyo. He was 54 years old. The Japan Sumo Association also announced this. The funeral will be a family funeral. A native of Oahu, Hawaii, USA. He made his debut in the spring tournament of 1988 from Azumazeki stable. A giant of 204 cm and over 200 kg, he rose to prominence quickly with his powerful thrusts and pushes. He caused unprecedented popularity in sumo with numerous memorable matches against his brother Yokozuna Takanohana and Wakanohana. Takanohana was a lifelong rival and created the "Ake Taka Era," with a record of 21 wins and 21 losses in the top division. Including his fellow hometown Musashimaru, he formed a four-man Yokozuna team.

He made his debut in the Spring Tournament in 1990. He became a new Ozeki in the Nagoya Tournament in 1992. In the First Tournament of 1993, he won his third tournament in two consecutive tournaments, and after the same tournament, he became the first foreigner in history to be promoted to Yokozuna.

He performed the Yokozuna dohyo-iri style at the opening ceremony of the 1998 Nagano Olympics. He won 11 championships. After the Kyushu tournament in 2001, he suddenly announced his retirement due to injuries to both knees. After his retirement, he served as Azumazeki stable's stablemaster under the name Akebono, but retired from the Japan Sumo Association in November 2003.

He then became a martial artist and announced his participation in K-1. In his debut match on December 31 of the same year, he was knocked out in the first round by Bob Sapp. After that, he fought in mixed martial arts and as a professional wrestler in All Japan and Hustle.

In April 2017, after a match in Fukuoka Prefecture, he was rushed to the hospital after complaining of feeling unwell. He survived, but remained hospitalized and underwent rehabilitation.