Akebono was the first foreign-born grand champion of sumo
The wrestler who shocked and changed Japan died in early April, aged 54
Lumberingly, he paced to the centre of the ring, then back to his corner again. Several times he did this, flexing his arms. Then he squatted, and fixed his opponent with his stare. That stare, of absolute focus, which he could keep for days.
This article appeared in the Obituary section of the print edition under the headline “Akebono”
From the April 20th 2024 edition
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