Sumo Wrestling Champ Akebono Now In Pursuit Of Japanese Citizenship

American Chad Rowan, the first foreigner to reach the top rank of Japan’s traditional sumo wrestling, has applied for Japanese citizenship.

Citizenship will open the way for Rowan, known in Japan as yokozuna (grand champion) Akebono, to open his own training stable or work as a ring judge after retiring as a wrestler.

Akebono, 25, who entered sumo in March 1988, has won eight of the 15-day tournaments held six times each year. He was promoted to yokozuna rank in January 1993.