Yoshimasa Ogino, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Akebono Brake Industry, arrives for a news conference on foreign investment at the Hotel Marigny in Paris March 28, 2011. REUTERS/Charles Platiau (FRANCE - Tags: POLITICS BUSINESS HEADSHOT)

Sailors aborad Japan's JDS Akebono stand at attention during a Fleet Review in Victoria, British Columbia June 12, 2010. The review involved ships from around the world taking part in celebrations of the Canadian Navy's 100th anniversary. REUTERS/Andy Clark (CANADA - Tags: MILITARY ANNIVERSARY)

Akebono, a native of Waimanalo, Hawaii and former Sumo Grand Champion in Japan, gestures before his K-1 World Grand Prix match against Choi Hong-man (not pictured) of South Korea in Honolulu July 29, 2005. Akebono was defeated by Choi. Picture taken July 29, 2005. REUTERS/Lucy Pemoni LP/KI

Mike Tyson (L) of the U.S. congratulates Musashi (R) of Japan after he defeated Rickard Nordstrand of Sweden at the K-1 World Grand Prix in Honolulu July 29, 2005. The event consists of martial arts matches with fighters from Brazil, Japan, Canada, Sweden and the U.S., including a battle between former Sumo Grand Champion Akebono and Choi Hong-man of South Korea. Picture taken July 29, 2005. REUTERS/Lucy Pemoni PP05080022 LP/KI

Akebono (C), a native of Waimanalo, Hawaii and former Sumo Grand Champion in Japan, gestures before fighting at the K-1 World Grand Prix in Honolulu July 29, 2005. Akebono was defeated by Choi Hong-man (not pictured) of South Korea. Picture taken July 29, 2005. REUTERS/Lucy Pemoni LP/KI

Choi Hong-man (L) of South Korea delivers a series of blows to former Sumo Grand Champion Akebono (R) during "super fight" action at the K-1 World Grand Prix in Honolulu July 29, 2005. Akebono, was defeated by Choi. Picture taken July 29, 2005. REUTERS/Lucy Pemoni LP/KI

Fire dancers perform as part of the opening of the K-1 World Grand Prix in Honolulu July 29, 2005. The event consists of martial arts matches with fighters from Brazil, Japan, Canada, Sweden and the U.S., including a battle between Akebono, former Sumo Grand Champion in Japan, and Choi Hong-man of South Korea. Picture taken July 29, 2005. REUTERS/Lucy Pemoni LP/KI

Akebono, a native of Waimanalo, Hawaii and former Sumo Grand Champion in Japan, attends the opening ceremony of the K-1 World Grand Prix in Honolulu, July 29, 2005. The event consists of martial arts matches with fighters from Brazil, Japan, Canada, Sweden and the U.S., including a battle between Akebono and Choi Hong-man of South Korea. Picture taken July 29, 2005. REUTERS/Lucy Pemoni LP/PN

Akebono (R), a native of Waimanalo, Hawaii, and former Sumo Grand Champion of Japan, speaks during a news conference for the K-1 World Grand Prix, as Musashi, one of Japan's strongest and most popular K-1 fighter looks on, at the Ala Moana Mall in Honolulu, Hawaii, July 27, 2005. The Grand Prix will be held at the Aloha Stadium in Honolulu on Friday, consisting of 11 mixed martial arts matches with fighters from Brazil, America, Sweden, Japan and Canada. Picture taken July 27, 2005. REUTERS/Lucy Pemoni LP/PN

Choi Hong-man of Korea poses during a news conference at the Ala Moana Mall in Honolulu, Hawaii, July 27, 2005. Choi is slated to battle Akebono, a native of Waimanalo, Hawaii, and former Grand Sumo Champion of Japan, in a "Super Fight" on Friday during the KI World Grand Prix at Aloha Stadium in Honolulu. The series of 11 mixed martial arts matches end with a battle between the two giants. Picture taken July 27, 2005. REUTERS/Lucy Pemoni LP/PN

Akebono, a native of Waimanalo, Hawaii, and former "Yokozuna" or Sumo Grand Champion of Japan, reacts during a news conference at the Ala Moana Mall in Honolulu, Hawaii, July 27, 2005. Akebono will take on Choi Hong-man of Korea in "Super Fight", part of the KI World Grand Prix at Aloha Stadium in Honolulu on Friday. The series of 11 mixed martial arts matches end with a battle between the two giants. Picture taken July 27, 2005. REUTERS/Lucy Pemoni LP/PEK/PN

Japan's Hawaiian-born former sumo yokozuna (grand champion) Akebono (L) attacks Kakuda Nobuaki during a tournament match of the K-1 World Grand Prix 2005, the Japanese mixed martial arts event, in Seoul March 19, 2005. Akebono won the match 3-0.

South Korea's Choi Hong-man (L), a former champion of a form of traditional Korean wrestling known as 'Ssirum', celebrates after a technical knockout victory over Japan's Hawaiian-born former sumo yokozuna (grand champion) Akebono during the semi-final of the K-1 World Grand Prix 2005, which is a Japanese mixed martial arts event, in Seoul March 19, 2005. Choi qualified for the final. REUTERS/Kim Kyung-Hoon XX/CCK

South Korea's former champion of 'Ssirum', a form of traditional Korean wrestling, Choi Hong-man (R) punches Japan's Hawaiian-born former sumo yokozuna (grand champion) Akebono during the semi-final of the K-1 World Grand Prix 2005, the Japanese mixed martial arts event, in Seoul March 19, 2005. Choi won for technical knock out and qualified to the final. REUTERS/Kim Kyung-Hoon XX/LA

Japan's Hawaiian-born former sumo yokozuna (grand champion) Akebono (R) attacks Kakuda Nobuaki during a tournament match of the K-1 World Grand Prix 2005, which is a Japanese mixed martial arts event, in Seoul March 19, 2005. Akebono won the match 3-0. REUTERS/Kim Kyung-Hoon XX/CCK

Japan's Hawaiian-born former sumo yokozuna (grand champion) Akebono (L) attacks Kakuda Nobuaki during a tournament match of the K-1 World Grand Prix 2005, the Japanese mixed martial arts event, in Seoul March 19, 2005. Akebono won the match 3-0. REUTERS/Kim Kyung-Hoon XX/LA

Winner Yves von Ballmoos (R), pulled by horse Abu Ardash leads Harald Kronseder behind Akebono in the skikjoering White Turf horse racing event in St. Moritz February 20, 2005. The skikjoering competitions over the frozen lake of St. Moritz, the posh mountain resort in eastern Switzerland, goes back almost one hundred years.

Winner Yves von Ballmoos (R), pulled by horse Abu Ardash leads Harald Kronseder behind Akebono in the skikjoering White Turf horse racing event in St. Moritz February 20, 2005. The skikjoering competitions over the frozen lake of St. Moritz, the posh mountain resort in eastern Switzerland, goes back almost one hundred years. REUTERS/Pascal Lauener Pictures of the Month February 2005 PLA/MR/GB

Hawaiian-born former sumo grand champion Akebono attends a news conference in Tokyo July 28, 2004. [Akebono, who became a fighter in a combat sport called K-1 last year after leaving the traditional world of the national sport, said on Wednesday that he will fight against Rick Roufus of the U.S. in a K-1 Superfight to be held in Las Vegas on August 7.]

Hawaiian-born former sumo grand champion Akebono attends a news conference in Tokyo July 28, 2004. Akebono, who became a fighter in a combat sport called K-1 last year after leaving the traditional world of the national sport, said on Wednesday that he will fight against Rick Roufus of the U.S. in a K-1 Superfight to be held in Las Vegas on August 7. REUTERS/Yuriko Nakao YN

Hawaiian-born former sumo grand champion Akebono attends a news conference in Tokyo July 28, 2004. Akebono, who became a fighter in a combat sport called K-1 last year after leaving the traditional world of the national sport, said on Wednesday that he will fight against Rick Roufus of the U.S. in a K-1 Superfight to be held in Las Vegas on August 7. REUTERS/Yuriko Nakao YN

Hawaiian-born former sumo grand champion Akebono poses for photographers during a news conference in Tokyo July 28, 2004. Akebono, who became a fighter in a combat sport called K-1 last year after leaving the traditional world of the national sport, said on Wednesday that he will fight against Rick Roufus of the U.S. in a K-1 Superfight to be held in Las Vegas on August 7. REUTERS/Yuriko Nakao YN

Hawaiian-born former sumo yokozuna (grand champion) Akebono walks past a large screen showing his portrait as he goes to the ring for the fight with China's Zhang Qing Jun at a tournament match of Aruze K-1 World Grand Prix which be held for the first time in Seoul July 17, 2004. Japanese Sumo's first foreign born Yokozuna Akebono extended his losing streak to three since his K-1 debut last year as Zhang won a decison over him. REUTERS/Kim Kyung-Hoon KKH/FA

Hawaiian-born former sumo yokozuna (grand champion) Akebono (L) blocks a kick from China's Zhang Qing Jun at a tournament match of Aruze K-1 World Grand Pix which was held for the first time in Seoul July 17, 2004. K-1, a Japanese mixed martial arts event showcases a combination of karate, kung fu and kickboxing, has seen rising interest in South Korea in the last few years. Zhang Qing Jun won the match 3-0. REUTERS/Kim Kyung-Hoon KKH/ACM

Hawaiian-born former sumo yokozuna (grand champion) Akebono (L) is struck a punch from China's Zhang Qing Jun at a tournament match of Aruze K-1 World Grand Pix which be held for the first time in Seoul July 17, 2004. K-1, a Japanese mixed martial arts event showcases a combination of karate, kung fu, and kickboxing, has seen rising interest in South Korea in the last few years. Zhang won the match 3-0. REUTERS/Kim Kyung-Hoon KKH/FA

Hawaiian-born former sumo yokozuna (grand champion) Akebono (L) is punched by China's Zhang Qing Jun at a tournament match of Aruze K-1 World Grand Pix which was held for the first time in Seoul July 17, 2004. K-1, a Japanese mixed martial arts event showcases a combination of karate, kung fu, and kickboxing, has seen rising interest in South Korea in the last few years. Zhang won the match 3-0. REUTERS/Kim Kyung-Hoon KKH/FA

Former sumo yokozuna (grand champion) Akebono is tended to by a second upon his defeat to American Bob Sapp in their New Year's Eve K-1 match in Nagoya, central Japan December 31, 2003. Sapp won after a technical knockout. REUTERS/Eriko Sugita REUTERS ES/WS

Hawaiian-born former sumo yokozuna (grand champion) Akebono is down on the mat as the referee stops his K-1 fight against American former NFL player Bob Sapp in Nagoya, central Japan December 31, 2003. Akebono made his debut in the New Year's Eve match of K-1, a combination of karate, taekwondo, and kickboxing. Sapp won after a technical knockout. REUTERS/Eriko Sugita REUTERS ES/WS

American former NFL player Bob Sapp lands a punch on the face of Hawaiian-born former sumo yokozuna (grand champion) Akebono in a K-1 fight in Nagoya, central Japan December 31, 2003. Akebono made his debut in the New Year's Eve match of K-1, a combination of karate, taekwondo, and kickboxing. Sapp won after a technical knockout. REUTERS/Eriko Sugita Pictures of the month December 2003 ES/WS BEST QUALITY AVAILABLE

Hawaiian-born former sumo yokozuna (grand champion) Akebono (R) fights against American former NFL player Bob Sapp in a K-1 bout in Nagoya, central Japan December 31, 2003. Akebono made his debut in the New Year's Eve match of K-1, a combination of karate, taekwondo, and kickboxing. Sapp won by technical knockout. REUTERS/Eriko Sugita REUTERS ES/WS

Hawaiian-born former sumo yokozuna (grand champion) Akebono tries to block a punch from American former NFL player Bob Sapp in a K-1 fight in Nagoya, central Japan December 31, 2003. Akebono made his debut in the New Year's Eve match of K-1, a combination of karate, taekwondo, and kickboxing. Sapp won after a technical knockout. REUTERS/Eriko Sugita PP04010004 ES/WS

Hawaiian-born former sumo yokozuna (grand champion) Akebono receives a blow from American former NFL player Bob Sapp in a K-1 fight in Nagoya, central Japan December 31, 2003. Akebono made his debut in the New Year's Eve match of K-1, a combination of karate, taekwondo, and kickboxing. Sapp won by technical knockout. REUTERS/Eriko Sugita ES/THI

Hawaiian-born former sumo wrestler Taro Akebono, who has turned his
sights to the combat sport K-1, spars with a partner in Tokyo November
27, 2003. Akebono, the first foreign-born sumo grand champion, will
fight former NFL player Bob Sapp, now a popular martial arts hero, on
New Years Eve. REUTERS/Yuriko Nakao

YN

Hawaiian-born former sumo wrestler Taro Akebono, who has turned his
sights to the combat sport K-1, bleeds after a sparring session in
Tokyo November 27, 2003. Akebono, the first foreign-born sumo grand
champion, will fight former NFL player Bob Sapp, now a popular martial
arts hero, on New Years Eve. REUTERS/Yuriko Nakao

YN

Hawaiian-born former sumo wrestler Taro Akebono (R), who has turned his
sights to the combat sport K-1, spars with former IBF heavyweight
champion Francois Botha during a practice session in Tokyo November 27,
2003. Akebono, the first foreign-born sumo grand champion, will fight
former NFL player Bob Sapp, now a popular martial arts hero, on New
Years Eve. REUTERS/Yuriko Nakao

YN

Hawaiian-born former sumo wrestler Taro Akebono stretches during a work
out in Tokyo November 19, 2003. Akebono, the first foreign-born sumo
grand champion, has turned his sights to the combat sport K-1 and will
fight former NFL player Bob Sapp, now a popular martial arts hero, on
New Years Eve. REUTERS/Issei Kato

IK/RCS

Hawaiian-born former sumo wrestler Taro Akebono works out in Tokyo
November 19, 2003. Akebono, the first foreign-born sumo grand champion,
has turned his sights to the combat sport K-1, and will fight former
NFL player Bob Sapp on New Years Eve. REUTERS/Issei Kato

IK/RCS

Hawaiian-born former sumo wrestler Taro Akebono works out in Tokyo
November 19, 2003. Akebono, the first foreign-born sumo grand champion,
has turned his sights to the combat sport K-1, and will fight former
NFL player Bob Sapp on New Years Eve. REUTERS/Issei Kato

IK/RCS

Hawaii-native former sumo grand champion Akebono speaks during an interview in Tokyo. The two-metre (6ft 6.74 in) 210-kg (463 lb) Akebono, the first sumo champion to fight in K-1, will make his debut against American football player, Bob "the Beast" Sapp, in a special event on New Year's Eve, which organisers have dubbed the "fight of the century". Picture taken November 11, 2003. TO MATCH FEATURE STORY SPORT-SUMO-K1 REUTERS/Kimimasa Mayama YN

Former Hawaiian-born sumo wrestler Taro Akebono attends a news
conference in Tokyo November 6, 2003. Akebono, the first foreign-born
sumo grand champion, said on Thursday that he had turned his sights to
the combat sport K-1. REUTERS/Issei Kato REUTERS

IK

Former Hawaiian-born sumo wrestler Taro Akebono attends a news
conference in Tokyo November 6, 2003. Akebono, the first foreign-born
sumo grand champion, said on Thursday that he had turned his sights to
the combat sport K-1. REUTERS/Issei Kato

IK

Former Hawaiian-born sumo wrestler Taro Akebono (R) poses with former
NFL player Bob Sapp, now a popular martial arts hero, during a news
conference in Tokyo November 6, 2003. Akebono, the first foreign-born
sumo grand champion, said on Thursday that he had turned his sights to
the combat sport K-1. Akebono will fight against Sapp in a
money-spinning first fight on New Years Eve, organisers said.
REUTERS/Issei Kato

IK/RCS

Former Hawaiian-born sumo wrestler Taro Akebono speaks to reporters
during a news conference in Tokyo November 6, 2003. Akebono, the first
foreign-born sumo grand champion, said on Thursday that he had turned
his sights to the combat sport K-1. REUTERS/Issei Kato REUTERS

IK

American-born sumo grand champion Yokozuna Akebono looks at his daughter Katerine held in arms of his wife, Christine Reiko as he is presneted by U.S. Ambassador Thomas S. Foley (L) a letter of appreciation from Secretary of State Colin Powell recognizing his contribution to U.S.-Japan relations as the first American-born yokozuna in sumo history.

TA/CC

American-born sumo grand champion Yokozuna Akebono, accompanied by his daughter Katerine, stands as he enters the residence of U.S. Ambassador Thomas S. Foley in Tokyo March 29, 2001. Akebono was presented by Foley a letter of appreciation from Secretary of State Colin Powell recognizing his contribution to U.S.-Japan relations as the first American-born yokozuna in sumo history.

TA/CC

American-born sumo grand champion Yokozuna Akebono (R) smiles as he is presented by U.S. Ambassador Thomas S. Foley a letter of appreciation from Secretary of State Colin Powell recognizing his contribution to U.S.-Japan relations as the first American-born yokozuna in sumo history.

TA/DL

Yokozuna Akebono, sumo's first foreign-born grand champion, holds a bouquet as he leaves a news conference after announing his retirement from the ring in Tokyo January 22, 2001. Akebono exited the ring on Monday, ending career which saw the former Hawaiian high-school basketball star not only excel in the sport, but adapt to the ultra-conservative sumo world.

JIR

Yokozuna Akebono, sumo's first foreign-born grand champion, announces his retirement from the ring at a news conference in Tokyo January 22, 2001. Akebono exited the ring on Monday, ending a career which saw the former Hawaiian high-school basketball star not only excel in the sport, but adapt to the ultra-conservative sumo world.

ST/CP/JIR

Yokozuna Akebono, sumo's first foreign-born grand champion, announces his retirement from the ring at a news conference in Tokyo January 22, 2001. Akebono exited the ring on Monday, ending a career which saw the former Hawaiian high-school basketball star not only excel in the sport, but adapt to the ultra-conservative sumo world.

ST/CP

HAWAIIAN-BORN SUMO WRESTLER AKEBONO, JAPAN'S FIRST FOREIGN-BORN YOKOZUNA, INDICATED THAT HE WILL RETIRE FROM THE RING.


Hawaiian-born sumo wrestler Akebono, Japan's first foreign-born yokozuna or sumo grand champion, seen performing a sacred ring-entering ritual at Tokyo's Meiji Shrine, indicated to the Japan Sumo Association January 22, 2001 that he will retire from the ring, reports said. Akebono had been sidelined from the New Year Grand Sumo Tournament which ended January 21, 2001, and numerous times throughout his career with injury problems. The yokozuna is expected to give a news conference later in the day. Picture taken 6JAN00.

Hawaiian-born sumo grand champion Musashimaru performs a "dezuiri," or ring-entering ritual as part of his New Year offering as crowds of fans watch the yokozuna at Meiji Shrine in Tokyo January 6. Three yokozuna grand champions - Takanohana, Akebono, and Musashimaru performed the New Year ritual.

Hawaiian-born sumo grand champion Akebono performs a "dezuiri," or ring-entering ritual as part of his New Year offering at Meiji Shrine in Tokyo January 6. At left is a "tachimochi," or sword bearer.

Hawaiian-born sumo grand champion Musashimaru performs a "dezuiri," or ring-entering ritual as part of his New Year offering as crowds of fans watch the yokozuna at Meiji Shrine in Tokyo January 6. Three yokozuna grand champions - Takanohana, Akebono, and Musashimaru performed the New Year ritual.

ES/CC

Hawaiian-born sumo grand champion Akebono performs a "dezuiri," or ring-entering ritual as part of his New Year offering at Meiji Shrine in Tokyo January 6. At left is a "tachimochi," or sword bearer.

ES/CC

Newly promoted Hawaiian-born yokozuna (grand champion) Musashimaru is cheered by fans before performing his "Unryu" style of ring purification ritual at Meiji Shrine in Tokyo May29, marking his debut as the 67th yokozuna. Musashimaru became the second foreign-born yokozuna on May 26 following fellow Hawaiian [Akebono] who was given his historic promotion to yokozuna in 1993.
**DIGITAL IMAGE**

Newly promoted Hawaiian-born yokozuna (grand champion) Musashimaru performs his "Unryu" style of ring purification ritual at Meiji Shrine in Tokyo May29, marking his debut as the 67th yokozuna. Musashimaru became the second foreign-born yokozuna on May 26, following fellow Hawaiian [Akebono] who was given his historic promotion to yokozuna in 1993.
**DIGITAL IMAGE**

Newly promoted Hawaiian-born yokozuna (grand champion) Musashimaru performs his "Unryu" style of ring purification ritual at Meiji Shrine in Tokyo May29, marking his debut as the 67th yokozuna. Musashimaru became the second foreign-born yokozuna on May 26, following fellow Hawaiian Akebono who was given his historic promotion to yokozuna in 1993. ??»

Newly promoted Hawaiian-born yokozuna (grand champion) Musashimaru is cheered by fans before performing his "Unryu" style of ring purification ritual at Meiji Shrine in Tokyo May29, marking his debut as the 67th yokozuna. Musashimaru became the second foreign-born yokozuna on May 26 following fellow Hawaiian Akebono who was given his historic promotion to yokozuna in 1993.

KM/CC/AA

Newly promoted Hawaiian-born yokozuna (grand champion) Musashimaru performs his "Unryu" style of ring purification ritual at Meiji Shrine in Tokyo May29, marking his debut as the 67th yokozuna. Musashimaru became the second foreign-born yokozuna on May 26, following fellow Hawaiian Akebono who was given his historic promotion to yokozuna in 1993.

KM/CC/AA

Newly promoted Hawaiian-born yokozuna (grand champion) Musashimaru performs his "Unryu" style of ring purification ritual at Meiji Shrine in Tokyo May29, marking his debut as the 67th yokozuna. Musashimaru became the second foreign-born yokozuna on May 26, following fellow Hawaiian Akebono who was given his historic promotion to yokozuna in 1993.

KM/CC