In Episode 14 of "Basho Simplified: A Sumo Discussion," we take a deep dive into the incredible career of Akebono, the first foreign-born rikishi to achieve the rank of Yokozuna. Join us as we explore the journey of this Hawaiian-born powerhouse, from his early struggles in Japan to his historic rise to the top of the sumo world.

We’ll discuss Akebono’s unique style, his most iconic matches, and the fierce rivalries that defined his career. Beyond the dohyo, we’ll also delve into Akebono's surprising post-sumo career, which saw him transition into unexpected fields such as professional wrestling and MMA. His decision to pursue new challenges after retiring from sumo added another layer to his already fascinating legacy.