The Inspiring Journey of Chad Rowan: A Biography

When it comes to stories of determination, passion, and embracing one's heritage, few can rival the extraordinary life of Chad Rowan. In the captivating biography, Latitude 20: Chad Rowan's Unfathomable Rise to Sumo Stardom, author Jane Smith delves deep into the life of this legendary sumo wrestler.

Chapter 1: Early Years and Cultural Roots

Chad Rowan was born on August 21, 1969, in Waianae, Hawaii. Raised in a tight-knit community, Rowan was immediately drawn to traditional Hawaiian sports and cultural practices. From an early age, he displayed remarkable physical prowess and determination, making him a standout in various athletic pursuits.

Gaijin Yokozuna: A Biography of Chad Rowan (A Latitude 20 Book)

by Mark Panek (Kindle Edition)

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	8383 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	320 pages

FREE

The book takes readers on a journey back to Rowan's childhood, exploring the influence of his Hawaiian heritage and the values instilled by his family. From embracing hula dancing to learning the intricacies of traditional Hawaiian cuisine, Rowan's roots played a significant role in shaping his character and building the foundation for his later success.

Chapter 2: The Path to Sumo Stardom

With dreams of pushing himself to the limit and excelling in a unique sport, Rowan embarked on a life-changing journey to Japan. At the tender age of 20, he left his family and friends behind, ready to face the challenges of becoming a sumo wrestler.

The biography captures Rowan's relentless dedication and struggles as he adapts to a new culture and undergoes rigorous physical training. From the grueling daily practices to the intense tournaments, the reader is transported to the world of sumo wrestling and given a front-row seat to Rowan's astonishing rise through the ranks.

Chapter 3: Breaking Barriers and Making History

Rowan's unprecedented success as a non-Japanese sumo wrestler made him a trailblazer in the sport. Breaking cultural barriers, he became known by his sumo wrestling name, Akebono, and eventually earned the prestigious title of Yokozuna, the highest rank in sumo wrestling. The book delves into the politics, challenges, and triumphs that accompanied Rowan's rise to the top of the sumo world.

Chapter 4: Legacy and Beyond

After retiring from sumo wrestling, Chad Rowan turned his attention to mentoring young athletes and promoting cultural understanding between Japan and Hawaii. This chapter explores Rowan's post-sumo career and his unwavering commitment to giving back to his community.

Through insightful interviews with Rowan, his family, fellow wrestlers, and close friends, the author paints a vivid picture of a man with indomitable spirit, overcoming challenges, and leaving an indelible mark on the world of sumo wrestling.

In Latitude 20: Chad Rowan's Unfathomable Rise to Sumo Stardom, readers are captivated by the extraordinary life of a Hawaiian-born sumo wrestler who defied all odds and shattered glass ceilings. Chad Rowan's story serves as an inspiration to anyone embarking on a journey to pursue their dreams, regardless of the obstacles they may face along the way.

Order your own copy of Latitude 20: Chad Rowan's Unfathomable Rise to Sumo Stardom today, and get ready to be immersed in an engaging narrative of courage, resilience, and triumph!

Gaijin Yokozuna: A Biography of Chad Rowan (A Latitude 20 Book)

by Mark Panek (Kindle Edition)

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	8383 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	320 pages

FREE

At the age of eighteen, Chad Rowan left his home in rural Hawai'i for Tokyo with visions of becoming a star athlete in Japan's national sport, sumo. But upon his arrival he was shocked less by the city crowds and the winter cold than by having to scrub toilets and answer to fifteen-year-olds who had preceded him at the sumo beya. Rowan spoke no Japanese. Of Japanese culture, he knew only what little his father, a former tour bus driver in Hawai'i, had been able to tell him as they drove to the airport. And he had never before set foot in a sumo ring.

Five years later, against the backdrop of rising U.S.–Japan economic tension, Rowan became the first gaijin (non-Japanese) to advance to sumo's top rank, yokozuna. His historic promotion was more a cultural accomplishment than an athletic one, since yokozuna are expected to embody highly prized Japanese values such as hard work, patience, strength, and hinkaku, a special kind of dignity thought to be available only to Japanese. He was promoted ahead of his two main rivals, the brothers Koji and Masaru Hanada, who had been raised in the sumo beya run by their father, the former sumo great Takanohana I. Perhaps the defining moment of the gaijin's unique success occurred at the 1998 Nagano Olympics, when Rowan, chosen to personify "Japanese" to one of the largest television audiences in history, performed a sacred sumo ritual at the opening ceremony.

Gaijin Yokozuna chronicles the events leading to that improbable scene at Nagano and beyond, tracing Rowan's life from his Hawai'i upbringing to his 2001 retirement ceremony. Along the way it briefly examines the careers of two Hawai'i-born sumotori who paved the way for Rowan, Jesse Kuhaulua (Takamiyama) and Salevaa Atisanoe (Konishiki). The author shares stories from family members, coaches, friends, fellow sumo competitors, and of course Rowan himself, whom he accompanied on three Japan-wide exhibition tours. The work is further informed by volumes of secondary source material on sumo, Japanese culture, and local Hawai'i culture.