Associated Press
TOKYO - Sumo grand champion Akebono of Hawaii is considering marriage with television personality Yu Aihara, the master of his training stable said yesterday.
Stable master Jesse Kuhaulua, also of Hawaii, said he would like to have a little more time to discuss the matter with Akebono, or Chad Rowan.
"I told him that he can date her, but I have not approved his marriage yet," said Kuhaulua, who was known as Takamiyama when he was an active wrestler.
Akebono, 27, told a news conference that "she is very important to me. I would like to consult with my master and okamisan (Jesse's wife)" about the future.
The news conference followed a party held by his training stable after the 15-day Summer Grand Sumo Tournament ended yesterday.
Akebono, recovering from a knee injury suffered in January, finished the tournament with a 10-5 record.
The 29-year-old Aihara sometimes serves as a mistress of ceremonies on entertainment programs, and appears on others as a guest.
Akebono, the first foreigner ever to reach the highest rank of grand champion, or yokozuna, in the ancient Japanese sport of sumo, was granted Japanese citizenship last month.
Only Japanese citizens are allowed to open stables to train their own proteges, usually the next career move for retired sumo stars.