Akebono Applies for Citizenship

[AKJake@aol.com]

In response to popular demand, here is another try at an article that didn't
go through last time. . . 

6-5 0173 (162)Yokozuna Akebono applies for Japanese citizenship
TOKYO, June 5 (Kyodo) -- Hawaiian-born yokozuna Akebono, the first foreigner
to win the top status in the Japanese traditional sport of sumo, applied for
Japanese citizenship on Monday, his stable master Azumazeki said.

The 26-year-old Akebono, or Chad Rowan, submitted the naturalization papers
to the Tokyo District Legal Affairs Bureau.

The move indicates that Akebono is determined to become a stable master
himself after retiring from active sumo. The process for naturalization is
expected to take one year.

Under Japan Sumo Association rules, only Japanese nationals can become
''oyakata,'' or sumo elder -- the necessary step to own a sumo stable.

Akebono, who was made a yokozuna in January 1993, was said to have expressed
his intention to apply for naturalization last February.

Two other American sumo wrestlers -- Takamiyama (now known by his oyakata
name, Azumazeki) and Konishiki -- have taken up Japanese nationality, and a
third -- ozeki Musashimaru -- sent in his naturalization papers in February.

AP-NY-06-05-95 0753EDT


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