Akebono Tribute	Retirement Ceremony
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What's this? Photo essay on Yokozuna Akebono's retirement ceremony held on Sept. 29, 2001.
Last modified: May 15, 2004

Story and photos by Philbert Ono

Red carpets were laid on the sumo ring in preparation for the highlight of the day. Before it began, everyone was asked to stand up for a moment of silence in memory of the victims of the terrorist attacks on the U.S.

Akebono helps U.S. Ambassador to Japan Howard Baker climb up to the ring.

Howard H. Baker, the U.S. Ambassador to Japan, gives a short speech in English with Akebono at his side.

At 1:15 pm, they laid red carpets on the sumo ring and podium. Akebono soon appeared with the U.S. Ambassador to Japan, Howard H. Baker.

Ambassador Baker gave a short congratulatory message in English, later repeated in Japanese by the announcer. Among the things he said was, "Most U.S. Ambassadors to Japan only serve three or four years, but Akebono has served with distinction at sumo's highest rank for eight years" and "when Akebono announced that he would retire, Secretary of State Colin Powell wrote to him to praise him for 'his contribution to strengthening the bonds of friendship between the United States and Japan' and for his exemplary service as a 'model ambassador of goodwill to Japan'."

The French Ambassador to Japan, Maurice Gourdault-Montagne, also gave a speech (in Japanese) on behalf of President Chirac who is a great fan of sumo. When he later helped to cut Akebono's topknot, he used a pair of scissors given by President Chirac.

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