US officials and Japanese media on Thursday said Akebono, the first foreign-born sumo wrestler to become a grand champion in Japan, had died aged 54.

Born Chad Rowan in Hawaii in 1969, Akebono was among the most successful sumo wrestlers of the 1990s.

He was named the 64th yokozuna, or grand champion, in 1993 and became a Japanese citizen in 1996.

Kyodo News agency said he died in early April and had heart failure.

US Ambassador Rahm Emanuel called Akebono "a proud Hawaiian and a bridge between the United States and Japan".

"When Akebono became the first-ever foreign-born grand champion, sumo's highest rank, in 1993, he opened the door for other foreign wrestlers to find success in the sport," Emanuel said in a statement.

"Throughout his 35 years in Japan, Akebono strengthened the cultural ties between the United States and his adopted homeland by uniting us all through sport."

Standing more than two metres tall and weighing over 230 kilos, Akebono was best known for his rivalry with local favourites Takanohana and Wakanohana.

He retired as a wrestler in 2001 to train younger fighters and later did other martial arts as well as professional wrestling. (AFP)