TOKYO, May 24, 2009 (AFP) - Azumazeki, the Hawaiian-born sumo stablemaster who served as a beloved foreign pioneer of the ancient Japanese sport, effectively retired Sunday after a 45-year career.

The 65-year-old gentle giant, who will officially retire next month from the sumo association, held a press conference on the last day of the May tournament, which became his final championship event as an active sumo official.

Aside from his respectable wrestling record, he is known for training fellow Hawaiian-born wrestler Akebono, who eventually became a grand champion and also a Japanese citizen.

"Forty-five years. I did not think I could come this far," said Azumazeki, who changed his real name to Daigoro Watanabe after receiving Japanese nationality in 1980.

Born Jesse Kuhaulua, he wrestled under the name of "Takamiyama" from the 1960s to the 1980s, and won the hearts of the public for his devotion to the ritualistic sport as well as for his polite, cheerful manner off the ring.

He rose to the rank of "sekiwake", the sport's third highest status.

Although he did not reach the top rank of grand champion or "yokozuna", he appeared on many television shows and commercials.

"There are many foreign wrestlers who are doing well now," he said.

"Japanese wrestlers have to work harder. With their hard work, sumo will become much, much more fun," he said.