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Hana Kimura

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Hana Kimura
Kimura in 2019
Birth nameHana Kimura
Born(1997-09-03)September 3, 1997
Yokohama, Kanagawa, Japan
DiedMay 23, 2020(2020-05-23) (aged 22)
Kōtō, Tokyo, Japan[1]
Cause of deathSuicide (Hydrogen sulfide)[2]
Parent(s)Kyoko Kimura (mother)
Professional wrestling career
Ring name(s)Hana Kimura
Billed height5 ft 5 in (165 cm)[3]
Billed weight128 lb (58 kg)[3]
Billed fromYokohama, Kanagawa, Japan[4]
Trained byWrestle-1
Debut2016

Hana Kimura (Japanese: 木村花, Hepburn: Kimura Hana, September 3, 1997 – May 23, 2020) was a Japanese female professional wrestler. She was best known for her time in women's professional wrestling promotion World Wonder Ring Stardom from 2016 to 2020. Kimura was a second-generation wrestler, her mother Kyoko Kimura is a former professional wrestler.[5] She was also a cast member on the Fuji Television and Netflix reality television series Terrace House: Tokyo 2019–2020 which is the fifth installment of the Terrace House franchise.

Following a series of suicidal tweets addressing online criticism directed at her from Terrace House viewers, she was found dead by suicide in her apartment in Tokyo on May 23, 2020.[6] The release of new Terrace House episodes was suspended as a result of Kimura's death,[7][6] and Fuji TV later cancelled the season.[8][9]

Professional wrestling career

Early career

Prior to her professional wrestling career, Kimura won the DDT Ironman Heavymetalweight Championship one time on August 21, 2005, at a live event in Tokyo, then lost the title to her mother Kyoko.[10]

In the 2010s, Kimura was trained at Wrestle-1's Professional Wrestling University.[11]

Wrestle-1 (2016–2019)

After graduating the Wrestle-1 training academy, she debuted for promotion on March 30, 2016, against her classmate, Reika Saiki, in a losing effort.[12] The pair wrestled against each other many times throughout 2016 in Wrestle-1.[13]

On August 7, 2016, Kimura wrestled against her mother in a match. On September 18, 2016, Kimura captured her first title, the JWP Junior Championship, by defeating Yako Fujigasaki in a tournament final.[13] She lost her JWP Junior Championship on December 28, 2016, to Yako Fujigasaki. On January 22, 2017, her mother retired. In Kyoko's retirement show, Kimura defeated her mother in a singles match and on the same show, the two teamed in a trios match in a winning effort.[13]

During 2017, Kimura split her time between Wrestle-1, Sendai Girls' Pro Wrestling and Stardom while being a contracted performer for Wrestle-1. Kimura officially became a Wrestle-1 roster member on January 9, 2018.[14] She made an international tour in early 2018, competing for Ring of Honor, Pro-Wrestling: EVE, and various promotions in Mexico.

On March 21, 2019, Kimura announced she was leaving Wrestle-1.[15]

World Wonder Ring Stardom (2016–2020)

Around September 2016, Kimura also began appearing in World Wonder Ring Stardom.[13] On October 2, 2016, Kimura teamed with her mother and Kagetsu to capture the Artist of Stardom Championship. The team vacated the titles on January 3, 2017, when Kimura was injured. Kimura eventually became a member of Stardom's heel stable, Oedo Tai. On June 21, 2017, at Stardom's Galaxy Stars 2017 event, Kimura teamed with her fellow Oedo Tai member, Kagetsu, to win the Goddess of Stardom Championship by defeating Team Jungle (Hiroyo Matsumoto and Jungle Kyona). Kimura and Kagetsu held the titles for nearly a year, successfully defending against teams such as Jungle Kyona and HZK, Io Shirai and Viper, Jungle Kyona and Natsuko Tora, HZK and Momo Watanabe, Mayu Iwatani and Tam Nakano.[13] The team was defeated by Mayu Iwatani and Saki Kashima in 2018.[13] Kimura left Oedo Tai on September 24, after she attacked Kagetsu.[16]

She officially joined Stardom on March 25, 2019.[17] On April 6, Kimura, along with Stella Grey and Sumie Sakai wrestled Jenny Rose and Oedo Tai (Kagetsu and Hazuki) in a dark match at Ring of Honor and New Japan Pro-Wrestling’s G1 Supercard.[18] On April 14, at the 2019 Stardom draft, Hana was named leader of the International Army faction.[19] The faction was renamed, "Tokyo Cyber Squad", on April 21.[20] On May 16, Kimura, along with her stablemates Jungle Kyona and Konami won the Artist of Stardom Championship after defeating Mayu Iwatani, Saki Kashima, and Tam Nakano.[21]

On January 4, 2020, Kimura, along with Giulia wrestled Mayu Iwatani and Arisa Hoshiki in a dark match at New Japan Pro-Wrestling's Wrestle Kingdom 14.[22] It was the first women's match at the Tokyo Dome since 2002.[23] Kimura had her final match on March 24 at Stardom's Cinderella Tournament 2020, wrestling Mayu Iwatani in the first round to a draw.[3]

During her Stardom career, she won the Artist of Stardom Championship twice and the Goddess of Stardom championship once,[24] while also winning the 2019 5★Star GP tournament and Stardom Fighting Spirit Award.[25]

Other ventures

Kimura joined the reality television series Terrace House: Tokyo 2019–2020 in September 2019, appearing on the show until her death.[26] One episode filmed in early January 2020 showed Kimura involved in a verbal conflict with her housemate, Kai Edward Kobayashi, for damaging her wrestling attire. After the episode aired in March 2020, her actions drew criticism, name calling and abuse from social media users, sending her into depression.[23][27][28]

Before her death, Kimura was set to co-star with Ena Fujita in the music video for the musician's June 2020 single "Dead Stroke".[29]

Personal life

Kimura was a daughter of Kyoko Kimura who is also a professional wrestler.[30][31] Before she was one year old, she was separated from her father.[32] While the identity of her biological father is not publicly known, Kimura had mentioned in interviews that he is an Indonesian national and because of this, she was referred to as Indonesian-Japanese.[33][34] She was bullied as a child because of her mixed ethnic heritage.[35][36]

Death

Wikinews has related news:

On May 23, 2020, Kimura died at age 22.[37][38] Early that morning, Kimura posted self-harm images on Twitter and Instagram while sharing some of the hate comments she received.[39][40][41][42]

On December 15, 2020, the police announced that they had arrested a man in his mid-20s for cyberbullying.[43]

Legacy and tributes

On the day of Kimura's death, several professional wrestling companies such as New Japan Pro-Wrestling, National Wrestling Alliance, Ring of Honor, All Elite Wrestling, Impact Wrestling, among other companies sent their condolences. During AEW's Double or Nothing pay-per-view event, they paid tribute to Kimura and Shad Gaspard (who also died that same week).[44]

On the May 27 episode of WWE NXT, Io Shirai and commentator Mauro Ranallo paid tribute to Hana with the following phrase: "Hana was one of the most talented female wrestlers in the world, and I was looking forward to watching her grow to see how far she could go,” Io began. "I will always remember her smile that would brighten up any room she walked into. It is so important that we all love and treat each other with respect.”[45] On the May 29 of WWE SmackDown, Sasha Banks wore a black armband that said "HANA" in white letters[46] At NXT TakeOver: In Your House, Dakota Kai sported pink hair that she confirmed was dyed as a tribute to Kimura.[47]

On June 21, World Wonder Ring Stardom had its first event during the COVID-19 pandemic and before the event, they paid tribute to Kimura with all the wrestlers around the ringside area for a ten-bell salute.[48]

Kimura's fellow Terrace House cast member Peppe drew her in the third volume of his manga series Mingo, which was released on July 10.[49]

On the September 3 episode of AEW Dynamite, Kenny Omega wore a Hana Kimura shirt on what would've been her 23rd birthday. The shirt was released on Pro Wrestling Tees with all the proceeds going to Hana's mother, Kyoko.[50]

Championships and accomplishments

See also

References

  1. ^ S. Levine, Daniel (May 24, 2020). "Hana Kimura's Cause of Death Has Fans Devastated". Pop Culture. Retrieved May 24, 2020.
  2. ^ Alvarez, Bryan; Meltzer, Dave (May 24, 2020). "WOR: Hana Kimura, AEW Double or Nothing, Stadium Stampede, more! 5/24". Wrestling Observer Radio. Event occurs at 15:00-15:40. Retrieved May 24, 2020. The death was actually at 4:00 am. She had ingested hydrogen sulfide. So that was the cause of death and not too much else is going to be released because her mother did not want much more released.
  3. ^ a b c "Hana Kimura". cagematch.net. Retrieved April 16, 2019.
  4. ^ Ring of Honor Wrestling (March 19, 2018). Sumie Sakai vs Hana Kimura (WOH Championship Tournament Round 1). Retrieved May 22, 2020.
  5. ^ "In Memoriam: Hana Kimura". New Japan Pro-Wrestling. May 23, 2020. Retrieved May 23, 2020.
  6. ^ a b "Japanese wrestling star Hana Kimura dies aged 22". BBC News. 2020-05-23. Retrieved 2020-05-23.
  7. ^ @TH6TV (May 23, 2020). "Official Terrace House Twitter Account" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  8. ^ "Fuji TV to end reality show "Terrace House" after cast member death". Kyodo News. 2020-05-27. Retrieved 2020-05-27.
  9. ^ "Current season of 'Terrace House' cancelled following death of cast member Hana Kimura". The Japan Times. 2020-05-27. Retrieved 2020-05-27.
  10. ^ "Stardom Wrestler Hana Kimura Passes Away". Cultaholic. 23 May 2020. Retrieved 23 May 2020.
  11. ^ "Ｗ－１プロレス学校入学式 武藤校長「１期生大事」". Nikkan Sports (in Japanese). Nikkan Sports. October 1, 2015. Retrieved April 16, 2019.
  12. ^ "プロレス総合学院1期生卒業試合リポー". Wrestle-1 (in Japanese). Wrestle-1. March 30, 2016. Retrieved April 16, 2019.
  13. ^ a b c d e f "Hana Kimura". cagematch.net. Retrieved April 16, 2019.
  14. ^ "木村響子＆ISAOの娘・木村花がWRESTLE-1入団！". Battle-News (in Japanese). Battle-News. January 9, 2018. Retrieved April 16, 2019.
  15. ^ ""メキシコ帰りの二世美女レスラー"木村花がWRESTLE-1を退団！「ステップアップしてW-1に恩返ししたい」". Yahoo (in Japanese). Yahoo. March 22, 2018. Retrieved April 16, 2019.
  16. ^ 5☆star-gp2018/ "2018年9月24日 5☆STAR GP2018". Stardom (in Japanese). Stardom. September 24, 2018. Retrieved April 16, 2019.
  17. ^ "木村花　スターダム入団発表「世界に一番近い団体」". Tokyo Sports (in Japanese). Tokyo Sports. March 25, 2019. Retrieved April 16, 2019.
  18. ^ "WOH SIX-WOMAN TAG SET TO KICK OFF EVENTS IN MSG". Ring of Honor Wrestling. Retrieved May 23, 2020.
  19. ^ "ドラフト会議2019／ユニット新編成速報". Stardom (in Japanese). Stardom. April 14, 2019. Retrieved April 16, 2019.
  20. ^ "【試合詳細】4･21　スターダム大阪大会（昼）". Battle-News (in Japanese). Battle-News. April 21, 2019. Retrieved April 24, 2019.
  21. ^ "New STARDOM Champions Crowned | | Squared Circle Sirens". Retrieved 2019-05-29.
  22. ^ "WRESTLE KINGDOM 14 in TOKYO DOME". New Japan Pro-Wrestling. Retrieved May 23, 2020.
  23. ^ a b Meltzer, Dave (May 23, 2020). "Hana Kimura passes away at 22 years old". Figure Four Online. Retrieved May 23, 2020.
  24. ^ "Hana Kimura, Japanese wrestler and star of Netflix show 'Terrace House,' dies at 22". NBC News. Retrieved 2020-05-24.
  25. ^ "Wrestling world mourns death of 22-year-old Hana Kimura". The Georgia Straight. 2020-05-23. Retrieved 2020-05-24.
  26. ^ Cooper, Mariah (May 23, 2020). "Hana Kimura Dead: Pro Wrestler and 'Terrace House' Star Dies at 22". Us Weekly. Retrieved May 23, 2020.
  27. ^ H Jenkins (May 23, 2020). "WATCH 'Terrace House' Scene That Caused Bullying Which Led To Hana Kimura Suicide". Ringside News. Retrieved May 23, 2020.
  28. ^ Hanaway, Tom (April 3, 2020). "Ep. 38 'Case of The Costume Incident'". The Japan Times. Retrieved May 23, 2020.
  29. ^ "藤田恵名、『バキ』ED曲MV公開。木村花を予定していた女格闘家役にプロ雀士・和久津晶". Barks (in Japanese). June 17, 2020. Retrieved September 21, 2020.
  30. ^ "Hana Kimura, Netflix star and professional wrestler, dies at age 22". TODAY.com. Retrieved 2020-05-24.
  31. ^ "Japanese wrestling star Hana Kimura dies aged 22". BBC News. 2020-05-23. Retrieved 2020-05-24.
  32. ^ "【スターダム】木村花　元レスラーの母に「石の上にも三年」と言われたけど…" [[Stardom] Hana Kimura Former wrestler's mother told me, “Three years on the stone” ...]. Tokyo Sports (in Japanese). August 22, 2019. Retrieved May 24, 2020.
  33. ^ "Hana Kimura is a professional wrestler". Retrieved 25 May 2020.
  34. ^ Hanaway, Tom (25 October 2019). "Ep. 20 'The Third Flower'". Retrieved 25 May 2020.
  35. ^ Pageot, Harley R. (23 May 2020). "STARDOM NEWS: Beloved wrestler Hana Kimura dead at 22". Pro Wrestling Insider. Retrieved 25 May 2020.
  36. ^ Alvarez, Bryan; Meltzer, Dave (24 May 2020). "WOR: Hana Kimura, AEW Double or Nothing, Stadium Stampede, more!". Wrestling Observer Radio. Event occurs at 20:15-20:30.
  37. ^ DeFelice, Robert (May 22, 2020). "Hana Kimura Has Passed Away". Fightful. Retrieved May 22, 2020.
  38. ^ "『テラハ』出演の木村花さんが死去　22歳　所属のスターダムが発表" [Hana Kimura, who appeared in "Teraha", died 22 years old Stardom announces]. Yahoo (in Japanese). May 22, 2020. Retrieved May 22, 2020.
  39. ^ Stedman, Alex (May 22, 2020). "Hana Kimura, Pro Wrestler and 'Terrace House' Cast Member, Dies at 22". Variety. Retrieved May 22, 2020.
  40. ^ "木村花(HANA)". Instagram. May 22, 2020. Retrieved May 23, 2020.
  41. ^ Haring, Bruce (May 23, 2020). "Hana Kimura Dies: Star Of Netflix's Reality Show 'Terrace House' And Wrestler Was 22". Deadline. Retrieved May 23, 2020.
  42. ^ "Hana Kimura: Netflix star and Japanese wrestler dies at 22". BBC. May 23, 2020.
  43. ^ "Kimura Hana Death: Japan Police Open Case Against Alleged Bully". variety.com.
  44. ^ Powell, Jason (May 23, 2020). "AEW Double Or Nothing results: Powell's live review of Cody vs. Lance Archer to become the first TNT Champion (Mike Tyson presents the belt), Jon Moxley vs. Brodie Lee for the AEW Championship, The Elite vs. The Inner Circle in a Stadium Stampede match". Pro Wrestling Dot Net. Retrieved May 23, 2020.
  45. ^ DeFelice, Robert (June 6, 2020). "Io Shirai Hopes People Remember To Love & Respect Each Other In The Wake Of Hana Kimura's Death". Fightful. Retrieved June 6, 2020.
  46. ^ Aguilar, Matthew (May 29, 2020). "WWE: Sasha Banks Wears Hana Kimura Tribute on SmackDown". Comic Book. Retrieved May 29, 2020.
  47. ^ Harris, Jeffrey (August 23, 2020). "WWE News: Dakota Kai Pays Tribute to Hana Kimura With NXT TakeOver Gear, Adam Pearce Injures Thumb After Slapping an Ambulance, Dolph Ziggler Looks Back at Summerslam 2009 Match With Mysterio". 411 Mania. Retrieved January 28, 2021.
  48. ^ Thomas, Jeremy (June 21, 2020). "STARDOM Is Again Results 6.21.20: Hana Kimura Tribute, More". 411 Mania. Retrieved June 21, 2020.
  49. ^ ペッペ「ミンゴ」最新刊に木村花への追悼イラスト、テラハで過ごした日々を描く. Natalie (in Japanese). July 10, 2020. Retrieved August 6, 2020.
  50. ^ Gagnon, Joshua (September 2, 2020). "AEW All Out Show Lineup Revealed, Kenny Omega Tribute To Hana Kimura, AEW Dynamite Post-Show". Wrestling Inc. Retrieved September 2, 2020.
  51. ^ "Biography". Kaori-Yoneyama.com (in Japanese). Retrieved February 4, 2012.
  52. ^ "Ironman Heavymetalweight Title". Puroresu Dojo. Retrieved February 4, 2012.
  53. ^ Big Daddy Kel (November 1, 2018). "The PWI Top 100 Female Wrestlers in the World". Wrestling Travel. Retrieved November 9, 2018.
  54. ^ Michael, Casey. "Hana Kimura Wins STARDOM 2019 5STAR Grand Prix". Squared Circle Sirens. Retrieved September 22, 2019.
  55. ^ "Best Tag Team Award". Cagematch - The Internet Wrestling Database.
  56. ^ "Fighting Spirit Award". Cagematch - The Internet Wrestling Database.
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