History of Hana Kimura in Timeline

Hana Kimura was a second-generation Japanese professional wrestler who tragically passed away in 2020. She gained recognition wrestling for prominent Japanese companies like Stardom and Wrestle-1, showcasing her skills internationally in Ring of Honor, Pro-Wrestling: EVE, and various Mexican independent promotions. Her legacy is deeply intertwined with her mother, Kyoko Kimura, a respected figure in the wrestling world.

September 3, 1997: Birth of Hana Kimura

Hana Kimura was born on September 3, 1997.

2002: First Women's Match at the Tokyo Dome Since 2002

The match at Wrestle Kingdom 14 was the first women's match at the Tokyo Dome since 2002.

August 21, 2005: Hana Kimura's Early Championship Win

On August 21, 2005, before her professional wrestling career, Hana Kimura won the DDT Ironman Heavymetalweight Championship.

March 30, 2016: Hana Kimura's Professional Wrestling Debut

Hana Kimura made her professional wrestling debut for Wrestle-1 on March 30, 2016.

August 7, 2016: Hana Kimura Wrestles Her Mother

On August 7, 2016, Hana Kimura had a memorable match against her mother, Kyoko Kimura.

September 18, 2016: Hana Kimura's First Championship Win

Hana Kimura secured her first championship, the JWP Junior Championship, on September 18, 2016.

September 22, 2016: Hana Kimura's Debut in World Wonder Ring Stardom

Hana Kimura made her in-ring debut in World Wonder Ring Stardom on September 22, 2016.

October 2, 2016: Hana Kimura Wins Artist of Stardom Championship

Hana Kimura, alongside her mother and Kagetsu, captured the Artist of Stardom Championship on October 2, 2016.

December 28, 2016: Hana Kimura Loses JWP Junior Championship

Hana Kimura lost the JWP Junior Championship to Yako Fujigasaki on December 28, 2016.

2016: Hana Kimura Joins World Wonder Ring Stardom

Hana Kimura began her journey with World Wonder Ring Stardom in 2016.

January 22, 2017: Kyoko Kimura's Retirement Match

Hana Kimura wrestled her mother, Kyoko Kimura, in Kyoko's retirement match on January 22, 2017.

June 21, 2017: Hana Kimura Wins Goddesses of Stardom Championship

Hana Kimura, with Kagetsu, won the Goddesses of Stardom Championship on June 21, 2017.

2017: Hana Kimura's Time with Other Promotions

During 2017, Hana Kimura competed in various promotions, including Sendai Girls' Pro Wrestling.

January 9, 2018: Hana Kimura Joins Wrestle-1 Roster

Hana Kimura officially became a Wrestle-1 roster member on January 9, 2018.

2018: Hana Kimura's Betrayal and New Persona

During the 2018 5 Star Grand Prix, Hana Kimura betrayed Oedo Tai and later adopted the ring name Hanita.

2018: Loss of Goddesses of Stardom Championship

Kimura and Kagetsu lost the Goddesses of Stardom Championship in 2018.

March 21, 2019: Hana Kimura Leaves Wrestle-1

Hana Kimura announced her departure from Wrestle-1 on March 21, 2019.

March 25, 2019: Hana Kimura Officially Joins Stardom

Hana Kimura officially joined Stardom on March 25, 2019.

September 2019: Hana Kimura Joins Terrace House

Hana Kimura joined the cast of Terrace House: Tokyo 2019–2020 in September 2019.

2019: Hana Kimura's Achievements in Stardom

Hana Kimura achieved significant success in Stardom, winning multiple championships and awards in 2019.

2019: Hana Kimura Joins Terrace House

Hana Kimura became a cast member on the reality television series Terrace House: Tokyo 2019–2020 in 2019.

January 4, 2020: Hana Kimura Wrestles at Wrestle Kingdom 14

Hana Kimura wrestled at New Japan Pro-Wrestling's Wrestle Kingdom 14 on January 4, 2020.

January 2020: Incident on Terrace House

In January 2020, an episode of Terrace House showed Hana Kimura in a conflict with a housemate, leading to online harassment.

March 2020: Online Harassment and Suspension of Terrace House

Following the airing of the controversial episode in March 2020, Hana Kimura experienced significant online harassment, leading to the suspension of Terrace House.

May 2020: Hana Kimura Passes Away

Following her passing in May 2020, Hana Kimura's mother, Kyoko Kimura, pursued legal action against individuals who posted hateful messages about her daughter online. These lawsuits sought damages for the emotional distress caused to the family and aimed to hold the perpetrators accountable for their actions.

May 23, 2020: Death of Hana Kimura

Hana Kimura tragically passed away on May 23, 2020.

June 2020: Planned Music Video Release

Hana Kimura was scheduled to appear in a music video set to be released in June 2020.

December 15, 2020: Arrest Made in Cyberbullying Case

On December 15, 2020, an arrest was made in connection with the cyberbullying of Hana Kimura.

December 2020: Hana Kimura's Death Ruled a Suicide

In December 2020, Hana Kimura's death was officially ruled a suicide.

December 2020: Ruling on Hana Kimura's Death

In December 2020, Hana Kimura's death was officially ruled a suicide.

January 22, 2021: Kyoko Kimura Files Lawsuit Against Online Abuser

On January 22, 2021, Hana Kimura's mother, Kyoko Kimura, filed a lawsuit against a third man for his hateful online posts about Hana's death in May 2020. The lawsuit, seeking roughly US$27,000 in damages, aimed to address the emotional distress caused to the family.

March 30, 2021: Indictment and Fine in Cyberbullying Case

The individual arrested for cyberbullying Hana Kimura was indicted and fined in March 30, 2021.

March 31, 2021: Kyoko Kimura Launches Remember Hana Anti-Bullying Organization

On March 31, 2021, Hana Kimura's mother, Kyoko Kimura, established "Remember Hana," a non-profit organization dedicated to combating bullying. This initiative aimed to honor Hana's memory by addressing the issue that tragically impacted her life.

April 5, 2021: Second Man Charged in Hana Kimura Cyberbullying Case

On April 5, 2021, Tokyo police charged a second man in his late 30s for his role in the online harassment of Hana Kimura. The man from Fukui Prefecture admitted to sending abusive messages, stating he was "simply joining in with what he saw others doing on her site."

May 19, 2021: Court Orders Man to Pay Damages in Hana Kimura Cyberbullying Case

On May 19, 2021, a Japanese court ordered a man from Nagano Prefecture to pay 1.29 million yen (US$12,000) to Kyoko Kimura for posting hateful messages about Hana's death in May 2020. The ruling marked a legal victory for the family in their pursuit of justice for the online abuse.

May 20, 2021: Posthumous Music Video Release

A music video featuring Hana Kimura was released posthumously on May 20, 2021.

May 23, 2021: First Hana Kimura Memorial Show, "Matane," Takes Place

The inaugural "Hana Kimura Memorial Show, "Matane," was held on May 23, 2021, marking the commencement of a series of events honoring Hana's legacy. These shows serve as tributes to her contributions to wrestling and raise awareness about cyberbullying.

May 23, 2022: Second Hana Kimura Memorial Show, "Bagus," Held

The second "Hana Kimura Memorial Show, "Bagus," took place on May 23, 2022, continuing the tradition of commemorating Hana's impact on the wrestling world and advocating against online harassment. These annual events exemplify the enduring efforts to celebrate her life and address the issue that led to her tragic passing.

June 14, 2022: Japan Passes Law Against Online Insults Following Hana Kimura's Case

On June 14, 2022, Japan's parliament enacted a law criminalizing "online insults" as a direct response to the cyberbullying endured by Hana Kimura. This legislation carries penalties of up to one year imprisonment or fines of 300,000 yen (US$2,200) for convicted offenders.

February 18, 2023: Mercedes Moné Pays Tribute to Hana Kimura at NJPW Battle in the Valley

At NJPW's Battle in the Valley event on February 18, 2023, wrestler Mercedes Moné honored Hana Kimura by donning an attire inspired by Kimura's style after leaving the Oedo Tai faction. This gesture exemplified the enduring legacy of Kimura within the wrestling community.