
via Getty
TOKYO, JAPAN – MARCH 08: Hana Kimura enters the ring during the Women’s Pro-Wrestling Stardom – No People Gate at Korakuen Hall on March 08, 2020 in Tokyo, Japan. The event is held behind closed doors due to coronavirus outbreak. (Photo by Etsuo Hara/Getty Images)

via Getty
TOKYO, JAPAN – MARCH 08: Hana Kimura enters the ring during the Women’s Pro-Wrestling Stardom – No People Gate at Korakuen Hall on March 08, 2020 in Tokyo, Japan. The event is held behind closed doors due to coronavirus outbreak. (Photo by Etsuo Hara/Getty Images)
In what has already been an extremely sad and tragic week for the wrestling world, now Japanese pro-wrestling star Hana Kimura has passed away. The Stardom promotion in Japan had signed the 22-year-old and she was a cast member on Netflix’s Terrace House. This is indeed a somber day for fans and members of the sport all over the world.
Hana Kimura, a victim of online bullying?
The Terrace House showcased her young and bubbly personality. In short, the Netflix series was essentially a reality show where the cast members were put together into a house in Tokyo.
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The show brought out genuine and intimate emotions within all of its cast members, especially Hana.
Even though the show had stopped filming due to the pandemic, the hate never ceased flowing. Viewers of the show posted cruel and insensitive messages aimed at Hana, which may have contributed to her bad mental state.
Hana uploaded pictures of self-harm on her social media. Eventually, she posted her suicide note. “I love you, have a long, happy life. I’m sorry,” Hana stated, before taking her own life.
The shocking news forced many to look at the dark state of the Internet. Basically, this incident highlights how young impressionable stars can be affected by hateful bullying.
Condolences from all parts of the internet
Condolences came in from all parts of the pro wrestling world.
Hana Kimura just passed away. There are no other details at the moment but this is a death that can be blamed on the cruelty of social media and it’s a subject that really needs addressing.
— Dave Meltzer (@davemeltzerWON) May 23, 2020
AEW and the wrestling community mourn the passing of Hana Kimura. May she Rest In Peace, and our thoughts are with her family, her friends, and her fans. pic.twitter.com/gouuu3xG5y
— All Elite Wrestling (@AEWrestling) May 23, 2020
Hana’s promotion was the first to put out a statement regarding her tragic death.
Stardom fans,
We are very sorry to report that our Hana Kimura has passed away.
Please be respectful and allow some time for things to process, and keep your thoughts and prayers with her family and friends.
We appreciate your support during this difficult time.
— We Are Stardom (@we_are_stardom) May 23, 2020
What an absolute tragedy. Ugh. Such a young life lost over people not realizing their words are more powerful than they understand. My most sincere condolences to her friends and family, as well as anyone else affected. This week has been awful.
— Ryan Satin (@ryansatin) May 23, 2020
Hana’s personality had touched a lot of people, many of whom expressed their shock.
Legit, my first day at stardom, she was the most welcoming cause she had the best English out of the entire locker room, she loved taking to the gaijin’s to improve her English. I looked forward to seeing her every show. I’m truly heartbroken right now #RIPHana pic.twitter.com/J0zFfNDR2X
— Session Moth Martina🍻 マーティナセッション (@mothfromdaflats) May 23, 2020
Friends and family all sent their wishes and condolences.
I will always love and miss you, my friend. You are my little sister. The Swanns send our love and condolences to Hana Kimura, her family, and loved ones. I will never forget you. So much I want to say… my heart is broken. pic.twitter.com/PB5pO20YIj
— Sü Yüng (@realsuyung) May 23, 2020
WWE Superstar Aleister Black also chimed in with his thoughts.
So much heartache in one week.
— Devil’s Blood (@WWEAleister) May 23, 2020
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UFC Fighter Cris Cyborg was also touched.
🙏🏾 my heart breaks hearing the news of Hana Kimura 💔 online bullying needs to stop.
— @CrisCyborg on Youtube (@criscyborg) May 23, 2020
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All in all, this tragedy has left the wrestling world in shock. We must all remember the consequences of our words, and the effect it can have on people.
Rest in peace, Hana Kimura!
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