[Archive 2020-05-24] Japanese professional wrestler and Netflix star Hana Kimura dies aged 22

Historical archive — originally published 2020-05-24. This report records what was known on that date. It is not current news; subsequent events may have changed the situation. Wikinews closed in May 2026.

Japanese female professional wrestler and reality television star Hana Kimura, age 22, has died, wrestling promotion World Wonder Ring Stardom (Stardom) announced yesterday. No cause of death was announced. Kimura reportedly made several post on social media suggesting she was a victim of cyber-bullying shortly before her death. Her final Instagram story post was a photograph of her and her cat with "goodbye" written as the caption.

Kimura made her profesional wrestling debut in 2016 for promotion Wrestle-1. As well as Stardom she also wrestled for Senjo and JWP, the later where she won her first championship, the JWP Junior Championship. With Stardom she was a two-time Artist of Stardom champion and a one-time Goddess of Stardom champion. Her mother is professional wrestler Kyoko Kimura.

Outside of wrestling, Kimura was currently one of the stars on reality television show Terrace House. The Netflix show, which is currently on hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic, sees three males and three females temporarily move in together. According to Wrestling Inc, she received online criticism for her appearances on the show. Sky News reported Netflix Japan due to Kimura's death have delayed releasing a new episode.

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