To The Beautiful Flower, Hana Kimura. Hana, I watched as much of your career as I could. It all began with your debut match against your mother, and I was instantly captivated. Even as a fresh-faced performer, you had that “it” factor that drew me in from bell to bell. I was amazed at how skilled you were in the ring. Even as a rookie, you clearly had the tools to become a major player in the world of wrestling.
Over the years, I saw you rise and deliver many incredible matches. You rekindled my love for wrestling, Hana Kimura. When I heard the news of your tragic death, I broke down and cried for the first time in ages. I feel, and continue to feel, that you deserved so much more than what you received. You didn’t deserve the hate and negativity that came your way. Everything I’ve read and seen about you tells me that you were a kind and sincere person who simply wanted to pursue what you loved.
Hana, even now, thoughts of you bring tears to my eyes.
I want to say that I’m sorry. I’m sorry you didn’t have someone you felt you could turn to. I’m sorry that people’s cruelty drove you to such a tragic decision. Hana, the world took a moment of anger you showed and twisted it into hate you never deserved. I wish I had the chance to meet you, even once. I would have told you just how amazing I thought you were. How you made me fall in love with wrestling again after I had grown tired of the sport. How you were never alone, and that you could have reached out to me anytime. I would have looked you in the eye and told you that I loved you. Not just as a performer, but for the person you were.
I’ve watched your matches repeatedly over the past year. I’ve revisited your tribute shows countless times, and watched every music video tribute as well. Each time I see you in the ring, Kimura, I’m reminded of your specialness and talent. Even though you’re gone, I want your memory to endure. I want the world to recognize just how extraordinary you were. I want everyone to love you as much as I do.
The motto of TCS, “Everyone is Different. Everyone is Special,” stuck with me as much as your matches did. Those words were true then, they are true now, and you were the embodiment of them. You were unlike any other performer I had the privilege of watching. I’ve said it many times, but you were truly special.
Hana Kimura, you deserved the world, and now it is up to the world to remember you. I will do my part to honor Kimura, and I will never forget you. Until my last breath, you will forever hold a place in my mind and heart. May 23rd will always be a day of remembrance for me. I hope that wherever you are, you are smiling down on me and your legion of fans who still remember and love you. I hope your tributes bring you joy. I pray you are in a better place, loved for who you are. I’ll strive to live a life that honors you and will do everything in my power to ensure that everyone remembers you forever.
I love you, Hana Kimura. I will never forget you.
