Everything You Need To Know About Tomoaki Honma - Updated!

20 May, 2025

Can a wrestler's popularity truly be measured by more than just championship belts and flashy maneuvers? In the case of Tomoaki Honma, the answer is a resounding yes, as he has carved a space in the hearts of wrestling fans through an unwavering spirit and a captivating underdog narrative, despite his unconventional path.

Tomoaki Honma, a name synonymous with resilience and fan adoration, has long been a fixture within the vibrant landscape of New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW). Though his journey to prominence may not have followed the typical trajectory of championship reigns and dominant streaks, it has instead been paved with grit, determination, and an unwavering connection with the audience. Honma's story is a testament to the power of perseverance and the ability to resonate with fans on a deeply emotional level. He's a wrestler who understands the art of connecting with the crowd, often drawing on a genuine enthusiasm and a relatability that goes beyond the confines of the ring. The impact Honma has had is undeniable.

Real Name	Tomoaki Honma
Ring Names	Tomoaki Honma, Makai Masked Canadian, Super Kokeshi Machine 2nd
Date of Birth	November 18, 1976
Nationality	Japanese
Height	Approx. 5'10" (178 cm)
Weight	Approx. 220 lbs (100 kg)
Trained by	Animal Hamaguchi, Tatsumi Fujinami
Debut	October 26, 1998
Current Status	Inactive due to injury (freelancer for NJPW)
Titles Held	IWGP Tag Team Championship (with Togi Makabe), World Tag League Winner (2 times)
Finishing Moves	Kokeshi (Diving Headbutt), Hangman's DDT
Signature Moves	Brainbuster, Diving Elbow Drop, Jumping Neckbreaker
Theme Song	"Kokeshi"
Stable/Teams	Great Bash Heel (with Togi Makabe), Hontai
Notable Relationships	Togi Makabe (Tag Team Partner), Kazushi Miyamoto (as part of Tumeric Storm)
Reference	New Japan Pro-Wrestling Official Profile

Honma's ascent to fan favorite status didn't happen overnight. His journey, characterized by a unique blend of toughness and vulnerability, resonated with audiences. He often finds himself on the receiving end of brutal offense. He frequently loses, yet he always comes back with a fighting spirit that endears him to the crowd. This unwavering spirit, coupled with his willingness to absorb punishment, has cemented his reputation as a beloved figure.

One of Honma's defining characteristics is his signature move, the "Kokeshi," a diving headbutt. This move, delivered with a peculiar charm, perfectly encapsulates Honma's persona: fearless and slightly unpredictable. The visual is striking, the impact is undeniable, and the anticipation builds with every near fall. His willingness to put his head on the line, quite literally, is a testament to his commitment to entertaining the fans. The Kokeshi is more than just a wrestling move; it's a symbol of Honma's resilience.

Beyond the Kokeshi, Honma's in-ring style is characterized by a heavy emphasis on strikes, particularly his signature headbutts. The man with the iron head isn't afraid to trade blows. His matches are known for their physicality and the inherent drama of a wrestler willing to absorb as much damage as he deals. His matches often feature brutal exchanges, near falls, and a relentless pace that keeps the audience invested from bell to bell. This no-nonsense style, coupled with his ability to take a beating and keep fighting, showcases his strength and determination.

Honma's partnership with Togi Makabe, under the banner of Great Bash Heel, added another layer to his career. As a tag team, they captured the IWGP Tag Team Championship, solidifying Honma's place within the promotion. This title reign represented a significant achievement, but it also served to highlight his ability to work effectively as a team player. His supporting role for his hontai teammates is proof of his unselfish nature. His dedication to the team and the chemistry he shared with Makabe made them a formidable and popular duo.

Honma's career has not been without its challenges. A severe spinal injury, sustained at a New Japan Pro-Wrestling live event, has sidelined him. The wrestling world rallied around Honma, showcasing the respect and affection he commands. The injury serves as a stark reminder of the physical toll wrestling can take, and underscores the risks these athletes endure for the sake of their craft and the entertainment of their fans. While currently inactive, Honma remains a valued member of the NJPW family.

The impact of a wrestling match, especially one featuring Honma, can be further understood by evaluating them through the lens of star ratings, as offered by wrestling journalists and observers. Dave Meltzer's Wrestling Observer Newsletter is one of the most prominent sources for match ratings. These ratings, provided to matches that are considered newsworthy, provide a common ground for fans to use to discuss and evaluate the quality of wrestling matches. Honma's matches, while not always achieving the highest ratings, often garner praise for their physicality, storytelling, and ability to elicit an emotional response from the audience. While ratings do not make or break a wrestler's legacy, they can serve as a useful measure of critical acclaim.

The contrast between Honma and Zack Ryder, despite seemingly having few connections, reveals the nuance of wrestling popularity. While Ryder's success is well-known, Honma's achievements are often understated. However, the impact and performance of wrestlers like Honma, routinely considered among the most underrated in the business, serve to illustrate the subjectivity of praise. This dichotomy allows fans to assess and understand the complex nature of wrestling fandom.

The various tag teams and matches featuring Honma showcase his versatility as a performer. Wrestling teams, composed of Honma and a diverse roster of partners, often provided a unique dynamic to his presence. His appearances alongside Shota Umino and Tiger Mask IV, among others, are testaments to his versatility as a performer. His ability to seamlessly fit in with different wrestlers, enhancing their individual strengths, highlights his collaborative prowess. His versatility helps to demonstrate his skill and the impact he has on the matches he is involved in.

In NJPW, Honma consistently found himself pitted against the best in the business. The "Statistics and information about the 2381 matches fought by Tomoaki Honma in our events database," which is a figure that is updated frequently, showcases the extent of his career and the multitude of matches he has been involved in. His willingness to step into the ring with anyone, regardless of their reputation or status, highlights his dedication to his craft and his commitment to providing quality entertainment. Every match adds to the narrative of his career, and contributes to his overall impact on the sport.

Honma's significance is further underscored by his continued role in New Japan Pro-Wrestling. Though he is working as a freelancer, his presence and the impact he has made on the sport have allowed him to be a permanent fixture within the heavyweight division. This underscores his dedication, impact, and value to the promotion. His ability to remain relevant, while also overcoming a serious injury, further solidifies his place as a true wrestling icon.

His contributions, both in and out of the ring, have cemented his place as a beloved figure within the NJPW ecosystem. From his unwavering spirit to his captivating matches, Tomoaki Honma has shown that true popularity transcends championships, and the most powerful connection of all is the one he shares with the fans.

Tomoaki Honma, June 23. Yamagata. His hometown. KOKESHI. IS. BACK

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