Live-Action TV
Description
Edmond Honda, often referred to as E. Honda, is a fictional character originally from the Street Fighter series of fighting games who has appeared in several anime adaptations, most notably the 1994 animated film Street Fighter II: The Animated Movie. In his various appearances, Honda is consistently portrayed as a dedicated and proud professional sumo wrestler from Japan. His distinctive appearance includes black hair tied in a traditional chonmage topknot, a large muscular frame, a blue mawashi (loincloth), and red kabuki-style face paint known as kumadori. This striking look is a deliberate design choice meant to make him an instantly recognizable symbol of Japanese culture.
Honda's core personality is defined by his immense pride in sumo wrestling and his unwavering determination to earn global respect for his sport. He is a man of great discipline and strength, having dedicated his life to sumo from a very young age. His motivation for entering fighting tournaments is not personal glory but a heartfelt mission to prove that sumo wrestlers rank among the greatest fighters in the world, countering the perception that sumo is not a legitimate or powerful martial art on an international scale. Despite his intimidating size and fierce fighting spirit, Honda is portrayed as a kind, honorable, and generous individual, showing camaraderie to fellow fighters.
In the storyline of the Street Fighter II: The Animated Movie, Honda plays a significant role in the latter half of the film. He is first seen engaging in a paid match against the yoga master Dhalsim in Calcutta. During the fight, he is nearly defeated by Dhalsim's mental and spiritual attacks, but the sudden arrival of the wandering fighter Ryu distracts Dhalsim, allowing Honda to regain control and win by forfeit. After the match, Honda recognizes that Ryu inadvertently helped him. He approaches the young fighter, thanks him, and shares his prize money, citing their bond as fellow Japanese martial artists. Honda later offers Ryu a place to stay as they travel together to the mountains of Thailand. His role in the story becomes one of a supportive ally. When the villainous M. Bison and his forces track Ryu to their mountain refuge, Honda fearlessly charges at Bison to protect his friend. Though he is outmaneuvered and ends up in a brutal fight with the boxer Balrog, the two tumble off a cliff, demonstrating his willingness to sacrifice himself for others. He survives the fall and is later seen carrying the unconscious bodies of both Balrog and the allied soldier Guile, proving his immense physical resilience and loyalty.
Honda has key relationships with several characters. His most notable bond is with Ryu, whom he respects as a strong fighter and treats as a friend and countryman. He shares a mutual respect with the Russian wrestler Zangief, as they are both powerful grapplers, and they have been known to work together against the criminal organization Shadaloo. He also has a recurring friendly rivalry with the Japanese culture-obsessed gang leader Sodom, who has challenged him to sumo matches. In his various storylines, Honda is depicted as a teacher and father figure, often shown training several young disciples at his sumo dojo and operating a sentō (public bathhouse). He is known to enjoy chankonabe, the traditional sumo hotpot, and has a surprising fondness for tiramisu. His development across different stories is consistent; he remains a character driven by his honorable goal to elevate sumo, while also showing growth through his deepening friendships and his willingness to confront evil not just for his sport's reputation, but for the safety of others.
Regarding his notable abilities, Honda’s fighting style is a direct translation of sumo techniques into a fighting context. His signature moves include the Hyaku Retsu Harite, or Hundred Hand Slap, a rapid barrage of open-hand strikes. He is also known for his powerful rushing headbutt attacks, such as the Super Zutsuki, where he launches himself horizontally like a human torpedo. His incredible strength, immense weight, and rigorous sumo training make him a formidable powerhouse, capable of withstanding significant punishment and delivering devastating blows. In his anime appearance, these traits are emphasized through his ability to endure a fall from a cliff and continue fighting, embodying the raw power and resilience of a champion sumo wrestler.
Honda's core personality is defined by his immense pride in sumo wrestling and his unwavering determination to earn global respect for his sport. He is a man of great discipline and strength, having dedicated his life to sumo from a very young age. His motivation for entering fighting tournaments is not personal glory but a heartfelt mission to prove that sumo wrestlers rank among the greatest fighters in the world, countering the perception that sumo is not a legitimate or powerful martial art on an international scale. Despite his intimidating size and fierce fighting spirit, Honda is portrayed as a kind, honorable, and generous individual, showing camaraderie to fellow fighters.
In the storyline of the Street Fighter II: The Animated Movie, Honda plays a significant role in the latter half of the film. He is first seen engaging in a paid match against the yoga master Dhalsim in Calcutta. During the fight, he is nearly defeated by Dhalsim's mental and spiritual attacks, but the sudden arrival of the wandering fighter Ryu distracts Dhalsim, allowing Honda to regain control and win by forfeit. After the match, Honda recognizes that Ryu inadvertently helped him. He approaches the young fighter, thanks him, and shares his prize money, citing their bond as fellow Japanese martial artists. Honda later offers Ryu a place to stay as they travel together to the mountains of Thailand. His role in the story becomes one of a supportive ally. When the villainous M. Bison and his forces track Ryu to their mountain refuge, Honda fearlessly charges at Bison to protect his friend. Though he is outmaneuvered and ends up in a brutal fight with the boxer Balrog, the two tumble off a cliff, demonstrating his willingness to sacrifice himself for others. He survives the fall and is later seen carrying the unconscious bodies of both Balrog and the allied soldier Guile, proving his immense physical resilience and loyalty.
Honda has key relationships with several characters. His most notable bond is with Ryu, whom he respects as a strong fighter and treats as a friend and countryman. He shares a mutual respect with the Russian wrestler Zangief, as they are both powerful grapplers, and they have been known to work together against the criminal organization Shadaloo. He also has a recurring friendly rivalry with the Japanese culture-obsessed gang leader Sodom, who has challenged him to sumo matches. In his various storylines, Honda is depicted as a teacher and father figure, often shown training several young disciples at his sumo dojo and operating a sentō (public bathhouse). He is known to enjoy chankonabe, the traditional sumo hotpot, and has a surprising fondness for tiramisu. His development across different stories is consistent; he remains a character driven by his honorable goal to elevate sumo, while also showing growth through his deepening friendships and his willingness to confront evil not just for his sport's reputation, but for the safety of others.
Regarding his notable abilities, Honda’s fighting style is a direct translation of sumo techniques into a fighting context. His signature moves include the Hyaku Retsu Harite, or Hundred Hand Slap, a rapid barrage of open-hand strikes. He is also known for his powerful rushing headbutt attacks, such as the Super Zutsuki, where he launches himself horizontally like a human torpedo. His incredible strength, immense weight, and rigorous sumo training make him a formidable powerhouse, capable of withstanding significant punishment and delivering devastating blows. In his anime appearance, these traits are emphasized through his ability to endure a fall from a cliff and continue fighting, embodying the raw power and resilience of a champion sumo wrestler.