Who Is E. Honda? Street Fighter's Sumo Champion Explained

E. Honda (Edmond Honda) is one of the most memorable characters in Capcom's Street Fighter series—a proud Japanese sumo wrestler who enters the World Warrior tournament to prove that sumo is a true martial art. He debuted in Street Fighter II in 1991 and quickly became famous for his enormous frame, topknot, and relentless Hundred Hand Slap. Where Zangief represents Russian wrestling spectacle, Honda represents tradition, pride, and the power of sumo.

Honda's story is rooted in national pride and respect for his discipline. He trains hard, lives with confidence, and wants the world to recognize sumo beyond the dohyo. Across the series he remains cheerful, honorable, and larger than life—often shown enjoying baths, food, and friendly competition as much as serious combat. He is a gentle giant outside the fight and a crushing force once the round begins.

His look matches that identity perfectly: a massive sumo body, mawashi belt, and a friendly but determined expression. Honda does not rely on flashy ninja tricks or mystical powers. His fantasy is simple and satisfying—use size, timing, and sumo techniques to overwhelm anyone who underestimates him.

In gameplay, Honda is a strong close-to-midrange pressure character with excellent anti-airs and scary offense once he gets near. He can feel slower than shotos, but his tools reward players who walk forward carefully, control space with thick normals, and force opponents into uncomfortable blocking situations. When Honda is close, the threat of his specials makes defense very stressful.

His signature special moves define the sumo fantasy. The Hundred Hand Slap is a rapid flurry of open-hand strikes that can shred blocking opponents and create heavy pressure. The Sumo Headbutt is a flying charge that helps him close distance and punish mistakes. Many versions also feature the Sumo Smash (or Oicho Throw-style command tools), plus supers that celebrate his crushing grappler-brawler hybrid identity.

Playing Honda is about confidence and spacing. You advance, cut off jump-outs, and turn every blocked sequence into another chance to push the opponent into the corner. When his pressure starts rolling, few characters feel more unstoppable.

If you love big-body fighters, strong pressure, and a character with clear cultural pride, E. Honda is an excellent pick. Behind the Hundred Hand Slaps is a sumo champion determined to show the world that his art belongs among the greatest martial styles on Earth.