Gran Hamada Passes Away

New Japan Pro-Wrestling is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Hiroaki Hamada, better known to wrestling fans as Gran Hamada, on February 15, 2025. He was 74.

Considered among the first generation of Young Lions in NJPW, he debuted on March 16 of 1972 during New Japan’s opening series opposite Tatsumi Fujinami. His relatively diminutive stature would earn him the nickname Little Hamada that he competed under until a transformative excursion to Mexico in 1975.

Rounding out the remainder of the decade in Mexico, where would be joined by future original Tiger Mask Satoru Sayama, Hamada’s athleticism and charisma saw him beloved by crowds, and the ‘Little’ becoming ‘Gran’. Hamada would become a seminal figure in blending Mexican lucha libre with the NJPW Strong Style, and would further ‘lucharesu’ back home. After a brief retirement in the mid 1980s, Hamada would be part of the first Universal Pro-Wrestling card in March 1990. Universal’s pioneering junior heavyweight centric style would be carried into the Great Sasuke led Michinoku Pro.

August 14, 1994, during the G1 Climax, Hamada would make his return to NJPW with a win over Jyushin Thunder Liger, and Hamada would continue to make sporadic appearances in NJPW rings through the 1990s, being part of three Best of the Super Jr. tournaments in 1995, 1999 and 2000.
“Little giant” Hamada’s dynamic and innovative style made him one of the most influential junior heavyweight stars in history. The thoughts and deepest sympathies of all at New Japan Pro-Wrestling go to Hamada’s family, friends and fans.

Rest in Peace Gran Hamada. A true gentleman, so welcoming to a young Christopher Daniels on his first Michinoku Pro tour. Truly one of a kind, pro wrestling is lacking without you, sir. ❤️

— Christopher Daniels (@facdaniels) February 15, 2025

I’m very sorry to hear of the passing of Gran Hamada. I was on a few NJPW tours with him. He was a groundbreaking Pro and I went out with him several times and he was a karaoke king! Rest well.

— William Regal (@RealKingRegal) February 15, 2025