Kantaro Hoshino, born Yeo Geon-bu, was a Japanese born, Korean professional wrestler, manager, and promoter best known for his time in New Japan Pro-Wrestling.
11 Facts About Kantaro Hoshino
1.
2.
Kantaro Hoshino was trained by the father of Puroresu: Rikidozan.
3.
In 1967, he was sent on a learning visit to the United States with fellow up and comer Kotetsu Yamamoto, with the two forming the tag team: the Yamaha Brother with Kantaro Hoshino using the name "Great Yamaha".
4.
In 1970, Kantaro Hoshino teamed with Antonio Inoki in the first NWA World Tag League tournament which they won defeating Nick Bockwinkel and John Quinn in the finals.
5.
Kantaro Hoshino was the first opponent of Mexico's Mil Mascaras in Japan.
6.
Kantaro Hoshino spent the remainder of his in-ring career in the low to midcard, rarely competing for championships or tournaments, only winning the Six-Man Tag Team Cup League with Antonio Inoki and Riki Choshu on December 7,1988, after the trio defeated Tatsumi Fujinami, Masahiro Chono and Shinya Hashimoto to win the cup.
7.
In 2002, Kantaro Hoshino returned to New Japan as a co-leader of the stable Makai Club.
8.
On May 1,2003, Kantaro Hoshino returned to the ring in a 9-man New Japan alumnus Battle Royal which he co-won with former partner: Kotetsu Yamamoto.
9.
On March 6,2007, Kantaro Hoshino would become one of the first inductees in the NJPW Greatest Wrestlers Hall of Fame.
10.
In late 2008, Kantaro Hoshino returned to NJPW for one final program.
11.
On February 4,2009, Kantaro Hoshino suffered a stroke and his health declined until his death on November 25,2010, due to pneumonia.