Edmond Honda, the iconic sumo wrestler from Street Fighter, is a powerhouse with a larger-than-life personality. This costume guide will help you recreate Honda's distinctive look and embody his indomitable spirit. We'll cover crafting his sumo suit, mastering his mannerisms, and even exploring group costume ideas inspired by his world. Let's transform you into an unforgettable Edmond Honda – your opponents won't stand a chance!
Our Verdict:
- Difficulty: 5/10
- While modifications to existing clothing are involved, crafting the sumo suit's bulk requires some sewing/assembly skills. The makeup and mannerisms are relatively easy to learn.
- Can you build it from your own wardrobe:
- Unless you own a suitable bodysuit or large white clothing, you'll likely need to purchase this base element. The mawashi might be achievable with a repurposed bathrobe or bedsheet.
- Scare factor: 1/10
- Edmond Honda is imposing due to his size and powerful moves, but his personality is friendly and honorable. He's unlikely to frighten anyone!
- Cost: $$$$$ Here's a rough breakdown:
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- Basic (from your wardrobe or thrifted): ~$20-$50 If you can source a suitable bodysuit secondhand and have fabric scraps for the mawashi, costs stay low. You may need to buy makeup.
- Mid-range (mix of new and pre-owned items): ~$50-$100 A new bodysuit, plus fabric for the mawashi and a topknot wig, will likely fall into this range.
- High-End (replica pieces): ~$100+ Seeking an exact replica with custom-tailored elements and high-quality materials can significantly increase the price.
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Additional Notes on Cost:
- Consider pool noodles or inflatable beach toys to create the body padding – these are often very affordable!
- Pre-made sumo topknot wigs can vary in price depending on quality.
- Your location and access to thrift stores will significantly impact affordability.
Honda Costume Essentials
You will need the following items for your Honda from Street Fighter Halloween costume:
How To DIY Honda's Iconic Look
Honda's signature fighting attire may look intimidating, but with some creativity and resourcefulness, it's entirely possible to craft it yourself. Remember, we provided a list of ready-to-wear costume pieces earlier, but if you're up for the challenge (and potential cost savings), let's transform everyday items into an impressive sumo wrestler's wardrobe!
The Sumo Suit
What You Need:
- Large white or flesh-colored bodysuit (full-length)
- Large pillows or inflatable padding for body suit
- White fabric (for belly and chest padding)
- Needle, thread, or fabric glue
- Elastic band
How To Do It:
- Inflate the Bodysuit: Begin with the base of the sumo physique. Put on the bodysuit and strategically insert pillows or inflatable padding to create the rounded belly, muscular chest, and overall bulk of a sumo wrestler.
- Sculpt and Secure: Adjust the padding for your desired shape, using more pillows or inflatables as needed. Once satisfied, secure the padding within the bodysuit with pins or by hand-stitching it in place.
- Enhance the Belly: For an extra-prominent belly, cut a large circle of white fabric and stuff it with additional padding. Sew or glue this padded circle to the front of the bodysuit.
- Refine the Shape: Use elastic bands around the wrists and ankles to accentuate the tapered limbs of a sumo wrestler.
Bonus Tips:
- I've seen cosplayers successfully use pool noodles for limb padding – they provide structure and are easy to shape.
- Consider airbrushing subtle muscle definition onto the bodysuit for added realism.
- If you're confident with sewing, adding subtle gathers to the bodysuit can mimic the folds and wrinkles of a sumo wrestler's physique.
The Mawashi
What You Need:
- Wide blue or blue-striped fabric (at least twice the circumference of your waist)
- White fabric (for decorative trim)
- Needle and thread or fabric glue
- Scissors
How to Do It:
- Measure and Cut: Determine the desired length of your mawashi and add a generous allowance for wrapping and tying. Cut both the blue and white fabric accordingly.
- Attach Trim: Sew or glue a strip of white fabric to the bottom edge of your blue fabric, creating a decorative border.
- Fold and Knot: Fold the mawashi lengthwise until it reaches the desired width. Wrap it around your waist, leaving enough length to create a dramatic knot at the back.
Bonus Tips:
- Adding additional white strips vertically can mimic the detailed look of a real mawashi.
- A pre-made blue bathrobe can be a great base – simply add the white trim!
- For a budget-friendly option, use a blue bedsheet as your fabric source.
The Topknot Wig
What You Need:
- Black yarn or wig hair
- Hair tie or elastic band
- Cardboard (small piece)
- Hot glue
How to Do It:
- Create the Bun: Gather a large bundle of black yarn or wig hair, tightly secure it at one end with a hair tie, and shape it into a neat, round bun.
- Build the Base: Cut a small cardboard circle (slightly smaller than the bun). Glue the bun onto the cardboard.
- Slick Back the Hair: Style your hair slicked back from your forehead. Attach the topknot base at the crown of your head with bobby pins or a headband
Bonus Tips:
- For a quicker solution, purchase a pre-made sumo topknot wig online.
- If using yarn, brush it out after tying the bun to soften the look and mimic natural hair.
Face Makeup
What You Need:
- Red makeup pencil or face paint
- Reference image of Edmond Honda
How To Do It:
- Study the Design: Carefully examine images of Edmond Honda to understand the shape and placement of his makeup.
- Draw the Stripe: Using the image as a guide, draw a bold red line across your nose, extending slightly onto your cheeks.
- Thicken Your Eyebrows: Draw over your natural eyebrows with the red pencil to achieve Honda's bold, angular look.
Bonus Tips:
- Experiment with different shades of red to find one that suits your skin tone.
Just a few simple transformations, and you've recreated the essential elements of Edmond Honda's look! Next, we'll delve into embodying his fighting spirit and iconic mannerisms.
Edmond Honda Cosplay
It's not just about the look; his commanding presence comes from his distinct personality and fighting spirit. Embodying these traits will elevate your costume from imitation to a truly unforgettable performance.
How to act like E. Honda at the Halloween Party:
Proud and Boastful Posture
What To Do: Edmond Honda carries himself with the confidence of a champion sumo wrestler. His pride permeates his every movement.
How To Do It:
- Stand Tall: Straighten your spine, chin held high. Imagine your head reaching for the ceiling.
- Shoulders Back: Pull your shoulder blades together and slightly down your back. This projects power and opens your chest.
- Feet Planted: Take a wide, solid stance. Position your feet slightly wider than shoulder-width for stability.
Bonus Tips:
- Watching sumo matches or training videos helps! Observe how sumo wrestlers maintain their form even when in motion.
- Think about Honda's pride in sumo tradition. His posture embodies not just himself, but the legacy of his martial art.
The Hundred Hand Slap
What To Do: One of Honda's signature moves is the lightning-fast "Hundred Hand Slap." It showcases his speed and focus.
How To Do It:
- Open Palm: Extend your fingers and press your hand flat, palm facing outward. This maximizes the slapping surface.
- Speed and Control: Practice rapid back-and-forth slaps with your arm extended. Aim for a flurry of movement while maintaining a consistent trajectory.
- The Sound: The impact of the slaps is just as important as the motion itself! A sharp, crisp sound with each strike adds to the intimidation factor.
Bonus Tips:
- Start slowly and gradually build up speed. Remember, consistency is key to the illusion.
- Don't be afraid to make noise! Edmond Honda's power comes through in the sound of his combat.
The Sumo Stance
What To Do: Before each bout, sumo wrestlers adopt a low, crouched stance, showcasing their strength and readiness.
How To Do It::
- Wide Stance, Low Center: Position your feet significantly wider than shoulder-width. Bend your knees deeply until your thighs are nearly parallel to the floor.
- Hands on Knees: Rest your hands lightly on your inner thighs for added stability.
- Intensity in your Gaze: Hold your head high and fix your eyes on your imaginary opponent.
Bonus Tips:
- This stance can be physically tiring! Practice holding it for increasing durations to build stamina.
- Imagine yourself rooted to the earth, an immovable force to be reckoned with.
Celebratory Salt Toss
What To Do: Sumo wrestlers traditionally throw salt into the ring as a purification ritual. Honda makes it his own with a dramatic flourish.
How To Do It:
- The Right Grip: Use your thumb, index, and middle fingers to pinch a handful of salt.
- A Grand Sweep: With a wide, sweeping motion, toss the salt high into the air, letting it cascade down in a shower.
- Own the Moment: Channel Honda's enthusiasm and relish the simple act of celebrating his heritage.
Bonus Tips:
- If indoors, use coarse salt for visual impact. (Remember to clean up afterward!)
- I've seen cosplayers mix in a bit of glitter for extra sparkle, which can be fun for photoshoots.
Combine these mannerisms and channel Honda's indomitable spirit, and you'll transform yourself into an unforgettable force. Next, let's explore how to bring Honda's world to life with themed group and family costume ideas!
Couple, Group and Family Costume Ideas
Expand your Edmond Honda experience! Incorporating characters from his world (and beyond) adds a whole new dimension of fun to your costume celebration.
Couple Costume Ideas
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Idea 1: The Ultimate Rivals (Difficulty: Easy)
Pair up with Ryu, Honda's most iconic adversary. This classic Street Fighter rivalry guarantees instant recognition and channels the spirit of friendly competition. This one is my favorite couple costume idea!
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Idea 2: Cultural Contrast (Difficulty: Moderate)
Choose a character like Chun-Li, who embodies grace and technique compared to Honda's raw power. This pairing highlights the diverse fighting styles within the Street Fighter universe.
- Idea 3: Sumo Powerhouse (Difficulty: Challenging)
Embark on a crossover adventure with a sumo wrestler from another series, like Ganryu from Tekken. Their shared passion for sumo and potential for comic rivalry make this a unique and attention-grabbing duo.
Group Costume Ideas
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Idea 1: The Street Fighter Legends (Difficulty: Varies)
Assemble a crew of iconic Street Fighter characters! Include favorites like Guile, Sagat, M. Bison, and others for a truly epic group presence. The difficulty will depend on the specific characters chosen.
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Idea 2: Sumo Showdown (Difficulty: Moderate)
Gather fellow sumo wrestlers for an exhibition match. You can even include variations of Edmond Honda from different Street Fighter installments, showcasing the character's evolution.
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Idea 3: Fighting Game Extravaganza (Difficulty: Challenging)
Go beyond Street Fighter and unite with characters from other fighting games like Mortal Kombat, Tekken, or Soulcalibur. This ambitious crossover is guaranteed to impress fellow gaming enthusiasts.
Family Costume Ideas
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Idea 1: Sumo Spirit (Difficulty: Easy)
Have family members dress as fellow sumo wrestlers, accompanying Edmond Honda as his entourage. This creates a cohesive look with simple costume elements.
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Idea 2: World Warriors (Difficulty: Varies)
Each family member adopts a different Street Fighter character, showcasing the game's diverse roster. This offers options for all ages and allows for creative interpretations.
About Edmond Honda
Edmond Honda is more than just his imposing physique and powerful moves. He's a complex character with rich motivations and a lasting impact on fans. Let's uncover the layers that make him a true Street Fighter legend.
Character Overview
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Role in Street Fighter: Edmond Honda is a champion sumo wrestler striving to elevate the status of sumo on the world stage. He participates in the World Warrior tournaments to showcase sumo's strength and gain new followers.
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Voiced By: John Snyder (English), Yoshikazu Nagano (Japanese)
Background and Personality Traits
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Personality: Honda is proud, boisterous, and fiercely loyal to sumo tradition. He values honor, discipline, and constantly strives to improve. Despite his occasional stubbornness, he possesses a warm heart and often acts as a mentor to younger fighters.
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Appearance: Honda's large, muscular build reflects his sumo status. His signature topknot, red face paint inspired by kabuki makeup, and mawashi are instantly recognizable symbols of his Japanese heritage.
Role in the Story
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Representing Sumo: Honda's journey in Street Fighter often involves proving the legitimacy and power of sumo against a diverse range of fighting styles. His victories challenge preconceptions about the sport.
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Challenging Tradition: While deeply respectful of sumo, Honda isn't afraid to push boundaries. He seeks to popularize sumo worldwide, even if it means slightly adapting his techniques to appeal to broader audiences.
Cultural Impact
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Fan Favorite: Honda is beloved for his boisterous personality and flashy fighting style. You'll find him frequently cosplayed and referenced in fan art.
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Embodiment of Japanese Pride: Honda's unwavering dedication to sumo makes him a symbol of Japanese cultural pride within the international arena of Street Fighter.
With this deeper understanding of Edmond Honda, you're well-equipped to bring him to life—whether through your costume or by channeling his captivating spirit.
Further Reading
Conclusion
With your sumo suit crafted, Honda's iconic poses practiced, and an understanding of his unwavering spirit, your Edmond Honda transformation is ready to take center stage! This guide has provided the knowledge and inspiration to turn you into a sumo powerhouse. Now, channel that boisterous energy, embrace the proud traditions of sumo, and show those challengers what you're made of!