No Brakes, No Limits: 5 Fast Facts About Kana Morimoto
Kana “Krusher Queen” Morimoto has become one of ONE Championship’s most exciting kickboxing additions since joining the world’s largest martial arts organization in 2024.
The 33-year-old Japanese star will continue her campaign for World Title gold when she squares off against former three-sport ONE World Champion Stamp Fairtex in an atomweight kickboxing battle at ONE 173: Superbon vs. Noiri, which goes down live inside Tokyo’s Ariake Arena on Sunday, November 16.
Kana, a multiple-time K-1 Champion, previously challenged for the ONE Women’s Atomweight Kickboxing World Title at ONE 172 in March, but “The Queen” Phetjeeja Lukjaoporongtom beat the local hero at Saitama Super Arena to retain her gold.
This November, the “Krusher Queen” looks to make her Japanese compatriots proud by claiming victory over a historic figure at home and breaking back into the World Title picture.
Before she steps into the Circle in front of her fans in Tokyo, here are five fast lifestyle facts about Kana.
#1 Kana Loves Switching Up Her Hairstyle
Kana has made a habit of transforming her look with bold hair choices that match her fearless personality inside the ring.
Over the years, she’s rocked pink, grey, and platinum blonde short cuts that made her instantly recognizable on fight posters.
The Team Aftermath product’s most memorable hairstyle was a grey mohawk that screamed rebellion and confidence in equal measure.
However, since joining ONE Championship, the Japanese star has opted for a more subdued look with her brown hair. But with ONE 173 taking place in her homeland, could the trademark pink hair make a comeback?
#2 Her Sneaker Game Is Strong
Kana is a certified sneakerhead with a collection that would make any streetwear enthusiast jealous.
Her Instagram account reveals an impressive lineup of coveted collaborations, including the Nike Air Max 97 x Undefeated, Nike Air Max 95 Animal Pack x Atmos, Air Jordan 3 x Fragment, Nike SB Dunk x Strangelove, and Nike Air Max 270 x Travis Scott.
Classic Air Jordan 1s and Nike Dunks round out her rotation, showcasing her appreciation for both contemporary hype releases and timeless silhouettes.
Kana has even collaborated with Japanese streetwear and sneaker boutique Atmos on her own limited-edition tee and a pair of customized Nike Air Force 1s.
#3 She’s A Skater Girl
When she isn’t in the ring or training in the gym, Kana can be seen performing kickflips on four wheels.
“Krusher Queen” finds freedom skateboarding in concrete parks and hitting the ramps whenever she’s not preparing for battle.
Like former ONE Flyweight MMA World Champion Adriano Moraes, who sees similarities between skating and martial arts, the Japanese warrior has translated her skills on the deck to the ring.
Board control, spatial awareness, and split-second decision-making on a skateboard mirror the footwork and movement that make her so dangerous whenever she’s competing on the global stage.
#4 She Loves The Beach
Whether it’s the shores of Japan or tropical destinations abroad, Kana finds her peace by the beach.
The sun, sand, and waves offer the perfect counterbalance to the intensity of training camps, giving the martial artist the essential mental and physical recovery she needs.
During a trip to the United States in October 2022, she spent time at Venice Beach in Los Angeles alongside former three-division K-1 Champion Takeru Segawa, who is also competing at ONE 173 in a flyweight kickboxing bout against Denis “The Bosnian Menace” Puric.
The iconic California beach – famous for its vibrant boardwalk culture and skate scene – perfectly combined two of her passions in one location.
#5 She’s A Petrolhead
Kana’s need for speed doesn’t stop when she leaves the gym.
The Japanese striker is a certified car enthusiast who has traded Tokyo’s preference for local brands like Honda, Toyota, and Nissan for pure American muscle.
“Krusher Queen” cruises around the streets in a bold red Chevrolet Camaro that perfectly matches her fearless, high-octane personality. In fact, lucky fans may just hear her before she arrives at the Ariake Arena for ONE 173. After all, that Camaro’s engine note is impossible to miss.
It’s the perfect soundtrack for a fighter who has always operated at full throttle, both on the road and in the ring.
