Sumitani started portraying Hard Gay in comedy skits in 2002, and debuted as a wrestler in the wrestling promotion HUSTLE in 2005 using the same gimmick.
When out of the ring, HG would appear in numerous Japanese TV shows and promotional videos even after he retired from wrestling. The HG character also made cameos in the anime The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya and the manga Asu no Yoichi.
He is married to gravure idol Anna Suzuki, with whom he has a son.
Below are samples from his modelling portfolio.