El4Ojos will be running for president in 2008.

Who was that masked MP?
June 26 2003



Picture: AFP
Masanori Murakawa receives a pin from Iwate prefectural office staff to enter the Iwate prefectural assembly at Morioka.

A local Japanese government assembly decided yesterday to let a former pro wrestler-turned-politician continue to wear his fight mask on duty, rejecting a motion that would have forced him to uncover his face.

Masanori Murakawa of the Liberal Party, who is known by his ring name "The Great Sasuke", provoked an outcry among politicians when he reported for his first day of assembly duty last month wearing a red, white and green mask along with his business suit.

Ruling Liberal Democratic Party officials and local Governor Hiroya Masuda protested, although Mr Masuda said he would have the matter debated by the Iwate prefectural assembly in northern Japan. While regulations ban hats, canes and umbrellas from the assembly hall, there is no rule regarding face masks.

Opponents said wearing one was inappropriate and undermined the dignity of the assembly.

Mr Murakawa had defended his right to wear his vinyl mask, saying he had campaigned with only his eyes and mouth visible and that the electorate recognised him that way.
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