On Feb. 24 the citizens of Oita elected Skull Reaper A-ji, Kyushu’s first masked professional wrestler and politician. Surprisingly, this is not the first time a professional wrestler to be elected into public office, with previous instances in Iwate Prefecture and Osaka. His platform called for educational reform and improved social welfare, and he was elected 40th out of 55 nominees with a total of 2,828 votes.
Following the election concerns have been voiced about him wearing his mask during official duties. Some say it’s fundamentally wrong for a politician to be masked on the job. Previously elected members have been reprimanded for wearing hats and other headgear in office, so some members are demanding A-ji take his mask off, while others suggest designated individuals should be allowed to check who is under the mask when the Skull Reaper attends official functions. A-ji claims his mask has a positive effect, saying “People find it easy to come up and talk to me because I have a mask on.” Skull Reaper A-ji has been active in visiting local institutions for disabled citizens for the past decade. Recently, he visited and offered support to victims of natural disasters such as the Great East Japan Earthquake and last years’ floods in Northeast Kyushu. The Mayor of Oita will make a decision about his mask soon. Source: Nishinippon Shimbun Feb. 25
