Japanese wrestler Billyken Kid elected to city council; granted permission to wear wrestling mask
Japanese Wrestler wins City Council Election.
A Japanese professional wrestler has taken his wrestling identity into politics after winning a seat in the Kawanishi Municipal Assembly in Hyogo Prefecture. Billyken Kid was elected to the Kawanishi Municipal Assembly in October 2026, campaigning throughout the election in his familiar wrestling mask.
The 52-year-old wrestler is associated with Osaka Pro Wrestling, a professional wrestling promotion based in Osaka. Moreover, the star has received permission to wear his trademark wrestling mask during official council meetings, making his political journey an unusual story that has attracted attention beyond Japan’s wrestling community.
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Billyken Kid wins election and gets approval to wear his wrestling mask
Record five-time Osaka Pro Wrestling Championship holder finished first among 37 candidates with 4,040 votes in the October 2026 election. Following his victory, the wrestler sought permission to retain his signature appearance during official council proceedings.
The matter was discussed at a meeting of representatives from the assembly’s five parliamentary groups on November 6. Four groups supported his request, allowing him to wear the mask inside the chamber, provided his identity was verified by the authorities.
“My dream has come true. There are opposing views, but I hope to earn recognition through my actions as a council member going forward.”
Kid explained that wearing the mask helped him feel more focused and concentrate on his responsibilities. He also acknowledged that his request had faced some opposition but expressed hope that his work as a council member would eventually earn him recognition.
Why did some council members oppose Billyken Kid’s request?
While there is no rule in place forbidding elected individuals from wearing masks, it raised a question about how a public servant should be perceived.
The opposition to his proposal included the group of Liberal Democratic Party assembly members and others, who claimed that a council member must behave consistently within his position, adding that Billyken was known for appearing with and without the mask.
Nonetheless, the majority of people agreed to his proposal, allowing him to use his well-known mask at all sessions. He also stated that he will not be wearing the mask in every case.
For example, he will take it off during memorial services and will take into account the wishes of the host company while visiting them for administrative inspections.
Billyken attended his first regular council session wearing the mask on November 9. It is noteworthy to mention Masanori Murakawa, also known as The Great Sasuke.
He was another winner from the past who used to wear a mask at his meetings. He was elected to the Iwate Prefectural Assembly in 2003, and kept wearing his mask throughout his term as a wrestler.
Who is Billyken Kid?
Billyken Kid is a 52-year-old Japanese professional wrestler associated with Osaka Pro Wrestling. He was elected to the Kawanishi Municipal Assembly in Hyogo Prefecture in October 2026.
Is Billyken Kid allowed to wear his wrestling mask during council meetings?
Yes. The Kawanishi Municipal Assembly approved his request on November 6, allowing him to wear his signature mask during official sessions, provided his identity is verified before entering the chamber.
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