Japanese Wrestler Wins City Council Election and Gets Permission to Wear His Wrestling Mask During Official Meetings
A Japanese professional wrestler just achieved something unusual in politics. After winning a city council election while wearing his trademark wrestling mask, he has now received official permission to keep wearing it during government meetings. The Japanese wrester made the entire world to now believe that no dream is too small to pursue.
The wrestler, known by his ring name Billyken Kid, is 52 years old and belongs to Osaka Pro Wrestling. The legend is a professional wrestling organisation based in Japan. He recently made history after winning a seat in the Kawanishi Municipal Assembly in Hyogo Prefecture, Japan, becoming the first masked wrestler to serve as a local assembly member in the prefecture.
What makes the story even more interesting is that he did not campaign as an ordinary politician. Throughout his election campaign, Billyken Kid appeared in public wearing the same distinctive mask that he uses in professional wrestling. He also used his wrestling identity when presenting himself to voters, making it clear that he wanted to represent the community without abandoning the character people already knew.
His connection with Kawanishi goes beyond politics. He moved to the city approximately 16 years ago and has spent years organising local wrestling events and visiting children’s and welfare facilities. Through these activities, he gradually became a familiar face in the community.
During the October 2026 municipal election, he received 4,040 votes, finishing ahead of the other candidates and securing the highest number of votes in the contest. 37 candidates were competing for 24 available seats.
However, winning the election was only the beginning of an unusual political discussion.
After his victory, a new question emerged: Could a city council member legally wear a professional wrestling mask inside the official council chamber?
The Kawanishi Municipal Assembly did not have a clear rule specifically addressing masked politicians. Some representatives supported his request, while others questioned whether wearing a mask was appropriate for someone holding public office.
There were also concerns about identification and the dignity expected of elected officials. One group argued that public representatives should maintain a consistent appearance, particularly because Billyken had sometimes appeared without his mask at business association gatherings.
The disagreement eventually led to a formal discussion among representatives of the council’s five political groups.
On November 6, 2026, the representatives voted on the matter. Four of the five groups supported allowing him to wear his wrestling mask during official council sessions, while one group opposed the request.
The council approved his request under certain conditions. Before entering the chamber, the council chairperson must personally verify his identity to prevent anyone from impersonating him.
The permission also extends to committee rooms, although special ceremonies, memorial services and other official activities may require him to remove the mask depending on the organisers’ wishes.
When the decision was announced, Billyken Kid expressed his happiness, saying that a dream had finally come true. He also promised to earn people’s respect through his work as a council member rather than simply relying on his popularity as a wrestler.
On November 9, he attended his first official plenary council meeting wearing his signature mask.
He explained that putting on the mask gives him confidence, helps him focus, and makes him feel ready for his responsibilities.
For Billyken Kid, the mask is not simply a wrestling costume. It is part of the identity through which many people in his community recognise him.
And now, he will be representing those same people in government without having to leave that identity behind. Check out more trending news and breaking news from here.