Inejirō Asanuma
Inejiro Asanuma (浅沼 稲次郎, Asanuma Inejirō, 27 December 1898 – 12 October 1960) was a Japanese politician and leader of the Japan Socialist Party. During World War II, Asanuma was aligned with the Imperial Rule Assistance Association and advocated for war in Asia. Asanuma later became a forceful advocate of socialism in post-war Japan. He was noted for his support of the newly established People's Republic of China (PRC) as well as the criticism of United States–Japanese relations, making him a polarizing figure.
Inejirō Asanuma 浅沼 稲次郎 | |
|---|---|
Asanuma in 1952 | |
| 1st General Secretary of the Japan Socialist Party | |
| In office 13 October 1955 – 23 March 1960 | |
| Preceded by | Position created |
| Succeeded by | Jōtarō Kawakami |
| 3rd Chairman of the Japan Socialist Party | |
| In office 23 March 1960 – 12 October 1960 | |
| Preceded by | Suzuki Mosaburō |
| Succeeded by | Jōtarō Kawakami |
| Member of the Japanese House of Representatives from Tokyo 1st district | |
| In office 11 April 1946 – 12 October 1960 | |
| In office 21 February 1936 – 30 April 1942 | |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 27 December 1898 Miyake-jima, Tokyo, Empire of Japan |
| Died | 12 October 1960 (aged 61) Chiyoda, Tokyo, Japan |
| Manner of death | Assassination (stab wound) |
| Resting place | Tama Cemetery, Tokyo, Japan |
| Political party | Japan Socialist Party |
| Alma mater | Waseda University |
| Occupation | Politician |
Asanuma was assassinated with a wakizashi, a traditional short sword, by far-right ultranationalist Otoya Yamaguchi while speaking in a televised political debate in Tokyo. His violent death was seen in graphic detail on national television by millions of Japanese, causing widespread public shock and outrage.