Hiroshi Hase
Hiroshi Hase (馳 浩, Hase Hiroshi, born May 5, 1961) is a Japanese politician and semi-retired professional wrestler who is currently the governor of Ishikawa Prefecture. As a professional wrestler, Hase primarily worked for New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW), and also for All Japan Pro Wrestling (AJPW) and Stampede Wrestling. During his affiliation with AJPW, he also served as the chairman for the Pacific Wrestling Federation (PWF), which is the governing body for all championships in the promotion. Among his numerous title wins, Hase held the WCW International World Heavyweight Championship once, making him a one-time world champion.
Hiroshi Hase | |
|---|---|
馳 浩 | |
| Governor of Ishikawa Prefecture | |
| Assumed office 28 March 2022 | |
| Preceded by | Masanori Tanimoto |
| Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology | |
| In office 7 October 2015 – 3 August 2016 | |
| Prime Minister | Shinzō Abe |
| Preceded by | Hakubun Shimomura |
| Succeeded by | Hirokazu Matsuno |
| Member of the House of Representatives from the First District of Ishikawa Prefecture | |
| In office 25 June 2000 – 14 October 2021 | |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 5 May 1961 Oyabe, Toyama, Japan |
| Political party | Liberal Democratic Party |
| Spouse |
Kyoko Takami (m. 1994) |
| Alma mater | Senshu University |
| Website | http://hase-hiroshi.org/ |
Professional wrestling career | |
| Ring name(s) | Hiro Hase Hiroshi Hase Viet Cong Express #1 |
| Billed height | 1.83 m (6 ft 0 in) |
| Billed weight | 105 kg (231 lb) |
| Billed from | Ho Chi Minh City, North Vietnam (as Viet Cong Express #1) |
| Trained by | Riki Choshu Stu Hart Tokyo Joe |
| Debut | February 28, 1986 |
From October 2015 until August 2016, Hase served as the Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology under Prime Minister Shinzō Abe and his LDP party. Prior to his appointment in the Cabinet, he also served as a member of the House of Representatives of the National Diet, representing the 1st district of Ishikawa Prefecture.