THE GREAT SASUKE WILL BE TRIUMPHANT!

For us Iwate Prefecture Assembly watchers here in the States, today brings good news: pro-wrestler-turned-assemblyman The Great Sasuke will be allowed to wear his mask on the legislative floor:

"I think he understood my message that he should reveal (more of) his face to voters," [Iwate Gov. Hiroya] Masuda said, lauding the new assembly member's move. Later in the day, Sasuke welcomed Masuda's remarks. "Frankly, I am happy and feel grateful," he said. "I think my sincerity has reached him."

Regular Armed Prophet readers will remember some of the details below, but here's the whole situation more or less, along with details on the compromise:

The day after his election, Masuda told reporters the wrestler-cum-politician should take off the mask because voters would be unable to see his expressions as he carries out his duties in the legislature. But over the past week, the prefectural government said it received about 230 e-mails, a majority of which said Sasuke should be allowed to keep his mask on. ... Sasuke said the new mask will respect the assembly's internal code, which stipulates that members "must honor the dignity of the legislature." ... Sasuke said the new mask will show more of his face around the mouth area, thus helping the public gauge his emotions more clearly. He added that the mask will feature an official Iwate Prefecture emblem on its sides.

Well, that makes Armed Prophet's day. But wait a minute... here's another political controversy in Japan ... though apparently averted. Good -- that's too much for me to tackle right now. But The Great Sasuke's first day in the Assembly is May 6, and if I can, I'll let you know how it goes.