MORIOKA, Iwate Pref. (Kyodo) Iwate Gov. Hiroya Masuda voiced displeasure Monday that a professional wrestler who was elected to the prefectural assembly plans to wear his mask during assembly proceedings.

The Great Sasuke

The Great Sasuke, a 33-year-old wrestler whose real name is Masanori Murakawa, topped the vote count in the Morioka district in Sunday's prefectural assembly election.

He vowed to continue wearing his mask while fulfilling his duties as a member of the assembly.

"This is my face," he declared. "I have no intention of taking the mask off."

Masuda was elected to his third term Sunday.

"I'm sure it's a matter of opinion, but I think he should take the mask off," Masuda said. "Politicians make painful decisions, and also express joy, and voters look at their faces and decide (whether they accept those actions). Voters should be allowed to see a politician's facial expressions."

Twelve people were vying for the 10 assembly seats allocated to the Morioka district.