# Otoya Yamaguchi

> Japanese ultranationalist who assassinated Inejiro Asanuma (1943–1960)

**Wikidata**: [Q469406](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q469406)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Otoya_Yamaguchi)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/otoya-yamaguchi

## Summary
Otoya Yamaguchi was a Japanese ultranationalist student and activist who assassinated Inejiro Asanuma in 1960. He was a member of the Great Japan Patriotic Party and is known for his involvement in far-right political movements during Japan's post-war era.

## Biography
- Born: February 22, 1943, in Tokyo, Empire of Japan
- Nationality: Japan (formerly Empire of Japan)
- Education: Attended Q114925815 (specific institution not named)
- Known for: Assassinating Inejiro Asanuma in 1960
- Employer(s): None (active only as an activist)
- Field(s): Political activism, ultranationalism

## Contributions
- **Assassination of Inejiro Asanuma**: On October 12, 1960, Yamaguchi deliberately murdered Inejiro Asanuma, a prominent Japanese politician and former Prime Minister. This act was a significant event in Japan's political history, marking a violent escalation in far-right activism.

## FAQs
- **What was Otoya Yamaguchi's occupation?**
  Yamaguchi was a student and activist, primarily known for his role in political extremism and his assassination of Inejiro Asanuma.

- **Where was Otoya Yamaguchi born?**
  He was born in Tokyo, which was part of the Empire of Japan at the time of his birth.

- **What political party was Yamaguchi affiliated with?**
  He was a member of the Great Japan Patriotic Party from 1959 to 1960.

- **How did Otoya Yamaguchi die?**
  He committed suicide by hanging after his arrest following the assassination.

- **What was the significance of Yamaguchi's assassination?**
  The assassination of Inejiro Asanuma was a major political event in post-war Japan, highlighting the growing influence of far-right extremist groups.

## Why They Matter
Otoya Yamaguchi's assassination of Inejiro Asanuma remains a pivotal moment in Japan's political history, illustrating the violent tensions between leftist and rightist factions during the post-war era. His actions underscored the fragility of Japan's democratic institutions and the persistent threat of extremism. The case continues to be studied in political science and criminology as an example of how far-right ideologies can manifest in violent acts.

## Notable For
- **Assassin of Inejiro Asanuma**: Yamaguchi's murder of a former Japanese Prime Minister was a high-profile political assassination in post-war Japan.
- **Member of the Great Japan Patriotic Party**: His affiliation with this far-right group marked him as a key figure in Japan's ultranationalist movement.
- **Suicide by Hanging**: After his arrest, he chose to end his life by hanging, a method that became associated with his case.

## Body
### Early Life and Background
Otoya Yamaguchi was born on February 22, 1943, in Tokyo, which was then part of the Empire of Japan. His grandfather, Murakami Namiroku, was a notable figure in Japan's political and military history. Yamaguchi's family name was Yamaguchi, and he was known by the alias Otoya. He attended educational institutions but is primarily remembered for his political activism rather than academic achievements.

### Political Activism and Extremism
Yamaguchi was a member of the Great Japan Patriotic Party from 1959 to 1960, a far-right political group that advocated for a more aggressive foreign policy and a stronger emphasis on traditional Japanese values. His activism aligned with the ultranationalist ideology prevalent in Japan during the 1950s and 1960s.

### Assassination of Inejiro Asanuma
On October 12, 1960, Yamaguchi assassinated Inejiro Asanuma, a former Prime Minister of Japan and a prominent figure in the post-war political landscape. Asanuma was known for his centrist policies and his efforts to promote economic recovery and social stability. Yamaguchi's murder was a deliberate act of political violence, reflecting the deep-seated tensions between leftist and rightist factions in Japan at the time.

### Aftermath and Legacy
Following the assassination, Yamaguchi was arrested and subsequently hanged himself in prison. His death marked the end of his political career, but his actions left a lasting impact on Japan's political discourse. The case remains a subject of study in political science and criminology, serving as a case study in the intersection of politics and violence.

### Influence on Japanese Politics
Yamaguchi's assassination highlighted the vulnerability of Japan's democratic institutions and the persistent threat of extremism. It also contributed to the broader discourse on political violence and the role of far-right movements in shaping Japan's political landscape. The case continues to be referenced in discussions about the balance between freedom of expression and the prevention of political violence.

## References

1. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013