Inejiro Asanuma (浅沼 稲次郎 Asanuma Inejirō, December 27, 1898 – October 12, 1960) was a Japanese politician, and head of the Japanese Socialist Party. Asanuma was noted for speaking publicly about Socialism and economic and cultural opportunities. His support of the Chinese Communist Party was criticized both from the right and by his colleagues.


Asanuma was assassinated by 17-year-old Otoya Yamaguchi, a right wing extremist, at a televised
rally for the coming Lower-house election. Yamaguchi rushed and fatally
stabbed Asanuma, and was subdued moments later. The entire incident was
captured on camera.