Controversial YouTuber Hezumaryu Wins Nara Assembly Seat on Anti-Foreign Platform

NARA, Japan — In a stunning but troubling turn of events, local YouTuber-turned-candidate Hezumaryu (Hezuma Ryuu) has won a seat in the Nara Prefectural Assembly, running on a populist anti-foreigner platform and leveraging his notoriety over past harassment incidents rather than any traditional political credentials.

Hezumaryu’s campaign was marked by an absence of concrete economic or social policies. Instead, he focused almost exclusively on anti-immigrant rhetoric, promising to “protect Nara from the bad foreigners” and repeatedly stating during campaign rallies that “foreigners must be kicked out” of the city’s public spaces—an appeal that resonated enough to propel him to victory. He has no prior political experience beyond his online persona and controversial stunts.

The candidate rose to infamy earlier this year when he posted videos of himself harassing Chinese visitors at Nara Park—filming, shouting, and accusing them of feeding deer dangerous foods and kicking them. Despite the incident, his aggressive anti-foreigner stance earned him praise from nationalist segments of the electorate. He was also arrested for alleged theft during his YouTube days.

Hezumaryu’s victory reflects growing tensions in the region over Japan’s rapid increase in foreign tourism and labor migration. Critics warn that his election signals a disturbing shift in local politics toward nativist and exclusionary policies. “It’s frightening that a man with no experience and a platform built on hate is now part of governing Nara,” a political analyst commented.

The incoming prefectural assembly must now grapple with the presence of an elected official openly hostile to foreigners, with implications for policy, tourism, and Japan’s image on the global stage. Civic groups and human rights advocates are already mobilizing to counteract Hezumaryu’s influence and challenge any legislative proposals aimed at restricting the rights or activities of non-Japanese residents.

As his swearing-in approaches, Nara’s community leaders are preparing for intense debate and a likely clash over the direction of the city’s policies, cultural openness, and civic identity.