Makoto Sakurai (writer)

Makoto Sakurai in front of Ueno Station on July 24, 2016.

Makoto Sakurai (桜井 誠 Sakurai Makoto, born February 15, 1972) is the assumed name of a Japanese ultranationalist and writer from Kitakyushu in Fukuoka Prefecture. A former tax accountant, he was at one time the leader of far-right activist group Zaitokukai, known for its racist views and violent demonstrations.[1]

Sakurai was arrested by Japanese police on June 16, 2013, in Tokyo after an anti-Korean demonstration by Zaitokukai members ended in a fistfight with counterprotesters.[2]

Sakurai held a public debate with Osaka mayor Toru Hashimoto in 2014, which lasted for only eight minutes. Hashimoto and Sakurai shouted at and insulted each other, and Hashimoto ultimately left the stage along with his security detail.[3] In November, Sakurai announced that he would not run for re-election as leader of Zaitokukai.[4]

Sakurai was a candidate in the Tokyo gubernatorial election, 2016 and placed fifth out of 21 candidates, with 1.74% of the popular vote.


See also

References

  1. ↑ Fackler, Martin (2010-08-28). "New Dissent in Japan Is Loudly Anti-Foreign". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 2016-07-17.
  2. ↑ "8 arrested as groups clash over anti-Korean demonstrations in Tokyo". 2013-06-17. Retrieved 2016-07-17.
  3. ↑ McCurry, Justin (2014-10-21). "Japanese 'hate speech' debate abandoned as insults fly". the Guardian. Retrieved 2016-07-17.
  4. ↑ Osaki, Tomohiro (2014-11-12). "Head of anti-foreigner group Zaitokukai to step down". The Japan Times Online. ISSN 0447-5763. Retrieved 2016-07-17.

External links

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