On May 4, 2025, the RIZIN event at Tokyo Dome was electrified not only by thrilling martial arts bouts but also by a significant political announcement. Yuta Kubo, a well-known martial artist and former K-1 World GP welterweight champion, declared his candidacy for the upcoming House of Councillors election scheduled for July 2025.
During a break in the action at the "RIZIN Man's Festival," Kubo took to the ring, expressing his desire to stand as a candidate. "I really wanted to stand on this stage as a fighter, but I have an important announcement to make," he began, setting the tone for a moment that would resonate beyond the arena.
Kubo, who has a professional record of five wins and two losses, emphasized that he is not retiring from the sport but rather shifting his focus to a new challenge. "I'm not retiring, but I'm going to challenge a new ring from now on. I will run in the House of Councillors election in July of this year (2025)," he stated with conviction.
His motivation for entering politics is rooted in a desire to create a future where fans can enjoy martial arts with smiles for years to come. Kubo articulated his vision, saying, "I decided to stand up because I want to create a Japan where fans can always watch martial arts with a smile, 10 years from now, 20 years from now." This vision aligns with his broader ambition to foster a society that supports and promotes martial arts.
Though Kubo has not yet determined which political party he will represent, he called for support from both fans and political figures. "The party hasn't been decided yet, but I want to give strength to all the fans and political figures," he explained, highlighting his commitment to engaging with the community.
Shinji Sakakibara, the CEO of RIZIN, was present to support Kubo's announcement. He acknowledged Kubo's youthful enthusiasm and the genuine concern many feel about the state of Japan. Sakakibara expressed his hopes for Kubo's political journey, stating, "I think everyone feels a little bit of anxiety about this country, and for that reason, we want to improve this country and ensure we can smile in the future. I don't know what will happen, but since Kubo has decided to do this, I hope he gives it his all."
Kubo’s declaration was not merely a personal milestone; it resonated with the audience, who cheered enthusiastically. His transition from the ring to politics reflects a growing trend where athletes leverage their platforms to influence societal change.
In addition to Kubo's announcement, the RIZIN event featured several other notable matches. As the crowd buzzed with excitement, martial artist Mikuru Asakura made headlines with a stunning TKO victory against former champion Chihiro Suzuki, marking his return to the sport after a nine-month hiatus. Asakura, known as the "Legend of the Streets," proclaimed, "I’ve come back stronger!" after securing a dramatic win in the third round.
The event also saw some unexpected moments, including a surprise performance by entrepreneur Takafumi Horie, who took to the ring in a flamboyant outfit to sing a traditional enka song, leaving both fans and fellow fighters astonished. Horie's antics added a unique flair to the event, showcasing the blend of entertainment and sports that RIZIN is known for.
Another highlight was the match between Asakura's disciple, Taisei Nishitani, and Kyoka Hagiwara, which ended in a shocking knockout victory for Hagiwara. After the match, Hagiwara taunted Asakura, saying, "Mikuru, I just defeated your disciple!" This rivalry is set to heat up as both fighters look to establish themselves in the competitive landscape of RIZIN.
As Kubo embarks on his political journey, it remains to be seen how his background in martial arts will influence his approach to governance. His commitment to fostering a supportive environment for martial arts in Japan is a promising start, and many fans are eager to see how he balances his dual roles as a fighter and a politician.
The RIZIN event on May 4 was not just a showcase of martial arts talent; it was a platform for change and a testament to the evolving nature of sports and politics in Japan. As Kubo prepares for the challenges ahead, his supporters are rallying behind him, hoping that his fighting spirit will translate into impactful political action.
With the House of Councillors election drawing near, Kubo's candidacy is sure to be a topic of discussion among fans and political analysts alike. Whether he can successfully navigate the political landscape remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: Yuta Kubo is ready to step into a new arena, determined to make a difference.
