Inejirō Asanuma

was a Japanese politician. He was leader of the Japan Socialist Party. Asanuma was a supporter of socialism in post-war Japan. He supported the People's Republic of China (PRC) and criticized the United States.
Asanuma was assassinated with a short sword by far-right activist Otoya Yamaguchi while speaking in a televised political debate in Tokyo. His violent death was seen on national television.