A Japanese wrestler-turned-politician has insisted on wearing a brightly patterned mask - his trademark in the ring - for his new job as a local councillor.

Critics say it is "indecent" that Masanori Murakawa refuses to reveal his face.

But on Tuesday - his first day of work at the local assembly in Morioka, northern Japan - Mr Masanori's mask was resolutely on display.

Councillors are due to meet on Wednesday to decide whether he should be allowed to continue wearing his mask when the assembly formally convenes.

But he is better known in Japan as "The Great Sasuke", a wrestler with a penchant for covering his face with vinyl masks.

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