Key Facts
• Yuta Kubo, 37, ex-K-1 champion, is running for Japan Innovation Party in 2025.
• Stalking incidents began after his candidacy announcement in May 2025.
• On July 3, two suspicious men were spotted near Kubo’s associates.
• Kubo received a photo of his car via social media with a message.
• Kubo frequently faces online harassment but notes increased real-world threats.
• Other candidates, including Mayu Ushida and Saya, also reported threats.
• Kubo temporarily halted campaign events and consulted police for safety.
• He emphasized the need to prevent harassment of election candidates.
• Kubo vowed to remain resilient and open to direct discussions with critics.
Summary
Yuta Kubo, a former K-1 champion and current candidate for the Japan Innovation Party, revealed he has been targeted by stalkers since announcing his candidacy for the 2025 House of Councillors election. Incidents include suspicious individuals near his campaign team and threatening messages on social media. Kubo, who is accustomed to online harassment, expressed concern over escalating real-world threats, which also affected other candidates like Mayu Ushida and Saya. He temporarily paused campaign events and sought police assistance. Kubo condemned such actions, emphasizing the importance of protecting candidates and maintaining a fair election process. Despite the challenges, he remains determined to continue his campaign and engage openly with critics.
