Mayor Who Went to Hotel With Male Staff, Governor Who Sent Harassing Texts to Employees... Both Resign Amid Sexual Scandal

Akira Ogawa, Mayor of Maebashi City in Gunma Prefecture, and Tatsuji Sugimoto, Governor of Fukui Prefecture, have both expressed their intention to resign following sexual scandals. On the 26th, Yonhap News, citing Kyodo News and Asahi Shimbun, reported that Mayor Ogawa denied having an inappropriate relationship regarding the "affair controversy with a staff member," but ultimately announced his intention to step down under pressure from the city council.

Akira Ogawa, Mayor of Maebashi City, Gunma Prefecture. Asahi TV

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Mayor Ogawa had faced mounting calls to resign after it was revealed that he had visited hotels with a married male executive staff member on more than ten occasions. As the controversy continued, he apologized, stating, "It was highly inappropriate to go to the hotel," but maintained that "it was not a romantic relationship, but rather for work discussions or consultations." He also insisted on continuing his duties while reducing his salary by 50 percent. However, earlier this month, the city council sent a letter recommending his resignation, warning that if he did not step down, they would submit a motion of no confidence. Ultimately, under this pressure, Mayor Ogawa submitted his resignation to the city council on the 25th.

Not only Mayor Ogawa but also Governor Sugimoto of Fukui Prefecture resigned due to a sexual scandal. Allegations arose that he had sent inappropriate text messages to staff members. Around October, Fukui Prefecture received a report from an employee claiming to have received inappropriate messages from Governor Sugimoto, after which a special investigative committee including lawyers was formed to look into the matter. The committee investigated approximately 6,000 employees to determine if there were any victims or witnesses, and Governor Sugimoto admitted during the investigation that he had sent the problematic messages. However, the specific content of the messages has not been disclosed.

Sugimoto Tatsuji, Governor of Fukui Prefecture, Japan. Mainichi Shimbun

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At his resignation press conference, Governor Sugimoto stated, "During the investigation, I realized that I had sent messages to the complainant and other employees that could be perceived as sexual harassment," and apologized, saying, "I feel a deep sense of responsibility for causing significant harm to others." He also acknowledged, "I became aware that there were multiple instances of conduct that constituted sexual harassment," and expressed his intention to resign.

Regarding these sexual scandals, the Asahi Shimbun pointed out, "These two incidents occurred in the context of a weak system of checks and balances compared to the strong authority held by local government leaders, highlighting the urgent need for political system reform." Meanwhile, if the resignations of both officials are accepted, a mayoral election is expected to be held within 50 days. At a press conference on the 18th, Mayor Ogawa indicated that he was considering running in the upcoming mayoral election if it were to be held.

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