Two members of the Hyogo Prefectural Assembly are facing serious disciplinary actions, highlighting alarming issues around governance and political accountability. On February 26, the Japan Innovation Party's Hyogo chapter announced the expulsion of Kishiuchi Minoru and the recommendation for resignation for Masayama Makoto, both of whom have been under scrutiny for leaking sensitive documents.
The Hyogo Innovation Party indicated during their press conference on the 26th, which started at approximately 4 p.m., the gravity of Kishiuchi's actions, stating, "The act of presenting unverifiable documents containing defamation to others, particularly considering his position as the vice-chair of the investigative committee, calls for major accountability." This statement stresses the potential damage to public trust caused by such disclosures.
Kishiuchi, 60 years old, recognized the seriousness of the punishment he received, stating, "It was the most severe penalty I could face. Considering my public standing at the time, I feel it was unavoidable. I would like to work as an independent for the time being." He expressed regret over his actions, which included providing documents to Takaashi Tachibana, the head of the NHK from the People Party, during the gubernatorial election campaign.
Masayama, aged 46, acknowledged his own part in this unraveling political situation. He had provided non-public audio and documents relating to the committee's proceedings to Tachibana, which led to his recommendation for resignation. Reflecting on these events, Masayama reaffirmed, "While I have acted to share information with the public, I understand the breach of protocol involved and apologize. My commitment to the policies of the Innovation Party remains strong, even as I continue as an independent.”
Both politicians have stated they will continue their roles as independents, rejecting the notion of resignation outright. Kishiuchi mentioned previously signing documents agreeing to resign if ever expelled from the party, yet now feels tied to his current role. He stated emphatically, "I am aligned with the general direction of the party and plan to support its initiatives irrespective of my membership status."
Masayama, on the other hand, has also submitted his resignation letter, which he believes has been accepted, declaring, "I have presented this to the party, and I can only assume it has been processed. It is important for constituents to be informed, and I claim there are justifiable reasons for my actions."
Adding to the drama, Masayama revealed he had been approached for candidacy by Tachibana for the upcoming House of Councillors election but has firmly declined, affirming his focus on local duties instead.
The breakdown of conduct involves serious allegations against both assembly members, as the Hyogo Innovation Party articulated. Kishiuchi's disclosure included documents portraying former assembly member Takeuchi Hideaki as the alleged instigator behind deceptive political maneuvers related to the late governor Saito's administration. Masayama's breach came from sharing testimony data, originally tagged confidential, which was deemed unacceptable under the terms of holding public office.
During their unified press engagement, the party's representative, Kaneko Michihito, issued apologies on behalf of the party for the distress caused to the citizenry, emphasizing, "It is our responsibility to maintain integrity and transparency. The conduct of these assembly members has jeopardized the public’s trust—something we must all work to regain."
This scandal has sent shockwaves through the local political arena, raising questions not only about ethical responsibilities but also about governance integrity as public officials. The citizens of Hyogo are now left grappling with the responsibility of public servants to maintain confidentiality and trustworthiness.
Despite the controversy, both Kishiuchi and Masayama have shown determination to stay engaged with their constituents, vowing to uphold principles they previously endorsed under the Japan Innovation Party. Their statements reflect a complex struggle to balance political allegiance with accountability, and the way forward remains uncertain.