On March 4, 2025, the Hyogo Prefectural Assembly's Ad Hoc Investigation Committee, commonly referred to as the 100-member committee, finalized and publicized its investigation report concerning allegations against Hyogo Governor Motohiko Saito. This report, which highlights serious concerns, reflects on various allegations of 'power harassment' made against the governor and evaluates the responses made to whistleblowing incidents.
The chairman of the committee, Yoshiichi Okutani, emphasized the importance of the findings during the press conference, stating, "The accusations are groundless or fabricated. Governor Saito must sincerely face this tightening situation." He detailed the extensive process the committee had undertaken, including holding 18 meetings and five consultation sessions, which were instrumental in compiling the report.
The investigation stemmed from anonymous documents sent to several media outlets last year by former Nishi-Harima Civil Affairs Director, Hidetoshi Takenouchi, who has since passed away. The documents outlined seven key accusations against the governor, and the committee's recent inquiry confirmed certain factual elements within them. According to the report, some officials' actions are labeled as inappropriate, with Okutani noting the significance of raising the public whistleblowing system as potentially leading to national legal reforms.
Committee member Maruo Maki remarked on the courage displayed by prefectural employees, who bravely responded to the inquiries posed by the committee. He fondly remembered Takenouchi during the conference, exclaiming, "I sincerely appreciate the hard work of my late colleague and how he contributed to bringing these issues to light." Such sentiments were shared by fellow member Ueno Eichi, who expressed his relief at being able to report properly to Takenouchi, acknowledging the emotional weight of the circumstances surrounding his death.
The committee's report issued strong criticism of Governor Saito's behavior. It stated, "The words and actions of the governor are inappropriate enough to be called power harassment." The findings indicate significant lapses within the prefecture's response protocols, especially highlighting issues with how whistleblowers were treated after their complaints. Under current law, identifying whistleblowers, especially without properly investigating the accusations, invites severe scrutiny and potentially legal challenges against the prefecture.
Report details disclosed include responses to the situation involving allegations of 'kickbacks' related to the subsidies received for the Hanshin/Orix victory parade. The investigation reported, "Kickbacks could not be confirmed, and illegal expenditure of public funds or unlawful spending was not recognized." Still, it acknowledged receipt of claims alleging malfeasance against public officials, serving to remind the public of the gravity surrounding campaign governance practices.
The response from the governor's office has been closely monitored, particularly those referring to the pre-election lobbying efforts by civil servants favoring Saito during the last gubernatorial election. The report concluded, "There were no illegal acts recognized," reflecting the complexity of the interplay between governance and legal frameworks.
Okutani pointed out, "The responses exhibited complete lack of objectivity," emphasizing the failures leading up to the eventual outcomes of the investigated events. He expressed hope the governor will take ownership of the report's findings and fulfill his responsibility to the citizens of Hyogo, stating, "I hope the governor takes responsibility to resolve the confusion and division. This must be done without reservation for the good of our community," clearly underscoring the need for transparency and accountability.
The report has been formally handed to the Assembly Speaker Tomoaki Hamada, who expressed gratitude to the committee members for their perseverance amid the criticisms they faced. He remarked on the unfortunate passing of Hidetoshi Takenouchi, acknowledging the harsh realities they have endured during the investigation. "It is painful to lose our colleague, yet we must thank the committee for diligently preparing this report in such difficult conditions," Hamada noted during the session.
Looking forward, the Hyogo Prefectural Assembly is scheduled to submit its report to the plenary session on March 5, 2025. The findings may mark the beginning of broader discussions on governance and oversight within Japan’s political framework, particularly addressing how whistleblower protections and directives are implemented and respected.
The structure, findings, and conclusions of the report highlight fundamental questions about governmental integrity and the standards under which public officials operate, aiming to promote confidence among the citizens of Hyogo. The future of governance within the prefecture may now depend on how the administration responds to these realizations and enacts necessary changes.