The Hundred-Member Committee of the Hyogo Prefectural Assembly released its investigation report on March 4, 2025, addressing allegations of power harassment against former Governor Saito Yoshihiko. Established for the first time after 51 years, the committee's findings highlight significant concerns surrounding the handling of whistleblower reports within the prefecture.
The report emerged from lengthy investigations triggered by allegations made by the former head of the Nishiharima Prefectural Citizen's Bureau. This individual sent documentation outlining seven items of suspicion about Saito's conduct to multiple entities, including the Hyogo Prefectural Police, provoking widespread scrutiny and concern.
During his press conference on March 27, 2024, Saito dismissed the document as "baseless" and filled with lies. Yet, the Hundred-Member Committee's exhaustive investigation, extending over nine months, concluded otherwise, confirming the presence of certain factual elements within the document.
Chairman Kenichi Okutani summarized the committee's findings, asserting, "The governor's actions and behaviors were inappropriate, and it isn't an exaggeration to categorize these as power harassment." The report outlines specific instances, including episodes where Saito displayed outbursts of anger, symbolically banging on his desk and exclaiming to staff, "I am not listening to such stories!" His communication practices were also called out, as he sent over 4,800 messages during the fiscal year 2023, with 44% of these messages dispatched at night or on holidays.
The inquiry revealed the significant consequences of Saito’s actions, particularly the emotional toll on his staff. The investigation noted, "The strong reprimands and unreasonable statements made by the governor possibly caused distress among the employees, forcing them to act with ulterior motives. While no employees officially claimed they faced power harassment as defined by the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, the parameters outlined by the ministry suggest Saito’s conduct fits the description of harassment." While he maintained his position on offering guidance under professional norms, the committee clearly identified multiple instances of inappropriate behavior.
Adding to the complexity, Governor Saito's efforts to unearth the identity of the whistleblower—including directing his subordinates to investigate the official who raised concerns—raised alarms about potential violations of the Whistleblower Protection Act. The report emphasized, "The actions taken by the prefectural government demonstrated significant problems relating to fairness and objectivity and potentially deviated from the accessibility mandated under the law."
The Hundred-Member Committee's report strongly suggested the need for governance reform, urging Saito to adopt measures for restoring trust. Okutani called for immediate accountability, stating, "We expect the governor to take the contents of this report seriously and fulfill his responsibility to communicate transparently with the citizens of Hyogo. The state of confusion we have observed is concerning and requires prompt resolution."
This has ignited discussions about the accountability of public officials and the systems meant to protect those who disclose misconduct. It was noted during committee discussions, "The governor's initial responses lacked consideration and potential awareness concerning public interest reporting, which is troubling." The political undertones of the investigation, stemming from the contentious 2021 gubernatorial election, were also acknowledged as influential factors contributing to the establishment of the committee.
Despite the report’s significant findings, it does not carry legal enforceability, thereby setting the stage for potential political pressures as constituents expect actions from elected officials. This situation is compounded by the memory of former council member Hideo Takenaka, who passed away shortly after resigning amid the investigation. Okutani expressed his regrets, noting, “His resignation must have been disastrous for him. We wish he could have been here today to witness what we have accomplished.”
Overall, the Hundred-Member Committee's findings will shape the immediate political climate of Hyogo Prefecture. Ongoing discussions surrounding the importance of structuring protective measures for whistleblowers and the overall climate of governmental conduct will likely remain prevalent until significant steps are taken toward accountability and reform.
On the legislative front, the recent developments surrounding the Whistleblower Protection Act are noteworthy. The government decided on revisions to the act, intending to introduce stricter penalties for retaliatory actions—including dismissals and disciplinary measures resulting from whistleblowing incidents—in order to safeguard potential informants and encourage more individuals to come forward.
Despite immediate structural changes, it will take transparency and substantial actions on the part of the leadership to restore confidence among the citizens of Hyogo Prefecture. Stakeholders await decisive steps denoting recognition of responsibility by Saito and the potential judicial clarity this investigation may bring to future governance practices.