The Investigative Committee’s focus on the alleged misconduct of Hyogo Governor Saito Motohiko has brought significant scrutiny to his administration during the final testimonies conducted on November 25, 2023. This inquiry stems from accusations of power harassment against Saito and internal whistleblower protection law violations.
The committee, constituted under Article 100 of the Local Autonomy Act, conducted its concluding assessments with Saito facing questioning for the third time since he regained his position post-dismissal through election. Throughout these hearings, Saito has consistently dismissed allegations against him, reiteratively claiming, "There was no problem with the response of the prefecture," as reported by Mainichi Shimbun.
Following inquiries began surrounding documents submitted by former officials who alleged misconduct within Saito’s office. These allegations surfaced initially when the former head of the West Harima administrative bureau raised concerns which began the investigation process. On multiple occasions, Saito has claimed the whistleblower's submissions were filled with highly defamatory content and asserted, "The document contained highly defamatory content and lacked truthfulness," ensuring the committee’s inquiries were met with denials.
During the hearings, Saito’s efforts to maintain his stance were put to the test against contrasting accounts from his former senior aides. For example, when confronted with testimony pointing to conversations about pursuing independent investigations, Saito retorted, "I have no recollection of being advised to pursue investigations by third parties," challenging witnesses who insisted otherwise.
The hearing served as the culmination of months of scrutiny wherein Saito, alongside former deputy governor Katayama Yasutaka, faced numerous inquiries about their conduct and administrative decisions. Last witnessed on November 25, Katayama, who was considered pivotal to the inquiry, presented his own experience under questioning. Katayama echoed Saito's claims by noting, "I do not recognize the allegations as power harassment," aligning himself closely with the governor amid the allegations.
These proceedings come at the backdrop of Saito's recent re-election, which the public viewed with concern following the swirling accusations over the preceding months. Despite these challenges, the governor is perceived by some to have garnered sufficient public support to blend past controversies with his current political standing.
Both Saito and Katayama’s defense during the interrogations showcased the tensions within the administrative structure of Hyogo. While they insist on the propriety of their actions, the testimonies reveal complicated dynamics, underscored by Saito's insistence on appropriate procedural conduct amid spiraling accusations. Governor Saito’s repeated challenges to allegations of recommending improper investigations highlighted the conflicting testimonies and drew the committee’s focus on these discrepancies.
Eyebrows have been raised not only among the public but also within governing circles, emphasizing the imperative need for clear accountability and transparency as investigations advance. The investigative committee continues its operations, maintaining authority to issue criminal penalties, including up to five years of imprisonment for false testimonies.
The committee chair, Okutani Kenichi, indicated to reporters following the hearings, "We need to be cautious about discrepancies. Various interpretations of events compel us to articulate findings judiciously. Discussion is central to our recommendations taking shape for next month’s report. The final assessment will record all variances, irrespective of the differing recollections presented by Governor Saito and his witnesses."
Next steps for the committee include compiling their findings, with their preliminary report scheduled for February 2024. The ultimate goal remains centered on clarifying the substantive nature of these allegations and formulating recommendations aimed explicitly at enhancing the oversight of governance.
Regardless of the outcome, the political ramifications for Saito—or any succeeding administration—will echo deeply through Hyogo's political fabric. The intersection of integrity within the ranks and the quest for transparency remains at stake, as the assembly and Governor Saito face the challenge of regaining public trust amid continuing scrutiny.
