Kazuhiko Oigawa, the Governor of Ibaraki, is facing serious allegations of power harassment following reports released by the electronic edition of Weekly Bunshun on March 12, 2025. According to the report, Oigawa purportedly used abusive language such as "idiot" and "die" against prefectural employees who did not comply with his wishes. The allegations include claims of Oigawa throwing tablet devices at staff, igniting serious concerns about workplace culture within the prefecture.
Responding to the allegations at the prefectural office on the same day, Oigawa vehemently denied the claims, stating, "The report is different from the facts, and I have no recollection of engaging in power harassment." He clarified, "There might have been strict reprimands, but I don’t recall throwing tablets or using the words 'die'.” His assertions came amid mounting scrutiny as he faces slander accusations, particularly concerning the timing of the reports coinciding with the upcoming gubernatorial election.
Oigawa acknowledged the possibility of having used strict language during his tenure but insisted the claims of violence were unfounded. He echoed sentiments of being hurt by what he described as slander, stating, "I view this as slander, common during election years.” This comment highlights the often turbulent nature of political discourse leading up to elections.
The troubling allegations are compounded by recent tragic incidents, as it was reported there have been 13 suspected employee suicides since Oigawa assumed office in September 2017. This alarming statistic draws attention to long-standing issues within the prefectural workforce and raises questions about employee mental health and the workplace environment.
The prefectural personnel division recognized the suicides but indicated the similar number of suicides occurring prior to Oigawa's administration was akin to national trends. Oigawa argued, "This article creates misunderstandings by implying my actions are the cause,” which he attributes to recognized increases in mental health issues nationwide. His response seeks to separate his governance from the disturbing series of events linked to the prefecture's personnel.
Further intensifying the situation is the recent tragic death of a male employee from the secretariat division, attached to the vice governor, whose passing is believed to be linked to suicide. This incident prompted the establishment of a third-party investigation committee by the prefecture, which publicized findings in February 2025. The committee stated there was no evidence of power harassment or excessive workloads contributing to the unfortunate event.
Despite the findings exonerated Oigawa of direct culpability, the prefecture did issue strict warnings to the vice governor and another executive due to growing suspicions from the bereaved family about the workplace climate impacting the deceased employee's mental health.
The backdrop to these events is multifaceted, with layers of political pressure, concerns of workplace harassment, and the mental well-being of employees. Oigawa’s current predicament places him at the center of scrutiny, not just for the allegations at hand but for broader issues of governance and employee care within the Ibaraki government.
With the gubernatorial election looming this fall, the dynamics of this situation will likely influence Oigawa's political future and raise questions around accountability and reform within he Ibaraki prefecture’s public service sector. Oigawa's denial of any wrongdoing, coupled with his acknowledgment of strict reprimands, reflects not only the challenges of leadership but also the pressing need for improved workplace conditions to provide support for staff frameworks.
While Oigawa contemplates his next steps and hinted at potentially consulting legal counsel, the focus remains on the allegations themselves and what they might reveal about the state's work environment. The public and political stakeholders await developments, with the hope for transparency and resolution as the situation continues to evolve.
Governor Oigawa's tenure and the events surrounding these allegations highlight the significant challenges faced within public sectors, particularly relating to employee management and mental health support. The importance of establishing respectful and supportive working environments cannot be overstated, especially as public figures navigate the tumultuous waters of political service and accountability.