Chairman Okutani
The Hyakujo Committee of the prefectural assembly, which is investigating allegations such as “power harassment” of former Governor Motohiko Saito, who was re-elected in the Hyogo prefecture gubernatorial election on the 17th, held a press conference at the Hyogo prefectural office on the 18th, and said that there is no specific goals in this election campaign.
One of the prefectural assembly members who was a committee member submitted his resignation to the assembly secretariat on the 18th.
■ Mr Okutani appealed to Mr Tachibana to make a street speech in front of his house, saying, “Don’t stay locked in, come out.”
![[Nuacht Briathar]The chairman of the Hyakujo Committee investigating Mr. Saito’s suspicions holds a press conference saying, “My family has evacuated.” out of the house.”“Don’t threaten me anymore and kill yourself.”” “It’s a problem even if you do” (published on November 18, 2024) |](https://image.gallery.play.jp/ytv-news/articles/a313c015f7ce464f8ea5bb1227a22304/8adc17b3-598f-44fd-97af-b83b754ef065.jpg?w=1200 "[Nuacht Briathar]The chairman of the Hyakujo Committee investigating Mr. Saito’s suspicions holds a press conference saying, “My family has evacuated.” out of the house.”“Don’t threaten me anymore and kill yourself.”” “It’s a problem even if you do” (published on November 18, 2024) |")
Chairman Okutani said Takashi Tachibana, the leader of the Party for the Protection of the People from NHK, gave a speech on the street in front of Okutani’s home during the election period, telling him, “Don’t stop yourself in, come out. of your house,” and “This is what I want you to do.” I’ll leave it at that.”
Mr. Okutani admitted that he had taken measures to evacuate his mother, saying, “I am very sorry that my family became afraid.”I want to take strict measures in the future.”
■Prefectural Assemblyman Takeuchi considers resigning: “The verbal abuse has increased and my family is in a frenzy.”
In addition, on the 18th, it was revealed that prefectural assembly member Hideaki Takeuchi submitted his resignation to the assembly secretariat.
Prefectural Assemblyman Takeuchi told committee member Eiichi Ueno, “The verbal abuse has spread and my family is in trouble. .” this country is messed up.” they expressed a sense of crisis.
Chairman Okutani said, “It is important to proceed with the investigation in a dignified manner by completing it to the end. I want to proceed with the investigation as usual.”
Last updated date: November 19, 2024 10:19
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How can personal safety concerns impact the integrity of political investigations and public trust in governance?
Interview between Time.news Editor and Expert on Political Ethics and Governance
Time.news Editor (TNE): Welcome to today’s edition of our expert interview series. Today, we have Dr. Miyuki Tanaka, a renowned expert in political ethics and governance. We’re discussing the recent controversy surrounding the Hyakujo Committee‘s investigation into former Governor Motohiko Saito. Dr. Tanaka, thank you for joining us.
Dr. Miyuki Tanaka (MT): Thank you for having me. It’s a pleasure to be here.
TNE: Let’s dive right in. The Hyakujo Committee is investigating serious allegations against Mr. Saito, including claims of power harassment. What does this say about the current state of political accountability in Japan?
MT: This situation highlights significant issues concerning political accountability and transparency in Japan. The very fact that such allegations are emerging suggests that there may be a culture where such behavior can occur without immediate consequences. The role of committees like Hyakujo is crucial in ensuring that leaders are held to a high standard.
TNE: It’s been reported that Mr. Okutani, the chairman of the Hyakujo Committee, expressed feeling threatened and has had to evacuate his family. How do personal safety concerns affect the integrity of such investigations?
MT: Personal safety is a profound concern that can obstruct the investigative process. When committee members feel threatened, it can lead to self-censorship or reluctance to pursue the necessary inquiries. This is detrimental to the integrity of governance, as it can allow unethical behavior to go unchecked. It is vital that these officials have adequate protection and support to carry out their responsibilities without fear.
TNE: Following the press conference, one committee member resigned. What impact might this have on the ongoing investigation?
MT: A resignation can signal a breakdown in the committee’s cohesion and could impede the progress of the investigation. It raises questions about the internal dynamics of the committee and its ability to operate effectively. If more members start to resign or withdraw, it could lead to a lack of diverse perspectives and diminish the overall effectiveness of the committee.
TNE: In his appeal to Mr. Tachibana, Mr. Okutani urged him to come out and speak openly. What does this say about public engagement in political discourse in situations like these?
MT: Mr. Okutani’s plea underscores the importance of public engagement and dialogue. It indicates a desire for transparency and for stakeholders to participate in the democratic process. When public figures encourage open communication, it can foster a more vibrant political culture and serve to hold leaders accountable. However, it must be done in a manner that prioritizes safety and respects the climate of the discussion.
TNE: With Mr. Saito’s recent re-election despite the allegations, what does this suggest about voter sentiments in Hyogo Prefecture?
MT: This points to a complex relationship between voters and their representatives. Many voters may separate the allegations from individual performance, particularly if they believe Saito has delivered results in other areas. It may also reflect voter fatigue with ongoing scandals or a general mistrust of alternative candidates. The political landscape is complicated, and voters’ decisions can often be influenced by various factors beyond the immediate controversies.
TNE: what steps can be taken to improve political ethics and governance in Japan moving forward?
MT: Strengthening the mechanisms for oversight and accountability is essential. This includes enhancing the powers and protections for investigative committees, promoting whistleblower protections, and fostering a culture of transparency within political institutions. Public education about political ethics is also crucial; citizens must be aware of their rights and the ethical standards expected from their leaders. Together, these steps can help ensure that such allegations are taken seriously and addressed appropriately in the future.
TNE: Thank you, Dr. Tanaka, for your insightful analysis on such an important issue. We appreciate your perspectives.
MT: Thank you for having me. It’s a critical time for governance in Japan, and I hope these discussions continue to promote positive change.
TNE: And thank you to our audience for tuning in. Stay updated with Time.news for more discussions on current events and issues that matter.