Anger at TV Stations as Hyogo Governor Saito’s Request Suspicion Boosts Ratings

“People come here just for the crab and other items, so I wish they wouldn’t come anymore.”

“I can’t provide the 400,000 yen leather jacket for free.”

Amid daily reports of “begging allegations,” Saito Motohiko, the 46-year-old Governor of Hyogo Prefecture, continues to sit calmly in his top position. No matter how much he is urged to resign by those around him or the public, it seems as if he is pushing against a curtain. 

The interim report from the prefectural assembly’s investigation committee, based on a survey of prefectural employees, revealed numerous instances that seemed to go beyond the level of mere “requests from public office.”

“During a site visit related to crab, an offer was made to provide crab souvenirs to all the governor’s staff. The staff declined, saying ‘we don’t need it.’ In response, the governor said, ‘If you don’t need it, I’ll take it,’ and took the souvenirs meant for the staff.”

“The governor has visited multiple times and taken home crabs and other items each time. People say they are coming just for these items and have expressed, ‘Please don’t come anymore.'”

“When receiving oysters from an oyster farming business, the governor has been known to ‘monopolize’ them and have all of them sent to his home.”

“The governor seems to choose inspection sites based on where he can receive desirable gifts.”

 

“During a visit to a leather production site, the governor tried on a 400,000 yen leather jacket and said, ‘This is nice, can’t I have it?’ The request was deemed unreasonable due to the high value of the item, and it was concluded that it could not be provided for free.”

 

Although some of this is based on hearsay, the numerous examples suggest a high likelihood that Governor Saito has been using his position to ensure he does not leave inspections empty-handed, displaying a brazen and shameless behavior. 

Why does the governor, of all people, behave so petty?

“Saito is a wealthy young man. His grandfather founded a chemical shoe manufacturing business in Nagata, Hyogo, after the war. It is said that he could get anything he wanted from his rich grandfather. Becoming governor was not by chance either. His grandfather named him ‘Motohiko’ after the former Governor of Hyogo, Kanai Motohiko, and he apparently expressed his desire to become Governor of Hyogo to his grandfather while still a student at the University of Tokyo. It seems that, because he is an elite who is used to getting what he wants, he has come to believe that it is natural to receive whatever he desires and that both staff and the public should follow his demands, leading to his arrogant behavior.” (A sports newspaper reporter based in Osaka.)

 

 

In the survey in question, regarding the staff.

“I was yelled at with, ‘Can’t you even press the elevator button?'”

“I have been thrown a computer by the governor.”

Allegations of power harassment have also emerged. 

However, the most concerning issue is likely the kickback allegations.

Former mayor of Akashi City, Hyogo Prefecture, Fusaho Izumi, stated on X that.

“‘This isn’t about minor issues like asking for crabs or leather jackets. There are serious allegations that hundreds of millions of yen in ‘tax money’ may have been misused, and there are issues surrounding the loss of the lives of both the whistleblower and the person in charge. It seems the media coverage is also missing the point.”

 

“The suspicion is that the amount of ‘subsidy’ originally planned at 100 million yen was suddenly increased to 400 million yen, and that this increase was reciprocated with kickbacks disguised as ‘donations.’ Given that this case involves the governor of Hyogo Prefecture, if the Hyogo Prefectural Police are slow to act, there is also the option for the Osaka District Public Prosecutors Office to get involved.”

 

It is pointed out that the suspicion of the misuse of massive amounts of tax money is the most serious issue. Furthermore, since recalling the governor is a very high hurdle, it is suggested that the Hyogo Prefectural Assembly should move forward with a vote of no confidence.

 

On the other hand, television stations are reporting on this scandal with mixed feelings. 

 

“‘Viewers are very angry with Governor Saito, and some are calling or emailing the TV station to voice their opinions. The Hyogo Prefectural Office is likely receiving complaints far beyond what we are dealing with. Since it is being broadcast daily, the content from commentators is starting to sound repetitive, but discussions about Governor Saito continue to achieve high ratings. The core viewership consistently rises by about 0.5 to 1 percent. While the staff is somewhat weary, the high numbers keep us broadcasting persistently.’” (a person involved in the wide-show program)

 

Although many believe he should resign, there are also parts of the industry that would find it unfortunate if he did step down.

 

On August 30, Governor Saito will be summoned as a witness before the investigative committee. It remains to be seen what he will have to say.”