The Power Harassment Scandal Involving Governor Motohiko Saito and the Growing Chaos in Hyogo Prefecture

“Who the hell do you think you are running for office?”

It could only be described as an unusual election campaign.

The voting for the recall election of Hyogo Prefectural Governor Saito Motohiko (47), following his disqualification, took place on November 17.

FRIDAY reporters had been closely following Saito since the day before. During a street speech in Nishinomiya, the crowd overflowed, filling not only the venue but also the road on the opposite side, the walkway linking the station, and nearby commercial buildings. A housewife in her 50s at the venue passionately said,

“During the time of the investigative committee and no-confidence motions, the media relentlessly criticized Saito. It just looked like bullying. We need Saito to continue as governor, as he increased the prefecture’s savings and provided substantial support for fertility treatment.”

There were also high school girls in uniforms present. One of them said, “I’m a second-year high school student, so I can’t vote, but I came because I wanted to see Saito.” She continued,

“At school, we talk about Saito. Everyone has different opinions, but I think Saito is not at fault. The media doesn’t report the truth, but we have social media. The public servant’s suicide was not Saito’s fault. If I had the right to vote, I would vote for Saito.”

During Saito’s speech, there were also shouts of insults, and a group was walking with a sign that read, “Saito Motohiko’s supporters are arrested too often.” In fact, during the election period, riots occurred frequently, and arrests were made.

Around 5:30 PM that same day, an estimated 3,000 people gathered for what was considered the “grand finale” speech in Sannomiya, Kobe. It was a far cry from the scene when he was first disqualified, where he was ignored by everyone, bowing repeatedly in front of the station. After finishing his speech, Saito left the scene, receiving loud chants of “Saito!” from the crowd. It was reminiscent of the fervor seen at the U.S. presidential election rallies for Donald Trump. Everyone was swept up in the excitement.

“Because there will be a next time…”

How does Saito perceive this fervor? FRIDAY reporters attempted to seek a comment from Saito after his speech in Nishinomiya and Kobe, but he remained silent. When they encountered him during a prayer for victory at a shrine in Kobe City, he was again asked for a comment. He responded with, “Because there will be a next time.” and quickly hopped into his campaign car.

The unexpected comeback was successful. Saito, who had been expected to lose after being 12 points behind Kazumi Inamura (52), the former mayor of Amagasaki, in a survey by local media, gained more than 250,000 additional votes compared to the previous gubernatorial election, ultimately winning re-election with 1.11 million votes.

“About ten days after his disqualification, phrases such as ‘The late former head of the Prefectural Citizens’ Bureau’s accusation was a coup against Governor Saito’ and ‘Saito did not commit power harassment’ spread rapidly on social media. Amidst this intense surge of support, the Hyogo Prefecture branch of the Liberal Democratic Party, which had prohibited supporting Saito, ultimately allowed their support. The split in support among the lawmakers also worked in Saito’s favor” (from a reporter in Kansai).

With overwhelming support from the citizens, Saito returned to the governor’s office on the 19th. However, the allegations against him have not disappeared. One prefectural employee told FRIDAY, 

“In a survey of employees, there were responses that directly witnessed Saito’s power harassment, but those were ignored. It’s unsettling that he’s returning to the governor’s position without changing his attitude.”

The investigation by the investigative committee continues, and members of the assembly who unanimously filed the no-confidence motion against Saito are still waiting for him.

An assembly official said,

“It is unlikely that the assembly will file another no-confidence motion. The 1.11 million votes carry significant weight. Governor Saito will be asked to appear before the investigative committee, but the likelihood of new evidence emerging to show power harassment or bribery is low at this point. However, the anti-Saito faction holds a majority in the assembly. The governor will struggle to pass even a single policy. The assembly could dissolve, but that could be criticized as a purge, so they likely won’t use that ‘trump card.’”

Saito’s return has caused anxiety among both assembly members and employees, and Hyogo Prefecture’s governance is likely to become even more chaotic.

 

A woman who runs a snack bar in Kobe handed Saito a letter expressing gratitude and support.