PR CEO for Governor Saito Sparks Talk with Nails in SNS Post
The closeness between Saito Motohiko, the governor, and Kaede Orita has raised attention. As her statements are scrutinized, questions arise regarding whether they might violate the Public Offices Election Law. (From her official note).Saito Motohiko (47), who was re-elected as the governor of Hyogo Prefecture, is facing allegations of violating the Public Office Election Law.
Kaede Orita, the CEO of the PR company “Merchu” based in Hyogo Prefecture, which supported Governor Saito, published an article on the SNS platform “Note” on November 20. In the article, she openly revealed that she had proposed an SNS-based election strategy to Saito’s team.
“I was entrusted with all public relations.”
She boldly revealed this.
A report on election campaign expenses must be submitted within 15 days from the election day.
Under the Public Offices Election Law, exceptions are made for things like campaign assistants (uguisu-jō) and poster production, but in principle, election campaigns must be conducted by volunteers. According to the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications:
“If an agency is primarily and discretionarily planning and organizing an election campaign,”
it is pointed out that:
“There is a high risk of bribery.”
However, Mr. Orita is proudly showcasing the materials he proposed to the Saito camp.
“Candidates, regardless of whether they win or lose, must submit a campaign expense income and expenditure report within 15 days of the election day, disclosing how much was spent on what. If Mr. Saito paid Mr. Orita’s company more than the usual poster costs, the authorities will likely keep a closer eye on the situation,” says a political department reporter from a television station.
Before the election, Mr. Orita was clearly heard in a video saying,
“Making posters, creating flyers, running social media, managing YouTube—honestly, I think elections are like a comprehensive combat sport in public relations.”
This video has been circulating online.
Saito’s attorney commented,
“The request was for poster creation and other activities allowed by law, and a substantial fee was paid.”
“There is no fact that violates the Public Election Law.”
Issued a comment.
On November 25, Governor Saito, who attended the National Governors’ Conference, responded to questions from the press.
“I recognize that there is no fact that violates the Public Election Law.”
He denied the allegations again, revealing that 700,000 yen was paid for poster creation and adding,
“The SNS is operated by the Saito office. (Orida is) a volunteer.”
However, Orida had confessed in a video about her job duties. Could it be that, with only the cost for poster creation being paid, the company had Orida volunteer to manage SNS and YouTube operations as well?
Governor Saito and Orida are very close, aren’t they?
“A photo posted by the official support account on X shows a woman’s hand, and there are suspicions that the nail design looks identical to Orida’s Instagram nails. This could be evidence that Orida herself was managing the support account. X users pointed out, ‘Only the nails show a lack of attention to detail.’ Every expert interviewed agreed, saying, ‘If this is true, it would violate the Public Office Election Law.’ Governor Saito, who comes from the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications, which oversees the law, should know the regulations.” (Wide-show desk)
Orida has been appointed to several public positions, including the Hyogo Prefecture Regional Revitalization Strategy Committee, the eSports Advisory Committee, and the Flying Car Conference Advisory Committee.
On April 3rd last year, Orida posted on her Instagram:
“In the 4th year of Reiwa, I was appointed to the Hyogo Prefecture Regional Revitalization Strategy Committee and the eSports Advisory Committee, making it a challenging year for me. Over the year, I spoke up on various issues from the standpoint of someone inexperienced in eSports, as well as from the perspective of a woman and a mother.”
She revealed that despite her lack of experience, she took on important roles.
On the internet, there are voices such as:
“Governor Saito and Orita are inextricably linked, aren’t they?”
There are also voices saying, “Governor Saito and Orita are inextricably linked, aren’t they?”
Can the two of them overcome this crisis with their perfect synergy?
