#1 of the images PR CEO for Governor Saito Sparks Talk with Nails in SNS Post | FRIDAY DIGITAL

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).“One trouble after another” — 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.  

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PR CEO for Governor Saito Sparks Talk with Nails in SNS Post

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