Exclusive: Governor Saito’s Ties to PR CEO Amid Staged Event Controversy
The emergence of another PR company
Why is there so much trouble surrounding Hyogo Governor Motohiko Saito (47)?
After an accusation of violating the Public Election Law, involving Saito and the CEO of the PR company supporting him, Kaede Orita (33), which was submitted to the Kobe District Public Prosecutor’s Office and the Hyogo Prefectural Police, a new suspicion has arisen. This time, it concerns the revelation that “Saito had another PR company supporting him.”
On October 1, before the election announcement, Saito gave a street speech in front of JR Koshien Station. During this, a 100-year-old woman appeared to present Saito with a certificate of longevity.
Local TV stations reported this as a miracle moment, but footage and photos emerged on social media suggesting that the TV station’s filming crew had been pre-positioned. It was also revealed that someone from a different PR company, not Orita, was standing next to Saito at that time. This led to an outburst of suspicions that it may have been staged.
The person standing next to Saito was Hiroshi Kawasada, the CEO of the PR company Ultima. On social media, questions were raised such as “Did Kawasada hire the old woman?” “Did Kawasada also do election consulting?” and “Is Kawasada the mastermind?” What is the truth behind these allegations?
A look at Kawasada’s Facebook reveals that he is connected to several city council members in Hyogo Prefecture and holds a position as an officer in the Shorinji Kempo Hyogo Prefecture Federation. Does this mean he is close to Saito and was supporting his election campaign? We confronted Kawasada at the center of the controversy.
The miracle moment photo that spread online (some parts of the image have been altered for privacy protection).The candid truth revealed in the direct interview.
――What is your relationship with Saito?
“I have not signed a consulting contract or supported his election. Our company is a consulting firm, but we specialize in business management, not election consulting.
Saito is a friend. During this situation (harassment allegations, vote of no confidence, etc.), no one was around him anymore. He has his flaws, but there were also lies in the media coverage. That’s why I continued to be his friend.
During the election period, I gave him advice as a friend, such as ‘You should shave your beard’ and ‘It would be better if you were brighter,’ but of course, no money was involved.”
――How did you become friends with Saito?
“I met Saito in 2018 when he was still a public servant (Director of the Fiscal Affairs Division of Osaka Prefecture). He was about to run for election, and I was introduced to him by someone. At that time, we did not sign a consulting contract.”
――Was the video of the 100-year-old woman and Saito staged?
“At that time (October 1), Saito had almost no supporters. I was worried that he might be attacked or assassinated, so I followed him to his street speech.
Then, the daughter of the elderly woman came to me and said, ‘My mother wants to meet Saito.’ Coincidentally, a TV crew was there, and that scene was filmed. It was definitely not staged. Several media outlets were at the scene and witnessed the whole exchange.”
Kawashimada refuted the claims about the video and photos, saying that the mastermind behind the spread of the footage was:
“I have confirmed that the daughter of a member of the Kagawa Prefecture Assembly from the Liberal Democratic Party intentionally exposed it. They probably want to protect their vested interests.”
――Why doesn’t Orida appear before the media?
“As with Saito’s post-election press conference, there is a possibility of media harassment by the press because the reporters lack manners. Can a woman in her 30s (Orida) really be in such a situation? It’s highly questionable.
I’ve heard from election volunteers that Orida proposed a social media strategy, but Saito didn’t request it. This is just my speculation, but I think Orida might have exaggerated to link her work to the situation.”
――What do you think about the allegations of harassment against Saito?
“I believe there are issues with both the media and social media. In this case, false information was spread. There are few media outlets that do proper reporting. Most are salaried journalists. My private personal information, including my face and address, has been exposed online as the mastermind, which is a typical example of how false information circulates.
(Regarding the harassment allegations) In the three years Saito was governor, the two things he did were slam a desk and throw sticky notes. Furthermore, the sticky notes were not thrown at anyone.”
――Saito acknowledged yelling at a staff member who parked 20 meters away in a restricted area.
“At first, the staff member did not perceive it as harassment.”
However, this staff member stated during the testimony on August 30th in the special committee that they felt they had received unreasonable scolding. Their perception may have changed, but there are discrepancies between the two sides’ claims.
There are cases where it can be considered a donation.
On the other hand, a member of the Hyogo Prefectural Assembly stated, “Kawamada was involved in Saito’s election.” Attorney Satoru Fukumoto from Kisaragi Law Office offers an explanation.
“If a person seeking to become a candidate in a public election receives paid consulting or similar services, it would be considered bribery under Article 221 of the Public Offices Election Act. Even if it’s voluntary, if during the election period, the person accompanies and connects people, and if the actions are largely based on the know-how of a consulting company, it may be regarded as a donation to the candidate. Volunteering means providing services without payment.
A question arises whether a company executive can personally dedicate themselves to volunteering. Corporations are not allowed to make donations directly to individual candidates, and from this perspective, there is a potential issue under Article 21, Paragraph 1 of the Political Funds Control Act.”
Attorney Fukumoto also pointed out that the TV station that reported the encounter with the 100-year-old woman could be in violation of the Broadcast Act. “It could potentially violate the Broadcasting Act.”
Attorney Fukumoto stated, “The TV station reportedly aired the scene with the intention of covering Saito’s speech. However, the Broadcasting Act’s core principle is that broadcasters must remain impartial, politically neutral, and avoid distorting the facts.
Given that Saito was just one of many candidates, was it necessary for the TV station to report the scene with the elderly woman? Reporting must align with the public interest, and whether this was fair reporting is something that should be debated, especially in light of the staged allegations.”
With multiple suspicions surfacing and conflicting claims, we earnestly hope the truth will eventually come to light.
Interview and text： Yuria Fukatsuki PHOTO： Kei Kato (1st photo)
