Saito Motohiko Faces Growing Discontent Over Hyogo’s Stagnant Governance

Can a resolution be found?

On December 6, Hyogo Prefecture Governor Motohiko Saito (47) was seen at the Hyogo Prefectural Government Building in Kobe. He was preparing for the representative questions at the Hyogo Prefectural Assembly’s December regular session, his first since being re-elected. Perhaps feeling tense ahead of the face-to-face meeting, there was a moment when he glared at a FRIDAY cameraman who had entered the venue for coverage. When asked tough questions like, “What kind of steering are you aiming for to avoid stagnation in the prefectural administration?” he responded with a stern expression, resembling a Noh mask, and answered without showing any emotion.

“As is widely known, a criminal complaint was filed against the president of the PR company who claimed to have handled overall public relations during the recent gubernatorial election, on suspicion of violating the Public Election Law. In response, Takashi Tachibana (57) declared that he would file a counter-complaint for false accusation, and even now, about a month after the re-election, confusion continues.” (National newspaper reporter)

The ongoing subcommittee investigation was expected to compile a report by the end of the year, but due to Governor Saito’s absence from the witness questioning because of his attendance at the National Governors’ Association meeting, it is highly likely that the matter will be postponed until the new year. Hyogo Prefecture employees have openly expressed their distrust of Governor Saito to FRIDAY.

“He’s been passing new suspicions off to his agent. Recently, he seems to be avoiding the media, entering through the back door to work. If he continues to avoid his responsibility to explain, does he plan to just escape without answering?” said one Hyogo prefectural employee.

A member of the prefectural assembly confided:

“Governor Saito has been advocating for one team and trying to reconcile with the staff, but there are many staff members who prioritize fact-finding by the Special Committee. The prefectural assembly, as always, has a majority that is opposed to Saito, and there’s no sign of it voluntarily dissolving. With such strong opposition, it seems the governor will have no choice but to compromise.”

Can the governor, who has caused even more confusion in the administration since his re-election, find a resolution? The stagnation continues.

From FRIDAY December 27, 2024 edition.