"Public Officials Are No Different from Cattle Farmers"... Japanese Governor Bombarded with Criticism for Offensive Remarks

Governor of Shizuoka Prefecture Discriminates Against New Public Officials
Claims Civil Servants Are Intellectuals, Different from Farmers and Livestock Farmers
Past Remarks Included Female Appearance and Regional Slurs
Amid Flood of Complaints, Announces Resignation in June

Kawakatsu Heita, Governor of Shizuoka Prefecture, Japan, who was criticized for making discriminatory remarks about occupations to new public officials
[Photo by Shizuoka Prefectural Government]

The governor of Shizuoka Prefecture in Japan, known as the "Makgeolli Manufacturer" for his blunt remarks, faced a strong backlash after making disparaging comments about the region's agricultural and livestock roots in front of new public officials. Facing criticism not only from local residents but also nationwide, he decided to resign before completing his term.

According to reports from Japanese media on the 3rd, Shizuoka Prefecture Governor Kawakatsu Heita said at the induction ceremony for new employees held on the 1st, "In fact, Shizuoka Prefecture, or the prefectural office, is, in other words, a think tank," adding, "It is different from selling vegetables every day, taking care of cattle, or making products." He continued, "Basically, you are people with high intellect and intelligence. You need to polish that." His remarks, which were seen as discriminatory toward certain occupations, sparked controversy, and by 5 p.m. on the 2nd, the prefectural office was flooded with 430 complaints. Ultimately, Governor Kawakatsu announced his sudden resignation and said he would step down in June.

In October 2021, during a local election campaign speech, Governor Kawakatsu said, "Gotemba (located opposite Hamamatsu City where the election is held) only has Koshihikari (a rice variety). They just eat rice and think that is agriculture," adding, "On this side (Hamamatsu City), there are eels, tangerines, meat, vegetables, onions, anything. Would you choose a young person (a rival candidate) who grew up in such a place?" In June 2021, during the gubernatorial election, he introduced a female university student by saying, "A girl with a pretty face looks even prettier if she doesn't say smart things." In February of this year, he said, "(The place called) Iwata in Shizuoka Prefecture has a higher culture. It is better than Hamamatsu," and told a female student soccer pioneer, "Kicking the ball is more important than studying."