"Even at Night and on Weekends, 'I'm the Branch Manager'... Top 10 Cases of Power Abuse by a Japanese Branch Manager in His 40s [Curiosity Lab]"

Motohiko Saito, Governor of Hyogo Prefecture. Governor Saito X account

Motohiko Saito (48), Governor of Hyogo Prefecture, was born in Kobe City, where the prefectural office is located, and is an elite graduate of the University of Tokyo's Faculty of Economics. After graduating from university, he joined the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications in 2006, held key positions there, and worked in local governments such as Fukushima Prefecture, Miyagi Prefecture, and Osaka Prefecture before being elected governor of Hyogo Prefecture in 2021.

However, in March last year, a power abuse controversy erupted following documents from a Hyogo Prefecture bureau chief, and after he took his own life, a no-confidence resolution was passed by the assembly in September of the same year, leading to his resignation. Nevertheless, stating that "it is important to ask for the (residents') trust," he ran again in the gubernatorial election and was re-elected in November.

According to Japanese media such as Sankei and Asahi, the allegations of power abuse against Governor Saito were largely confirmed by the investigation of a third-party committee established by the prefecture, with results announced on the 19th. Governor Saito said about the investigation results, "It is important to take this seriously," but also stated, "I will reflect on what needs reflection and proceed with the prefecture's policies as the way to fulfill my responsibilities."

The top 10 confirmed power abuse cases identified by the investigation committee are as follows:

① At a business trip destination, the entrance was designated as a no-vehicle zone, requiring disembarkation about 20 meters ahead. He reprimanded the staff who came to pick him up.

② Before the signing ceremony of a cooperation agreement with a company related to 'Flying Cars' (aerial vehicles), he criticized a newspaper report that had been published, and as soon as the responsible staff entered the governor's office, he demanded, "What on earth is this article?" He then scolded them with remarks such as "The flying car project is directly under the governor," and "Don't act on your own." When the staff tried to explain, he said, "Start over from the beginning," but did not actually listen when they spoke.

③ Upon seeing a newspaper report that the prefectural art museum would be closed during summer vacation, he became furious, saying, "This is something I didn't know about." In a chat message to a close aide, he said, "With this kind of approach, budget support for the prefectural art museum is impossible." The next day, Governor Saito summoned the relevant personnel to the governor's office and, without listening to the explanation from the person in charge, said immediately upon entering the room, "I said I didn't hear about this." The staff explained that the budget had already been reflected and that closure during that period was unavoidable due to circumstances. However, Governor Saito insisted, "I don't know," and the staff had to repeatedly apologize.

④ Regarding the award ceremony for Hyogo Prefecture's selection as a 'SDGs Future City,' he criticized the absence of media at the site. He sent chat messages to staff late at night and on holidays, instructing them to individually contact media outlets to request coverage.

⑤ He reprimanded the responsible staff for not reporting a media interview request.

⑥ He struck the desk forcefully while scolding staff.

⑦ During a governor's meeting on the AI matching system, before the person in charge could start explaining, he abruptly cut off, saying, "I cannot decide on the announcement without knowing the content." When the staff said, "We will explain the content," he responded, "Why should I listen now? I cannot judge after hearing it now. Bring the bureau chief," and did not listen to the explanation.

⑧ In discussions related to the 'Hyogo Nursing Technology Introduction and Productivity Improvement Support Center,' without going into details, he scolded the staff, saying, "I have never heard of such a thing," and "Why did you create such a support center on your own?" When the staff tried to explain that the project was already included in the budget, Governor Saito said, "I don't know about these materials. Don't assume the governor knows everything just because it's in the documents," and did not proceed with further discussions.

⑨ In discussions related to 'Habatan Pay' (a premium gift certificate using a smartphone app), he clicked his tongue and sighed heavily while looking at campaign fans. What he took issue with was that, although this project was led by him, his message and photo were not included.

⑩ Continuous reprimands and work instructions via chat during nights and holidays over a long period.