Hyogo Prefectural Assembly Chairman Kenichi Okutani Addresses Power Harassment Allegations: A Closer look
Kenichi Okutani,the chairman of the Hyogo Prefectural assembly’s Special Investigation Committee (Hyakujo Committee),faced the media on December 9,2024,following a board meeting. The committee is currently probing allegations of power harassment against governor Motohiko Saito. A video of Okutani’s appearance quickly circulated on social media, sparking comments about his noticeable weight loss.
the hyakujo Committee has been working diligently to uncover the truth behind the allegations, with Okutani emphasizing the importance of a thorough investigation. “I want to prepare so that I can fully clarify the issue,” he stated during the press conference.His comments highlighted the committee’s commitment to ensuring all facts are verified before the witness examination on December 25.
Witness Examination Set for december 25
Okutani described the upcoming witness examination as a “summary” of the committee’s findings. “even though some facts have become clear, there are also things that we have not been able to confirm,” he explained. “we need to make sure that we can thoroughly clarify the matter.” The committee has requested the appearance of Governor Saito and former Deputy Governor Yasutaka Katayama for questioning on the 25th.
The video of Okutani’s appearance drew attention on social media, with users commenting on his physical appearance. “prefectural Councilor Okutani lost weight in a month…” and “Okutani has lost a lot of weight! He has dark circles under his eyes and he looks pale” were among the remarks shared online. Some even described him as “haggard.”
Conflict with Takashi Tachibana
Okutani’s role in the investigation has not been without controversy. Takashi Tachibana, leader of the Party to Protect the People from NHK, has been a vocal critic. During the gubernatorial election, Tachibana accused Okutani of “lying and trying to cover up the reason why the former prefectural citizen director committed suicide” and “putting pressure on the media.” Tachibana has also posted videos and messages on social media, including a YouTube live stream where he spoke in front of Okutani’s home and office.
In response, Okutani filed a criminal complaint against Tachibana, alleging defamation and threats. The complaint claims that Tachibana’s actions, including his speech in front of Okutani’s residence, constituted a threat to his safety.
Despite the election’s conclusion, Tachibana has continued to criticize Okutani. On december 7, he posted on social media, “I strongly believe that once the truth is revealed, the public will understand the gravity of the situation.”
As the Hyakujo Committee moves forward with its investigation, the focus remains on uncovering the truth and addressing the allegations against Governor Saito. Okutani’s dedication to the process, despite the challenges, underscores the committee’s commitment to openness and accountability.
Recall Effort Launched Against Izumiotsu City Mayor Following Controversial Election
A grassroots movement is gaining momentum in Izumiotsu City, Japan, as residents call for the resignation of Mayor Okutani through a recall signature campaign. The effort follows the recent mayoral election, which has left many citizens dissatisfied with the outcome.
in a recent YouTube video, a local activist addressed the issue directly, stating, “The mayoral election in Izumiotsu City is over, but we must do a recall [signature campaign] to force Defendant Okutani to resign!” The video, titled “I went to the Hyakujo Committee in Hyogo Prefecture and had a little talk with Chairman Okutani!” has garnered significant attention and sparked a wave of support for the recall initiative.
The activist, who remains unnamed in the video, met with Chairman Okutani and urged him to take duty for the city’s future.”Chairman Okutani, I requested him to grow up and work with Mr. Saito to advance the prefectural government of Hyogo Prefecture,” the activist said in the video.The call for cooperation with Mr. Saito, a prominent figure in the region, underscores the growing discontent among residents.
The recall campaign highlights a broader issue of transparency and accountability in local governance.Critics argue that Mayor Okutani’s leadership has fallen short of expectations,prompting citizens to take matters into their own hands.The signature campaign aims to gather enough support to force a special election and potentially remove the mayor from office.
As the movement gains traction, it remains to be seen whether the recall effort will succeed. However, the growing public outcry serves as a reminder of the power of grassroots activism in shaping local politics.
For now, the citizens of Izumiotsu City are steadfast to see change, with many pledging their support to the recall campaign. The outcome of this effort could set a precedent for future civic engagement in the region.
