The Fukui Prefectural Government published a damning report from a special investigation committee, officially confirming that former Governor Tatsuji Sugimoto, 63, engaged in repeated sexual harassment against female prefectural employees. Sugimoto had resigned in December 2025 amid allegations stemming from inappropriate messages he sent to staff.
The report meticulously details around 1,000 LINE messages and emails that Sugimoto directed at four female employees, with a court ruling deeming them clear instances of sexual harassment. It also lends high credibility to testimonies from three victims who described physical violations, including Sugimoto touching their legs and buttocks. Psychological harm to the women was described as severe, prompting the committee to condemn Sugimoto’s “grave responsibility” in exploiting his authority.
This scandal underscores ongoing challenges with workplace harassment in Japan’s public sector, where power imbalances often silence victims. The prefecture’s decision to release the findings publicly aims to restore trust and prevent future abuses, though it raises questions about accountability for high-profile officials.