EDITORIAL: Probe into Hyogo leader’s actions must continue for the public good | The Asahi Shimbun: Breaking News, Japan News and Analysis

<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?> <!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"> <html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en" dir="ltr" xmlns:og="http://ogp.me/ns#" xmlns:mixi="http://mixi-platform.com/ns#" xmlns:fb="http://www.facebook.com/2008/fbml"> <head prefix="og: http://ogp.me/ns# fb: http://ogp.me/ns/fb# article: http://ogp.me/ns/article#"> <meta charset="UTF-8">  <script>(function(w,d,s,l,i){w[l]=w[l]||[];w[l].push({'gtm.start': new Date().getTime(),event:'gtm.js'});var f=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0], j=d.createElement(s),dl=l!='dataLayer'?'&l='+l:'';j.async=true;j.src= 'https://www.googletagmanager.com/gtm.js?id='+i+dl;f.parentNode.insertBefore(j,f); })(window,document,'script','dataLayer','GTM-K38TZKV');</script>  <meta http-equiv="content-language" content="en" /> <meta http-equiv="content-type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8" /> <meta http-equiv="content-style-type" content="text/css" /> <meta http-equiv="content-script-type" content="text/javascript" /> <meta name="TITLE" content="EDITORIAL: Probe into Hyogo leader’s actions must continue for the public good | The Asahi Shimbun: Breaking News, Japan News and Analysis" /> <meta name="SHORTTITLE" content="EDITORIAL: …" /> <link rel="alternate" media="only screen and (max-width: 640px)" href="http://www.asahi.com/ajw/articles/15514232" /> <title>EDITORIAL: Probe into Hyogo leader’s actions must continue for the public good | The Asahi Shimbun: Breaking News, Japan News and Analysis</title> <meta name="description" content="In the Nov. 17 Hyogo Prefecture gubernatorial election, the former governor, Motohiko Saito, was re-elected." lang="en" /> <meta name="keywords" content="Opinion,Editorial,Asahi Shimbun,Japan,news" /> <link rel="canonical" href="https://www.asahi.com/ajw/articles/15514232" />  <meta property="fb:app_id" content="225172280833257" /> <meta property="og:locale" content="en_US" /> <meta property="og:title" content="EDITORIAL: Probe into Hyogo leader’s actions must continue for the public good | The Asahi Shimbun: Breaking News, Japan News and Analysis" /> <meta property="og:url" content="https://www.asahi.com/ajw/articles/15514232" />  <meta property="og:image" content="https://p.potaufeu.asahi.com/1ac2-p/picture/29000386/9027669a21f03160ff69618be0613357.jpg" /> <meta property="og:image:width" content="1200" /> <meta property="og:image:height" content="630" /> <meta property="og:site_name" content="The Asahi Shimbun" /> <meta property="og:type" content="article" /> <meta property="og:description" content="In the Nov. 17 Hyogo Prefecture gubernatorial election, the former governor, Motohiko Saito, was re-elected." /> <meta property="article:publisher" content="https://www.facebook.com/AJW.Asahi" />  <meta name="twitter:card" content="summary" /> <meta name="twitter:site" content="@ajwasahi" /> <meta name="twitter:title" content="EDITORIAL: Probe into Hyogo leader’s actions must continue for the public good | The Asahi Shimbun Asia & Japan Watch" /> <meta name="twitter:description" content="In the Nov. 17 Hyogo Prefecture gubernatorial election, the former governor, Motohiko Saito, was re-elected." /> <meta name="twitter:image" content="https://p.potaufeu.asahi.com/1ac2-p/picture/29000386/9027669a21f03160ff69618be0613357.jpg" /> <meta name="twitter:url" content="https://www.asahi.com/ajw/articles/15514232?ref=twnews" />  <link rel="shortcut icon" type="image/x-icon" href="//p.potaufeu.asahi.com/ajw/favicon.ico" /> <link rel="apple-touch-icon" href="//p.potaufeu.asahi.com/ajw/logo_icon.png" /> <meta name="msapplication-TileImage" content="//p.potaufeu.asahi.com/ajw/logo_icon.png" /> <meta name="msapplication-TileColor" content="#B90000" /> <meta name="RELEASE_DATE" content="2024-11-19"/> <meta name="googlebot" content="unavailable_after: 31-Dec-9999 23:59:00 JST" /> <link rel="stylesheet" type="text/css" href="//p.potaufeu.asahi.com/ajw/css/en-asahi-common2016.css" media="screen,print"/> <script type="text/javascript" src="//p.potaufeu.asahi.com/ajw/js/en-asahi-common2016.js" charset="UTF-8"></script> <script type="text/javascript" src="//p.potaufeu.asahi.com/ajw/js/jquery-1.8.3.min.utf8.js" charset="UTF-8"></script> <script type="text/javascript" src="//p.potaufeu.asahi.com/ajw/js/en-asahi-site2016.js" charset="UTF-8"></script> <script type="text/javascript" src="//p.potaufeu.asahi.com/ajw/js/en-asahi-header2016.js" charset="UTF-8"></script>  <script async='async' src='https://www.googletagservices.com/tag/js/gpt.js'></script> <script> var googletag = googletag || {}; googletag.cmd = googletag.cmd || []; </script>  <script type="text/javascript"></script> <script type="text/javascript" src="//www.asahicom.jp/ad/js/pc/ajw.js"></script> </head> <body>   <div id="Header">   <noscript><iframe src="https://www.googletagmanager.com/ns.html?id=GTM-K38TZKV" height="0" width="0" style="display:none;visibility:hidden"></iframe></noscript>   <p class="hide"><a href="#MainInner">Skip to content</a></p> <noscript><p>Your browser does not support JavaScript, or it is disabled．Please check <a href="/ajw/help/policy.html">the site policy</a> for more information.</p></noscript>   <div id="HeaderInner"> <h1 class="SiteLogoTop"> <a href="/ajw/"> <img src="//p.potaufeu.asahi.com/ajw/css/images/en_logo@2x.png" width="342" height="29" alt="The Asahi Shimbun | Asia & Japan Watch"> </a> </h1>  <div class="UtilityNav"> <ul> <li class="Search"> <form action="/ajw/search/results/" method="get"> <fieldset> <input type="text" name="keywords" value="" class="SearchKeywords"> <input type="submit" value="Search" class="SearchSubmit"> </fieldset> </form> </li> </ul> </div>   <div class="SocialNav"> <ul> <li class="Twitter"><a href="http://twitter.com/ajwasahi" title="Twitter" target="_blank">Twitter</a></li> <li class="Facebook"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AJW.Asahi" title="Facebook" target="_blank">Facebook</a></li> </ul> </div>   <div id="LangNav"> <a href="javascript:void(0)">Language</a> <div id="LangDD" style="display:none;"> <div class="Arrow"></div><div class="Arrow_bg"></div> <div class="Frame"> <ul id="LangChange"> <li class="ChangeBtn"><a href="https://www.asahi.com/">日本語</a></li> <li class="ChangeBtn ChangeBtnActive">English</li> </ul> </div> </div> </div>  </div>   <div id="GlobalNav">  <div id="GlobalNavInner">  <div class="MainNav"> <ul class="Nav"> <li> <a href="/ajw/"><span>HOME</span></a> </li> <li class="WhatsNew"> <a href="/ajw/new/">What’s New</a> </li> <li> <a href="/ajw/national_report/">National Report</a> </li> <li> <a href="/ajw/politics/">Politics</a> </li> <li> <a href="/ajw/business/">Business</a> </li> <li class="HasSubNav"><a href="/ajw/asia_world/">Asia & World</a> <ul class="SubNav"> <li><a href="/ajw/asia_world/china/">China</a></li> <li><a href="/ajw/asia_world/korean_peninsula/">Korean Peninsula</a></li> <li><a href="/ajw/asia_world/around_asia/">Around Asia</a></li> <li><a href="/ajw/asia_world/world/">World</a></li> </ul> </li> <li> <a href="/ajw/sci_tech/">Sci & Tech</a> </li> <li class="HasSubNav"><a href="/ajw/culture/">Culture</a> <ul class="SubNav"> <li><a href="/ajw/culture/style/">Style</a></li> <li><a href="/ajw/culture/food/">Food</a></li> <li><a href="/ajw/culture/movies/">Movies</a></li> <li><a href="/ajw/culture/manga_anime/">Manga & Anime</a></li> <li><a href="/ajw/culture/people/">People</a></li> </ul> </li> <li> <a href="/ajw/travel/">Travel</a> </li> <li> <a href="/ajw/sports/">Sports</a> </li> <li class="HasSubNav"><a href="/ajw/opinion/">Opinion</a> <ul class="SubNav"> <li><a href="/ajw/opinion/editorial/">Editorial</a></li> <li><a href="/ajw/opinion/vox/">Vox Populi</a></li> <li><a href="/ajw/opinion/views/">Views</a></li> </ul> </li> <li> <a href="/ajw/special/">Special</a> </li> </ul> </div>  </div>  </div>  </div>    <div id="Contents"> <div id="ContentsInner"> <div id="Main">  <script> var ASAHI_TSUNAMI = new XMLHttpRequest(); ASAHI_TSUNAMI.open('GET', '/wave/tsunami/alert/emergency_box.html', true); ASAHI_TSUNAMI.onload = function() { if ((ASAHI_TSUNAMI.status >= 200 && ASAHI_TSUNAMI.status < 400) && ASAHI_TSUNAMI.responseText.match(/tsunami\.html/)) { EventTsunami(); } } function EventTsunami(){ var txt_tsunami = document.getElementById("tsunami_read_text"); txt_tsunami.innerHTML = ASAHI_TSUNAMI.responseText; Function(document.getElementById("TsunamiScript").innerHTML)(); var ele = document.querySelector("#InsideTsunami .SlideBtn"); var btn = ele.querySelector("span b"); var sld = document.querySelector("#InsideTsunami .TsunamiSlide"); ele.addEventListener("click",function(){ if(sld.style.display=="none"){ btn.classList.remove("Click"); btn.innerHTML = "閉じる"; sld.style.display = "block"; }else{ btn.classList.add("Click"); btn.innerHTML = "詳しく"; sld.style.display = "none"; } }); } ASAHI_TSUNAMI.send(); </script> <div id="tsunami_read_text"></div>    <script> var ASAHI_QUAKE = new XMLHttpRequest(); ASAHI_QUAKE.open('GET', '/earthquake/news/esi/max_emergency_box1_utf8.htm', true); ASAHI_QUAKE.onload = function() { if ((ASAHI_QUAKE.status >= 200 && ASAHI_QUAKE.status < 400) && ASAHI_QUAKE.responseText.match(/max_earthquakealert\.html/)) { var txt_quake = document.getElementById("earthquake_read_text"); txt_quake.innerHTML = ASAHI_QUAKE.responseText; } } ASAHI_QUAKE.send(); </script> <div id="earthquake_read_text"></div>   <style type="text/css"> #InsideTsunami { margin: 10px auto 10px; padding: 0; border-bottom: 0px; width: 660px; position: relative; } #Contents #InsideTsunami { margin: 0 auto 10px !important; padding: 0; border-bottom: 1px solid #DCDCD5; width: 660px; position: relative; } #InsideTsunami .linklayer { position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; background: #fff; opacity: 0; } #InsideTsunami .linklayer:hover { opacity: 0.2; } #InsideTsunami .TsunamiNewsInner { margin: 0px auto 10px; border-radius: 4px; padding: 0; width: 100%; -webkit-box-sizing: border-box; box-sizing: border-box; } #InsideTsunami .TsunamiNewsInner:hover { opacity: 0.75; cursor: pointer !important; } #InsideTsunami .TsunamiTitle { display: none; } #InsideTsunami .TsunamiNav { padding: 0; display: block; } #InsideTsunami .TsunamiNav strong { display: block; margin: 0; float: left; font-weight: bold; line-height: 1.25; padding: 10.5px 4px 10.5px 8px; font-size: 14px; letter-spacing: 0.02em; width: 574px; } #InsideTsunami .TsunamiNav:after { visibility: hidden; display: block; font-size: 0; content: " "; clear: both; height: 0; } .TsunamiLevel-3 .TsunamiNewsInner { border: 2px solid #a101dd; } .TsunamiLevel-3 .TsunamiNav { background-color: #a101dd; color: #fff; } .TsunamiLevel-3 .TsunamiNav strong { color: #FFF; } .TsunamiLevel-2 .TsunamiNewsInner { border: 2px solid #fc4831; } .TsunamiLevel-2 .TsunamiNav { background-color: #fc4831; color: #fff; } .TsunamiLevel-2 .TsunamiNav strong { color: #FFF; } .TsunamiLevel-1 .TsunamiNewsInner { border: 2px solid #f9e100; } .TsunamiLevel-1 .TsunamiNav { background-color: #f9e100; color: #222; } .TsunamiLevel-1 .TsunamiNav strong { color: #222; } #InsideTsunami .TsunamiNewsInner .TsunamiSlide { width: 656px; } #InsideTsunami .TsunamiNewsInner .TsunamiSlide .TsunamiList { text-align: center; margin: 2px 0; } #InsideTsunami .TsunamiNewsInner .TsunamiSlide .TsunamiList:after { display: block; content: ""; clear: both; } #InsideTsunami .TsunamiNewsInner .TsunamiSlide .TsunamiList .Tsunami-Image { display: none; } #InsideTsunami .TsunamiNewsInner .TsunamiSlide .TsunamiList .TsunamiLink { width: 300px; margin: 12px auto 8px; display: inline-block; } #InsideTsunami .TsunamiNewsInner .TsunamiSlide .TsunamiList .TsunamiLink:after { display: block; content: ""; clear: both; } #InsideTsunami .TsunamiNewsInner .TsunamiSlide .TsunamiList h1 { line-height: 2.25em; float: left; width: 90px; } #InsideTsunami .TsunamiNewsInner .TsunamiSlide .TsunamiList .Tsunami_button { float: right; width: 130px; text-align: center; padding: 8px 24px; min-height: 19px; font-weight: bold; background-color: #B90000; color: #FFF; border-radius: 4px; font-size: 90%; } #InsideTsunami .TsunamiNewsInner .TsunamiSlide .Tsunami_button:hover { text-decoration: none !important; } #InsideTsunami .TsunamiNewsInner .TsunamiSlide .Tsunami-ImageOn .TsunamiImage { display: inline; margin: 0; float: left !important; width: 410px; padding: 8px 0 8px 8px; } #InsideTsunami .TsunamiNewsInner .TsunamiSlide .Tsunami-ImageOn .TsunamiImage img { width: 410px !important; margin: 0 !important; } #InsideTsunami .TsunamiNewsInner .TsunamiSlide .Tsunami-ImageOn .TsunamiLink { width: 236px; padding: 12.5% 0; } #InsideTsunami .TsunamiNewsInner .TsunamiSlide .Tsunami-ImageOn h1 { text-align: center; width: 236px; float: none; } #InsideTsunami .TsunamiNewsInner .TsunamiSlide .Tsunami-ImageOn .Tsunami_button { text-align: center; width: 130px; float: none; margin: 12px 30px; } #InsideTsunami .kaigyo { display: none; } #InsideTsunami a.SlideBtn { position: absolute; left: 590px; top: 7.5px; z-index: 9999; } #InsideTsunami a.SlideBtn:hover { text-decoration: none !important; } #InsideTsunami a.SlideBtn span { display: block; padding: 4px 6px; width: 50px; border-radius: 2px; } #InsideTsunami a.SlideBtn span b { background: none !important; font-size: 70% !important; } #InsideTsunami a.SlideBtn span b:after { width: 0px; height: 0px; border: 5px solid; content: ""; display: block; float: right; position: relative; top: 6px; left: 2px; } #InsideTsunami a.SlideBtn:hover span b { color: #FFF !important; cursor: pointer; } #InsideTsunami a.SlideBtn span b.Click:after { width: 0px; height: 0px; border: 5px solid; content: ""; display: block; float: right; position: relative; top: 0px; left: 2px; } .TsunamiLevel-3 a.SlideBtn span b, .TsunamiLevel-2 a.SlideBtn span b { color: #222 !important; } .TsunamiLevel-3 a.SlideBtn span b:after { border-color: #a101dd transparent transparent transparent !important; } .TsunamiLevel-3 a.SlideBtn span b.Click:after { border-color: transparent transparent #a101dd transparent !important; } .TsunamiLevel-2 a.SlideBtn span b:after { border-color: #fc4831 transparent transparent transparent !important; } .TsunamiLevel-2 a.SlideBtn span b.Click:after { border-color: transparent transparent #fc4831 transparent !important; } .TsunamiLevel-1 a.SlideBtn span { background: #FFF; } .TsunamiLevel-1 a.SlideBtn span b { color: #1E1E17 !important; } .TsunamiLevel-1 a.SlideBtn span b:after { border-color: #f9e100 transparent transparent transparent !important; } .TsunamiLevel-1 a.SlideBtn span b.Click:after { border-color: transparent transparent #f9e100 transparent !important; } .TsunamiLevel-3 a.SlideBtn span, .TsunamiLevel-2 a.SlideBtn span { background: #FFF; } .TsunamiLevel-3 a.SlideBtn:hover span { background: #4a0b67; } .TsunamiLevel-2 a.SlideBtn:hover span { background: #751c11; } .TsunamiLevel-1 a.SlideBtn:hover span { background: #b5a300; } .TsunamiLevel-3 a.SlideBtn:hover span b:after, .TsunamiLevel-2 a.SlideBtn:hover span b:after, .TsunamiLevel-1 a.SlideBtn:hover span b:after { border-color: #fff transparent transparent transparent !important; } .TsunamiLevel-3 a.SlideBtn:hover span b.Click:after, .TsunamiLevel-2 a.SlideBtn:hover span b.Click:after, .TsunamiLevel-1 a.SlideBtn:hover span b.Click:after { border-color: transparent transparent #fff transparent !important; } </style>  <div class="BreadCrumb"> <p class="Gnavi"><a href="/ajw/">The Asahi Shimbun</a></p><span>></span> <p class="Genre"><a href="/ajw/opinion/">Opinion</a></p><span>></span> <p class="Category"><a href="/ajw/opinion/editorial/">Editorial</a></p><span>></span> <p>article</p> <ul class="contentsTag"> </ul> </div>   <div id="MainInner">  <div class="ArticleTitle">  <div class="Title"> <h1> EDITORIAL: Probe into Hyogo leader’s actions must continue for the public good </h1> <p class="EnArticleName"></p> <p class="EnLastUpdated">November 19, 2024 at 14:39 JST</p> </div>  </div>   <script src="//p.potaufeu.asahi.com/ajw/js/en-socialbutton2016.js?1214f940d1720c0e0e362cfcacfe0f64"></script> <div class="SnsUtilityArea"> <div class="SnsBtn"> <ul> <li class="Facebook"> <span class="SnsName"><a href="javascript:void(0);">Share</a></span> </li> <li class="Twitter"> <span class="SnsName"><a href="http://twitter.com/intent/tweet?url=https://www.asahi.com/ajw/articles/15514232&text=EDITORIAL: Probe into Hyogo leader’s actions must continue for the public good ：The Asahi Shimbun" target="_blank" id="twshare">Tweet</a></span> <span class="count"><a href="http://twitter.com/search?q=https://www.asahi.com/ajw/articles/15514232" target="_blank" id="twlink">list</a></span> </li> </ul> </div> <div class="UtilityBtn"> <ul> <li class="Print"><span class="ServiceName"><a onclick="openPrintArticle();return false;" href="javascript:void(0);">Print</a></span></li> </ul> </div> </div>   <div class="ArticleBody"> <div class="EnImagesWidthMod"> <div class="Image"> <p> <img src="//p.potaufeu.asahi.com/1ac2-p/picture/29000386/9027669a21f03160ff69618be0613357.jpg" width="600" alt="Photo/Illutration" oncontextmenu="return false" onmousedown="return false" onselectstart="return false" /> <em class="Caption">Motohiko Saito speaks to the media the day after his re-election on Nov. 18 in Kobe, Hyogo Prefecture. (Yoshinori Mizuno)</em> </p> </div> </div>  <div class="ArticleText">  <p>In the Nov. 17 Hyogo Prefecture gubernatorial election, the former governor, Motohiko Saito, was re-elected.</p> <p>Saito’s initially unexpected re-election came more than seven months after allegations of harassment by the governor toward prefectural employees surfaced.</p> <p>The allegations were made in a whistleblower document circulated by a former head of the prefectural government’s branch office in charge of the Nishi-Harima region, who died in an apparent suicide in July, to assembly members and the media.</p> <p>The propriety of the investigation into the document and its author directed by Saito and the subsequent disciplinary action against the former official was called into question.</p> <p>Although Saito was dismissed from office by a unanimous no-confidence vote from the prefectural assembly, the citizens of the prefecture elected him to office once again.</p> <p>During his election campaign, Saito promised "three commitments," starting with a thorough investigation into issues related to the whistleblowing document and the implementation of improvement measures.</p> <p>The investigation into the matter by a powerful special investigative committee set up by the prefectural assembly (the so-called Article 100 Committee) is still ongoing, as are separate inquiries by the prefecture's public interest whistleblower contact point and a panel of experts.</p> <p>Full cooperation with these investigations is Saito's minimum obligation.</p> <p>Saito’s second commitment was to "rebuild trust with the citizens, prefectural employees and the prefectural assembly."</p> <p>During campaign speeches on the streets, Saito maintained that his response to the document issue was correct, but repeatedly said, "There are things I need to reflect on and change."</p> <p>Whether he can maintain this humble attitude of self-reflection remains to be seen.</p> <p>Similar to recent national and local elections, Saito's campaign was boosted by social media outreach, as he received no support from political or other organizations.</p> <p>The internet is becoming the "main battleground” in elections, but if the information circulated there differs from the facts, it could mislead voters and lead to erroneous choices.</p> <p>Takashi Tachibana, who ran in the gubernatorial election under the slogan "Supporting Saito," continuously posted reams of videos aligned with this objective on YouTube.</p> <p>In his “seiken hoso” policy speech broadcast, a publicly funded presentation of political views conducted through radio and TV, Tachibana, head of a political group, claimed that the former head of the prefectural government branch office “fabricated things that never happened, and the media treated them as if they were true.”</p> <p>He also discussed topics alleged to pertain to the deceased person's privacy.</p> <p>During the prefectural assembly's special committee investigation, several experts pointed out that the investigation and disciplinary action against the whistleblower might have contravened the whistleblower protection law.</p> <p>Surveys and other attempts to uncover the truth showed that some employees were actually aware of the harassment issue. The allegations should not be dismissed merely as "something that never happened.”</p> <p>Apart from those by Tachibana, various unfounded and slanderous statements circulated online. There is an urgent need to create an environment for constructive debates where arguments are based on objective facts.</p> <p>Accurate information dissemination is also required in TV, newspapers and magazines. Efforts should be made to create a better space for public discourse.</p> <p>Saito emphasized the continuation of prefectural administration reforms he led over the past three years as his third commitment. On the internet, there were numerous posts that viewed the prefectural assembly, which had confronted Saito, as "entrenched interests."</p> <p>However, as representatives of the citizens alongside the governor, members of the assembly have an important role in fully exercising their function as the watchdog, monitoring and checking the governor’s policies and actions.</p> <p>The prefectural assembly should diligently conduct its investigation through the special committee and compile a report.</p> <p>--The Asahi Shimbun, Nov. 19</p>  </div>  <ul class="contentsTag"> </ul>  <div class="related_news"> <h2>Related News</h2> <ul> <li> <a href="/ajw/articles/15513092"> <figure> <img src="//p.potaufeu.asahi.com/2cee-p/picture/28997674/8d00e621531c09ca334ee3fa89f6b982.jpg" /> </figure> <div class="article_title"> <p class="title">Saito leverages social media to reclaim Hyogo governor’s post</p> <span class="date">November 18, 2024</span> </div> </a> </li> <li> <a href="/ajw/articles/15340359"> <figure> <img src="//p.potaufeu.asahi.com/3d5b-p/picture/28637050/21532a5cdd88fdae761656ae1535a774.jpg" /> </figure> <div class="article_title"> <p class="title">Pressure rises on Hyogo governor after death of ‘whistleblower’</p> <span class="date">July 10, 2024</span> </div> </a> </li> <li> <a href="/ajw/articles/15441333"> <figure> <img src="//p.potaufeu.asahi.com/e2f8-p/picture/28854658/0612182ec529e970210fd318a18023af.jpg" /> </figure> <div class="article_title"> <p class="title">Embattled Hyogo governor to lose post but will run in next election</p> <span class="date">September 26, 2024</span> </div> </a> </li> <li> <a href="/ajw/articles/15512900"> <figure> <img src="//p.potaufeu.asahi.com/e523-p/picture/28997668/9472ca0aad483c5e60b79acaa4b67912.jpg" /> </figure> <div class="article_title"> <p class="title">From the ashes of disgrace, Saito rises to become Hyogo governor</p> <span class="date">November 18, 2024</span> </div> </a> </li> <li> <a href="/ajw/articles/15419941"> <figure> <img src="//p.potaufeu.asahi.com/841a-p/picture/28810580/f340b86a796d4e32df17031cfc5643b3.jpg" /> </figure> <div class="article_title"> <p class="title">All assembly blocs set to demand Hyogo governor resign</p> <span class="date">September 9, 2024</span> </div> </a> </li> <li> <a href="/ajw/articles/15408249"> <figure> <img src="//p.potaufeu.asahi.com/7a27-p/picture/28786953/b94ebf998e5ecd8feb2a2f095f7facde.jpg" /> </figure> <div class="article_title"> <p class="title">Hyogo governor defends actions at panel meeting on harassment</p> <span class="date">August 30, 2024</span> </div> </a> </li> </ul> </div>  </div>  <div class="SnsUtilityArea"> <div class="SnsBtn"> <ul> <li class="Facebook"> <span class="SnsName"><a href="javascript:void(0);">Share</a></span> </li> <li class="Twitter"> <span class="SnsName"><a href="http://twitter.com/intent/tweet?url=https://www.asahi.com/ajw/articles/15514232&text=EDITORIAL: Probe into Hyogo leader’s actions must continue for the public good ：The Asahi Shimbun" target="_blank" id="twshare">Tweet</a></span> <span class="count"><a href="http://twitter.com/search?q=https://www.asahi.com/ajw/articles/15514232" target="_blank" id="twlink">list</a></span> </li> </ul> </div> <div class="UtilityBtn"> <ul> <li class="Print"><span class="ServiceName"><a onclick="openPrintArticle();return false;" href="javascript:void(0);">Print</a></span></li> </ul> </div> </div>     <div class="Section"> <ul class="BannerBlock BannerBlockCol2">  <li><p class="Image"><span>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1518226592045-0' style='height:250px; width:300px;'> <script> googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-1518226592045-0'); }); </script> </div> </span></p></li>   <li><p class="Image"><span>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1518226653270-0' style='height:250px; width:300px;'> <script> googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-1518226653270-0'); }); </script> </div> </span></p></li>  </ul> </div>   </div>  </div> <div id="Sub">  <div id="SubInner">   <div class="Section"> <div class="Ad">   <div id='div-gpt-ad-1518226518415-0'> <script> googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-1518226518415-0'); }); </script> </div>  </div> </div>   <div class="Section"> <div id="EnTrendingNow"> <div class="Title"> <h2>Trending Now</h2> </div> <div class="rankingTabArea"> <input id="Last24hours" type="radio" name="tab_item" checked=""> <label class="tab_item" for="Last24hours">Last 24 hours</label> <input id="Last7days" type="radio" name="tab_item"> <label class="tab_item" for="Last7days">Last 7 days</label> <div class="tab_content" id="Last24hours_content"> <ol class="ranking"> <li> <a href="/ajw/articles/15533078"> <figure> <img src="//p.potaufeu.asahi.com/8b5f-p/picture/29036199/b9097dc4e688bebe344dcf4fca8c1c7a_300px.jpg" alt="Photo/Illutration" oncontextmenu="return false" onmousedown="return false" onselectstart="return false" loading="lazy"> </figure> <span class="headline">Homeless people evicted from encampment at Osaka ‘symbol’</span> </a> </li> <li> <a href="/ajw/articles/15477896"> <figure> <img src="//p.potaufeu.asahi.com/a2ad-p/picture/29018172/b0766ff6639307ebc77a5cea1411b7d5_300px.jpg" alt="Photo/Illutration" oncontextmenu="return false" onmousedown="return false" onselectstart="return false" loading="lazy"> </figure> <span class="headline">Refrigerator maker caters to growing demand to store dead pets</span> </a> </li> <li> <a href="/ajw/articles/15531319"> <figure> <img src="//p.potaufeu.asahi.com/adab-p/picture/29032432/0a3d30ce2a5e713f973f54863145e3aa_300px.jpg" alt="Photo/Illutration" oncontextmenu="return false" onmousedown="return false" onselectstart="return false" loading="lazy"> </figure> <span class="headline">Unimpeded view of Mt. Fuji to remain unless tourists act up </span> </a> </li> <li> <a href="/ajw/articles/15532779"> <figure> <img src="//p.potaufeu.asahi.com/aa4d-p/picture/29036196/5f0df458dd4bb5865dc815d11aab3e4f_300px.jpg" alt="Photo/Illutration" oncontextmenu="return false" onmousedown="return false" onselectstart="return false" loading="lazy"> </figure> <span class="headline">Bear captured in Akita grocery store after 2-day standoff </span> </a> </li> <li> <a href="/ajw/articles/15492972"> <figure> <img src="//p.potaufeu.asahi.com/4a04-p/picture/29007906/453d3710eaecc220e8b4fccc81c4cd9b_300px.jpg" alt="Photo/Illutration" oncontextmenu="return false" onmousedown="return false" onselectstart="return false" loading="lazy"> </figure> <span class="headline">Women in 20s the largest group among suicide attempt patients in Japan</span> </a> </li> <li> <a href="/ajw/articles/15534524"> <figure> <img src="//p.potaufeu.asahi.com/9186-p/picture/29039012/adf5cf290b1daab18c1e993adeae069c_300px.jpg" alt="Photo/Illutration" oncontextmenu="return false" onmousedown="return false" onselectstart="return false" loading="lazy"> </figure> <span class="headline">Funai Electric sold for 1 yen before filing for bankruptcy</span> </a> </li> <li> <a href="/ajw/articles/15533108"> <figure> <img src="//p.potaufeu.asahi.com/24f7-p/picture/28487445/6a42c28753bd981f51faa5d2036e7aee_300px.jpg" alt="Photo/Illutration" oncontextmenu="return false" onmousedown="return false" onselectstart="return false" loading="lazy"> </figure> <span class="headline">Health insurance cards halted amid distrust in new ID system</span> </a> </li> <li> <a href="/ajw/articles/15532088"> <figure> <img src="//p.potaufeu.asahi.com/a2c1-p/picture/29034547/b42d945a7567a81d710f78199c79fb31_300px.jpg" alt="Photo/Illutration" oncontextmenu="return false" onmousedown="return false" onselectstart="return false" loading="lazy"> </figure> <span class="headline">Raw whale meat topping for ice cream at Chiba farmers’ market </span> </a> </li> <li> <a href="/ajw/articles/15534066"> <figure> <img src="//p.potaufeu.asahi.com/97f6-p/picture/29039024/cfaa9bc193872304709e9b5c90dd9336_300px.jpg" alt="Photo/Illutration" oncontextmenu="return false" onmousedown="return false" onselectstart="return false" loading="lazy"> </figure> <span class="headline">VOX POPULI: Doctor’s legacy endures in wells, farm irrigation in Afghanistan</span> </a> </li> <li> <a href="/ajw/articles/15533148"> <figure> <img src="//p.potaufeu.asahi.com/e9b4-p/picture/29036245/fd32cf6ac4e365304e5d60555f9f4494_300px.jpg" alt="Photo/Illutration" oncontextmenu="return false" onmousedown="return false" onselectstart="return false" loading="lazy"> </figure> <span class="headline">Leprosy sanatorium suspects forged autopsy consent</span> </a> </li> </ol> </div> <div class="tab_content" id="Last7days_content"> <ol class="ranking"> <li> <a href="/ajw/articles/15531319"> <figure> <img src="//p.potaufeu.asahi.com/adab-p/picture/29032432/0a3d30ce2a5e713f973f54863145e3aa_300px.jpg" alt="Photo/Illutration" oncontextmenu="return false" onmousedown="return false" onselectstart="return false" loading="lazy"> </figure> <span class="headline">Unimpeded view of Mt. Fuji to remain unless tourists act up </span> </a> </li> <li> <a href="/ajw/articles/15482351"> <figure> <img src="//p.potaufeu.asahi.com/74cf-p/picture/28977505/f38758ca2698ccb643f0c4e93375bc92_300px.jpg" alt="Photo/Illutration" oncontextmenu="return false" onmousedown="return false" onselectstart="return false" loading="lazy"> </figure> <span class="headline">‘Human washing machine’ set to make a splash at Osaka Expo</span> </a> </li> <li> <a href="/ajw/articles/15531830"> <figure> <img src="//p.potaufeu.asahi.com/bf3e-p/picture/29034545/c56dd026a1459fade693caa8d464c28f_300px.jpg" alt="Photo/Illutration" oncontextmenu="return false" onmousedown="return false" onselectstart="return false" loading="lazy"> </figure> <span class="headline">Bear mauls supermarket employee in northern Japan</span> </a> </li> <li> <a href="/ajw/articles/15492972"> <figure> <img src="//p.potaufeu.asahi.com/4a04-p/picture/29007906/453d3710eaecc220e8b4fccc81c4cd9b_300px.jpg" alt="Photo/Illutration" oncontextmenu="return false" onmousedown="return false" onselectstart="return false" loading="lazy"> </figure> <span class="headline">Women in 20s the largest group among suicide attempt patients in Japan</span> </a> </li> <li> <a href="/ajw/articles/15192292"> <figure> <img src="//p.potaufeu.asahi.com/e42c-p/picture/28322293/d8563aae30b8e5ba854ff3f4836142ec_300px.jpg" alt="Photo/Illutration" oncontextmenu="return false" onmousedown="return false" onselectstart="return false" loading="lazy"> </figure> <span class="headline">Women finally make up 40% of medical students after scandal</span> </a> </li> <li> <a href="/ajw/articles/15529564"> <figure> <img src="//p.potaufeu.asahi.com/cfd3-p/picture/29028891/8d1a06f95abfb0ea5c72238c33065357_300px.jpg" alt="Photo/Illutration" oncontextmenu="return false" onmousedown="return false" onselectstart="return false" loading="lazy"> </figure> <span class="headline">After warning, Harry Potter park recalls replica swords</span> </a> </li> <li> <a href="/ajw/articles/15531053"> <figure> <img src="//p.potaufeu.asahi.com/b717-p/picture/29032442/5f302f867ff66414118a1310a34964ab_300px.jpg" alt="Photo/Illutration" oncontextmenu="return false" onmousedown="return false" onselectstart="return false" loading="lazy"> </figure> <span class="headline">Warm weather delays start of autumn foliage season in Kyoto</span> </a> </li> <li> <a href="/ajw/articles/15496890"> <figure> <img src="//p.potaufeu.asahi.com/1310-p/picture/28983659/0a48487a8ed494fb17552c8bfe6d8d1b_300px.jpg" alt="Photo/Illutration" oncontextmenu="return false" onmousedown="return false" onselectstart="return false" loading="lazy"> </figure> <span class="headline">Lost U.S. tourist shares story of kindness shown to him in Akita </span> </a> </li> <li> <a href="/ajw/articles/15526333"> <figure> <img src="//p.potaufeu.asahi.com/cec7-p/picture/28629751/2ff325aea9e2256ca69941ae86d6a266_300px.jpg" alt="Photo/Illutration" oncontextmenu="return false" onmousedown="return false" onselectstart="return false" loading="lazy"> </figure> <span class="headline">Science has spoken: Put the lid down before you flush, please</span> </a> </li> <li> <a href="/ajw/articles/15498378"> <figure> <img src="//p.potaufeu.asahi.com/056c-p/picture/29013672/2f210918d6b02e9391421ed722adb6ed_300px.jpg" alt="Photo/Illutration" oncontextmenu="return false" onmousedown="return false" onselectstart="return false" loading="lazy"> </figure> <span class="headline">Furnished units for foreigners, young people on the rise in Tokyo </span> </a> </li> </ol> </div> </div> </div> </div>  <div class="Section"> 　<a href="/ajw/tag/11038358/"> 　　<img src="//public.potaufeu.asahi.com/ajw/images/banner/2024election_300x150.jpg" alt="2024 Lower House election"> </a> </div> <div class="Section"> <a href="https://www.asahi.com/special/hakamadaletters/en/"> <img src="//public.potaufeu.asahi.com/ajw/images/banner/2024iwaoyori_en-300_150.jpg" alt="Letters from Death Row"> </a> </div>   <div class="Section Sub_VideosList"> <div class="Title"> <h2><a href="/ajw/video/">Videos</a></h2> </div> <ul> <li> <a href="/ajw/articles/15533078" class="Width"> <figure> <img src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/1PAgtsJVGYs/mqdefault.jpg" alt onerror="this.style.display='none'"/> </figure> <p class="vi_articleTitle"> Homeless people evicted from encampment at Osaka ‘symbol’ </p> <p class="date"> December 2, 2024 </p> </a> </li> <li> <a href="/ajw/articles/15532027" class="Width"> <figure> <img src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/ttOhGERNRUQ/mqdefault.jpg" alt onerror="this.style.display='none'"/> </figure> <p class="vi_articleTitle"> Princess Aiko turns 23, finds official duties, job rewarding </p> <p class="date"> December 1, 2024 </p> </a> </li> <li> <a href="/ajw/articles/15529298" class="Width"> <figure> <img src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/wdJR5j9By9E/mqdefault.jpg" alt onerror="this.style.display='none'"/> </figure> <p class="vi_articleTitle"> Panasonic’s AI copy of company founder ‘scarily’ similar to him </p> <p class="date"> November 29, 2024 </p> </a> </li> </ul> </div>  <div class="Section"> <div class="Title"><h2>Recommended</h2></div> <ul class="ListBlock" id="EnRecommended"> <li> <p class="Image"> <a href="http://www.asahi.com/hibakusha/english/" class=""> <span><img src="//p.potaufeu.asahi.com/85db-p/picture/27383821/1eb57ff204b7880550a35cd9eff2b84d.jpg" alt="Photo" height="65"></span> </a> </p> <dl> <dt><a href="http://www.asahi.com/hibakusha/english/">Memories of Hiroshima and Nagasaki</a></dt> <dd><p>Here is a collection of first-hand accounts by “hibakusha” atomic bomb survivors.</p></dd> </dl> </li> <li> <p class="Image"> <a href="https://www.asahi.com/ajw/tag/11038361/" class=""> <span><img src="//p.potaufeu.asahi.com/1823-p/picture/28885739/e48c7314d37a7d5fbe13ce8826705aa7.jpg" alt="Photo" height="65"></span> </a> </p> <dl> <dt><a href="https://www.asahi.com/ajw/tag/11038361/">YOASOBI</a></dt> <dd><p>A peek through the music industry’s curtain at the producers who harnessed social media to help their idols go global.</p></dd> </dl> </li> <li> <p class="Image"> <a href="https://www.asahi.com/ajw/tag/11036986/" class=""> <span><img src="//p.potaufeu.asahi.com/b0a3-p/picture/26812467/da82bba8ce177a752a1dd83ee1a38491.jpg" alt="Photo" height="65"></span> </a> </p> <dl> <dt><a href="https://www.asahi.com/ajw/tag/11036986/">Taste of Life</a></dt> <dd><p>Cooking experts, chefs and others involved in the field of food introduce their special recipes intertwined with their paths in life.</p></dd> </dl> </li> <li> <p class="Image"> <a href="https://www.asahi.com/ajw/tag/11037055/" class=""> <span><img src="//p.potaufeu.asahi.com/9e20-p/picture/28252734/541860dfaa346e951f12716eb2643ad7.jpg" alt="Photo" height="65"></span> </a> </p> <dl> <dt><a href="https://www.asahi.com/ajw/tag/11037055/">Diplomatic Documents</a></dt> <dd><p>A series based on diplomatic documents declassified by Japan’s Foreign Ministry</p></dd> </dl> </li> <li> <p class="Image"> <a href="https://www.asahi.com/ajw/tag/11037095/" class=""> <span><img src="//p.potaufeu.asahi.com/d4c6-p/picture/28252540/a8a8c8ce9c1c502b685bd996ee06a8a5.jpg" alt="Photo" height="65"></span> </a> </p> <dl> <dt><a href="https://www.asahi.com/ajw/tag/11037095/">Memories of Nikkei Americans</a></dt> <dd><p>A series about Japanese-Americans and their memories of World War II</p></dd> </dl> </li> </ul> </div>  <div class="Section"> <div class="PlainMod"> <span class="SnsName"> <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=ajw%20Asahi%20Shimbun" id="twshare" style=" background: url(//p.potaufeu.asahi.com/ajw/css/images/icon_sns-twitter.gif) no-repeat 5px 4px #2696dd; padding-left: 11px; float: left; display: block; padding: 0; width: 290px; padding-left: 10px; text-align: center; line-height: 22px; -moz-border-radius: 4px; -webkit-border-radius: 4px; border-radius: 4px; font-size: 14px; color: #fff;"> Asahi Shimbun on Twitter </a> </span> </div> </div>  <div class="Section"> <div class="Title"><h2>Learning English</h2></div> <ul class="EnListSmall"> <li><a href="http://www.asahi.com/english/weekly/">Asahi Weekly</a></li> </ul> </div>  <div class="Section InHouseNews"> <div class="TitleSmall"> <p><a href="/ajw/inhouse_news/">In-house News and Messages</a></p> </div> </div>  <div class="Section"> <div class="TitleSmall"><h3>Link</h3></div> <ul class="EnListSmall"> <li><a href="https://www.nytimes.com/" target="_blank" class="Blank">The New York Times</a></li> </ul> </div>   <div class="Section"> <div class="Ad">   <div id='div-gpt-ad-1518226547288-0'> <script> googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-1518226547288-0'); }); </script> </div>  </div> </div>  </div>  </div>  </div>  </div>   <div id="EnFooter">  <div id="ToTop">  <div id="ToTopInner"> <p><a href="#Header">BACK TO TOP</a></p> </div>  </div>   <div id="EnFooterInner">  <div class="AboutSite"> <ul> <li class="Fst"><a href="/ajw/help/about.html">About Us</a></li> <li><a href="/ajw/help/policy.html">Site Policy</a></li> <li><a href="/ajw/help/privacy.html">Privacy</a></li> <li><a href="/ajw/help/copyright.html">Copyright</a></li> <li><a href="/ajw/help/privacy.html#Contact">Contact Us</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.asahi.com/corporate/privacypolicy/asadigi" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Transmission of user information to external service providers（利用者情報の外部送信）</a></li> </ul>  <div class="Copyright"> <p>Copyright © The Asahi Shimbun Company. All rights reserved. No reproduction or republication without written permission.</p> </div>  </div>  </div>  </div>   <div id="fb-root"></div> <script> window.fbAsyncInit = function() { FB.init({ appId : '137119773101625', xfbml : true, version : 'v7.0' }); }; (function(d, s, id){ var js, fjs = d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0]; if (d.getElementById(id)) {return;} js = d.createElement(s); js.id = id; js.src = "//connect.facebook.net/ja_JP/sdk.js"; fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js, fjs); }(document, 'script', 'facebook-jssdk')); </script>    </body> </html>

CINXE.COM

EDITORIAL: Probe into Hyogo leader’s actions must continue for the public good | The Asahi Shimbun: Breaking News, Japan News and Analysis