Hyogo governor faces no-confidence motion over bullying accusations

Just Quit.

Saito represents the ugly side of Japan's hierarchal work system on steroids.

The notion of senpai / kohai while noble in it's "duty of care for" for juniors and respect for seniors, in many cases is just abuse and bullying from the top down.

The BS about "tough love" is just that - BS.

And when death is involved - the death of a subordinate doing the right thing - well there is no other decent thing to do, but go.

But such a departure should not be the end of it. A formal, independent inquiry must be held.

Unfortunately it seems the trend of politicians persisting in their claim of power even when confronted with clear evidence of wrongdoing is well represented also in Japan, the time where politicians resigned to save some of their reputation may be already on the past.

"Hyogo governor faces no-confidence motion over bullying accusations."

It's unfortunate, an employee lost his life. May his soul rest in peace. However, why not just resign and seek new mandate from the people who elected you in the first place. If the electorates still believes in you they will vote you back or if not fire you.

@Cephus--there were two deaths of Hyogo govt staff, including the main whistleblower who compiled a report of staff complaints.

To take a single case, imagine the overwork demanded of govt workers to prep and attend a complicated event like the quadruple baseball victory parades in central Osaka and Kobe last fall. Instead of one winning team having a single parade in their home city, both Hanshin and Orix had two parades each in their respective cities, all on the same day.

You can tell he's the type to bully others just by looking at his face. The kohai/senpai system exists in Japan for the same reason as sonkeigo/kenjogo exist; to elevate your own position while reminding the peasants of theirs.

He will still receive his substantial pension even if he wins an election again.

"To take a single case, imagine the overwork demanded of govt workers to prep and attend a complicated event like the quadruple baseball victory parades in central Osaka and Kobe last fall. Instead of one winning team having a single parade in their home city, both Hanshin and Orix had two parades each in their respective cities, all on the same day."@TorafusuTorasan

Regardless, being overworked is not a good reason for suicide. Why not quit and look for another job and sue for damages? Perhaps I might not understand the cultural aspect part of it. Nonetheless, no one should lose his or her life due to work related pressures.

I’ve seen this role a on TV a few times, being questioned. He seems devoid of any emotions, very robotic and his mannerisms are extremely queer to say the least.

From his antics on tv, he looks like a grade A scumbag. Hopefully this low life will end up in the slammer.

I don't understand what he is trying to prove. He has lost the faith of all parties involved. It was a unanimous vote of non-confidence. He has to call an election or resign, but he has no chance of winning or being re-elected, so just quit. He is not an old man, but with these actions he will never be able to seek public office again. Sure he will get another job, I'm sure he has friends in high places, but talk about destroying your own career and life.

Ganbatte Governor Saito! It's a coup attempt. He's a reformer who challenged the port and construction interests and the LDP. He made enrollment and tuition fees for the prefecture's two post-secondary schools free.

"Ganbatte Governor Saito! It's a coup attempt. He's a reformer who challenged the port and construction interests and the LDP. He made enrollment and tuition fees for the prefecture's two post-secondary schools free."

All the better for him to seek new mandate from the people. If many are like you then, he can win again .

Why do we only hear about these politicians when they involved in scandals or something illegal?

Do any of them do anything positive? Ever?

The scandal emerged after the senior official, who has since died by apparent suicide, released a document accusing Saito of abusing his power, including by yelling at staff and soliciting gifts from local businesses.

.

All the members of the prefectural assembly have rejected Saito.

What do they know and have knowledge of

that we don’t?

The results of the investigation concerning staff abuse, bribery etc won’t be released until December.

If Saito truly has abused his position then he should retire his position.