A comprehensive investigation has revealed disturbing details about the conduct of former Fukui Prefecture Governor Tatsuji Sugimoto, who resigned last month amid sexual harassment allegations. The probe, conducted by legal experts, found that the 63-year-old politician sent more than 1,000 sexually suggestive text messages to staff members during his tenure.
The investigation, which included examinations of approximately 6,000 official communications and face-to-face interviews with 14 officials, uncovered a pattern of systematic harassment. Messages contained explicit content such as ‘I won’t say anything about a physical relationship’ and ‘Do you like sexual things?’, creating a hostile work environment for multiple victims.
Beyond digital misconduct, the report documented several instances of alleged physical violations, including inappropriate touching of thighs and buttocks. Although Sugimoto denied these physical allegations to investigators, the legal team concluded that his behavior potentially constitutes criminal offenses under Japan’s laws against non-consensual indecent acts.
Notably, the investigation found that even after apologizing to victims, Sugimoto repeatedly resumed his inappropriate messaging, which may additionally violate Japan’s anti-stalking legislation. The report emphasized that despite his resignation and expressions of remorse, Sugimoto bears ‘grave responsibility’ for his actions.
This case highlights Japan’s ongoing struggle with gender equality issues, as the country ranked 118th among 148 nations in the World Economic Forum’s 2025 gender gap index. While the global #MeToo movement has seen limited traction in Japan, high-profile cases like that of Shiori Ito, whose documentary about her alleged rape recently screened in Japan, continue to draw attention to systemic problems in Japanese workplace culture and accountability structures.