Hyogo Prefecture Privacy Leak Scandal: Governor Saito Under Scrutiny
A third-party committee has implicated Gov. Saito in a privacy information leak involving the former director of the Prefectural Citizens Bureau of Hyogo Prefecture. The committee stated that there is a high possibility that this was Governor Saito’s instructions.
This revelation has ignited a firestorm of controversy, prompting investigations and raising serious questions about governance within Hyogo Prefecture.
the Accusation and initial Inquiry
The unfolding drama began in March 2024 when the than-Director of the prefectural Citizens Bureau sent a document to the media alleging power harassment and other misconduct by Gov. Saito. In response,Gov. Saito allegedly directed Deputy Gov. Katayama and others to identify the individual behind the accusations. This directive set in motion a chain of events that would ultimately lead to allegations of privacy breaches and abuse of power.
The Interrogation: A Recorded Exchange
On March 25, 2024, the Director of the Prefectural Citizens Bureau was questioned. An audio recording, obtained by the prefecture, captured the tense exchange. Deputy Gov. katayama, at the time, aggressively questioned the director, demanding information about the accusation document.
It’s not something you understand. Who did you hear from? Tell us all the people who heard it. I’ll ask you again,have you not made it?
Vice Governor Katayama Yasutaka (at the time)
The director,seemingly caught off guard,responded,I don’t know.
The questioning continued, with Katayama pressing for details about who received the document.
Did you give that document to someone? Who did you give it to?
Vice Governor Katayama Yasutaka (at the time)
The director maintained, No, that’s why I didn’t give it to anyone.
Did you know? Power harassment, as alleged in the initial document, is a form of bullying that can have severe psychological and professional consequences for the victim.
Seizure of the Computer and Privacy Breach
The situation escalated when the director’s official computer was confiscated. According to reports, manuals had been prepared in advance, suggesting a premeditated action. Katayama stated:
I’m sorry, but I’ll take my computer home.Just sit here. You’re logged in. Is this a USB belonging to your personal belongings?
Vice Governor Katayama Yasutaka (at the time)
The computer contained private information belonging to the director. Even after the director’s death, former Vice Gov. Katayama allegedly remained steadfast to make this private information public.
Public Disclosure and ethical Concerns
The issue reached a boiling point during a Hyogo Prefectural Assembly session in October 2024. Former Vice Gov. Katayama attempted to disclose sensitive information, prompting intervention from chairman Okutani Kenichi.
There was a file with ethical issues. That’s what the person in question has to do with the person in question ××
Former Vice Governor Katayama Yasutaka
Chairman Okutani swiftly shut down the attempt, stating, You don’t have to testify. As for privacy information.
Katayama protested, No, this is…
before being cut off.
Pro Tip: Public officials have a responsibility to protect the privacy of individuals. Disclosing personal information without consent can lead to legal and ethical repercussions.
Aftermath and Implications
The allegations against Gov. Saito and the actions of former Vice Gov. Katayama have triggered widespread condemnation. The third-party committee’s finding that Gov. Saito likely instructed the privacy breach has intensified the scrutiny. The incident raises critical questions about the ethical standards and accountability of public officials in Hyogo Prefecture.
Former prefectural assembly member Takeuchi expressed concerns, stating, This is not something that a civil servant in a general position. He’s a yakuza.
This statement underscores the severity of the allegations and the perceived abuse of power.
