Fukui Governor Tatsuji Sugimoto Sexual Harassment Report Reveals 1,000 Messages
An investigative report reveals former Fukui Governor Tatsuji Sugimoto sent 1,000 harassing texts and committed physical assault over a 20-year period.
"Take it to your grave." This chilling command was found in one of the 1,000 sexually harassing messages sent by Tatsuji Sugimoto, the former governor of Fukui Prefecture. An investigative report released on January 7, 2026, paints a disturbing picture of power abuse and harassment that allegedly spanned 20 years, starting long before he took the governor's office.
Fukui Governor Tatsuji Sugimoto Sexual Harassment Investigation Details
The investigation, led by three lawyers, was triggered by a whistleblower in April of the previous year. After surveying 6,000 employees, the team confirmed that Sugimoto, age 63, targeted at least four female staff members with predatory texts. Messages included phrases like "I want to kiss you" and "I have an irresistible urge to hug you," sent via the Line app and private email.
Beyond digital harassment, the report detailed multiple instances of physical assault. It alleged that Sugimoto touched female staff members' buttocks and thighs during social events. While Sugimoto admitted to sending the texts—claiming he was "drunk" or had "affection" for the victims—he flatly denied the allegations of groping, stating he had "absolutely no recollection" of such acts.
A Two-Decade Legacy of Systemic Failure
What makes the case particularly egregious is the timeline. Kenji Kawai, one of the lead investigators, revealed that the harassment began as early as 2004 when Sugimoto was the head of the general affairs department. He continued this behavior through his tenure as vice governor in 2013 and after his election as governor in 2019.
The feeling of victimization was extremely severe. His responsibility is grave.
The report didn't stop at the governor; it also blasted senior officials for their "inappropriate responses" to the whistleblower. It's clear that the internal culture failed to protect employees. Sugimoto resigned in December 2025 but waited until this report's release to offer a formal apology, though he still refuses to hold a public press conference.
This content is AI-generated based on source articles. While we strive for accuracy, errors may occur. We recommend verifying with the original source.
Related Articles
Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi considers dissolving the Diet on Jan 23 for a February election. Discover the strategy behind the Sanae Takaichi 2026 snap election.
Prime Minister Takaichi has confirmed cooperation with the Ishin party on a 'secondary capital' plan, while the government and Bank of Japan pressure the economy on wage hikes and potential rate increases.
Three months after taking office, Japanese PM Sanae Takaichi's approval rating holds strong at 75%. This gives her a mandate to tackle a BOJ rate hike and tense China relations, but challenges loom.
Novelist Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie's family accuses Euracare Hospital of medical negligence following the death of her 21-month-old son. Read the full details of the allegations and the official investigation.
Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi considers dissolving the Diet on Jan 23 for a February election. Discover the strategy behind the Sanae Takaichi 2026 snap election.
Prime Minister Takaichi has confirmed cooperation with the Ishin party on a 'secondary capital' plan, while the government and Bank of Japan pressure the economy on wage hikes and potential rate increases.
Three months after taking office, Japanese PM Sanae Takaichi's approval rating holds strong at 75%. This gives her a mandate to tackle a BOJ rate hike and tense China relations, but challenges loom.
Novelist Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie's family accuses Euracare Hospital of medical negligence following the death of her 21-month-old son. Read the full details of the allegations and the official investigation.