Two mayors in central Japan step down following harassment scandals

The mayors of two towns in central Japan have announced their resignations following separate harassment scandals that have rocked their communities.

Mayor Kenji Imata of Togo, Aichi Prefecture, was found to have engaged in “power harassment” and sexual harassment against several town employees since taking office in 2018. Inappropriate remarks made by Imata included telling someone to die and making derogatory comments about a female employee’s appearance. Imata, 57, expressed remorse at a news conference, stating, “I want to apologize to the employees. I am ashamed that I was ignorant.”

In a similar vein, Mayor Kazuo Okazaki of Ikeda, Gifu Prefecture, resigned after a third-party committee confirmed allegations of sexual harassment by 15 town employees. The committee’s report detailed instances of Okazaki touching female employees inappropriately and making unwelcome comments about their personal lives. Okazaki, who had been serving his sixth term as mayor, acknowledged the committee’s findings and stated, “I must admit the acts of sexual harassment because the employees felt that way.”

The resignations of both mayors highlight the importance of addressing workplace harassment and creating a safe environment for all employees. The incidents serve as a reminder of the need for accountability and proper conduct in positions of leadership. The towns of Togo and Ikeda now face the task of selecting new mayors to lead their communities forward.