Mayor to Cut Own Salary by 20% After Harassment Findings

Apr 25, 2025 | News On Japan

FUKUOKA, Apr 25, 2025 (News On Japan) - In response to a third-party committee confirming five cases of power harassment involving senior officials in Ōnojo, including the deputy mayor, the city government held a press conference on April 24th.

Mayor Soji Imoto stated, "We take this extremely seriously, and we aim to implement the recommendations one by one."

Now serving his fifth term, Imoto expressed a sincere stance in acknowledging the findings, announcing he will voluntarily reduce his own salary by 20% until the end of his term.

The deputy mayor, who was found to have committed three of the confirmed harassment cases—including berating staff loudly while banging on a desk—will resign effective April 30th. A department head involved has already resigned upon request.

As part of its prevention measures, the city plans to introduce new regulations aimed at eradicating workplace harassment. In light of growing distrust among staff, who fear their concerns may leak from existing consultation channels, a new independent office separate from the personnel division will be established to handle complaints.

Source: KBC

Double Typhoon Threat Raises Flood Risk Across Japan

Two typhoons south of Japan are expected to bring heavy rain over a wide area before either system makes a direct approach, with Typhoon No. 7, Mekkhala, forecast to near Okinawa and the Sakishima Islands from June 25 and some areas facing total rainfall of 300 to 500 millimeters, or locally more than 500 millimeters.

Rice Field Art of Ohtani Nears Peak Viewing Season

Rice field art depicting Los Angeles Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani and his dog Decoy is nearing its best viewing period in Oshu, Iwate Prefecture, Ohtani’s hometown.

Inside The Shadow Market For Japan’s Temples And Shrines

The sale of religious corporations that operate temples and shrines across Japan is drawing growing scrutiny from authorities, who fear the transactions could be used for tax evasion and money laundering, as brokers openly advertise properties and corporate status for tens or even hundreds of millions of yen.

Japanese Among 17 Detained in Laos Over Special Fraud Operation

Nine Japanese nationals were among 17 people detained in Laos on suspicion of involvement in a special fraud operation, while Japanese authorities have sought cooperation from Cambodian police over dozens of Japanese citizens believed to have gone missing after traveling to Cambodia.

Japan Moves to Ease Thinner Shortage as Naphtha Shock Hits Builders

Japan will begin a new system on June 23 to sell paint and thinner directly from manufacturers to construction firms and other businesses, aiming to ease supply bottlenecks and curb price increases as worsening conditions in the Middle East make such materials harder to obtain.

MEDIA CHANNELS

MORE Politics NEWS

Takaichi Government Targets 370 Trillion Yen Investment Push

The Takaichi government said on June 24 that public and private investment in 17 strategic fields, including AI and semiconductors, is expected to exceed 370 trillion yen by 2040, as it seeks to draw out private-sector spending and turn advanced technologies into economic growth.

Food Consumption Tax Cut to 1% From Next April to Be Proposed

A cross-party national council discussing a reduction in the consumption tax on food will present a draft proposal on June 24 calling for the rate to be lowered to 1% from April next year.

Imperial Reform Plan Advances as Emperor and Empress Deepen Ties in Belgium

The speakers and vice speakers of both houses of the Japanese Diet approved on June 22 the government’s outline for revising the Imperial Household Law and related measures aimed at securing the number of imperial family members, following what has been described as the consensus of the legislature.

Three Opposition Parties in Japan Move Toward Possible Merger

Centrist Reform Alliance leader Ogawa has secured agreement from the leaders of the Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan and Komeito to establish a consultative body to discuss a possible merger of the three parties.

Referendum Revision Bill Passes Lower House

A bill to revise the national referendum law, which sets procedures for constitutional amendments, was approved by the House of Representatives plenary session and is expected to enter deliberation at the House of Councillors Commission on the Constitution on June 24.

All of Prime Minister Takaichi's Proposals Included in G7 Statement

A draft of the joint statement from the G7 summit in France has revealed that all proposals put forward by Prime Minister Takaichi on energy security and critical minerals have been incorporated into the agreement.

WATCH Major G7 Working Lunch With Trump, Meloni, Takaichi And Gulf Leaders

Powerful gathering at the G7 Summit in Evian-les-Bains as President Donald Trump, Emmanuel Macron, Keir Starmer, Friedrich Merz, Giorgia Meloni, Sanae Takaichi, Mark Carney, Ursula von der Leyen, Antonio Costa, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Abdel Fattah al-Sisi attend a high-level working lunch.

Japan and Italy Sign Supply Chain Pact, Expand Space Cooperation

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni announced new agreements on supply chain resilience and space cooperation following a summit meeting in Italy on June 15th, as the two countries pledged closer coordination on economic security and international affairs ahead of the G7 Summit.

< 2 3 4 5 >