Archive · 7 Jan 2026
Ex-Japanese Governor Sent 1,000 Harassing Texts
A former governor in Japan named Tatsuji Sugimoto is accused of sending over 1,000 inappropriate text messages to his staff.
He also allegedly touched some staff members in inappropriate ways.
He resigned from his job as governor after these allegations came out.
An investigation found that his actions might be against the law.
Japan has a big problem with treating women equally, and this is one of many cases where powerful men have been accused of doing bad things to women.
Even though Sugimoto said he was sorry, the investigation said he is still very responsible for what he did.
Former governor Tatsuji Sugimoto sent over 1,000 sexually harassing texts to staff.
Allegations include inappropriate physical contact, which Sugimoto denied.
Investigation found his actions may constitute criminal offenses.
Sugimoto resigned last month after allegations emerged.
Japan ranks 118th in the World Economic Forum's gender gap index.
- Who
- Tatsuji Sugimoto, former governor of Fukui prefecture in Japan
- What
- Sent over 1,000 sexually harassing text messages to staff and allegedly engaged in physical contact
- When
- Resigned last month, investigation report released Wednesday
- Where
- Fukui prefecture, Japan
- Why
- Allegations of serial sexual harassment emerged from a whistleblower system
- Name
- Tatsuji Sugimoto
- Age
- 63
- Position
- Former Governor of Fukui Prefecture
- Number of Texts
- More than 1,000
- Allegations
- Sexual harassment, physical contact
- Japan's Gender Gap Rank
- 118th out of 148 nations
- Resignation
- Resigned last month