TOKYO Mayor Resigns Amidst Sexual Harassment Allegations
The resignation of a Japanese mayor facing 99 allegations of sexual harassment sparked anger on social media after he denied some cases and wept at a press conference.
Accusations and Denials
An official investigation accused Hideo Kojima, the mayor of a town in central Gifu region, of several incidents of harassment, including touching a colleague’s breasts and buttocks. The 74-year-old mayor denied some of the allegations detailed in a report by an independent committee, including that he had hugged women employees in incidents witnessed by others.
Mayor’s Response
During a press conference, Kojima expressed his denial of the allegations, stating that his gestures may have been misinterpreted. He emphasized that he did not engage in the reported behaviors.
Public Reaction
The news of the mayor’s resignation and the allegations against him quickly spread on social media, with many users expressing their outrage and disappointment.
Investigation Details
- The report alleged that Kojima made inappropriate remarks and demands, such as asking an employee to bend over.
- Workers in the municipality reported feeling uncomfortable due to the mayor’s actions, as revealed in a survey conducted by the investigating committee.
No criminal case has been publicly launched against Kojima, who is set to leave his post next week. The incident has brought attention to the issue of sexual harassment in Japan and the challenges faced by victims in coming forward.
