Japanese Mayor Resigns Amidst 99 Harassment Claims
Hideo Kojima, the mayor of a town in Japan's Gifu region, has resigned following 99 allegations of sexual harassment. The accusations, outlined in an official investigation report, include inappropriate touching and patting of female employees on their heads. Kojima denied some of the claims and became emotional during a press conference.
The 74-year-old mayor made the decision to step down after tearfully addressing reporters and recounting a scolding from his brother. While he denied certain allegations detailed in the report, such as hugging female employees in the presence of others, he admitted to actions that he believed were misinterpreted. Kojima stated that his gestures, which may have appeared as hugs, were not intended as such. He criticized the report for lacking neutrality and called for a more thorough investigation.
According to NHK, Kojima admitted to not reading the entire report, which also accused him of coercing female employees to touch his legs by rolling up his trousers and making inappropriate remarks. The report highlighted instances where workers felt compelled to use disinfectant spray after being touched. However, no criminal investigation has been announced against Kojima, who will officially leave his post on Tuesday.
The news of Kojima's resignation and the allegations against him have generated significant attention on social media, with users expressing their anger and disappointment. Many criticized his emotional response during the press conference, instead empathizing with the employees affected by his actions. The discussion surrounding the case has sparked a broader conversation on appropriate workplace behavior and gender equality.
During the investigation, a survey was conducted among 193 workers in Kojima's municipality. Of the 161 respondents, approximately 53% of men and 58% of women reported feeling uncomfortable due to the mayor's behavior.