Story perspectives

Ex-Governor Sugimoto Resigns Amid Harassment Text Scandal

1/8/2026

Summary

Story summary

Tatsuji Sugimoto, former governor of Fukui Prefecture, allegedly sent over 1,000 inappropriate texts to staff, including sexual advances and comments on appearance.
Although an investigative report documented about 20 years of harassment by Sugimoto toward employees, he admitted sending texts and denied groping.
The investigation began after a female victim reported harassment in April 2025.
Sugimoto resigned in December 2025 and apologized, but did not plan a press conference.

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Story summary

Tatsuji Sugimoto, former governor of Fukui Prefecture, allegedly sent over 1,000 inappropriate texts to staff, including sexual advances and comments on appearance.
Although an investigative report documented about 20 years of harassment by Sugimoto toward employees, he admitted sending texts and denied groping.
The investigation began after a female victim reported harassment in April 2025.
Sugimoto resigned in December 2025 and apologized, but did not plan a press conference.