Key Facts
• June 14, 2021: Journalist filed information disclosure requests in Tagawa City and Oto Town.
• June 15, 2021: Ryota Takeda’s secretary called the journalist, urging withdrawal of the request.
• Secretary admitted in court to pressuring the journalist, stating, “I wanted to avoid media coverage.”
• The leaked information pertained to public projects like waste treatment facilities and roadside stations.
• The journalist filed a lawsuit against Oto Town and Tagawa City for violating the Local Public Service Act.
• Court played recorded conversations where the secretary acknowledged making the request.
• Secretary claimed the motive was to avoid disputes in Takeda’s electoral district.
• Takeda denied involvement, stating, “I was not involved in this matter.”
• Oto Town later amended its ordinance, restricting information requests to residents of over one year.
• Experts criticized the incident, stating it reflects poorly on parliamentary accountability.
Summary
A journalist’s 2021 information disclosure request in Fukuoka Prefecture led to a controversy involving Ryota Takeda’s secretary. The secretary admitted in court to pressuring the journalist to withdraw the request, citing concerns over media coverage and potential disputes in Takeda’s electoral district. The leaked information related to public projects, prompting a lawsuit against local governments for violating confidentiality laws. Takeda denied any involvement, while Oto Town later restricted information requests to long-term residents. Experts argue this incident highlights accountability issues among public officials.
