Key Facts
• February 2025: A Kazuno City councilor was accused of workplace harassment.
• February 2025: Former Mayor Atsushi Seki dissolved the city council after a no-confidence vote.
• Political Ethics Review Committee confirmed harassment by one councilor.
• April 2025: Shinji Sasamoto elected as Kazuno City Mayor.
• August 25, 2025: Mayor Sasamoto emphasized ending harassment and fostering a better workplace.
• Harassment involved excessive demands and high-pressure behavior towards city staff.
• Mayor Sasamoto, a former councilor, was not part of the investigation.
• A detailed report on the councilor’s actions will be released soon.
Summary
Kazuno City faces a workplace harassment scandal involving a former councilor, confirmed by the Political Ethics Review Committee. The harassment included excessive demands and high-pressure behavior towards city staff. Following the dissolution of the city council in February 2025, Shinji Sasamoto was elected mayor in April. On August 25, 2025, Mayor Sasamoto expressed his commitment to ending harassment and improving workplace conditions in collaboration with the city council. While Sasamoto previously served as a councilor, he was not implicated in the investigation. A detailed report on the councilor’s actions is expected to be published soon.
