Key Facts
• August 26, 2025: Mayor Endo denies claims of a “concealment culture.”
• Issue: Over $500,000 in welfare overpayments claimed over five years.
• August 21, 2025: Welfare official testifies to “systematic concealment” in city council inquiry.
• 2019: Official reported issue to Mayor Endo, who claims no recollection.
• Mayor Endo emphasizes transparency as his policy and denies concealment allegations.
• Mayor plans to encourage staff awareness to prevent future issues.
Summary
Mayor Akira Endo of Tokushima City refuted allegations of a “concealment culture” during an August 26 press conference. The claims arose from a city council investigation into over $500,000 in welfare overpayments to the national government over five years. A welfare official testified on August 21 to systematic concealment and stated the issue was reported to the mayor in 2019, which Endo denies recalling. Endo reiterated his commitment to transparency and plans to promote staff awareness to address such issues.
