Key Facts
• Governor Motohiko Saito held a press conference on September 3 in Kobe.
• Hyogo has operated with a single deputy governor since July 2024.
• Saito plans to propose a second deputy governor at an appropriate time.
• A Creative Reconstruction Summit is scheduled for September 20, 2025.
• The summit aims to share disaster recovery knowledge and issue the ‘Hyogo Declaration.’
• Former General Affairs Director Tomoaki Inomoto, under criminal investigation, was reassigned to a senior role.
• Saito emphasized proper personnel placement to advance prefectural governance.
Summary
Governor Motohiko Saito of Hyogo Prefecture addressed the ongoing single deputy governor system during a press conference on September 3, 2025. Since July 2024, the prefecture has operated with only one deputy governor. Saito stated that the selection of a second deputy governor would occur at an appropriate time. Additionally, he announced the Creative Reconstruction Summit, set for September 20, 2025, which will focus on disaster recovery strategies and culminate in the ‘Hyogo Declaration.’
Saito also responded to questions about the reassignment of Tomoaki Inomoto, a former General Affairs Director under criminal investigation, to a senior position. He defended the decision as part of a strategy to ensure effective governance. The governor reiterated his commitment to advancing prefectural administration through strategic personnel decisions.
