Key Facts
• September 9, 2025: No-confidence motion submitted against Shikama Town Council Chair Hidezane Amano.
• Incident occurred on August 18, 2025, during a council management meeting.
• Amano, aged 70, allegedly harassed the council secretary, a man in his 50s.
• Allegations include verbal remarks and slamming documents on a desk.
• Amano reportedly said, “Call me every time there’s a schedule” and “If I resign, you should too.”
• The council secretary continues to work despite the incident.
• Three council members, including the proposer, support the no-confidence motion.
• The motion will be reviewed by the council management committee before a vote.
• Even if passed, the motion carries no legal binding force.
• Amano, an eight-term council member, admitted to overstepping and apologized to staff.
Summary
Hidezane Amano, the 70-year-old chair of Miyagi Prefecture’s Shikama Town Council, faces allegations of workplace harassment against the council secretary. The incident, which occurred on August 18, 2025, involved Amano making inappropriate remarks and slamming documents during a council management meeting. A no-confidence motion was submitted on September 9, 2025, supported by three council members. While the motion will be reviewed and voted on, it holds no legal binding force. Amano has acknowledged his actions, apologized to staff, and expressed his intent to fulfill his responsibilities.
