Key Facts
• November 6: Niigata Newspaper reported an alleged assault by legislator Takahiro Shigekawa.
• Incident occurred on October 9 outside a meeting room in the prefectural assembly building.
• A male journalist in his 30s claimed Shigekawa choked him, causing a 10-day neck injury.
• Journalist was diagnosed with cervical contusion and filed a police report, which was accepted.
• Shigekawa denied choking, stating he only pushed the journalist for blocking the hallway.
• Shigekawa represents Niigata City’s Nishikan Ward and leads the Liberal Niigata group.
• The journalist was reportedly investigating another legislator at the time of the incident.
Summary
Niigata Newspaper reported that legislator Takahiro Shigekawa allegedly assaulted a journalist on October 9, resulting in a 10-day neck injury. The incident occurred outside a meeting room in the prefectural assembly building. The journalist claimed Shigekawa choked him after being confronted, while Shigekawa denied the accusation, stating he only pushed the journalist for blocking the hallway. The journalist filed a police report, which was accepted. Shigekawa, a three-term legislator representing Niigata City’s Nishikan Ward and leader of the Liberal Niigata group, was reportedly exiting a meeting when the confrontation occurred. The journalist was investigating another legislator at the time. The case remains under investigation.
