AKITA (TR) – A 55-year-old Akita prefectural official has been handed a six-month suspension and a two-tier demotion after he joined an online press briefing from a love hotel while wearing a bathrobe alongside his mistress, reports Shukan Josei Prime (Aug. 17).
The bizarre incident occurred on the afternoon of August 6 during a remote press conference regarding the prefecture’s efforts to attract an AI data center. The official, who works in the Department of Industry and Labor, initially joined the video call with his camera off, claiming he was “taking time off at home” and wearing “relaxed clothing.”
However, when a colleague prompted him to turn his video on “if possible,” the official complied, broadcasting a scandalous scene.
Viewers were met with the sight of the official clad in a white bathrobe. Next to him was another individual wearing a matching bathrobe. Appearing entirely too comfortable, the official was even seen smoking a cigarette after making a statement. Sharp-eyed social media users quickly pointed out that the room’s interior unmistakably resembled a love hotel.
Tokyo business trip
According to the prefecture, the man had been on a business trip to Tokyo from August 4 to 6. Upon returning to Akita on the morning of the briefing, he bypassed the prefectural office and supposedly went straight home. The afternoon briefing had been scheduled abruptly, leading to his remote participation.
When initially questioned about the broadcast, the official lied, claiming he was at his residence and that the woman beside him was his wife. However, following an investigation by the personnel division, he confessed that the location was indeed a love hotel and his companion was his mistress.
Six-month suspension
On August 14, Akita Prefecture announced the six-month suspension and a demotion for the official, citing his false explanations regarding his whereabouts. His supervisor, the head of the Industry and Labor Department, also received a strict warning for failing to oversee his subordinate.
The scandal prompted Akita’s governor to publicly apologize after the prefecture received 145 complaints from outraged citizens regarding the official’s lack of ethics.
Discipline went too far
Online reactions to the scandal were fierce, with many netizens slamming the man’s “complete lack of common sense” and asking, “Why did he even turn the camera on?”
However, the official also garnered unexpected sympathy from some who felt the disciplinary action went too far.
“The punishment is too heavy. Being in a love hotel or having an affair is not, in principle, a matter for the prefecture to punish,” argued one online commenter. Another added, “I feel sorry for the guy being suddenly dragged into a remote meeting…Doesn’t the person who abruptly set up the briefing bear some responsibility?”
