KOBE—The odds-defying re-elected Hyogo governor started his new term with something that appeared absent in his first term: humility.

Motohiko Saito on Nov. 19 officially assumed office after an absence of about one and a half months.

At little past 10 a.m., Saito, who won the Nov. 17 Hyogo gubernatorial election, appeared at the entrance of the prefectural government’s building.

About 50 supporters taking pictures and videos with their smartphones greeted the governor with applause.

“Welcome back!” they shouted.

Saito shook hands with each of them, bowed deeply, and entered the building.

He then received a certificate verifying his election victory.

The inauguration ceremony started at 11 a.m. on the lawn in front of the prefectural government’s building. Several hundred people, including prefectural employees and residents, gathered there.

Saito received a bouquet of flowers from the staff.

“I apologize for the trouble I have caused to all of the staff,” the governor said in a speech. “From now on, I will work hard once again with a humble heart, and I would like to ask for your help and guidance.”

Saito lost his post on Sept. 30 after the prefectural assembly unanimously passed a no-confidence motion against him over his handling of a whistleblower document, which accused him and his aides of abuse and corruption.

Additional reports portrayed Saito as an overbearing boss who humiliated his subordinates.

Despite all the negative publicity, and the fact that the whistleblower died in an apparent suicide after being suspended from work, Saito was re-elected with about 1.11 million votes.

Exit polls showed a majority of voters supported Saito’s reform policies and appreciated his accomplishments in his first term.

Saito repeated his humble approach at a news conference on the afternoon of Nov. 19.

“I will do my best while holding on to my gratitude to the prefectural staff, the prefectural assembly, and the people of the prefecture. I will work with the feeling that I am starting from scratch,” he said.

The governor was also asked about his relationship with the prefectural assembly, which had forced him to vacate the post.

“The prefectural assembly (and the governor) share the desire to implement good policies,” he said. “What is important is dialogue. I think we can build a relationship through policy.”

Saito will now work on the prefectural budget for next fiscal year.

But his re-election has not ended the scandal surrounding him.

A special prefectural assembly investigative committee is scheduled to meet on Nov. 25 to check the veracity of the whistleblower’s seven allegations, including Saito’s power harassment against prefectural employees.

The governor was expected to appear at the meeting as a witness.

But Saito said at the news conference that it would be difficult for him to attend the session because it coincides with a meeting of the National Governors’ Association in Tokyo.

Prefectural officials have voiced both optimism and confusion over the governor’s re-election.

After winning the election, Saito told reporters on Nov. 18 about his relationship with prefectural officials: “It is their responsibility as local officials to work together as the governor’s department. We will work closely together in communication and daily work.”

A senior prefectural official recalled that Saito said during the election campaign that he “was alone at first.”

“We were trying to support the governor, so it was hard for us to hear those words,” the official said.

The official said that in campaign speeches, Saito “gained the public’s approval by expressing a desire (to communicate with prefectural staff members).”

“I hope the governor will have more contact with the staff in the future,” the official said.

Another senior prefectural official expressed concerns.

“I am worried about whether he will be able to pass major policies through the assembly,” the official said. “There is a possibility that the prefectural government will continue to be in turmoil.”

A mid-level prefectural official remains skeptical about Saito.

“Is he willing to communicate with us? Nothing has changed in the governor’s attitude,” the official said.

(This article was written by Takako Ishida, Teruko Tanibe and Takeshi Shimawaki.)