Photo/Illutration Hyogo Governor Motohiko Saito speaks to reporters on Feb. 7 regarding his alleged violation of the election law. (Seiya Hara)

NISHINOMIYA, Hyogo Prefecture—Authorities began searching the offices of a public relations company here on Feb. 7 as part of an ongoing investigation over alleged illegal payments from the governor during last year's election.

"I remain confident that no violation of the Public Offices Election Law has occurred, but I will fully cooperate with the investigation if requested," Hyogo Governor Motohiko Saito said of his actions throughout the gubernatorial race.

The move follows a criminal complaint accusing the Saito campaign of paying merchu inc. 715,000 yen ($4,700) in November in violation of the election law.

Shortly after the Nov. 17 election where Saito secured his second term, the PR firm’s president stated in an online post that her company had been responsible for the overall public relations of his campaign.

The statement prompted widespread accusations that this constituted an illegal campaign activity under the law, which strictly regulates both offering and accepting financial compensation for election-related services.

Subsequently, the criminal complaint was filed in December with the Kobe District Public Prosecutors Office and the Hyogo prefectural police.

The complaint was jointly submitted by Nobuo Gohara, a prosecutor-turned lawyer, and Hiroshi Kamiwaki, who is a legal professor at Kobe Gakuin University.

They argue that the PR firm played a key role in planning and managing Saito's campaign on social media.

Saito has rejected the allegations, stating that the payment was made for services permitted under the law, such as the production of campaign posters and other materials.

The election was called after Saito was compelled to vacate his position following the unanimous passage of a no-confidence motion in the prefectural assembly. He had been accused of bullying and corruption.

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