Photo/Illutration Fukui Governor Tatsuji Sugimoto speaks to reporters on Oct. 22 at the prefectural government office. (Yoshikazu Hirai)

FUKUI--Fukui Governor Tatsuji Sugimoto is under investigation following a sexual harassment complaint filed by a prefectural employee.

The complaint, filed in April, alleges that he sent inappropriate text messages to the employee. Sugimoto, 63, acknowledged sending the messages during an internal inquiry in June.

“I sincerely apologize for causing concern to the citizens of Fukui,” Sugimoto said on Oct. 22. He pledged to “fully cooperate with the investigation and respond appropriately based on the outcome.”

However, he did not divulge details of the allegations, including the nature of the messages, citing the fact that investigation is continuing.

However, he signaled his intention to remain in office, stating: “It is vital that the prefectural government does not stagnate. I will continue to devote myself to my duties.”

During a media briefing earlier that day, prefectural officials explained that the complaint was received through an external ethics hotline.

To protect the accuser’s privacy, details about the individual’s department, age and gender were withheld. Officials also did not disclose the number, timing and content of the messages.

The prefecture has pledged to release the findings once the investigation concludes. Authorities also plan to interview around 3,500 prefectural employees to determine whether similar incidents have occurred.

Sugimoto previously served as vice governor of Fukui and held senior positions at the internal affairs ministry. He was elected governor in 2019 and is currently serving his second term.

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