Photo/Illutration Takashi Tachibana is sent to prosecutors in Kobe on Nov. 10. (Hiyori Uchiumi)

The whistleblower controversy in Hyogo Prefecture continues.

Police have sent papers to prosecutors on Takashi Tachibana, head of the anti-NHK party, who was arrested on suspicion of defaming and spreading lies about Hideaki Takeuchi, a former Hyogo prefectural assembly member who committed suicide.

Takeuchi had been on the special investigative committee set up by the assembly to look into whistleblower allegations against Hyogo Governor Motohiko Saito and others.

In late 2024, Tachibana, referring to Takeuchi, said in a speech, “It’s probably certain he’s being questioned by police.”

After Takeuchi committed suicide in January this year, Tachibana said in a social media post that Takeuchi appeared to be on the verge of arrest.

Immediately after that claim, the Hyogo prefectural police chief appeared before the prefectural assembly and categorically denied Tachibana’s comments.

After Takeuchi’s widow filed a criminal complaint, Hyogo police arrested Tachibana, fearing he might flee or destroy evidence. They have not divulged whether Tachibana has admitted to or denied the allegations.

We hope the prefectural police and Kobe District Public Prosecutors Office will provide a careful explanation about the case, which involves several twists and turns, after conducting a thorough investigation.

Many people concurred with Tachibana’s comments and made defamatory posts or sent insults and criticism through mail and email to Takeuchi and his home.

At an August news conference, Takeuchi’s widow said her husband took his life after Tachibana called him the “mastermind” behind the whistleblower case.

She said Takeuchi became despondent at being the target of hatred by many people, and that he suffered invisible psychological scars that could not heal because the attacks against him continued.

In her news conference after Tachibana’s arrest, she said similar incidents must never happen.

Her words should not be wasted.

We now live in a time when anyone can easily transmit their views and thoughts. The need has strengthened to confirm facts and act in a calm manner while thinking about human rights.

Tachibana had also targeted several other Hyogo prefectural assembly members mainly through his online comments.

In addition, he spread private information about the prefectural government official who accused Saito of abusing his power and other misconduct. The whistleblower also died in apparent suicide.

The accusations led to a no-confidence motion in the assembly that forced Saito out of office.

In the subsequent Hyogo gubernatorial election in November 2024, Tachibana also ran for the post. But rather than focus on himself, Tachibana heavily promoted Saito’s bid in what was called a “two-horsepower” campaign.

The confusion triggered by Tachibana’s words and actions has still not settled.

Those in the Hyogo prefectural government and assembly should not only closely follow the investigation by police and prosecutors but also make efforts to normalize matters.

Among those is Saito, who won the election.

After Tachibana’s arrest, Saito was asked about the comments directed at Takeuchi.

All the governor said was, “I will continue to refrain from assessing or commenting on specific statements by specific individuals.”

Saito has also continued to avoid talking about Tachibana, despite his help in the election.

The local government has been shaken as prefectural assembly members, who represent local residents along with the governor, were involved in the matter. 

The views of Saito will continue to be called into question.

--The Asahi Shimbun, Nov. 11

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