"I Will Restore My Honor"...Former Japanese Mayor Resigns Over Sexual Harassment, Runs Again and Loses

Resigned as Mayor After Sexual Harassment Controversy
Wife Joins Campaign, Tearfully Appeals
"Please Give My Husband a Chance to Work Again"

A former Japanese mayor who resigned after committing sexual harassment against his secretary attempted to "restore his honor" by running again in a mayoral by-election, but ultimately failed to win the support of voters.

According to Kyodo News and other sources on July 13, former Mayor Takuya Murakami (55), who had previously resigned over a sexual harassment scandal, finished third and lost in the mayoral election held the previous day in Tagawa City, Fukuoka Prefecture. The election was won by political newcomer Jin Urano (31).

Takuya Murakami, former mayor. Photo by RKB Mainichi Broadcasting

In the April 2023 election, Murakami campaigned on a platform of "integrity," targeting the then-incumbent mayor, who was seeking a third term, by claiming that "there are too many things being hidden." However, in February last year, allegations surfaced that he had sexually harassed a female secretary. As the controversy grew, he announced he would reduce his salary by 30% for the remainder of his term (until April 2027). However, when a third-party investigation committee confirmed the sexual harassment in May of this year, he stepped down from his position as mayor.

Initially, he tried to avoid responsibility by claiming he had a "consensual affair" with the victim. However, the employee countered by stating that her consent was "coerced" due to the hierarchical workplace relationship. As public criticism of Murakami increased, he made the controversial decision to run again in the election triggered by his own resignation.

During the campaign, his wife also participated in his rallies. At a campaign event, she tearfully pleaded, "While I cannot forgive him for betraying his supporters and hurting his family, no one cares more for Tagawa City than my husband. Please give him another chance to work for the city."

However, this was not enough to win back the public. Local voters expressed disappointment that a mayor who had been elected on promises of integrity became embroiled in a sexual harassment scandal, and ultimately, Murakami's attempt at a political comeback ended in failure.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.