Sendai Mayor discloses overseas travel expenses following criticism

Sendai Mayor Kazuko Gun has begun publishing detailed breakdowns of overseas travel expenses on the city website following criticism from the city council regarding high costs. Over a three-year period starting from fiscal year 2023, the Mayor and accompanying staff traveled to seven countries for a total of 11 trips, costing 66.72 million yen.

The disclosure follows specific questioning by city council members regarding expensive trips to Paris, which cost between 6 million and 7 million yen per visit. In response, the city stated that these trips are essential for increasing Sendai’s international presence and fostering tourism and investment, citing the establishment of new flight routes to Thailand and Hong Kong as key outcomes.

Mayor Gun expressed that she was “deeply pained” by the suggestions of wastefulness and stated that the goal of the transparency is to ensure citizens understand that the trips are conducted appropriately and to prevent accusations of misuse. The city will continue to publish details, including itineraries and specific costs, for future overseas inspections.