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Akita official misconduct controversy

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2026-08-16 10:04 UTC → 2026-08-18 12:12 UTC · added ~~removed~~

Takahiro Ono, a 55-year-old supervisor in Akita Prefecture’s Department of Industry and Labor, drew public criticism after appearing in a bathrobe and smoking during an emergency online press conference on August 6. The briefing concerned a massive AI data center project in Akita City, estimated to be worth 2 trillion yen with potential investment from the UAE. Following the incident, the Akita Prefecture government launched a re-investigation into the official’s conduct. While Ono initially claimed he was at home resting due to poor health and that the person with him was his wife, subsequent investigations revealed he was actually staying at a love hotel with an acquaintance who is not his wife. Ono reportedly admitted to officials that he lied because the nature of the location was “difficult to talk about” and he believed the falsehood would not be discovered. Additionally, it was discovered that Ono had not applied for leave prior to the briefing, only submitting a retroactive request the following day. As a result of the misconduct and his subsequent false statements, which the prefecture characterized as a “serious loss of public trust,” Akita Prefecture has issued Ono a six-month suspension and a two-rank demotion. The prefecture received 145 citizen complaints regarding the incident. Akita Governor Kenta Suzuki issued an apology to the public, emphasizing the need for improved staff morale and conduct. Ono has been removed from his duties related to the AI data center project, though the prefecture stated the investment promotion team will continue its work. Takahashi Gen'etsu, the Director of the Industrial Labor Department, also issued a formal apology to citizens and the media for the embarrassment and inconvenience caused.

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