Female Mayor Who Visited Hotels with Married Employee Eventually Resigns After Denying Relationship

According to The Financial News, Akira Ogawa, the mayor of Maebashi in Gunma Prefecture, has announced her intention to resign after it was revealed that she visited hotels multiple times with a married employee. Although she denied having an inappropriate relationship, she faced ongoing pressure from the City Council to step down.
The Asahi Shimbun and other local media reported on the 26th that Akira Ogawa, the 42-year-old mayor of Maebashi in Gunma Prefecture, expressed her intention to resign the previous day.
It was reported that between July and September, Mayor Ogawa visited hotels with the married employee more than ten times. Notably, it was also revealed that she stayed at a hotel with this employee even when a heavy rain warning was issued in Gunma Prefecture.
After the facts came to light, Mayor Ogawa held a press conference and admitted, "It is true that I went to hotels with a particular employee, but there was no romantic relationship."
She added, "I went to hotels to have work-related discussions without worrying about being watched by others," and acknowledged, "I deeply regret my careless actions that could have caused misunderstandings."
Following the controversy, Mayor Ogawa announced her intention to continue her term while cutting her salary by 50%.
However, as the City Council continued to pressure her by delivering a letter of resignation recommendation, Mayor Ogawa, who had previously maintained her position, ultimately decided to step down.


hsg@fnnews.com Han Seung-gon Reporter