A scandal has erupted in Maebashi, the capital of Gunma Prefecture, after 42-year-old mayor Akira Ogawa admitted to repeatedly visiting love hotels with a senior male city official who is married.
Reports revealed that from July to September, Ogawa and the official, identified as X, visited love hotels nine times. They usually choose a three-hour “rest” plan costing around 5,300 to 5,700 yen each time. The total came to about 50,000 yen (S$450), which Ogawa stressed she paid entirely from her own pocket.
At a press conference on September 24, Ogawa admitted the visits but denied having a romantic relationship. “I asked him for advice and consultations on work matters. There was no relationship between a man and a woman, but it was careless behaviour that caused misunderstanding, and I regret it,” she said.
X also admitted to the visits but claimed, “We did not cross the line. Still, I understand why people would suspect otherwise, given the location.” Both explained that they originally held discussions at restaurants and karaoke rooms, but switched to hotels to avoid being seen.
However, legal experts point out that in court, photographs or records of two people entering a love hotel are often treated as strong evidence of an affair. “Unless there is decisive proof they were doing something else, it is rare for claims of ‘no sexual activity’ to be accepted,” said lawyer Yuko Sakurai.
The controversy has raised further questions about the mayor’s conduct. On August 12, a weekday, Ogawa and X entered a hotel during what appeared to be working hours. X explained that he had taken paid leave to accommodate the mayor’s “private consultation.” On September 10, when Gunma was hit by record-breaking heavy rain, Ogawa was again at a love hotel. She defended herself by saying she had remained contactable, and the city’s disaster response headquarters had not yet been activated.
Another concern is the use of the official car. Ogawa reportedly travelled in the car to locations near her meetings with X. She explained that even for private events like social gatherings, it was standard practice to use the official car. But the city hall clarified that regulations do not allow private stops, and only official duties should justify such use.
The scandal is complicated by the power imbalance between Ogawa and her subordinate. When asked if he had felt unable to refuse her invitations, X denied it, saying the meetings were mutually agreed upon.
Ogawa, who has been praised in the past for publicly disclosing her entertainment expenses down to the last yen, now faces growing pressure. She will need to explain why repeated consultations with a married subordinate took place in love hotels, and whether these meetings were public duties or private activities.
