The following is a continuation of the previous chapter.
A Completely Fabricated Accusation
The e-book in question is Kusatsu Onsen: Jet-Black Darkness Vol. 5, self-published by a writer named Reiji Iizuka. Kusatsu Town has a traditional therapeutic bathing practice known as “jikan-yu,” overseen by a supervisor called the yuchō. However, due to concerns over lack of transparency in its operation and activities, the town decided to abolish the system.
This book was a scathing exposé against that decision. The female town assembly member was one of the vocal proponents of preserving jikan-yu. In hindsight, I now believe this uproar was a manufactured “incident,” orchestrated by factions who lost their vested interests due to the abolition of the system and aimed at my political downfall.
The book’s promotional blurb read, “An inappropriate relationship in the mayor’s office?! A female councilor reveals the truth! Stop oppressing the women of Kusatsu!” I couldn’t believe my eyes.
It claimed that on the morning of January 8, 2015, a councilor named Shoko Arai visited the mayor’s office and that I made sexual advances toward her. The book even quoted a letter Arai allegedly sent to Iizuka, stating explicitly, “I had a physical relationship with the mayor.”
It was a complete and utter fabrication.
In 2015, Arai and I had no relationship beyond being mayor and councilor.
There was no appointment scheduled with Arai on the date in question, January 8.
However, she apparently had a 10 a.m. private appointment with the deputy mayor, and during that time, I entered the mayor’s office with the deputy and engaged in about 15 minutes of casual conversation.
Of course, I never laid a finger on Arai.
The mayor’s office door is always open.
We only close the door during confidential matters like HR or tax discussions.
In principle, it remains open.
When women visit, I am particularly careful to avoid any misinterpretation.
There is no way any sexual activity could have occurred.
Moreover, the claim that Arai was in the mayor’s office from 10 to 11 a.m. didn’t make sense.
That time is usually occupied with unannounced New Year’s greetings from visitors.
The first workday of the year is packed with meetings with staff.
The mayor’s office is glass-walled and fully visible from the Kusatsu police box and the Chamber of Commerce building.
Kusatsu Town is situated near two active volcanoes.
The mayor’s office serves as the command center in emergencies and is never kept sealed.
Staff routinely knock and enter, even during meetings.
Next door are the reception room, the deputy mayor’s office, and the General Affairs Division.
Any suspicious behavior would be instantly noticed.
Physically and chronologically, such an act was absolutely impossible.
There is a limit to absurdity.
I felt not only shock but unbearable rage.
At the same time, I realized this would become a huge incident.
I immediately contacted the Naganohara Police Station in the neighboring town and filed a criminal complaint.
I also reached out directly to newspaper reporters I knew.
I asked my legal counsel to take action, and later filed a civil lawsuit against Arai.
We informed townspeople through newspaper inserts.
I also contacted the town assembly.
It wasn’t just about my honor and credibility being damaged.
If it were true that a mayor, in a public office, during work hours, forced sexual intercourse on a fellow public official in the mayor’s office—it would be far more than just a personal issue.
Why was such nonsense made public?
Both the town and the assembly had a duty to investigate.
A special general meeting was quickly convened in the town council, demanding an explanation from Arai.
This article continues.
