On the 18th, one day after the Hyogo Prefectural Gubernatorial election, Osaka Governor Yoshimura Hirofumi congratulated Saito Motohiko (47) on his reelection with the word "respect." He also reportedly emailed Saito himself, saying, "Hats off to you." ■Saito "didn't reply" to Governor Yoshimura's email Governor Yoshimura: "I truly respect this, and as the governor of a neighboring prefecture, I would like to interact with Governor Saito." Osaka Governor Yoshimura congratulated Saito on his reelection with "respect." Speaking of Governor Yoshimura, in September of this year, he advised Saito to resign and run for re-election. Governor Yoshimura (September of this year) "I think he should resign as governor and ask the people of the prefecture for their opinion." However, on the 18th... Governor Yoshimura: "I said, 'That's amazing' and I sent Mr. Saito an email saying, 'Hats off to you. Congratulations on your election.'" Saito: "I didn't contact him specifically, but I did receive an email (from Governor Yoshimura) saying 'Congratulations.'" "(Q: Did you reply to Governor Yoshimura's email?) I fell asleep immediately yesterday, so I haven't replied." In response to the election results, prefectural officials... Hyogo prefecture official: "If there are people who say they don't want to do it, then the only option is for them to quit. I'm sure there are many reasons for this, but they have no choice but to continue. I have to make a living too." From a prefectural assembly member... Hyogo Prefectural Citizens' Alliance, Prefectural Assemblyman Ueno Eiichi: "This should never have happened. Saito himself said he wanted to be more polite with the assembly and rebuild the relationship of trust with the staff, but I wonder if that's possible." LDP Prefectural Assemblyman Nagase Takeshi: "Saito is amazing. He has an indomitable spirit. I couldn't resist the motion of no confidence and vote against it, but I think there were people in my heart who were hoping Saito would do his best." ■ Was Tachibana Threatened? Prefectural Assemblyman Considering Legal Action Meanwhile, a prefectural assemblyman has confessed to being threatened by a candidate in relation to this election campaign. LDP Prefectural Assemblyman Okutani Kenichi: "Tachibana's home and office is in front of his house, and he started giving a street speech. He said, 'Don't stay holed up here, come out.' He said, 'I'll stop here because I'd be in trouble if I threatened him any more and Okutani committed suicide.'" The testimony was given by Prefectural Assemblyman Okutani, who serves as chairman of the 100-Article Committee investigating allegations of power harassment against Saito. Okutani's mother was at home at the time and was forced to evacuate. Okutani said, "I think my mother was scared, because she was in tears at times. It was very painful, and at the same time, I felt very scared." He indicated that he would consider taking legal action after carefully examining Tachibana Takashi's remarks. In the midst of this, the 100-Article Committee decided on the 18th to request Saito's appearance at the witness hearing to be held on the 25th. (From "Hatori Shinichi Morning Show" broadcast on November 19, 2024) [TV Asahi News] https://news.tv-asahi.co.jp