Former mayor Hideo Kojima, 75, was confirmed elected to the Ginan town council in Gifu prefecture, central Japan, on 8/9. The town's website shows Kojima placed second among the 10 elected candidates.

"This shows that the people trust me. Never mention the sexual harassment allegations again," Kojima told local media.

Former mayor Hideo Kojima (right) submitted his resignation in March 2024. Photo: AFP

Former mayor Hideo Kojima (right) submitted his resignation in March 2024. Photo: AFP

Japanese social media users expressed shock at the election results. Kojima resigned as mayor of Ginan in March 2024 following an investigation into 99 sexual harassment allegations, including touching a female colleague's chest and buttocks.

In a press conference last year, Kojima denied some of the harassment allegations and cried while recounting being reprimanded by his family. He explained that some of his gestures towards female colleagues resembled hugs, but were not intended as such. However, multiple witnesses confirmed to the independent investigative committee that Kojima had indeed attempted to hug female subordinates.

During the investigation, the committee surveyed 193 employees. Of the 161 respondents, approximately 53% of male employees and 58% of female employees said the former mayor had behaved in ways that made them feel "uncomfortable."

According to the investigation report, Kojima told subordinates his hands were very white and smooth, forcing female employees to touch them. He was also accused of rolling up his pants to show his legs and asking female employees to touch them. The former mayor was further accused of frequently rubbing female employees' heads, although he explained this as a gesture of thanks.

"So, the voters in town don't care about the employees who were sexually harassed? Shameful," one user commented on X.

"I'm so shocked I'm speechless. I feel so sorry for the female employees," another commented on Yahoo Japan.

Ngoc Anh (AFP)