Japanese Public Fumes as Politicians Caught Gaming, Napping
An elementary student who exposed a politician gaming is the latest Japanese citizen to catch elected officials sleeping or goofing off.
By Marin Akasaka
Takahisa Sato, 73, a member of the Ogawara Town Council in Miyagi Prefecture was recently caught playing on his smartphone during a plenary session of the town’s council meeting. Sato, a veteran councilor elected five times and previously serving as council chairman, has a long history of public service. In response to the incident, he commented, “I deeply apologize for the trouble I have caused everyone. I am very sorry.”
According to the Town of Ogawara, a young student observing the council meeting as part of a school trip caught Sato playing a smartphone game during the session. In their reflections, the children commented on Sato’s behavior.
“I don’t understand why there was a council member playing games in the middle of the discussion.” “I wondered if someone like that is fit for a council member,” another student commented.
The Aftermath
