Japanese city officials arrested for stalking, illicit photography

Maebashi city officials in Japan have been arrested in separate incidents for stalking and illicit photography, forcing the city's mayor to address the growing scandal.

Shuji Miyashita, a 41-year-old employee in the city's finance department, was arrested on June 28 for stalking a female acquaintance via social media. He repeatedly sent messages, leading to his arrest under Japan's anti-stalking law.

Just a day later, on June 29, Tomonori Koyanagi, a 42-year-old deputy director in the park management section of the construction department, was arrested for illicit photography. He was caught taking photos of women's skirts at a commercial facility in Isesaki city. Police discovered further evidence on his phone, indicating he had engaged in similar behavior at a bookstore on June 13.

Mayor Akira Ogawa issued a statement acknowledging the seriousness of the incidents. He pledged that the city government would confront the misconduct of its employees head-on and work to ensure staff adhere to service regulations and laws, aiming to prevent recurrence.

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The city government will confront the misconduct of its employees head-on and work to ensure staff adhere to service regulations and laws, aiming to prevent recurrence.