Overview
- Ogawa delivered his resignation letter to City Council Chair Kimitaka Tomita on Nov. 25 after deciding to leave office.
- The resignation is slated to take effect on Nov. 27, the opening day of the regular city council session.
- Seven council factions representing more than 80% of members had urged his resignation and signaled a no-confidence vote if he stayed on.
- Ogawa admitted going to love hotels multiple times with a married male senior employee, apologized as “extremely inappropriate,” and denied a sexual relationship, saying meetings were for consultations.
- He previously opted for a 50% pay cut to continue in office but now indicates he will run in the ensuing mayoral election.