The governor of Fukui Prefecture in central Japan has announced he is stepping down to take responsibility for confusion triggered by allegations of sexual harassment.
A prefectural employee reported in April this year about receiving an improper text message from Governor Sugimoto Tatsuji.
The prefectural government asked outside lawyers to investigate the whistleblower's claim and also whether any other of the prefecture's 6,000 employees or so were similarly harassed.
Sugimoto revealed at a news conference on Tuesday that in the course of the probe, other employees came forward with claims they also received messages that could be interpreted as sexual harassment. He apologized for offending the recipients.
Sugimoto said he lacked awareness when he sent the messages. He explained he was trying to be frank and a bit humorous with his colleagues, regardless of gender. He said that looking back, he now understands very well it was sexual harassment.
Sugimoto added he does not think it would be appropriate for him to remain as governor when the December prefectural assembly session begins.
He expressed his intention of stepping down to minimize the confusion in prefectural politics.

Quiz 1:
Who announced that they are stepping down due to allegations of sexual harassment?
A. The mayor of Tokyo
B. The governor of Fukui Prefecture
C. The prime minister of Japan
D. The vice-governor of Fukui Prefecture

Quiz 2:
What action did the prefectural government take in response to the allegations against Governor Sugimoto Tatsuji?
A. They ignored the claims and took no further action
B. They launched an investigation into the claims
C. They publicly supported Governor Sugimoto
D. They fired the whistleblower

Quiz 3:
What did Governor Sugimoto reveal during a news conference about the messages he sent?
A. He was unaware that his messages could be interpreted as sexual harassment
B. He denied sending any inappropriate messages
C. He apologized for offending the recipients of his messages
D. He admitted to sending the messages intentionally as a form of sexual harassment