Shigemitsu Watanabe, a 48-year-old assembly member from the Watari district, announced his resignation on the 13th after being questioned by police regarding allegations of drunk driving. Watanabe, who was serving his second term and was affiliated with the Liberal Democratic Party's Prefectural Assembly, held a vice-chairmanship on the Educational and Police Committee, which oversees police affairs in the region. His decision to resign followed his questioning by police after he was discovered sleeping at a red light in front of the Sendai Central Police Station.

On the evening of the 9th, Watanabe allegedly consumed beer, sake, and whiskey at three different establishments in Sendai from around 6 PM until approximately 11:30 PM. Afterward, he drove his personal vehicle back to the assembly hall, where he reportedly fell asleep at a red light on National Route 286, right in front of the police station. Around 2:20 PM the next day, police officers, alerted by other drivers, woke him up and conducted a breathalyzer test, which revealed levels of alcohol indicative of drunk driving.

Upon his resignation, Watanabe publicly apologized, acknowledging that as a public official, he should comply with laws and serve as a role model to the residents of Miyagi. He explained that he had been out with other council members from outside the prefecture on a tour related to earthquake recovery. After spending time in different establishments, he found himself alone and attempted to reach family for a ride but was unable to connect. He later claimed that he took a rest in a parking lot before driving home, an act that ultimately led to significant professional consequences and public scrutiny.