The former governor of Fukui Prefecture, Tatsuji Sugimoto, who resigned due to allegations of sexual harassment involving staff, has agreed to return 15 million yen of his retirement payment amidst public pressure. On October 10, current Governor Takuto Ishida revealed this decision after conveying the concerns of residents and the prefectural assembly regarding Sugimoto's retirement compensation. Initially, Sugimoto indicated he would return 10 million yen; however, following further discussions, he raised his voluntary refund to 15 million yen.

During a meeting with his attorney in Tokyo on the morning of October 9, Sugimoto apologized directly to the governor and acknowledged the dissatisfaction expressed by citizens and local legislators. However, he maintained that his final decision was to return the previously stated 10 million yen. The governor, feeling that this refund did not meet the expectations of the public, requested Sugimoto to reconsider the amount. Later that day, Sugimoto's representative communicated a revised offer to return the higher amount of 15 million yen on the condition that the prefecture would not demand further restitution.

Governor Ishida's report to the special committee on harassment measures of the prefectural assembly highlighted the ongoing discussions and the significance of accountability in public office. This incident underscores the impact of public sentiment on political decisions, especially in cases involving misconduct, and illustrates the increasing pressures on officials to address issues of accountability and transparency in governance.