Japan Press Weekly

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2017 February 22 - 28 [POLITICS]

Tokyo Metropolitan Assembly to summon ex-Governor Ishihara over Toyosu scandal

A special commission of the Tokyo Metropolitan Assembly, which is investigating the scandal involving the planned relocation of the Tsukiji wholesale market, decided on February 27 to order ex-Tokyo Governor Ishihara Shintaro to appear as a sworn witness before the commission on March 20.

Prior to this decision, on February 22, the metropolitan assembly unanimously approved the setting up of the powerful investigation commission based on Article 100 of the Local Autonomy Law. The main subjects for investigation are as follows: why the metropolitan government purchased the highly contaminated site in the Toyosu district at an extravagant price for the relocation; why it failed to properly implement anti-pollution measures at the site, such as replacement of the contaminated soil; and bid-rigging allegations involving companies which won the contracts for the construction of a new market.

The investigative commission held a board meeting on February 27 and agreed to summon Ishihara and former vice governor Hamauzu Takeo as sworn witnesses on March 20 and 19 respectively. Ishihara is the very person who decided on the relocation plan in 2001, and Hamauzu negotiated directly with Tokyo Gas over the acquisition of its land in Toyosu after being ordered to do so by Ishihara.

The Japanese Communist Party has three assemblypersons on the special commission. In addition to Ishihara and Hamauzu, the JCP has called for the summoning of 17 witnesses, including the chairman of Tokyo Gas and the presidents of the general contractors awarded contracts for the construction work.

Past related article:
> JCP-proposed special investigation commission on Toyosu issue to be convened [February 21, 2017]