Jul. 20, 2012 - 02:55PM JST
OSAKA —
Outspoken Osaka Mayor Toru Hashimoto has admitted to having an affair with a night club hostess from 2006 to 2008.
Reporters have been asking the 43-year-old mayor all week to comment on the story that appears in this week’s edition of Shukan Bunshun magazine. In the tell-all feature, the unnamed woman claims to have had an affair with Hashimoto while he was a TV celebrity lawyer. She said he asked her to dress up in cosplay outfits, including a flight attendant, and engage in games that were “a little sadistic,” Fuji TV reported.
Hashimoto told a news conference on Thursday that the story was basically true. He said he had spoken to his wife about it and had apologized to her, Fuji reported.
The hostess says the affair ended in 2008 shortly before Hashimoto was elected Osaka governor.
Hashimoto—a father of seven—has been involved in a series of controversies in recent months, including his last-minute U-turn over his opposition to the restart of the Oi nuclear reactors, his campaign against civil servants with tattoos and his warning to local government employees that they have no fundamental human rights.
Japan Today
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Maria at Jul. 20, 2012 - 02:13PM JST
Horrid man. Keeping his wife prisoner through pregnancy while he goes off and spends a fortune on spankings. Uggh.
CrazyJoe at Jul. 20, 2012 - 02:15PM JST
He's got seven kids and having an affair. What a bastard!
Shaun Johnson at Jul. 20, 2012 - 02:22PM JST
Hashimoto the moron.
rickyvee at Jul. 20, 2012 - 02:24PM JST
so tattoos are bad but extra marital affairs aren't? what a wanker!
Joepineapples at Jul. 20, 2012 - 02:25PM JST
See his wife is going to have start putting bromide in his tea
Who elected this wacko ?
nishikat at Jul. 20, 2012 - 02:26PM JST
Whooooo Caaaarrresss!!!!
Altruist777 at Jul. 20, 2012 - 02:30PM JST
I'd rather have a guy like Hashimoto who has experienced things in life, some good, some not so good, than someone who's head is a real square.
Hikozaemon at Jul. 20, 2012 - 02:39PM JST
Wow, Japan had better vote for Noda or the LDP in order to keep the country safe.
lucabrasi at Jul. 20, 2012 - 02:39PM JST
If only he were, he wouldn't have had this problem!
It'll be interesting to see if it dents the preening little man-otter's popularity, though.
tmarie at Jul. 20, 2012 - 02:40PM JST
Oh I am just shocked that he's a lying, cheating bastard. Shocked I say.
His wife is an idiot for staying with him - and having seven kids with him.
CrazyJoe at Jul. 20, 2012 - 02:46PM JST
I wonder how many real "bastards" he's got running around.
ExportExpert at Jul. 20, 2012 - 02:50PM JST
Ok so lets hope the moral few use this as leverage to get rid of this jack off.
Japan does not need narrow minded dipsh!ts like this guy jamming his anti tattoo and other garbage down our throats while his morals are in the toilet to begin with, the guy is a double standards drop kick.
Please some one dig up more dirt on this fool.
the-grouch at Jul. 20, 2012 - 02:51PM JST
Wow, look what the cat dragged in. He is sadistic and moronic to say the least. For a person that is looking for so much reform, he now has a taste of his own medicine. Good luck, loud mouth! Try to get out of this one!
Probie at Jul. 20, 2012 - 02:58PM JST
Yeah, it's fine to be someone in his position playing weird sex games; but, if you're a regular guy who's a civil servant and you have a tattoo that no-one can even see, he wants to fire you.
tmarie at Jul. 20, 2012 - 03:05PM JST
Just me or has he pissed off the wrong people? IF others liked him, her's be a scared cow to the media He isn't. Clearly someone somewhere doesn't like him. I expect a lot more dirt coming to light.
His poor kids - knowing daddy is a cheating jerk with anime issues.
JA_Cruise at Jul. 20, 2012 - 03:07PM JST
Let's now just see how much credibility this brings this fool. For 2 years, and with all his family, what a disgrace!!
bluesea67 at Jul. 20, 2012 - 03:08PM JST
Who Cares Hes a mover and shaker and likes to play up this fits in with his personality I don't agree with everything this guy does. But, I feel he is one of the few people who has a enough balls buck the system that is failing so many in Japan. In regards to sex in my experience the more clever the person the kinkier they are. yee haa
Wakarimasen at Jul. 20, 2012 - 03:10PM JST
The sadistic part fits in with the overall thrust of his politics. Fooling around will probably not harm his popularity.
Disillusioned at Jul. 20, 2012 - 03:10PM JST
Oh, big effing deal! Find me a Japanese guy in his 40's that hasn't had an affair with a hostess (or tried to) and I'll buy you a diamond! They are all married to stone cold money hungry wenches that don't put out, so what are they supposed to do? Mrs Palmer and her five daughters only stay attractive for so long! Bring on the thumbs down gals! :P
tmarie at Jul. 20, 2012 - 03:12PM JST
They are all married to stone cold money hungry wenches that don't put out, so what are they supposed to do?
They've got seven kids so obviously she does "put out".
Yubaru at Jul. 20, 2012 - 03:17PM JST
Well now, seeing as how he is forcing his moral standards on the employee's of Osaka with the tattoo crap and what not, he had better live up to his own standards and take responsibility for his actions and RESIGN! Bwwaahaahahaa!
smithinjapan at Jul. 20, 2012 - 03:21PM JST
If the guy were less radical I wouldn't care too much. Scummy thing to do, have an affair, particularly to CONTINUE having one for so long while remaining married, but a lot of people of both genders do it. But given how hard-headed and radical he is on some issues he loses a lot of credibility in my mind for this. I agree with the sentiment of other posters: why are tattoos a 'crime' but having a love affair is not that big a deal?
marcelito at Jul. 20, 2012 - 03:22PM JST
Ahh....election is getting nearer so watch out for more dirt being dished out as the establishment , bureaucracy & old boys network try to discredit anyone with a reform agenda that threatens the system in their eyes. Now its Hashimoto,s turn just as was done with Ozawa. What an amazing coincidence that there have been no embarassing stories about any LDP oyajis since before the last election - does anyone believe that the old LDP party boys are clean?...Pureeeeese... Get ready for more dirty election tactics as the poll gets nearer.
just-a-bigguy at Jul. 20, 2012 - 03:24PM JST
The most wonderful thing of Mr Hashimoto is no matter how bizzare his personal life or working behaviour as reported, he shall never never resign!
Reckless at Jul. 20, 2012 - 03:25PM JST
Wow! No denial and basically admits it. Sounds like a stand up guy.
alliswellinjapan at Jul. 20, 2012 - 03:28PM JST
As it concerns the general reaction in Japan, I am fairly certain that there will be limited negative impact, partially because this happened before he took on the mayor role and when he was still the flamboyant lawyer tarento hashimoto with bleached hair and sunglasses, and partially because he seems to have handled his press conference immediately after this news broke out in a sincerely open manner (as compared to Ozawa for example who has never provided any explanations about the thing with his ex-wife to this day) and partially because the general criticism (especially among the men) is likely to be geared towards the hostess who gave away everything which is generally considered to be against the rules of professional confidentiality expected among women under that particular profession (regardless of whether it is a good thing or not). This will never be as bad as Clinton's affairs, and the story may go away by the end of the month if Hashimoto continues to handle this as good as he has done so far. I foresee the public to be tolerant about this particular case.
Ms. Alexander at Jul. 20, 2012 - 03:30PM JST
I think he's just a power/control freak who loves controversy! And because of that, as some of the others have said, he won't lose popularity (especially since he outright admitted his extra-curricular activities) and thus will not need to resign.
tokyokawasaki at Jul. 20, 2012 - 03:32PM JST
@ igea62fesl Grow up will you..
gogogo at Jul. 20, 2012 - 03:33PM JST
I knew this guy had something in his closet, it is the only reason he was so anti everything, kick him out, he would do no less with anyone else.
hoserfella at Jul. 20, 2012 - 03:44PM JST
this wont be enough to get the headcase out. Japanese don't give a damn about the personal integrity of their pols.
JohhnyGlitterball at Jul. 20, 2012 - 03:46PM JST
Not only is does he act like a little Hitler he cheats on his wife and spends the family income on sadistic sex. Hus ife should divorce him and take the kids, he is vermin.
Yubaru at Jul. 20, 2012 - 03:49PM JST
Tell that to PM Uno, who was only Prime Minister for 68 days because of a reported affair with a geisha no less.
This one went on for two years.
Crystalyle at Jul. 20, 2012 - 03:49PM JST
I used to work with this guy who was our manager. It was this nit-picky micro-managing bloke from England who was giving everybody in the office heat. Anyway, turns out he was doing the most dirt with some of our regular clients. Once the story broke out in the open he quickly transferred to another office.
So Hashimoto here who is coming down on everybody else is actually the Devil in disguise.
I hate hypocrites the most. If you are going to be that kind of guy then why sweat everybody else. There you are cheating on your wife and family, turning tricks and then you seek to call other people unfit for duty cause they have some ink on their skin.
Can't stand hypocrites.
meandmybigmouth at Jul. 20, 2012 - 03:55PM JST
What difference it makes to his job if he had a fling? May be the wife needed a break after 7 births!
Spidey at Jul. 20, 2012 - 03:55PM JST
" The fact that he is still mayor is beyond belief. And speaks volumes about the Japanese people."
BTW...I'm quoting myself from a previous posting about hashimoto.
S
amida at Jul. 20, 2012 - 03:57PM JST
At least he admitted it. Most politicians in my home country wouldn't. They'd evade and lie until media gets bored and people forget.
Yubaru at Jul. 20, 2012 - 03:59PM JST
If the opposition party in Osaka starts to make a stink about this, it could very well cause some serious problems for him, particularly for one trying to make it on the national stage.
Jimizo at Jul. 20, 2012 - 04:03PM JST
I personally can't stand this unpleasant little man but this affair is nobody else's business. Attack his policies ( there is plenty to attack ) and let private lives be private. This is a matter between himself and his family.
ExportExpert at Jul. 20, 2012 - 04:33PM JST
Jimizo
Maybe i am old school but I believe it is everyones business, he is in public office and this reflects on his integrity, he cheated on his wife why do you think he wont cheat on everyone else too.
He is a dirt bag.
HansNFranz at Jul. 20, 2012 - 04:33PM JST
Japan's politicians, hard at work of destroying the country
Thomas Anderson at Jul. 20, 2012 - 04:45PM JST
He should make a new law that fires people who have extramarital affairs so that he can fire himself.
Hashimoto is a hypocrite to the core and I bet that this is just a tip of the iceberg. No doubt that there will be more "dirt" if we dig further.
It's true that their privates lives our generally not our business. But this is the guy who pretends that he is the moral arbiter of society. He thinks that he should be able to fire people with tattoos, teachers who don't sing the national anthem and fire people who smoke a single cigarette. This guy is nothing but a laughable hypocrite.
sillygirl at Jul. 20, 2012 - 04:57PM JST
His affair is our business when he tries to shove his $h!t down our throats!!! what a small litlle man in more ways than one.
omicron at Jul. 20, 2012 - 05:15PM JST
One word for Hashimoto - cosplay! hahaha Coplay huh? you naughty guy! hahaha
gogogo at Jul. 20, 2012 - 05:18PM JST
Privacy, not with this guy, I would have agreed with you IF he had not made all city workers submit if they had tattoo's and their location and if you did not submit the form you would never be promoted ever again.
BurakuminDes at Jul. 20, 2012 - 05:25PM JST
What a little grub. Wonder if he will get his Yakuza connections to sort out the journo and hostess who exposed his grubbiness?
shanabelle at Jul. 20, 2012 - 05:27PM JST
I somehow knew he had a GOP-like kinky streak. This won't effect his career in the least here.
Baibaikin at Jul. 20, 2012 - 05:30PM JST
Nothing to see here. A bit of this type of colour is of no consequence in Japanese politics. Check out one of the regular guests on the Sunday Japon TV show that Hashimoto worked on:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hideo_Higashikokubaru
The 'Incidents' section is the interesting part.
JapanGal at Jul. 20, 2012 - 05:33PM JST
tMarie: Yes sh eput out 7 times.
TigersTokyoDome at Jul. 20, 2012 - 05:37PM JST
Ha,ha,ha! So the holier-than-thou Hashimoto and his tattoo-cleansing manifesto has descended into kinky affairs with a hostess, cheating on his wife and family. Cheating on your wife with a kinky hostess is kind of Hashimoto's business, but not when he has been preaching on about tattoos on local government staff. And at the end of the day, he is yakuza blood despite him trying to erase the fact.
Tiger_In_The_Hermitage at Jul. 20, 2012 - 05:44PM JST
No sign of him offering to resign? In other parts of the world, people with his credentials would have naturally ended their political career.
Thunderbird2 at Jul. 20, 2012 - 05:46PM JST
Are you having issues? Been dumped? I've never met a 'cold money hungry wench' in Japan yet. In the UK yes, but not in Japan.
Back on topic and this guy just gets worse and worse. People take this guy as a moral upstanding citizen out to protect the decent people? Rubbish, he's a typical 'do as I say, not as I do' kind of plonker. Get shot of him.
Virtuoso at Jul. 20, 2012 - 05:53PM JST
After seven kids his wife is probably grateful to be able to take a break from her conjugal obligations.
Ewan Huzarmy at Jul. 20, 2012 - 06:31PM JST
Ha-ha ! Hashimoto-moto-moto-moto-MOTO!!
Wonder if his kinky hostess has tattoos ? What's the odds she rode him with a strap-on?
Come on....journos, more dirt !
Hikozaemon at Jul. 20, 2012 - 06:32PM JST
I don't think anyone was actually fired for having tattoos...
Affairs here are nothing of course, unless we are focused on the woman in question. This will blow over but be used alongside the other dirt the weeklies have dug up on him nearer to the election.
gogogo at Jul. 20, 2012 - 06:36PM JST
They were "shifted" to other city department... more likely trash cleanup or something hoping they quit.
Cos at Jul. 20, 2012 - 06:53PM JST
The governor we had before raped a girl. That was newsworthy...
Boeing Boeing ! Well, it's boring, boring.
He had already bragged about his having affairs, so hypocrite is not the word. He was on the telly, you know ? I always thought, and still do, that he was having much less action that he says. (Toru-kun, that's not an invitation).
You really have money and the sistahs didn't find you ? Waaah, drop me a mail, and tell me your choice of costumes. (Moderators, it's humour).
I collect diamonds too, I'll introduce you to Gay Osaka. Then, hostesses are not genuinely romantic. It's a business. Only guys with a certain budget interest them and with the current economy, that's not every sarariman.
50% of pregnancies finish in miscarriages. So if she had 14, roughly, she's been "pregnant and recovering" 14 years. Well, she is giving him the pocket money, she understands that 's quite a lot to buy dekitate bentos.
Thomas Anderson at Jul. 20, 2012 - 07:03PM JST
He's a hypocrite because he thinks that he is the moral police of society.
Thomas Anderson at Jul. 20, 2012 - 07:06PM JST
And his excuse is that he's "not a perfect person". But apparently others have to so perfect as to never get any tattoos or smoke a cigarette, but such moral perfection does not apply to him apparently.
sandiegoluv at Jul. 20, 2012 - 07:17PM JST
So, let me get this right. It is okay to be cheat on your wife who has given you SEVEN children by doing your sadistic nasty with a dirty ho, ho, ho, but don't get tattoos!
What a FREAK! I am counting the days till this piece of hypocritical scum leaves office.
Has he said anything about leaving office yet????? Hopefully he and his nasty, sadistic hypocrite will leave soon!
Mirai Hayashi at Jul. 20, 2012 - 07:54PM JST
**Whooooo Caaaarrresss!!!!
I agree. It doesn't affect how well or how badly he does his job in the slightest.
tmarie at Jul. 20, 2012 - 08:10PM JST
** It doesn't affect how well or how badly he does his job in the slightest.**
You don't think it does? i think a guy who has imposes illegal surveys on employees personal life who is found out to cheat on a wife who has given him seven kids does indeed affect his job. Can we trust him? No. Is he honest? No. Is he moral? No. As a mayor, all of these issues do cause concern for how well he can do his job. He thinks he's moral and can impose his ideas of what a good person is when he's nothing but lying, cheating scum.
Thomas Anderson at Jul. 20, 2012 - 08:18PM JST
Well it kinda does actually because it questions his integrity. He was dishonest to his wife and his family so how can we expect him to be honest to the citizens of the nation.
Oh and neither do having tattoos have any effect of how well one does his job. Again, he's a hypocrite.
Jimizo at Jul. 20, 2012 - 08:31PM JST
I'm just curious - is having an extra-marital affair enough to disqualify people from public office?
my2sense at Jul. 20, 2012 - 08:50PM JST
I knew this guy was a first class jerk:::. Poor wife - yep. Poor kids!
my2sense at Jul. 20, 2012 - 08:52PM JST
PS... you're done mate.
cracaphat at Jul. 20, 2012 - 08:54PM JST
I believe in "on a need to know basis" and I don't need to know about dalliances pre taking office.That is between he and his wife.I sure as hell don't wanna know how freaky he is.Morally suspect... sure,but as a regular citizen... none of our business.
Thunderbird2 at Jul. 20, 2012 - 09:17PM JST
What? That doesn't even make sense.
T_rexmaxytime at Jul. 20, 2012 - 09:37PM JST
Did someone pay the girl from the bar to come out with this story?
yourock at Jul. 20, 2012 - 09:41PM JST
I would vote for the guy if I could
presto345 at Jul. 20, 2012 - 09:55PM JST
Does he think he is earning respect for exposing his vulgar, improper conduct? For not practicing what he preaches? For forcing a code of conduct on others, a code he cannot obey himself? Oh, he is reformed now? Are you kidding me? This jerk does not deserve a place in public office.
T_rexmaxytime at Jul. 20, 2012 - 10:17PM JST
some news for the ladies.. "Most guys sleep around"
tmarie at Jul. 20, 2012 - 10:30PM JST
I believe in "on a need to know basis" and I don't need to know about dalliances pre taking office.
Considering it would have been when he was campaigning for Osaka govern, just told his new staff they won't have any "right" to privacy... Live by the sword, die by the sword. He doesn't get a right to privacy if Osaka government workers don't have a right to privacy. HE brought this on himself. I'm hoping they find more so when can get rid of him.
wackness at Jul. 20, 2012 - 10:40PM JST
His loyal followers will somehow try to use this story to explain what a great leader he is.
tokyotom at Jul. 20, 2012 - 10:59PM JST
where is the pic of the sheila?
Matthew Simon at Jul. 20, 2012 - 11:08PM JST
Just one more proof that this guy is unstable. And the more power he gets the more delusional he will be. I hope his wife divorces him and sucks him dry. Apologizing hardly makes up for a 2 year affair. What a scumbag.
Hikozaemon at Jul. 20, 2012 - 11:11PM JST
Hashimoto is known for being crass - that is practically what got him elected. People know he is crass. They know he makes inappropriate comments toward women on live tv. They know that his Dad was a Yak. Everyone knows he comes from Buraku heritage.
Given that he got elected on top of all the above, it is unthinkable that finding out he had an affair is going to change anything. People vote for him for his ability to get things done, not for his morality or integrity. I'd venture to guess that among his supporters, this kind of thing was probably supported, and might even boost his popularity.
This is just going to be primarily fodder for the LDP and far left parties opposed to his agenda against their vested interests to use to dig in not liking the guy. Personally, this doesn't bother me a bit. I hope his party does well in the next national elections.
Thomas Anderson at Jul. 20, 2012 - 11:21PM JST
Hahahahaha.... wow. I really don't understand why the Japanese people support this nut. Maybe they are nuts too.
Ali Khan at Jul. 20, 2012 - 11:24PM JST
have you all notice what the married men doing around, having two cell phone, going late night to home, lets be frank does man marry only one woman???????
DentShop at Jul. 20, 2012 - 11:29PM JST
Tattoos = unforgivable and naughty
Whores = Ok as long as you apologise to the mother of your seven children.
nandakandamanda at Jul. 20, 2012 - 11:45PM JST
Are these things ever over? In this particular case it looks like he excised the wound cleanly. If so, well done.
In a normal world, however, they would both continue to have a secret soft spot for each other.
canadianbento at Jul. 20, 2012 - 11:53PM JST
I was told that Japanese Men never cheat on their spouses...
electric2004 at Jul. 21, 2012 - 01:23AM JST
Hashimoto has shown again that he has balls. And they dictate his behavior.
Michael Craig at Jul. 21, 2012 - 01:55AM JST
They're NO GOOD either! The DPJ under Noda is palsy-walsying with the LDP and Komei and betraying the people worse.
Better turn to the JCP, SDP Kizuna and even People's Life First!
avenger at Jul. 21, 2012 - 02:03AM JST
Is this the guy that is called the rising star of Japanese politics?
Pontepilate at Jul. 21, 2012 - 04:00AM JST
****LET HE/SHE WHO IS WITHOUT SIN CAST THE FIRST STONE
oberst at Jul. 21, 2012 - 04:23AM JST
Did he play pilot or passenger ?
Kyle Sakic at Jul. 21, 2012 - 04:42AM JST
Lol, pilot of passanger... he probably played lost little boy at airport who can't find his parents.
oberst at Jul. 21, 2012 - 04:46AM JST
may be he played TSA agent ? LOL
Ancalagonzzz at Jul. 21, 2012 - 05:07AM JST
Well at least he is doing something about Japans biggest problem atm - too few kids. He already has 7 legal ones - and probably some bastards too. This is the way to go for better future!
ojiiu812badboy at Jul. 21, 2012 - 05:24AM JST
Quazimoto shows is ugly head in yet another "lack of decision making" situation. This guy was brilliant for a minute, now it seems he needs a check-up from the neck up. I feel for his wife and the embarrassment she has to go through and the kids who definitely will be bullied and teased. I hope they are able to work this through as they distance themselves from him..
bajhista65 at Jul. 21, 2012 - 05:53AM JST
It's wrong having an affair if you're married or with someone. Hehehehe But he/she who doesn't. do cast the first stone.
sfjp330 at Jul. 21, 2012 - 06:35AM JST
Most of the people that write like this is a shock have no life experience. They are naive as they come. I don't understand why so many people are shocked at Hashimoto's private affairs. Heck, it's his private life. If you dissect any powerful politicians, businessmen or any men with money or even without much money, most of these men will have substantial baggage with other women. Women will use you and you use the women. It's very normal part of dogs being dogs. And with the privilages that wealth or fame brings, most of them will use the privilage that money and power has to their advantage.
hoserfella at Jul. 21, 2012 - 09:19AM JST
sfjp330 - No one here is shocked by another politician scandal, I am sure. People are rightly showing disgust with a particularly hypocritical scumbag who has been preaching to others about ethics and morals vis a vis tattoos and his "school for aspiring politicians".
Just another japanese political blowhard who is all talk and no action.
sfjp330 at Jul. 21, 2012 - 09:38AM JST
hoserfella Jul. 21, 2012 - 09:19AM JST People are rightly showing disgust with a particularly hypocritical scumbag who has been preaching to others about ethics and morals vis a vis tattoos and his "school for aspiring politicians".
Even after a scandal is exposed, many politicians, including Hashimoto will go on to enjoy successful, even heroic reputations. Japanese are more forgiving than a lot of people might imagine. Sex is a part of life, and corruption is always a part of power, and wherever there are men, these sorts of things have always happened and they probably always will. This is a phenomenon that transcends cultures and religions and nations.
hoserfella at Jul. 21, 2012 - 09:44AM JST
Understood. Corruption and low personal integrity ok in politicians so just ignore it. Gotcha.
hoserfella at Jul. 21, 2012 - 09:46AM JST
Hold on, I'm writing this down. "demanding that politicians do what they say and say what they do is...naive". check.
tmarie at Jul. 21, 2012 - 10:08AM JST
Even after a scandal is exposed, many politicians, including Hashimoto will go on to enjoy successful, even heroic reputations. Japanese are more forgiving than a lot of people might imagine. Sex is a part of life, and corruption is always a part of power, and wherever there are men, these sorts of things have always happened and they probably always will. This is a phenomenon that transcends cultures and religions and nations.
Um, not if you are a Japanese female who is the "other woman" or the cheater. Women here get raked over the coals for being promiscuous while the men can laugh it off and take a few small hits. Look at how Erika got killed over her "betsu ni" comment compared to how many men have violently beat someone or cheated on their spouse and then get forgiven by everyone. It is sick and disgusting and says a lot about Japan's attitudes towards men and women.
And like Hoserfella said, none of this is about the cheating at all. It is about him being a snide jackass who plays the moral card every chance he gets when clearly he lacks morals. Tattoos are bad and those with them are bad people. Teachers who don't sing kimigayo are bad role models and should be fired. Men who cheat on their pregnant wife who already has 3/4 kids at home.... Look the other way. Sick.
hoserfella at Jul. 21, 2012 - 10:56AM JST
tmarie - hear, hear.
Scrote at Jul. 21, 2012 - 11:54AM JST
This is not the kind of behaviour I expect from a public servant. Hashimoto should resign at once.
Lowly at Jul. 21, 2012 - 01:43PM JST
I read about half the posts, and I got confused:
Why is everyone writing in the past tense? You think he had one affair? You think nothing's going on now?
basroil at Jul. 21, 2012 - 02:42PM JST
ScroteJul. 21, 2012 - 11:54AM JST
And perhaps tattoo a big letter A across his arm.
Mike Critchley at Jul. 21, 2012 - 02:57PM JST
So let me make sure I understand this. It's OK to cheat on your wife if you say you're sorry. And it's OK to have a girl dress up like Little Bo Peep and perform Sadistic acts.
But it's not OK to have a turtle tattoo on your back as that is immoral as a public service worker.
Got it. Just wanted to make sure I understood the issue properly.
Jimizo at Jul. 21, 2012 - 03:35PM JST
@scrote So public servants who have extra-marital affairs should be fired?
hoserfella at Jul. 21, 2012 - 04:51PM JST
Jimizo - I think this point has been made at least a dozen times on this thread and you didn't understand or grasp any. Something about hypocracy, but nevermind.
Jimizo at Jul. 21, 2012 - 06:06PM JST
'hypocracy', eh? You'll have to explain that one to me.
hoserfella at Jul. 21, 2012 - 07:07PM JST
Jimizo - "hypocricy" -got me there on my spelling. But since there was no rejoinder I gather you admit not getting the gist of what most people were saying about it.
Jimizo at Jul. 21, 2012 - 07:26PM JST
@Horsefella I was trying to work out if people think that public officials should resign for affairs, or only those they regard as hypocrites. Admittedly, not all posters were calling for Hashimoto's head and I was addressing those who were. I was replying to the ' this is not the kind of behaviour I expect from a public servant' post. The standard seems vague to say the least.
Thomas Anderson at Jul. 21, 2012 - 07:37PM JST
Jimizo
It probably depends on the amount of responsibility he or she has. He has no business deciding the morality of others if he can't even be moral himself. Either he thinks his standards apply to everyone including himself, or he doesn't and is a hypocrite.
hoserfella at Jul. 21, 2012 - 08:17PM JST
Oh dear dear dear. JIZIMO ! lets hope 3rd times a charm. The affair IS the HYPOCRICY!!!!
I'm exhausted. I really think your lack of understanding is just you messing with me on a beer-fueled Saturday nite. I admit defeat. Well played, Sir.
Jimizo at Jul. 21, 2012 - 11:28PM JST
Sorry to say 'third times' isn't a charm. I was asking a simple question which Thomas Anderson answered with a considered opinion. You don't seem to have got the 'gist' of my question.
Elbuda Mexicano at Jul. 22, 2012 - 12:51AM JST
He is a rich, young lawyers, so he has a strong libido??? Good on him! 7 kids?? Well at least we know he is not one of those sappy typical sexless Japanese husbands! Heck, if I was a young Japanese RICH lawyer...
Elbuda Mexicano at Jul. 22, 2012 - 12:54AM JST
Actually, now I respect him a whole lot more, he is getting his rocks off on the side, happens all the time. My guess, this woman with all of the juicy info must have been set up by those wanting to embarrass Hashimoto san, and also wanting to make a scandal and of course, they want $$$ oops, Japanese YEN???
Noliving at Jul. 22, 2012 - 05:55AM JST
I would start getting tattoo's and start parading them around him if I was a government employee that worked with him.
Farmboy at Jul. 22, 2012 - 08:12AM JST
His sex life doesn't need to be in the papers, whatever you think about him. He evidently worked it out with his wife, so that, at least, is to his credit.
im3ngs at Jul. 22, 2012 - 08:34AM JST
On the bright side, he IS personally addressing the declining birth rate problem.
ojiiu812badboy at Jul. 22, 2012 - 11:19AM JST
The man doesn't like tattoos, but for two years he was really tattooing that bar babe. I don't think this is a set-up. Like I said in a past thread, you can't get away with too many indiscretions in Japan, especially in a Snack. If he wanted a concubine he should have taken her out of the snack, gave her a little studio apt., also made visits as schedule permits and an unplanned visit or two if he's insecure about the relationship. Sleaze-bag 101
SonnyInAz at Jul. 22, 2012 - 06:24PM JST
Hmm.. my friends in Osaka tell me it's actually quite common for politicians in Japan to have mistresses... I'm not approving or anything.. just what I'm hearing...
Open Minded at Jul. 23, 2012 - 08:10AM JST
Frustrated guy with too much power. That's it!
Elbuda Mexicano at Jul. 23, 2012 - 09:20AM JST
Hashimoto is da man! He be my HERO!!
fds at Jul. 23, 2012 - 12:17PM JST
if all politicians had to resign because of dallying with hostesses, there practically would be no government at all. if you included corporate presidents and directors, you'd have no corporations either.
sfjp330 at Jul. 24, 2012 - 06:31AM JST
tmarie Jul. 21, 2012 - 10:08AM JST Um, not if you are a Japanese female who is the "other woman" or the cheater. Women here get raked over the coals for being promiscuous while the men can laugh it off and take a few small hits.
Well, it is sad to admit it, but yes, many Japanese men cheat on their wives. I must say that people fall in love with the country, the politeness and kindness of the people, etc., but when we go deeply and see how the society is, we get very dissapointed. People in Japan are vey materialistic; everything in their life is based on money. Women's goal is to be very pretty, not very smart , and of course to find a very rich man with a good position, who can give her a high -level- style of life. Men work many hours, so that they can support their family...then..they are allowed to do anything they want. The problem is that Japanese men like Hashimoto are so spoiled, childish and inmature. The family is not the most important, the job is. Have you ever heard the expression "family service"? It is the time, men have to spend going out with their family, it is hard, but they have to sacrifice and do it. They are very "tired" working, so they deserve meeting cute girls, mistress, etc. The will never admit cheating, even if you can prove it; or they will never say sorry, because they don't really feel guilty. Thay are so strict to the kids, but too loose to themeselves. And now, Japanese wives are tired pf being cheated...so some are doing the same thing. My advice: never marry Japanese if you want to have a happy life.
illsayit at Jul. 24, 2012 - 08:35AM JST
I would like to see this pave the way for more of a Mrs, or Mr(I guess) role in politicians lives.Which I believe would lead to better politics, and less hanky panky all-round, whether it's men and hostess, or host entertainment, or wives and their sources for just the same thing, which all gets manipulative within. I would also like to see a little more of Mrs Hashimoto, because sometimes Hashimoto's ideals seem to becoming from a female stance.
Fadamor at Jul. 25, 2012 - 01:48AM JST
To be fair, all the article says is "cosplay outfits, including a flight attendant", It didn't really say anything about anime cosplay. Why sully the good name of anime by associating this clown with anime?
Ben Jack at Jul. 25, 2012 - 01:56AM JST
Easy mistake to make. Hashimoto has proven himself to be quite a character.
Aída Posadas at Jul. 25, 2012 - 05:00AM JST
Despicable.
Wolfpack at Jul. 25, 2012 - 09:02AM JST
@sillygirl
Might you have been a cos-playing bar hostess sometime between 2006 and 2008? Sounds like you have some inside information on Hashimoto.
Guza! at Jul. 26, 2012 - 08:55AM JST
Didnt this all happen before it was elected? Stuff happens man especially to some wealthy lawyer lol. Past is the Past, Not much he could do about it now but clean up get elected, hahaha I know id be caught up in some hot japanese hostess whod be willing to fufill fantasies while dressed up in cosplay lol.
Guy Kazama at Jul. 27, 2012 - 10:30AM JST
I remember the Bill Clinton/Monica Lewinski thing. People said, "What's a guy's personal life have to do with what kind of leader he is?" Well, any questions? When you lie to your own family, you will lie to anyone. I wonder if Clinton and Hashimoto ever smoked the same cigars. LOL