Japan Cabinet Secretary’s Aide Admits Hotel Misconduct, June 13

Cabinet Secretary Kihara Tsukasa confirmed on June 12 that his aide Shigeki Mogi invited a woman to his hotel room five times during work trips to Osaka last year. Mogi booked rooms for one person but brought a guest on two occasions, staying until morning. He initially did not pay the extra charges but settled one bill after media questions. The incident raises concerns about government conduct and whether sensitive information was shared.

What Happened During the Osaka Trips

Mogi, now the Cabinet Secretary’s chief aide, worked at the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry when he made five trips to Osaka between May and September 2025 for Osaka-Kansai Expo work. He invited a woman to his hotel room on all five occasions. On two dates—May 2, May 21, June 22, June 27, and September 11—he brought the woman to his room, with two visits lasting until the next morning.

Mogi booked hotel rooms for one person only. On September 11, 2025, he did not pay the extra charge for the second guest at the time. After media outlets reported the misconduct, Mogi confirmed the extra fee was required and paid it in May 2026 using his own money.

Government Response and Ongoing Investigation

Kihara told parliament on June 12 that all hotel bills were now settled correctly. However, he declined to say whether Mogi would face discipline, stating only that the government would “confirm information and judge whether personnel action is necessary.” Lawmakers from the Democratic Reform Alliance pressed Kihara on whether government secrets were shared with the woman, but Kihara said the Ministry of Economy was still investigating.

Lawmakers noted that under Japan’s Inns and Hotels Law, falsely stating the number of guests can violate regulations. One lawmaker criticized the government for initially withholding details and called the response “evasive” until pressed repeatedly.

Mogi’s Role and Political Ties

Mogi served as a senior official under Prime Minister Takayama Sakie when she was deputy minister. After Takayama became prime minister in 2026, Mogi was appointed as Cabinet Secretary Kihara’s chief aide. He is considered close to the prime minister and was initially considered for a position as the prime minister’s secretary but was placed with Kihara instead.

The scandal emerged after the monthly magazine Bungeishunju reported the allegations in early June 2026. Mogi acknowledged the conduct to ministry investigators and said he believed at the time that no extra charge was needed for the second guest.

Final Thoughts

Japan’s government faces scrutiny over conduct standards after confirming a top aide misused hotel bookings during work trips. The investigation into potential information leaks remains open, and no disciplinary decision has been announced.

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