An Akita prefectural official assigned to corporate recruitment appeared in sleepwear and smoked a cigarette during an online press briefing, according to 河北新報オンライン. The incident took place during a remote interview session with multiple media outlets.
The official, who holds the title of corporate recruitment promotion director, was responding to questions about a planned large-scale data center in Akita City when the lapse occurred. The head of the prefectural industry and labor department has since apologized, stating that such conduct is unacceptable for a prefectural employee, as reported by Akita Television via Yahoo! News.
Local broadcaster AAB Akita Asahi Broadcasting also covered the episode, noting that the prefecture acknowledged problems with how the press conference was handled. The official appeared in a bathrobe-style garment during the online meeting, which drew criticism after the session.
The briefing itself concerned a proposal to build one of Japan's largest data centers in Akita City, a project that has drawn interest from the United Arab Emirates. According to the Akita Sakigake Shimpō, a UAE embassy representative said the country is exploring economic diversification but did not disclose specific investment figures. NHK News separately confirmed the plan for the major facility.
The prefecture has not announced whether disciplinary action will be taken against the official, according to the reports reviewed. The apology from the department head came quickly after the incident became public, but further steps remain unclear.
What to watch next: whether the prefecture introduces formal guidelines for remote press appearances following this embarrassment.
