On April 1st, Governor Kawakatsu of Shizuoka Prefecture gave a lecture to new employees, saying, ``Unlike your job where you sell vegetables or take care of cows every day, you all have a high level of intelligence.'' The prefecture has received a series of criticisms and complaints over the phone and by email, alleging that this could be interpreted as occupational discrimination.
On the afternoon of the 1st, Governor Kawakatsu of Shizuoka Prefecture gave instructions to 75 new employees who were hired by the prefecture this spring and assigned to the central government office, saying, ``The prefectural office is, in other words, a think tank. "Unlike those who work in the mountains or take care of cows, you are basically highly intelligent people," he said.
This remark is causing a stir as it could be interpreted as a discriminatory remark.
According to the prefecture's public relations department, as of 2 p.m. on the 2nd, it had received 189 opinions about the remark by phone and email, with comments such as ``This comment is unacceptable,'' and ``This is making fun of agriculture.'' Criticisms and complaints such as "Isn't it?" are all negative opinions.
Governor Kawakatsu has repeatedly made inappropriate comments, such as saying three years ago that ``Koshihikari is the only specialty produced in Gotemba City, Shizuoka Prefecture,'' and after a no-confidence motion was rejected at the prefectural assembly in July last year. If there is any inappropriate behavior in the future, I will resign."