During a period of intense rainfall, a Japanese city mayor was found to be out of the prefecture, sparking public criticism. Critics argue the incident demonstrates a lack of commitment and is indicative of his casual attitudes towards his responsibilities. No specific information has been provided about the mayor’s whereabouts during this time, leading to heightened public scrutiny about his efficacy as a leader.

Reflecting the strong cultural value of responsibility and commitment, Japanese citizens expect their public servants to prioritize their duties above other commitments. The mayor’s absence during such a crucial time is viewed as an abandonment of these duties, leading to criticism and questioning of his leadership. Furthermore, given Japan's frequency of natural disasters, leaders are expected to be at the forefront during emergencies.

Similar issues in the US or EU often result in public outcry and demands for accountability. Mayors are expected to be ever-present during crisis situations, such as Hurricane Katrina in the US where the New Orleans mayor's leadership was scrutinized. In the EU, during the 2019 Venice floods, the response of local leaders also came under public scrutiny.