- 14 Mar 2002
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The Governor of Shizuoka Prefecture, Heita Kawakatsu, known for his stern resistance to the new Maglev train, has announced his intention to resign following a controversial gaffe. During a 20-minute address to new employees yesterday, he stated that the civil servants being inducted into the prefectural government were intelligent people, unlike "those who work in professions such as selling vegetables, taking care of cows, or creating things" (野菜を売ったり、牛を世話したりとは違う).
Governor of Shizuoka Prefecture, Kawakatsu Heita
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Governor of Shizuoka Prefecture, Kawakatsu Heita
Shizuoka governor to resign after gaffe insulting vegetable sellers
The governor of Shizuoka Prefecture said Tuesday he will resign amid backlash over a gaffe saying civil servants being inducted into the prefectural government were intelligent people, "unlike those who sell vegetables."
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Japan maglev back in spotlight as critic leaves governor's office
Departure by gaffe-prone Heita Kawakatsu could open door to progress
Chuo Shinkansen project stalled over environmental impact
Japan's maglev project, supposed to be a milestone in passenger transport by connecting Tokyo and Nagoya in just 40 minutes, has faced several backlashes. Construction on the approximately 300-kilometre-long stretch, 90 per cent of which are tunnels, is progressing only slowly while costs...