KUSATSU, Gunma Prefecture--An assemblywoman here who accused the town mayor of sexual assault lost her seat after more than 90 percent of voters called for her dismissal in a Dec. 6 recall election.

Mayor Nobutada Kuroiwa, who has denied the allegations, filed a lawsuit seeking compensation for defamation of character against Shoko Arai and two others. Oral arguments were heard at Maebashi ...