KOBE (Kyodo) -- Hyogo Gov. Motohiko Saito on Wednesday denied growing accusations that he violated the election law by involving a public relations agency to run his social media campaign in the gubernatorial race that saw him reelected despite losing his job over abuse of power allegations.

Saito reclaimed his position as governor of the western Japan prefecture in the Nov. 17 election but has come under renewed scrutiny following the firm's disclosure in a blog post on Nov. 20 that it was in charge of public relations operations for Saito's campaign in general.

The blog post, written by the head of Hyogo-based PR company Merchu Inc., fueled speculation on social media that if Saito had paid the company, it could constitute vote-buying prohibited under Japanese law.

In a press conference held at the prefectural government building on Wednesday, Saito also said he was unaware of the contents of the blog post.

"I have not even checked it," he said.

On Monday, Saito said his campaign had paid the PR firm 700,000 yen ($4,600) to produce posters along with other activities permitted under the Public Offices Election Act. He said it was his camp that ultimately decided on its social media strategy and that the PR company head had only taken part as a volunteer.

Merchu's blog post said it carried out a photo shoot for Saito, proposed a slogan, made a presentation outlining his electoral pledges, and also operated a social media account that backed Saito. The company has declined to comment.

Saito emerged as the surprise winner in the gubernatorial race, held after he accepted the automatic loss of his position following the prefectural assembly's unanimous adoption of a no-confidence motion against him over abuse of power.

Saito received much support on social media, with posts criticizing the prefectural assembly and the mainstream media for their handling of the allegations against Saito, political analysts said.