3rd-Party Probe Confirms Workplace Harassment by Yokohama Mayor

Yokohama, July 30 (Jiji Press)–A third-party investigation by three lawyers has confirmed workplace harassment by the sitting mayor of Yokohama, south of Tokyo, according to their report submitted to the city on Thursday. The report found that Takeharu Yamanaka, 53, yelled at subordinates, called them “morons” and “human scum,” and prohibited them from entering his office. These actions were recognized as serious acts of power harassment. “It is extremely serious that the mayor, who is in an overwhelmingly superior position, has routinely and continuously shown inappropriate behavior,” the report stated. The problem came to light following allegations by the then head of the city’s human resources department in January that he had been subjected to coercive behavior by Yamanaka. The whistleblower also said that the mayor had insulted other city officials as well. In response to the allegations, Yamanaka apologized but insisted that some of the alleged abusive remarks were not directed at anyone. The former university professor was first elected mayor in 2021. He is currently serving his second term. In March, the third-party lawyers began investigating the allegations, including interviewing related individuals. In the investigation report, the lawyers stated that Yamanaka was unaware that his actions were abusive and lacked awareness of human rights. To restore public trust, the lawyers urged the city to establish an ordinance to prevent harassment by senior officials. END [Copyright The Jiji Press, Ltd.]