NIIGATA (TR) – The Niigata Prefectural Government announced on April 1 that a female manager working in the Tourism, Culture, and Sports Department has been reprimanded for sexual harassment.
During the incident, the manager, aged in her 50s, was dressed as the character Myaku-myaku, the official mascot of the Osaka-Kansai Expo while she sexually harassed a subordinate at a social gathering last year, reports TeNY Niigata (Apr. 1).
The gathering was held last July as a way to beat the summer heat. Approximately 30 people from various departments within the Tourism, Culture, and Sports Department attended.
The sexual harassment by the female manager occurred during the entertainment portion of the gathering. At that time, manager was wearing a red and blue Myaku-myaku costume.
After she had the male subordinate wear a costume with bells and strings, she then urged several other staff members to “worship” his crotch.
Some staff members were reluctant, but they complied when urged, according to the network.
On March 31, the female manager received a reprimand. As well, the head of the Tourism and Sports Department, who was also present at the gathering, received a stern warning.
The prefecture plans to strengthen harassment prevention training and other measures in the future.
