KANAGAWA (TR) – Yokohama City announced on Thursday that a third-party committee has confirmed multiple instances of severe power harassment by mayor Takeharu Yamanaka, detailing a toxic administration ruled by threats, misogyny, and verbal abuse, reports Kyodo News (July 30).
The investigative report revealed a hostile work environment where the mayor routinely hurled insults at city workers. Yamanaka was found to have called employees “human trash,” “useless junk,” and referred to female staff with the derogatory term “obasan” (old lady). The committee condemned the remarks as blatant character assassination and misogyny.
In one extreme instance, the mayor told staff they would have to “commit seppuku” (ritual suicide) if they failed to secure a bid for an international conference. He was also cited for explosive outbursts, including yelling and throwing documents at subordinates.
Low awareness of human rights
The committee severely criticized Yamanaka’s weaponization of his personnel authority. By threatening staff with words like “purge” and “transfer,” he psychologically oppressed and controlled his workforce. The report concluded that the mayor possesses a shockingly low awareness of human rights, creating an environment that “threatens the mental safety of employees.”
The climate of fear took a heavy physical and mental toll on city hall. Inexplicable reassignments led to psychological breakdowns, while terrified managers forced unreasonable demands onto their own subordinates to avoid the mayor’s wrath. The report noted multiple cases of employees being forced to take sick leave after developing adjustment disorders.
Survey of employees
The scandal first came to light in January when the city’s former human resources director blew the whistle during a press conference. This prompted a unanimous resolution by the city council to investigate the claims. In March, three lawyers recommended by the Kanagawa Bar Association were appointed to interview the mayor and his staff.
A subsequent survey targeting 746 current and former employees painted a grim picture of the city’s inner workings. Of the 294 who responded, over 60 percent stated they had directly witnessed or heard of acts suspected to be power harassment.
Yamanaka, who was first elected in 2021, is currently serving his second term in office.
