Third-party probe confirms workplace harassment by Yokohama Mayor Takeharu Yamanaka

A third party investigation report released Thursday by the city government found that Yokohama Mayor Takeharu Yamanaka abused his authority to bully and verbally assault subordinates on multiple occasions. The report concluded that this behavior constituted a serious abuse of power that caused mental distress, worsened the workplace environment, and undermined dignity.

The probe determined that Yamanaka yelled at staff and used derogatory language, calling employees "useless," "morons," "human scum," and an "old lady." The investigation characterized these remarks as personal denigration and misogyny. In one instance, the mayor told a senior city official to "disembowel" himself if he failed to secure a bid for an international conference. Yamanaka also threatened that staff members would be "sidelined" or "purged" regarding personnel matters to psychologically pressure and control them.

The investigation was conducted by three lawyers recommended by the Kanagawa Bar Association following public accusations made in January by a former head of the human resources department. A survey of 746 people, including former employees, found that more than 60 percent of the 294 respondents had witnessed or heard about suspected abuse of authority. The report also noted multiple cases of city employees taking sick leave for adjustment disorders and other mental distress.

Yamanaka is 53 years old. He first became mayor in 2021 and was reelected for a second term last August.