Yokohama mayor found to have bullied staff and misused authority

A city-ordered inquiry has determined that Yokohama Mayor Takeharu Yamanaka abused his position to intimidate and verbally harass staff members. Conducted by three attorneys recommended by the Kanagawa Bar Association, the study gathered testimony from current and former employees, as well as the mayor himself. Findings detail threats to marginalize staff, explicit insults such as calling workers "useless" or "human scum," and a dramatic warning to a senior official to "disembowel" him if a bid was lost.

The mayor’s actions were described as a serious misuse of power that damaged workplace dignity and caused mental distress, reflected in numerous sick-leave claims for adjustment disorders. Over 60 percent of surveyed respondents reported witnessing or hearing about such abusive behavior. Yamanaka, who has served as mayor since 2021 and was re-elected last August, faces growing scrutiny over the findings.