Fukuoka city worker with ‘loud voice’ punished for alleged ‘power harassment’
Fukuoka, March 25, 2024 – A high-ranking official in the Fukuoka Municipal Government has been disciplined with a six-month salary reduction following multiple complaints of workplace harassment. The 56-year-old Environment Bureau chief received a 10% pay cut after investigators confirmed allegations of intimidating behavior toward subordinates, including aggressive glaring, desk-slamming, and verbal abuse during meetings.
According to the city’s human resources division, the official had repeatedly engaged in harassing conduct since assuming his position in April 2022. Employees reported being subjected to prolonged stares when struggling to present their points, along with loud reprimands delivered in the local Hakata dialect. In one documented incident from September 2024, the chief reportedly banged his desk with a pen while shouting at a subordinate in front of colleagues.
Despite receiving eight corrective coaching sessions from supervisors between 2023 and 2024, the official showed no improvement in his behavior. Four separate anonymous complaints were filed during this period, with at least one subordinate reportedly developing mental health issues due to the stressful work environment.
When questioned about the allegations, the official acknowledged his behavior but defended it as unintentional, stating, “I have a loud voice and speak in the Hakata dialect, so it may have come off as harsh.”
This case forms part of Fukuoka’s broader crackdown on workplace misconduct. In a separate incident last September, another department head from the Agriculture Bureau received a six-month suspension after confining a female subordinate in a room while making inappropriate comments, including saying “I love you” during a reprimand.
Labor experts note these disciplinary actions reflect Japan’s gradual shift toward addressing non-physical forms of workplace harassment. While such behavior was often tolerated in the past, recent legal changes and social awareness campaigns have led to stricter enforcement of professional conduct standards.
The disciplined Environment Bureau chief will remain in his position but will be closely monitored for any recurring violations. City officials emphasize their commitment to maintaining respectful work environments, with additional anti-harassment training programs scheduled for all managerial staff this fiscal year.
Sources: Fukuoka Municipal Government Human Resources Division, Workplace Conduct Review Committee 2024 Report
