The mayor of Yokohama has apologised for insulting colleagues after an official publicly accused him of constructing offensive remarks.
At a information convention, town’s human useful resource chief, Jun Kubota, alleged that Mayor Takeharu Yamanaka had used phrases resembling “fool” and “human scum” to disparage employees.
It’s extremely uncommon in Japan for a serving metropolis official to brazenly accuse a sitting mayor and demand an apology.
Yamanaka initially denied the allegations, however later admitted to a few of them. “I need to frankly apologise for putting a psychological burden on the personnel director,” he mentioned.
At a information convention on Thursday, Kubota accused Mayor Yamanaka of repeatedly making remarks in direction of officers – together with himself – that might quantity to office harassment.
The mayor was accused of calling officers “ineffective”, “foolish” and “low-spec”, in addition to making feedback about colleagues’ look and likening them to animals.
He’s additionally accused of threatening Kubota, saying he must “commit seppuku” – a Japanese ritual suicide by disembowelment – if he didn’t safe a world convention bid.
Kubota demanded an apology from Yamanaka and known as for an investigation.
Yamanaka initially revealed a press release on his private web site, denying the allegations.
However on Friday, he publicly acknowledged some remarks – resembling utilizing phrases like “fool” and “human scum” – and apologised.
“I’m reflecting on this. I might be extra cautious with my phrases and behavior,” Yamanaka mentioned.
He mentioned these feedback have been made throughout discussions over personnel evaluations.
Nevertheless, the mayor denied different accusations, together with insulting colleagues’ look.
Yamanaka mentioned an investigation was being thought of below the supervision of the deputy mayor, including that he would co-operate “sincerely” if an investigation takes place.
In response, Kubota insisted Yamanaka had made the feedback he has not admitted to, saying: “The mayor would not perceive something. I can’t settle for that as an apology. I would like him to alter.”