Yokohama Mayor Apologizes for Calling Staff Human Scum

Yokohama Mayor Takeharu Yamanaka apologized on Friday after a top city official accused him of repeated verbal abuse toward staff. The 53-year-old leader admitted to calling employees 'idiot' and 'human scum' during heated moments at city hall. The accusations came to light this week in Japan's second-largest city, raising questions about leadership in local government.

Background

Takeharu Yamanaka has led Yokohama since winning the mayoral election in 2021. He took 33.59% of the vote, or 506,392 ballots, to beat his main rival from the Liberal Democratic Party. Born in 1972 in Saitama Prefecture, Yamanaka built a career in medicine and academia before entering politics. He studied political science and economics at Waseda University, then switched to mathematics and earned a master's degree in scientific engineering from the same school.

Early in his professional life, Yamanaka worked as an assistant instructor at Kyushu University Medical School Affiliated Hospital. He later became a professor at Yokohama City University's Faculty of Medicine. By 2018, he held roles like deputy dean and assistant to the dean's office. In 2020, he directed the Data Science Research Department at the university's graduate school. He also served on national panels, including as an expert for the Pharmaceutical and Medical Device Comprehensive Organization and a task evaluation member for the Japan Medical Research and Development Organization.

Yamanaka entered politics with support from the Constitutional Democratic Party of Kanagawa Prefecture. His background in data science and medicine appealed to voters seeking fresh ideas for Yokohama, a port city of 3.7 million people south of Tokyo. He won re-election in 2025, continuing his independent stance without formal party ties. City hall under his watch has pushed projects like international conferences and health initiatives, but tensions with staff have simmered for years.

The trouble started partway through his first term, according to accusers. Reports of harsh language surfaced in weekly magazines, but stayed quiet until this week. Yokohama's government employs thousands, handling everything from schools to disaster prep. Power dynamics in Japanese workplaces often favor bosses, making complaints rare. This case broke that pattern.

Key Details

Atsushi Kubota, 49, the head of Yokohama's human resources department, held a news conference on Thursday to air the claims. Kubota named Yamanaka directly, a bold step for a city bureaucrat. He described a pattern of what Japan calls 'power harassment'–when a boss uses authority to bully underlings.

Kubota said Yamanaka sent work messages to his personal phone late at night and on holidays. In one incident, the mayor yelled at him and threw papers across the room. Kubota recounted a shocking order: Yamanaka allegedly told him to commit seppuku–ritual suicide by disembowelment–if he failed to bring an international conference to Yokohama.

Specific Incidents

The mayor made derogatory comments about other officials too. He called the city assembly speaker 'fat,' told the deputy mayor to 'die,' and labeled staff 'human scum.' These details first appeared in Shukan Bunshun magazine's online edition on Sunday. Kubota demanded an official probe into the mayor's behavior toward city officials and assembly members.

Yamanaka responded the next day. In his own statement, he owned up to using strong words like 'idiot' and 'human scum' in frustration. He said these outbursts happened amid heavy workloads and policy fights. The mayor stressed he never meant physical harm and apologized to those affected.

"I admit I used terms like 'idiot' and 'human scum' toward staff. I deeply regret my words and apologize to everyone involved." – Takeharu Yamanaka, Yokohama Mayor

Kubota's move stands out because senior officials rarely go public by name against elected leaders. In Japan, such disputes often stay internal to save face. City hall sources say staff morale has suffered, with some fearing reprisals. Yamanaka's office has not detailed any internal reviews yet.

What This Means

The scandal spotlights power harassment in Japan's public sector. These cases erode trust between leaders and workers, slowing city operations. Yokohama faces big tasks like earthquake readiness and economic growth. If staff feel unsafe speaking up, problems could pile up unchecked.

Public reaction splits along lines. Some back Yamanaka for his reforms and re-election win. Others see the allegations as proof of unfit leadership. Assembly members have fielded complaints too, hinting at wider issues. An investigation could lead to formal reprimands or calls to resign, though Yamanaka shows no sign of stepping down.

Labor experts note power harassment claims rose across Japan post-pandemic, with stricter laws since 2020. Yokohama's case may push other cities to review boss-employee ties. For now, Kubota remains in his post, and the mayor continues daily duties. Talks of third-party probes circulate, but no firm plans exist.

Residents watch closely. Yokohama prides itself on innovation, from its harbor to tech hubs. A mayor's harsh words risk overshadowing that image. Staff interviews suggest ongoing strain, with some quietly job-hunting. The episode tests how Japan handles accountability in elected roles.

Yamanaka's apology aims to calm waters, but fallout lingers. City council sessions next week may address it. Until resolved, the story shapes views of Yokohama's government.