Yokohama Mayor Cries at Council Hearing Over Bullying Case
Listen to the story
The mayor of Yokohama, Takeharu Yamanaka, was found guilty of power harassment toward city staff. Power harassment means using a position of authority to mistreat employees.
On August 13, the mayor publicly apologized for his behavior. The following day, he appeared before the city council's General Affairs Committee to explain the situation. The hearing was live-streamed so the public could watch it.
During the hearing, council members questioned the mayor closely about the harassment case. At one point, Mayor Yamanaka cried in front of the committee.
The mayor also said he intends to cut his own salary as a way of taking responsibility for the problem.
The Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), the largest group in the Yokohama city council, is expected to demand that the mayor resign from his position. This makes the mayor's future difficult, since the LDP holds the most seats in the council.
At the same time, there is talk of a possible new election for mayor, and some reports suggest Yamanaka might run again in that election if he does step down.
The case has drawn public attention in Japan, raising questions about workplace behavior among senior officials and how local governments should respond to harassment claims.
Vocabulary7 words
- power harassment
- using authority to treat workers badly
- hearing
- an official meeting to ask questions
- live-streamed
- shown on the internet as it happens
- salary
- money paid for doing a job
- Liberal Democratic Party
- a large political party in Japan
- resign
- to officially leave a position
- election
- a public vote to choose a leader
Quiz
Answer key
1. Power harassment 2. Cut it 3. The LDP, the largest group in the city council
Fill-in-the-blank listening
Play the audio again and fill in the missing words as you listen.
The mayor of Yokohama, Takeharu Yamanaka, was found guilty of _____ toward city staff.
On August 13, the mayor publicly _____ for his behavior. The following day, he appeared before the city council's General Affairs Committee to explain the situation.
During the hearing, council members questioned the mayor closely, and at one point he _____ in front of the committee.
The mayor also said he intends to cut his own _____ as a way of taking responsibility.
The _____, the largest group in the city council, is expected to demand that the mayor _____ from his position.
There is also talk of a possible new _____ for mayor.
Discussion questions
- Why do you think the mayor cried during the council hearing?
- Do you think cutting his salary is enough to take responsibility? Why or why not?
- How should local governments handle harassment claims against senior officials?
- What might happen if the mayor is forced to resign?