\n<\/p>\n
The mayor of Yokohama has apologised for insulting colleagues after an official publicly accused him of making offensive remarks.<\/p>\n
At a news conference, the Japanese city’s human resource chief, Jun Kubota, alleged that Mayor Takeharu Yamanaka had used terms such as “idiot” and “human scum” to disparage staff.<\/p>\n
It is highly unusual in Japan for a serving city official to openly accuse a sitting mayor and demand an apology.<\/p>\n
Yamanaka initially denied the allegations, but later admitted to some of them. “I want to frankly apologise for placing a psychological burden on the personnel director,” he said.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
At a news conference on Thursday, Kubota accused Mayor Yamanaka of repeatedly making remarks towards officials – including himself – that could amount to workplace harassment.<\/p>\n
The mayor was accused of calling officials “useless”, “silly” and “low-spec”, as well as making comments about colleagues’ appearance and likening them to animals.<\/p>\n
He is also accused of threatening Kubota, saying he would have to “commit seppuku” – a Japanese ritual suicide by disembowelment – if he failed to secure an international conference bid.<\/p>\n
Kubota demanded an apology from Yamanaka and called for an investigation.<\/p>\n
Yamanaka initially published a statement on his personal website, denying the allegations.<\/p>\n
But on Friday, he publicly acknowledged some remarks – such as using words like “idiot” and “human scum” – and apologised.<\/p>\n
“I am reflecting on this. I will be more careful with my words and behaviour,” Yamanaka said.<\/p>\n
He said those comments were made during discussions over personnel evaluations.<\/p>\n
However, the mayor denied other accusations, including insulting colleagues’ appearance.<\/p>\n
Yamanaka said an investigation was being considered under the supervision of the deputy mayor, adding that he would co-operate “sincerely” if an investigation takes place.<\/p>\n
In response, Kubota insisted Yamanaka had made the comments he has not admitted to, saying: “The mayor doesn’t understand anything. I cannot accept that as an apology. I want him to change.”<\/p>\n<\/div>\n