Yokohama Mayor Takeharu Yamanaka has issued an apology following public accusations from a city official regarding offensive remarks towards staff.
Jun Kubota, the city's human resource chief, alleged that Mayor Yamanaka used derogatory terms such as "idiot" and "human scum" when addressing employees. Kubota further claimed that the mayor described officials as "useless," "silly," and "low-spec," and also made comments about colleagues' appearances, likening them to animals.
Additional accusations from Kubota included a threat from Yamanaka, who allegedly stated Kubota would need to "commit seppuku" if an international conference bid was unsuccessful. Kubota publicly demanded an apology from Yamanaka and called for an investigation into the matter.
Initially, Mayor Yamanaka denied the allegations in a statement posted on his personal website. However, he subsequently admitted to making some of the remarks, including using the terms "idiot" and "human scum." He then publicly apologized, stating his reflection on the situation and a commitment to being more careful with his words and behavior.
Yamanaka indicated that the acknowledged comments were made during personnel evaluation discussions. He denied other accusations, specifically those concerning insults about colleagues' appearance.
An investigation into the allegations is being considered under the supervision of the deputy mayor, with Mayor Yamanaka pledging his cooperation. Kubota, however, expressed dissatisfaction with Yamanaka's partial admission and apology, insisting that the mayor had made other unacknowledged comments and stating, "I cannot accept that as an apology. I want him to change."