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Yokohama Mayor Faces Abuse Allegations, Investigation Urged

1/15/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Yokohama Mayor Takeharu Yamanaka faces serious allegations of abusive behavior toward city officials, with Atsushi Kubota, head of the human resources department (HR), urging an investigation.
Kubota says Yamanaka sent late-night work messages, yelled at him, and made derogatory remarks about other officials.
Kubota alleges Yamanaka also urged Kubota to commit 'seppuku' if he failed to secure an international conference.
The accusations were first reported by Shukan Bunshun magazine.

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Story summary

Yokohama Mayor Takeharu Yamanaka faces serious allegations of abusive behavior toward city officials, with Atsushi Kubota, head of the human resources department (HR), urging an investigation.
Kubota says Yamanaka sent late-night work messages, yelled at him, and made derogatory remarks about other officials.
Kubota alleges Yamanaka also urged Kubota to commit 'seppuku' if he failed to secure an international conference.
The accusations were first reported by Shukan Bunshun magazine.