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Yokohama Mayor Apologizes Amid Harassment Allegations

1/17/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Yokohama Mayor Takeharu Yamanaka apologized after being accused of workplace harassment by human resource chief Jun Kubota and said he would cooperate with any investigation.
Kubota noted Yamanaka initially denied the allegations but later admitted using derogatory terms such as 'idiot' and 'human scum'.
Kubota demanded an apology, called for an investigation, and cited threats of 'seppuku' if an international conference bid failed.

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Story summary

Yokohama Mayor Takeharu Yamanaka apologized after being accused of workplace harassment by human resource chief Jun Kubota and said he would cooperate with any investigation.
Kubota noted Yamanaka initially denied the allegations but later admitted using derogatory terms such as 'idiot' and 'human scum'.
Kubota demanded an apology, called for an investigation, and cited threats of 'seppuku' if an international conference bid failed.