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Yokohama Mayor Yamanaka Resigns After Verbal Abuse Scandal

9/4/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Yokohama mayor Takeharu Yamanaka resigned after a scandal over verbal abuse of city staff.
He reportedly called employees “human trash” during the controversy.
He told a senior official to “commit seppuku” if Yokohama lost an international conference bid.
An investigation found he repeatedly verbally abused and humiliated subordinates.
Political-science professor Hiromi Murakami said voters are less tolerant of such behavior.

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Story summary

Yokohama mayor Takeharu Yamanaka resigned after a scandal over verbal abuse of city staff.
He reportedly called employees “human trash” during the controversy.
He told a senior official to “commit seppuku” if Yokohama lost an international conference bid.
An investigation found he repeatedly verbally abused and humiliated subordinates.
Political-science professor Hiromi Murakami said voters are less tolerant of such behavior.