Mayor to Cut Own Salary by 20% After Harassment Findings

FUKUOKA, Apr 25 (News On Japan) - In response to a third-party committee confirming five cases of power harassment involving senior officials in Ōnojo, including the deputy mayor, the city government held a press conference on April 24th.

Mayor Soji Imoto stated, "We take this extremely seriously, and we aim to implement the recommendations one by one."

Now serving his fifth term, Imoto expressed a sincere stance in acknowledging the findings, announcing he will voluntarily reduce his own salary by 20% until the end of his term.

The deputy mayor, who was found to have committed three of the confirmed harassment cases—including berating staff loudly while banging on a desk—will resign effective April 30th. A department head involved has already resigned upon request.

As part of its prevention measures, the city plans to introduce new regulations aimed at eradicating workplace harassment. In light of growing distrust among staff, who fear their concerns may leak from existing consultation channels, a new independent office separate from the personnel division will be established to handle complaints.

Source: KBC

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