Osaka Prefecture Special Advisor Resigns Over Power Harassment Discipline
Keiji Okamoto, a 68-year-old special advisor to the Osaka Prefectural Government, has resigned just days after his appointment following revelations of disciplinary action for power harassment. Okamoto, formerly a director at the Osaka City Bureau, was subjected to a one-tenth pay cut for six months on March 30 due to 26 confirmed incidents of harassment against subordinates since 2024. These incidents included derogatory remarks such as telling staff they lacked ability and ordering the removal of personnel. Controversy arose because Okamoto retired from the city government before the penalty could be financially enforced, allowing him to initially assume the prefectural role without suffering the pay reduction. Facing public scrutiny and criticism regarding this loophole, Okamoto requested resignation on April 14, stating he did not wish to cause trouble for the prefecture. He officially retired on April 16 without reporting for duty or receiving compensation. The case highlights ongoing issues with workplace harassment in Japanese local governments and the administrative challenges of enforcing disciplinary measures across different municipal and prefectural jurisdictions.
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Osaka Prefecture Special Advisor Resigns Over Power Harassment Discipline
Keiji Okamoto, a 68-year-old special advisor to the Osaka Prefectural Government, has resigned just days after his appointment following revelations of disciplinary action for power harassment. Okamoto, formerly a director at the Osaka City Bureau, was subjected to a one-tenth pay cut for six months on March 30 due to 26 confirmed incidents of harassment against subordinates since 2024. These incidents included derogatory remarks such as telling staff they lacked ability and ordering the removal of personnel. Controversy arose because Okamoto retired from the city government before the penalty could be financially enforced, allowing him to initially assume the prefectural role without suffering the pay reduction. Facing public scrutiny and criticism regarding this loophole, Okamoto requested resignation on April 14, stating he did not wish to cause trouble for the prefecture. He officially retired on April 16 without reporting for duty or receiving compensation. The case highlights ongoing issues with workplace harassment in Japanese local governments and the administrative challenges of enforcing disciplinary measures across different municipal and prefectural jurisdictions.
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