# Yokohama Mayor to resign over power harassment findings > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/workplace-harassment-in-japanese-local-government > Updated: 2026-08-31T02:23:31.000Z. Sources: 13. Developments: 5. Following an external investigation that confirmed “extremely serious” power harassment, Yokohama Mayor Takeharu Yamanaka has announced his intention to resign. The 100-page report, released in late July, detailed verbal abuse involving derogatory terms such as “scum” and “useless,” alongside intimidating physical gestures and threats of “seppuku” related to the hosting of international conferences. The investigation also found that Yamanaka used his personnel authority to psychologically dominate and pressure employees. While Mayor Yamanaka initially expressed a desire to remain in office to “correct the problems with my own hands,” he faced mounting political pressure. Major factions, including the Liberal Democratic Party, Komeito, and the Constitutional Democratic Party, formally requested his resignation, citing his inability to gain the trust of citizens and the resulting stagnation in municipal administration. The Japan Innovation Party also prepared a motion of no confidence. Yamanaka submitted his resignation letter to the City Council chairperson on August 28, with approval expected in early September. The Election Administration Committee has announced that the official announcement for the mayoral election will occur on October 4, with voting scheduled for October 18. As of now, Yamanaka has not indicated whether he intends to run for re-election. Kanagawa Governor Kuroiwa expressed shock regarding the resignation, noting its potential impact on regional cooperation and upcoming events such as the Green EXPO. ## Claims - Yamanaka announced his intention to resign during a meeting with his supporters on August 28. (corroborated by 5 sources) - A third-party investigation concluded that Mayor Yamanaka engaged in serious power harassment. (corroborated by 4 sources) - Major political groups including the LDP, Komeito, and CDP demanded his resignation. (corroborated by 3 sources) - The Japan Innovation Party decided to submit a no-confidence motion. (corroborated by 2 sources) - A mayoral election must be held within 50 days if the resignation is finalized. (corroborated by 2 sources) ## Timeline ### 2026-08-31: Yokohama Mayor Takeharu Yamanaka to resign over power harassment Yokohama Mayor Takeharu Yamanaka will resign following power harassment findings. A mayoral election is scheduled for October 18, with the official announcement set for October 4. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/yokohama-mayor-takeharu-yamanaka-to-resign-over-power-harassment-1 ### 2026-08-27: Yokohama Mayor Takeharu Yamanaka to resign over power harassment findings Yokohama Mayor Takeharu Yamanaka intends to resign after a third-party probe confirmed serious power harassment, including verbal abuse and misuse of personnel authority against city employees. 8 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/yokohama-mayor-takeharu-yamanaka-to-resign-over-power-harassment ### 2026-08-16: Yokohama Mayor faces resignation calls over power harassment findings Yokohama Mayor Takeharu Yamanaka faces calls for resignation after a third-party committee confirmed serious power harassment involving intimidation and misuse of personnel authority. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/yokohama-mayor-faces-resignation-calls-over-power-harassment-findings ### 2026-08-13: Yokohama Mayor Yamanaka apologizes to council following power harassment findings Yokohama Mayor Takeharu Yamanaka apologized to the City Council after a third-party probe confirmed power harassment, including verbal abuse. He intends to stay in office despite calls for resignation. 6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/yokohama-mayor-yamanaka-apologizes-to-council-following-power-harassment-findings ### 2026-07-28: Japanese city officials face workplace harassment accusations in Maibara and Yokohama Surveys show 11.3% of Maibara City staff faced harassment, while an external probe found Yokohama Mayor Yamanaka Takeharu guilty of serious power‑harassment. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/japanese-city-officials-face-workplace-harassment-accusations-in-maibara-and-yokohama --- Cite as: Yokohama Mayor to resign over power harassment findings. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/workplace-harassment-in-japanese-local-government