A case of "reverse power harassment," in which a subordinate repeatedly verbally abused a superior, has drawn attention in Japan after resulting in disciplinary action.
According to Japanese media outlets including FNN on Tuesday (local time), the city of Suita in Osaka Prefecture imposed a three-month pay cut (one-tenth of monthly salary) on a 47-year-old employee in its Citizens Affairs Division for habitually harassing a direct superior.
The employee repeatedly publicly reprimanded the superior, who had been in the position for just over six months since taking office around September 2024, saying, "I have more work-related knowledge and experience." The shouting reportedly spread across the entire office, disrupting colleagues' ability to handle complaint calls.
Experts point out that such harassment of superiors by subordinates is not a rare occurrence. Kaname Murasaki, representative of the Japan Harassment Association, said, "There is a widespread perception that power harassment only flows from top to bottom, but reverse cases are not uncommon," adding, "The problem is the mistaken notion that it is acceptable to be somewhat sharp with one's superior."
He added, "In many cases, neither the perpetrators themselves nor those around them recognize such behavior as harassment, which causes the damage to grow."
Japan's current Power Harassment Prevention Act defines workplace harassment as conduct that, based on a superior relationship, exceeds the scope necessary for work and harms the working environment through words or actions. The superior relationship here is not limited to rank. It also includes specialized knowledge or experience, as well as collective pressure. This means that even a new employee can become a perpetrator if they pressure a superior based on specialized skills.
Murasaki said, "Even legitimate criticism becomes harassment if the manner and degree of expression go beyond an appropriate level," advising, "One must be mindful of how they speak and know how to leave the choice to the other party. Treating the other person as a valued customer also helps."
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