Japan's National Police Agency has reprimanded the chief of the Kyoto prefectural police for power harassment and notified him that he will be removed from the post. The chief reportedly told people at work that he would kill them.

The agency issued the reprimand and notice of reassignment for Kyoto police chief Shirai Toshiaki on Thursday.

Shirai reportedly told a subordinate in August, "I will kill you," while he was being briefed by that person.

On a separate occasion when he was being briefed by another subordinate, Shirai reportedly said, "Tell the person in charge that I'm going to kill them."

The National Police Agency said it determined that Shirai's remarks in both cases amounted to power harassment.

The agency said it admonished Shirai for worsening the work environment and causing a loss of trust in the police.

It also notified Shirai that he will be transferred to the National Police Agency Commissioner-General's Secretariat as of October 14.

Speaking before the Kyoto prefectural assembly on Thursday, Shirai said it was true that he made inappropriate remarks and he is very sorry.