Japanese petroleum wholesaler Eneos Holdings has revealed that sexual harassment was the reason for the abrupt resignation last month of its then Chairman Sugimori Tsutomu.

The company says Sugimori engaged in sexually inappropriate behavior with a woman tending to customers at an eatery in Naha City, Okinawa Prefecture, in July.

The woman's lawyer notified the company. Sugimori admitted to the allegation in an in-house investigation.

After the company's President Saito Takeshi demanded that Sugimori step down as chairman, he reportedly tendered a letter of resignation.

Sugimori abruptly resigned on August 12, citing personal reasons. Eneos declined to provide details at the time.

The company said on Wednesday that it had prioritized the woman's privacy. It added that it does not plan to hold a news conference on the matter.

Eneos has expressed regret that the former chairman violated the company's management priorities of respect for human rights and compliance.