Japan's Air Self-Defense Force has suspended a lieutenant general for power harassment of his subordinates.

The ASDF says the three-star general in his 50s had repeatedly lectured a number of subordinates since August last year without giving clear explanations. The sessions sometimes lasted for three hours and are said to have caused mental distress and deteriorated the work environment.

The ASDF says the lieutenant general's actions constituted power harassment, and suspended him for four days from Thursday.

This is the first disciplinary action for an ASDF lieutenant general, the highest rank below general.

The lieutenant general reportedly said he thought it was reasonable to instruct his subordinates without being specific.

ASDF Chief of Staff General Uchikura Hiroaki told a news conference on Thursday that a lieutenant general should serve as a role model and this kind of behavior is unacceptable.

Uchikura said he takes the matter seriously and will continue working to create an environment that does not tolerate harassment.

Defense Ministry sources say the disciplined officer is the head of the Air Material Command Headquarters, which is in charge of procurement and supplying equipment for the ASDF.