- A Yokohama city official publicly accused Mayor Yamanaka of abusive language and harassment, including threats of “seppuku.”
- The official, Kubota Atsushi, detailed instances of the mayor yelling, insulting colleagues, and making disparaging remarks.
- Mayor Yamanaka has denied making the alleged comments, expressing regret over the published accusations and calling for an impartial investigation.

A: Hey! Did you hear about what’s happening in Yokohama? It’s kind of crazy!
B: No! What happened? Tell me!

A: So, a high-ranking city worker, Kubota-san, is accusing the mayor, Yamanaka-san, of being really rude.
B: Really? Like, how rude?

A: Apparently, he yelled at him and banged on his desk last year.
B: Wow! That's not good!

A: And get this - he even threatened him with… like, a traditional suicide thing? *Seppuku*?
B: Seriously?! That’s intense!

A: Yeah! He also apparently said mean things about other city workers and even assembly members.
B: That’s pretty bad. Why would he do that?

A: Kubota-san says he hoped the mayor would be better after getting re-elected, but it got worse.
B: So, he’s speaking out now?

A: Exactly! He wants a proper investigation to happen.
B: Hmm. The mayor says he didn't know he was saying these things.

A: He's denying it all, saying he's “extremely regrettable” it was published.
B: I guess we'll have to see what happens then! It’s a big deal, right?