Hidden Violence in the Workplace – A Case That Reveals a Silenced Reality

A disturbing video circulating on social media in Japan reveals what appears to be the brutal abuse of an employee by a man identified as the “president” or likely the owner of a construction company named “Hanai-gumi” (建設会社 花井組), located in Nishi-ku, Sapporo. The victim, a young employee, reported the incident to the police after some time and shared his account of the events.

According to the victim, the confrontation began after he disagreed with a task — specifically, he voiced mild objections to cleaning a koi pond inside the company office. This, he explained, triggered an outburst of violence from the company president. The employee stated that he was struck approximately 20 times, and the incident, caught on video, is both graphic and deeply upsetting to watch. The footage has quickly gone viral and has sparked outrage in some platforms in Japan. ( Unfortunately, it is not possible to verify whether this news is going viral or whether other countries are able to see the situations that are happening here in this country ).

What makes this story even more troubling is the employee's courage to tell her story and inform the police also his statement to inform others that such abuse is a “daily occurrence within the company”. The president is described as a tyrant who physically assaults anyone who dares to think differently or challenge his authority.

While workplace abuse occurs worldwide, this case sheds light on an often-overlooked reality in Japan — physical abuse at work, particularly by those in power, rarely reaches public attention. In a country known for discipline and respect in corporate culture, this footage offers a jarring counter-narrative.

Unfortunately, such stories are often suppressed, not only by employers but also by authorities who choose to look the other way. Japan is not an exception when it comes to hiding these crimes from the global eye. Although it is essential to note that not all people or companies are abusive, the number of unreported cases appears to be disturbingly high.

This case is a wake-up call. The world needs to pay attention — and act — against the normalization of abuse in professional environments. No job should come at the cost of dignity or safety.

The image shows a young man being beaten by his employer in Sapporo, Japan, while being watched by a supervisor and another woman who did not stop the assault.

It is also important to mention that according to some local reports. The LEVANGA HOKKAIDO the professional asketball team of that City in the B League has already announced that it has terminated the team's support partner contract, citing that they have confirmed such acts of violence. Also the Sapporo City, which has placed orders with the company in the past, has also reported that it is currently investigating the facts and has stated that if confirmed, it will proceed with the process of canceling the company's certification. ( many would hope that other cities, institutions and countries can observe this issues and responds by the Coty of Sapporo as an exemplar, for the support of victims of abuse in the work place ).