A tragic case of power harassment has come to light involving a young female employee at the Tokyo-based cosmetics retailer D-UP. The Mita Labor Standards Inspection Office has officially recognized that the suicide of 25-year-old Misato, whose last name is withheld, was a direct result of harassment from the company's president, Mitsuru Sakai. This revelation was made public during a press conference held by her family on April 3, 2025, where they shared the devastating impact of her experiences at the company.
According to the family's attorney, Misato joined D-UP in April 2021, full of dreams and aspirations. However, her enthusiasm quickly turned to despair after a series of incidents involving the company's president. In December of that year, Misato was summoned to Sakai's office for an intense reprimand that lasted approximately 50 minutes. During this meeting, she was subjected to remarks that were not only harsh but deeply personal. Sakai reportedly told her, "Don't be disrespectful to superiors" and referred to her as a "stray dog in the world." Such comments were deemed to constitute power harassment by the labor office.
Misato's struggles intensified after this incident. In January 2022, she developed depression and subsequently took a leave of absence from work. While recuperating at home, she tragically attempted suicide in August 2022, ultimately leading to her death about a year later. The Mita Labor Standards Inspection Office concluded in May 2024 that the harassment from Sakai had caused Misato's depression and acknowledged a causal link between the harassment and her death.
During the press conference, Misato's sister, Ayako, expressed her grief and desire for change, stating, "Misato was bright and prioritized others over herself. I hope this never happens again." The family has since filed a lawsuit against D-UP, seeking damages for their loss. However, the company has denied the allegations, claiming that Misato had issues with her work attitude and insisting that there was no power harassment involved.
The case has raised significant concerns about workplace culture in Japan, particularly regarding the treatment of employees and the prevalence of power harassment. Misato's father, who also attended the press conference, shared his sorrow, stating, "My daughter was straightforward, intelligent, and worked hard to enter the company she dreamed of. However, despite being a new employee, she faced long hours of reprimand from the top management, which led to her tragic decision to take her own life. I hope that no other family has to experience this kind of pain again, especially as new employees are joining companies around this time of year."
Misato's story is not an isolated incident. Japan has been grappling with issues of workplace harassment and mental health for years, with many cases going unreported or unnoticed. The societal pressure to conform and maintain a strong work ethic often leads to tragic outcomes, as seen in Misato's case. The company D-UP, which is known for its popular products such as mascara and eyeliner, has been thrust into the spotlight as the public demands accountability and change.
Notably, D-UP is recognized for its successful advertising campaigns, including a recent commercial featuring actress Rio Yoshika, which won first place in the cosmetics category for the "CM Good Impression Report February 2025 Survey." However, this success has been overshadowed by the tragic events surrounding Misato's death, prompting many to question the company's internal culture and the treatment of its employees.
As the lawsuit progresses, it serves as a critical reminder of the need for companies to foster a supportive and respectful work environment. The case highlights the importance of addressing workplace harassment and mental health issues proactively, rather than reactively. Advocates for workplace reform emphasize that organizations must prioritize employee well-being and create systems that prevent harassment before it escalates to tragic outcomes.
In light of these events, there is a growing call for stricter regulations and better support systems for employees who face harassment in the workplace. The government and labor organizations are being urged to take a more active role in ensuring that companies adhere to ethical practices and protect their employees from harm.
Misato's story resonates with many who have experienced similar struggles, and her family's courage in speaking out may inspire others to advocate for change. As the conversation around workplace harassment continues, it is crucial that society addresses these issues head-on, ensuring that no one else suffers in silence.
The tragic loss of Misato serves as a stark reminder of the critical need for change in workplace culture across Japan. As her family seeks justice, their hope is that this case will lead to greater awareness and prevent future tragedies from occurring. The fight against power harassment is far from over, and it is a collective responsibility to ensure that workplaces are safe and supportive for all employees.
