A shocking video has emerged online showing the president of Hanaigumi, a long-established construction company in Sapporo, allegedly assaulting an employee. The footage, which has gone viral, depicts the company president physically attacking a male employee, leading to widespread outrage and scrutiny of the company's practices.
The video was posted on X by a whistleblower influencer on May 7, 2025, and it quickly gained traction. It appears to be captured from a security camera and is timestamped at 9:48 AM on March 25, 2025. In the clip, the president can be seen yelling at the employee, pulling his hair, and ultimately stomping on his face and stomach. Such violent behavior has raised serious concerns about workplace safety and employee treatment within the company.
According to the attorney representing Hanaigumi, the president did indeed use violence, and the employee may be suffering from both physical injuries and mental distress. The attorney expressed a willingness to negotiate a settlement with the affected employee, indicating that compensation discussions are underway. "The victim has sustained some injuries, though not severe, and is likely experiencing emotional trauma as well," the attorney stated.
The incident reportedly stemmed from a mistake involving the administration of disinfectant to a koi pond, which the president was overseeing. The video’s commentary suggests this mishap triggered the president's violent outburst. However, the attorney hinted that there may be additional underlying reasons for the aggression, stating, "While the koi pond incident is a factor, it’s not the only issue at play here."
In the wake of the video’s release, Hanaigumi's website became inaccessible on the evening of May 8, 2025. The company's homepage previously showcased various certifications, including the Sapporo City Work-Life-Balance Plus Enterprise Certification and Excellent Health Management Corporation recognition. These accolades now cast a shadow over the company’s reputation, as many have questioned how such violent behavior could occur in a certified workplace.
Levanga Hokkaido, a professional basketball club in the B.League that Hanaigumi sponsors, swiftly responded to the situation. On May 8, they announced the termination of their sponsorship contract, emphasizing that the violent actions depicted in the video are in direct opposition to the values of sportsmanship and community trust. "We have confirmed that the video was indeed from Hanaigumi, and such violent acts cannot be overlooked," the club stated in their official communication.
Moreover, Sapporo City has also taken notice of the incident. The city issued a statement indicating that they have received numerous inquiries regarding Hanaigumi following the video's release. They confirmed that they are reviewing the situation and may proceed with actions to revoke the company's certifications pending the outcome of their investigation. "We are currently verifying the facts and will make decisions in accordance with the regulations of our certification programs," the city remarked.
As the story continues to unfold, the public is left wondering how a company with such accolades could be involved in such a scandal. The president's actions have not only jeopardized the company's standing but have also raised serious questions about workplace culture and employee rights at Hanaigumi. The attorney mentioned that the president feels a sense of responsibility and remorse for the incident, adding that discussions for a settlement are ongoing.
In the video, the atmosphere is tense, as the president is seen yelling at the employee, who appears to be visibly distressed. The footage shows the president striking the employee multiple times, which has prompted calls for accountability and reform within the company. This incident is a stark reminder of the importance of maintaining a respectful and safe working environment.
Hanaigumi, founded in 1939, has been recognized for its contributions to the community, including involvement in fire-fighting and disaster prevention training. However, this incident threatens to overshadow their positive contributions and long-standing reputation. The company had previously prided itself on fostering a workplace where employees could thrive both mentally and physically, as stated in their mission to be a "business where employees can work energetically both physically and mentally."
As investigations continue, the repercussions for the company may be significant, with potential legal actions and further scrutiny from regulatory bodies. The public response has been one of disbelief and anger, with many calling for justice and change within Hanaigumi.
In conclusion, the unfolding events surrounding Hanaigumi serve as a critical reminder of the need for corporate accountability and the imperative to create safe working environments for all employees. As the situation develops, it will be crucial to see how the company addresses these allegations and what steps they take to prevent such incidents from occurring in the future.
