In a shocking incident that has sent ripples through the community, a video capturing violent acts at the Hokkaido-based construction company Hanaichi Gumi has gone viral, prompting immediate action from local authorities and businesses. The disturbing footage shows a man, believed to be the company's president, physically assaulting an employee, raising serious questions about workplace safety and corporate governance.
On May 8, 2025, the Public Relations Department of Sapporo City released a statement confirming that they would proceed with procedures to revoke the company's certification based on the facts established through the video evidence. The video, which has been circulating widely on social media platforms, depicts the president of Hanaichi Gumi pulling the hair of an employee, kicking him, and engaging in other forms of brutal violence.
Witnesses in the video, including two individuals present at the scene, reportedly did nothing to intervene during the assault, which has drawn further criticism regarding the company’s workplace culture. The graphic nature of the video, which shows repeated acts of violence, has shocked viewers and has led to widespread condemnation.
In response to the unfolding situation, Levanga Hokkaido, a professional basketball team based in Sapporo, announced on the same day that they were terminating their support partnership agreement with Hanaichi Gumi. The team stated that they could not overlook the violent acts depicted in the video, which had begun circulating on May 7, 2025. Their swift action reflects a growing intolerance for such behavior in professional environments.
"This is not something we can overlook," a representative from Levanga Hokkaido stated on their social media platforms. The team had received numerous inquiries regarding the incident, prompting them to confirm the facts with Hanaichi Gumi directly before making their decision. The prompt response has garnered support from the public, with many praising the team for taking a stand against violence.
As the situation continues to develop, Sapporo City officials have emphasized their commitment to investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident. They have indicated that if the facts are confirmed, they will initiate the process to revoke Hanaichi Gumi's various enterprise certifications, including the "Sapporo Machizukuri Smile Enterprise Certification System," which acknowledges companies that contribute positively to the community.
In a related development, Hanaichi Gumi's official website, which was accessible until May 8, is currently down, displaying a message indicating that the domain is no longer connected. The company has not provided a formal explanation for this outage, leading to speculation about their operational status following the scandal.
Interestingly, another construction company with the same name, based in Oofu City, Aichi Prefecture, issued a statement distancing itself from the Hokkaido Hanaichi Gumi. They clarified that they have no connection to the Hokkaido firm and urged the public to refrain from contacting them regarding the incident. This Aichi-based Hanaichi Gumi has been in operation since 1933 and has multiple business offices across Aichi Prefecture.
As the community grapples with the implications of this incident, it raises broader questions about workplace conduct and the responsibilities of corporate leaders. The violent actions captured in the video are not just a reflection of individual behavior but also of the corporate culture that may allow such actions to occur unchecked.
Public response has been overwhelmingly supportive of the actions taken by Levanga Hokkaido and the city officials. Many citizens have expressed their approval of the swift measures, highlighting the importance of maintaining ethical standards in both sports and business. On social media, comments such as "I support Sapporo City's quick investigation and decision" and "It's about time that organizations like Levanga take a stand" have been prevalent.
As investigations continue, the future of Hanaichi Gumi remains uncertain. The company, which has been involved in various municipal projects, now faces the potential loss of its certifications and partnerships, which could severely impact its operations. The fallout from this incident serves as a reminder of the power of social media in bringing issues of workplace violence to light and holding corporations accountable.
In an era where corporate responsibility is under increasing scrutiny, this incident will likely serve as a case study for how companies respond to allegations of misconduct and the importance of fostering a safe and respectful workplace environment.
As more details emerge, stakeholders will be watching closely to see how Hanaichi Gumi navigates this crisis and whether they will take steps to address the underlying issues that allowed such behavior to occur. The incident has sparked a necessary conversation about violence in the workplace, corporate responsibility, and the role of community support in driving change.
