An unfortunate incident took place at a factory in Japan where a disgruntled employee resorted to violence, following alleged episodes of bullying at the workplace. The male employee reportedly attacked his colleagues, leading to a swift police investigation. A serious dialogue on workplace bullying and its grave repercussions has been ignited in the country following the incident.

Workplace bullying (ijime) in Japan often goes unreported due to cultural norms, fear of retaliation, or lack of awareness and resources to combat the issue. The Japanese society places high value on harmony and collective goodwill, hence such incidents attract public attention and concern. Legal actions in cases of workplace violence are prioritized and can lead to severe penalties.

In the United States or the EU, there are more comprehensive laws and systems to combat workplace bullying, including anticipatory measures for conflict resolution and a strong culture of mental health awareness. Additionally, whistleblowing is more encouraged in western societies, whereas it can be seen as disruptive or contentious in Japan.