A director of a subsidiary of tech giant Panasonic has been dismissed following allegations of sexual misconduct. The company, while not disclosing the specifics, confirmed that inappropriate sexual behaviour led to his termination. The exact date and location of the incident are undisclosed, but it highlights continued pressure on Japan to address workplace misconduct issues. The name of the subsidiary director has been withheld for privacy reasons.

Sexual harassment and misconduct in Japanese workplaces are being spotlighted recently, thanks to the global #MeToo movement, albeit at a slower pace. Many are calling for stronger policies and penalties to deter such behaviour and to provide better support for victims. However, there is still a significant amount of resistance due to deep-rooted cultural norms.

In the US and EU, sexual misconduct in the workplace has been a critical issue for a longer time. More stringent laws have been in place, and major companies have established policies to respond swiftly to allegations. The #MeToo movement has had a significant impact, leading to an increased awareness and action against confirmed cases of sexual harassment and misconduct.