Power Harassment Prevention Act in Japan: Corporate Obligations and Victim Remedies

Japan's 2020 Power Harassment Prevention Act (Labor Policy Act Art. 30-2) defines power harassment as conduct meeting three elements: superior position-based, beyond business necessity, and harmful to work environment. Six types: physical attack, psychological attack, social isolation, excessive demands, insufficient demands, and invasion of privacy. All employers must: establish anti-harassment policy, set up consultation systems, respond promptly to incidents, and protect privacy. Non-compliance leads to guidance, then public naming (Art. 33). Victim remedies: internal reporting, Labor Bureau consultation, workers' compensation (2023 reform added independent harassment category), and civil damages (tort Art. 709, employer liability Art. 715, duty of care Art. 5 Labor Contract Act).