Former Executive Director Accused of Abusing Users at a Disability Employment Support Facility in Aki City

From NHK

August 25 2025

Aki City, Kochi Pref – It has come to light through interviews with the organization operating a disability employment support facility in Aki City that the former executive director was certified by a regional union as having committed abuse, such as kicking a chair used by a facility user.

The organization in question is ‘Kochi Kizuna Farm’, a general incorporated association that operates employment support facilities for people with disabilities in Aki City and Ino Town.

According to the organization, the regional union conducted interviews with staff and others after receiving information that abuse was taking place at the facility in Aki City. The investigation confirmed that the former executive director, a man in his 50s, had kicked a user’s chair and that a life support worker at the facility had also kicked a user.

These actions were determined by the regional union to constitute “physical and psychological abuse” and were officially recognized as such earlier this month, with a report submitted to the prefecture.

In response, the prefectural government issued administrative guidance to the organization, requiring them to submit an improvement plan.

The facility provides employment support through agricultural work, such as eggplant packaging, for individuals with disabilities and those who are socially withdrawn (hikikomori).

In addition, the facility was recognized for its role in preventing recidivism by accepting individuals with criminal records and was awarded a commendation by the Prime Minister last year.

Meanwhile, the former executive director was dismissed from his position in May of this year and has already resigned.

In an interview with NHK, the former executive director stated, “To outsiders, it may have seemed harsh. I am still in contact with the users, but I want to reflect on what needs to be reflected upon.”

The operating organization also stated, “To restore the facility’s original purpose of supporting the reintegration of people facing social difficulties, we are working on organizational reforms and will strive to prevent any recurrence.”