Ibaraki Care Worker Who Reported Abuse Warns Legal Battle May Deter Future Whistleblowers

By Barrier Free Japan, extract from News.jp

February 26 2026

IBARAKI – Yusuke Okanemasa (47), who worked at a group home for people with disabilities in Tsukubamirai City, Ibaraki Prefecture, reported to authorities in 2021 that a male staff member had sexually abused a female resident with a mental disability.

Following the report, Ibaraki Prefecture determined that abuse had occurred. However, Okanemasa later became embroiled in a dispute with his employer, the social welfare corporation “Yukkora” (based in Ryugasaki City, Ibaraki Prefecture). He was subjected to a pay cut on grounds such as “concealing tardiness,” and eventually resigned.

In 2023, Okanemasa filed a lawsuit against the corporation, seeking confirmation that the pay cut was invalid and claiming damages. After the case was contested through the appeals process, the Tokyo High Court ruled in July 2025 that the pay cut was invalid and ordered the corporation to pay 80,000 yen in consolation money and other damages. The ruling has since been finalized.

The final judgment also found that the corporation’s then-chairman had made the following remark to Okanemasa:

“He’s waving the banner of ‘duty to report’ and calling everywhere. He’s exposing problems in violation of confidentiality.”

Regarding this statement, the court denied that Okanemasa had violated confidentiality obligations and recognized the remark as defamatory. However, it did not accept his claim that the pay cut had been retaliation for his whistleblowing.

According to Okanemasa, the lawsuit cost him about 1.5 million yen.

“Fighting in court took an enormous amount of mental and emotional energy, as well as time. If this is what happens, people will think it’s better to keep their mouths shut, and victims of abuse won’t be protected. I want the authorities to respond more strictly.”

The social welfare corporation responded to inquiries by saying: “The former employee (Mr. Okanemasa) had various problematic behaviors in addition to covering up tardiness. We believe that many of our claims were accepted in court.”