Even if I had known, I wouldn't have had the courage to call him out. I would have been afraid of being demoted.

Japan does NOT respect not protect whistle blowers, in fact it's the opposite. You speak out and the Elites will make sure that you and your family will live the rest of your lives in HELL.

The ability ( and willingness ) to subjugate yourself to a tyrant is shared by many here in Japan. Would even go as far as to say it comes quite naturally . Behavior from the ‘eraisantachi’ class can be absolutely reprehensible, but they for some reason get to play by their own rules . A very peculiar, but what seems almost accepted, part of the culture. Its very old, very damaging but engrained.

Both comments above are extremely spot on and I could not agree more. That is why we have keigo when talking to oeraisan, it's because you must respect them no matter what. Talking back or pointing out that they are in the wrong is unacceptable unless they are open minded and let you which in the case of sexual harassing perpetrator oyajis, they are rarely receptive to feedback.

@WoodyLee

Japan does NOT respect not protect whistle blowers, in fact it's the opposite. You speak out and the Elites will make sure that you and your family will live the rest of your lives in HELL.

Especially when we talk about small town, like the one in the article Ikeda Machi in Gifu, only has around twenty thousands population. Even big cities in Japan, only few people who actually run the government. For that small town, the number even smaller. At some point they'll meet at one or another in different role. Either way it will be difficult to blow a whistle.

Being employed is just a few notches above being a slave or a servant. If you have an abusive employer, that will become apparent. Don't just accept your job as your only option, and sit back and take it.

Hide cams/mics. Record abusive behaviour. Blur faces/beep details. Leak to it an outlet anonymously.

Or just quit, citing a need to take care of distant family, and take your skills elsewhere. Japan is short of competent staff across the board. That doesn't mean employers offer more money, but it does mean you can bag another job. Before you do, speak to people there. After a couple of drinks they will tell you if your potential new employer is OK or not.

This is another reason why building up side hustles, and improving your skill set and CV is important. It can offer you an exit strategy if you need it.