The Recent Suspension at Kumamoto University

On February 27, 2026, Kumamoto University announced a three-month suspension for an associate professor in its Graduate School of Education Research. The disciplinary action stems from power harassment incidents that occurred between November 2022 and January 2023, where high-pressure and inadequate guidance inflicted mental distress on multiple graduate students under the professor's supervision.

The case came to light in February 2024 when affected students reported the issue to the university's harassment consultation committee, composed of faculty and administrative staff. Following interviews and investigations, the internal human rights committee certified the behavior as power harassment in July 2025, leading to the recent suspension.

While specific details such as the associate professor's gender, age, or exact nature of the abusive guidance remain undisclosed to protect identities, the university emphasized its commitment to harassment prevention and human rights awareness. 'We will work on preventing harassment, further promoting human rights awareness, and striving for prevention of recurrence and restoration of trust,' the institution stated.

Understanding Power Harassment in Japanese Academia

Power harassment, known as pawahara (パワーハラスメント) in Japan, refers to the abuse of a superior position to inflict physical or mental suffering on subordinates through words or actions that exceed socially acceptable limits. In higher education, this often manifests as academic harassment (akahara), where professors exert undue pressure on students or junior faculty during research supervision or evaluations.

Graduate students are particularly vulnerable due to their dependency on mentors for funding, publications, and career advancement. The hierarchical structure of Japanese universities amplifies this risk, where questioning authority can jeopardize academic progress.

For context, Japan's Labor Standards Act amendments in 2020 mandated companies with over 50 employees to implement power harassment prevention measures, extending similar expectations to universities via Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) guidelines.

Timeline of the Kumamoto University Case

• November 2022 - January 2023: Associate professor engages in high-pressure guidance causing mental distress to graduate students.
• February 2024: Students file complaints with harassment consultation committee.
• 2024-2025: University conducts hearings and investigations.
• July 2025: Human rights committee certifies power harassment.
• February 27, 2026: Three-month suspension imposed.

This prolonged process highlights challenges in academic investigations, balancing privacy with accountability.

Impacts on Graduate Students' Mental Health

Graduate students in Japan face intense pressure from long lab hours, publication demands, and job market competition. Power harassment exacerbates this, leading to anxiety, depression, and even suicides in extreme cases. Studies indicate that harassment contributes to high dropout rates, with one survey showing 34% of female faculty and 23.4% of male faculty experiencing academic harassment.

In the Kumamoto case, the mental distress reported underscores how inadequate guidance—such as unrealistic expectations or dismissive feedback—erodes confidence and well-being. Cultural factors like gaman (endurance) discourage reporting, delaying interventions.

Kumamoto University's Pattern of Harassment Incidents

This is not isolated. In November 2023, another associate professor from the Graduate School of Advanced Science and Technology was suspended two months for repeatedly calling students 'dame na yatsu' (useless guys) and other insults. January 2025 saw a humanities associate professor suspended for colleague harassment, and May 2025 involved two professors reprimanded.

These cases suggest systemic issues in oversight, prompting scrutiny of Kumamoto's harassment policies.

Prevalence of Power Harassment Across Japanese Universities

Surveys reveal widespread problems. A MEXT study notes increasing power and academic harassment cases. Internationally, up to 50% of university employees report experiences. Graduate students, especially in STEM, suffer from mentor dependency.

Recent examples include Tsukuba University's 2026 faculty apology for anti-foreign posts and Tokyo University's prior suspensions.

Statistics from Japan Academic Council highlight rising complaints post-COVID.

Kumamoto University's Harassment Prevention Framework

Kumamoto maintains a dedicated harassment consultation site, defining power harassment as offending subordinates or withholding work info. Guidelines cover sexual, power, and academic forms, with consultation flows and staff lists.

• Anonymous reporting options
• Human rights committee reviews
• Training for faculty

Yet, repeated incidents question effectiveness.

Stakeholder Perspectives and Expert Insights

Student unions advocate anonymous multi-mentor systems. Experts like those from Japan Academic Council call for MEXT-mandated training and independent oversight.

International students face compounded risks, with cultural barriers. Solutions include peer support networks and mental health resources.

Challenges and Proposed Solutions

• Cultural Shift: Promote flat hierarchies via workshops.
• Reporting Ease: Digital anonymous platforms.
• Accountability: Tie promotions to harassment-free records.
• Support: Counseling integration with career services.

Browse higher ed jobs in Japan for safer environments.

Future Outlook for Japanese Higher Education

With declining birthrates shrinking student pools, universities must prioritize well-being to attract talent. Reforms like MEXT's 2026 guidelines aim to standardize prevention. The Kumamoto scandal may catalyze change, fostering healthier academic cultures.

Prospective students and faculty can use resources like AcademicJobs Japan listings and professor reviews to make informed choices.

For career guidance amid such issues, check research assistant tips, adaptable to Japan.

Photo by Tuan P. on Unsplash

Actionable Advice for Students and Faculty

Students: Document incidents, seek multiple advisors, use university hotlines. Faculty: Undergo training, encourage open dialogue. Institutions: Audit supervision practices annually.