Key Facts
• In 2016, a 55-year-old Aomori police officer, Masaki Chiba, died by suicide.
• Chiba’s family claims workplace harassment by his superior caused his death.
• A suicide note revealed Chiba’s emotional distress and gratitude to loved ones.
• In March 2023, Aomori District Court dismissed the family’s claim, citing insufficient evidence of severe harassment.
• The family appealed the decision to the Sendai High Court.
• A former colleague testified that Chiba suffered from persistent harassment by his superior.
• The colleague reported the harassment to Aomori police leadership, but no action was taken.
• The family criticized Aomori police for prematurely concluding no harassment occurred and halting investigations.
• Aomori police declined detailed comments, stating they would respond appropriately if necessary.
Summary
The family of Masaki Chiba, a 55-year-old Aomori police officer who died by suicide in 2016, continues to seek justice, alleging workplace harassment by his superior. A suicide note revealed Chiba’s emotional turmoil, stating he did not want to die but felt it was the only escape from his suffering. In March 2023, the Aomori District Court dismissed the family’s claim, citing insufficient evidence of severe harassment. The family has since appealed to the Sendai High Court. A former colleague testified that Chiba endured persistent harassment and reported it to police leadership, but no action was taken. The family criticized Aomori police for prematurely concluding no harassment occurred and halting investigations. Aomori police have refrained from detailed comments, promising to respond appropriately if necessary.
