ABSTRACT
In Japan bullying in the workplace is known as pawahara, a term meaning "power harassment". Power harassment is defined as any kind of behavior aimed at a person in the same workplace that, taking advantage of one's superior position and going beyond the appropriate scope of duties, inflicts physical or psychological pain on that person or negatively impacts the working environment. Although "power harassment" is not a cause of action in itself, an employee who has been power harassed may potentially bring a civil claim against the employer for failing in its duties to supervise and create a safe working environment. The Equal Employment Opportunity Law prohibits sex discrimination and requires employers to establish measures in employees' working environments in order that they do not suffer sexual harassment. Employers may take measures in connection with women workers with the purpose of improving circumstances that impede the securing of equal opportunity and treatment between men and women in employment.
