Society Osaka mayor urges civil staff to use 'san' suffix for all, regardless of rank or age

[thomas]

On 20 February, Yokoyama Hideyuki, the mayor of this western Japanese city, announced that civil service employees would be encouraged to address one another with the casual suffix "-san," regardless of rank or age. The initiative aims to foster better communication and enhance workplace dynamics and public services. During a regular press conference, Yokoyama expressed hope that the change would create an atmosphere where subordinates feel more comfortable engaging in open discussions with their superiors.

Yokoyama was inspired by the move when he heard that many private companies have similarly been switching to calling each other "-san." He reportedly sent a message regarding his recommendation to all municipal government employees. The mayor is aiming to eliminate harassment and create open workplaces. Yokoyama asked civil workers to refer to him using "-san" instead of his title and commented, "When people refer to me using '-san', I don't feel bothered, and it makes it easier to speak."

Osaka mayor asks all civil staff to use '-san' name suffix regardless of age, position - The Mainichi

OSAKA -- Hideyuki Yokoyama, the mayor of this west Japan city, announced Feb. 20 that civil service workers would be encouraged to refer to each other

mainichi.jp

役職も年齢も関係なし　職員同士「さん」付けの呼び合い推奨　大阪市 | 毎日新聞

大阪市の横山英幸市長は20日の定例記者会見で、役職や年齢に関係なく市職員に「さん」付け呼称で呼び合うことを推奨すると発表した。働きやすい職場環境をつくり、市民サービスの向上につなげるのが狙いという。横山市長は「部下も上司により近い距離で議論ができる、コミュニケーションが取れるような環境づくりをして

mainichi.jp