Workplace Horror: Japan's Neo Corporation Accused Of Forcing Staff To Take Nude Photos

Osaka-based Neo Corporation has come under intense scrutiny following shocking claims of severe workplace misconduct, including coercing underperforming staff into taking nude photographs as a form of punishment.

The allegations, revealed through a legal complaint filed by five former employees in March 2025, paint a disturbing picture of a toxic corporate culture within the company, which operates in the electricity and energy-saving equipment installation sector, reported Moneycontrol.

The plaintiffs are seeking compensation amounting to 19 million yen (approximately $132,000) for repeated instances of abuse, including bullying, physical assault, and unfair deductions from wages.

As reported by the South China Morning Post, one of the former employees disclosed that he was instructed by his sales manager to take a nude photo of himself each time he failed to meet his daily sales targets. These images, he alleged, were then circulated among colleagues with a message stating, “It has been shared.”

Allegations of Sexual Misconduct and Psychological Harm

Further claims from the same employee included disturbing accounts of physical abuse. He said his superior would grope his genitals under the guise of “discipline.” “My superior claimed he was not using much force, but it was so painful I could hardly speak. This kind of thing happens all the time,” he said. When he raised the matter with the branch manager, he was allegedly dismissed with the remark, “Everyone has gone through this.”

Due to the ongoing abuse, the individual said he was later diagnosed with adjustment disorder and depression.

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Broader Claims of Exploitation and Intimidation

The scope of alleged mistreatment extended beyond sexual harassment. Former employees described a culture of excessive working hours, verbal insults, and intimidation. One branch manager claimed a company director slapped him for not attending an official dinner. Others said they faced arbitrary reductions in commissions and were sometimes made to return part of their salary.

Neo Corporation was also accused of penalising workers for traffic violations incurred while on duty, with some fines reportedly reaching up to 6 million yen (around $42,000).

Despite widespread public backlash, the company has denied wrongdoing. In a statement, it said the allegations contained “factual errors” and were “based on one-sided perspectives.”

Previously, the company was criticised for posting misleading job adverts claiming sales staff earned an average of 14.27 million yen (approximately $97,000) annually.

The case has reignited debates in Japan about corporate ethics and workplace abuse.

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