News On Japan

Brazilian Players Allege Sexual Harassment in Japan

IZUMO, Nov 08 (News On Japan) - Two players from Japan’s Nadeshiko League have taken the rare step of publicly accusing their club of harassment, naming Diossa Izumo FC as the site of alleged sexual and power harassment by the team’s head coach.

Laura Spezzato, 26: "We did not come to Japan to be slaves to bullying and harassment."

On October 6th, two Brazilian players from Diossa Izumo FC in the second division of the Nadeshiko League held a press conference in Izumo, Shimane Prefecture, revealing details of the alleged harassment. Both players wore the team’s key numbers, 9 and 10, signaling the high expectations placed on them.

According to their attorney, between 2022 and August 2024, the players faced repeated sexual harassment, with the head coach using a Portuguese slang term for male genitalia to address them during practices and matches whenever they made mistakes.

Attorney for the players: "The coach knew that both Laura and Tais were uncomfortable, yet he continued using these words over three seasons. This is extremely malicious behavior."

Additionally, the players allege the coach hung underwear in a storage room used by players and that despite their protests, he did not cease these actions.

There were also discriminatory remarks from a coach, who reportedly mocked the players' lack of Japanese language skills.

The Brazilian players claim that although the club was contracted to provide interpreters for practices and games, an interpreter was only arranged about once per week. When the players raised the interpreter issue through staff in May 2024, the coach allegedly threatened them, saying, “Then I won’t let you play.”

Diagnosed with depression by a physician, both players left the team in August 2024.

Laura Spezzato: "I can’t sleep from the headaches... I feel like going home. I should love soccer, but I can’t find the energy to play the sport I love."

Tais Fehe, 25: "I'm frustrated that I can’t play the sport I love."

Through their attorney, the players have filed a complaint with the Japan Women’s Soccer League, demanding the coach’s dismissal.

Attorney for the players: "The soccer world is still far behind. It has a unique village-like atmosphere that preserves power harassment and old-fashioned leadership styles."

The club responded at a press conference held on the same day.

Diossa Sports Club, an NPO, Chairman: "I can’t understand why things have come to this when they had such a good relationship. It’s a complete mystery."

The club's internal investigation claimed the Portuguese words used were common slang during mistakes, with no intent of discrimination, and they have reported the situation to the Japan Women’s Soccer League. The club will continue to confirm the facts.

Source: FNN

News On Japan
POPULAR NEWS

Japan is facing a deepening crisis of poverty and inequality, with rising reports of 'invisible homeless' individuals and growing economic hardships among the population. Discussions over reforms to the country's tax and welfare systems have taken center stage, as policymakers grapple with how to provide meaningful support.

A special lighting ceremony was held on November 20th at Ueno Toshogu Shrine, located in Ueno Park, Taito Ward, Tokyo. The event featured a unique lighting design created by renowned lighting designer Motoko Ishii.

A Japanese pharmaceutical company has announced the successful commercialization of fiber made from silk produced by bagworms.

Sales for the Year-End Jumbo Lottery, which offers a combined prize of 1 billion yen for the first prize and adjacent prizes, have officially begun.

Prime Minister Ishiba, attending the G20 summit in Brazil, held talks on November 18th with UK Prime Minister Starmer, where they agreed to establish an economic "2+2" framework involving foreign and economic ministers.

MEDIA CHANNELS
         

MORE Sports NEWS

Initiatives to turn Osaka into the 'holy ground' of F1 are gaining momentum as discussions around building a new circuit have begun.

The Baseball Hall of Fame ballot is being mailed to 400 members of the Baseball Writers Association of America this week, and that ballot includes 14 candidates appearing for the very first time.

An EXCLUSIVE look into the life (and eating habits) of Japan's Elite Youth Soccer Players at the GAMBA soccer academy in Osaka! 41 kids live, eat and train together to become professional soccer players. (Japanese Food Craftsman)

BWF TV is the official channel of the Badminton World Federation (BWF), where we bring to you live, catch-up and delayed streaming of the big events on the HSBC BWF World Tour (BWF TV)

Japanese Major Leaguer Ohtani Shohei has won the Silver Slugger Award in the National League's designated hitter category for 2024. It is his third career winning of the prize, which he won for the second straight year. (NHK)

Two players from Japan’s Nadeshiko League have taken the rare step of publicly accusing their club of harassment, naming Diossa Izumo FC as the site of alleged sexual and power harassment by the team’s head coach.

Major League Baseball World Series winner the Los Angeles Dodgers celebrated their championship with a victory parade in downtown Los Angeles on Friday. City officials estimate that more than 200,000 people attended. (NHK)

The Autumn Garden Party hosted by the Emperor and Empress on Wednesday saw lively conversations and laughter, especially with Haruka Kitaguchi, the javelin throw gold medalist.