Shikoku Electric Power transmission and distribution employee dies from fall in Kamikatsu town; suicide note alleges power harassment; third-party committee to be established

On the 9th, Kazuki Matsuoka (19), an employee of Shikoku Electric Power Transmission and Distribution, fell to his death while working in Kamikatsu Town, Tokushima Prefecture.The suicide note that was found contained a statement complaining of power harassment from his seniors.The company announced on the 18th that it would set up a third-party committee to investigate. He revealed that he is also conducting interviews with his colleagues, and plans to make the results of the third-party committee and internal investigation public.

At a press conference, the company's managing director, Hisaji Aoi, said, ``I would like to express my sincere condolences to the bereaved family,'' and stated that ``we will conduct an objective and thorough investigation into the cause.''

Matsuoka died on the 9th when he fell from a height of about 40 meters while descending from a power transmission tower after inspecting it. The safety equipment had been removed.

A suicide note was found in his belongings, and his family has asked the company to set up an investigation committee and investigate the cause. The suicide note released by the family was handwritten on a single piece of paper, listing the real names of senior employees and writing, ``People told me that I couldn't work, that I was stupid, and that I should die.'' ``I'm so sorry for being such an unfilial person. I'm sorry for dying so early. I'm sorry for having a weak heart,'' and ``I want you to do your best so that there aren't more people like me.''