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 using the "-san" casual suffix regardless of age or position, in an effort to improve workplaces and public services.

The announcement came at a regular press conference. Yokoyama added, "We want to create an environment where subordinates can also discuss and communicate with their superiors at a closer level."

According to Yokoyama, he was inspired for the move by hearing that many private companies have similarly been switching to calling each other by "-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 revealed that he asked civil workers to also 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."

(Japanese original by Takuya Suzuki, Osaka City News Department)