Core Viewpoint - The phenomenon of bullying is not limited to children in schools but is prevalent among adults in various social settings, including workplaces, neighborhoods, and online platforms [1] Group 1: Workplace Bullying - The book "Reasons to Fear Work" by Seihei Sakakura focuses on workplace bullying, exemplified by the Kobe City Higashisuma Elementary School incident, where a young male teacher was subjected to extreme bullying by four colleagues [2] - The investigation revealed 125 different forms of bullying, including verbal abuse and physical confinement [2][3] - Specific bullying actions included using derogatory terms, physical restraint, and forced consumption of extremely spicy food [3][4] Group 2: Causes and Context - Sakakura identifies several factors contributing to workplace bullying, such as the personal qualities of the aggressors, the responsibilities of current and former school principals, and the unique culture of the school [5] - A significant factor noted is the overwhelming workload of teachers, leading to immense stress and a search for outlets for that stress, which fosters a culture of bullying [5] - According to the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare in Japan, bullying-related consultations have ranked first in labor-related inquiries for nine consecutive years, with 79,190 cases reported in 2020, a significant increase from 45,939 cases in 2011 [5] Group 3: Broader Implications - Sakakura argues that workplace bullying is often a result of companies prioritizing short-term profits over employee well-being, leading to a culture where bullying can thrive [6] - The economic downturn has exacerbated this issue, as traditional employment practices decline, creating a buyer's market for employers who can impose poor working conditions [6] - The book analyzes various forms of workplace bullying, including personal attacks, social exclusion, unreasonable demands, and privacy invasions, often tolerated or even encouraged by companies as a management strategy [7][8] Group 4: Cultural Context - The author suggests that workplace bullying is a symptom of capitalism, but also highlights that the exploitation levels in East Asian countries like Japan and South Korea are significantly higher than in European nations [9] - The emphasis on hierarchy, obedience, and conformity in East Asian cultures is seen as a breeding ground for bullying behaviors in the workplace [10]