(Trigger alert: This story contains references to suicide).
A lawsuit filed by the family of a Honda worker blames “inhumane” working conditions for his death, reports The Columbus Dispatch.
The family says managers ignored Michael Narazaki’s concerns about his hours which they say were between 100 and 120 per week.
Narazaki hung himself in his office in 2021 after working for Honda for more than 30 years.
The note he left read “I’m so sorry I couldn’t get anything right on this project. Maybe this is the one thing I am getting right,” the suit said.
He worked at the Honda Research and Development facility near Raymond, Ohio.
“The stress, pressure and exhaustion of Honda’s grueling and inhumane work atmosphere…ultimately manifested itself in (Narazaki’s) death by suicide,” NY Breaking reports the suit alleges.
Honda says “The loss of an employee is difficult, and we would like to express our deepest condolences to the Narazaki family for the loss of our employee Michael Narazaki.
“As this is a legal matter, we cannot comment further on it.”
The family’s GoFundMe describes him as a car fanatic, devoted husband and father of three children.
“He was a kind soul. We will deeply miss his all-knowing, sly-yet-shy smile and his quiet presence as husband, father, brother, son, uncle, and friend,” the post said.
If you are thinking about committing suicide, you are urged to call the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988.
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