Many school officials and public servants in at least seven prefectures across the country have received blackmail letters that appear to have originated from one source, according to the Japan Federation of Bar Associations.
The letters, which bear sender names reminiscent of rightwing organizations, have been mailed in Osaka and Kobe. Police believe the names are false and that they have been sent by one person or group because the contents are identical.
In the letters, the senders claim they have evidence of the recipients engaging in sexual harassment or extramarital affairs, or of violating ethics guidelines for public servants.
The recipients are ordered to make 500,000 yen payments within a week to designated banks, warning that if they fail to do so a campaign will be launched against them using sound trucks.