On July 22, Tokyo Electric Power Co. paid a uniform ¥100,000 special summer bonus to each of its some 5,000 employees in managerial positions.

Tepco President Naomi Hirose told reporters that the company wanted to express its appreciation for their hard work although he conceded some may doubt if this small sum would serve that purpose.

Needless to say, boosting the morale of employees in managerial posts was not the only reason for paying the bonus. Another obvious reason was to put the brakes on a recent sharp rise in the number of employees who are resigning.