Government weighs prevention program for Japan's first-time drug offenders
The government is considering introducing a special prevention program for first-time drug offenders who have been given suspended sentences, a source close to the matter said Sunday. The Health, Labor and Welfare Ministry is discussing deploying counselors for the program at 12 drug enforcement bureaus ...
Giving former gangsters in Japan a chance can reap rewards
Fuji Television screened a popular TV series in 2009 called "Ninkyo Herupa" ("Yakuza Helper") that focused on the life of a former gangster who landed a job at a nursing facility for the elderly. Over the course of the series, he learned to follow the ...
Once a drug user in Japan, always an outcast
Since being arrested for possession of stimulant drugs on June 2, it is assumed that 30-year-old actor Ryo Hashizume's career is over. As Mark Schilling wrote in the June 15 Japan Times, Hashizume's latest film, in which he played a supporting role, was pulled ...
Japan may inject public money to turn around Toshiba: sources
A consortium including the state-backed Innovation Network Corp. of Japan and the Development Bank of Japan is mulling investing in Toshiba Corp.’s memory chip business, sources said.
Firms offer sport for all as disability awareness rises ahead of Tokyo Paralympics
Japanese companies are increasingly offering activities open to all, regardless of age, gender or disability. In late May, Tokyo-based pharmaceutical firm Biogen Japan Ltd. held an event for people with multiple sclerosis, an autoimmune disorder that affects the nervous system. About 60 participants played karuta ...
Japan government fund considers ¥300 billion Sharp investment to counter Hon Hai offer
A government-backed fund is considering investing around ¥300 billion in Sharp Corp. to assist its restructuring, raising the amount to counter an offer by Taiwan's Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., sources said Tuesday. The Innovation Network Corporation of Japan had been expected to propose an ...
New program gives troubled teens a chance at social rehabilitation
A 16-year-old parolee was sent to a social welfare facility in Tokyo's Shinagawa Ward in late July to volunteer for social service as part of his rehabilitation. "Please clean this corridor," instructed 72-year-old Ritsuko Noda, a probation officer and human rights commissioner representing the ward. ...
Skymark creditors pick ANA as sponsor, rejecting Delta
In a meeting at the Tokyo District Court, creditors rejected Delta Air Lines Inc., the only other suitor for Skymark, which filed for bankruptcy protection in January.
Skymark files recovery plan, names DBJ director as president
An executive of the Development Bank of Japan is expected to be named president of Skymark Airlines Inc. in a restructuring plan the bankrupt carrier was to submit to a court later Friday, sources said. Masahiko Ichie, director and managing executive officer of the state-backed ...
Skymark's biggest creditor rejects ANA taking part in restructuring
Skymark Airlines Inc.'s biggest creditor plans to reject the failed carrier's plan to have ANA Holdings Inc. take part in its restructuring, according to a source familiar with the matter. Intrepid Aviation has told those engaged in drawing up the plan of its intention to ...
Bankrupt Skymark Airlines Inc. said Wednesday it will suspend flights to and from Yonago Kitaro Airport in Tottori Prefecture from Sept. 1 as one measure of many to restore its financial health. The suspension will remain through Oct. 24, but no decision has been taken ...
ANA Holdings Inc., parent of All Nippon Airways Co., said Monday it has notified bankrupt Skymark Airlines Inc. of its plan to take part in the struggling airline's restructuring. Its support may include a capital tie-up, joint purchase of jet fuel and code-sharing, ANA Holdings ...
