Latest news with #Eto
Business Wire
28-07-2025
- Business
- Business Wire
KKR Launches Tender Offer for Topcon
TOKYO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--KKR, a leading global investment firm, announced today that it will launch its tender offer ('Tender Offer') for the common shares and share acquisition rights, etc. of Topcon Corporation ('Topcon' or the 'Company'; TSE stock code 7732). The Tender Offer will be made through TK Co., Ltd. ('Offeror'), an entity owned by the investment funds managed by KKR. The Tender Offer will commence on July 29, 2025 and will run until September 9, 2025. The Offeror will commence the Tender Offer to acquire all outstanding common shares and share acquisition rights (excluding treasury shares held by Topcon) with a tender offer price of JPY 3,300 per common share and JPY 193,400 per 7th Series Share Acquisition Right. 1 Topcon is a global leader in the manufacturing of technology, leveraging its strengths in optical technology and precision measurement technology since its founding. Topcon is expanding its business globally with its unique DX solutions that combine advanced technologies such as IoT platforms and AI. Topcon is pursuing its long-term vision leading up to its 100th anniversary in 2032, and the Company has been implementing its "Mid-Term Management Plan 2025" covering the fiscal years 2023–2025. Under this plan, Topcon has pursued sustainable business growth and improved profitability by deepening its orientation towards customers, and as the next step, the Company aims to evolve into "New Topcon 2.0," a business structure that will further accelerate the competitiveness of the Topcon Group. KKR is making this investment predominantly from its Asian Fund IV. Topcon President and CEO, Takashi Eto, has agreed to tender his shares into the Tender Offer. Following the completion of the Tender Offer, Mr. Eto and funds managed by JIC Capital, Ltd. will invest in KKR-managed investment vehicles that will own Topcon. This series of transactions, including the Tender Offer, constitutes a management buyout. Additionally, funds managed by ValueAct Capital, a major shareholder of Topcon, have also agreed to tender shares in the Tender Offer and invest in KKR-managed investment vehicles that will own Topcon. For more details regarding the announcement, please refer to the full text of the release issued by the Offeror today titled, 'Notice Regarding the Commencement of Tender Offer for the Shares of Topcon Corporation (Securities Code: 7732) by TK Co., Ltd. as part of MBO Implementation.' Forward-looking Statements This press release should be read in conjunction with the release issued by the Offeror today titled 'Notice Regarding the Commencement of Tender Offer for the Shares of Topcon Corporation (Securities Code: 7732) by TK Co., Ltd. as part of MBO Implementation.' The purpose of this press release is to publicly announce the Tender Offer and it has not been prepared for the purpose of soliciting an offer to sell or purchase in the Tender Offer. When making an application to tender, please be sure to read the Tender Offer Explanatory Statement for the Tender Offer and make your own decision as a shareholder or share acquisition right holder. This press release does not constitute, either in whole or in part, a solicitation of an offer to sell or purchase any securities, and the existence of this press release (or any part thereof) or its distribution shall not be construed as a basis for any agreement regarding the Tender Offer, nor shall it be relied upon in concluding an agreement regarding the Tender Offer. The Tender Offer will be conducted in compliance with the procedures and information disclosure standards set forth in Japanese law, and those procedures and standards are not always the same as the procedures and information disclosure standards in the U.S. In particular, neither Sections 13(e) or 14(d) of the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (as amended; the same shall apply hereinafter) or the rules under these sections apply to the Tender Offer; and therefore the Tender Offer is not conducted in accordance with those procedures and standards. In addition, because the Offeror is a corporation incorporated outside the U.S., it may be difficult to exercise rights or demands against it that can be asserted based on U.S. securities laws. It also may be impossible to initiate an action against a corporation that is based outside of the U.S. or its officers in a court outside of the U.S. on the grounds of a violation of U.S. securities-related laws. Furthermore, there is no guarantee that a corporation that is based outside of the U.S. or its affiliates may be compelled to submit themselves to the jurisdiction of a U.S. court. Unless otherwise specified, all procedures relating to the Tender Offer are to be conducted entirely in Japanese. All or a part of the documentation relating to the Tender Offer will be prepared in English; however, if there is any discrepancy between the English-language documents and the Japanese-language documents, the Japanese-language documents shall prevail. This press release includes statements that fall under 'forward-looking statements' as defined in Section 27A of the U.S. Securities Act of 1933 (as amended) and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Due to known or unknown risks, uncertainties or other factors, actual results may differ materially from the predictions indicated by the statements that are implicitly or explicitly forward-looking statements. Neither the Offeror nor any of its affiliates guarantee that the predictions indicated by the statements that are implicitly or expressly forward-looking statements will materialize. The forward-looking statements in this press release were prepared based on information held by the Offeror as of today, and the Offeror and its affiliates shall not be obliged to amend or revise such statements to reflect future events or circumstances, except as required by laws and regulations. The Offeror, the financial advisors of the Offeror and the Company, and the tender offer agent (and their respective affiliates) may purchase the common shares and share acquisition rights, etc. of the Company, by means other than the Tender Offer, or conduct an act aimed at such purchases, for their own account or for their client's accounts, including in the scope of their ordinary business, to the extent permitted under financial instrument exchange-related laws and regulations, and any other applicable laws and regulations in Japan, in accordance with the requirements of Rule 14e-5(b) of the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the Tender Offer period. Such purchases may be conducted at the market price through market transactions or at a price determined by negotiations off-market. In the event that information regarding such purchases is disclosed in Japan, such information will also be disclosed on the English website of the person conducting such purchases (or by any other method of public disclosure). If a shareholder exercises its right to demand the purchase of shares of less than one unit in accordance with the Companies Act, the Company may buy back its own shares during the Tender Offer period in accordance with the procedures required by laws and regulations. About KKR KKR is a leading global investment firm that offers alternative asset management as well as capital markets and insurance solutions. KKR aims to generate attractive investment returns by following a patient and disciplined investment approach, employing world-class people, and supporting growth in its portfolio companies and communities. KKR sponsors investment funds that invest in private equity, credit and real assets and has strategic partners that manage hedge funds. KKR's insurance subsidiaries offer retirement, life and reinsurance products under the management of Global Atlantic Financial Group. References to KKR's investments may include the activities of its sponsored funds and insurance subsidiaries. For additional information about KKR & Co. Inc. (NYSE: KKR), please visit KKR's website at For additional information about Global Atlantic Financial Group, please visit Global Atlantic Financial Group's website at 1
The Mainichi
20-07-2025
- General
- The Mainichi
Afghan moms smashing Japan's language barrier for sake of kids
CHIBA, Japan (Kyodo) -- A long-term Afghan resident of Japan has set up a free language school to help her more newly arrived countrywomen stay connected with their children, who now prefer to converse in Japanese rather than their ancestral language. With nearly four decades of experience as an interpreter in legal proceedings, Sedeka Eto has established the school to support Afghan mothers who fear their children, born or raised in Japan, are becoming increasingly distant. "While children learn to speak Japanese at school, mothers remain unable to understand it. Children then forget the Afghan language," said Eto, 67, who heads the nonprofit association Eagle Afghan for the Reconstruction of Afghanistan. Chiba, which borders Tokyo, is home to approximately 40 percent of some 6,000 Afghan residents in Japan, many of whom fled to the country as refugees after the Taliban regained control in 2021. Eto's school was established in 2023 via the nonprofit and holds classes every Saturday. More than 120 Afghans are registered and learn Japanese there. Eto came to Japan from Afghanistan in 1983 and married a Japanese man. Working as a legal interpreter, she witnessed interrogations and court proceedings and became aware of an increase in shoplifting and other crimes committed by foreign youth. Communication between Afghan parents and their children can be limited to simple Japanese. A mother with five children of primary and middle school age reports that her children speak to each other in Japanese, making it impossible for her to understand them. Children are unable to make themselves understood when they talk to their parents about problems at school and other complex issues, while many mothers say they are also unable to engage at parent-teacher conferences. As a result, Eto believes parents and children can become estranged, and such alienation leads some juveniles to crime. There are also cases in which children, when scolded by their fathers or older brothers in the Afghan language, do not understand and are beaten for not listening, Eto said. "I thought it was imperative that they be able to communicate in the same language," said Eto of her decision to open the language school. However, it is not easy for Afghan women to attend because they are customarily prohibited from going out alone -- an act seen as neglecting their responsibilities as mothers. Nonetheless, many find ways to do so. Despite their husbands' opposition, the women earnestly study Japanese, stopping what they are doing to focus on their work, even while looking after their children. A childcare space with Japanese staff is also provided during class. A 45-year-old woman who attends the class came to Japan in December 2022 due to deteriorating conditions in Afghanistan. "I felt like I was dead inside because I couldn't speak Japanese," she said. "My husband tells me to just study with my smartphone. But studying while talking with a teacher is completely different. At home, I need to do the housework as well," she said. In Afghanistan, the woman had to drop out of junior high school. She said that the experience of being taught in a classroom with a blackboard made her happy and improved her mental state. Eto said that other students say they feel empowered because they can now talk to teachers from their children's schools or ride buses or trains by themselves. Instead of being financially dependent on their husbands, more and more women have expressed a desire to study further and work outside the home. Many of the women spend the week counting down the days to the class. It is a day when they can learn Japanese, share their concerns with their peers and socialize. "I can't wait for Saturdays to come," one woman said. (By Maiko Aiyama)
Japan Today
19-07-2025
- Japan Today
Afghan moms smashing Japan's language barrier for sake of kids
A long-term Afghan resident of Japan has set up a free language school to help her more newly arrived countrywomen stay connected with their children, who now prefer to converse in Japanese rather than their ancestral language. With nearly four decades of experience as an interpreter in legal proceedings, Sedeka Eto has established the school to support Afghan mothers who fear their children, born or raised in Japan, are becoming increasingly distant. "While children learn to speak Japanese at school, mothers remain unable to understand it. Children then forget the Afghan language," said Eto, 67, who heads the nonprofit association Eagle Afghan for the Reconstruction of Afghanistan. Chiba, which borders Tokyo, is home to approximately 40 percent of some 6,000 Afghan residents in Japan, many of whom fled to the country as refugees after the Taliban regained control in 2021. Eto's school was established in 2023 via the nonprofit and holds classes every Saturday. More than 120 Afghans are registered and learn Japanese there. Eto came to Japan from Afghanistan in 1983 and married a Japanese man. Working as a legal interpreter, she witnessed interrogations and court proceedings and became aware of an increase in shoplifting and other crimes committed by foreign youth. Communication between Afghan parents and their children can be limited to simple Japanese. A mother with five children of primary and middle school age reports that her children speak to each other in Japanese, making it impossible for her to understand them. Children are unable to make themselves understood when they talk to their parents about problems at school and other complex issues, while many mothers say they are also unable to engage at parent-teacher conferences. As a result, Eto believes parents and children can become estranged, and such alienation leads some juveniles to crime. There are also cases in which children, when scolded by their fathers or older brothers in the Afghan language, do not understand and are beaten for not listening, Eto said. "I thought it was imperative that they be able to communicate in the same language," said Eto of her decision to open the language school. However, it is not easy for Afghan women to attend because they are customarily prohibited from going out alone -- an act seen as neglecting their responsibilities as mothers. Nonetheless, many find ways to do so. Despite their husbands' opposition, the women earnestly study Japanese, stopping what they are doing to focus on their work, even while looking after their children. A childcare space with Japanese staff is also provided during class. A 45-year-old woman who attends the class came to Japan in December 2022 due to deteriorating conditions in Afghanistan. "I felt like I was dead inside because I couldn't speak Japanese," she said. "My husband tells me to just study with my smartphone. But studying while talking with a teacher is completely different. At home, I need to do the housework as well," she said. In Afghanistan, the woman had to drop out of junior high school. She said that the experience of being taught in a classroom with a blackboard made her happy and improved her mental state. Eto said that other students say they feel empowered because they can now talk to teachers from their children's schools or ride buses or trains by themselves. Instead of being financially dependent on their husbands, more and more women have expressed a desire to study further and work outside the home. Many of the women spend the week counting down the days to the class. It is a day when they can learn Japanese, share their concerns with their peers and socialize. "I can't wait for Saturdays to come," one woman said. © KYODO
Kyodo News
18-07-2025
- General
- Kyodo News
FEATURE: Afghan moms smashing Japan's language barrier for sake of kids
CHIBA, Japan - A long-term Afghan resident of Japan has set up a free language school to help her more newly arrived countrywomen stay connected with their children, who now prefer to converse in Japanese rather than their ancestral language. With nearly four decades of experience as an interpreter in legal proceedings, Sedeka Eto has established the school to support Afghan mothers who fear their children, born or raised in Japan, are becoming increasingly distant. "While children learn to speak Japanese at school, mothers remain unable to understand it. Children then forget the Afghan language," said Eto, 67, who heads the nonprofit association Eagle Afghan for the Reconstruction of Afghanistan. Chiba, which borders Tokyo, is home to approximately 40 percent of some 6,000 Afghan residents in Japan, many of whom fled to the country as refugees after the Taliban regained control in 2021. Eto's school was established in 2023 via the nonprofit and holds classes every Saturday. More than 120 Afghans are registered and learn Japanese there. Eto came to Japan from Afghanistan in 1983 and married a Japanese man. Working as a legal interpreter, she witnessed interrogations and court proceedings and became aware of an increase in shoplifting and other crimes committed by foreign youth. Communication between Afghan parents and their children can be limited to simple Japanese. A mother with five children of primary and middle school age reports that her children speak to each other in Japanese, making it impossible for her to understand them. Children are unable to make themselves understood when they talk to their parents about problems at school and other complex issues, while many mothers say they are also unable to engage at parent-teacher conferences. As a result, Eto believes parents and children can become estranged, and such alienation leads some juveniles to crime. There are also cases in which children, when scolded by their fathers or older brothers in the Afghan language, do not understand and are beaten for not listening, Eto said. "I thought it was imperative that they be able to communicate in the same language," said Eto of her decision to open the language school. However, it is not easy for Afghan women to attend because they are customarily prohibited from going out alone -- an act seen as neglecting their responsibilities as mothers. Nonetheless, many find ways to do so. Despite their husbands' opposition, the women earnestly study Japanese, stopping what they are doing to focus on their work, even while looking after their children. A childcare space with Japanese staff is also provided during class. A 45-year-old woman who attends the class came to Japan in December 2022 due to deteriorating conditions in Afghanistan. "I felt like I was dead inside because I couldn't speak Japanese," she said. "My husband tells me to just study with my smartphone. But studying while talking with a teacher is completely different. At home, I need to do the housework as well," she said. In Afghanistan, the woman had to drop out of junior high school. She said that the experience of being taught in a classroom with a blackboard made her happy and improved her mental state. Eto said that other students say they feel empowered because they can now talk to teachers from their children's schools or ride buses or trains by themselves. Instead of being financially dependent on their husbands, more and more women have expressed a desire to study further and work outside the home. Many of the women spend the week counting down the days to the class. It is a day when they can learn Japanese, share their concerns with their peers and socialize. "I can't wait for Saturdays to come," one woman said.
AllAfrica
30-05-2025
- Business
- AllAfrica
Soaring rice prices are stirring political trouble in Japan
Japan's agriculture minister, Taku Eto, resigned on May 21 just six months into his term, following a public backlash to his joke that he never buys rice because supporters give it to him for free. Gaffes are by no means uncommon in Japanese politics. Controversial remarks by one former prime minister, Taro Aso, were routinely followed by retractions – and the ruling Liberal Democratic party (LDP) even distributed a gaffe-prevention manual to its members in 2019. But amid a severe rice shortage, which has seen prices surge to 90% higher than they were a year ago, Eto's quip was seen by the Japanese public as more than just an offhand comment. Rice has been a significant part of life in Japan for nearly 3,000 years. This deep connection is reflected in the Japanese word gohan, which means 'cooked rice' but is often used simply to refer to a meal. Rice has also shaped the foundations of Japanese cuisine and farming culture. Such is the importance of rice to Japanese people that a spike in prices in 1918 led to a nationwide wave of protest. The so-called rice riots forced then-Prime Minister Terauchi Masatake,to resign. However, despite the grain's obvious importance, Japanese government policy in recent decades has been focused on tightly controlling and regulating the production of rice. It has endeavoured to keep prices high, partly to reward farmers – who are an important support base for the LDP. This means consumers have paid a premium, contributing to a downward trend in rice consumption alongside other factors such as dietary diversification. By 2022, annual rice consumption in Japan had fallen to 51kg per person, less than half of what it was at its 1962 peak. In this context, the public reaction to Eto's comment was understandable. Japan's current prime minister, Shigeru Ishiba, initially seemed prepared to weather the storm, advising Eto to retract his 'problematic' remarks and remain in his post. But with elections approaching in July and Ishiba's approval rating sinking to a record low of 21%, his administration was left with little choice and Eto ultimately resigned. The rice crisis has emerged as one of the defining issues of the upcoming election, which will determine whether Ishiba's ruling coalition can secure a majority in the upper house of parliament. Having already lost its majority in the lower house in October 2024, the government may be set for another crushing defeat at the polls. Japan's rice crisis A few factors have combined over the past year to cause rice prices to increase unexpectedly. Japan's hottest September in 125 years resulted in poor harvests, while government warnings that a major earthquake off the country's Pacific coast could be imminent triggered panic buying. The agriculture ministry also says that a surge in inbound tourism contributed to a sudden rise in rice consumption. However, the rice crisis is not fundamentally the result of climate volatility or increased demand. It is the product of decades of self-defeating agricultural policy that has prioritized institutional interests over national food security. Rice production caps, which were introduced in 1971 to control supply and prices, have never been fully dismantled even as domestic consumption has changed and the farming population decreased. This artificial control of output has left the country ill-prepared for demand surges. Compounding these issues are entrenched protectionist measures designed to shield small-scale rice farmers through high tariffs and rigid distribution systems. These distortions have prioritized institutional stability and political patronage over food security reform, leaving Japan increasingly vulnerable in an era of climate disruption and supply chain instability. Having struggled with low wages for years, many sectors of Japan's population are now grappling with inflation. The government has dug into its emergency rice reserves in an attempt to alleviate the problem, but the grain has been slow to reach supermarket shelves. And some farmers, increasingly frustrated by regulations limiting how much rice they can grow, have even organized demonstrations. Under current conditions, imported rice is becoming an unavoidable fallback. Japan is importing rice from South Korea for the first time in over 25 years, while Japanese tourists are reportedly filling their suitcases with Korean rice – despite deep-seated skepticism toward anything not domestically grown. Political change looming? With rice prices soaring and public discontent mounting, this beloved everyday grain is once again at the center of Japanese politics – just as it was more than a century ago during the 1918 rice riots. Despite the complexities of modern economies, connected to global systems of market exchange, Japanese consumers understand that government policies have played an oversized role in creating the current crisis. It is largely policy that has kept their wages low and failed to rein in inflation. Consumers are also keenly aware that the LDP's rice policy has worked to protect its critical agricultural support base, a situation strongly reflected in Eto's joke. As the government scrambles to get its house in order and put more affordable rice back on the table, a deeper reflection of the past seems advisable. Historical precedents, such as the 1918 riots, suggest that strong public distrust of a government's rice policy results in profound political change. Ming Gao is a research scholar of East Asia studies, Lund University; and Timothy Amos is a senior lecturer in Japanese studies, University of Sydney. This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.
