Latest news with #Ignite
Japan Forward
4 days ago
- Politics
- Japan Forward
Abduction is a Global Issue
このページを 日本語 で読む JAPAN Forward has launched "Ignite," a series to share the voices of students in Japan who write in English. What do they see beyond our obvious differences, disabilities, and insecurities? Individually and collectively, today's students have the power to shape our global future. This sixth essay of the series, by Masakazu Takata, a junior high school student from Maizuru, is on the issue of North Korea's abduction of Japanese citizens. Annually, the Headquarters for the Abduction Issue holds a North Korean Human Rights Violations Awareness Week Essay Contest for junior and senior high school students across the country. (The Government of Japan established the Headquarters, an organization led by the Prime Minister and composed of all the Ministers of State to resolve the abductions issue.) It aims to raise awareness of the abductions issue through viewing films and stage plays, reading books related to the issue, and other opportunities to help the students understand the feelings of abduction victims and their families. These students often go further, taking the opportunity of the essay contest to think deeply about what they can and should do to resolve the abduction issue. Some, like Masakazu Takata, also take on the challenge to directly communicate their thoughts and ideas to others in English. Let's listen. Sixth in the Series, 'Ignite' We cannot just "know" about the abduction issue. If Megumi and her family had not been abducted, they would still be living an ordinary, happy life. Such a daily life was interrupted by the abduction. In August [2024], I participated in the "Junior High School Summit on the Abduction Issue." There, I listened to a lecture by Takuya Yokota, the younger brother of Megumi Yokota, a victim of abduction. The abduction refers to the incident about fifty years ago when North Korea abducted young Japanese citizens to train their agents. Although North Korea admitted the fact, only 5 out of 17 abductees have returned. Even after half a century, the abduction issue remains unresolved. Masakazu Takata, a student at Maizuru City Kasa Junior High School, reads his winning essay during the 2024 North Korean Human Rights Violations Awareness Week seminar on December 14. (Screenshot) What we can do to solve the abduction issue is to first watch the anime "Megumi." At the summit, Mr Yokota emphasized the importance of thinking about it as a personal matter. It is crucial to watch it with the mindset of "What if my beloved family or friends were suddenly taken away?" After the summit, I watched "Megumi" again. It looked completely different. The first time I watched it was when I was in 7th grade. At that time, I watched it as a bystander. Now, I can feel the pain and suffering of the family. I understood the meaning of "as a personal matter" that Mr Yokota mentioned, and I became able to assert it in my own words. According to a public opinion survey, the percentage of people interested in the abduction issue is 73.6%. As the awareness of the issue fades over time, it is necessary to spread the abduction issue. The internet and social media are used by a wide range of age groups, from young people to the elderly. By utilizing information and communication technology, it is possible to disseminate information widely. The families of the abductees are aging, and Megumi's father, Shigeru, passed away in 2020 without meeting his beloved daughter. Therefore, the abduction issue is a race against time. Megumi Yokota (center) and her family visit the Japan Sea the year before she was abducted by North Korean agents. ( © Yokota family.) Conflicts continue around the world today, such as the invasion of Ukraine and the conflict in Palestine. It is common to see reports of conflicts when you turn on the TV. However, we must not forget about the abduction issue. It has been a silent battle for much longer than wars. From Mr Yokota's lecture, the desire of the abductees to "return to Japan as soon as possible" touched strongly in my heart. The abduction issue is not the past, and Megumi and others are still waiting for help with the single-minded desire to "meet their families." Therefore, I believe that raising our voices in cooperation with the world for the early return of the abductees will be the driving force for their rescue. As a participant in the summit, I felt a mission to disseminate the abduction issue. It is necessary to widely disseminate the current situation of the abduction issue and what we can do. I want to actively participate in future activities for the early return of the abductees. At the time he submitted this essay, Masakazu Takata was a student at Maizuru City Kasa Junior High School, in Kyoto Prefecture, Japan. He delivered this comment upon receiving the Grand Prize for an English essay by a junior high school student: Comment from the winner: After listening to Takuya Yokota's lecture this summer [2024], I realized that I had to think of the abduction issue as something that concerned me personally. As a citizen, I want to take action in whatever way I can. Author: TAKATA Masakazu Student, Maizuru City Kasa Junior High School このページを 日本語 で読む
The Herald Scotland
5 days ago
- Business
- The Herald Scotland
Sun shines on owner of Glasgow's famous Horseshoe Bar
Mitchells & Butlers, the industry giant which owns Glasgow's famous Horseshoe bar and brands such as All Bar One, Harvester, and O'Neill's, declared today that profits for this year would come in at the top end of guidance. This came as the company reported a strong performance for the first half during which sales remained 'well ahead of the market', benefiting from Easter and the recent sunny weather. Like-for-like sales were up 5% in the third quarter and increased by 4.5% over the 42 weeks ended July 19. The company noted that despite the challenges of 'well publicised cost inflation' – which included the recent rises in employer national insurance contributions and national living and minimum wage – it is 'encouraged by the continued strong performance of the business, which remains well ahead of the market'. Read more: 'We are confident that this will lead to an outturn result for the current year at the top end of consensus expectations,' it told the stock market. Phil Urban, chief executive of Mitchells & Butlers, said: 'The business continues to perform strongly, enabling us to meet the cost challenges facing the sector with confidence. We will remain focused on our Ignite programme of initiatives and our successful capital investment programme, driving cost efficiencies and increasing sales. With the unique strengths of our business, including a diverse portfolio of established brands, value proposition and enviable estate locations, we believe we are positioned to continue to grow profitability and market share.' The update from Mitchells & Butlers came hot on the heels of a similarly upbeat trading statement from JD Wetherspoon on Wednesday. Wetherspoon's outspoken chairman, Tim Martin, singled out the impact of sunny weather and standout performances by Villa Maria wine from New Zealand, Prosecco from Italy, and Guinness, as well as 'clucking good' chicken sales, as it reported that like-for-like sales had increased by 5.1% in the 12 weeks to July 20. Sales for the year to date were up by the same amount. Mr Martin said: 'The company has benefitted from favourable weather in the fourth quarter, so that profits are anticipated to be in line with market expectations, notwithstanding the high tax and labour increases for the hospitality industry, which have been widely reported.'
The Independent
5 days ago
- Business
- The Independent
Toby Carvery owner celebrates results after hot weather brings in bumper customers
Pub and bar giant Mitchells & Butlers has reported a significant boost in customer numbers, attributing part of its strong performance to recent sunny weather. The owner of Toby Carvery and All Bar One now anticipates its sales will reach the "top end" of industry forecasts. Phil Urban, chief executive of the group, affirmed it is performing "strongly" despite increased cost pressures stemming from recent rises in national insurance contributions and the national minimum wage. M&B, which also runs Harvester and Miller & Carter venues, saw like-for-like sales grow by 5 per cent over the quarter to 19 July, with momentum accelerating further. The company highlighted that "sales growth has remained well ahead of the market through the third quarter, benefiting from Easter and recent sunny weather." Food sales climbed by 4.9 per cent, while drink sales saw a 4.8 per cent increase for the quarter. Bosses said they were encouraged by the performance 'despite well-publicised cost inflation challenges facing the sector'. As a result, M&B said it is confident this will lead to annual results 'at the top end of consensus expectations'. The hospitality group said it has converted and remodelled 150 venues so far this year and opened two new sites. Mr Urban said: 'The business continues to perform strongly, enabling us to meet the cost challenges facing the sector with confidence. 'We will remain focused on our Ignite programme of initiatives and our successful capital investment programme, driving cost efficiencies and increasing sales. 'With the unique strengths of our business, including a diverse portfolio of established brands, value proposition and enviable estate locations, we believe we are positioned to continue to grow profitability and market share.' Shares in the business were, however, 0.5 per cent lower in early trading.
The Independent
5 days ago
- Business
- The Independent
Toby Carvery owner says sales to hit ‘top end' of guidance amid hot weather
Pub and bar giant Mitchells & Butlers has said sunny weather helped bring in more customers in recent months. The Toby Carvery and All Bar One owner said its sales are set to hit the 'top end' of industry expectations as a result. Phil Urban, chief executive of the group, said it is performing 'strongly' despite increased cost pressures after the recent rises in national insurance contributions and the national minimum wage. M&B, which also runs Harvester and Miller & Carter venues, said like-for-like sales grew by 5% over the quarter to July 19, as momentum accelerated further. The company highlighted that 'sales growth has remained well ahead of the market through the third quarter, benefiting from Easter and recent sunny weather'. It added that food sales increased by 4.9%, while drink sales increased by 4.8% for the quarter. Bosses said they were encouraged by the performance 'despite well-publicised cost inflation challenges facing the sector'. As a result, M&B said it is confident this will lead to annual results 'at the top end of consensus expectations'. The hospitality group said it has converted and remodelled 150 venues so far this year and opened two new sites. Mr Urban said: 'The business continues to perform strongly, enabling us to meet the cost challenges facing the sector with confidence. 'We will remain focused on our Ignite programme of initiatives and our successful capital investment programme, driving cost efficiencies and increasing sales. 'With the unique strengths of our business, including a diverse portfolio of established brands, value proposition and enviable estate locations, we believe we are positioned to continue to grow profitability and market share.' Shares in the business were, however, 0.5% lower in early trading.
Malaysian Reserve
7 days ago
- Business
- Malaysian Reserve
Children's Miracle Network Hospitals' Ignite: Inspiring This Generation to Lift Up the Next Through Impactful Leadership
Annual Peer-to-Peer Leadership Conference Unites Student Leaders and Hospital Advisors to Strengthen Dance Marathon Programs Nationwide ST. LOUIS, July 23, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Children's Miracle Network Hospitals (CMN Hospitals) is proud to host its annual Ignite: Peer-to-Peer Leadership Conference, bringing together hundreds of passionate student leaders and hospital advisors from July 17-20 in St. Louis, Missouri. The conference, held at the Marriott St. Louis Grand, is designed to power knowledge, launch fundraising efforts, and deepen the collective commitment to lift this generation up to the next with the future of our Campus Programs in mind. Campus Programs at Children's Miracle Network Hospitals are nationwide fundraising initiatives led by college and high school students, including major programs like Dance Marathon, Greek Life, and other campus organizations. These programs empower students to rally their communities and raise vital funds for their local children's hospitals. Ignite 2025 offered four days of powerful learning and meaningful connections, including educational sessions, networking opportunities, and celebrations of fundraising excellence. Attendees gained valuable insights into peer-to-peer fundraising best practices, learned how to build community, and discovered innovative ways to raise critical funds for local member hospitals. 'Ignite is where the magic of our Campus Programs truly comes alive,' said Aimee J. Daily, Ph.D., President & CEO of Children's Miracle Network Hospitals. 'These student leaders are the driving force behind our mission, and it's inspiring to see their passion for making a tangible difference in children's healthcare. Their dedication ensures that our local member hospitals can continue to provide essential care for millions of kids each year.' Key Highlights of Ignite 2025 Include: Powerful Cause Connection: Attendees experienced firsthand how their fundraising makes a positive impact on children's healthcare. This includes engaging with 2025 National Champions Coale, Ava Clarke, Jaxon, and 2024 Champion, Ella, who courageously shared their personal journeys, and the impact of the care received at their local member children's hospital and CMN Hospitals' support. Celebrating Success: The conference recognized outstanding achievements in fundraising and leadership. See the full list of award winners here New Brand Vision Unveiled: CMN Hospitals shared an exclusive preview of its evolving brand, designed to expand its impact and clearly communicate its mission: to bring people together to raise money for children's healthcare in local communities. This strategic evolution, set to launch publicly in 2026, reinforces CMN Hospitals as the only charity that champions the health of all kids. Inspiring Student Voices: Alyssa, the Executive Director of HuskyTHON 2026 at the University of Connecticut, shared her powerful personal story of receiving care at Connecticut Children's and how that experience fuels her dedication to Dance Marathon. Her story exemplifies the profound connection between student leaders and the cause they champion. 'Attending this conference has ignited motivation in me and the rest of my team, and I am extremely excited about what we can bring back to our campus,' said Alyssa. 'Meeting other student leaders from across the country who share my passion and getting the chance to brainstorm and exchange ideas was incredibly impactful. It was also a true honor to stand on stage and share my story—one that began at Connecticut Children's and now continues through my leadership at HuskyTHON. I'm so grateful for the opportunity to represent my journey and hopefully inspire others to realize the difference they can make.' Ignite 2025 was made possible thanks to the support of our generous sponsors. Silent Events returned to host an energizing Silent Disco Showcase, offering a fun and interactive experience, along with a special discount code for Campus Programs to bring the excitement back to their own campuses. The Coca-Cola Company—celebrating a partnership 30 years strong—proudly sponsored the Leadership & Management Summit. Student leaders were treated to an exclusive opportunity to hear from Mariangelix Cordero-Bonilla, Director of Colleges & Universities Marketing at The Coca-Cola Company, in a dynamic conversation led by Kristen Schavemaker, Chief Programs & Foundation Partnerships Officer at Children's Miracle Network Hospitals. New sponsor, Hyundai Hope on Wheels, a longtime leader in the fight against pediatric cancer, brought its mission to Ignite this weekend—inviting attendees to leave handprints on a signature vehicle as a symbol of hope and support for kids facing tough battles. Kevin Reilly, Vice Chair of Hyundai Hope on Wheels and President of Alexandria Hyundai, joined on the mainstage to share more about this impactful work. In a powerful moment, the team presented a $125,000 donation to Children's Miracle Network Hospitals, helping fund lifesaving care for children nationwide. The conference highlighted its new Campus Programs tagline, 'This Generation Lifting Up the Next,' which showcases the program's powerful mission and the dedication of its student leaders. Through fundraising, member hospitals are empowered to offer the best possible care. About Children's Miracle Network Hospitals:Children's Miracle Network Hospitals was founded more than 40 years ago with the vision to Change Kids' Health, Change the Future. We've raised over $9 billion for 170 children's hospitals by empowering and engaging with local communities and businesses – and we're not done yet. All donations benefit local member hospitals to fund what's needed most, like critical life-saving treatments and healthcare services, innovative research, vital pediatric medical equipment, child life services that put kids' and families' minds at ease during difficult hospital stays, and financial assistance for families who could not otherwise afford these health services. Together, we can change kids' health. Together, we can change the future. To learn about Children's Miracle Network Hospitals and your local member children's hospital, visit Media Contact:Christina VitaleCommunications ManagerChildren's Miracle Network HospitalsO: 801-214-7400C: 908-839-2152cvitale@
