Latest news with #Kanai


Kyodo News
19-06-2025
- Business
- Kyodo News
Japan firm supporting refugees to donate glasses to war-torn Ukraine
KYODO NEWS - 4 hours ago - 09:25 | All, Japan A Japanese company that makes glasses will donate 5,100 pairs of spectacles to people displaced by Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Fuji Megane Co., which has been supporting refugees for more than 40 years, will distribute the glasses through the Office of the U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees. The glasses, which include 1,670 pairs for children, will be given to the beneficiaries following an onsite eye examination. The Sapporo-based company's dedication to helping refugees stems from the experience of its 82-year-old president, Akio Kanai. Born in Japan-ruled Sakhalin, Kanai was 2 years old when on Aug. 16, 1945, the day after Japan's surrender in World War II, he, fled to Japan's northern main island of Hokkaido along with his mother and older brother due to an advance by the Soviet military on Sakhalin. In a recent telephone interview, Kanai said, "I want to support people in Ukraine," citing his experience as an evacuee. Fuji Megane has supported refugees around the world since 1983, donating a total of 180,000 pairs of glasses to people in countries such as Thailand, Nepal and Azerbaijan. Kanai became the first Japanese person to receive the Nansen Refugee Award, dubbed the Nobel Prize for refugee support, from the U.N. refugee agency in 2006. The prize honors individuals and groups that have taken extraordinary actions to protect refugees. Related coverage: Japan PM throws support behind Ukraine to achieve lasting peace FEATURE: Ukrainian kids practice sumo free from missile attack fears Japan to accept 2 from Gaza for medical treatment amid Israel attacks


The Mainichi
19-06-2025
- Business
- The Mainichi
Japan firm supporting refugees to donate glasses to war-torn Ukraine
MOSCOW (Kyodo) -- A Japanese company that makes glasses will donate 5,100 pairs of spectacles to people displaced by Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Fuji Megane Co., which has been supporting refugees for more than 40 years, will distribute the glasses through the Office of the U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees. The glasses, which include 1,670 pairs for children, will be given to the beneficiaries following an onsite eye examination. The Sapporo-based company's dedication to helping refugees stems from the experience of its 82-year-old president, Akio Kanai. Born in Japan-ruled Sakhalin, Kanai was 2 years old when on Aug. 16, 1945, the day after Japan's surrender in World War II, he, fled to Japan's northern main island of Hokkaido along with his mother and older brother due to an advance by the Soviet military on Sakhalin. In a recent telephone interview, Kanai said, "I want to support people in Ukraine," citing his experience as an evacuee. Fuji Megane has supported refugees around the world since 1983, donating a total of 180,000 pairs of glasses to people in countries such as Thailand, Nepal and Azerbaijan. Kanai became the first Japanese person to receive the Nansen Refugee Award, dubbed the Nobel Prize for refugee support, from the U.N. refugee agency in 2006. The prize honors individuals and groups that have taken extraordinary actions to protect refugees.


Kyodo News
19-06-2025
- Business
- Kyodo News
Japan firm supporting refugees to donate glasses to war-torn Ukraine
KYODO NEWS - 4 minutes ago - 09:25 | All, Japan A Japanese company that makes glasses will donate 5,100 pairs of spectacles to people displaced by Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Fuji Megane Co., which has been supporting refugees for more than 40 years, will distribute the glasses through the Office of the U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees. The glasses, which include 1,670 pairs for children, will be given to the beneficiaries following an onsite eye examination. The Sapporo-based company's dedication to helping refugees stems from the experience of its 82-year-old president, Akio Kanai. Born in Japan-ruled Sakhalin, Kanai was 2 years old when on Aug. 16, 1945, the day after Japan's surrender in World War II, he, fled to Japan's northern main island of Hokkaido along with his mother and older brother due to an advance by the Soviet military on Sakhalin. In a recent telephone interview, Kanai said, "I want to support people in Ukraine," citing his experience as an evacuee. Fuji Megane has supported refugees around the world since 1983, donating a total of 180,000 pairs of glasses to people in countries such as Thailand, Nepal and Azerbaijan. Kanai became the first Japanese person to receive the Nansen Refugee Award, dubbed the Nobel Prize for refugee support, from the U.N. refugee agency in 2006. The prize honors individuals and groups that have taken extraordinary actions to protect refugees. Related coverage: Japan PM throws support behind Ukraine to achieve lasting peace FEATURE: Ukrainian kids practice sumo free from missile attack fears Japan to accept 2 from Gaza for medical treatment amid Israel attacks

Hospitality Net
16-05-2025
- Business
- Hospitality Net
Laura Villalobos has been appointed General Manager at Etéreo, Auberge Resorts Collection in Playa del Carmen
Auberge Resorts Collection, the award-winning portfolio of one-of-a-kind luxury hotels, resorts and residences, is pleased to announce the appointment of Laura Villalobos as General Manager of Etéreo, Auberge Resorts Collection, the ethereal oceanfront retreat nestled within the exclusive Kanai development on Mexico's Riviera Maya. A seasoned hospitality leader with over 20 years of experience, Villalobos is recognized for her operational expertise, strategic vision, and passion for crafting meaningful guest experiences rooted in emotional connection. In her new role, Villalobos will oversee all operations at Etéreo, guiding the resort while honoring its core pillars: extraordinary food, wine & spirits; joyful and rejuvenating wellbeing, and exhilarating encounters with nature. Known for her intuitive leadership and ability to build high-performing teams, she will solidify Etéreo's position as a soulful retreat rooted in connection, culture, and care. Villalobos joins Etéreo from Four Seasons Hotel Mexico City, where she most recently served as Commercial Director and played a central role in repositioning the hotel as one of the capital's top luxury destinations. Throughout her career, she has held leadership roles spanning sales, marketing, and operations and is known for balancing precision and creativity to deliver exceptional results. Raised in Puerto Vallarta and born in Mexico City, Villalobos brings a deep understanding of Mexican culture and a heartfelt connection to the region.

Condé Nast Traveler
09-05-2025
- Condé Nast Traveler
11 Best Hotels in Playa del Carmen, Mexico
Nestled between Cancún and Tulum, Playa del Carmen's luxurious hotels and resorts complement the natural splendor of Mexico's Caribbean coastline. The area boasts everything from meticulously restored former estates—including one that once served as the secluded retreat of an Italian duchess—to sophisticated properties tucked within expansive multi-resort developments like Maroma, Mayakoba, and Kanai. These complexes often feature amenities like celebrity-designed golf courses and an abundance of dining venues, as well as natural perks, like serene mangrove-lined canals that wind their way directly to the Caribbean Sea, and private natural limestone cenotes filled with crystal-clear water. As with any destination, location is everything, and most of Playa del Carmen's top luxury hotels are located along the oceanfront to provide immediate ocean access. Properties within the above exclusive developments offer additional space and privacy, surrounded by carefully preserved environments with unmatched amenities. If you're seeking a getaway to this Mexican Caribbean paradise, you've got options: Whether prioritizing oceanfront views, architectural design, or kid-friendly amenities, Playa del Carmen's hotel scene delivers exceptional options for every type of traveler. Read on to see some of our top picks.