Latest news with #Mukai
Yahoo
21-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Alaska Legislature approves $5.5 million for child advocacy centers, fills federal funding shortfall
The Alaska and American flags fly in front of the Alaska State Capitol on Tuesday, April 22, 2025. (Photo by James Brooks/Alaska Beacon) The Alaska Legislature has approved state funding for child advocacy centers, which support child victims of physical and sexual abuse. Alaska's 20 centers were in limbo, facing a $5.5 million shortfall after federal grants were ended or cut, as well as uncertainty over whether operations and services would continue past June. On Friday afternoon, the budget conference committee – tasked with hammering out the final budget between the House and Senate versions – approved the funds to fill the gap and provide $5.5 million in state funding. Rep. Andy Jospephson, D-Anchorage and chair of the committee, said it was made clear that funding for the centers was a priority. 'They're critically important, and they rose to the very, very top of my list,' he said. 'In other words, there was no ask, given their financial predicament and importance, that I thought was more significant.' Mari Mukai, executive director of the nonprofit Alaska Children's Alliance, said she was grateful for the funding. The alliance provides support, training and technical assistance to Alaska's 20 child advocacy centers around the state. 'I know what a difficult fiscal situation we're in right now and understand that many difficult decisions needed to be made,' she said in a phone interview on Monday. Child advocacy centers provide services for children and their caregivers after suspected physical or sexual abuse, including trauma-informed interviewing, forensic services, streamlined investigations, and victim advocacy through the life of the case. They served 2,061 families statewide last year, Mukai said. The centers are funded at $10.9 million through a mix of federal and local grants, as well as other funding they raise. Mukai said the state's backstop funding will make up about half of their budget, and enable the centers to continue current operations and services. 'Unfortunately, Alaska is consistently on the top of the nation for rates of child abuse and violence, and domestic violence, and so unfortunately, yes, I do think that there's still a lot of need, but this would be a great first step,' she said. The Alaska Legislature voted to approve the final operating budget on Tuesday, and Gov. Mike Dunleavy will issue budget vetoes of individual line items before July 1. Mukai added that another federal grant the centers rely on is in danger – the Victims of Crime Act, provided by the U.S. Department of Justice through penalties related to crimes. Alaska advocates are urging the congressional delegation to push the U.S. Congress to protect this funding, as the Trump administration has moved to cancel hundreds of grants and millions of dollars supporting victims services through the Department of Justice. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE
Japan Today
20-05-2025
- Business
- Japan Today
Rakuten to support Ukrainian startups with Kyiv gov't institution
Japanese online shopping giant Rakuten Group Inc said Tuesday it will join hands with a Ukrainian government institution to support the country's defense startups. To facilitate the startups' entry into the Japanese market, Rakuten will help the institution, Brave1, showcase the startups' technologies and products at DSEI Japan, a defense and security trade show, opening Wednesday, it said. "We want to engage in communication that can stimulate Japan's defense industry so that it will lead to support for Ukrainian startups and contribute to their growth," said Rakuten Executive Officer Hideaki Mukai at the press conference in Tokyo. Mukai, however, said Rakuten "will not enter the defense industry right away." Brave1 CEO Nataliia Kushnerska called Rakuten a "unique, great partner to cooperate with" to help the "Ukrainian ecosystem and society to be a part of the Japan market." Rakuten is known for its support for Ukraine as the country fights a war against Russia, providing a messaging app and building an office in Kyiv. © KYODO
Kuwait Times
20-05-2025
- Business
- Kuwait Times
Japan invites Kuwaiti entrepreneurs to explore investment opportunities
Envoy highlights potential for business growth at Japan-Kuwait Business Diwaniya KUWAIT: Kuwaiti entrepreneurs and investors are encouraged to explore business opportunities in Japan, said Japanese Ambassador to Kuwait Mukai Kenichiro on Sunday, ahead of the 'Japan-Kuwait Business Diwaniya.' Speaking to KUNA, Ambassador Mukai expressed Japan's openness to Kuwaiti business ventures, particularly through supportive visa schemes for foreign entrepreneurs, such as those available in the city of Fukuoka. 'This is a good opportunity for Kuwaiti entrepreneurs to start businesses in Japan,' he stated. The ambassador noted that Kuwaiti cuisine received positive feedback from Japanese visitors during the ongoing Expo 2025 in Osaka, Kansai. 'This could create an opening for Kuwaiti entrepreneurs to consider launching ventures in Japan—not only in cuisine but in broader cultural sectors as well,' he added. Touching on broader economic ties, Ambassador Mukai affirmed the strength of Kuwaiti-Japanese relations. 'Our business and trade ties continue to grow, particularly as Kuwait plays a critical role in Japan's energy security through its supply of crude oil,' he remarked. Japanese Ambassador to Kuwait Mukai Kenichiro Al-Sayer Group CEO Mubarak Al-Sayer During his remarks at the Diwaniya, the ambassador encouraged Kuwaiti companies to consider investments in Japanese sectors, especially in advanced technology. He highlighted such cooperation as essential in supporting Kuwait's efforts to achieve net-zero carbon emissions in the oil sector by 2050. Ambassador Mukai also noted that the Diwaniya serves as a platform to revitalize the 'Japan-Kuwait Business Committee,' praising the role of major Japanese firms—including Mitsubishi, Toshiba, JERA, and others—for their contributions to vital infrastructure projects in Kuwait such as Al-Subiya, Al-Zour, and Doha power plants. He further revealed ongoing discussions between the two countries aimed at forging a bilateral agreement for unique culinary collaborations. For his part, Mubarak Al-Sayer, CEO of Al-Sayer Group, emphasized the company's longstanding role as a commercial bridge between Japan and Kuwait through its extensive importation of Japanese goods and brands. He called for greater support from the Japanese government to enhance cooperation across trade, education, industry, and healthcare. Al-Sayer also highlighted the potential benefits of Japanese expertise in helping Kuwait address environmental and urban development challenges through technological collaboration, paving the way for a sustainable future. He concluded by urging the Japanese government to consider granting visas on arrival for Kuwaiti citizens, a step he said would significantly boost bilateral ties. — KUNA
Yahoo
19-02-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Respiratory illnesses and stomach flu circulating in Chippewa Valley
EAU CLAIRE—Various respiratory illnesses as well as the Norovirus, otherwise known as the stomach flu, are circulating in the Chippewa Valley. 'We've seen an increase in COVID-19, RSV, influenza, as well as Norovirus in the area,' said Rachel Mukai, communicable disease specialist for the Eau Claire City-County Health Department. 'In particular, influenza has been increasing at a pretty significant rate. Hospitalizations related to the flu have increased significantly in recent weeks, impacting individuals of all ages.' Mukai said that starting in October of 2024, there have been around 116 hospitalizations due to influenza. In comparison, there have been 77 hospitalizations related to COVID during that time, and 30 related to RSV. 'If you do end up feeling sick, it's really important to stay home until you are well,' she said. 'If it's a respiratory, we recommend staying home for 24 hours after your fever has resolved and you are no longer taking fever reducing medications before you return back to work or school.' Mukai said that with Norovirus, the window for waiting to return to work or school is slightly longer, though the duration of the illness is generally shorter. 'That one would be a 24 to 72 hour illness,' she said. 'It tends to include things like diarrhea and vomiting and abdominal cramping. It's a really good practice to stay home until 48 hours after your symptoms have resolved.' Influenza, COVID, and RSV have similar symptoms. 'They can come with fevers, coughs, shortness of breath, fatigue — things like that,' she said. 'One of the big distinguishers for influenza is that the symptoms come on very suddenly. And just as a note, influenza doesn't stereotypically include vomiting and diarrhea. That tends to more fall into the stomach flu category or Norovirus.' Mukai said that those with respiratory illnesses are free to take an at-home COVID test, but that COVID activity is primarily tracked through wastewater data. 'We're currently at a high level right now in Eau Claire,' she said. '[The wastewater data] is one of the best indicators we have at this point because COVID-19, as a disease itself, is no longer reportable. Hospitals do still report but that tends to be a lagging indicator.' For those not sick, she recommended washing hands for a full 20 seconds with soap and water and ensuring if you're going to get together with family or friends, to ensure no one is sick. 'Even though we're kind of late in the season, with the high levels of respiratory illness, it's still really important to get vaccinated. You can still get the flu and COVID vaccines. Talk to your local pharmacy or your provider. There is also a vaccine for RSV, but that is for a limited population who can receive those vaccines. It's recommended for most infants and anyone over the age of 75.' Mukai said other individuals who might qualify for the RSV vaccine would need to contact their provider to inquire about it. The rise and respiratory illnesses and Norovirus has been going on for at least the last two weeks. 'When we are going to hit the peak yet in our county I'm hoping is soon, but we don't have any indication that we've peaked at this point,' she said.
