Japan Airlines News
The Chief Executive Officer of Japan Airlines has taken a voluntary salary cut after an alcohol-related incident involving members of the airline’s cabin crew. The move highlights Japan’s corporate culture, where senior executives often accept responsibility for the mistakes of employees.
According to reports, Japan Airlines President and CEO, Mitsuko Tottori, will take a 30 percent reduction in her monthly salary for two months. The airline said the decision was taken to demonstrate accountability and show the company’s commitment to improving its internal management and safety systems.
The disciplinary action followed an incident involving two cabin crew members who consumed alcohol the day before a domestic flight. According to company rules, cabin crew are not allowed to drink beyond a certain time before operating a flight. The employees reportedly violated this policy, leading to an internal investigation.
Japan Airlines described the incident as an “extremely serious management failure.” The airline said that the problem was not limited to the actions of individual employees but also reflected weaknesses in the company’s oversight and safety systems.
As part of the disciplinary measures, two senior executives responsible for safety and cabin operations will receive a 20 percent salary cut for one month. In addition, all other directors and executive officers of the company will face a 10 percent reduction in salary for one month.
The airline also took action against the employees involved in the incident. One cabin crew member was dismissed from the company, while another employee was suspended for violating the airline’s alcohol policy.
In a statement, Japan Airlines said it remains fully committed to strengthening supervision and implementing organisational reforms. The company acknowledged that its existing systems had failed to prevent the incident and pledged to improve its safety measures.
The case has once again drawn attention to Japanese corporate culture, where company leaders often accept responsibility for problems occurring under their supervision. In Japan, senior executives frequently take voluntary pay cuts or even resign when employee misconduct damages the reputation of an organisation.
Experts say such actions are not legal requirements but are deeply rooted in Japan’s business traditions. The practice is intended to demonstrate remorse, accountability, and commitment to restoring public trust.
This is not the first time Japanese corporate leaders have accepted pay cuts because of employee misconduct. In December 2024, the head of Japanese investment bank Nomura Holdings, Kentaro Okuda, took a salary reduction for three months after a former employee faced serious criminal charges, including attempted murder and robbery. Other senior managers at the company also accepted pay cuts.
Similarly, in January 2025, executives at MUFG Bank, Japan’s largest bank, took a three-month salary reduction after an employee was accused of stealing valuables worth around $9 million from customers’ deposit boxes.
These incidents show that accountability at the top remains an important part of Japanese corporate governance. By accepting financial penalties, senior leaders aim to demonstrate responsibility and reassure customers, employees, and investors that corrective measures are being taken.
For Japan Airlines, the salary cuts represent more than a disciplinary action. They are also an effort to preserve public confidence in the airline’s safety standards and corporate values. The company hopes that by accepting responsibility and strengthening its internal systems, it can prevent similar incidents in the future and maintain the trust of passengers and stakeholders.
