JAL Fumes at Quasi-Factual Movie

Tokyo, Nov. 2 (Jiji Press)--Japan Airlines <9205>, now under
business reconstruction, has criticized a new movie modeled on events
involving JAL, saying that the work damages the company and related
individuals, Jiji Press learned Monday.
The film, "Shizumanu Taiyo," not only damages public trust in the
company but could lead to the loss of customers, the airline said in a
corporate newsletter dated Oct. 21 in a story headlined, "Stand Up in a
Single Mind without Being Deluded by Rumors or Criticism."
The movie, whose name can be translated as "The Sun That Does Not
Set," tells the story of the struggles of an employee trying to revive a
corrupt giant airline firm. Directed by Setsuro Wakamatsu, it is based on a
work of fiction by novelist Toyoko Yamasaki. Actor Ken Watanabe plays the
leading role.
Released on Oct. 24, the film includes many episodes reminiscent of
true events, including the 1985 crash of a JAL airplane in Japan that killed
more than 500 people, the worst-ever aircraft accident in the country.
The newsletter blasted episodes in the film such as illegal
accounting practices by executives, making unusual personnel appointments as
punishments, and the provision of benefits to politicians and bureaucrats.
These things simply cannot happen, it said. Although the movie is
presented as a work of fiction, it could be associated with JAL and specific
executives and employees, the newsletter said, stressing that the image of
the firm and individuals has been hurt.
The act of trying to make profits by adding made-up episodes to the
1985 accident and visualizing them represents a lack of consideration for
bereaved families of the victims, the newsletter said.
In the newsletter, the airline firm threatened to resort to legal
steps, saying it is considering taking necessary action.
The release of the movie probably could not have come at a worse
time for JAL, which has fallen into financial difficulties due in part to
sloppy management. The airline is set to enter a business rehabilitation
process under close supervision by the government.