Japan Coast Guard and Tokai Kisen penalized for misconduct

The Japan Coast Guard disclosed that more than 3,300 crew members had improperly claimed travel allowances, resulting in fraudulent payouts of roughly ¥37 million over a three‑year period. Disciplinary measures were taken against 59 individuals, including the agency chief and several vessel captains, and the agency is considering criminal prosecution.

Separately, the Transport Ministry announced plans to issue a business‑suspension order for ferry operator Tokai Kisen after an audit revealed crew members working while intoxicated and instances of falsified alcohol‑testing procedures. Tokai Kisen apologized, said it would set up an external expert committee to investigate, and is cooperating with the pending administrative hearing.