Two women killed in blast at quake-damaged Aeon Mall in Japan

A retail employer issued a formal apology on Thursday after it was revealed that two female staff members were dispatched back to Aeon Mall to obtain cash on the company’s behalf. The incident came to light following complaints that the employees were asked to leave their duties and travel to the mall to secure funds, a move that raised concerns about workplace safety and the appropriateness of the request.

In its statement, the employer acknowledged that the decision to send the workers to Aeon Mall was a misjudgment and expressed regret for any inconvenience or distress caused. The company said it would review internal protocols to ensure that future cash‑handling procedures are conducted in a manner consistent with employee welfare and standard operational guidelines.