More than 2,300 major companies across the country hosted general shareholders' meetings Friday as police mobilized about 10,000 officers to prevent possible disruptions by "sokaiya" corporate extortionists.
The firms included the failed Yamaichi Securities Co. and Hokkaido Takushoku Bank as well as Yakult Honsha Co., which registered massive losses through bogus investment schemes.
Some companies televised meetings live. Most firms adhered to the traditional practice of requiring employees who hold shares to attend; their support of company policies helps to bring the meetings to a quick end.
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