Tokyo, Aug. 4 (Jiji Press)--Mizuho Corporate Bank has upgraded its assessment of loan claims on Japan Airline in response to the airline's recent earnings recovery and improving financial base, Jiji Press learned Monday. The wholesale banking unit of Mizuho Financial Group Inc.

By Kyodo News International, Tokyo Mar. 28--TOKYO -- Consumer loan lender Orient Corp.

By Kyodo News International, Tokyo Mar. 20--TOKYO -- Mizuho Financial Group Inc. said Tuesday it has lowered its group net profit projection for fiscal 2006 to 540 billion yen from 720 billion yen in last November's forecast.

By Kyodo News International, Tokyo Jan. 4--TOKYO -- Ken Moroi, special adviser to Taiheiyo Cement Corp. and known for his considerable influence in both business and political circles, died of malignant lymphoma last Friday at a Tokyo hospital, his family said Thursday. He was 78.

By Kyodo News International, Tokyo Jul. 31--TOKYO -- Mizuho Financial Group Inc. said Monday its group net profit in the three months ended June 30 soared 33.2 percent from a year earlier to 230.84 billion yen due mainly to a 43.3 billion yen fall in tax-related expenses.