The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT) has launched an investigation following an incident regarding a Japan Airlines (JAL) pilot found drunk on duty. The government-initiated audit intends to examine the airline’s compliance with regulations on drinking before flights. The incident that sparked this move occurred recently and highlighted potential risks in the airline's safety and operation procedures.

In Japan, any findings of negligence or misconduct connected with corporate entities are taken very seriously. In this particular situation, there's a grave social concern regarding public safety predominantly. Japan Airlines is one of the major airlines representing the country internationally, thus, the public expects strict adherence to rules. This incident is anticipated to cause significant public backlash and calls for stricter regulations.

Similar issues in the US or EU also meet with serious consequences and prompt investigations. Airline companies often face hefty fines and are obliged to review and better their safety protocols. Public reactions may vary, but overall, the expectation for airlines to uphold safety standards is universally high.