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Japanese Businesses Back Detroit's Bankruptcy Deal, Pledge $2.2 Million To DIA

DETROIT (WWJ/AP) - Members of the Japan Business Society of Detroit have pledged nearly $2.2 million that mostly will go toward the Detroit Institute of Arts' goal to raise $100 million to prevent the sale of art in Detroit's bankruptcy and help city pensioners.

The support from 21 Japanese businesses, including auto parts suppliers, was announced Thursday -- a day before a federal bankruptcy judge is to decide whether Detroit's plan to exit bankruptcy is fair and feasible.

The museum said 75 percent of the donation will be used for the DIA's $100 million commitment to the so-called grand bargain. The rest will go toward reinstalling the museum's Japanese collection in a new gallery.

"We are grateful for the Japanese business community's leadership in supporting the grand bargain, which helps not only the DIA, but the city of Detroit and its pensioners," Eugene Gargaro, DIA chairman of the board, said in a statement. "Their generosity also brings us closer to reinstalling our wonderful collection of Japanese art, most of which has not been on view for several years."

The DIA had planned to reinstall its Japanese art when the museum re-opened in 2007 after a total remake. Due to unexpected expenses, there were not enough funds to properly install the gallery. Currently, a selection of Japanese masterpieces is on view in an area with other Asian art. The museum continues to fundraise for the gallery and hopes to be able to begin the project next year.

So far, the DIA says it has raised about $87 million for the grand bargain.

The following is a list on contributing businesses:

  • DENSO International of America
  • AISIN Group
  • Toyoda Gosei
  • Toyota Tsusho
  • Hino Motors Manufacturing USA Inc and Hino Motors Sales USA Inc
  • JTEKT
  • Yazaki North America
  • Toyota Boshoku
  • N.S. International
  • Mitsuhishi Electric
  • Tram
  • Panasonic Automotive
  • Akebono Brake
  • American Mitsuba
  • Hitachi Metals
  • Hitotec
  • Sunitomo Corporation
  • Mitsui & Co.
  • Hitachi Automotive
  • Hayashi Telempu
  • ISUZU

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TM and © Copyright 2014 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2014 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.

 

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