The Topsy-Turvy World of Nikon Public Relations and Communications

Yesterday we published a quote from the Nikkei Asian Review which stated that Nikon planned to cut 1,000 jobs from its shrinking semiconductor and digital camera businesses, choosing instead to focus on growing markets. Other articles I found seemed to support Nikon's financial troubles.

However, Nikon later published a press release which seemed to discredit the Nikkei Asian Review story (thanks AKH). Here's the full text of that release:

November 8, 2016 – There were media reports such as in The Nikkei this morning regarding Nikon's restructuring plan centering on headcount reduction during several years. Nikon has made no announcement in this regards.

Although Nikon is constantly studying various management options including headcount rationalization for strengthening company’s profitability mainly of Semiconductor Lithography and Imaging Products Businesses, nothing has been decided at this time.

Should any facts pertaining to this matter are decided, Nikon will immediately make an announcement.

If that's where the story had ended, we would all simply assume that The Nikkei Asian Review had been incorrect because of a grievous miscommunication. But in a bewildering move, Nikon then published a Notice of Restructuring (thanks Alaska) which confirmed the cutting of 1,000 jobs. Here's the relevant quote from that notice:

November 8, 2016
...
Based on the above initiatives to rationalize headcount, Nikon will be announcing a voluntary retirement program of approximately 1,000 employees. Eligible applicants and detailed conditions will be announced once officially finalized.

With contradictory official documents being published within hours on the very same day, we are left scratching our heads. What is going on with Nikon's public relations and communications divisions?