Tokyo –
A high govt at a significant Japanese writer was charged Tuesday with bribing a former Tokyo Olympics organizing committee member.
The costs towards Tsuguhiko Kadokawa, a significant determine in Japan’s film and leisure business, are the most recent within the unfolding corruption scandal associated to final yr’s Tokyo Summer season Video games.
Kadokawa was arrested Sept. 14 on suspicion of bribing Haruyuki Takahashi with 69 million yen (US$480,000).
Takahashi, a former govt at promoting firm Dentsu who joined the Tokyo Olympic organizing committee in 2014, had nice affect in arranging sponsorships for the Video games. He has been arrested and re-arrested thrice since August.
All of the whereas, he has remained in custody and can be going through bribery allegations involving two different firms: Aoki Holdings, a clothes firm that dressed Japan’s Olympic staff, and Daiko Promoting Inc.
Tagging on further allegations, which retains a suspect in custody, is named “hostage justice,” and is a broadly criticized however frequent apply in Japan.
Analysts say the arrests and costs could proceed for months within the Olympics scandal, as greater than 50 firms had been sponsors.
Kadokawa, the son of the publishing firm’s founder, stated in an announcement carried on Japanese media that he would stop as chairman.
“I really feel I need to take accountability. Kadokawa is going through a severe problem, and a brand new management is required so it may be overcome,” he stated.
A number of different officers on the firms accused of bribery have been arrested, together with two different Kadokawa staff.
Tokyo-based Kadokawa Group, which additionally makes films and video games, stated it takes the costs significantly.
“We deeply and repeatedly apologize to our readers, customers, writers and creators, shareholders and buyers and all others who could have been affected,” the corporate stated in an announcement.
Prosecutors say Takahashi acted in methods to favor the businesses with enterprise advantages associated to the Olympics in return for the bribes.
The official price ticket for the Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics was US$13 billion, largely public cash. The Video games had been postponed for a yr due to the coronavirus pandemic.