Tokyo –
A top executive at a major Japanese publisher was charged Tuesday with bribing a former Tokyo Olympics organizing committee member.
The charges against Tsuguhiko Kadokawa, a major figure in Japan’s movie and entertainment industry, are the latest in the unfolding corruption scandal related to last year’s Tokyo Summer Games.
Kadokawa was arrested Sept. 14 on suspicion of bribing Haruyuki Takahashi with 69 million yen (US$480,000).
Takahashi, a former executive at advertising company Dentsu who joined the Tokyo Olympic organizing committee in 2014, had great influence in arranging sponsorships for the Games. He has been arrested and re-arrested three times since August.
All the while, he has remained in custody and is also facing bribery allegations involving two other companies: Aoki Holdings, a clothing company that dressed Japan’s Olympic team, and Daiko Advertising Inc.
Tagging on additional allegations, which keeps a suspect in custody, is known as “hostage justice,” and is a widely criticized but common practice in Japan.
Analysts say the arrests and charges may continue for months in the Olympics scandal, as more than 50 companies were sponsors.
Kadokawa, the son of the publishing company’s founder, said in a statement carried on Japanese media that he would quit as chairman.
“I feel I must take responsibility. Kadokawa is facing a serious challenge, and a new leadership is needed so it can be overcome,” he said.
Several other officials at the companies accused of bribery have been arrested, including two other Kadokawa employees.
Tokyo-based Kadokawa Group, which also makes movies and games, said it takes the charges seriously.
“We deeply and repeatedly apologize to our readers, users, writers and creators, shareholders and investors and all others who may have been affected,” the company said in a statement.
Prosecutors say Takahashi acted in ways to favor the companies with business benefits related to the Olympics in return for the bribes.
The official price tag for the Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics was US$13 billion, mostly public money. The Games were postponed for a year because of the coronavirus pandemic.
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