Shinichi Uneo, who formerly headed ADK Holdings, quietly
told the Tokyo District Court the allegations were accurate. In Japan, a trial
continues even if a suspect admits guilt. Three prosecutors took turns reading
their opening statement during a two-hour session.
Ueno is accused of paying nearly 15 million yen ($110,000)
to Haruyuki Takahashi, a former executive at ad giant Dentsu, who wielded
powerful influence in selecting sponsors for the 2020 Games. Ueno is among 15
people arrested in the bribery scandal.
Takahashi has long been a prominent person in sports
marketing with Dentsu, the official marketing partner of the Tokyo Olympics.
Dentsu has also been implicated in a scandal to bribe International Olympic
Committee members who picked Tokyo back in 2013.
The sprawling scandals around the Tokyo Olympics have badly
damaged the chance of the northern city of Sapporo of landing the 2030 Winter
Olympics. It was the early favorite. The IOC has now pulled Sweden into a
possible bid for the 2030 Games.
Tokyo officials spent $13 billion to hold the delayed Tokyo
Games, although a Japanese government audit suggested the real price might have
been twice that much.
Other trials involving Olympic bribery are expected to
follow, including that of Takahashi. Takahashi is suspected of having received
about 200 million yen ($1.5 million) in bribes from various companies.
A trial began in December of three officials formerly at
clothing manufacturer Aoki Holdings. Aoki was chosen to make licensed products,
including outfits for the Japanese Olympic team.
Another company embroiled in the scandal is publisher
Kadokawa, where two officials have been arrested. They are accused of paying 76
million yen ($540,000) to Takahashi. The sponsorship allowed Kadokawa to
publish programs and other books related to the Tokyo Olympics.
Sun Arrow, which produced the Olympic and Paralympic mascots
named Miraitowa and Someity, is also scheduled to stand trial.
Tokyo prosecutors are also carrying out a separate
investigation over bid-rigging for Olympics pre-events, and possibly the actual
Games.
Senior Olympic official Yasuo Mori, Dentsu’s sports division
chief Koji Henmi, and two other executives at event organizing companies were
arrested earlier this month on charges of violating anti-monopoly laws. -AP
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