The former chairman of major Japanese publisher Kadokawa has pleaded not guilty to bribery in connection with the company’s efforts to win a sponsorship deal for the Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics.
Kadokawa Tsuguhiko has been charged with giving some 69 million yen, or more than 460,000 dollars, to Takahashi Haruyuki, a former board member of the Tokyo Games organizing committee.
At his first hearing at the Tokyo District Court on Tuesday, Kadokawa said he has no recollection whatsoever of such an act and so he is innocent. He stressed that it was impossible for him to decide company policy on his own or engage in a crime.
Kadokawa added that he was held in solitary confinement for 226 days, despite being presumed innocent. He stressed that he was almost 80 and unwell.
Kadokawa claimed the charges were made up by the prosecution.
A total of 15 individuals, including Takahashi and major business executives, have been indicted in connection with the bribery scandal.
Twelve of them, including two former senior officials of Kadokawa, have been found guilty by the district court. One has appealed the ruling.
Takahashi is pleading not guilty in his ongoing trial.