The corruption scandal linked to the Tokyo 2020 Games continues in Japan. After the time of investigations, it is now time for trials. The first, at the end of last year, delivered a salvo of sanctions. But the most anticipated event opened on Wednesday January 31 with the appearance before the Tokyo court of the major player in the case, Haruyuki Takahashi (photo above). The former member of the board of directors of Tokyo 2020, formerly the management of the marketing and communications agency Dentsu, is accused of having accepted bribes worth around 198 million yen ($1,4 million). de-vin in exchange for its influence in the awarding of partnership contracts. Haruyuki Takahashi appeared before the three-judge panel, but remained silent for nearly two hours, letting one of his lawyers speak for him. The defense argued that the money received was not evidence of corruption, but payment for consulting work. The lawyers also tried to explain that the organizing committee did not have the power to make decisions regarding partnership and licensing contracts, this responsibility having been entrusted to the Dentsu agency. Clearly, Haruyuki Takahashi pleads innocence. The trial is scheduled to continue from February 22. A dozen people have already been convicted in connection with this corruption scandal, but without prison sentences having been handed down.
