The trial of widespread bribery in the Tokyo Olympic organizing committee began on Friday with the admission of guilt by Shinichi Ueno, former head of ADK Holdings.
Ueno peacefully accepted the allegations in the Tokyo District Court, where the trial continued despite the admission. The three prosecutors took turns reading their opening statement during a two-hour session.
Ueno is among 15 individuals arrested in the bribery scandal and is accused of paying nearly JPY 15 million ($110,000) to Haruyuki Takahashi, a former executive at Dentsu, who had significant influence in selecting sponsors for the 2020 Games.
Dentsu, the official marketing partner of the Tokyo Olympics, has also been implicated in a bribery scandal to influence International Olympic Committee members who picked Tokyo in 2013.
The Tokyo Olympics bribery scandals have impacted the chances of Sapporo hosting the 2030 Winter Olympics, as it was previously the favourite. The IOC has now shifted its attention to Sweden as a potential bid for the 2030 Games.
Tokyo officials spent $13 billion on the delayed Olympics, but a Japanese government audit suggested the actual cost might have been double.
More trials involving Olympic bribery are expected, including that of Takahashi, who is suspected of receiving JPY 200 million ($1.5 million) in bribes from various companies.
Trials have also begun in December for three officials from clothing manufacturer Aoki Holdings, and two officials from publisher Kadokawa have been arrested and accused of paying JPY 76 million ($540,000) to Takahashi for sponsorship.
Sun Arrow, a producer of the Olympic and Paralympic mascots, is also set to stand trial.
Tokyo prosecutors are also investigating bid-rigging for Olympics pre-events and possibly the actual Games.
Four senior Olympic officials, including Yasuo Mori, Koji Henmi, the sports division chief of Dentsu, and two other executives from event organizing companies, were arrested earlier this month on charges of violating anti-monopoly laws.
The trial of the widespread bribery at the Tokyo Olympic organizing committee marks a significant step in uncovering the truth behind the scandal that has plagued the 2020 Games.
With multiple trials and investigations underway, it is hoped that accountability will be established and lessons learned to prevent such incidents from happening in the future.
The Olympic Games, a symbol of unity and sportsmanship, should not be tarnished by corruption and greed.
The outcome of these trials will have far-reaching implications not only for the Olympic movement but also for the reputation of Japan and its ability to host international events.
