Ex-Tokyo Games executive refuses to testify in trial of ex-ad agency executive

A former executive of the Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics organizing committee has refused to testify in a trial of a former executive of a major Japanese advertising agency accused of giving bribes.

Takahashi Haruyuki faces charges of accepting nearly 200 million yen, or about 1.3 million dollars, in bribes from five firms in return for helping them win selection as sponsors or marketing agents. His first trial is scheduled for December.

Takahashi on Wednesday appeared as a witness in the trial of Taniguchi Yoshikazu, a former executive of the ad agency Daiko who was indicted on a charge of offering bribes. Taniguchi has pleaded not guilty.

Takahashi refused to answer questions from prosecutors and the judge, saying he cannot answer as his testimony could affect his own trial in some way.

It was his first public appearance since his arrest.

Sources say Takahashi has been denying the allegations against him.

Source: https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20230927_24/