The Supreme Court of Japan has dismissed the appeal of Tsukasa Akimoto, a former House of Representatives lawmaker, affirming his conviction in a corruption case linked to a proposed integrated resort (IR) project.
According to a report by the Japan Times, Akimoto now faces a four-year prison sentence and a fine of JPY7.6 million (€46,694), marking the conclusion of legal proceedings against him. His former policy secretary, Akihiro Toyoshima, also rejected his appeal, solidifying his two-year prison term, suspended for four years.
Details of the corruption case
The charges stem from Akimoto’s tenure as a state minister overseeing IR-related matters. According to the local report, between 2017 and 2018, he and Toyoshima conspired to accept JPY7.6 million in bribes from a Chinese company aiming to secure an IR license in Japan. The payments included cash and travel expenses. Additionally, while out on bail in 2020, Akimoto attempted to influence court testimony by offering incentives to two former advisers of the company to provide false statements in his favour.
Implications for integrated resorts in Japan
The case highlights Japan’s challenges in implementing its vision for integrated resorts. The government has been working to establish IRs as part of a broader strategy to attract tourism and economic investment. However, progress has been limited. While the MGM-Orix project in Osaka is advancing, hopes for IR developments in other regions, such as Hokkaido and Okinawa, have dwindled. The Chinese firm involved in Akimoto’s case eventually withdrew its bid, reflecting broader uncertainties in Japan’s IR ambitions.
MGM Osaka, Japan’s first integrated casino resort, is set to open by late 2030. The project aims to boost regional economic growth while operating under strict regulations. Other regions, such as Nagasaki, have also shown interest in hosting integrated resorts. The prefecture recently acknowledged receiving a questionnaire from the Japan Tourism Agency, signalling potential plans for expansion, though no official updates on a new application process have been announced. The Japan Casino Regulatory Commission continues to play a vital role in overseeing compliance, ensuring transparency, and laying the foundation for a sustainable casino industry.
Upholding integrity in governance
This ruling underscores the judiciary’s commitment to maintaining transparency and accountability in public office. Akimoto’s case has become a symbol of the potential pitfalls in balancing private sector interests with public policy objectives. The court’s decision sends a clear message about the importance of ethical conduct, especially in projects involving substantial foreign investment and economic stakes.
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