Haruyuki Takahashi, an executive board member of the organizing committee of the Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics, may have received a total of over 45 million yen from one of the Games sponsors, Aoki Holdings Inc., through a consultancy contract between it and his consultancy firm, The Yomiuri Shimbun has learned. Games executive board members are considered public servants and are prohibited from receiving funds or goods in connection to their duties.
The committee wrapped up its operations at the end of June.
The special investigation squad of the Tokyo District Public Prosecutors Office alleges that the consultation contract lacked substance and the fees may have been intended to go to Takahashi himself. An investigation is underway, including voluntary questioning of Aoki's founder and former Chairman Hironori Aoki, 83, who has admitted extending funds to Takahashi's side, according to sources. Aoki, headquartered in Yokohama, is well-known as a leading business clothing company.
