Akimoto makes first public appearance since jail release

Japanese politician was jailed over casino bribery accusations last month and was released on bail

Japan.- Politician Tsukasa Akimoto, who was released from jail after paying bail of JPY 30 million (US$273,000) following accusations of bribery, will hold a lunch study session later this month.

According to Kyodo News, this will be the first time Akimoto has made a public appearance since his release.

“Finally, Mr Akimoto has returned and resumed his political activities. He is ready to get back to work,” Akimoto’s supporter group said in a statement.

Akimoto was accused of having received more than $13,000 worth of bribes and travel expenses from online casino operator 500.com, including flying by private jet to Macau in December 2017 when he visited a casino.

The accusations come on top of a previously alleged $18,000 he received for giving a lecture at a symposium hosted by the firm in Okinawa in September of that year, paid to him via a consultancy company established in Tokyo by the former Policy Secretary.