Japanese gaming mogul Kazuo Okada has accused Universal Entertainment Corp (UEC), the gaming giant he founded in 1969, of manipulating his son Tomohiro in order to split the family and take control of its Philippines integrated resort, Okada Manila.
Responding to recent comments from Tomohiro condemning his father’s actions in forcibly taking control of Okada Manila in late May, Kazuo said via a lengthy statement issued this week that his son had been “misled by an employee at UEC” and that this employee had “allegedly manipulated to take over control of UEC and split the Okada family resulting in Kazuo Okada’s ouster as Chairman and President of UEC and as Chairman of Okada Manila.”
Claiming he has tried to reconcile with Tomohiro, Kazuo Okada said, “I have visited my son’s home many times and sent him letters but my efforts have all been in vain.
“I believe that the family bond will remain unchanged even if we are unfortunately separated from each other for a time. I sincerely believe that my son is only being seduced by a malicious third party and that he does not mean what he says.”
However, Kazuo Okada again defended the actions of his representatives in assuming control of Okada Manila and said legal action was ongoing in Japan that he hopes will find him to be the beneficial owner of Tomohiro’s 53.27% stake in Okada Holdings. The family-held firm is majority owner of UEC.
“As a matter of principle, UEC and Okada Manila are business entities that have grown over the past 50 years under my vision and leadership, with the cooperation of various people. This is the unquestionable truth, no matter who you ask,” he said.
