The former chairman of Sapporo tourism company Kamori Kanko, Kimihito Kamori, has been found guilty of bribery and sentenced to 10 months’ imprisonment, suspended for two years, for his role in the IR corruption case involving House of Representatives member Tsukasa Akimoto.
The 77-year-old has been charged with conspiracy to supply travel expenses for a trip by Akimoto to Hokkaido between September 2017 and February 2018 when Akimoto was in charge of IR business as Senior Vice Minister of the Cabinet – part of efforts by Chinese gaming firm 500.com to win his support for an IR bid.
The judgment was handed down on Friday with the Honorable Toshihiko Niwa indicating, “While [Akimoto] was serving as Senior Vice Minister, [Kamori] not only provided the most expensive room and the most expensive round-trip transportation for Akimoto and his family, he also provided all-expenses-paid special treatment in terms of entertainment and all aspects of the trip. [Kamori] had the intent of bribery and financed it.
“He also accepted intrusive information regarding IR-related bills from the Senior Vice Minister.”
On suspending Kamori’s sentence, the magistrate said, “He has already resigned as representative director and is showing remorse.”
Kamori Kanko Co last year outlined plans for a regional integrated resort in Hokkaido’s Rusutsu Village, including everything from casino and entertainment facilities to schools, healthcare centers, commercial and retail precincts and multi-family homes.
Had it gone ahead, the project would have encompassed a sizeable expansion of Kamori Kanko’s already substantial facilities, which include Rusutsu Resort Hotel and Convention Centre – a popular ski resort that attracts more than 1.5 million visitors per year.
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