Haruyuki Takahashi, a former member of the Tokyo Olympic organizing committee, appeared in a Tokyo district court on Thursday and pleaded not guilty to taking bribes tied to the Games.
Takahashi was arrested more than a year ago and its unclear when his trial will end. The defence will present its case early next year.
A former executive with the powerful Japanese advertising company Dentsu, Takahashi is charged with accepting around 198 million yen ($1.4 million US) in bribes in exchange for awarding Olympic contracts for the 2021 Tokyo Games.
Takahashi appeared in court just nine days after a separate bid-rigging trial was adjourned with Dentsu and five other companies facing criminal charges.
Related News