Breaking – Former Miyakojima mayor found guilty of corruption in JGSDF garrison land acquisition case, sentenced to 3 years in prison, with a 5-year suspended sentence
Toshihiko Shimoji
February 22, 2022 Ryukyu Shimpo
Former Miyakojima mayor Toshihiko Shimoji, 76, who was indicted for bribery in the Japanese Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF) land acquisition corruption scandal in Nobaru Ueno, Miyakojima, was found guilty by the Naha District Court on February 22, and sentenced to 3 years in prison, a 5-year suspended sentence, and fined 6 million yen (the recommended sentence was for 3 years and a 6 million yen fine).
The defense admitted to accepting cash, emphasizing that the acquisition of land was a sale between the government of Japan and the landowner. They claimed that they were not guilty of any crime stating, “the funds were a campaign contribution, and did not constitute a bribe.”
The crime of bribery is defined as a public official receiving compensation for executing the duties of their office, and applies when said official receives money or gifts while being aware that it is a bribe. In the trial, the main points being debated were 1. If accepting the request [to purchase land] fell within the duties of his office 2. If the money was compensation for executing said duties, and 3. If the recipient was aware that it was a bribe.
According to the indictment, when he was mayor Shimoji accepted the plan for the JGSDF garrison, and received payment for facilitating the sale of the Chiyoda Country Club to the Japanese government, receiving approximately 6 million yen in cash in Tokyo on May 24, 2018 from the Chiyoda Country Club’s then president, who was also convicted of bribery.
(English translation by T&CT and Sam Grieb)
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