• by Steve McClellan  @mp_mcclellan, February 27, 2023

Dentsu Group CEO Hiroshi Igarashi reportedly told Tokyo prosecutors that the company acknowledges responsibility for alleged bid rigging in contracts related to the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, according to press reports over the weekend.

According to Reuters, Japan-based broadcaster NHK was first with the story that was based on unidentified sources. Dentsu declined to comment.

Earlier this month Dentsu announced a special committee comprised of three independent directors that are looking into the allegations.  

That committee is hiring outside experts to help with the probe and make recommendations.

The Tokyo prosecutor’s office and the government Fair Trade Commission are considering charges against Dentsu and other agencies including Hakukodo, Kokyu Agency and event companies Cerespo, Fuji Creative and Same Two.