Overview
- Tokyo prosecutors on Wednesday indicted former Japan Post structural design leader Kido Takahiro on a charge of accepting bribes under the Japan Post Corporation Law and also charged Toa Tekko Kensetsu’s representative with giving bribes.
- Investigators say Kido took repeated benefits from about 2013 onward that total roughly ¥100 million in cash and high‑value hospitality, with prosecutors alleging about ¥5 million in payments tied directly to the Kojimachi Post Office reconstruction between August 2023 and June 2024.
- Prosecutors say Kido used his role as leader of the facilities department’s structural design group and his first‑class architect qualification to push for Toa Tekko to be included as a steel‑processing subcontractor in bids.
- Japan Post received an external tip in September 2024, consulted the Metropolitan Police in November 2024, dismissed the employee in March 2026, and has said it needs stronger controls after discovering procurement‑related misconduct.
- Toa Tekko is reported to have taken part as a subcontractor on six other Japan Post Group projects, including some worth over ¥700 million, and prosecutors’ action could prompt wider reviews of contract oversight and potential additional probes.