Deputy Minister of Justice Mizuaki Kakizawa's first trial today at Tokyo District Court. The former lawmaker is expected to admit to the charges, and attention will be focused on how he will explain the circumstances surrounding the provision of cash.
It is also believed to be the first time that a case has been brought to court over paid advertisements for election campaigns on the internet. The Koto ward mayoral election that sparked the incident was held in April last year, with four newcomers competing. Former ward mayor Yayoi Kimura won 13,000 votes for the eldest son of the former ward mayor.