Reuters, TOKYOJapanese authorities yesterday raided the headquarters of a pachinko operator as part of a bribery investigation centered on a lawmaker, media reported. Laws to legalize casinos in Japan have been met with public opposition because of concern about gambling addiction. Prosecutors have arrested three other people suspected of bribery and raided the offices of former Liberal Democratic Party legislator Shigeaki Katsunuma, and Liberal Democratic Party Legislator Takaki Shirasuka in connection with the case, media reported. Las Vegas-style casino resorts are among Japanese Prime Minster Shinzo Abe’s plans to attract foreign tourists. Japan, which has a shrinking population and economy, is desperate to maintain growth in tourism, particularly after the Tokyo Olympics next year.
