Ex-Olympus CEO admits illegal drug purchases at Tokyo trial

Dec 24 (NHK) - The former head of Japanese precision equipment maker Olympus has admitted to purchasing illegal drugs on the first day of his trial in Tokyo.

Stefan Kaufmann was indicted on charges of violating Japan's special law on narcotics. He had been accused of acquiring what are believed to be cocaine and the synthetic drug MDMA multiple times in June and November of last year.

The 56-year-old former president and CEO told the Tokyo District Court on Monday that the indictment is correct based on the facts.

Kaufmann stated that he started using illegal drugs on a friend's recommendation. He said he was working 16 to 18 hours a day and wanted to conceal his tiredness.

The defendant also said that a man who handed over drugs to him threatened to tell police and the media about his purchases. Kaufmann added that he had been at a loss what to do.

Prosecutors demanded 10 months in prison, while the defense lawyers called for a lenient ruling.

Kaufmann joined Olympus in 2003 after working for a German company and other firms. He assumed the posts of Olympus president and CEO in April last year, but stepped down in October after the company received a report about the allegation.

Japan Meteorological Agency Announces 3-Month Forecast

Temperatures are expected to remain unusually cold in January next year, with the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) predicting colder-than-average conditions nationwide for the start of the year.

Struggles Continue in Noto Peninsula One Year After Earthquake

Nearly a year has passed since the Noto Peninsula earthquake struck on New Year’s Day, leaving the region grappling with recovery efforts and compounding challenges. In Suzu City’s Otani district, residents began moving into temporary housing earlier this month, following 11 months of hardship, including additional damage from September’s torrential rains.

New Japanese Passport Applications to Go Online

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has unveiled a new passport design set to be issued from March next year. The new system will allow online applications not only for renewals but also for new passport requests. Submitting an original family register certificate will no longer be required for online applications.

Future of Solar Power: Japan's Breakthrough Technology

The next generation of solar cells, known as perovskite solar panels, are ultra-thin, lightweight, and bendable. The Japanese government has set a goal of achieving the equivalent of the energy output from 20 nuclear reactors with perovskite solar cells by 2040. With their use set to expand in various locations next year, 2024 is being called "the dawn of domestic perovskite."

Record 7,000 Teachers in Japan on Leave Due to Mental Health

The number of teachers taking mental health leave reached a record high of 7,119 in the 2023 fiscal year at public schools across Japan.

MEDIA CHANNELS

MORE Business NEWS

Ex-Nissan CEO Ghosn has doubts about Nissan-Honda merger's success

Former Nissan Motor Chairman Carlos Ghosn says if Nissan and Honda Motor integrate their businesses, the outcome would not be successful. (NHK)

Ex-Olympus CEO admits illegal drug purchases at Tokyo trial

The former head of Japanese precision equipment maker Olympus has admitted to purchasing illegal drugs on the first day of his trial in Tokyo. (NHK)

Honda and Nissan to Merge Management

Honda and Nissan Motor Co. reported on December 23rd to government authorities that they have entered full-scale discussions on a management merger, according to senior officials in the economic ministries.

Japan's Doctors Shift to Aesthetics

The number of aesthetic clinics in Japan, offering services like skin enhancement, has surged by 40% over the past three years. A growing trend, known as 'Chokubi,' involves newly trained doctors immediately joining aesthetic clinics after completing their clinical internships.

Carlos Ghosn on Nissan-Honda Talks, China EVs, Trump

Carlos Ghosn, the ex-chairman of Nissan, speaks to Bloomberg's Manus Cranny about the Japanese automaker's potential deal with Honda. He also comments on China's dominance of the electric vehicle market and what auto CEOs are thinking about trade during Donald Trump's second presidency. Ghosn is currently suing Nissan for defamation after his arrest in Japan in November 2018 and charges of financial misconduct, which he denies. (Bloomberg)

Foxconn in Talks With Renault Over Nissan Stake Acquisition

Taiwanese electronics giant Foxconn is reportedly in talks with Renault, the French automotive major and a key shareholder of Nissan, to acquire a stake in the Japanese automaker. Taiwanese media reported the negotiations, highlighting a potential shakeup in Nissan's stakeholder structure.

Sony Acquires Majority Stake in Kadokawa, Investing 50 Billion Yen

Sony announced plans to acquire a significant stake in publishing giant Kadokawa, investing approximately 50 billion yen to become its largest shareholder.

Amazon Joins Japan’s Growing Hometown Tax Donation Program

E-commerce giant Amazon is entering Japan’s hometown tax donation program, known as 'Furusato Nozei,' which has seen continued growth in donation amounts.

< 2 3 4 5 >