Bribery scandal: 70% of Japanese call for review plan to build casinos

70.6% of Japanese people think Japan's government should review its plan to build casino resorts following the bribery scandal involving six lawmakers, one of them arrested.

Meanwhile, 21.2% believe that the initiative should go ahead without change.

Late last year, MP Tsukasa Akimoto was arrested on suspicion of receiving 3.7 million yen (about $33,000) in bribes from the Chinese company 500.com, interested in entering the casino business in Japan.

Japan has legalized casinos, but only as part of resorts that also include hotels and conference rooms. They are expected to start operating in the mid-2020s.

Interested companies must submit business plans in partnership with the cities or towns where they would operate.

On the other hand, amid tensions between the US and Iran, 58.4% of Japanese oppose the dispatch of units from the Japan's Self-Defense Forces to the Middle East to gather information to ensure the safe transit of commercial vessels in region. 34.4% is in favor.

Finally, 49.3% approve the management of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's cabinet, 6.6 points more than in December, while his disapproval falls to 36.7% (6.3 points less).

1,035 people responded to the Kyodo poll. (International Press)