The Tokyo police raided a suspected underground gambling operation.

The casino purportedly featured baccarat games, as at least one baccarat table was taken during the operation. 

The illicit gaming took place between March and October and made at least JPY50m ($480,000), despite the city being under a state of emergency owing to the COVID-19 outbreak.

All three suspects rejected the claims, although Miwa is thought to have played a role in organising and managing the unlawful gaming. When questioned, Miwa said he "did not participate at all." It was reported that the casino only let members inside. 

In Japan, there is a problem with illegal gambling. Earlier this year, authorities in Saitama Prefecture, Japan, detained 18 persons they believed were part of a gambling ring. Over JPY12.25m ($114,285) was taken in cash. 

Except for pachinko parlours, betting on races, and the lottery, gambling in Japan is prohibited and can result in a jail sentence for regular gamblers or those who organise clandestine casinos.

A number of changes to the law over the years have made it possible for Japan to build Integrated Resorts (IR) in the near future. Since millions of Japanese people already struggle with compulsive gambling, the decision to let IRs into the nation has sparked debate.