Tokyo, Japan, November 21, 2025: Dr. Takehiro Matsubara, 53, an associate professor at the University of Tokyo Medical School and chief of orthopedic surgery at the university's affiliated hospital, was taken into custody on Wednesday, November 19, 2025. Authorities allege that he accepted approximately 700,000 yen in bribes from a medical equipment manufacturer between September 2021 and January 2023 in exchange for choosing its devices for surgeries.
Takayuki Suzuki, 41, former head of a Tokyo sales office for Japan Medical Dynamic Marketing, was simultaneously arrested on suspicion of providing bribes to secure preferential use of his company's orthopedic implants and medical devices.
The investigation reveals that the suspects allegedly exploited the hospital's legitimate corporate donation program, which was designed to support medical research activities. Under this system, doctors receive approximately 85 percent of donations designated for their individual research.
According to police, Matsubara is suspected of directing Suzuki to transfer 400,000 yen twice to a hospital bank account, totaling 800,000 yen.
Matsubara, who held authority over device selection and procurement as trauma care chief in orthopedics, could use roughly 85 percent of these funds at his discretion.
In exchange for these payments disguised as research donations, Matsubara allegedly gave priority to Japan Medical Dynamic Marketing's products, including implants used in femoral fracture surgeries.
The case extends beyond the initially reported incidents. Police officials indicate that Matsubara received approximately 3 million yen from five different medical equipment companies between December 2016 and January 2023, all funneled through the donation system.
Investigators believe the doctor misappropriated at least 1.5 million yen of these funds for personal purchases, including consumer electronics such as computers.
The University of Tokyo Hospital, established in 1858, operates as part of a national institution. This classification means hospital personnel are considered public servants under Japanese law, making them subject to significant penalties.
Three individuals linked to Japan Medical Dynamic Marketing have already been prosecuted in a separate bribery case involving doctors at a public hospital in Saku, Nagano Prefecture. The Tokyo investigation was triggered by leads developed during the Nagano case, according to the officials.
The Police Department has not disclosed whether the suspect has admitted to the allegations. The investigation continues as authorities examine the full extent of potential corruption within medical device procurement systems.
(Rh/VK)
