An American and his son told a Tokyo court said Tuesday they "regretted" their role in helping former Nissan boss Carlos Ghosn escape from Japan after he was released on bail, local media reported.

Former US Special Forces operative Michael Taylor and his son Peter face a three-year prison sentence for their role in helping smuggle Ghosn on a private plane in a box of audio equipment so he could travel to Lebanon, which does not have an extradition agreement with Japan.

Local media reported that the two Americans, who pleaded guilty to the charges, bowed before the court while expressing their remorse.

Taylor said that he wanted to help Ghosn because of their family ties.

"I deeply regret my actions and sincerely apologize for causing difficulties for the judicial process and the Japanese people," he was quoted by Bloomberg News as telling the court.

"After more than 400 days in prison, I had a long time to meditate," his son Peter said.

The two Americans first appeared in court earlier this month, while Ghosn is still on the run in Lebanon.

The former auto tycoon was out on bail awaiting trial on one of four counts of financial misconduct he faces when he escaped, stopping in Turkey before completing his trip to Lebanon.

The escape in December 2019 was a great embarrassment for the Japanese authorities. US prosecutors described it as "among the most brazen and organized escapes in modern history."

Ghosn was questioned by French investigators in Lebanon last month on suspicion of committing a series of financial crimes.

His former Nissan aide Greg Kelly is on trial in Tokyo for helping Ghosn hide part of his income. A verdict is expected in his case later this year.