Tokyo Olympics Chief Resigns After Row Over Sexist Remarks

Tokyo Olympics Chief Yoshiro Mori Resigns: Yoshiro Mori’s sexist comments about women triggered international criticism, which subsequently led to his resignation as the head of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic organising committee on Friday.

“My inappropriate remarks have caused chaos, and I would like to apologise to express my deepest apologies to the members of the council and executive board, as well as the entire community,” Mori, a former Japanese prime minister, said.

Mori earned a lot of flak after his sexist remarks that women “talk too much” and are driven by a “strong sense of rivalry” grabbed international headlines. 

The Games should continue under new leadership, so I’m announcing today that I’m stepping down as president of the organising committee: Yoshiro Mori resigns.

On February 3, the 83-year-old former prime minister told members of the Japanese Olympic Committee that “When you increase the number of female executive members, if their speaking time isn’t restricted to a certain extent, they have difficulty finishing, which is annoying.” 

Even though his sexist comments triggered a public debate in Japan about gender equality, he strongly declined to resign, though he did offer an apology.

“The important thing is that the Olympic Games are held in July. If I am going to be to their delivery by remaining in my position, then that is something we should avoid," he said in a statement after the resignation.

Officials are now looking for his replacement and considering appointing former football player Saburo Kawabuchi for the position.

Image Credit: New Indian Express