Japan's Olympic Crisis... 'Sexist Remarks' Controversy, Chairman Mori Announces "I Will Resign"

Ahead of the Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics scheduled for July, the Japanese government and the Olympic organizing committee have clearly expressed their intention to hold the events, but public opinion for 're-postponement' or 'cancellation' is increasing.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Choi Eun-young] Moriyoshiro (Mori Yoshiro, 83), chairman of the Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Organizing Committee, who sparked controversy with his misogynistic remarks, has finally expressed his intention to resign.

On the 11th, foreign media including Mainichi reported, "Chairman Mori Yoshiro has conveyed to those around him his willingness to take responsibility for his remarks and resign."

Mainichi stated, "It is expected that the Organizing Committee will announce (Chairman Mori’s resignation intention) at the emergency meeting of directors and councilors held on the 12th."

Earlier, on the 3rd, Chairman Mori made remarks about increasing the number of female directors at the Japan Olympic Committee (JOC) temporary council meeting, saying, "A board with many women takes time (to conduct meetings)," and "Women talk a lot, so if the number of female directors increases, it is necessary to limit speaking time," which sparked controversy over misogyny.

As the controversy spread, Chairman Mori apologized for his remarks the next day, but voices demanding his resignation grew across Japan, and eventually, Chairman Mori indicated his intention to resign.

The Tokyo Olympics, whose hosting is uncertain due to COVID-19, is expected to face another crisis with the resignation of Chairman Mori.

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