"Even Fools or Chosenjin Can Do It"...Japanese Olympic Committee Vice President Resigns Amid Anti-Korean Controversy

Takahiro Kitano Resigns Amid Anti-Korean Controversy
"I Take the Situation Seriously and Step Down"

Takahiro Kitano, Vice President of the Japanese Olympic Committee (JOC) and President of the Japan Bobsleigh, Luge and Skeleton Federation (JBLSF), has stepped down from his positions after controversy over his anti-Korean remarks.

According to Japanese media outlets such as NHK on May 12, the JOC announced, "We have received and accepted Vice President Kitano's resignation from the position of director and vice president for personal reasons."

The JBLSF also issued a press release on the same day, announcing Kitano's resignation as president of the federation. Through the federation, Kitano stated, "I deeply apologize to all concerned for the significant trouble and concern caused by my inappropriate remarks. Taking the matter seriously, I submitted my resignation as JOC vice president and director, which has been accepted. Additionally, as of today, I have stepped down from my positions as federation president and director."

He continued, "I sincerely apologize once again to the bobsleigh, luge, and skeleton athletes and all related parties for having to step down in this manner. I truly hope for the continued development of the Japanese bobsleigh, luge, and skeleton community, and I ask for your unwavering support in the future."

The controversy erupted after remarks made during a federation executive meeting in February came to light belatedly. The meeting was convened to discuss countermeasures after an administrative error by the federation resulted in the Japanese men's two-man bobsleigh team being unable to participate in the 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Olympics.

During the meeting, Kitano reportedly rebuked one executive, saying, "Even an idiot or a Chosenjin could look at the results and analyze them." 'Chosenjin' is a notorious hate term used to disparage Koreans and people of Korean descent. As the controversy spread, criticism also grew within Japan.

Kitano had led the federation for 14 years since becoming JBLSF president in 2012. However, according to internal regulations, the president's term is limited to a maximum of 12 years. Local media reported that the federation did not provide any official explanation as to why Kitano remained in office beyond the term limit.