Mori, who served as Prime Minister of Japan from 2000 to 2001, also said he was keen to set a maximum speaking time when more women join the JOC board. “Otherwise they will never stop and that’s a problem.”
The Japanese was complimentary towards the seven women who are already on the 35-member JOC board. “Their accurate comments help us enormously.”
Nevertheless, Mori’s comments lead to criticism, including from JOC director Kaori Yamaguchi. According to her, equality between men and women is a core value of Tokyo 2020. “It is unfortunate that the boss of the organizing committee makes such comments.”
There is also a lot of criticism on social media. A hashtag that translates as “Mori, please step up” is trending on Twitter.
Excuses
According to Japanese media, Mori says his comments were not intended to be derogatory. “I was inattentive and I apologize.” He has since expressed his support for more female sports directors.
The leader of the organizing committee also alludes to a departure. “If there is a massive demand for my dismissal, I may have to leave.”
Mori goes on to say that he is also under private fire for his comments. “Last night my wife was angry because I said something wrong again. And this morning my daughter and granddaughter gave me the full blame.”
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