TOKYO (JAPAN) – Tokyo 2020 Olympics chief Yoshiro Mori is likely to resign on Friday over sexist comments, and his anointed successor has reportedly rejected the job following public criticism, with less than six months before the Games are likely to start.
Mori, 83, had nominated 84-year-old Saburo Kawabuchi who is currently serving as the mayor of the Olympic village to assume the top position, Kawabuchi told reporters earlier.
Local media said Kawabuchi later turned down the job after questions arose whether there was no other alternative.
Local broadcaster Fuji News Network reported the government would aim for blocking the nomination of Kawabuchi.
FNN cited a government source as saying, “We can’t give the impression that things have changed unless we install a woman or see a generational shift.”
The Mori controversy has done “serious reputation damage” to the Tokyo Olympics, and the selection of Kawabuchi falls behind, when it comes to restoring the trust, said one source involved in the Olympics.
The source, requesting anonymity due to the sensitivity of the matter, said many officials wanted to have a woman to replace Mori’s position.
Local media said the country’s Olympics Minister, Seiko Hashimoto, was being considered as a possible candidate.
Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga had asked Mori if there was either a younger or a female candidate to succeed, but Mori recommended Kawabuchi, Kawabuchi said.
Katsunobu Kato, top government spokesman, said he did not know of Suga’s conversation with Mori.
The Tokyo Olympics organising committee refused to comment on media reports regarding Mori and Kawabuchi.
Later on Friday, the organising committee has plans to conduct a meeting of its council and executive board, followed by a press conference.
Japanese Olympics Minister Seiko Hashimoto told parliament, referring to a phone call with Mori, that Mori will give explanation about his position at Friday’s Games meeting,
Asked whether it is possible for Mori, a departing leader to choose his own successor, Hashimoto said proper procedures has to be followed to pick next leader for the organising committee.
Though Mori has apologised for his comments, he has so far not stepped down from his position despite growing calls for him to resign.
