“I don’t know I haven’t heard of women recently”
Japanese media and social media also spread demands to resign from Chairman Mori
Amidst Olympic skepticism, Japan’s government focuses on evolution
“Japan is the country of God”, etc.
Yoshiro Mori, the chairman of the Tokyo Olympic Organizing Committee, closes his eyes for a while during a press conference to apologize for his disparaging remarks on the 4th. Tokyo = AP Yonhap News
Reporter: Do you think the chairperson of the organizing committee who made a remark against the spirit of the Olympics is the right person?
Chairman Mori: What do you think?
Reporter: I don’t think it’s right.
Chairman Mori: Well, I will know so.
This is a question-and-answer with the reporters at a press conference on the 4th of the Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Organizing Committee Chairman Yoshiro Mori, who was controversial over her disparaging remarks. In an apology conference urgently arranged to dispel domestic and international criticism about the statement that’there are many women (there is a lot of talk), the meeting time is lengthened’. This is because he has proved that he is an ineligible person to present himself as the’face of the Tokyo Olympics’ around the world.
At a press conference, Chairman Mori withdrew and apologized for his remarks, saying that it was “an inappropriate expression against the spirit of the Olympics.” However, he said that he did not intend to resign, but he replied, “If you say that it is a hindrance, you can sweep it away because the annoying old man may have become large-sized garbage.” Criticism about hosting the Olympics could become stronger, saying, “Thank you for your concern,” he consistently said with no sincerity.
Also, when the reporter asked, “Do you think the woman’s words are long?”, he replied, “I don’t know because I haven’t listened to women recently,” and when the reporter’s question continued, “I don’t want to hear that. “I asked again.
Japanese media urged Mori to immediately resign. In an editorial on the 5th, Asahi Shimbun called for a resignation, saying, “It is an abusive language and abusive speech that decisively instilled a negative image in the event in a situation where Olympic skepticism spreads at home and abroad.” The Mainichi Newspaper also criticized it as “disqualified as the leader of the Tokyo Olympics,” and the Nihon Keizai Shimbun pointed out that “Mr. Mori withdrew his remarks on the issue, but that is not the end of it.”
In the social network service (SNS), the hashtag “a woman without discernment”, which skewed the statement of Chairman Mori, has spread rapidly. At the time he spoke of the problem, he said that the female members of the Olympic Organizing Committee were’discreet’, but this is a protest against the male-centered organization’s evaluation of women who are quiet rather than actively expressing their opinions.
The government, which is seldom able to live the Olympic atmosphere due to the spread of the new coronavirus infection (Corona 19), is also striving to evolve. Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga said at the House of Representatives Budget Committee on that day, “a remark that should not be made when considering the important ideology of the Olympics.” Kato Katsunobu (加藤勝信) said at a regular press conference, “I know that Chairman Mori apologized for remarks and that the International Olympic Committee (IOC) also expressed its view that the issue is over.” However, he refrains from commenting on whether he will live.
Sparks spattered even to the host city of Tokyo. There were over 200 protest calls calling for Chairman Mori’s resignation by noon on the 5th, and some of the volunteers who were in charge of guiding the audience conveyed their intention to resign.
Chairman Mori’s past comments are also drawing attention again. In May 2000, when he was prime minister, he said, “Japan is a country of gods centered on the emperor.” In 2003, after the Prime Minister’s retirement, he was criticized for saying, “Isn’t it strange to take care of a woman with tax to take care of a woman who hasn’t made any children?”
Tokyo= Kim Hoe-kyung Correspondent [email protected]
Subscribe to the Hankook Ilbo News Naver Channel
Balance to see the world, the Hankook Ilbo Copyright © Hankookilbo