Hiroshi Sasaki: Creative Head of Tokyo Olympics resigns over contemptuous remark about Naomi Watanabe

by

Sasaki, who was the lead creative director for this year’s Games opening and closing ceremonies, said he told a planning group through a group discussion that Naomi Watanabe could play an “Olympig” role.

“There was a very inappropriate expression in my ideas and remarks,” Sasaki said in a statement issued by the organizers of the Games in the early hours of Thursday. “I sincerely apologize to her and to the people who felt uncomfortable with such content.”

Sasaki said he told Tokyo 2020 President Seiko Hashimoto on Wednesday night that he would resign.

Hashimoto and Tokyo 2020 CEO Toshiro Muto plan to address the issue at a news conference on Thursday, organizers said.

Sasaki’s resignation came quickly after the weekly Shukan Bunshun magazine reported its remarks on Wednesday.

Last month, Yoshiro Mori resigned as chairman of the Tokyo 2020 organizing committee after causing outrage with sexist remarks when he said women talk too much.

Mori, 83, a former prime minister, has been replaced by politician Hashimoto, who has pledged to make gender equality a top priority at the Games.

Sasaki was named head of the creative team in December, while Olympic organizers sought to redo plans for streamlined ceremonies after the Tokyo Games were rejected for a year due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

The Olympics are scheduled from July 23 to August 8, and the Paralympic Games from August 24 to September 5.

.Source