Kawabuchi: Won't Become Tokyo Games Head
The man reportedly tapped to be the next president of the Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games organizing committee says he won't take up the post.
Kawabuchi Saburo told reporters on Friday that he sincerely hopes that the committee will find someone excellent.
Media reports said 84-year-old Kawabuchi would succeed Mori Yoshiro. Mori made remarks that were criticized as demeaning to women.
Kawabuchi said even if a panel to be set up to choose a new president names him as a candidate, he will refuse.
He indicated that he will continue serving as the head of the athletes' village for the Games.
The former chairman of Japan's professional soccer league was reportedly asked by Mori to become the committee's new head and indicated an interest in the job.
But there have been calls for transparency in the selection process.