Tokyo Receiving Protests Over Mori's Remark
Tokyo officials are receiving many complaints over a comment about women made by the head of the Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics organizing committee. Some volunteers have said they will withdraw from the event.
Mori Yoshiro said in a Japanese Olympic Committee meeting on Wednesday that board meetings with women take too long because they talk too much. He retracted the remark and apologized on Thursday, saying it was inappropriate and goes against the spirit of the Olympics and Paralympics.
Tokyo officials preparing for the Games said they had received more than 200 complaint phone calls by Friday noon.
People objected to the remark, saying it was inappropriate and they were disappointed.
The officials said some people demanded Mori's resignation, questioning Tokyo's attitude as the host city if it keeps Mori as head of the organizing committee.
They also said at least 14 volunteers, who would be city guides for the Games, said they will withdraw from the role.
The organizing committee says it has issued a message of apology to volunteers, and asked for cooperation in holding the Games.