Story at a glance
- The Tokyo Olympics were rescheduled from 2020 to 2021 due to the coronavirus pandemic.
- The creative director for the opening and closing ceremonies resigned after telling a planning group that a Japanese entertainer could play a role as an “Olympig.”
- This is the second major resignation over sexist remarks in recent months, following the former president of the organizing committee.
A second major official has resigned from the Tokyo Olympics after making sexist remarks, leaving the organizing committee in the lurch just months before the opening ceremony.
Hiroshi Sasaki, the head creative director for the opening and closing ceremonies, stepped down after issuing an apology for suggesting Japanese entertainer Naomi Watanabe could play a role as an “Olympig” in a group chat with other planning members.
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“There was a very inappropriate expression in my ideas and remarks,” said Sasaki in a statement. “I sincerely apologise to her and people who have felt discomfort with such contents.”
The comedian and actress who first became famous for her impersonation of Beyonce is now known for her plus-size fashion designs and challenging fatphobia both at home and abroad.
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“I am happy with my figure. So, as usual, I would like to express myself as ‘Naomi Watanabe’ without being particular about being fat,” she said in a statement reported by Japanese media. “However, as a human being, I sincerely hope that we can have a fun and prosperous world where we can respect and recognize each person’s individuality and way of thinking.”
Sasaki gave his resignation to President Seiko Hashimoto, who herself replaced Yoshiro Mori as president last month after he made sexist remarks about women leaked to Japanese media in February. His quick departure is yet another bump in the road for the Tokyo Olympics, which were rescheduled due to the coronavirus pandemic. But organizers are pressing on with preparations for the opening ceremony on July 23.
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