New Tokyo 2020 chief vows to ‘regain trust’ after controversial row

TOKYO: Tokyo 2020’s new president Seiko Hashimoto on Thursday vowed to ‘regain trust’ in the Olympic organising commitee ater an embarrassing sexism row, with just over five months until the virus-postponed Games.

Hashimoto, a seven-time Olympian, had been one of just two women in Japan’s cabinet, serving as Olympic minister before stepping down to take the key post.

She replaces 83-year-old Yoshiro Mori, who resigned ater saying women talk too much in meetings, sparking outcry in Japan and abroad.

“I’m sure the Games are going to atract more atention related to gender equality, and in this regard I am determined to regain trust, by my fullest endeavours,” she said ater her appointment.

She pledged to increase the number of women on the Tokyo 2020 executive board from around 20 per cent to 40 per cent, and urged Olympic torchbearers and volunteers who had quit in protest at Mori’s comments to return.

Until Thursday, Hashimoto, 56, was also minister for gender equality and women’s empowerment.

“I recognise that there is still a lot of conscious division of roles according to gender (in Japan). What can be done to change that through the organising commitee’s reforms is important,” she said.

She had reportedly been reluctant to take on the job, and will face an uphill struggle to win over the public before the Games are due to open on July 23.

Anti-infection measures should be Tokyo 2020’s “top priority”, she said, pledging to work to “ensure that the public both domestically and abroad feel this is going to be a safe and secure Olympic Games”.

Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga said Hashimoto’s years as a sprint cyclist and speed skater -- winning bronze in 1992 -- would be good preparation.

“She has experience of competing at the summer and winter Olympics seven times. I want her to work hard to firmly realise the philosophy of the Tokyo 2020 Olympics and Paralympics by making use of that experience,” he said.

SELECTION PROCESS: Mori, a former prime minister, resigned ater domestic and international outcry over remarks he made in early February to members of the Japanese Olympic Commitee.

He apologised for the sexist remarks, while insisting he was repeating complaints made by others, but then dug a deeper hole when he explained that he “doesn’t speak to women much”.

Hashimoto’s nomination comes ater Mori’s atempt to handpick his successor -- he proposed an 84-year-old ex-footballer -- was nixed following public criticism.