Tokyo Games committee reaffirms gender equality -NHK WORLD -JAPAN -4 hours ago
The newly expanded committee of the Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games has reaffirmed the need to deepen the debate on gender equality.
The committee held its first meeting on Monday since 12 more women were added to its board earlier this month, pushing the ratio of female members to over 40 percent.
This came after the resignation of former committee president Mori Yoshiro after he made remarks many believed were demeaning to women.
The new members include Takahashi Naoko, a marathon Olympic gold medalist, and Chukyo University Professor Raita Kyoko, who heads the Japan Society for Sport and Gender Studies.
Raita gave a speech at the board meeting and said that the Tokyo Games will hopefully serve as an opportunity to eliminate gender inequality in Japanese society.
On Saturday, organizers decided that this summer's Olympics and Paralympics will be held without overseas spectators amid the continuing spread of coronavirus infections.
The committee announced that they will also give up on plans to accept about 2,300 foreign volunteers living overseas, except for some who have specific expertise.
Committee President Hashimoto Seiko sought understanding from board members for the decision. She said it was made to ensure a safer Games for all the participants and people of Japan.
