Letter From Tokyo

One step forward, two steps back for gender equality

Japan has a chronic history of sexist gaffes, but these should not obscure recent victories

From top: Tokyo Olympics chief Yoshiro Mori quit in February over sexist remarks that sparked a global outcry. Ruling Liberal Democratic Party lawmaker Mio Sugita was also criticised for saying "women can lie as much as they want" about sexual violen
A 2019 file photo showing comedienne Naomi Watanabe and BMX rider Rimu Nakamura at an event in Tokyo to promote the application process for tickets to the Olympic Games. Recently, Tokyo Games creative director Hiroshi Sasaki quit after suggesting Ms Watanabe perform as an "Olympig". PHOTO: REUTERS
From top: Tokyo Olympics chief Yoshiro Mori quit in February over sexist remarks that sparked a global outcry. Ruling Liberal Democratic Party lawmaker Mio Sugita was also criticised for saying "women can lie as much as they want" about sexual violen
Above: Tokyo Olympics chief Yoshiro Mori quit in February over sexist remarks that sparked a global outcry. PHOTO: REUTERS
From top: Tokyo Olympics chief Yoshiro Mori quit in February over sexist remarks that sparked a global outcry. Ruling Liberal Democratic Party lawmaker Mio Sugita was also criticised for saying "women can lie as much as they want" about sexual violen
Above : And in 2019, former Olympic minister Yoshitaka Sakurada exhorted each woman to "bear at least three children". PHOTO: REUTERS
Above : Ruling Liberal Democratic Party lawmaker Mio Sugita was also criticised for saying "women can lie as much as they want" about sexual violence.
Above : Ruling Liberal Democratic Party lawmaker Mio Sugita was also criticised for saying "women can lie as much as they want" about sexual violence. PHOTO: REUTERS
Above : And in 2019, former Olympic minister Yoshitaka Sakurada exhorted each woman to "bear at least three children". PHOTO: REUTERS
Above : And in 2019, former Olympic minister Yoshitaka Sakurada exhorted each woman to "bear at least three children". PHOTO: REUTERS
Walter Sim
Japan Correspondent
Updated
Apr 18, 2021, 05:39 AM
Published
Apr 18, 2021, 05:00 AM
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From "women talk too much at meetings" to "Olympig", two men who were in charge of the Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games apparently do not know any better.

But what takes the cake for the most sexist recent comment - said an online poll held from Feb 26 to March 5 - was one by a woman.

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A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Sunday Times on April 18, 2021, with the headline One step forward, two steps back for gender equality. Subscribe

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