Saturday’s Mainichi wrote that Tokyo Olympic Organizing Committee President Mori’s controversial remarks about women continue to draw criticism. The paper wrote that after GOJ and Japan Olympic Committee (JOC) officials made remarks defending Mori, more than 85,000 people signed an online petition launched by Change.org Japan by late Friday evening calling for the central and metropolitan governments, the JOC, and the organizing committee to “properly address” Mori’s remarks. Although JOC President Yamashita told reporters on Friday that Mori’s remarks were inappropriate and violate the Olympic spirit, he added: “He has apologized and retracted the remarks. I understand there are many opinions, but I would like him to serve in his position until the end.” Tokyo Governor Koike said on Friday that Mori’s comments were unacceptable. However, she did not give a clear answer to a question from a reporter on whether she wants Mori to stay in the position. Asahi and Sankei ran similar reports. 

In a related development, Monday’s Yomiuri wrote that the Tokyo Olympic Organizing Committee posted a message on its website on Sunday saying that President Mori commented that his remarks were inappropriate and contrary to the Olympic and Paralympic spirit. The committee also reaffirmed that it will “continue the Games operations with the aim of improving society, and respecting, celebrating and embracing the variety of individuals and diversity…”