Tokyo Olympics Creative Chief Resigns Following Backlash Against "Olympig" Comment
Hiroshi Sasaki suggested that comedian Naomi Watanabe appear at the opening ceremony wearing pig ears.
Just one month after Yoshiro Mori faced backlash for stating that “women talk too much during meetings,” the 2020 Tokyo Olympics have come under fire once again. The Games’ creative chief Hiroshi Sasaki has resigned after suggesting that comedian Naomi Watanabe could wear pig ears at the opening ceremony as an “Olympig.”
After making the insensitive comment, Sasaki apologized, admitting that he made a “huge insult” to Watanabe. “There was a very inappropriate expression in my ideas and remarks. I sincerely apologize to her and people who have felt discomfort with such content,” he shared in an official statement, according to BBC.
For those unfamiliar, Watanabe is one of Japan’s biggest entertainers known for her works as a body positivity activist. Sasaki had proposed the “Olympig” concept last year through a group chat, but was rejected for being insensitive and inappropriate. The creative stepped down from his position shortly after his remarks were reported by weekly Japanese magazine Shukan Bunshun.
Watanabe has yet to respond to Sasaki’s comment and resignation.
