The Tokyo Games have once again been thrust into the limelight for the wrong reason after reports emerged of derogatory remarks made by Hiroshi Sasaki, the now-former creative director of the opening and closing ceremonies, toward actress and comedian Naomi Watanabe.
On Wednesday, weekly magazine Shukan Bunshun reported that Sasaki had suggested that Watanabe — who is slated to perform during the opening ceremony in July — should appear as a pig, giving his own idea the portmanteau “Olympig.”
In an apology published by the Tokyo Organising Committee, Sasaki announced his intent to resign and explained he had floated the idea in March 2020 in a group chat on the Line messaging app and was quickly and roundly criticized by his peers.