Japan to watch words on Olympics

TOKYO - Reuters

Tokyo Governor Naoki Inose (R) apologised to the Muslim world on April 30, 2013 after saying Islamic countries have nothing in common but Allah and "fighting with each other". AFP Photo

The Japanese Olympic Committee (JOC) chief has urged his colleagues to choose their words carefully and avoid a repeat of a recent gaffe that may jeopardize Tokyo’s chances of hosting the 2020 Games. Tokyo’s outspoken governor, Naoki Inose, who heads the city’s Olympic bid, apologized last week for “inappropriate” comments he made about rival candidate Istanbul and Islamic countries.

 The remarks, made in a newspaper interview, prompted the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to investigate, while Turkey’s sports minister said they “did not comply with the spirit of the values of the Olympic Movement.” JOC president Tsunekazu Takeda said Tokyo could not afford any more mistakes.

 “I plead with you to observe the rules on bid activities and make sure this kind of trouble does not occur a second time,” Takeda told his colleagues at an executive meeting on Tuesday, Kyodo news agency reported. Madrid is the other city bidding to host the 2020 Games, the venue of which will be decided at the next IOC Session in Argentina in September. Inose’s remarks sparked concern in Japan that they could have a negative impact on Tokyo’s bid to host the multi-sport event for a second time.