Seiko Hashimoto quits Olympic minister role to lead Tokyo Organising Committee

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Listening

Unlocking Word Meanings

Read the following words/expressions found in today’s article.

  1. appoint / əˈpɔɪnt / (v) – to officially assign a job, office, or position to someone  
    Example:

    The president appointed him to be the next committee chairman.


  2. step down / stɛp daʊn / (phrasal) – to resign or retire from a job or position so that someone else can take one’s place
    Example:

    The CEO stepped down and passed on the role to his son.


  3. vacate / ˈveɪ keɪt / (v) – to leave or give up a job or position
    Example:

    The scandal forced Jeremy to vacate his position as treasurer.


  4. ministerial / ˌmɪn əˈstɪər i əl / (adj) – of or relating to a minister of the government 
    Example:

    One of his ministerial duties is to meet with other world leaders.


  5. public entity / ˈpʌb lɪk ˈɛn tɪ ti / (n) – an organization that provides services to the public on behalf of the government
    Example:

    Public schools are examples of public entities.


Article

Read the text below.

Seiko Hashimoto was appointed the new president of the Tokyo Organising Committee after stepping down as Olympic minister Feb. 18, replacing Yoshiro Mori after his sexist remarks led to his resignation just five months before the games are set to begin.


Tamayo Marukawa, a ruling Liberal Democratic Party lawmaker in the Upper House took the role just vacated by Hashimoto, becoming Olympic minister for her second time. Hashimoto stepped down from her ministerial post due to restrictions that prevent a minister from simultaneously serving as president of a public entity.


“I have supported and have been supported by the organizing committee both as an athlete and a minister, and I will continue to do so but this time in my capacity as president of the Tokyo Organising Committee,” Hashimoto said during an executive board meeting Feb. 18.


Hashimoto, who has competed in seven Olympics, won the bronze medal for speed skating at the 1992 Winter Olympics in Albertville, France. (The Japan Times)


This article was provided by The Japan Times Alpha.


Viewpoint Discussion

Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.

Discussion A

  • Do you agree with the decision to replace Mori after the remarks that he made? Why or why not? Discuss.
  • In your opinion, how important is it for Olympic officials to be former athletes? Why? Discuss.

Discussion B

  • Do you think the Tokyo Olympics will really happen this summer? Why or why not? Discuss.
  • In your opinion, is there anything the IOC and Japanese government can do to make it safe to hold the Olympics this year? Why or why not? Discuss.