There have been calls for Yoshiro Mori to step down after he said that female board members talked too much.

The 83 year old made the comments at a Japanese Olympic Committee meeting this week.

According to a report in the Asahi Shimbun newspaper, The committee board currently has 24 members, five of whom are women.

It has set a target of increasing the number of female board directors to 40%.

Marie reportedly said Quote.

If we increase the number of female board members, we have to make sure their speaking time is restricted somewhat.

They have difficulty finishing, which is annoying.

In a hastily called press conference on Thursday, the former Japanese prime minister said his comments were wrong but he remained defiant about his position.

You know, really, you know, in regards to the comment I made at the Japanese Olympic Committee Board of Trustees meeting, I recognize it was an inappropriate comment against the Olympics on Paralympic spirit.

I regret it deeply, but uh huh stimulus e.

I have no intention to resign.

I've bean supportive and worked hard for seven years.

I am not thinking of resigning.

You gotta shoot Jamesy.

The saga is likely to alienate a Japanese public that's already wary about hosting the Games during the health crisis.

A recent poll showed that 80% of the public thought it shouldn't go ahead as scheduled in July.