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[iNews24 reporter Kim Da-woon] Takahiro Kitano, president of the Japan Bobsleigh, Luge and Skeleton Federation, apologized three months after using demeaning language — including the slur “Chōsenjin” — during a February meeting.
The Japan Bobsleigh, Luge and Skeleton Federation posted on its website on the 12th an apology titled “Apology Regarding the Federation President’s Inappropriate Remarks,” issued under Kitano’s name.
Kitano said, “Regarding reports that I made inappropriate remarks at a federation meeting, I sincerely apologize to the athletes and staff working in bobsleigh, luge and skeleton for causing trouble and concern.”
Reports indicate his inappropriate remarks were made during a federation meeting in February.
At a meeting held to discuss responses after an administrative error voided Japan’s men’s two-man bobsleigh team’s qualification for the 2026 Milan Winter Olympics, Kitano reportedly lashed out at an official’s proposal, saying, “Anyone—even ‘idiots’ or the slur ‘Chōsenjin’—can look at the results and analyze them.”
The remark drew criticism inside Japan after it became public.
In the apology, he explained, “In January, we discovered the federation had sent an athlete to an international competition without confirming Olympic qualification. In the ensuing days, I personally led a series of hearings with officials to address the matter, and in that process I lost my composure and used heated language.”
He added, “Regardless of the circumstances, using that language is unacceptable for the head of a public sports organization, and I deeply regret my lack of awareness.”
Kitano said, “I take these criticisms seriously and sincerely apologize to the athletes and officials, and to everyone who was offended.”
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