Japanese Mayor Who Bit Gold Medal Without Permission Says It Was the "Greatest Expression of Affection"

Mayor Kawamura: "The Greatest Expression of Affection... Sorry If I Caused Trouble"
Issues from a COVID-19 Prevention Perspective... Returned Without Wiping or Disinfecting

Nagoya mayor biting the athlete's gold medal without permission.
Photo by Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Reporter Na Ye-eun] The mayor of Nagoya, Japan, who received a medal from the 2020 Tokyo Olympic gold medalist, is facing backlash from Japanese netizens after an unexpected act of biting the gold medal.

According to local media on the 5th, Goto Miu (後藤希友), who won the gold medal in softball at the Tokyo Olympics, visited her hometown of Nagoya (名古屋), Japan, on the 4th and met with Nagoya Mayor Kawamura Takashi (河村隆之).

Footage reported by local public broadcaster NHK on the 5th shows that when Kawamura hung the gold medal around Goto's neck, he said, "It's heavy! Really," then suddenly lowered his mask and bit into the medal.

The sound of his teeth contacting the medal was clearly audible, and Goto showed a moment of surprise before awkwardly smiling. However, Kawamura, smiling, returned the bitten gold medal to Goto without wiping or disinfecting it.

Kyoto News reported that Kawamura's action was "an unplanned performance without prior consent."

Source=Captured from Japan CBC News

This led to criticism that the mayor's 'self-willed showmanship' was a disrespectful act toward the athlete's efforts.

Takato Naohisa (高藤直壽), who won the gold medal in the men's 60kg judo category at this Olympics, tweeted, "I heard the sound of teeth touching. Even with my own medal, I handle it carefully to avoid scratches," adding, "Goto's broad heart not to get angry is truly amazing. If it were me, I would have cried."

Ota Yuki (太田雄貴), a silver medalist in fencing at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, said, "There was a lack of respect for the athlete," and added, "I'm sorry. I don't understand it."

Meanwhile, concerns were also raised from the perspective of COVID-19 prevention. Even at Olympic award ceremonies, precautions are taken such as having athletes place medals around their own necks to prevent the spread of COVID-19, so putting someone else's medal in one's mouth is considered inappropriate.

Among Japanese netizens, reactions included, "Is the mayor allowed to do whatever he wants with the athlete's medal?" "He is belittling the fruits of effort," and "Even if it weren't for the COVID-19 disaster, it's very rude."

Facing mounting criticism, Kawamura officially apologized for biting the medal, saying, "It was the greatest expression of affection. I had admiration for winning the gold medal. I apologize if I caused any trouble."