Koji Murofushi Faces Growing Criticism Over Breaking Controversy and Lack of Respect for the Sport

Following Fuwachan, inappropriate remarks from celebrities and public figures have continued, including Akiko Wada’s “walrus comment” and Koji Murofushi’s “unreasonable demand comment.” 

 

In the cases of Fuwachan and Wada, the internet was ablaze with outrage, and both were forced to apologize. Although there has been significant criticism directed at Murofushi as well, there has been no sign of him issuing an apology.

 

When the Paris Olympics medalists, who had returned to Japan, paid a courtesy visit to the Prime Minister’s official residence and met with Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, Commissioner Koji Murofushi made a comment to Ami Yuasa (AMI), the first queen of breaking:

“Prime Minister, since Ms. AMI is known for her improvisation skills, perhaps she could show us some of her skills to lighten the mood, if she has some time?”

He encouraged her to perform a dance on the spot.

Being in front of the Prime Minister, it was not exactly an order, but a request from a top figure in the sports world, which likely left Yuasa feeling quite perplexed. However.  

“Sorry. I’m grateful for the applause, but I can’t dance in a suit. If there’s another opportunity, I’d be happy to. Sorry, and thank you for understanding.”

She declined with that explanation.

On social media, there was a lot of criticism regarding Commissioner Murofushi’s “unreasonable request.”

“There’s a lack of respect for the gold medalist.”

“It feels like harassment, as if a boss is demanding a party trick from their subordinate.”

“Would he do the same if asked to throw a hammer?”

There was an outpouring of criticism, with many voicing their concerns. 

Certainly, it might have seemed like an unreasonable request, but what if Yuasa had not been in a suit? 

While many sports writers are critical of Murofushi, some offer a different perspective:

“I think she would have performed if the circumstances were different. Breaking is inherently an improvisational dance competition where dancers face off in solo battles, dancing to spontaneous music played by a DJ. It’s commonly known as breakdancing, which has a long history, originating from street dance in the South Bronx of New York in the ’70s. 

In Japan, it gained widespread recognition from the 1984 hit film *Breakin’*. It was officially included as a dance sport event in the Buenos Aires Youth Olympics in 2018. For older people like Prime Minister Kishida, who might not be familiar with it, this could have been a good opportunity for exposure. If the environment had been more appropriate, she would have likely danced.” (Sports writer)

For example, if wrestlers or judo players were asked,

“Could you show a move on the Prime Minister?” 

Or if karate practitioners were asked,

“Could you demonstrate a basic kata?”

It’s unlikely that any of them would refuse. 

If that had been the case, Mr. Murofushi might not have been so harshly criticized. However, there are still issues. One of them is the lack of knowledge about “breaking,” despite being the head of the Japan Sports Agency.

“When introducing it to the Prime Minister, he referred to it as ‘breaking.’ This is shameful. Additionally, the way he spoke was problematic.

It’s not just that he lacked respect for the athletes; more importantly, he lacked respect for the sport itself. Instead of saying ‘to lighten the mood,’ he could have said, ‘The Prime Minister might not know much about it, so could you give a brief demonstration?’ or ‘Could you express how you feel right now?’ In that case, it wouldn’t have been seen as unreasonable or disrespectful.” (Sports writer)

There have been some questions about whether it is appropriate for medalists to pay a courtesy visit to the Prime Minister. 

“Since taxpayers’ money is used in the Olympics, athletes are likely to agree that reporting to the Prime Minister, who represents the people, is important. We are in an era where sports and politics cannot be considered entirely separate. Political support is necessary for the promotion of sports.” (says a sports newspaper reporter)

The opinion is also held that.

If striving to secure as much budget as possible is one of the roles of the Minister of Sports, then it may be understandable to curry favor with politicians. However, it is still expected that they at least get the names of the sports right.