"If my job here is to make the Tokyo Games an event which everyone feels glad that it was held," Hashimoto said, "I’m sure it was worth quitting my post as Cabinet minister."

Hashimoto stepped down as minister in charge of the Tokyo Games just before her selection as the organizing committee chief on February 18. She called on staff members to work as one while putting anti-coronavirus measures in place to ensure people will have confidence in the games. The same day, the upper house lawmaker left the Liberal Democratic Party.

The move came after critics expressed concern over political fairness if she remains associated with Japan’s ruling party.