New corona design like Tokyo Olympics emblem To withdraw 16:29 on May 21

The Foreign Correspondents Association of Japan was requested by the Organizing Committee to meet the issue of the design of the new Coronavirus on the cover of the newsletter, which resembled the Tokyo Olympic emblem with a checkered pattern. Accordingly, we decided to withdraw this design.

This design expresses the new coronavirus by combining a checkered pattern around the emblem of the Tokyo Olympics with a "T" -like shape.

On the cover of the April issue of the Japan Foreign Correspondents Association magazine, this design is accompanied by "COVID-19" indicating an infectious disease.

Regarding this, the Organizing Committee of the tournament called for withdrawal such as "It is regrettable that the design associated with the emblem was posted amid a great deal of damage worldwide, it is infringement of copyright under copyright law" etc. It was

The Foreign Correspondents Association held an Internet-based interview on the 21st, and President Cardon Azhari said, "This issue is not about freedom of expression, but about copyright, which is a Japanese law. We consulted with several legal experts and we were explicitly advised that our position was not in an advantageous position. "He said he would withdraw the design because it could infringe copyright.

In addition, President Azhari said, "I regret that this issue caused people in various fields to feel uncomfortable."

In the press conference, foreign media reporters repeatedly harshly pointed out that the freedom of the press was threatened, but Chairman Azhari said, `` This decision is not a matter of freedom of the press and freedom of expression, It was a problem. ”

Organizing Committee "appropriate judgment"

Secretary-General Muto of the Organizing Committee, in response to an interview with the press online, revealed that a fax has arrived from the Japan Foreign Correspondents' Association to inform the withdrawal of the design and apologize to those involved in the Organizing Committee.

"I think we have received the appropriate judgment," said Secretary-General Muto.