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Olympic judo gold medalist fired for sexual harassment

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Fair enough. My uni has coaches though that are just that - coaches. They get called nothing else. Seems rather crappy that you can teach PE at the uni level with just a BA while everyone else needs to have min an MA.

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

Sorry Ben, I didn't mean HIM, I meant the term "visiting" prof - made that rather unclear!

No worries.

They have said he was a coach and gave him the title of "visiting prof" so it doesn't sound like he was just coaching. If he was, why the need for "prof" at all? I am willing to bet he had a couple of classes as well.

He was qualified to be a visting professor under rules that have existed for longer than the claims of a drop in standards. As I said, there are many people with 4 year degrees teaching PE related classes in famous universities all over Japan and it is not something new. This is particularly true for PE classes.

I think the 'lack of qualifications' is a bad translation of 'unfit to teach' meaning his actions did not befit a teacher/professor/coach, etc. I think we can agree that, if what is alledged to have happened is true, that he is certainly unfit.

However, the system had nothing to do with this particular case.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Sorry Ben, I didn't mean HIM, I meant the term "visiting" prof - made that rather unclear!

They have said he was a coach and gave him the title of "visiting prof" so it doesn't sound like he was just coaching. If he was, why the need for "prof" at all? I am willing to bet he had a couple of classes as well.

It also seems that way too many people enjoy jumping to the conclusion that the Japanese university system is somehow at fault, when if there is any fault it is with this suspect and his actions. The uni system IS at fault though. They are hiring people who are not qualified to be doing the job of a "visiting prof" - prof indicates that he's in the classroom.

I guess I get fed up with this crap as I work in the system and see these jokers getting classes and the like - then the munkasho turns around and says standards are falling so they want to increase classes. In makes no sense. Hire those qualified for the job. If he was hired to coach, have him coach but in that case, there is no need for the uni to turn around and make snide comments about his lack of qualifications. It seems like they know he shouldn't have been hired in the first place and are trying to come out of this looking like they've none doing wrong. They put him in the position to be in contact with the students. While he certainly is at fault, so is the school.

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

A backdoor clause for Japanese massive kiddie porn and lolita fans.

How? People don't have serious relationships with porn. National law still stops at 13.

Maybe before you judge this serious relationship clause so harshly, based on your own personal gut reaction, you might consider the mountain of famous relationships between people who were in such relationship illegally or would be if it were today. Mika Mifune and Joji Takahashi are a great example, and they probably benefitted from that clause.

Uchishiba here will not benefit because getting a student drunk and failing the first pass is not considered a relationship. Heck, its not even considered a violation of the age of consent!

But if he treated her with more respect, they obviously liked eachother, were dating and happy, and even her parents approved, what exactly would be your complaint?

0 ( +0 / -0 )

So much cheaper and less of a hassle to go to a fashion health! All his hard effort and years of dedication down the crapper, cause he can't keep his mind or hands above some girl's waist! Pff! And I think this guy has kids to boot! We men are always thinking with the wrong head! Maybe he'll come out with an apology and all or most will be forgiven, but being a man.... we are always taught to DENY, DENY, DENY!

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

Tmarie,

I am not defending this individual in the least. I am only explaining what a visiting professor is and that fact that these positions are quite common all over the world. You asked if I think a judo gold medalist is qualified to coach judo to university students, yes I do based on his experience. As to whether he was actually good at coaching/teaching, I have no idea. I was not aware that there was a complaint out about that. It seems, based on this article and others, that it is is alledged sexual harrassment that is being charged, not being a bad teacher. Further, there are plenty of examples of people who were highly qualified to do their jobs who also committed crimes, harrassment and other bad behavior. It is not the qualifications or lack of them, it is the actions of the individual that are in question.

People really need to educate themselves about things more. There is no limit on how long someone can be a vistiing professor. This is decided by the university in question. They also don't need to use the word visitor to get someone like him to coach/teach. There are plenty of people with four year degrees teaching PE related classes, etc . There is no requirement for PE instructors in universities to have masters or doctorate degrees. This is decided by the university themselves and some very famous universities in Japan hire PE teachers with bachelors degrees.

Again, I am in no way, shape or form attempting to defend this suspect. I am just explaining, for what seems to me to be way too many times than should be neccessary, what a visiting professor means. It also seems that way too many people enjoy jumping to the conclusion that the Japanese university system is somehow at fault, when if there is any fault it is with this suspect and his actions.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

He tried to seduce them with alcohol.. how else do you do it??

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

He is not special person, same as other general men. or less than them... I don't think he forced on drinking. Because the girl could refuse if she wants do it. And illegal The age for drinking in Japan under 20.

Any way, he lost honor waste his life and I guess he is in despair now.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Sex between adults and people under 18 is deemed permissible if they are in a “serious” relationship.

A backdoor clause for Japanese massive kiddie porn and lolita fans. Disgraceful, the Law Makers should hold their head in shame.

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

Universities these days are money making entities and use any means to attract money(sorry students).

I highly doubt an all female nursing schools is rolling in the cash though so.... why hire him in the first place? Not like they have a great team. Obviously he was friends with someone who hooked him up with the job. They can blame themselves for hiring someone with questionable qualifications.

So, his wife going to file for divorce?

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Most cultures prefer male MA teacher over female ones. I have trained under both and know which I prefer.

Anyone with good enough credentials can become a "visiting professor" this is an honorary title, most Universities hand them out easily. Universities these days are money making entities and use any means to attract money(sorry students).

As was said the problem was not in his qualifications but in some the "curriculum" he wanted to "teach". Fool to anyone that puts someone that is famous/well-known over the average person and thinks they are superior.

Said being top of a MA and winning medals don't mean that you will be a good/capable teacher or should be considered as one. Hence, why I am against MA that assign teaching privileges simply based on rank, etc. Same counts for business, etc, etc, etc.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

There may be a lot of women with the proper qualifications, etc., but I'm sure that there are even more schools than there are qualified female instructors. They probably hire the best candidate for the job in their opinion. In this case, it sounds like he was not "unqualified" but rather "unfit". Um, most often in "their" opinion a male is more qualified than a female. Don't be fooled by thinking that the female athletes are given the same opportunities as a man - more so when it comes to teaching uni positions. If you look at the uni stats, there are waaaaaaaay more males profs than females. Perhaps men as a whole have more PhDs but I doubt it is anywhere near the rate of the gender imbalance.

Ben, you seem hellbent on defending this "visitor". Do you agree that he was not qualified for the job? Or is an undergrad and two gold medals enough for you? Visiting my butt. They would have kept him there as long as they good using the "visitor" title to get away with it.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

In this case, it sounds like he was not "unqualified" but rather "unfit".

Exactly. I wrote the same thing above.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

smithinjapan,

Seriously? A visiting professor is a recognized position at universities all over the world. It is not someone who 'just visits a university'. This athlete was judged to be worthy of the position of visiting professor based on his qualifications and background in the area he was instructing/coaching. I am curious, are there many other common words that you need definitions for? Because they actually have things called dictionaries which are great for learning about them.

It was not his qualifications for coaching/teaching that were the problem. It was his alledged inappropriate actions.

0 ( +1 / -1 )

There are so many Japanese women who have international experience and medals in judo. Why do they invariably give such jobs to men?

There may be a lot of women with the proper qualifications, etc., but I'm sure that there are even more schools than there are qualified female instructors. They probably hire the best candidate for the job in their opinion. In this case, it sounds like he was not "unqualified" but rather "unfit".

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Anyway, why isn't this story in the crime section?

Because it has not been reported to police. I can seriously imagine an accuser not wanting to face that sort of scrutinity, and reasons range from understandable to completely diabolical.

Its hard to tell what is going here, but it now seems to be a punishable offense to make a pass that goes unaccepted. Must be nice since women usually can't be bothered to make the passes. Just sit back and judge and if the mood hits, ruin a man's career.

-1 ( +1 / -2 )

Judo guys aren't the brightest and most refined in society

1 ( +1 / -0 )

At this point most people need at least an M.A. and three to five publications to be hired to an initial 3 year contract, which may or may not lead to a permanent position. The number of schools wanting a doctorate is increasing. But famous athletes usually need only a bachelor's degree. They may have a master's that was awarded to them as they continued to train at their alma mater after graduation. Sometimes a department will have another faculty member write papers and put the athlete's name on them as a coauthor so he, usually a he, can get promoted. It was probably a relatively undemanding job, with other faculty picking up after him.

They are calling this sexual harassment, even in Japanese, but that really sounds like an understatement in this case. It doesn't sound like he merely hugged her or grabbed her behind. There are so many Japanese women who have international experience and medals in judo. Why do they invariably give such jobs to men?

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Ben_Jackinoff: So I'm a professor if I visit a school? A visitor, yes, but a professor? That'll look good on my resume, thanks! I can write 'professor' because I showed up at a school.

Anyway, why isn't this story in the crime section?

1 ( +1 / -0 )

Where was he visiting from?? ;)

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

The thing is you DO need a doctorate to qualify as a professor.

The thing is you DON'T need one to be a visting professor. Interestingly enough, that is what this guy was as discussed in the article. Why are debating this when it is an actual fact?

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Those who are mystified by as to why him being a gold medalist should have seen him behave in a different way need to understand that here in Japan a gold medalist is expected to be an example to others in regards to their behavior. Also, due to his standing in society, Japanese would have been reluctant to tell him what to do and how to behave because, you guessed it, he's a gold medalist.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

BenJackinoff: "Do you honestly think you need a doctorate to teach PE in university in Japan? "

No, and that's what I'm saying. The thing is you DO need a doctorate to qualify as a professor.

0 ( +1 / -1 )

"Sex between adults and people under 18 is deemed permissible if they are in a “serious” relationship."

So if the girl is 12 and the guy is 30, it's OK according to the article. How absurd! The AFP writer don't know ****!

0 ( +3 / -3 )

Gurukun "...and, how do they define "serious"?"

20,000 yen or more....

1 ( +1 / -0 )

lol. The issue here is not his qualification. It's about him sleeping 'on mutual consent' with the teenager. But the reality is She probably made the advance and the Coach responded. Now she wants to make his life miserable because he already has a wife and children and there's no way to snatch him away ...despite her effort . Hmmm. That's sounds like a typical J women story of missing the last train.. oopps got to put up at his place. 4 months later got pregnant and he has to take the responsibility whether he's ready or not...

-1 ( +2 / -3 )

eta: repeat = repeating

0 ( +0 / -0 )

I can't believe this needs repeat, especially since it actually is written in the article. He was a visiting professor, not a professor. They are not the same thing. Anyone can basically be a visting professor if the educational institution thinks you have something to offer as one. In this case the visiting professor seems to have offered too much.

1 ( +2 / -1 )

How does one become a professor here? If you are a Olympic gold medalist, does that mean you are automatically a professor? In the states, one of the things you must do is to be published in your field. Has Uchishiba published something on coaching judo (not autobiographical)?

Depends on your age and field and connections. For the most part if you're Japanese you need a minimum of a masters, publishing and a contact. If you are famous, well, the doors get thrown open and you get welcomes regardless of any studying you have done.

If you are white, male and over the age of 45, you were pretty much hired years ago because you speak English - that being the only qualification you needed then. If you are under the age of 35, you need a min MA, a publishing or two or... you just have a contact who will nil all this and get you in. Pathetic, isn't it?

I doubt this guy has anything but his gold medals. If the school wants to complain he is unfit, they should be looking at the committee that hired him and speak to them about it, not this guy.

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

I find it amusing that some people think being a judo gold medalist is not enough of a qualification to teach judo.

3 ( +4 / -1 )

smithinjapan,

Do you honestly think you need a doctorate to teach PE in university in Japan? Please read about visiting professors a bit. They do not have to have a specific educational background. Professional experience is indeed sufficient to become a visting professor. It depends on the subject being taught. This is hardly something new or unique to Japan. The problem here seems to be what this "professor' was attempting to teach this student.

2 ( +3 / -1 )

Burakmindesu? Come on! I like regular stuff! A gorilla type pouncing over a helpless young Japanese girl?? Sick right??

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

Osaka T: Bingo. Not news. This sounds like it's been blown way out of proportion. The woman in question had a few drinks and ... ? Are there any details on teh kind of harrassment? If they aren't going to put in the facts and leave it to speculaiton I call this "non-news". Now the guy is being shamed for giving drinks to minors? There are some serious flaws in all of this.

1 ( +2 / -1 )

BenJackinoff: Actually, he probably IS unqualified... unless he has a doctorate we don't know about. But celebrities often get into positions of power here based solely on their celebrity status. Look at Tani Ryoko -- elected to a political position not because she has the qualifications but because of her status and Japan's top female judo athlete (at this time).

0 ( +2 / -2 )

@Hide Suzuki

Things get lost in translation.

I heard the news report in Japanese, and the only thing here that loses in translation is the assumption that a person of achievement is also a person of honor. The same assumption that led to the Noriko Sakai media lynching a couple of years ago, to name but one example.

0 ( +2 / -2 )

By the way lots of Japanese porn showing these big Japanese judo wrestlers doing nasty things to very small ladies! Just makes me sick!!

@ Elbuda - it made you so sick you just had to watch lots of it! Research purposes? LOL

4 ( +5 / -1 )

How does one become a professor here?

Have a warm body, a beating heart - and an ability to speak a little english.

-3 ( +2 / -5 )

Some myths concerning sexual harassment needs to be clarified since it's very widespread. Harassment can be devastating, offensive and often frightening and insulting to women. But it has nothing to do with flirtation or sincere sexual or social intent. It also does not occur because women dress provocatively or initiate sexual activity although victims do vary in physical appearance, type of dress, age, and behavior. The only thing they have in common is that 99% of them are female. Hence harassment does not stop on their own. Ignoring such may be seen as agreement or encouragement. There is no one way response to harassment since every situation is different and only you can evaluate the problem and decide on the best response. I commend this young girl for having the courage to report this incident. What a disgrace to the All Japan Judo Federation and shame on the former double Olympic Gold Medalist. How embarrassing especially to his family.

2 ( +3 / -1 )

How does one become a professor here?

He was a visiting professor according to the article. Qualifications for this are not the same for being a professor. I believe this is probably true for the US as well.

0 ( +1 / -1 )

haha........... Come on, is this news? Go out and find some real criminals! They were both drunk, he got a little "excited" and the next day she felt embarrased and decided to ruin his reputation and get him fired? Is that it?

0 ( +7 / -7 )

How does one become a professor here? If you are a Olympic gold medalist, does that mean you are automatically a professor? In the states, one of the things you must do is to be published in your field. Has Uchishiba published something on coaching judo (not autobiographical)?

-2 ( +0 / -2 )

It said Uchishiba was “extremely unqualified as a member of the faculty”

I believe they probably said 'unfit'. It was not his qualifications that were the problem. It was the proximity of his hands.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

He should have known better. I hope he had his wife's permission?

0 ( +0 / -0 )

yow Uchishiba, an Golden medal is not a free pass!

0 ( +0 / -0 )

"I could hardly believe it because he was someone that has won twice at the Olympics,"

Perhaps you shouldn't judge someone based on such superficial things. Clearly he's a scumbag, winner of medals or not. The sad part is that because of his former glory it won't go any further than it has now -- he'll get off, so to speak.

-2 ( +3 / -5 )

visiting professor

What?

With all the practice up to the Olympics this guy did, I doubt he even has a High School Diploma.

0 ( +1 / -1 )

I could hardly believe it because he was someone that has won twice at the Olympics,

Like others, what on earth does this have to do with anything?

Really? You don't understand? Japanese (and they are not alone) put famous people, particularly internationally famous, on a pedestal. They put god like status on people who really have done nothing. Hell, look at "Reality TV" in the US to see how do nothings, can become celebrities over night. Back to Japan, look at all the idiots elected by virtue of their mother/father, etc... pathetic.

1 ( +2 / -1 )

By the way lots of Japanese porn showing these big Japanese judo wrestlers doing nasty things to very small ladies! Just makes me sick!! I hope this jerk learned that nobody is above the LAW!!!

-8 ( +3 / -11 )

“I could hardly believe it because he was someone that has won twice at the Olympics,”

Like others, what on earth does this have to do with anything?

It said Uchishiba was “extremely unqualified as a member of the faculty” and had “impaired the school’s honor and diminished its credibility.” Yet they hired him so crying about his lack of qualifications now is pathetic.

Many schools are hiring these Olympic athletes as coaches and "profs". None of them are qualified to be in the classroom but since it brings a name to the school, they look the other way. Then people scream that standards are dropping. Their fault!

Besides, why is a female nursing school hiring him?? Should be at Chuyo or Tsukuba with all the other jocks??

-2 ( +1 / -3 )

@plasticmonkey It makes more sense if you read what he said in Japanese. Things get lost in translation.

1 ( +2 / -1 )

source? I understand some people don't watch TV and if they do they don't understand Japanese. It was directly qouted from a high ranking member of the university during an interview about the circumstances of the events. And yes, legal proceedings are ongoing too...so there is more to it then the report.

-2 ( +2 / -4 )

according to media, he brought the victims to a hotel after making them drink and ...

Source?

And if true, does this mean that he sexually harrassed one student, that the others were male, or that the others were too embarrassed to complain or that they had no complaint? Or that he only made an advance on this one female?

I would also like to know about this "giving her an alcoholic drink". Was this in a park or at an izakaya? Did she drink on her own or was she coerced?

And finally, is it illegal to make an advance? Since this is university one would expect she is over 18. Or did he threaten to boot her from the team?

Or is this just usual silliness of having a teacher practically dedicate all their free time to the school, and then get all surprised and upset that one turns to a student rather than the aging fugly already married faculty?

As usual, assumptions are just not going to work. And I just don't have enough information to pronounce a judgement. And I am not going to declare this situation should never ever be allowed either because we all know it happens and usually without complaint. Besides, certainly a college age female can take care of herself more than this?

1 ( +3 / -2 )

Sex between adults and people under 18 is deemed permissible if they are in a “serious” relationship.

LOL

-1 ( +2 / -3 )

"I could hardly believe it because he was someone that has won twice at the Olympics,"

Once again, I fail to see the logical connection between sexual harassment and former employment. It's not unlike saying, "I can hardly believe it because he's a Catholic priest." Okay, bad example. On the other hand, a teacher should never take an underage student drinking, or sexually harass him or her.

he made the advance on the girl, "on the basis of mutual consent."

Obviously not, as she reported him for it - and it only took some committee three months to conclude it was not mutual. I hope he wasn't coaching her for those three months.

2 ( +4 / -2 )

if they are in a “serious” relationship.

...and, how do they define "serious"?

1 ( +1 / -0 )

according to media, he brought the victims to a hotel after making them drink and ...

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

I could hardly believe it because he was someone that has won twice at the Olympics

What's that got to do with it?

we have been not strict enough in guiding him as he was such a famous athlete

Not sure what this means either.

0 ( +3 / -3 )

Two victims of Okasu so far.

-1 ( +2 / -3 )

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