Seiko Hashimoto、Upper House member and new president of the Japan Skating Federation

Hashimoto, an Upper House member, begins a two-year term from July 1 and is the first female Olympic medalist to head an Olympic event organization in the country.

"It is the first time that I will work as a president and an executive, but I have ideas on how the Japan Skating Federation should be managed," said Hashimoto. "I have duties as a lawmaker. But since I have accepted this post, I will never leave the responsibilities to others."

A total of 18 new executive committee members were named the same day.

The Japan Times Weekly: June 24, 2006
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