According to a document obtained by The Asahi Shimbun, the 15 leaders initiated a project to commemorate Mori's contribution in Japan's successful bidding for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics as well as the 2019 Rugby World Cup. Mori, a former prime minister, became the head of the organizing committee in 2014, but resigned in February 2021 after his misogynistic remarks were widely reported. The fund-raising campaign was launched in May this year, asking for donations of 5,000 yen ($34.80) or more to a bank account named, "Mori Yoshiro sensei honor project." The donor drive is not open to the public, however. The 15 founders and others have made referrals to their acquaintances. The location of where the bust will be placed is undecided.