Former Japanese prime minister Yoshiro Mori has criticised the performance of figure skater Mao Asada at the Winter Olympics.

Asada finished fifth as part of the Japan side that competed in the team event, while also coming in at 16th in Wednesday's short programme, falling on her opening triple axel to deny a repeat of her silver medal success in Vancouver four years ago.

Mori, who is also the head of Tokyo's Olympic organising committee, says that the 23-year-old should not have competed in the individual event this week.

"We shouldn't have taken part in the team competition," Mori is quoted as saying by The AP. "The psychological damage [Asada] incurred must have remained for the short programme.

The politician went on to add that Asada has a habit of "always falling at the most critical time".

Japan have won seven medals at the Games so far.