Prime Minister Shinzo Abe held the first meeting of the Ministerial Council on the Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games at the Prime Minister’s Office.
During the meeting, a report and other information were presented on “The Tokyo Organising Committee of the Olympic and Paralympic Games and the Games Foundation Plan.”
Based on the discussion, the Prime Minister said in his address,
“The Organising Committee was established recently (January 24), and preparations for the Tokyo Games will at long last be fully underway.
At the recent Sochi Olympic Games, the performances of athletes from around the world, including the Japanese National Team, filled us with much courage and inspiration. At the 2020 Tokyo Games as well, I hope to see athletes perform to the best of their abilities, and would like to communicate the power of sports to the world and broaden the Olympic movement.
In addition, I hope that, as a festival for the country as a whole, the Tokyo Games will lend momentum to restoring the vibrancy of Japan. In particular, I would like to accelerate the reconstruction of the areas affected by the Great East Japan Earthquake and demonstrate the state of reconstruction to the world.
There are six years left. Along with collaboration between the Organising Committee and the Tokyo Metropolitan Government, we must advance preparations swiftly and steadily. A moment ago, Minister Shimomura provided an explanation of items related to the Games Foundation Plan, for which the Government will mobilize measures. In addition, Rugby World Cup 2019 is also greatly significant for Japan, and there is a need for the Government to work as one and make thorough preparations.
‘If we work hard together, our dreams will come true.’ I would like to request that each Cabinet member make proactive efforts to lead the Tokyo Games and other events to great success.”